Marmite Seattle Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Seattle, Washington, is celebrated for its dynamic culinary scene and iconic landmarks. Among its most notable culinary destinations was Marmite Seattle, a French bistro in the Capitol Hill neighborhood that seamlessly blended classic French techniques with the Pacific Northwest’s seasonal bounty. Founded by Bruce and Sara Naftaly—pioneers of Seattle’s farm-to-table movement—Marmite quickly became a beloved spot for locals and visitors seeking refined, French-inspired cuisine (Seattle Met).

Seattle’s architectural marvels, such as the world-renowned Space Needle, further enrich the city’s cultural landscape. Built for the 1962 Century 21 Exposition, the Space Needle remains a symbol of Seattle’s innovative spirit, offering panoramic city views and a gateway to nearby historical attractions (Space Needle Official).

This guide offers detailed insights for those planning to visit or learn more about Marmite Seattle’s legacy, as well as practical advice for experiencing the Space Needle and other nearby historical sites.

Contents

Origins and Founding Vision

Bruce and Sara Naftaly were instrumental in shaping Seattle’s culinary identity. Bruce’s journey began with Le Gourmand in 1985, a restaurant known for its focus on local ingredients and French culinary traditions. Sara, with her expertise in baking and hospitality, co-managed Sambar, a cocktail bar adjacent to Le Gourmand (Seattle Met; Seattle Weekly).

Establishment of Marmite

In 2016, the Naftalys opened Marmite in Chophouse Row, Capitol Hill, after the space became available with the departure of Chop Shop (Capitol Hill Seattle). The restaurant began with a take-out window in December 2016, expanding to offer brunch, lunch, and dinner service by early 2017. Sara managed the in-house cocktail lounge, Spirit in the Bottle, providing expertly crafted drinks (Wikipedia).

Marmite Seattle: Hours, Reservations, and Accessibility

Before closing in July 2023, Marmite operated as follows:

  • Lunch: Tuesday–Friday, 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
  • Brunch: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM–2:30 PM
  • Dinner: Tuesday–Saturday, 5:00 PM–9:30 PM

Reservations were strongly recommended, particularly for dinner. Walk-ins were sometimes accommodated for lunch and brunch. The restaurant was wheelchair accessible, with appropriate entrances and seating.

Marmite’s cuisine reflected a commitment to local, seasonal sourcing and French technique. Dishes like potage de légumes-racines (root vegetable soup), soupe de deux potirons (pumpkin soup), and Bouillon Farni de Légumes et Gnocchi aux Trois Saveur (vegetables and gnocchi in vegetable stock) exemplified this philosophy (Wikipedia). Sara’s freshly baked breads and desserts, along with Spirit in the Bottle’s curated cocktails, rounded out the dining experience.

The menu evolved over time, balancing sophistication with accessibility and reflecting customer feedback and seasonal changes (Seattle Weekly).

Visiting Marmite’s Former Site and Nearby Attractions

Although Marmite has closed, its former Chophouse Row location remains a vibrant culinary destination. Capitol Hill offers visitors a variety of restaurants, boutique shops, and attractions such as Volunteer Park, the Seattle Asian Art Museum, and easy access to public transit and parking.

Legacy and Closure

After six and a half years, Marmite closed in July 2023 with Bruce and Sara Naftaly’s retirement (Capitol Hill Seattle). The space is now home to Xom, a Vietnamese restaurant, continuing Chophouse Row’s reputation for innovative dining (Eater Seattle).


The Space Needle: History, Visiting Hours, and Tickets

History and Cultural Significance

The Space Needle, constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair, stands 605 feet tall and was once the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River. Designed to embody the era’s futuristic optimism, it remains an enduring symbol of Seattle’s spirit and ingenuity (Space Needle Official).

Visiting Hours and Ticketing Information

  • Typical Hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM daily (hours may vary by season or event; check the official site)
  • Ticket Options:
    • General Admission (observation deck access)
    • Combo Tickets (with Chihuly Garden and Glass, MoPOP, etc.)
    • Fast Lane (priority access to reduce wait times)
  • Pricing: Varies by age and ticket type; discounts for children, seniors, and military
  • Purchasing: Online advance purchase recommended, particularly during peak seasons

Accessibility and Amenities

The Space Needle is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators. Visitor amenities include a café, gift shop, restrooms, and designated photography spots for capturing the cityscape, Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains.


