Mistral--CLOSED

11/23/2007 Posted by philol

I go to expensive restaurants all the time -- Herb Farm, El Goucho, etc. These are terrific restaurants and well worth the price. Mistrals is certainly not in that league and it does everything it can to hide the fact that it's priced in that league. No prices on the menu. No well drinks (can't make enough money off those). No menu options. My wife and I took another couple to this rip-off emporium to have a nice meal, thinking it might cost us a couple hundred. $650 later we realized we'd been had. There was no indication anywhere it would cost this much, until we received the bill.

Pros: None.

Cons: Worst value in Seattle.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful

10/25/2007 Posted by indoctrin8ed

I wasn't sure what I was in for, but after reading the positive reviews here I decided to give it a go. I've been to most every other high end restaurant in Seattle up till this point (including the infamous Lampria which was a disaster in my opinion). Everything was very nice, but for this kind of money ($425 per couple for seven course, two glasses of Champaign and the wine pairing), it wasn't quite a 5/5. Certainly amazing, but for this level, it really should be perfect and it just wasn't. If you spent $5,000 on a suit, you'd expect it to be perfect, wouldn't you? That's the league Mistal's operates in. Most wines on their list start at $300/bottle and go from there. The $100/person wine pairing was phenomenal - best in class and superbly matched to each of the courses. The pours were very small though, barely enough to get you through the corresponding course. With every single dish I felt am amazing explosion of flavors and contrasts. Just spectacular tasting. Best cuisine I've had in Seattle -- Iron Chef caliber. Where Mistral's falls short is their waitstaff is a little aloof (though not pretentious). They forgot to bring out the wine TWICE (I had to remind them). Two different waiters were helping, and I think the other thought the other had it covered, but left us with our beautifully prepared courses #3 and #5 getting cold. We dined on a Friday night and made reservations about noon - the best slot they could provide was a 5:30 time. By 7:30, the restaurant was half full at best. The chairs were uncomfortable, and this is an issue when you're sitting for 3 hours. The lighting could be getter; a more thougtful use of lumens with less overhead classroom-like lighting be an improvement. Still, this is worth trying just for the food. Amazing culinary experience. I am sad they could not get the rest of the experience to be in perfect alignment, otherwise this would easily compete at the world class level for fine dining.

Pros: Superb cuisine. Phenominal flavors and textures.

Cons: Service is almost great, and for $200-$300/person I expect perfection. Ambience so-so.

04/30/2007 Posted by vr22

My best friend and I love to eat. I mean, we really love our food. We visited Seattle for the weekend and were supposed to go to Lark when we came across Mistral in a magazine. The more we read about it, the more we were set on going. We had $500 to spend and good thing too b/c we spent every last penny. Was it worth it? You bet it was! The food was absolutely sublime. We has the 9 course meal and not one was a bummer. Oysters -- felt like a burst of the ocean when I bit into them. Never had oysters quite this fresh. Scallop in pea soup - A scallop that lept off the plate. Soup was a lovely accompaniment. Beet Risotto -- creamy and oh so good. Guinea Fowl - fresh as could be. The weakest of the lot but still yummy Foie Gois - If I could've slathered it on my body, I would've. Silk. Lamb Chop -- So tender. So supple. Could cut the chop with a butter knife. Cheese -- perfect Sorbet -- Cleansing and so fresh tasting. Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream - a perfect ending. We were hesitant about getting the wine pairing b/c it was pricey. But wow! These wines were so unique, so special and so perfectly paired with the food. Worth every penny to get it! The ONE drawback that I might comment on is that the place/atmosphere is a little too serious. I mean, I love my food probably more than most and want to concentrate on it but it almost eclipsed any joviality that should come with people going out on special occassion/for a big splurge. That comment withstanding, this place is truly fabulous. I will definitely drive back to Seattle from Portland just to go to this restaurant. Hopefully someone else will be paying!

Pros: SUPERLATIVE. The food here is king. The wines are outrageously good and worth the price.

