Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Le Caviste – Seattle
Le Caviste - Seattle
Photo from Le Caviste
Le Caviste at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 66 of the guests
#164 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#18 Bar & Pub out of 78 in Seattle
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
601
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Wine selection
- Knowledgeable staff
- Lively atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Snobby service
- Loud environment
- Payment limitations
The bar and pub, Le Caviste, invites you to discover a truly unique experience in Seattle’s vibrant Central Business District. You’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere that is at once upscale, cozy, casual, and trendy.
This spot is particularly celebrated for its great wine list, offering a curated selection that promises to impress. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening or a lively gathering, Le Caviste provides a welcoming setting for you.
Overview: Introducting Le Caviste
Le Caviste offers a charming experience, particularly noted for its thoughtful selection of French wines and accompanying small plates. Many appreciate the personable service and the lively, authentic atmosphere that transports you to a Parisian wine bar.
It’s a place where the details, from the curated wine list to the food pairings, are clearly considered. However, it’s worth noting that the experience isn’t without its quirks.
Some guests have encountered occasional snobby wait staff or found the environment quite loud during happy hour. While the overall vibe is often praised, these aspects can sometimes detract from an otherwise enjoyable visit.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
601
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
67
negative
23
neutral
511
positive
Le Caviste earns a solid overall score of 8.3, indicating a good dining experience, complemented by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 85%. These figures are drawn from a substantial 601 customer remarks, with 511 positive observations outweighing 67 negative ones, painting a generally favorable picture.
Digging deeper, the Food (8.8) stands out as a particular strength, with many praising the thoughtful pairings and quality. The Ambience (8.2) also scores well, contributing to its unique character.
Service (7.9) is rated good, though some comments suggest occasional inconsistencies. Value (6.9) is considered average, reflecting a balanced view on pricing.
What people like
- Outstanding wine selection
- Knowledgeable staff
- Lively Parisian atmosphere
What people don't like
- Occasional snobby service
- Loud during happy hour
- No American Express
Le Caviste is a compelling choice for those seeking an authentic French wine bar experience with well-curated selections and a vibrant atmosphere. With a strong recommendation score of 8.4, it’s clear many find it a worthwhile destination, especially for its food and wine offerings.
If you appreciate a lively setting and don’t mind a potentially bustling environment or occasional service quirks, Le Caviste is certainly worth a visit. It shines as a spot for a relaxed evening focused on good wine and conversation, provided you manage expectations regarding noise levels and payment options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Le Caviste
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an impressive 8.8 score and an excellent 91.9% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are loving whats on their plates. Out of 285 comments, a whopping 262 rave about the delicious French cuisine, especially the amazing charcuterie boards, Steak Tartare, and the quality of ingredients.
You'll find plenty of delicious food and wine pairings here! However, a few of the 11 negative remarks point out some areas for improvement. Some guests noted a lack of vegan food options, and a few found the bread to be a bit hard.
There were also mentions of the online menu not always matching the actual food offerings, which can be a little disappointing if you have your heart set on something specific.
Food
285
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
11
negative
12
neutral
262
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charcuterie boards shine
- French dishes delicious
- Ingredients are quality
What people don't like
- No vegan choices
- Menu can differ
- Bread can be hard
Often praised
- foodIt's an excellent spot for French food and wine. The energy of the wine bar is incredible, with people genuinely talking and enjoying the great array of wine paired with some delicious food. It's a great spot for a 2nd or 3rd date!
- wineIt's an excellent spot for French food and wine. The energy of the wine bar is incredible, with people genuinely talking and enjoying the great array of wine paired with some delicious food. It's a great spot for a 2nd or 3rd date!
- wine selectionThe quality and selection of wine are outstanding, and the staff are truly well-versed in their craft. The food, while not extensive, features a menu where every piece has been properly thought out to accompany the excellent wine selection. I would recommend this place for a glass or bottle of wine for 1-2 people.
- winesfilled with interesting wines
- French wineFabulous wine and outstanding French culinary delicacies
- French winesIn a country where fast food is widespread, what a pleasure it is to discover this place run by a Swede, David, who does his job to perfection. We enjoyed French wines of quality and various platters. We tried the cheese and the fish platters, which were excellent.
- breadthe slices of baguette and country style French bread was truly the closest to actual French bread that I've ever had in the USA
- charcuterieMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the amazing French wine, cheese, and charcuterie. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and happy.
- cheeseMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the amazing French wine, cheese, and charcuterie. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and happy.
