Island Soul - Kirkland (Arleana's) in Kirkland

Wonderful brunch!

Tried the fried catfish with sides of okra and rice. The good was ok-ish, nothing very special, and ingredients were just ok. The wine menu had a bottle pf sparkling wine that was actually not sparkling! the rest of the wine list wasnt that great either. The staff were very friendly and super accommodating.

The ingredients of every dish were very fresh and every dish was prepared carefully. Most noticeable is the fried chicken, crunchy crust and hot. The gumbo is very authentic. The fried okra is kind of dry though. I think the price is high considering the portion and ingredients of the food. Worth a one time try.

I rarely write reviews for restaurants because most of time the experience is lackluster. Not here! The food was absolutely delicious. You can tell a lot of love and good ingredients goes into every dish. The gumbo was so incredibly delicious I m still thinking about it the next day. Excited to return and try other dishes!

I arrived 5 minutes before opening but was welcomed in. The vibe here is amazing, as is the service, food and drinks. Already planning my next visit! Parking: Lot mentioned pay-by-phone location #1242 but it was not found in the app. The parking lots are free for two hours per the waitress.

Really nice spot to go to. I definitely think it is worth a trip!

Amazing food and quality

The wait staff were very nice but the food...Oh boy. I have NEVER had a worse burger. Its my own fault for not looking at the small print of the menu for the burger. It was a very small patty, American cheese, 3 tiny pickles and a super spicy sauce. No lettuce, no tomato, no onion, NOTHING. A McDonalds cheeseburger is bigger than this one that cost $21. The food was room temperature, the fries were room temp and floppy (small portion). I wish I had taken a photo. When I say it was smaller that a McDonalds cheeseburger, this is NOT an exaggeration. We also got the lamb skewers that were overcooked, cold and hard. So difficult to cut into with a knife. I would never recommend anyone I know to eat here. Maybe go in for drinks but not the food!!!!

Came in for the first time and service was excellent, kaitlyn was friendly and awesome chipping in when the dining room was busy, we were then handed off to joe who was knowledgable and friendly. Food was delicious and a great fusion of Caribbean and soul. Had no idea this gem was here. 10/10 would recommend!

We really enjoyed our couples date night here. The food was excellent. The service was great. Truly an awesome experience overall.

Fabulous food, beautiful atmosphere and lovely environment! This space is a hidden gem. I will be back.

Had the gumbo. Was awesome! Will be back!

We come to kirkland often and this place is a breath of fresh air to the ever changing waterfront area. The vibe here is amazing. Great music, and the staff were some of the most friendly and enthusiastic Ive ever seen. The food here is fantastic and relatively rare to find in the area. We came a bit too early for the drinks but the menu looked very enticing. The food on the other hand was all delicious. I struggled to narrow down my picks and my wife and I ended up with the tostones, jerk wings and fries, ox tail stew, fried catfish, and coconut corn muffins. Do not leave out the corn muffins if you eat here. Do yourself a favor and add it to whatever you order. The tostones were filling and perfect, the oxtail was cook to tender perfection, and the catfish was some of the best Ive had in Washington. Surprisingly the fries were not just a random add on, they were sort of cut like a steak fry but more randomly shaped which allowed them to get this super crispy edge but fluffy inside. One of the best fries Ive had in any restaurant period. Do yourself a favor and come here. It was memorable and remarkably delicious. We need more places like this around here.

Amazingly delicious Great frozen drink Food

Highly recommend the shrimp and grits! We enjoyed everything we had, and all of the servers were bubbly and kind. Great music too! Parking: We parked in the garage near QFC. There is some street parking near the restaurant, but pretty full

Had brunch there last Saturday. Great flavor!

Spicy tasty food with amazing cocktails!

Good food made real good.

Excellent meals! Went for Sunday brunch and need to go back to eat through the rest of the menu! Parking: 2 hour free in garage underneath

Love the atmosphere, service was fantastically friendly. We had the jerk wings, oxtail pepper pot, soft shelled crab beignets and collard greens. AMAZING. The jerk flavor is on the sweeter side, not spicy and so flavorful. Whether you are a fan of Caribbean fare or not, you will love the food here. We will most definitely be back!

Wonderful bowl of gumbo!

Great Caribbean spot in Kirkland with seasonal rotating menu. Fried chicken biscuit sandwich is a great choice for brunch, the serving is huge, and cooked perfectly. Amazing service.

When you craving a beautiful atmosphere with lovely people plus amazing food and drinks ! This is the spot to go to :) Thank you Theo / Joe / Miguel for being so kind as well

Kirkland...this is a gem!

