Love this cafe. Food and service are always friendly and excellent. Normally it is pretty quiet so a great spot to catch up with friends.

This place was so charming! I love a good bookstore cafe. Service was very friendly and we just felt at home. We had a delicious Mediterranean-inspired brunch here. It's located in the back of Third Place Books, but was pretty spacious and had a lot of seating, including outside seating as well. And had a cute kids corner with toys to keep little kiddos entertained. We'd love to come back to try out their lunch/dinner menu! read more

See all

Very pleasant breakfast. Pleasant surroundings and reasonably attentive and friendly service. We had been both upstairs and in the downstairs pub for beers and pub grub, but we had not tried brunch there before. We'll be back! read more

See all

Went in to browse books and have lunch on a Wednesday early afternoon. A good number of people were there doing the same, but it wasn't crowded, just normal for such a place. After noticing how poorly organized and poorly labelled the bookstore was, I tried the restaurant. Customers are greeted by a "Wait to be seated" sign at the entrance. Nobody was there to seat anyone. Several tables were occupied. Food had been served to them. A presumed cook was back in the kitchen looking my direction, motionless, blank stare into the middle distance. Off and on someone appeared at the cash register at the back of the restaurant. Yeah, she saw me. No, she did nothing to either end my "Wait to be seated", nor to motion me in to take any one of the 10+ open tables. Not even a "be with you in a sec". So I waited. For a minute or two, perhaps three and a half. Yes, this was during food service hours, I checked. No, she was not busy, I checked. There wasn't anyone paying or waiting to pay. She was just, there, milling about at the register. So I decided to find a menu (none posted or readily available). Lacking any noteworthy Remote Viewing or Psychic capabilities I threw caution to the wind and boldly walked around the "Wait" sign to browse the selection of menus neatly shelved in the hostess stand. Wow, full service restaurant with a nice variety of food. Could be good, maybe? I wondered if someone would scold me for helping myself to menus. Nope. Still the wooden cook and apathetic cashier held firm to their stations, daring not to expend precious energy to raise a hand to greet nor certainly not to walk the 15-20 feet to render aid to a hungry could-be-paying customer. Times must be good for Third Place's restaurant. They don't need your money, well surviving instead on income from those chosen few for whom they pull back the velvet rope. The rest of us heathens must eat elsewhere. So I did. Now, I realize this is Seattle, where all restaurant/bar workers take the sacred oath of superiority, evidenced clearly to all by their absolute coolness, rendering them immune to any past norms regarding doing the job they're paid to do. But a bookstore restaurant? Please. This ain't no tattoo-hipster-brewpub-food-truck where anyone with money to burn gladly queues for hours in the rain for the privilege of raving about dreadful food and rude disservice. Save your time. Save yourself. Do not attempt to eat here. read more

Such a lovely neighborhood haunt. Simple menu with a beautiful contemporary menu. Connected to an extensive book store. Find your way in this direction some time. Well worth the visit! read more

See all

Cafe Arta offers a delightful coffee experience nestled within a bookstore. I tried the hot oat milk latte with vanilla, which was piping hot and had a perfectly subtle vanilla flavor. The oat milk added a pleasant taste, and the coffee itself was smooth and flavorful. The barista was nice and patient, and she greeted me with a huge smile on her face. She was also kind to the customer in front of me, so I personally had a great experience with the service here but after reading the other reviews I guess others haven't. The interior of the cafe is cozy and inviting, with a policy requiring you to purchase an item for the WiFi code and to sit at a table. The cafe is inside a bookstore, so you can easily pick up a book and then enjoy your coffee. There's a sectioned-off part for cafe seating, and they also serve plates of food and pastries. It's a great place to work and relax in peace. read more

Cafe Arta & Pub at Third Place - Coffee in the internet cafe section by the window - Greek Near Me - Seattle, Washington