- wine selectionsWe loved this place for a romantic dinner. There were excellent wine selections, from whites, reds, desserts, and simple, yet complimentary dishes and very rich cheeses to pair with. The atmosphere felt cozy, and nicely lit for a subtle candlelit environment.
Frequently criticized
- ChablisChablis she recommended was indeed flat on the nose
- aromatic whiteAll whites are aromatic. All whites have a bouquet.
- breadThe vibes and service were amazing, and I absolutely loved my glass of Rose! While the bread was a bit hard, the overall experience was great.
- bread basketI told him "You can order the olives". I told him I'll take an order of olives but asked him for a bread basket, and he said "Yes..you can have bread but I only have butter....no olive oil."
- foodthe food wasn't worth going back to due to the service
- food and wineCheap Costco cheese and wine with attitude, not worth it
- french winesthese “french” wines they serve and allegedly get from France are mediocre at best
- online menuthe online menu showed pics of steak tartare being boasted as their specialty, and I zeroed in on the pic of the grilled asparagus but neither item was on their actual menu
- vegan food optionswhat vegan food options were available and he laughed and said, "None, this is a French restaurant!"
- wineProbably not for the wine
If youre a fan of French small plates, charcuterie, and high-quality ingredients, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that vegan options are limited, and its a good idea to check the in-house menu for the most current offerings.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at 75.9%, its clear that most folks leave feeling well-cared for. Many rave about the friendly and knowledgeable staff, the warm hospitality, and the attentive owners who often provide great recommendations.
Based on 132 positive remarks out of 174 total, it seems the team truly makes an effort to ensure a pleasant experience. However, its not always sunshine and roses. A smaller but noticeable number of 38 negative comments point to instances of rude indifference, arrogance, and even pretentiousness from some staff members.
A few experiences mention a lackadaisical approach or feeling disrespected, suggesting that while the service is often good, there can be some inconsistencies that might leave you feeling less than special.
Service
174
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
38
negative
4
neutral
132
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Knowledgeable staff
- Friendly, attentive service
- Owners' hospitality
What people don't like
- Rude indifference
- Staff arrogance
- Lackluster service
Often praised
- staffMy experience at this absolutely stunning little spot along 7th was exceptional. The quality and selection of wine are outstanding, and the staff are truly well-versed in their craft. The food, while not extensive, features a menu where every piece has been properly thought out to accompany the excellent wine selection.
- serviceA friend recommended it, and she was spot on. The place has a great vibe, an amazing selection of French wines, and personable service. My friend and I sat at the bar and had a wonderful time.
- serversThe house bubbly was good, and the wild foraged mushrooms were lovely. The servers were lovely, though they can get a bit busy, so it's advisable to order when you have the chance. I'm definitely coming back and looking forward to it.
- ownersI've been coming here for years, and have never had anything less than a wonderful experience. The two owners are phenomenal, excelling in personality, service, knowledge, and recommendations. I'm not sure I've ever chosen my own wine here; I always go with their recommendation, and not only have I never had a bad glass, I've never had a mediocre or fine glass – it's always perfect.
- recommendationsMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. The menu can be intimidating if you're not very knowledgeable about wine and cheese, but our server, Harrison, made us feel very comfortable and offered great recommendations. He mentioned it was his first night, which was surprising as he seemed like a seasoned professional.
- ServiceThe menu is presented on a chalk board, and they offer great suggestions, so don't hesitate to ask. Service is fast, making it a popular spot, though finding a seat on weekends can be challenging. I particularly loved their mushroom dish.
- ownerowner is almost always on hand, but always friendly
- wait staffthe wait staff is so helpful in understanding wines
- DavidDavid was charming and funny
- peoplelovely people
Frequently criticized
- serviceI would have more to say if I had interacted with any of the staff for more than two minutes. It was disappointing to see other patrons receiving much warmer service, leaving me feeling as if they were upset we chose to visit their establishment. Overall, the wine was great, but I left feeling disrespected, as if I was intruding rather than having paid for a service that was lackluster.
- menuIt's a great spot for a 2nd or 3rd date! One piece of feedback is to try to get a seat away from the far wall, as it’s hard to read the menu which is up on the wall.
- staffI could barely get a word in to ask a question before the lady left in a hurry
- wait staffthe wait staff were very knowledgeable but honestly - very snobby
- arroganceand his arrogance towards vegan diners
- checkTook another while for them to come back for the payments
- disrespectedleft feeling disrespected
- grouchy ownerbut the grouchy owner himself
- incredulous lookthe incredulous look they all turned to give me
- knowledgeable folkslooking for knowledgeable folks who can recommend wines go somewhere else.