Food was packed with flavor. The fries are a must, more of a crispy Julianne sliced potatoe. I had the Jamaican curry with prawns and it was great, mild and not spicy at all. Our kids shared the chicken strips (which normally nothing to review) but these were actually fileted peices of chicken, not bulk frozen chicken strips we had a mix of sharing plates as well. The coconut prawns and wings were delicious. Anyway, Ill go back. It was good and the waitress was very personable.

If you want the best food you have ever had come here. Seriously.

We watched with keen interest as this building went up to see if we would get a new restaurant we would like in the neighborhood. The descriptions and photos we saw as Arleanas was announced and built were promising and we kept urging each other to go. But we didnt. We finally got the nudge we needed and now we have a new favorite. The owner and staff are amazingly friendly and attentive. We arrived shortly before the end of happy hour and they made sure our cocktails and appetizers got the happy hour price. The Coconut Shrimp were crunchy and scrumptious with a punchy agrodulce. The Chow Salad was crisp and fresh and tasty. Both cocktails were smooth and tasty, though a bit pricy, even at happy hour prices. Our entrees were both over-the-top with yum. Her Rasta Pasta with Shrimp was oozing with cheesy, saucy goodness. My Gumbo gave me flashbacks to a trip to New Orleans, with plenty of chicken, sausage and shellfish with rice on the side. We both had leftovers that we enjoyed for lunch the next day. There are still a few things on the Summer Menu for us to try and well keep an eye on future menus for a return visit. We definitely have our eye on brunch.

The chicken and gravy is so good! The restaurant is very nice.

The staff was very kind, welcoming, and proficient. I appreciate the ambitious nature of the menu in places and their twists on traditional dishes. Food : 4/5

We have been looking for an amazing Caribbean / southern / soul food restaurant for years and finally (FINALLY!!!!) found one! Everything - from the food, the conversations with the owner and chef, the details of the glassware to the colors on the wall - was outstanding. Can t wait to go back. The spicy pear drink was phenomenal, but my favorite part had to be the fried green tomatoes. Just can t say enough.

The food was delicious! Highly recommend the gumbo! We were well taken care of by our waiter and Theo!

Brunch was excellent. Very good Eggs Benedict, French Toast and Cheesy Grits w/shrimp.

It s been a long time since I ve enjoyed an Eastside restaurant with so much to offer. Love the Caribbean, creole, sole food offerings. Great seasonings and wonderful fresh food. Beautiful restaurant and easy to carry on a conversation in a relaxing environment. Met the owner Theo, who is a great addition to the Kirkland restaurant community. I hope others will enjoy a meal here too!

Great atmosphere, great ambiance, good food, and great staff.

That was a delicious meal. My prior knowledge on carcinogen was only about burnt food. The next time I order cocktails, Ill ask what is going to happen to make it .

Amazing experience! Very tasty food, the gumbo is a must try, and great ambience for any occasion and cant say enough about the world class service received.

This place is so good! Every time we come, the food is amazing and the service is super warm, friendly, and attentive. Excited to try them for brunch next.

We visited here for brunch and all the food we had was simply amazing! Our server was super sweet and accommodating. All around a great experience and we look forward to going back.

Poutine was mediocre, crawfish in it scarce. Tea from a bag, no plate under the cup to land the spoon. Maybe its the brunch.

Food was absolutely delicious and flavorful and staff were all extremely nice! Definitely recommend.

So good. Just go there, you won t regret it!

This is one of those restaurants that is so good that you don t want to tell anyone about it, because then it will get crowded and you ll never be able to get in again but I want to see them do well so I ll post a review anyway! Everything about Arleana s is outstanding! It is easily one of the best restaurants in Seattle. Amazing, amazing friendly people the masterful chef personally came to check on everyone while we were there, and the owner was making the rounds too. They obviously care deeply about what they are doing! Best gumbo I ve ever had, and the cocktails are also top notch! Note: The menu is tightly focused, as it should be, so that means the quality is high. If you have picky eaters in your group, especially those who don t love seafood, leave them at home. This is a place to relax, have fun, and savor the amazing flavors and atmosphere.

This is a great place for brunch or for dinner. Kirkland has always needed to have some interesting cuisines and here we are with great southern cooking. The fried chicken and the grits are definitely worth a try. Very cozy atmosphere and a lovely bar in case you want to sit at the counter. Recommend trying their hot sauce.

So good, I got the Oxtail, amazing.

My partner and I were not impressed with the flavors here at Arleana s brunch. The hush puppies were burnt, the shrimp on the grits were scarcely seasoned, the boudin rolls were just okay. Maybe it s because I m from the south, but my expectations were low and I was disappointed.