Nearby Seattle Historical Sites

  • Chihuly Garden and Glass: Adjacent to the Space Needle, featuring Dale Chihuly’s glass art installations.
  • Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Interactive exhibits on music, science fiction, and pop culture.
  • Seattle Center: The larger campus hosts gardens, fountains, theaters, and cultural events.
  • Pioneer Square: Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, rich in historic architecture, galleries, and underground tours.

Visitor Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and optimal lighting.
  • Reservations: Book tickets online to secure your preferred time slot.
  • Photography: Floor-to-ceiling glass panels offer excellent photo opportunities.
  • Weather: Seattle’s weather is variable—dress in layers and check forecasts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Marmite Seattle

  • Q: What were Marmite’s visiting hours?
    A: Lunch Tuesday–Friday, brunch weekends, dinner Tuesday–Saturday.
  • Q: Did Marmite accept reservations?
    A: Yes, especially recommended for dinner.
  • Q: Was Marmite accessible?
    A: Wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating were provided.
  • Q: Is Marmite still open?
    A: No, closed July 2023 due to the owners’ retirement.
  • Q: What replaced Marmite?
    A: Xom, a Vietnamese restaurant.

Space Needle

  • Q: Are there guided tours?
    A: No official tours, but nearby attractions offer combined experiences.
  • Q: Can I buy tickets on-site?
    A: Yes, but online pre-purchase is advised.
  • Q: Is the Space Needle family-friendly?
    A: Yes, with activities for all ages.
  • Q: Are pets allowed?
    A: Only service animals are permitted.

Visuals and Media Suggestions

To enrich your experience, include high-quality images of:

  • Marmite’s interior and dishes (e.g., “Marmite Seattle restaurant interior,” “Signature French cuisine at Marmite”)
  • Chophouse Row’s vibrant exterior
  • The Space Needle’s panoramic views and glass floor features

Maps of Capitol Hill and Seattle Center, along with virtual tour links, also provide valuable context.


Conclusion

Marmite Seattle was a beacon of culinary excellence, blending French tradition with Pacific Northwest flavors—a legacy that endures even after its closure. Its influence is felt throughout Seattle’s vibrant dining scene. Meanwhile, the Space Needle stands as an architectural and cultural icon, offering memorable experiences to visitors from around the globe. Together, they represent the best of Seattle’s innovation, creativity, and hospitality.

For the latest updates on Seattle’s food and travel scene, download the Audiala app and follow us on social media.


  • Marmite Seattle: Visiting Hours, Menu Highlights, and Culinary Legacy (Seattle Met)
  • A Capitol Hill Retirement: Marmite Will Close in Chophouse Row and Make Way for New Vietnamese Restaurant Xom (Capitol Hill Seattle)
  • Marmite (restaurant) (Wikipedia)
  • Exploring Seattle’s Marmite: A Unique Culinary Destination (Wanderlog)
  • Seattle Fine Dining Guide (Best in Hood)
  • Visiting the Space Needle: Hours, Tickets, and Seattle Historical Sites (Space Needle Official)
  • Seattle Historical Sites Guide (Seattle Parks)
  • Exploring the Seattle Space Needle: History, Visiting Hours, and Tips for Visitors (Space Needle Official)

