Best Restaurants for People Watching in Leschi / Madrona / Madison Park

As usual, there were not many restaurants open close to where we live Christmas Day 2024. So I turned to my trusted app -- Open Table - which I could use to narrow down the day. Fofo de Chao sounded intriguing, so I booked one of the few openings -- 4:45PM. Around 3:30PM a 7PM time had opened up, so I cancelled the 4:45PM time AFTER I booked the 7PM time. That way, I was assured we had a time and our prior time was opened up for others. Because we had a reservation, we waited about 10 minutes to be seated. There were about 40 people in line, who we had to assume did NOT have reservations. Thank you, Open Table! We were seated close to the front window in a semi-private 2-person table, which we appreciated greatly. Our wait person Marsala could not have been more personable and professional. Because we had not eaten in the restaurant before, and because there was a special holiday presentation, Marsala explained to us how the entire process worked. Everything started with a self-service salad bar (like those that existed before Coid-19), which was pleasant. Large plates were available instead of the very small ones other venues offer. Once we were at out table, my wife and I were both given 2-inch-in-diameter paper discs. One side up indicated you were not ready for meats. Flip it, and a steady stream of carvers came to us offering different meats -- carved at the table and put on our plates. The meats were not overcooked, and overall were delicious. Our check, including an 18% (voluntary) tip on food+tax was $208. So at ages 80 and 84 on fixed incomes, we will be reserving Fogo de Chao for special occasions. But we were very happy with the whole experience. You will not leave hungry!

Service was great. Ambience and noise level were comfortable and as expected for a well known breakfast spot. The only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars on the food, was that the yolks in the poached eggs were firm instead of fluid. Otherwise, the food was good!

We had a fantastic time! The experience is worth it!

Amazing experience every time we go. Thanks again for the amazing service, great cocktails and delicious meals.

It was my second time dining here and my friends’ first. Both times just before attending a show. Arriving just at opening is perfect as the timely manner in which we received our meals gave us plenty of time to enjoy everything from the cocktails to food to conversation. The meals…Chef’s kiss