From the serving staff, to the Chef, to the food, it was all AMAZING. my partner and I just moved to the area, and this is our new favorite place. The food is home made, and it really shows. We are already planning out our next visit!! Only downside is the menu looks so good, it will take you a looong time to pick what you want.

Loved it!!! The pork chops were delicious

20 minutes of waiting after seating until we asked if we could order our food since no one came up to us. The Shakshouka was soupy with undercooked egg (odd because we were only given a fork which we couldnt eat it with). The waitress was nice about the situation though. Bathrooms were gross for how much you pay (and missing paper towels).

Soulful food and great vibe. Family that owns this place makes it even better :)

Great food, atmosphere and cozy family vibe. Definitely, we will be back soon!

Possibly my favorite fried chicken in the greater Seattle area. Crab cakes were fantastic too. Drinks were beautiful and delicious. 10/10 would return.

I ate at Arleanas in March of 2024, and it was delicious!!! They were super accommodating over the phone, and we were so glad they were able to fit us in. We ordered the chicken and waffles, shakshuka, and eggs benedict. Everything was so delicious! Everyone was so friendly and there is free parking!! I highly recommend!

Cocktails are outstanding and the food puts even the drinks to shame. Come for the service, leave completely satiated with a flavor profile that s all over the place and completely perfect. They absolutely balance every drink and every dish. Order one of everything. Parking: First two hours are free and are under the restaurant

we LOVE Arleana s. My husband and I fell in love with the food, then went on the website and read the story of the restaurant and learned about Arleana herself. This has easily become our favorite restaurant here on the eastside. The food is incredible and the staff and chefs are amazing and so kind and welcoming. On our first visit, the chef came out to greet the tables and ask how our food was. My husband told him that he would love to have fried plantains at brunch and the chef told him he could always ask for them. Since then they ve become a staple order of ours and Arleana s is my husband s go to place for fried plantains. The cocktails are also so so good, strong but sweet, just how I like them. We bring all of our guests here and cannot recommend this restaurant enough! Dietary restrictions: The chefs are very flexible and asked about any dietary restrictions or allergies upon our first visit. The menu states that all options can be made vegan or vegetarian. If you read the story on the restaurant s website, the owner has food allergies and Arleana s is named after his (foster) mother who made him lots of foods that accommodated his allergies. This inspiration is clear on the menu and from the energy of the servers and chefs.

Loved the service and the atmosphere, it was very inviting and beautifully decorated. I think the price for the food quality on some items is a bit unbalanced and I didnt really enjoy the food as much as I hoped. The steak dish though is absolutely amazing. The little shrimpies on the top... dayim. I got the clams with curry sauce and it was too vinegary for me. I wasnt really happy with it as we also had a buncha empty shells too. My bf liked it at least! The portion sizes are really big so be aware. Im glad I split the meal. They have a lot of interesting and sorta weird cocktails. I tried the mushroom truffle oil infused whiskey one and it wasnt palatable for me. Did I drink it all? Yes. Was it worth 24$? No. Lol. I would have given a 5 star if I thought everything was a hit that I got. But it was still a nice experience. They had live music that evening which was nice, and the servers and bartenders were helpful and friendly.

Best lobster roll Ive had in a long time

Quality foods, a bit pricey for appetizers. I had the Shrimp Pepper and beef broth was really salty, overall ok. Check their website for an updated menu.

First time coming and knew they had brunch, but the experience was great! Food flavorful, service was on pointand environment was warming. Ill be back.

Best brunch I ve had in a while!! The food was so delicious and we had great recs from the staff/chef. Chicken and waffles was amazing.

We arrived during their one year anniversary week and were greeted with live music and a spectacular meal. Refined yet homey everything was delicious and I m looking forward to returning to sample their new menu in a few months. Top notch food.

This place is awesome. Great food, good service. The owner is very nice and friendly. We both were greeted with warm welcoming, big smile and handshake by Theo. Great cocktails! We had the best crab toast. It was a play on avocado toast but wayyy better. We will definitely come back. Highly recommended!

I can only say amazing!! Beautiful mix of food items; incredible drinks; creative dessert. Jacob the chef is AMAZING!!!

One of the best offerings the East Side has. Weve been there for dinner, brunch, and their fixed menu on Tuesday/Thursday and have had an excellent experience every time. Really different offerings from the usual fare in the area which Im grateful for. They are not pulling punches on their cocktails, very boozy!

Food: excellent portions Shrimp & Grits (4 shrimps) and plenty of grits! Ful of flavor...didnt have to add salt or hot sauce!! Chicken & waffles: light crispy crunch! Service: Friendly and attentive Ambiance: Great way to start off a Sunday with 90s /early 2000 R&B music! Upbeat and inviting. Well be back to check out their dinner!

