Le Pichet

"Le Pichet is just feet away from the market but it’s a destination all its own. Jim Drohman and Joanne Herron opened it in 2000 and built it into one of Seattle’s most treasured restaurants. Though they sold it to longtime employees in 2022, not much as changed: It’s still very French and the menu is still simple and rustic, a place to get chicken liver terrine and bittersweet chocolate melted on a baguette. For brunch, the goat cheese beignets are a sweet-savory treat; for dinner, the roast chicken for two is one of the classically romantic meals in town. But maybe the best thing about Le Pichet is it’s open all day every day but Monday (when it only does dinner service). It’s easy to drop in and hang out in the old-school space — “French” is not synonymous with “pretentious.”" - Harry Cheadle

"What’s more romantic than a dinner at this classic French bistro? How about having a roast chicken dinner for two? It can take up to an hour to roast the chicken, but that gives you time to work your way through some of Le Pichet’s wine list and charcuterie selections while staring into one another’s eyes and soaking up the vibes." - Jade Yamazaki Stewart, Harry Cheadle

"We all mourned the loss of Cafe Presse, but fortunately for us, a version of the classic French onion soup can still be had at Le Pichet — if you can snag a table or a seat at the zinc bar at this popular French bistro. With its Gratin Lyonnais, Le Pichet transports you to the Lyon region of France with a rich onion soup that warms the soul with caramelized onions, a dash of herbs, and the perfect topping of broiled Gruyère cheese." - Jenise Silva, Eater Staff

"You’re going to be tempted by the wine-tasting stands at the market, but do you really want to sample Columbia Valley reds while hoards of people looking for Chukar Cherries bump into you with their oversized backpacks? Get a bottle of Champagne and some fries at Le Pichet, and if you’re still hungry, order the roasted chicken that takes an hour to prepare. Better order more wine while you wait." - aimee rizzo

"Café Presse is the epitome of casual, unassuming French dining in Seattle, and its long hours (7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily) make it welcoming to all. Though firmly rooted on Capitol Hill, the cozy establishment has an endearing European vibe, particularly whenever a football match comes on TV (which seems to be quite often). The croque monsieur is a tasty, filling brunch item, but for an even more traditional French experience, the steak frites is served juicy, tender, and topped with a creamy walnut-garlic-parsley aillade." - Leonardo David Raymundo