If you're looking for a place with generally warm, knowledgeable, and attentive service, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few experiences suggest there might be an occasional off-day or a less-than-friendly encounter, but the positives heavily outweigh the negatives.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.2 and leaving customers feeling good with 85.5% satisfaction. Many of the 100 positive remarks rave about the Parisian vibes, cozy and intimate atmosphere, making it a fantastic date night spot with lovely outside seating options. However, it's not without its quirks, as 12 negative comments point out.
Some find the atmosphere inside can get loud, especially during happy hour, and the tight quarters might not be ideal for groups larger than four, with some seating outside feeling awkward.
Ambience
117
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
12
negative
5
neutral
100
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate date spot
- Cozy Parisian vibe
- Great outside seating
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Tight seating
- Not for groups
Often praised
- atmosphereI enjoyed the amazing wines and the good service. The lively atmosphere made for a great time. This place was recommended in the „Where Chefs Eat“ book, and that recommendation is totally deserved ☺️.
- wine barIt's an excellent spot for French food and wine. The energy of the wine bar is incredible, with people genuinely talking and enjoying the great array of wine paired with some delicious food. It's a great spot for a 2nd or 3rd date!
- ambiancesuper cute and romantic. Dimly lit with lots of lights and analog menu system gives this spot an old school charm
- AtmosphereService, Atmosphere, and Food all received a perfect 5/5 rating
- placeThis is a small, cozy place that has been open for over 10 years. Be aware that it gets VERY VERY VERY loud during happy hour, especially on a Friday, as it's located in the heart of Amazon country.
- spaceWe're lucky to have such a great wine bar in Seattle. The long-time wine industry Francophiles running this scrappy little space keep a fantastic and always evolving list of by-the-glass pours and fair-priced bottles. The list is carefully curated to go with the menu of mostly shared charcuterie boards - which are amazing.
- date night spotThe atmosphere was bustling and lively, making it a fantastic spot. It's probably the best date night spot in Seattle, but I also enjoy dining here solo.
- experiencenever had anything less than a wonderful experience
- Parisian vibesThe atmosphere transported me with its Parisian vibes
- ambiencegreat ambience for a date night
Frequently criticized
- atmosphere insideThe atmosphere inside is loud
- buzzkillhad a flair of arrogance that was a total buzzkill
- energyadded to the off putting and unwelcome energy
- groupsWould not suggest for groups larger than 4
- happy hourThis is a small, cozy place that has been open for over 10 years. Be aware that it gets VERY VERY VERY loud during happy hour, especially on a Friday, as it's located in the heart of Amazon country. For a quieter experience, it's best to visit after happy hour.
- noiseA bit noisy when it get crowded
- parkingOh well, we were cool anyways and just enjoyed our special dinner. Parking is tough as it is downtown, so plan accordingly.
- quartersTight quarters
- seatingTight seating but excellent service
- seating outsideseating outside is made awkward
If youre seeking a charming, intimate spot for a date or a cozy evening with a friend, this places authentic Parisian vibe is definitely worth experiencing. Just be mindful that it can get quite lively and loud, especially during peak hours, so it might not be the best choice for large groups or quiet conversations.
Value (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot lands in the average range with a 6.9 score. Many guests appreciate the affordable prices for both food and wines by the glass, often noting their bill was quite reasonable. With 17 positive remarks out of 25 total, customers frequently find the experience to be well-priced for the quality, especially for wine lovers.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a 68% mixed bag, indicating some areas for improvement. A few patrons found the wine price to be a bit steep, and a notable dealbreaker for some was the restaurant's policy on payment methods, specifically not accepting American Express. These 6 negative comments suggest that while many find good value, others feel certain aspects are overpriced or inconvenient.
Value
25
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Well-priced wines
- Economical for quality
What people don't like
- No American Express
- Wines can be pricey
Often praised
- priceI really enjoyed my experience at this restaurant. It's conveniently located and offers tasty food at an affordable price. The food and wine were great, and the recommended dish, Steak Tartare, was a highlight.
- pricesthe prices are good.
- Price per personPrice per person:$30–50
- affordable pricesaffordable prices
- billour bill was $33
- bottlesWe're lucky to have such a great wine bar in Seattle. The long-time wine industry Francophiles running this scrappy little space keep a fantastic and always evolving list of by-the-glass pours and fair-priced bottles. The list is carefully curated to go with the menu of mostly shared charcuterie boards - which are amazing.