Had the best birthday dinner experience!! The cocktails were some of the best Ive had in the area. We got the coral pink and black bijou - the flavors were so refreshing and so well integrated. It was truly magic! The mussels we had were so fresh, plump, sweet and juicy - paired with the rich coconut curry it was heavenly! Also recommend the oxtail, it was so fall-off-the-bone tender and flavorful! For dessert, we got the coconut creme brulee - which was again bomb! It was on the house - such a sweet gesture by them to make my birthday extra-special! The portions were huge but the quality of ingredients is stellar!! Highly recommend this place!

Quality of food was extremely mediocre.

Loved Arleanas!!! Such a refreshing change to the same old options on the Eastside. The food was AMAZING and kind an attentive service! Had the Gumbo and Halibut - both wonderful! Theres free parking below the restaurant as well. Highly recommend!!

My family and I, recently had the pleasure of dining at my Arleanas restaurant, and let me tell you, it was an absolute delight! The chicken & waffles and fried chicken sandwich were both absolutely phenomenal! Each bite was bursting with flavor, and the presentation was as impressive as the taste. The chicken was perfectly cooked, juicy on the inside with a crispy exterior, and the waffles were light and fluffy. The fried chicken sandwich was a mouthwatering combination of crispy chicken and fresh toppings, all sandwiched between two perfectly toasted buns. The attention to detail and dedication to quality ingredients truly shone through in every dish. Not only was the food exceptional, but the service was also top-notch. The staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. Special shoutout to the mastermind behind the scenes- Head Chef Howell! Your culinary skills are truly remarkable! Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a delicious meal in a welcoming atmosphere. I cant wait to come back and try more of the incredible dishes on offer. Keep up the fantastic work! Lastly, The Espresso Martini they have called the Five Stones Spice was literally the best cocktail Ive had in a long time! HIGHEST OF HIGHS, I gladly recommend that to all. Thank you and will be back again!

What a gem of a restaurant! Creative and tasty food, well crafted cocktails in a great environment! Highly recommend Arleana s for dinner or weekend brunch!

Had brunch here with a group of friends this morning. Everything was fantastic from the drinks to the food. Delicious! Recommend this place highly. Will definitely come back for dinner, happy hour and another brunch soon! Thank you for a great Sunday brunch! Parking: Theres underground parking

Love this really cute place with amazing food. My husband is vegetarian and he finds awesome stuff to eat here. The ambience, food and service are all fantastic. Perfect date night place!

First time in this vibrant, hip, southern-food spot in Kirkland across from Peter Kirk park. Made a reservation and it filled up fast for weekend brunch. Had the saucy, rich tasting cheesy grits, eggs Benedict with Cajun hollandaise and seafood hash. They also have brunch cocktails with several flavors of mimosas . Love the decor, the bar stools looked so inviting and they have a strong plant game! Cant wait to return! Street or underground parking for two hours. Book this place, you wont regret!

Since it was my first time at Arleanas, I trusted the recommendations of our server. I was thoroughly impressed. Every single bite was a delight. I am annoyed I didnt try Arleanas ages ago. Highly recommend splurging on those appetizers - particularly the fried green tomatoes and crab cakes. Yum! Im excited to also try their brunch. If youre looking for delicious food that is clearly made by people who take pride in their craft, then give it a try.

The best restaurant in Kirkland, easily - and one of our new favorites. A lot of restaurants in Kirkland tend to try too hard (they offer overly complicated fancy dishes that just fall flat) Arleanas is a wonderful, authentic and incredibly high-quality dining experience. Great ambience, atmosphere, and excellent service all set a solid foundation for this restaurant, but what really sets it apart is the food. Absolutely incredible from start to finish - wonderful balanced flavors, great ingredients, and solid presentation. Every bite was sublime - I cant think of a meal Ive had in the past year plus that has come even close. I really cant recommend Arleanas enough.

Tonight my friend and I had an absolutely extraordinary experience here. When I tell you the food is to die for. Mouth watering taste buds racing. our server was phenomenal. Tonight we were big old Foodies so we order quite a bit starting with crab cakes, lamb skewers with jalapeno yogurt. We shared entrees starting with fried catfish in panko, oxtails with cheesy grits, also the special of the day the gumbo. My best friend enjoyed the gumbo to its fullest. But when it came to my taste buds I was all about the oxtail and grits. Top things off for dessert beautiful Caribbean creme brulee, with a strawberry rhubarb strudel when I tell you its not one thing we loved we love the whole experience. We also had a great conversation with the head manager. If youre ever in Kirkland stop over here The fantastic food and wonderful atmosphere dont be scary. Try something new your taste buds will thank you later Vegetarian options: There were plenty of vegetarian options. Theres parking on the street or you can use the free parking in the ramp.

