Le Pichet

Recommends

Tom H.

Joined 8 months ago

Love the eggs with gruyer in the morning! Can't go here after dark, however, because I'm allergic to candle smoke.

Doesn't Recommend

Commish21

Joined 2 years ago

Classic French... Including arrogant waitstaff. Le Pichet had been recommended to us for a "Great" dinner on the eve of departing on an Alaskan Cruise. They were right with the atmosphere, (though a little warm with NO air circulation), and food (though some dishes came incomplete), however, the wait staff is not familiar with menu, bar offerings, or proper service technique, and easily flustered. The "bar" was set very high as we walked in, the maitre' de, Robert, was professional, warm, and gracious. but it didn't last long. Aloof, confused, and little or no "product knowledge" by waitstaff limit this Rating to 2 Stars.

Doesn't Recommend

luxilou

Joined 3 years ago

Bad food and worse service. Worst service I have ever had the misfortune to experience. My family and I visited Le Pichet last Saturday morning - it looked promising, they were not very busy, it was still early, and we had been there before BUT....It began with bitter coffee, espresso made correctly is NEVER bitter, The specials that the server offered us when we arrived were not available five minutes later when she took our order. I ordered the yogurt - what they gave me was disgusting - runny unset and according to the table next to us they were informed by their server that the yogurt was not being served that day because it did not setup. The server repeated our order to us when she took it - 25 minutes later when the order arrived one order of oeufs was missing - she pretended to not have a clue what happened - it was clear she did not have a clue.

Recommends

Lisa Kennelly

Joined 3 years ago

Classic French with a Northwest spark. The tile on the floor and chalkboard specials sing "French bistro", as do the crisply efficient but just-a-tad-snooty servers. But their seasonal menu and specials draw on the flavors of nearby Pike Place Market with fresh fish dishes and appetizers that highlight tastes like grilled sardines or cod rillettes. You can't go wrong with staples like a croque madame or the legendary 1 hour roast chicken to order, or the daily desserts like chocolate chaud with a separate saucer of freshly whipped cream. The wine list is extensive but affordable, with the option to order a glass, demi-pichet, pichet or bottle. It's one of the many components that makes Le Pichet the rare higher-end dining option that doesn't break the bank.

Recommends

Byron Gronseth

Joined 3 years ago

Authentic French cafe with accessible gourmet cuisine. As soon as I opened the door I knew I was in for a very unique experience. There was a certain air of pleasing, intimate authenticity that filled the cafe, especially with its French antique-inspired cafe furniture, lengthy wall mirrors and chalkboard menus. Past the small wooden tables, I found an open stool at the granite bar and was promptly greeted by a waitress with straw-colored hair and a kind smile, which perfectly emulated Manet's painting of "A Bar at the Folies-Bergère." The atmosphere alone was enough to spark my love affair with Le Pichet.

I ordered a caffé Americano and croissant, then watched as the barista expertly pulled manual espresso shots (by way of Caffé Vita), poured fresh chilled cream into a white porcelain creamer and laid the plump glazed pastry on a plate on the bar with a side of fresh jam. A steel-mouthed bowl of perfectly shaped sugar cubes rested to my side, and I was very pleased with the simple and prompt presentation of my order and the politeness of my barista.

With such a lovely first impression, I have since returned with friends and co-workers for Le Pichet's full lunch menu. The menu does change throughout the year, but there are a handful of entrees that seem to stick around. An accessible introduction to country-style french dining, you cannot go wrong with their simple but delicious baguette sandwich. You have a choice of different meats and cheeses, but I recommend the jambon cru (an air-cured country ham) with gruyére cheese baguette sandwich, which also comes with a mildly spicy dijon mustard for spread or dipping. The french bread is crisp to the bite and the ham and cheeses are distinctly fresh and tasty, making for a light and tasty lunchtime meal.

I would consider the Parisian ham & gruyére quiche to be one of Le Pichet's signature specialties at lunchtime, and what arrives at your table is very simply a towering triangular wedge of savory delight. The cheese and egg portion of the dish is extremely fluffy with every bite, and makes for a very light and fresh taste from start to finish. The different bits of vegetable and meat cooked inside add the right amount of complimentary flavors resulting in a clean, filling and deeply satisfying meal without feeling too heavy.

For a flavorful mix of lighter faire, pair a fresh cheese plate or a crisp salad with your baguette sandwich. Feeling under the weather or need a warm, comforting pick-me-up? Share your baguette and opt for the Lyon-style onion soup as your entree - it is deeply seasoned and flavorful without being too salty, topped with a generous portion of their delicious gruyére cheese, which I would venture to say is one of the best soups in the city.

It is for all of these reasons plus an admirable and diverse selection of wines, that I choose Le Pichet for my hands-down favorite neighborhood casual cafe and bar. Not only do you get a gourmet but still very accessible dining experience, but the authentic French country cafe atmosphere in the heart of downtown Seattle is near impossible to beat.

Recommends

Biff67

Joined 4 years ago

"No, we can't do that". My wife and I went to Le Pichet for the first time last night. While I don't have any food allergies, my wife is very allergic to diary. I know what you're saying, why go to a French restaurant if you have a dairy allergy? Because every time we do, the chef will alter one of the dishes to make it without dairy (and because I can eat whatever I want). It never fails. Until last night. Not only did they refuse to do any modification to any dish (except leave the cheese off a salad), the waitress had to go back and forth to the kitchen 4 times asking if certain dishes had diary in them. And we were informed that she's been there for years. The wait staff should know EVERYTHING about the dishes they are serving. On the bright side, the food was wonderful. I had the Chicken-pork sausage and it was sublime. So, go for the food, stay away if you're picky or have any kind of food allergy.

Recommends

bemswiler

Joined 4 years ago

Sweet, adorable, and very french. When you want a cozy little dinner with excellent food and friendly service, Le Pichet rarely disappoints. When you want the best roast chicken in Seattle and hot melt-in-your-mouth french onion soup, Le Pichet NEVER disappoints! Sure you have to wait sometimes (and there's really no where to sit), and if you're sat by the door on a cold day it gets pretty chilly.....but all that doesn't really matter. You've come for the best french food in the city and you're going to get it.

Recommends

phil1970

Joined 5 years ago

Good food grumpy service. I love this place for the Frenchy feel but that includes the snooty servers. Lunch is my favorite here especially outside in the summer.

Recommends

goodfoodforall2008

Joined 5 years ago

Who knew liver tasted so good?. YES, also love the chicken liver. Waiters can be a bit aloof though. Must be the french thing. Also try the salad with hazel nuts - a perfect balance.

Recommends

madamelush

Joined 6 years ago

Best Chicken I've Ever Had. A friend took me here on a 'date' a couple weeks ago, and the roasted chicken was AMAZING. Probably the best chicken I've ever tasted. I've been having cravings for it ever since. We were seated promptly (it was pretty empty on a Tuesday evening) and it was nice to not have people crowding us. I will definitely be coming back here again, just for that chicken!