Vios Cafe & Market Place

Take one experienced restaurateur. Who became a Dad. And decided to open a place where his young son would be happy. It worked. Pony-walled play area for kids. Parents can keep on eye on their kids from the comfort of their tables. I think it's one of the happiest places in Seattle. The kids get good food and get to play. The parents get very tasty food and good wine. more

Vios goes really far out of their way to be kid friendly, including a big play area and plenty of kid-friendly food. Unfortunately the place doesn't have a lot to recommend it beyond that, as it's at best average and at worst mediocre food, and not by any means cheap. If you need somewhere that kids will be very happy and don't care much about the quality of the food, then by all means go for it. more

Found that it's best to come for lunch. Also best for toddlers as they have a nice play area. The food is ok, dinner is a bit pricey. Recommend getting your food first time around at counter as it can get busy. more

The manager insisted that we seat out infant (in her car seat) in an upside down high chair. We don't do this--it's extremely unsafe. He explained that it was their "policy" and that we could eat elsewhere if we didn't adhere to it. Needless to say, we ate elsewhere. If they want to keep their reputation as a kid-friendly restaurant, they should consider the safety of the kids. more

We have eaten here a couple of times for dinner and once for lunch. We have an infant and feel "safe" going here with him which is nice. We have had the greek salad, trio sampler, chicken souvlaki, braised greens (first time I wanted seconds for braised greens), meatball sandwich and gelato. All were good along with the bread and very delicious olive oil they serve as an appetizer for dinner. The only downside has been service which more seems like the kitchen being a bit disorganized. It took us almost an hour to get all our food one night for a party of four. more

Vios in North Capital hill has a great pit for kids and also has good food. I'm not so sure it's kid focused as much as it is a place that doesn't force parents to eat only cheese pizza and finger food. I like this place because you can select your wine off of their shelf and they'll cork it for you and you don't pay the typical 50-100% mark-up that most restaurants charge. The pit is in the corner of the restaurant and has toys and seating all around the outside so you can enjoy your meal while your little one plays. As far as food, I recommend the lamb chops and hummus plate. Very tasty. more

This place is a find! GREAT food, grown-up atmosphere and still kid-friendly. There is a gated play area in the back where your kids can play and you can sit by and have a civilized, leisurely meal. Food is Greek and really tasty. Owner is lovely and genuinely enjoys kids. Even if you don't have kids, it's a great night out. more

This place is an oasis of good food where your crazed children can be placed in what amounts to a huge pen. You can watch them with whatever level of interest or detachment suits your mood while you eat a really good lamb souvlaki. (Lactating mothers: remember to eat enough!!) Unlike the attitude fiends at My Coffee Shop, staff at Vios are pleasant to you. more

Amazing Mediterranean food. If you'd like to have some great Turkish food this Greek restaurant is the place to go :) The Musakka, Hummus, Chicken kebab... all great choices. more

I have given this place a couple of try's and I seem to be missing what a lot of other people see in this place. It's got a great location, prime to pull lots of business, and I think it found its niche in providing a kid friendly vibe. If you don't have any kids though, the prices are a bit high ($5 hummous plate for a dab and a quartered pita bread), and the service wasn't very pleasant, although maybe it was just a bad day. I wanted to like this place, I really did, but there really hasn't been any reason to give it a better review than this. more

Vios is a great place for a small group of people. The dinner menu has all of the greek staples, including an amazing moussaka. They also have a selection of salads and soup for lunch or those who want a smaller meal. They also serve Greek wine. Vios is also a good place to buy deli meats, olive oil or other imports. The atmosphere is great for a casual yet classy meal. Don't forget dessert, sweet baklava or gelato. more

Vios is a very child friendly restaurant in a quiet neighborhood. It has a play area for the kids so parents can dine and keep an eye on them. The food is excellent and the staff is very friendly. This is a good place for an afternoon snack with friends. They also have assorted Greek groceries for sale. more