Great soul food restaurant owned by Theo. Come to Kirkland and enjoy the delicious food and warm hospitality. The design is intended to reimagine the woman for whom this establishment is named after, including the custom made wallpaper. It has the lamp that sat in her living room. Who doesn t love a place that is named for Mom? Good parking. Clean and plentiful bathrooms. Open kitchen

Brunch was alright. I m going to give em another try for dinner.

My husband and I dined at Arleana s last weekend and had a remarkable experience. Despite the restaurant being in trial period as it s newly opened, every dish from their fixed 5 course menu was delicious, and the service was top notch. We appreciated meeting the owner and that the staff took great care of us and everyone (they were full with all tables occupied!). Their beignets are OUTSTANDING!

Food was delicious, a gem in Kirkland. Fresh menu packed with island flavor. We had there pre-opening set menu and enjoyed each dish.

Highly recommend. Excellent service. Good food and Black-owned in KIRKLAND, WA. Free parking. Yes, please. No brainer.

Great experience; enjoyed the ambience, food, cocktail and professional staff service.

Yes, the Beignets are to die for!!! Overall highly recommend, best restaurant in Kirkland!!

Food was really unique and portions were generous. Beignets are Michelin star quality desserts! Owner also stopped by more than once - so friendly! Wine selection is good as well. Best place in Kirkland by far!!!

Just the sort of thing Kirkland needed... a little culture. Had a late seating here which gave the opportunity for solid conversation with the staff, excellent service and really delicious food. We had the black cod, short rib, and beignets and it was all really solid. The beignets are an absolute must. Thank you Leo, chef and staff for a great experience. Ill be back!

My husband and I dined here for my birthday, and I am so glad we did. We had and wonderful time and the food and service was top-notch. I had the lamb lollipops, and the jerk sauce was amazing with just the right amount of kick. My husbands pork chop was equally delicious. DO NOT skip the beignets. They were the most amazing ones that I have ever had. To top it off, the staff was attentive, friendly, and the owner stopped by several times to check in about our experience. The bartender made me a specialty mocktail that was delicious and checked in to see how I enjoyed it. It was the perfect birthday dinner and we will be back. Seriously, eat here.

Gorgeous space. Gorgeous food (the beignets ) Well done, dear Theo! You are making your mama proud.

Everything was fantastic - the drinks, the ambience, and the service, but the food was on another level. Highly recommend the short rib. Cant wait to come back.

Great food, service, and ambiance. Kyle was a great host. Kirkland needed a restaurant like this for a long time. I highly recommend this place.

Amazing new place that is now one of our absolute favorites. Wonderful welcoming & attentive staff! Incredible cocktail menu backed up by just amazing drinks all crafted in house by the bar staff. And the food is to die for. We had crab dip, oysters, steak frites, and the shrimp & grits. All was perfect, in good portion size, and just plain delicious. And the beignets are the best ever as they are like french pastry. Just incredible!! My wife is from New Orleans and the food, drink & service here stunned her in how authentic & creative it is. It was an amazing experience!! We ll be back many more times!!

Wonderful place. Great food and the service was excellent!

Fantastic meal and cocktails. The crab gratin was amazing, and the black cod was awesome too!

Awesome food and cocktails; easily this is one of the best restaurants in Kirkland. They have clearly put a lot of thought into everything on the menu, from the house chips with black garlic sauce to lamb lollipops that were delightfully spicy and savory. The service is also excellent and brings the experience together. Will be back again soon.

Food and service were both fantastic! We had a round of cocktails to start which were all delicious as well as the crab dip which was to die for. We ordered the steak frites, the pork chops and the bouillabaisse and he food did not disappoint. Despite being stuffed we just had to try the beignets and they were perfection. Almost like if a beignet and a croissant had a baby. They were light and flakey with chocolate and crème sauce drizzled underneath. Our server was Kyle and he was prompt, friendly and funny. Everything was 10/10. Would order everything again.

They just opened a month ago... Very busy and great decor. Overall food was bland. We ordered fish bites with french fries, bouillabaisse, side salad and beignets. We asked for red pepper flakes and they didnt have any, with was strange because the bouillabaisse definitely needed it. Dishes need more spices. Ordered 2 cocktails, mine was tasty (Arleanas sour). Since they just opened, Im sure there are things that needs to be worked on. Main dishes are a little pricey. Ill give it a few months and they again.

