Maximilien in the Market
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: (206) 682-7270
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- First Avenue
- Best of Citysearch:
- Romantic Bar 2007
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-10pm
Message from Maximilien in the Market
A true taste of France with no attitude
- Prestigious Chefs
- Romantic and Charming
- Panoramic Views
Paid advertisement by Maximilien in the Market.
Editorial Review for Maximilien in the Market – by Allison Austin
The Scene
Perfectly hidden in the nether regions of the Market, this two-story French bistro remains a romantic, well-kept secret. After 26 years of doting couples sipping wine while gazing at the view of Puget Sound, the space feels lived-in and refreshingly, well, old--a charming hint of culinary history in a town overwrought with too much new.
The Food
Not one but two escargots appetizers and an abundance of foie gras expose the menu for what it is--an ode to time-honored French fare. It's generally best to stick with the basics: a generous tenderloin topped with seared foie gras and sauced with armagnac-butter glaze; a deep soupe a l'oignon; duck confit with bacon. Many dishes are near perfection--try the coquilles St. Jacques or the monkfish in red wine sauce.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe wine list is appropriately French-centric, but never fear--service is both helpful and knowledgeable. Order a bottle of La Demoiselle de Sociando Mallet Bordeaux, $39.
When to GoStop in on the weekends for crepes, cafe au lait and more at brunch.
ParkingOn weekend nights, the valet drop-off is under the clock and neon sign. At other times, opt for the Pike Place garage at 1531 Western--the first hour is free.
Save MoneyHappy hour is Monday through Friday 5pm to 7pm and 8pm to 10pm.
User Reviews for Maximilien in the Market
01/02/2008 Posted by jtripper22
We were so excited to see there was still seating available two weeks before New Years Eve. They advertised Cabaret Music by Rouge, and did they ever deliver. The menu was set, allowing for a choice generally between two plates per course and the whole dinner ran about $79 without drinks. In looking around at other possibilities, this was quite average. They had two seatings; one at 6pm one at 9pm. When we arrived for our 9pm reservation the waiting area was crammed with people - come on, it's New Years Eve, you have to expect that. Some of the older patrons dressed as if they were in Paris in the 1930's with nice jewelery and throwback hair. Fine dress isn't required, but if you're dining out downtown you should make it seem somewhat special, don't you think? The service was fantastic - I knew our waiter was busy and with live music, I could see how he might be close to a breakdown, but he was very measured with the run-through on the menu as well with checking back with us. The owner was a little on edge (as anyone who's ever worked in the business will know, that comes standard with big events). We started with a selection of delicious fresh oysters, and I moved onto the lobster bisque, while my girlfriend chose the duck confit. Nice to have a bisque that you could actually taste the lobster. The entrees were beef wellington and she had leg of pheasant. Both cooked to perfection. The bread is delicious, but be warned, the food is rich and you'll need room. Dessert was a yule...chocolate log...I forget exactly, but we split one and took the other home. It was good dessert, not great. Everything was great otherwise, especially the music with a singer dancing safely-provocatively, stealing a kiss here or there from gentlemen in the crowd, or singing like a bird for a moment tableside. I recommend it to anyone, but make reservations - it's not all that big of a place.
Pros: romantic setting with attentive service
Cons: downtown parking
05/21/2007 Posted by gohuskies
I made reservations here for a lunch after a graduation ceremony. We ended up being early and the greeter accommodated us by moving our reservation up even though we had a group of 7. He spoke french which was fun cause we had french speakers in the party (although our server was from Spain and didn't speak any french). We were seated downstairs and even though we weren't right on the window we had great views of the water. In addition, the food was outstanding. I sampled almost everyone in our party's meals and everything was fantastic! It was french food but using incredibly fresh pacific northwest ingredients. My husband had the coq au vin which was outstanding (and I've had it in France too!), my dad started with the assiette de saumon fume which I highly recommend, and I found, like other reviewers, the baguette with butter to start to be mouth watering! I wasn't super impressed with the clam chowder but in light of the perfection of everything else I feel guilty mentioning that. We had champagne to start and then a beautiful light white wine recommended by the waiter that perfected the meal. At the end, the waiter surprised the graduate by bringing out a delicious dessert (on the house) of profiteroles au chocolat with strawberries that was to die for in combination with our caffe lattes. Wow. Finish that off with a stroll around beautiful Pike's Place Market (needed after all those courses!) and you have a perfect afternoon! I anticipate this being a great place for a romantic evening as well and will be going back with just the hubby.
Pros: water views, fresh ingredients, terrific food, excellent service, warm atmosphere
Cons: small bathrooms