First of all, the service was excellent at the pub despite the wait time and these poor folks were running and going up and down stairs like crazy. They seemed understaffed to the extreme but they were really trying hard. I don't think I saw the bartender stop moving the whole hour or so I was there. The food and drinks were also great so I was happy with that. The ambiance for the pub is very pubby or expected but they do have a few tables with great overheard reading lights which was nice and exactly what I was looking for. I would definitely recommend it but know it might take some time for things because they are minimally staffed but trying hard. read more

Cafe Arta & Pub at Third Place - Truffle popcorn - Greek Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

This review sadly is not for the food (which is decent but overpriced) or for the cute play area for kids (which sadly is one of the only in the area). This morning, I went to the bookstore to pick out my next read. There was a sign saying that the bathroom was closed, the chef told me to go ahead and use their bathroom. I was able to with no issue (the cafe was likely closed to some equipment malfunction). 10 minutes later while browsing for a book, a staff member of the cafe was yelling and arguing with the employees of Third Place Books, stating no one could use the restroom as they were not working. The staff calmly and professionally asked the staff member to reach out to the bookstore management, but she continued to escalate to the point the whole book store could hear their conversation. Third place books is an absolute gem in the neighborhood, and it's really sad that the staff of the restaurant were so awful to the bookstore staff, who were nothing but kind. It was clear that the restaurant staff just didn't want people back in the closed cafe. Unfortunately, I won't be back based on the behavior I witnessed today. read more

The food is always excellent, but the server did not take my friend's order until we pointed out that she'd been missed. She was the only Black person in our group and the rest of us were White. Then they got part of her order wrong, while the rest of us got what we asked for. I've eaten here many times in the past with other White people and this has never happened to any of us. I'm assuming the best, that this was not done intentionally, but I want the business to be aware it happened. read more

Located in my favorite neighborhood bookstore great study spot and the servers are super friendly. Only complaint is the wifi is too slow read more

Cafe Arta & Pub at Third Place - Greek Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Some of the most arrogant and undertrained baristas I have ever encountered (specifically the slim blonde woman that many others here have complained about). I ordered a latte, and was given a frothy, bubbly, clumpy mess. I politely explained that this simply wasn't what I expected. The barista immediately snapped at me that she had worked there for two years. I politely asked for something else on the menu instead (I'd happily pay the $3 difference for a side of fries) or a refund, or a credit--anything. She barked at me that she "doesn't need my three dollars," but still refused to apply any credit after I had just wasted five dollars plus tip. Instead, I received a lecture on how their lattes are absolutely perfect, despite her total inability to properly texture milk, her insistence that this is not a "cafe" but a "regular coffee shop" (whatever that means) and that I should have lowered my expectations at the door (this was an actual suggestion). If you're making lattes in Seattle, where specialty coffee has set the standard for decades, at least put in some resemblance of effort. And if you're not competent, just don't be arrogant. read more

Cafe Arta & Pub at Third Place - A "perfectly good" 8 oz latte - Greek Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I had walked by this cute lil patio in the neighborhood belonging to a cafe serving mediterranean food. You order at the counter inside, which shares a space with Third Place Books, and take a seat. This pita was the best I've had in a while. The roasted tomatoes and pickled onions really set it apart. The grilled lamb was cooked perfectly. The side salad had cucumbers and pumpkin seeds and a light, sort of sweet dressing, which I felt was above and beyond for a side salad. When I took my seat, one of the staff brought water and asked if I needed ketchup. It made me sad that I tried to be healthy and got salad instead of fries... I've gotta try the fries next time! I thought the price was a bit high ($22 before tip for a pita + salad) but the ambiance on the patio was truly delightful and made it worth it for me. read more

See all

Tried out the pub with a friend and was not disappointed! For a monday night the place was pretty busy, but still had great service. The vibes inside are really good, think cozy and wooden. For drinks we both had the finn river black currant cider, but looked like a good tap list with a rotating cider. The food was also pretty good, we tried the spanakopita and chicken souvlaki, and would definitely recommend. The Spanikopita came with three large triangles very crispy and flaky and perfect tzatziki sauce. The chicken souvlaki was similar to a gyro and we got it with fries which were pretty good but not super crispy. We also tried the mac and cheese which was a bit bland. Will definitely be back!! read more