Had a wonderful experience at Arleana s recently. We started the evening with cocktails, the Mai Valentine and Arleana s Sour. Loved both! For the entrees, my husband ordered the pork chop and I ordered the black cod. The black cod was so incredibly flavorful. The lentils paired nicely with the cod. The pork chop was huge and perfectly cooked. We ended the night with coffee and beignets. Looking forward to going back and trying the short rib! The owner, Theo came over to our table to chat and that was the icing on the cake. Everything was top notch. Highly recommend!

What a great date location!!! My wife and I came here for a date night (w/o the kids!) and it was so much fun. The ambiance and decor is very nice, the service was really good, and the food -- THE FOOD -- was so so delicious!! The owner, Theo, came over to say hi during our meal, too, and it was great talking to him a bit. Cant wait to go back, what a gem!

Excellent!! Husband and I wanted to try somewhere new and picked this place since its nearby. Well worth it! We had 3 cocktails; the Coral Pink, Arleanas Sour, and the Golden Sun. All three were delicious. We ordered the Curry and the Crab Gratin to start and both were so good that my husband wanted to order more of each. The entrees were good as well, we recommend the lamb lollipops and the bouillabase. Highly recommend this place. Parking: Free parking in the underground garage next door. Wheelchair accessibility: No stairs in the place and plenty of seating for wheelchairs at most of the tables.

This place is a breath of fresh air in Kirkland. We needed some culinary diversity here, and Arleana s delivers. Creative, delicious food, great cocktails, first-class service. Their brunch is to die for. Love that it s a black-owned business too.

Great brunch, even better cocktails. Highly recommend. Great new addition to Kirkland.

Fantastic food and drinks, a true gem!

Amazing food, great ambience, and nice service. We tried the Arleana Gumbo and friend chicken steak for a Sunday brunch and they were amazing. The cocktail menu is great and generous as well. Overall, a pleasant experience. Definitely coming back.

Lovely. Delicious curry goat and awesome blackened catfish.

We had a wonderful experience at Arleana s! The interior design of this place is lux and has a chill vibe. The bartenders here top notch! We had the water lily Kirkland and the French word, both delicious and very well balanced. Not your average cocktails! For starters we had the PNW tar tar and the fish bites. The tar tar was fresh and cold, but could have like a few more pieces of bread as 3 slices wasn t enough for the amount of fish. Okay, ow these fish bites. They come with French fries that are also kinda like thick chips. Amazingly crispy. The cod was super fresh and well fried. The Creole aioli was the perfect sauce for them, but they didn t give very much and had to request more. It really made the plate. For our mains we had the steak frites, but I think it s not just the steak with some menu changes so it steak with greens and fingerling potatoes. It was cooked well and seasoned properly. We also had the pork chop. This is massive chop with crab on top which was very good. It came with the same sides as the steak. Then had the beignets for dessert. They were light and fluffy with a berry component. A great finish! Service was great. Very attentive and friendly. I was impressed that empty plates never sat too long on the table and water glasses never got empty. Im excited to see where this restaurant evolves too! Currently the menu is very French but our server said it is changing to a more Caribbean cuisine soon! Overall we were very happy and this is a great addition to the Kirkland restaurant scene!

This was our first visit as we were walking by and stopped to see the posted menu. We caught the eye of the manager who waved us in. He showed us the menu and said they were open. We stayed for Sunday brunch. Amazing quality food, service, and we got to meet the chef. I had the brunch omelette. My wife had the incredible biscuits and gravy. We went for a mimosa and bloody Mary. They brought us out a pastry dessert that was basically if Krispy Kreme married a French pastry chef, and they had a baby. So light and delicious! We re excited to go back for another meal and bring groups with us. They also have a hidden group area down in the basement. It appears like a wine tasting room, designed by Disney ( that s what they told us) but can easily serve a group of 12 to 15. They can use also use the roof top patio that overlooks all of Kirkland with a view Seattle. This is a must venue for any local business wanting to host a party. The best part was how the manager explained that the restaurant wants to be that comfortable, local high-end eatery with very reasonable prices that fits Kirkland so well. Bonus there s parking underground for Arleana s and Bartells. Easy in and easy out. Just try it and see!

Every item on the menu has dairy, even the oysters?!? That s wild! More than half the population is lactose intolerant!

Wow . When you eat here you feel like you are dining with friends who go way back. From the staff to the owner we were blown away by the kindness. You never feel rushed to leave. The food was fresh, unique and delicious. Great portion sizes. Congrats to the owner, Theo. We will be back to try out the brunch next time!

One of the best meals I ve eaten in awhile. The service was so amazing, the food was all perfectly cooked and tasted amazing. We will definitely be back!

