Cafe Juanita

Cafe Juanita

9702 NE 120th Pl, Kirkland, WA 98034, United States

+1 425-823-1505

Italian restaurant, European restaurant, Fine dining restaurant, Organic restaurant, Restaurant
(795)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Kirkland, Cafe Juanita is a standout destination for those seeking an extraordinary Italian and European fine dining experience with a modern, organic twist. This intimate restaurant brilliantly marries sophistication with warmth, creating a setting that feels both luxurious and inviting—a perfect retreat whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving an exquisite meal.

At Cafe Juanita, the menu reads like a masterclass in culinary artistry, showcasing seasonal ingredients thoughtfully sourced to highlight the best the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Each dish is a sensory delight, meticulously crafted to balance flavors, textures, and presentation. For instance, the Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta paired with Cardoon Blossom Honey and Vanilla Sea Salt offers a delicately sweet and silky finish that lingers gently on the palate. Meat lovers are treated to indulgent choices like the Miyazaki Prefecture A5 Kuroge Wagyu, a sumptuous, melt-in-your-mouth experience that elevates steak carpaccio to an art form. The Octopus Antipasti and Yellowtail Crudo with Avocado, Toasted Almond, and Colatura Shallot deliver fresh, bright notes that awaken the senses and celebrate oceanic flavors.

The richness continues with daily specials such as the Anderson Valley Lamb Rack “Scottadita,” accompanied by yogurt, Belgian endive, and green chickpeas, and the rustic Rabbit Braised in Arneis with porcini, pancetta, and gnocchi alla Romana. Whether indulging in the luxurious Hand Cut Tajarin with White Sturgeon Caviar Crema or delighting in the subtle decadence of the Almond Chocolate Cake with Marsala Zabaglione and Dehydrated Chocolate Mousse, each bite captures the passion and precision Cafe Juanita is known for.

Beyond the impeccably curated menu, the dining atmosphere resonates with a cozy yet refined elegance. Guests consistently praise the intimate setting, where polished yet genuinely warm service complements every course. The ambiance whispers understated luxury without ever feeling pretentious—reflecting the Pacific Northwest’s distinctive culinary style that balances simplicity and sophistication.

Regular patrons and first-time visitors alike rave about the exceptional attention to detail, from the thoughtfully sourced ingredients to the seamless service. One diner describes Cafe Juanita as “a rare dining experience that feels both elevated and deeply comforting,” while another shares how the “simpler ingredients, like the vegetables, truly shined.” The bread, often noted as an unexpected highlight, exemplifies the kitchen's dedication to quality and nuance.

From the moment you walk through the door, you are embraced by an environment that values connection—between the food, the staff, and the guests. Every bite tells a story of craftsmanship and care, inviting you to savor not just a meal but an experience rich in flavor, texture, and heartfelt hospitality. If you're seeking an unforgettable journey through Italian and European fare with a sophisticated Pacific Northwest twist, Cafe Juanita in Kirkland is an essential destination.

For reservations or inquiries, call +1 425-823-1505 and prepare to discover a dining adventure that delights all your senses.

Service options
Outdoor seating Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Great cocktails Great coffee Great dessert Great wine list
Popular for
Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Private dining room Spirits Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy Romantic Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Reservations required Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking Valet parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    Closed
  • Friday
    05:00 PM - 09:30 PM
  • Saturday
    05:00 PM - 09:30 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • B V
    1 month ago

    We finally got to try Café Juanita, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. This cozy, intimate spot feels like a hidden gem tucked away in Kirkland — perfect for a special night out. We opted for the tasting menu, and every course was beautifully presented and full of flavor. You can tell the ingredients are seasonal and thoughtfully sourced. One of the unexpected highlights? The bread. They offer a variety — each one soft, warm, and addictively good. You’ll want to ask for seconds! The cocktails were top-notch too, especially the Negroni and a seasonal gin drink that paired perfectly with the appetizers. Every dish felt balanced and refined — from delicate pastas to a standout main course that was both rich and elegant. The service was warm and attentive without being overbearing, and they happily explained each course in detail, which made the experience even more enjoyable. It’s on the pricier side, but absolutely worth it for the quality and overall experience. Highly recommend for anyone looking to treat themselves to a true Italian-inspired tasting menu in a charming, romantic setting. Can’t wait to return.

