Arleana's Restaurant - Restaurant in Kirkland - 312 Central Way, USA

Easily stole my Yelp heart, this might be a big statement, but I’d name this spot best find of 2023! (Probably will stay my best spot for 2024) Immediately impressed with ambiance upon walking in, immediately impressed with the live music they had, pleased that they prioritized our reservation, and over the moon about the mussels we ordered. Everything was flavorful, unique, and enticing- however if you like mussels - that for us stole the show highly recommend. The owner was out and about walking around, conversing with tables, and was beyond charming. In addition to this, we later saw a chef from the back come out to check on everyone being pleased. Amazing care and pride in the food, and it shows. The social aspect really made this a ten star experience, we are eager to return to try more, and drop in for brunch too. They check off every box that you would ever want in a restaurant, they are a good vibe, casual- yet elevated flavorful Caribbean food in a way you probably have not had before. Portions were fair, price was fair. Easily have won my husband and I over.

The service is great, I love the different options they provide in drinks (both alcoholic and NA). Their summer menu offered crab dishes which were delicious and tasty. The gumbo needed more spice, I recommend bringing your.own hot sauce to spice it up. The chicken dish was very bland and underseasoned. The curry mussels were heavily spiced which overpowered the dish. I wouldn't recommend them. The black cod was perfectly seasoned and had the right spice balance, the yucca root mash was sublime. I could have eaten that alone. The menu rotates seasonally, so I'd go back to see what else they offer.

Love the laid back, friendly, yet fun vibe. Service and staff were great, the warm smiles kicked away the cold weather gloomy mood. Highly recommend the curry mussels. The mussels were super fresh, juicy, and sweet, one of the bests I have had around PNW. The toast that came with the curry mussels had a slight sweetness around the toasted parts - turns out to be their special plantine butter! That slight sweet butter touch will make you asking for more to sweep up every last drop of the curry sauce. Happy to go back just for the mussels, and all to myself.

Outstanding food, delectable drinks, friendly service and fun ambiance! Came here for a double date and this place was perfect. There were so many good things to choose from we had a hard time deciding, but ultimately everything we ordered was delicious, so you can't really go wrong! Highly recommend the gumbo, lamb lollipops, and pork chops! Can't wait to try their brunch!

Loved this place both the food and service were great. If you are in a large group make a reservation. Get the beignets. I would say it lacks vegetarian options but my eggplant dish was both meatless and tasty.

Good food. The steak, crab sandwich, fried green tomatoes and beignets were fantastic. However, the gumbo was more gravy than gumbo, which was disappointing for my friend. I tasted her food, and both the texture and taste was too gravy like. The main issue was the acoustics in the restaurant and the service. I’d estimate that there was a normal level of restaurant chatter for a busy Friday night, but the acoustics took the sound to mosh pit, right next to the speakers levels. My ear drums hurt after dinner. The service was at times unnecessarily attentive and at other times MIA. Our waiter stopped by randomly to explain things on the menu in detail, but then went missing when we needed him. He also declined to offer any menu recommendations. We asked about non-alcoholic drinks and he very sarcastically said that we lost him at non-alcoholic. Overall, we enjoyed the food but would not recommend.

Great soul food restaurant owned by Theo. Come to Kirkland and enjoy the delicious food and warm hospitality. The design is intended to reimagine the woman for whom this establishment is named after, including the custom made wallpaper. It has the lamp that sat in her living room. Who doesn’t love a place that is named for Mom? Good parking. Clean and plentiful bathrooms. Open kitchen

Have been excited about this being on the Eastside as Island Soul has always been a favorite on Seattle side. Price point is definitely higher, especially the drinks, but they're plenty tasty and strong. Food had incredible flavors even for elements like the eggplant and the yucca mash