This new restaurant is a gem in the heart of Kirkland. With beautiful interior design inspired by the owners mother, good service, and great food & drinks, we really enjoyed our evening there. We got to enjoy the last week of their spring menu. We sat inside. There were also a limited number of patio seats. We started by choosing drinks from an interesting drink menu. I had the French Word which, as promised on the small bites menu, paired well with the fish bites with Cajun style aioli we had as an appetizer. My husband has a honey whiskey cocktail which he claimed was good (and which I thought didnt taste terrible which is high praise for anything whiskey from me!). We also had the crab gratin. Both appetizers were delicious. For a main I had black cod with lentils and beurre blanc. Very tasty. My husband also enjoyed his jerk seasoned lamb lollipops with herb rice which he enjoyed. We indulged and had dessert on top of all that. It was probably a bad life choice but it was worth it. The strawberry rhubarb crisp was a taste of spring with a surprising bit of smokiness to the dollop of whipped cream. But the star of the dinner was the beignets. They were fluffy and crispy and melt in your mouth smooth and delicious. They were served with a blueberry compote with just a touch of tartness. Even though I was more than full enough before I started dessert, I was tempted to order a second serving.

We had an amazing dinner where we tried probably 1/3 of the menu and there was not a dish that wasn t fantastic! The crab cakes, mussels, and crab cakes were particular good standouts. We also loved our cocktails and would definitely come back for happy hour. The staff was also amazing and very attentive.

This was my second time in, but it feels like Ive been there many more. The drinks, the food, and the customer service were all phenomenal. It would be difficult to allocate these 5 stars to just one of those categories, all of them excelled at the highest level. Big thank you to Anthony for taking care of us, attending to our needs as well as others. Leo and Ivan - absolutely killed it behind the bar. The best cocktails in Kirkland. Highly recommend the Coral Pink! Ive never felt so welcomed in a restaurant before, I even got to talk to the chef and get some insight on to how they constructed their menu. While last Saturday was my first time in, this now makes two weeks in a row and I intend to keep this weekly ritual going for as long as I live in Kirkland. Cheers!

Delicious flavors! Great choices. Will have to return soon to try more.

Amazing food, great atmosphere, and incredibly friendly staff. They really make you feel like family and then impress with the wonderful dishes.

Have been excited about this being on the Eastside as Island Soul has always been a favorite on Seattle side. Price point is definitely higher, especially the drinks, but theyre plenty tasty and strong. Food had incredible flavors even for elements like the eggplant and the yucca mash

Hoecakes we re amazing! Also the jerk pork with rice, collard greens and plantains. We ll be back!

Loved loved this establishment! They had genuinely delicious food and warm service. Truly unique and delicious food! In addition please read their origin story, it is one of the most meaningful backgrounds for a restaurant I have seen.

Perfection- All I can say is this is the best food and best service I have had in a long time on the Eastside. The vibe is perfect and the soul music. Im so excited to have this new soul restaurant on the Eastside. Ive always dreamed of something like this. All Im going to say is 5start everything and ask for ANTHONY. You wont be sorry!!! 5star SERVICE!!!!!!

It is our responsibility to provide a community and comfortable experience. We hope to make our home your home. I may be a bit biased!

So much care put into the food and the craft cocktails.. well done!

Went here for happy hour. The cocktails were all excellent and very unique. The food portions were generous for a happy hour and were equally unique and delicious. Would definitely recommend for happy hour.

Amazing bar and craft cocktails. Food is also fantastic - very flavorful, spicy, rich! Had the gumbo - the best gumbo I ve had. And the coconut corn muffins were delicious! Highly recommend this place and love to see high quality places opening in Kirkland!

My girlfriends and I popped in for happy hour yesterday, and it was a fantastic experience! We were immediately greeted by the host, who had such a warm and inviting energy, and sat us immediately. Our server was delightful and helped us make food and drink choices. We ordered almost everything on the happy hour menu. It was all delicious, but my favorites were the Fried Plantains, Shrimp Ceviche, and Curry Chicken Patties. The drinks were expertly concocted, and the atmosphere was the perfect balance of lively, but quiet enough to carry on a conversation easily. For dessert we had the Beignets and Coconut Lime Crème Brûlée which I m still thinking about today. I will be back, and hope Arleana s will be a mainstay in Kirkland.

Great place to have in Kirkland

Great food, atmosphere and service. Highly recommended

yummy cocktails and food

Came here for Sunday brunch. The service is nice but the quality and quantity of the $26 crab Benedict I got is not that great.

An amazing place with amazing food. Lucky enough to get there for the Mardi Gras menu and will be back to try everything else.

hard to find this style of food in Seattle area, and the quality is amazing. Amazing service from Anthony

Small place with a nice decor. Ordered black cod that pretty good and fried catfish was good as well.

