Located just steps from Pike Place Market in Seattle, Wash., Conversation is the new signature restaurant at the Thompson Seattle hotel and features a design that strives to create moments of connection.
“Our goal is to create a space that encourages our guests to disconnect from their screens and reconnect with family and friends over thought-provoking and inspiring cuisine,” says Thompson Seattle General Manager Amanda Parsons.
Designed by Chicago-based Rebel House Design, Conversation features a modern finer dining aesthetic, with a mix of mid-century modern and contemporary minimalism.
By pairing vintage pieces and bespoke furnishings, Conversation offers an upscale residential ambiance that provides an intimate setting for the dining experience. Conversation employs a diverse selection of furniture from various time periods. Dining chairs designed by George Nakashima, who spent time in the 1940s making furniture and teaching woodworking in Seattle, are complemented by matte black velvet curved sofas inspired by the 1970s style of Vladimir Kagan, imbuing a warm yet timeless appeal.
Wild, local foliage throughout provides earthy pops of color from the concrete, dark steel, and black walnut structures, integrating life into the revamped space. Bright brass accents in the form of chandeliers, warm sculptural leather lounge chairs and sage mohair banquettes lend luster to the natural rawness of the interior and add to the residential feel of the space.
Additional design features include an elegant tiled bar space, a twist on the subway tile trend. These glazed black terracotta zellige tiles provide nuances of drying ink and are handmade in Morocco, where artisans have been making individually chiseled geometric tiles set in a plaster base since the 10th century.
At the center of the restaurant is a double-sided fireplace clad in custom fluted, warm walnut paneling and surrounded by cozy chairs and sofas, creating a warm, inviting setting for human connection.
Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, Conversation is helmed by Executive Chef Derek Simcik and Executive Pastry Chef Kate Sigel and features a menu that showcases a mix of classic and modern preparation and cooking techniques as well as regional favorites.