Visit The Most Interesting Places In Seattle

1000 Second Avenue
1000 Second Avenue
1120 Denny Way
1120 Denny Way
1201 Third Avenue
1201 Third Avenue
1600 Seventh Avenue
1600 Seventh Avenue
5Th Avenue Theatre
5Th Avenue Theatre
7Th & Jackson
7Th & Jackson
970 Denny Way
970 Denny Way
Adjacent, Against, Upon
Adjacent, Against, Upon
Alaskan Way Viaduct
Alaskan Way Viaduct
Amazon Spheres
Amazon Spheres
Amazon Tower I
Amazon Tower I
|
  Andy'S Diner
| Andy'S Diner
|
  Angie'S Umbrella
| Angie'S Umbrella
Annapurna Cafe
Annapurna Cafe
Antioch University Seattle
Antioch University Seattle
Arthur Foss
Arthur Foss
Artusi
Artusi
Benaroya Hall
Benaroya Hall
Benson Hall
Benson Hall
Birthplace Of Seattle Monument
Birthplace Of Seattle Monument
Boeing Plant 2
Boeing Plant 2
Broken Obelisk
Broken Obelisk
Burke Museum Of Natural History And Culture
Burke Museum Of Natural History And Culture
Cal Anderson Park
Cal Anderson Park
Camlin Hotel
Camlin Hotel
Capitol Hill Branch Library
Capitol Hill Branch Library
Capitol Hill Mystery Soda Machine
Capitol Hill Mystery Soda Machine
Carl S. English, Jr., Botanical Gardens
Carl S. English, Jr., Botanical Gardens
|
  Cc'S
| Cc'S
Central Saloon
Central Saloon
Chief Of The Suquamish – Chief Seattle
Chief Of The Suquamish – Chief Seattle
Chief Seattle
Chief Seattle
Chris Cornell Memorial Statue
Chris Cornell Memorial Statue
Cirrus
Cirrus
City University Of Seattle
City University Of Seattle
Climate Pledge Arena
Climate Pledge Arena
Coast Guard Museum Northwest
Coast Guard Museum Northwest
Colman Dock
Colman Dock
Columbia Center
Columbia Center
Condon Hall
Condon Hall
Conibear Shellhouse
Conibear Shellhouse
Copacabana Restaurant
Copacabana Restaurant
Cuff Complex
Cuff Complex
Daybreak Star Cultural Center
Daybreak Star Cultural Center
Denny Hall
Denny Hall
Discovery Park
Discovery Park
Docusign Tower
Docusign Tower
Double Header
Double Header
Dr. Mark A. Matthews
Dr. Mark A. Matthews
Drumheller Fountain
Drumheller Fountain
Duwamish
Duwamish
Eagle
Eagle
Egyptian Theater
Egyptian Theater
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Fallen Firefighters Memorial
|
  Fat'S Chicken And Waffles
| Fat'S Chicken And Waffles
Federal Reserve Bank Building
Federal Reserve Bank Building
First Methodist Protestant Church Of Seattle
First Methodist Protestant Church Of Seattle
Freeway Park
Freeway Park
Frye Art Museum
Frye Art Museum
Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park
George Washington Memorial Bridge
George Washington Memorial Bridge
Grand Army Of The Republic Cemetery
Grand Army Of The Republic Cemetery
Gum Wall
Gum Wall
Harbor Island
Harbor Island
Harvard Exit Theatre
Harvard Exit Theatre
Hec Edmundson Pavilion
Hec Edmundson Pavilion
Henry Art Gallery
Henry Art Gallery
Henry M. Jackson
Henry M. Jackson
Henry M. Jackson Federal Building
Henry M. Jackson Federal Building
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Historic Chinatown Gate (Seattle)
Historic Chinatown Gate (Seattle)
Holy Names Academy
Holy Names Academy
Honeyhole Sandwiches
Honeyhole Sandwiches
Howe Street Stairs
Howe Street Stairs
Husky Stadium
Husky Stadium
International District / Chinatown
International District / Chinatown
Interurban Building
Interurban Building
Iron Horse
Iron Horse
|
  Jack'S Fish Spot
| Jack'S Fish Spot
Kenyon Hall
Kenyon Hall
King County Courthouse
King County Courthouse
Kobe Bell
Kobe Bell
Lady Rainier
Lady Rainier
Lake View Cemetery
Lake View Cemetery
Lake Washington Ship Canal
Lake Washington Ship Canal
|
  Living Computers: Museum + Labs
| Living Computers: Museum + Labs
Lotus (Motor Vessel)
Lotus (Motor Vessel)
Louisa Boren Park
Louisa Boren Park
Lumen Field
Lumen Field
Made In Usa
Made In Usa
Magnuson Park
Magnuson Park
Maíz
Maíz
Maneki
Maneki
Market Theatre
Market Theatre
Marmite
Marmite
Maynard Building
Maynard Building
Mccaw Hall
Mccaw Hall
Mcgraw Square
Mcgraw Square
Mckenzie (Seattle Apartment Building)
Mckenzie (Seattle Apartment Building)
Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium
|
  Merchant'S Cafe
| Merchant'S Cafe
Momiji
Momiji
Moore Theatre
Moore Theatre
Museum Of History & Industry
Museum Of History & Industry
Museum Of Pop Culture
Museum Of Pop Culture
Mutual Life Building
Mutual Life Building
