Le Pichet is simply put, the best French bistro in Seattle. Yes, I know it has stiff competition from Cafe Campagne and others. But James Drohman (formerly of Campagne) and Joanne Herron have created a masterful culinary establishment and we here in Seattle have the opportunity to partake of some of the finest bistro cooking you’ll find north of San Francisco.
Besides the extraordinary food, I just love the tone and atmosphere of the place. It’s calm and cozy, never rushed. The wait staff always treats you with good cheer. The only “problem” is that at 18 seats or so, it’s sometimes hard to get in. But now they’re open for lunch so you have a few extra opportunities to get in you didn’t have before.
The crying shame is that Seattle Zagat rates this place at a 23 I think. What an outrage! In my opinion, if you want to rate Rover‘s at 27 or 28, Le Pichet shouldn’t be very far behind. Yes, of course the two restaurants are attempting to do different versions of French food. But Le Pichet IS at a similar level in its particular category.
At our last meal, we enjoyed walnut crusted calf’s liver on bed of lentils, hangar steak on bed of cauliflower doused in tomato goat cheese sauce and almond-cherry ice cream. It was all simply heavenly.
A pretty good review of Le Pichet can be found at Gayot.com and you may read Nancy Leson’s excellent review here. The images are from the same Pacific NW Magazine article.
Le Pichet
1933 First Avenue
Seattle
256-1499
Okay, this is really funny. I’m reading through all of your food posts and it’s like we’re the same person. Ha ha! I love ALL these places that you’re reviewing. Keep up the good work!