See all

I go to Cafe Arta weekly. The food is always delicious. My favorite is the chicken gyro pita with fries. Their fries are the best around. Victoria the server is the kindest and sweetest person you could meet. She always brightens my day. read more

I've been coming here for years, since before they changed hands. I keep going because It's a neighborhood place, I love the bookstore, and the patio is lovely. There's also a sweet, wonderful Ukrainian (I think) waitress who is pure sunshine. But I have some issues. For one thing - damn, this place is expensive for the quality of the food. The owner is borderline rude, and the place is run poorly. There's always a sense that they're behind, even when the cafe is empty. If you can, choose downstairs in the pub where the waiter is always charming. My biggest complaint is that they won't let you sit in the cafe if you order a drink and not a big plate of food. I get it when it's busy, like brunch. But at 3pm on a Wednesday? They push you rather rudely over to the section my friend and I refer to as the Cargo Hold. It's crowded with computers and zoom calls. Not pleasant. What's the harm in carving out another small coffee section in the restaurant? I mean, the place is huge. Rethink that, people. You're creating an unpleasant atmosphere and it's a shame. read more

Neighborhood gem that serves Mediterranean food, as well as American brunch and pub fare. The lamb burger is excellent and customer service is friendly and efficient. The ambiance is...a cafeteria in a book store. If you find yourself in Ravenna, Cafe Arta is a great option. read more

The mocha was not very good-- over milked and they refused to serve it in a porcelain cup. The space is nice.

I'm a big fan of Third Place Books and have been to their downstairs restaurant many times with my book club. It's always been great! We had a last minute change of plans today and ended up going at 2 (so awkward time to order a meal). When we got there, the tables to the side were all taken so someone asked if we wanted to be seated in the main area so we said sure. There were five of us, not not a small group but also not a huge party. Since it was late in the afternoon it was pretty much completely empty except for another table. The blonde waitress took our drink orders and then she asked if we wanted any food and we just said we were going to order a few appetizers. She very rudely told us we had to spend $35 a person to eat at that table and the drinks wouldn't be enough. She recognized we were there for a book club and said we should have ordered at the counter and sat in the section to the side (which was full). We apologized and offered to get up and go, but she (rudely) told us just to stay there. Another brown haired woman came by with our drinks a few minutes later. She continued to berate us for several minutes, repeating herself over and over and once again being extremely rude about us sitting there. I'm not sure how this is our fault when we didn't know the policy? Maybe let people know BEFORE they sit down? It looks like a coffee shop and I didn't even realize it was an extension of downstairs. A few suggestions: 1. Have your policy posted somewhere on your website. I didn't see anything when I looked. 2. Have the person seating us confirm you're there for food and tell your customers the policy before we they down. We could have easily turned around at that point and changed our plans. 3. Don't send multiple members of your staff to berate us. We got the message the first time. 4. Don't be rude to your customers. We were very kind and understanding to you. That being said, it was a very negative experience and we won't be going back. read more

I frequently get sent to cafe arta by my partner if I've had a long day, or I need to unwind. It's attached to third place books, one of my favorite spots to shop for books in Seattle- but the cafe has phenomenal Greek food (highlight for me is the soups and falafel and kopanisti). you can't go wrong here and the staff makes you feel so comfortable ! Highly recommend, a great place to come for a cozy night. read more

The staff are incredibly rude. They will ignore you for a long time and be rude and dismissive if you politely ask to be helped. Terrible experience. I will actively recommend that people don't go here read more

Very Rude ! If you have children don't think it's friendly . They have a play area . But staff one specially (blonde hair ) Very rude . My toddler wanted some water . She yelled at me . Plus what did they want me to do ?. They didn't even say hi , nor offered to sit me . RACIST. I only got dirty looks and insulted with my toddler , No wonder it was empty ,..it's only a "show " place of looks . I won't be back Ever .!! Worst place I've seen on Seattle . For a coffee shop . read more