Myrtle Edwards Park
Myrtle Edwards Park
National Nordic Museum
National Nordic Museum
Neukom Vivarium
Neukom Vivarium
Northwest African American Museum
Northwest African American Museum
Northwest Seaport
Northwest Seaport
Occidental Park
Occidental Park
Odegaard Undergraduate Library
Odegaard Undergraduate Library
Off The Rez
Off The Rez
Ok Hotel
Ok Hotel
Olympic Sculpture Park
Olympic Sculpture Park
Pacific Place
Pacific Place
Pacific Science Center
Pacific Science Center
Padelford Hall
Padelford Hall
Paramount Theatre
Paramount Theatre
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market
Pike Street Hill Climb
Pike Street Hill Climb
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square Pergola
Pioneer Square Pergola
Pioneer Square Totem Pole
Pioneer Square Totem Pole
Playhouse Theatre
Playhouse Theatre
Pony
Pony
Port Of Seattle
Port Of Seattle
Prefontaine Fountain
Prefontaine Fountain
Queen Anne Columbarium
Queen Anne Columbarium
Rainier Tower
Rainier Tower
Red Square
Red Square
Roy Vue
Roy Vue
Russell Investments Center
Russell Investments Center
Safeco Plaza
Safeco Plaza
Seattle Art Museum
Seattle Art Museum
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Seattle Center
Seattle Center
Seattle Central Library
Seattle Central Library
|
  Seattle Children'S
| Seattle Children'S
|
  Seattle Children'S Museum
| Seattle Children'S Museum
Seattle Cinerama
Seattle Cinerama
Seattle Convention Center
Seattle Convention Center
|
  Seattle Fishermen'S Memorial
| Seattle Fishermen'S Memorial
Seattle Opera
Seattle Opera
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Public Library
Seattle Public Library
Seattle Repertory Theatre
Seattle Repertory Theatre
Seattle University
Seattle University
Seattle Yacht Club
Seattle Yacht Club
|
  Sick'S Stadium
| Sick'S Stadium
Smith Tower
Smith Tower
|
  St. Mark'S Episcopal Cathedral
| St. Mark'S Episcopal Cathedral
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
State Route 99 Tunnel
State Route 99 Tunnel
Statue Of Leif Erikson
Statue Of Leif Erikson
Statue Of Liberty
Statue Of Liberty
Suzzallo Library
Suzzallo Library
Swedish Medical Center
Swedish Medical Center
Swiftsure
Swiftsure
Sylvan Grove Theater And Columns
Sylvan Grove Theater And Columns
T-Mobile Park
T-Mobile Park
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Seattle
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Seattle
Taku
Taku
The Crocodile
The Crocodile
The Electric Lady Studio Guitar
The Electric Lady Studio Guitar
The London Plane
The London Plane
The Mitt
The Mitt
The Penthouse
The Penthouse
|
  The People'S Wall
| The People'S Wall
The Triple Door
The Triple Door
The Wildrose
The Wildrose
Theodor Jacobsen Observatory
Theodor Jacobsen Observatory
Times Square Building
Times Square Building
Town Hall Seattle
Town Hall Seattle
Unicorn
Unicorn
Union Square
Union Square
Union Station
Union Station
United Confederate Veterans Memorial
United Confederate Veterans Memorial
United States Courthouse
United States Courthouse
University Of Washington
University Of Washington
University Of Washington Clean Energy Institute
University Of Washington Clean Energy Institute
University Of Washington Libraries
University Of Washington Libraries
University Of Washington Medical Center
University Of Washington Medical Center
University Of Washington Quad
University Of Washington Quad
University Unitarian Church
University Unitarian Church
Urban Garden
Urban Garden
U.S. Bank Center
U.S. Bank Center
Uw Tower
Uw Tower
Virginia V
Virginia V
Volunteer Park
Volunteer Park
Volunteer Park Conservatory
Volunteer Park Conservatory
Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Building
Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Building
Waterfall Garden Park
Waterfall Garden Park
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park
Westin Building
Westin Building
Westlake Center
Westlake Center
Westlake Park
Westlake Park
William H. Gates Hall
William H. Gates Hall
Wind Cradle
Wind Cradle
Wing Luke Museum Of The Asian Pacific American Experience
Wing Luke Museum Of The Asian Pacific American Experience
Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo
Zeitgeist Coffee
Zeitgeist Coffee
Zig Zag Café
Zig Zag Café