Ramie, a Vietnamese restaurant in Capitol Hill, is finishing its first year in business with positive reviews from the community.
Trinh Nguyen, who co-owns the establishment with her brother, Thai, expressed their joy at how well the restaurant has been received.
In an interview, Nguyen described the past year as a whirlwind, noting how swiftly time has passed since their opening.
The restaurant, which occupies a 3,055-square-foot space on 14th Avenue, was established in 2024 after Omega Ouzeri closed its doors.
The Nguyens aimed to introduce less common Vietnamese dishes to the local dining scene, focusing on using Pacific Northwest ingredients whenever possible.
Interestingly, Vuong shared that many Vietnamese patrons recognize names of traditional dishes but are often surprised by the unique preparation and presentation used at Ramie.
This shows the restaurant’s commitment to redefining perceptions of Vietnamese cuisine.
Nguyen highlighted Capitol Hill’s reputation as a progressive place to launch a restaurant, emphasizing its open-mindedness.
She stated, “If you want to do something that hasn’t been done yet, I think Capitol Hill would be the place to go.”
Since their grand opening, several menu items have gained popularity, such as the coffee rubbed ribs offered during happy hour and the yellowtail crudo, along with a selection of cocktails.
The menu has seen various rotations as the Nguyens gauge diners’ preferences.
Another aspect they have adjusted is portion sizes.
Initially, appetizers were served in smaller portions while dinner plates were sizable enough for family sharing, which is typical in Asian dining cultures.
Recognizing the prevailing dining trends, the Nguyens modified these portions to align better with contemporary expectations.
Recently, the restaurant introduced a four-course tasting menu aimed at guests who may be unfamiliar with the cuisine or its offerings.
Looking ahead, the Nguyens are focused on refining their culinary skills and enhancing the quality of service for their guests.
After celebrating their first anniversary, Nguyen mentioned that they are eager to move beyond the ‘rookie card’ stage and identify staple dishes that will define the restaurant’s character.
Additionally, they are working on refining their employee training and restaurant operations for improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Ramie is currently open from Wednesdays to Sundays and is located at 1529 14th Ave.
For more information, patrons are encouraged to visit ramieseattle.com.
image source from:capitolhillseattle