  • Laura
    1 month ago

    I feel like this is a must try place if you’re at all able to. It’s pricey, but seattle doesn’t have many options like it. The service was impeccable and the food was amazing. We were actually more impressed with how the simpler ingredients like the vegetables shined. It’s a great experience for a very special occasion. One thing to check is if you like the flavors incorporated into the menus. There’s 4 different options but you’re likely to experience a lot of the same flavors across different menus and different dishes (ie right now peas are in season so they used those across all menus and lots of dishes were Parmesan and morel mushroom heavy). If you really dislike a certain flavor and it is heavy on all the menus maybe wait a season :) that said I loved the flavors when I went but if someone didn’t they might repeatedly be let down by the various courses. Our reservation was for an early dinner around 5 and it started out quiet and fairly empty and by the time we finished around 8 it was quite busy and a bit louder. We had a wonderful time and will be back to try another season’s menu

  • Jessica Tjhin Southworth
    2 month ago

    Café Juanita delivers one of those rare dining experiences that feels both elevated and deeply comforting at the same time. The atmosphere is amazing—cozy and intimate, yet still refined and a little fancy without ever tipping into pretentiousness. It’s exactly the kind of warm, modern elegance that fits the Pacific Northwest so well. From the moment you walk in, the staff sets the tone. They’re incredibly welcoming and genuinely enthusiastic about the food, taking the time to explain each dish with care and clarity. It makes the entire meal feel like a guided culinary journey rather than just dinner. We chose the set menu, and it was exceptional from the very first bite all the way through dessert. Standouts for me included the caviar small bite—yogurt tucked inside a delicate curled crisp that somehow managed to be both subtle and explosive in flavor. The beef carpaccio on a crispy cracker was another highlight, perfectly balanced and beautifully textured. And the seafood medley? Absolutely unforgettable. Every bite felt intentional, layered, and crafted to surprise you. If I had to call out a downside, it’s the parking. Ugh. It’s definitely not the easiest. Plan to find street parking or use one of the nearby retail lots where you’ll likely need to pay. Overall, Café Juanita is worth every moment and every bite. A truly special dining experience that lingers long after you leave.

  • Evan Langley
    3 month ago

    My wife and I love exploring the fine dining scene in Seattle, LA, and Portland. Cafè Juanita has been on our list for a while, and this year we finally managed to get a reservation around my birthday. My expectations were high given the word of mouth around the spot, and somehow they were still exceeded. Nearly every tasting menu I’ve experienced has a mix of exceptional standouts and less special dishes, but I truly struggle to think of a single course that wasn’t absolutely phenomenal. Things ranged from really good to some of the best dishes I’ve ever tasted anywhere. I think Providence in LA was the last meal I can think of that was the same level of all hits/zero misses on their tasting menu. I genuinely struggle to think of much to critique. The tasting menu is on the more expensive side even for this level of dining. They don’t really have much of a cocktail menu, so I suppose if you’re hoping to experience exceptional mixed drinks you may be disappointed - though their wine selection easily makes up for this. Final thoughts - this was a truly exceptional meal. We will absolutely be back for another special occasion and bring our foodie friends if we can find a reservation when they visit Seattle.

  • Mia Buksh
    3 month ago

    Cafe Juanita is an exceptional dining experience that never disappoints. The ambiance is warm, elegant, and inviting — perfect for everything from a special night out to a relaxed lunch with friends. The staff are professional, attentive, and genuinely friendly, making every guest feel welcome and cared for. They balance polished service with a personal touch that elevates the entire experience. The food is consistently outstanding. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and full of flavor — a true reflection of the care and skill in the kitchen. From seasonal specials to their signature menu items, every bite is a delight. Cafe Juanita consistently sets the standard for high-quality dining in the area. It’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates excellent service, beautiful ambiance, and memorable food.

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