Omg! Newly found Kirkland Gem .. must must try

Had a really nice dinner tonight. We sat outside because we had the dog with us, but it looked really nice inside! We ordered the gumbo and the curry mussels. They were both fantastic! They seemed maybe a little understaffed, but everyone was really friendly, and seemed to really care about the food they serve. I will definitely come again!

This place has a great atmosphere and hosts, but when a kids Mac n Cheesse takes 45 minutes to arrive... yeah, there is something going on with the kitchen. We also had some raw fish issues so in general it wasnt the experience I was expecting. The A/C was so low that everyone was freezing. Yeah, we asked them to turn a bit down, though I think they did it for a little while only. I wanted to love this place though IMO, overpriced and below bar.

The service is great, I love the different options they provide in drinks (both alcoholic and NA). Their summer menu offered crab dishes which were delicious and tasty. The gumbo needed more spice, I recommend bringing your.own hot sauce to spice it up. The chicken dish was very bland and underseasoned. The curry mussels were heavily spiced which overpowered the dish. I wouldnt recommend them. The black cod was perfectly seasoned and had the right spice balance, the yucca root mash was sublime. I could have eaten that alone. The menu rotates seasonally, so Id go back to see what else they offer.

I had a little reunion with a friend I have not seen in over 20 years at Arleanas, and we could not have picked a better place to meet. Our server was the friendliest person ever, she offered to take our pictures for us and made us laugh so much. Our food came out on time and they were delicious! We both had mimosas and I must have had at least four refills on my coffee. We ended up getting desserts as well, and Im glad we did. The place was clean, nice, and the perfect place for a couple of friends to catch up. The owner came out to greet us, and he was also so friendly and welcoming. I dont live near the restaurant, but I will definitely be coming back soon! Parking: Great underground parking with direct elevator to the lobby where the restaurant is. No need to go walk outside in the rain to get to and from.

Good food. The steak, crab sandwich, fried green tomatoes and beignets were fantastic. However, the gumbo was more gravy than gumbo, which was disappointing for my friend. I tasted her food, and both the texture and taste was too gravy like. The main issue was the acoustics in the restaurant and the service. I d estimate that there was a normal level of restaurant chatter for a busy Friday night, but the acoustics took the sound to mosh pit, right next to the speakers levels. My ear drums hurt after dinner. The service was at times unnecessarily attentive and at other times MIA. Our waiter stopped by randomly to explain things on the menu in detail, but then went missing when we needed him. He also declined to offer any menu recommendations. We asked about non-alcoholic drinks and he very sarcastically said that we lost him at non-alcoholic. Overall, we enjoyed the food but would not recommend.

Love the laid back, friendly, yet fun vibe. Service and staff were great, the warm smiles kicked away the cold weather gloomy mood. Highly recommend the curry mussels. The mussels were super fresh, juicy, and sweet, one of the bests I have had around PNW. The toast that came with the curry mussels had a slight sweetness around the toasted parts - turns out to be their special plantine butter! That slight sweet butter touch will make you asking for more to sweep up every last drop of the curry sauce. Happy to go back just for the mussels, and all to myself.

Food is average. Overpriced as well. Portions arent so big. We paid almost 120 pp. Corkage fees of $40. Gumbo had no sausage or chicken as mentioned in menu. My couscous with halibut was very salty. Desserts are good. Goat curry didnt have a lot of goat. Service is great and atmosphere is nice too.

Cocktail, Nutty professor, really? Sweet taste. Chairs not very comfortable. Food

The food was delicious! Family owned business. Very personable! Live music on Wednesday nights by Lizzie Sunchine! She has amazing! Great atmosphere.. easy 5stars!!

My friend Lizzie sunshine invite to one of her singing performances at Arlena s restaurant, the food was grate the place was very clean, the ambiance was grate, and the service was excellent, I really like this restaurant and definable come back.

A very nice evening. Great food, a wonderful singer (Lizzie S), and other nice customers.

loved the cocktails. Loved the entrees. Special shout-out for the frieds green tomatoes. Well be coming back. A great new addition to Kirklands dining scene.

Enjoyed this new restaurant!!! Food and cocktails were delicious.

We hosted a corp holiday party and it was a great experience. Theo was extremely helpful since the first day I reached out, very flexible and attentive on the day of the event. Everyone in the staff was extremely kind and the food was delicious!

Loved this place both the food and service were great. If you are in a large group make a reservation. Get the beignets. I would say it lacks vegetarian options but my eggplant dish was both meatless and tasty.