- pricedAll very reasonably priced
- valueamazing wine in great price
- wines by the glassvery affordable wines by the glass
Frequently criticized
- American Expressthey DON'T accept American Express
- Amexput an Amex down, and the manager that took the check threw out the Amex
- Mastercardasked if they took Mastercard, and he looks at me and boomed :"what do you think?!"
- priceThe menu was entirely in French, and when I indicated I couldn't understand it and asked for an explanation, the waiter looked at me as if I were worthless. The food and wine, described as 'cheap Costco cheese and wine, ' did not justify the price, leading to a feeling of 'not worth it. '
- wine priceTriple the price you'd pay at Total Wine.
- winesWines overpriced but tasty.
If youre looking for generally reasonable prices, particularly for wine, this place is worth considering. Just be aware that some wines might feel a bit pricey, and definitely bring a different card if youre an American Express user.
How are the prices at Le Caviste?
On average, you’ll spend around 45 per person – from 66 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For a Bar & Pub, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, its quite a mix! While the average hits 45 $, a good number of folks are enjoying meals in the $21–$30 range, suggesting theres something for different budgets, from a quick drink and snack to a more substantial outing.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 66 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub’s value compares to similar spots in Seattle.
For a Bar & Pub in Seattle, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers options for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Le Caviste
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Cozy Wine Bar with Great Ambiance
My experience at this high-end wine bar was truly enjoyable. The ambiance was really nice, creating a cozy and intimate setting. I found the wine selection to be very good, and the quality of the wines was excellent.
While the space is small, it contributes to its charm. The food was also good, and the service was top-notch.
- ambiance10
- wine selection9
- wines9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Charming French Wine Bar Experience
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! A friend recommended it, and she was spot on. The place has a great vibe, an amazing selection of French wines, and personable service.
My friend and I sat at the bar and had a wonderful time. Our server, David, was charming and funny, and it was evident he loves what he does. I can't wait to return when I'm back in town.
Highly recommend!
- vibe10
- French wines10
- service10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
3
Arrogant Staff Ruined Neighborhood Spot
As a local, I was hoping this place serving wine and bites would become a go-to neighborhood spot. However, the pretentiousness from the staff, and what I believe was the owner, was a total buzzkill. The vibes were off, which is disappointing for a weeknight visit to a walkable joint.
I was particularly annoyed by the incredulous look I received when asking for my check after waiting nearly 40 minutes for service at 10 pm on a Wednesday. This isn't Paris; just serve good food, good vibes, and good service – it's simple.
- good food6
- good vibes6
- good service6
- pretentiousness2
- buzzkill2
- vibes3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Wine and Delicious Bites
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The wine selection is amazing, and the bites offered are incredibly delicious. I still dream about the olives and charcuterie.
The servers are exceptionally knowledgeable and always assist me in finding the perfect wine. Despite the wait for a table, it's well worth it, as they make you feel welcome with a glass of wine to enjoy while you wait. The overall atmosphere and the wine/food selection make every visit a treat.
- wine selection10
- bites9
- olives and charcuterie10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Experience with Incredible Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was all around amazing. The vibe inside was sooo good. David and Derik were incredible!
Such amazing food and drinks. The staff were all so welcoming and attentive. I loved my time and will definitely be coming back!
- vibe inside10
- amazing food10
- amazing drinks10
What Le Caviste offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options does Le Caviste offer?
Le Caviste provides an upscale, cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. You can choose between outdoor seating or dine-in, with comfortable table service available for your enjoyment.
What are the main offerings and highlights at Le Caviste?
Le Caviste is celebrated for its great wine list. You can also enjoy food at the bar, happy hour drinks, and a selection of other alcoholic beverages, ensuring a complete bar experience.
What is the overall verdict on Le Caviste?
Le Caviste holds a strong overall score of 8.3 with good customer satisfaction at 85%. Its Food (8.8) and Ambience (8.2) are particularly well-regarded, while Service (7.9) is also good. Value (6.9) is considered average.
Is Le Caviste a good spot for wine lovers?
Yes, Le Caviste is highly praised for its outstanding wine selection and knowledgeable staff who offer excellent recommendations, making it a prime destination for those seeking quality French wines and thoughtful pairings.
What should I know about the atmosphere at Le Caviste?
Le Caviste offers a lively, Parisian-inspired atmosphere, often described as romantic. However, it can get quite loud during happy hour, especially on Fridays, and seating can be tight, so plan accordingly for a quieter experience.