Cons: Atmosphere a little too staid. Go and make your own fun while eating the best meal of your life

04/26/2007 Posted by bt1979

This is by far the best restaurant in Seattle. The food is always innovative and fresh. The service is always impeccable as well. I have been dining at Mistral for the past few years and the restaurant has yet to dissapoint. If you enjoy fining dining without pretense, this is place for you. This restaurant is on a different level than other "fine dining" establishments in Seattle. The love of food and wine is apparent in every aspect of the dining experience from the preparation of the meal to the service and pace of the experience. Having been to many great restaurants in larger cities, Mistral remains a favorite of mine and always a first choice for any special occassion.

Pros: Excellent wine list, fresh innovative food, best waitstaff in town

Cons: NONE!!!!!

03/07/2007 Posted by francoiscecile

Chef William Belickis is a creative genius! I just love how the menu reflects what’s fresh at the market. He blends seasonal Northwest cuisine with a masterful European touch. I have celebrated many special occasions at Mistral and am always amazed by the impeccable service. The staff is kind, the chef is humble, and the food is amazing. This is a wonderful fit for Seattle and I will return again for another amazing experience.

Pros: Chef's tasting menu is amazing and innovative.

02/25/2007 Posted by ntonya

I was taken to Mistrals for my birthday a few years ago and I can still remember each course I had and how much I enjoyed every moment there. It was probably the best meal I have had in seattle, period. The service is impeccable, but if youre looking for a loud, packed restaurant, this isnt it. When we went it was us and one other table. Its is gourmet, it is elegant and it is pricy! But so so worth it. I recommend this restaurant to anyone.

Pros: Food for Real Foodies, Service

Cons: Felt a little empty, a little pricy

01/15/2007 Posted by zerelina

We loved the entire experience from start to finish. We went on a Thursday night during the holiday season so they weren't really busy. We were promptly seated, the server did not assume we were novices/first time diners/regular customers and explained how the service would go. He asked us if we had any allergies or preferences on foods we did not eat. The courses were wonderfully presented, freshly prepared and most importantly exquisite tasting. It was our 10th anniversary so it made it particularly special to have such a lovely meal. The waiter was very knowlegeable particularly about the wine list and the chef was very present. We had been forewarned that this was an expensive meal so we weren't really surprised by the check, but in fact thought it was worth the price for the fabulous meal.

Pros: Food, service, knowledge of the wait staff

12/23/2006 Posted by truecook

Excellent and intellectual cooking techniques combined with the highest quality ingredients used.....impeccable plate presentation. An evening and money very well spent. Be prepared for 7-8 courses, their delivery carefully well-timed. The chef is as passionate and present as a chef/owner can be. Fabulous, high-creative cuisine to be thoroughly enjoyed and marvelled at here.

10/01/2006 Posted by agrealis

We went here last night for the first time for our anniversary and I had very high expectations. I was surprised to find that I was extremely impressed with the food, wait staff, music, ambience of the restaurant, everything. Absolutely perfect dining experience from start to finish. Each one of the 8 dishes served were amazing making this a truly a great dining experience. The wait staff are extremely professional and friendly. Everything you would expect and more from this type of restaurant. All my expectations for a great restaurant were exceeded. Highly recommended.

Pros: The absolute best of the best

Cons: Can be expensive but well worth it

06/01/2006 Posted by otisbread1

Mistral was the climax of our food experience in Seattle. Service was excellent, dinner wasn't rushed and the portion sizes were just the right size as to not overwhelm my stomach over the seven courses. Do come hungry as you will be fed a lot over a long evening, but the experience was what I hoped it would be after doing extensive research on Seattle restaurants. I was also impressed with their ability to accomodiate food allergies. Perhaps the dishes weren't as inventive, but they didn't become snotty after we told the staff about all the foods my husband cannot eat. Ambiance wasn't great. Their had been smoke in the kitchen which was lingering as we walked in and the walls cleary needed a paint job. For all the money they are pulling in with the hefty menu prices, you'd think they could clean up the place!

Pros: Service, Food

Cons: Ambiance