Meliora Brings Modern Appeal to Iconic Capitol Hill Location
Meliora is now open in the heart of Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. Located at the former site of the historic Canterbury Ale House, a cherished spot that holds dear memories for Seattle residents for the past 45 years, the New American inspired menu is centered on sustainability. A highly curated, complementary wine program focused on Pacific Northwest wines, Meliora aims to captivate the senses and provide a delicious, welcoming experience.
Photos Courtesy The Fonté Bar
“By breathing new life into this space, Meliora aims to honor the legacy of the Canterbury while creating a fresh and elevated neighborhood dining experience,” says Jeet Singh, director of operations for Meliora.
The menu is driven by Executive Chef Rhys Nunnelee, most recently of Queen Anne Beer Hall. Food takes center stage at Meliora with a philosophy centered around flavor. Thoughtfully crafted dishes showcase the finest, locally sourced ingredients, allowing the food itself to shine. Menu highlights include watermelon gazpacho, albacore, halibut, and burrata. The beverage program serves as the perfect supporting character, offering an array of carefully crafted drinks and wine selections to complement the kitchen’s culinary creations. For those seeking an extraordinary dining experience, Meliora has created a private lounge room called the Canterbury Room, in ode to the past. This private nook can seat up to 15 guests and will be a space for specialty cocktails and food only available there. Reservations are highly encouraged.
Spanning 5,000 square feet, Meliora features a spacious main dining area with original wood paneling sourced from a local barn, paying homage to the rich history of the building which first housed a tavern in 1976. The ambiance is further enhanced by the presence of the original stained glass and the iconic Canterbury Knight, which has stood guard since original ownership.
Furthering the juxtaposition between Meliora’s modern appeal and the building’s storied past, the restaurant boasts one-of-a-kind murals created by a local artist, Robert Williamson. “The central mural at Meliora is designed as a version of ‘The Enchanted Forest’. It draws together various design elements in the space – some old, like the Tudor styled stained glass, and some new, such as the large mammal taxidermy,” says Williamson. “It’s hoped that the piece sparks viewers to create their own imaginary story about where this all takes place.” The design concept effortlessly ties together the vibrant Pacific Northwest vibes with a touch of medieval influence, resulting in a contemporary minimalist aesthetic.
Meliora is located at 534 15th Ave E. Operating from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, Meliora also caters to the needs of late-night diners with a special menu offering. Ideal for group gatherings, a romantic dinner, or a celebration, Meliora offers a variety of open areas and cozy nooks for an unforgettable experience at any hour. Reservations can be made here.
Learn more at www.melioraseattle.com and @MelioraSeattle on Facebook and Instagram.