I couldn't be more excited about Vios and as someone who eats out enough to be slightly jaded about eating out in Seattle, that's saying a lot. Vios is the reincarnation of a Greek restuarant that I think used to be on Broadway - Thomas the owner is wonderful and really involved in the whole experience. The space is comfortable, warm and simple, and they have breakfast, lunch and dinner, and sell olive oil, cheese and other gourmet yummies. If you come to eat, the food is simple and perfect from start to finish - hummus and baba gannoush that are fresh, delicious and exciting to eat, creative and satisfying side salads (like garbanzos with octopus or a simple perfect greek salad), soft, warm, slightly salty pita served with e.v. olive oil, and grilled meats that are to die for - especially the lamb and pork tenderloin. Desserts like rice pudding are simple and completely satisfying. And it's all reasonably priced, with lots of shareable plates. I ate at Union the night before for four times the price and was ten times happier at Vios, truly - it was wonderful. Also, if you have kids, Thomas has a five year old, and has created a restaurant with a play space for children. You can actually go out to eat with your kids and enjoy your meal with your kids in full view while you nosh. My sister was so thrilled. (And if you're looking for a quiet date night, it's possible to sit on the other side of the room and not be too disturbed by the three year olds...) Don't tell too many people - this place is so great it could get overrun. more

We love Vios. The seasoning is just right. It's the ultimate in kid friendly with a play area in the corner. You may want to watch the first episode of the PBS program "The Meaning of Food" to learn the sad/happy story behind this wonderful Capital Hill restaurant. more

A wonderful place for delicious Greek food for lunch or dinner--to eat in or take out. Well prepared and attractively served, the food takes one back to Greece with the first taste. The portions are substantial and it is easy to make a meal sharing several appetizers or salads. The main dishes are wonderful and the desserts, the perfect ending! Atmosphere is family friendly with a play area for little ones and a special menu for kids. Good place to meet friends for a chat while enjoying wonderful food. Easy parking in the Capitol Hill area. more

I have now had lunch and dinner at this fine dining spot and I recommend both! (you'll save a lot of money if you go at lunch- prices are 1/2). I think the environment sells this place and then the food surprises and delights. The owner has made it family friendly-with a spacious play area for kids and a changing table in the bathroom, not to mention photos of his son posted throughout the restaurant. The tzatiki is divine, the chicken schwarma sandwihc delish, zucchini cakes are a great appetizer and the desserts are very different and tasty. Lunch is order at the counter and find your own table, dinner you get seated and served. more

I couldn't be more excited about Vios, and as someone who eats out enough to be slightly jaded about eating out in Seattle, that's saying a lot. Vios is the reincarnation of a Greek restuarant that I think used to be on Broadway - Thomas the owner is wonderful and really involved in the whole experience. The space is comfortable, warm and simple, and they have breakfast, lunch and dinner, and also sell olive oil, cheese and other gourmet yummies inside the resturant. If you come to eat, the food is simple and perfect from start to finish - hummus, tzatziki and baba gannoush that somehow are fresh, delicious and exciting to eat; creative and satisfying side salads (like garbanzos with octopus or a simple perfect greek salad); soft, warm, slightly salty pita served with e.v. olive oil; and grilled meats that are to die for - especially the lamb and pork tenderloin. Desserts like rice pudding are simple and completely satisfying. And it's all reasonably priced, with lots of shareable plates. I ate at Union the night before at four times the price, and was ten times happier at Vios, truly - it was wonderful. Also, if you have kids, Thomas has a five year old, and has created a restaurant designed to meet the needs of food lovers with kids. You can actually go out to eat with your kids and enjoy your meal - your kids play in full view as you nosh (they also have a special kid menu - meat balls, mac & cheese, etc.). My sister was so thrilled. (And if you're looking for a quiet date night, it's possible to sit on the other side of the room and not be too disturbed by the three year olds...) It's important to note that I don't have kids - I go to this place for the incredible FOOD. Don't tell too many people - this place is so great it could get overrun. more