I initially left a one-star review last year due to poor customer service. The owner, Edi, reached out to apologize, and I decided to give them another chance to support a local business. Over the past few months, my family became semi-regular customers, visiting once or twice a week for coffee and leaving generous tips, even for takeout orders. Today, I decided to meet a friend there for coffee and arrived early with my 2-year-old daughter. While waiting, I took her to their play area. A staff member ( not the main woman/ female server) approached me and, in an aggressive tone, said, "Can I get you something?" I explained that I was waiting for a friend and planned to order once they arrived. She then loudly informed me multiple times that I had to order something to use the play area, saying, "That's how things work here." If this is the policy, it's entirely reasonable, but there's no signage to indicate it, and the way it was communicated felt unnecessarily rude and confrontational--especially in front of a young child. I suggest the business implement clear signage ( at the play area) and train staff to address customers with respect and professionalism. This kind of experience is disheartening, particularly when we've gone out of our way to support them in the past. Unfortunately, after two negative interactions, we've decided not to return. read more

Arta, owner and manager, is a welding dynamo whose customer-pleasing service and personal care for her patrons is outstanding. The ambiance is as comforting as the food and drink. Located in tandem with Third Place Books, it's a perfect spot to relax, rest, do social media or just browse. As a visitor to Seattle, Cafe Arta, especially Arta herself, has been one of the unexpected high points of my visit. Both are enough to entice me to a future visit. read more

Cafe Arta & Pub at Third Place - Welcome to Cafe Arta! - Greek Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This is a homey cafe with delicious food, coffee, wine, and beer. I can't say enough good about it. I have never experienced any arrogance from any of the servers, in spite of what another reviewer wrote. In fact, they are lovely people and I'm grateful I get to see them when I come here. They remember all of their regulars and what their regulars order. The owners are hilarious, warm, and friendly. They are more like people from the East Coast than the West Coast, and perhaps some people from Seattle and similar areas aren't accustomed to those who are direct, honest, and vibrant. But I love it. It's so fun to sit and talk with them. Another reviewer complained about having to move because he was sitting at a table and hadn't purchased anything. He stated there was no sign indicating that you needed to make a purchase. That's not true. There are big signs. The café survives through serving food and drinks. If people do not purchase food or drinks and take a table, they won't be able to stay there. There's nothing unreasonable about that. You wouldn't walk into a restaurant, take a table, and expect to stay. Though the café shares a building with third place books, it is not an extension of the bookstore. It is a separate business. But there is no better place to bring a new book, have a wonderful cup of coffee, and enjoy the atmosphere. Please do yourself a favor: try out this cafe. You'll discover a home away from home. read more

All of my interactions with the servers here have left me feeling disrespected and not welcomed. I cannot recommend this cafe and at this point I do not intend to return. Third place books is a wonderful business, with helpful and respectful employees, and they have created a beautifully welcoming community and environment. I cannot say the same for the cafe. read more

Great food, super friendly owners and the space had a cozy vibe. Cafe Arta and the pub downstairs is a great spot to get together.

Cafe Arta and the the connected pub downstairs is one of my favorites spots in the area. The staff and owner are amazing and the food is amazing. Pub downstairs has a friendly vibe and the steak is damn good read more

Just read the review from Lee A and am a little shocked. Couldn't disagree more. First of all, I am so over people who exaggerate bad reviews with total disregard for the consequences. We should be doing everything we can to support small business and choosing to leave sweeping statements that are factually vague helps no one. Cafe Arta is amazing. The food is thoughtful and made with love. The staff is busy and direct but efficient and kind. Yes - they do require that you order off the menu to sit in the main dining area. This is how they pay the rent and this is how they feed their families. They offer a nice cafeteria section for customers who want a coffee and/or something from the bakery. Bottom line is this place is a gem and we are so lucky to have it in Ravenna. I have been coming here since it opened seven years ago and have never had a negative experience. read more

Excellent food- freshly made, rich in flavor and decent size. good service and lovely ambience (especially in the garden area).

