“The most beautiful restaurant in the world” That’s what Peter Canlis envisioned for his Seattle establishment. Canlis opened its doors in 1950. It quickly became a Seattle icon. It’s nestled in Queen Anne with stunning views. You can see Gas Works Park and the Cascade Mountains.
Peter Canlis wasn’t just a restaurateur. He was a visionary. He blended his Greek and Lebanese heritage with Hawaiian influences. He created a uniquely Pacific Northwest cuisine. He even transported fish between Honolulu and Seattle on friendly flight attendants’ flights. Canlis is credited with inventing Northwest cuisine.
The restaurant was designed by Roland Terry. It’s a masterpiece of Northwest Modern architecture. Local cedar and Cascade granite were used in its construction. George Tsutakawa created the distinctive carved wood handles of the front door. Peter Canlis himself lived in a penthouse on the upper level for years. That space is now a private event area. A Lebanese cedar tree planted by Peter still stands outside.
Canlis was more than just fine dining. It was a place for celebrations and memories. It hosted kings and heads of state. It also catered to loyal regulars. Some had standing weekly reservations. There’s even a legend about notes on checks asking patrons not to return. Peter Canlis vehemently denied this ever happened.
After Peter’s death in 1977 his son Chris and his wife Alice took over. They ran Canlis for 30 years. Their sons Mark and Brian now lead the restaurant. They’ve kept Canlis innovative while respecting its legacy. Aisha Ibrahim is now the first female executive chef. She’s building on Canlis’s rich history. Canlis continues to receive awards for its food wine and design. It’s a testament to a family’s dedication and vision. The restaurant has evolved but its charm remains. Canlis continues to define fine dining in Seattle.