Joli - Seattle

I absolutely love Joli! There's always something interesting showing on the projector and the DJs spinning vinyl on the weekends are fantastic. The chicken sandwich is one of the best I've ever tasted. Plus, they’re gradually helping me to appreciate gin! Overall, I highly recommend this hidden gem in the neighborhood.

Last Friday at 8:30 PM, my friend and I visited the restaurant, but our experience was disappointing. After we set our menus aside, ready to order, we felt largely ignored by the staff. I attempted to get the attention of our server and noticed other employees chatting with the chefs instead. After about 15 minutes of waiting, we decided to leave. The most frustrating part was seeing a server sitting at our table after we had left. It's unfortunate to experience such a lack of attentiveness.

Last night, my husband and I decided to drop by and were offered a small table in the bar, under the condition that we could finish in an hour and ten minutes. They then left us waiting for five minutes while they set the table, followed by an additional ten minutes before taking our order. We chose the sweet corn, broccolini, pork ribs, and fries. Neither of us is especially picky; I grew up eating things like sheep’s head and blood pudding! Yet it felt like they were trying too hard with the flavors. The broccolini had an overpowering smoky taste, and the corn was simply… off. To add to the disappointment, we were never asked if we wanted another round of drinks, as it seemed they wanted us out of there, despite plenty of empty tables at 8:30 PM. As much as my husband and I have supported this restaurant and were excited to have a dining option in our neighborhood, I don’t think we’ll be returning.

Joli takes great pride in its extensive selection of gin, claiming to have the largest collection in the nation. However, it's not just about the spirits; their commitment to seasonality and New American cuisine truly distinguishes them. We began our meal with fresh oysters, elegantly paired with watermelon pearls and a tangy ginionette. The Sea Wolf Sourdough was a treat, served alongside whipped butter and smoked sea salt that elevated it to a whole new level. The Cauliflower Chilaquiles were a delightful surprise, featuring a perfect mix of salsa verde, cotija cheese, spiced pepitas, furikake, and cilantro. Another highlight was the Charred Broccolini, served with creamy leeks, lardon, parmesan, chili crunch, and breadcrumbs. The flavors were bold and harmonious, making each bite better than the last. The Hanger Steak was cooked to perfection, served with blistered shishito peppers, tonnatto, allium butter, and sea salt—a symphony of flavors that had me yearning for more. To round off the savory part of the meal, the Parisienne Gnocchi with chicory, pistachios, seasonal vegetables, and herb cream sauce was simply exquisite. What truly enhanced our experience was the warm hospitality we received. We had the pleasure of meeting the chef, who was wonderfully welcoming. Our server and bartender, Leon, was incredibly knowledgeable about the oysters and gin, crafting the best gin cocktail I've ever tasted—an impressive showcase of his expertise and passion. Joli is more than just a restaurant; it exemplifies the transformative power of good food and the magic that comes from using the right ingredients with genuine enthusiasm. If you find yourself in Seattle and are seeking a memorable dining experience, make sure Joli is at the top of your list.

The food was fantastic, as always! The broccolini was possibly the best I've ever had! My only suggestion for management is to please consider bringing back the fried chicken sandwich to the dinner menu. I came in tonight specifically to enjoy that dish and was really disappointed to find out it was only available during brunch or happy hour.