A convenient cafe co-located with a bookstore makes a book perusing / brunch experience enjoyable. The food is tasty and plentiful. I had a steak sandwich and soup and my guest had chicken. Both were filling and we had to take half home. The owner was friendly and came over to make sure we were satisfied. read more

This is an AMAZING place! Best biscuits and gravy in Seattle that I've found so far. Phenomenal service too - Viktoriia was our server and was over the top nice and attentive. The owner (didn't catch her name) also stopped by to check on us. THIS is service done right. Can't wait to come back soon!! read more

Stopped by for a quick brunch! The breakfast pita was alright, a little heavier than what I had anticipated but overall decent. I felt the price was a bit high for what I got, but service was quick and friendly. Cafe Arta is inside Third Place Books, which adds a nice ambiance. I think I'd stop by if I wanted a bite to eat after browsing the bookstore, but I'd probably not go out of my way to come here. read more

Cafe Arta & Pub at Third Place - breakfast pita - Greek Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Finally stumbled across a place that has an enclosed play area for toddlers where you can sit and have your meal directly facing it. Relaxing option for parents! The owner is very friendly. They have full service brunch, inside a bookstore. Magic. Menu includes yummy middle Eastern options like meze plate, plus American classics. read more

Cafe Arta & Pub at Third Place - Kids play area with seating around it - Greek Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I ordered a latte and sat at a table then one of the employees a blonde woman curtly told me I need to pay before I leave the cashier area like I was trying to dine and dash. I told her I already paid and showed her my receipt but she didn't apologize to me for the mistake but just left. I just find this incredibly rude and arrogant behavior and won't be coming back. I really have no idea why businesses treat their customers like the enemy when I didn't even do anything wrong. read more

Extremely rude waiter. I was left reeling honestly. Very odd experience. Will obviously never come back.

The food and the service were just perfect. We had an amazing time. Thank you Cafe Arta for making our night so much fun. read more

This place is super inclusive, delicious food, and has a very homey vibe. The beers were fairly placed and they had a great selection. read more

Cafe Arta & Pub at Third Place - Greek Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Went here once for a book club. Owner was very rude to us, saying we should have called ahead first (cafe was empty). When we all sat down, server told us that we all were required to order something (I have never seen that at a restaurant before) even though the majority of us were ordering coffees, pastries, food. Owner/server came back again twice to reprimand and scold us that we hadn't called them ahead of time (again, restaurant was empty and could easily accommodate a group of 12). Super uncomfortable. Our same book club wanted to go to this restaurant again for book club, but had learned from past mistakes and called ahead first. Owner said we could only go if we ordered $30 worth of food EACH. Not even one of us was allowed to order a pastry and coffee. She even said she would make us leave without serving us if we didn't make our $30/person minimum when we ordered. This is insane! I understand that a restaurant needs to make money, but putting a minimum charge in a group (in a bookstore!) on a Sunday morning leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. Will not be returning as we are clearly not wanted there. read more

I've been coming here for years and have had bad experiences only recently. Today I ordered a latte and double checked my ask for decaf and oatmilk with the barista since I have a dairy allergy (the cashier was on the phone and didn't confirm or repeat my order back to me). The last time I was here they accidentally gave me normal milk (luckily I could tell so didn't drink it) so I wanted to give them another chance since it's on my way to work and such a cute place. When I confirmed the order with a smile, I got the rudest stink eye from the older blonde woman and a "Yeah I got it." I hate double checking due to allergies and it's already embarrassing but I'm trying not to die! When it was ready, the outside had coffee spilled all over it and even though I only asked for a little vanilla the coffee was undrinkable- honestly, it tasted like 3 pumps. Not sure if it was done on purpose due to her annoyance since I asked for only a little but I had to throw out. Won't be back! read more

This place is incredible! Food is spectacular and comes out in a timely manner. The service was amazing as well, our server was very sweet and her recommendations were delicious! Definitely try the chicken sandwich special, I have been thinking about it ever since! Cute atmosphere, and you can browse books before or after dinner! read more