Marmite

SeattleUnited States of America 47° N · 122° W Verified Oct 2026

Seattle, Washington, is celebrated for its dynamic culinary scene and iconic landmarks that draw visitors from around the world.

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What Marmite Seattle Was

Marmite was a French bistro in Capitol Hill, Seattle, founded by Bruce and Sara Naftaly. It combined classic French techniques with seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients and became a destination for French-inspired cuisine (Seattle Met).

Marmite has closed. Its former location is in Chophouse Row, which remains a destination for dining; the space is now home to Xom, a Vietnamese restaurant. Nearby Capitol Hill offers restaurants, boutique shops, Volunteer Park, the Seattle Asian Art Museum, and access to public transit and parking.

The Space Needle, built for Seattle’s 1962 Century 21 Exposition, is another of the city’s major landmarks. It offers panoramic views and access to nearby attractions (Space Needle Official).

History

Marmite and the Naftalys

Bruce and Sara Naftaly helped shape Seattle’s culinary scene. Bruce began with Le Gourmand in 1985, a restaurant focused on local ingredients and French culinary traditions. Sara, who had expertise in baking and hospitality, co-managed Sambar, a cocktail bar adjacent to Le Gourmand (Seattle Met; Seattle Weekly).

In 2016, the Naftalys opened Marmite in Chophouse Row after Chop Shop departed and the space became available (Capitol Hill Seattle). Marmite began with a take-out window in December 2016 and expanded to brunch, lunch, and dinner service by early 2017. Sara managed its in-house cocktail lounge, Spirit in the Bottle (Wikipedia).

Marmite’s menu reflected a commitment to local, seasonal sourcing and French technique. Dishes included 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) (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 with the seasons and customer feedback, balancing sophistication with accessibility (Seattle Weekly).

After six and a half years, Marmite closed in July 2023 as Bruce and Sara Naftaly retired (Capitol Hill Seattle). Xom, a Vietnamese restaurant, now occupies the space (Eater Seattle).

The Space Needle

Constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle 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 a symbol of Seattle’s spirit and ingenuity (Space Needle Official).

What to See

At the Space Needle, visitors can take in views of the city, Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains. The observation deck has floor-to-ceiling glass panels and designated photography spots.

Marmite’s former location in Chophouse Row is a reminder of the restaurant’s place in Capitol Hill’s culinary scene. Its legacy lies in its French-inspired cooking, local and seasonal ingredients, and contribution to Seattle’s dining scene.

Practical Visiting Information

Marmite’s Former Hours and Access

Marmite is closed. Before closing in July 2023, its hours were:

  • Lunch Tuesday–Friday, 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
  • Brunch Saturday and 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 had wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating.

Space Needle Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

  • Typical hours 10:00 AM–8:00 PM daily; hours may vary by season or event. Check the official site.
  • Ticket options General Admission for observation deck access; combo tickets with attractions such as Chihuly Garden and Glass and MoPOP; and Fast Lane priority access to reduce wait times.
  • Pricing Varies by age and ticket type, with discounts for children, seniors, and military.
  • Purchasing Online advance purchase is recommended, particularly during peak seasons. Tickets can also be purchased on-site.
  • Accessibility and amenities The Space Needle is wheelchair accessible, with elevators. Visitor amenities include a café, gift shop, restrooms, and designated photography spots.

Visitor Tips

  • Visit the Space Needle early in the morning or late in the afternoon for fewer crowds and optimal lighting.
  • Book tickets online to secure a preferred time slot.
  • Seattle weather is variable, so dress in layers and check forecasts.

Nearby Places

  • Chihuly Garden and Glass Adjacent to the Space Needle, with Dale Chihuly’s glass art installations.
  • Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) Interactive exhibits on music, science fiction, and pop culture.
  • Seattle Center A larger campus with gardens, fountains, theaters, and cultural events.
  • Pioneer Square Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, known for historic architecture, galleries, and underground tours.
  • Capitol Hill The former Marmite site is in Chophouse Row. Nearby are restaurants, boutique shops, Volunteer Park, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Marmite Seattle

  • What were Marmite’s visiting hours? Before it closed, Marmite served lunch Tuesday–Friday, brunch on weekends, and dinner Tuesday–Saturday.
  • Did Marmite accept reservations? Yes. Reservations were especially recommended for dinner.
  • Was Marmite accessible? It had wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating.
  • Is Marmite still open? No. It closed in July 2023 when the owners retired.
  • What replaced Marmite? Xom, a Vietnamese restaurant.

Space Needle

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