Craving French food in Seattle? Like, really good French food? Butter, wine, maybe some steak frites that’ll make you forget the grey skies?
Yeah, Seattle’s got the French goods, from cozy neighborhood bistros to spots perfect for impressing a date (or just yourself).
But where do you find the crème de la crème without wading through tourist traps or stuffy dining rooms?
Quick Recommendations: Copine & Voila! Bistrot
Don’t worry, we sorted through the croissants and coq au vin for you. Here are 9 of the absolute best French restaurants in Seattle you need to know about. Bon appétit!
1. Copine
Okay, Copine. Tucked away in a quieter part of Ballard, this spot is a chill escape from the usual Seattle chaos.
Think exposed wood, concrete floors, maybe some classical music – low-key fancy vibes. It feels special without trying too hard.
They do elegant French-American using super fresh, local ingredients, and the menu changes weekly, so it’s always interesting.
Your best bet? The 3-course prix-fixe. Let them handle the decisions. Grab a glass of good wine and just relax.
What to order: 3 Course Prix Fixe (it changes, trust the process!)
Address: 6460 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Website | Instagram | Facebook
2. Voila! Bistrot
Want classic French comfort food in a super cute, intimate setting? Voila! is it. Tucked away in Madison Park, it feels like a real find.
They’ve got a charming patio, a great wine list, and food that just makes you happy.
The French Onion Soup? Legendary. Cheesy, brothy perfection. Warms your soul on a drizzly Seattle day.
Meat lovers: Get the Hanger Steak with shallot sauce or the rich Boeuf Bourguignon. Seriously satisfying.
What to order: French Onion Soup, Boeuf Bourguignon, Hanger Steak
Address: 2805 E Madison St, Seattle, WA 98112
Website | Instagram | Facebook
3. Le Coin
Le Coin brings modern French-American flair to Upper Fremont. It can get buzzing, but still feels intimate enough for a great date night.
They nail seasonal tasting menus and have solid happy hour deals. Plus, a patio!
Start with the Fresh Local Oysters – can’t go wrong. People rave about the Roasted Bone Marrow too.
For the main event, the Le Coin Steak (Washington Wagyu!) with that smooth potato puree? Chef’s kiss. So tender.
What to order: Le Coin Steak Washington Wagyu, Local Roasted Bone Marrow, Fresh Local Oysters
Address: 4201 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
Website | Instagram | Facebook
4. Le Pichet
Right near Pike Place, Le Pichet is like stepping into a small bistro in Paris. It’s got that rustic charm, limited tables (reservations = smart move!), and a cozy bar.
Their absolute MUST-TRY? The Roasted Chicken (Poulet Rôti). It takes about an hour because they cook it low and slow, and it’s worth every single minute. Seriously legendary.
Also great for a simple breakfast (housemade yogurt!) or lunch (killer Ham & Cheese sandwich).
What to order: Roasted Chicken (plan for the wait time!), Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Assiette de Charcuterie
Address: 1933 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Website | Instagram | Facebook
5. Le Caviste
Wine lovers, pay attention! Le Caviste feels like a true French “bistrot à vins” (wine bar). The focus here is squarely on awesome, artisanal French wines.
It’s cozy, unpretentious, and perfect for exploring wines by the glass or bottle.
Pair your sips with classic French bites like a beautiful Charcuterie Plate or perfectly cooked Poisson En Papillote (fish steamed in parchment).
What to order: Beaujolais Charcuterie Plate, Poisson en Papillote, ask for a wine recommendation!
Address: 1919 7th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
6. Cafe Campagne
Tucked into the charming Post Alley inside Pike Place Market, Cafe Campagne feels like a classic Parisian cafe. It’s been around since ’94 and is a total institution.
Perfect spot for people-watching and soaking in the market vibes.
Get the Paté de Campagne – it’s rustic, traditional, and delicious.
Their Boeuf Bourguignon (French beef stew) is soul-warming goodness, especially paired with some tangy goat cheese.
What to order: Paté de Campagne, Boeuf Bourguignon, French Onion Soup
Address: 1600 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
Website | Instagram | Facebook
7. L’Oursin
L’Oursin sits at that cool intersection of neighborhoods and brings a modern, Pacific Northwest sensibility to French bistro fare. Big focus on natural and biodynamic wines here.
The vibe is hip but welcoming. Try the St. Jacques (raw scallops, often with seasonal goodies like pickled ramps or rhubarb) for something bright and fresh.
Their Escargots, broiled in parsley-spinach butter, are garlicky, buttery perfection. Get extra bread for dipping!
What to order: St. Jacques (Scallops), Escargots, ask about their natural wine selection
Address: 1315 E Jefferson St, Seattle, WA 98122
Website | Instagram | Facebook
8. iconiq
French meets Japanese with killer views? That’s iconiq in Mount Baker. It’s upscale, unique, and those window seats are PRIME.
Their Filet Mignon gets a twist with Wasabi Herb Butter – sounds wild, tastes amazing. The wasabi adds a subtle kick without overpowering the tender beef.
Even the desserts get creative, like the Soy Sauce Ice Cream (trust us, it works!). Pair it all with something from their interesting wine list.
What to order: Filet Mignon With Wasabi Herb Butter, Scoop of Soy Sauce Ice Cream
Address: 1421 31st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
Website | Instagram | Facebook
9. Maximilien Restaurant
Perched right in Pike Place Market, Maximilien feels like a romantic escape to Paris, complete with stunning panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympics.
It’s got that old-world charm, perfect for a special occasion or impressing someone.
Their Soupe à L’oignon (French Onion Soup) is top-notch. Feeling decadent? The Plateau de Fruits de Mer (seafood tower) is perfect for sharing over bubbly.
What to order: Soupe à L’oignon, Plateau de Fruits de Mer, Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé
Address: 81A Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Alright Seattle, there you have it! 9 seriously good French spots ready to whisk you away (or at least, your tastebuds).
In case you change your mind about French food, try some of the best restaurants in Seattle.
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.