Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » L’Oursin – Seattle
L'Oursin - Seattle
Photo from L’Oursin
L'Oursin at a glance
Seattle Central District
- đ„ French Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81â$90
mentioned by 90 of the guests
#666 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#3 French Restaurant out of 3 in Seattle
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
563
Reviews
61.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Bistro Vibe
- Kind Staff
- Signature Dishes
Frequently criticized
- Dish Inconsistency
- High Value
- Service Lapses
The restaurant L’Oursin, a distinguished French restaurant nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Central District, invites you to an unforgettable dining experience. Known for its truly great dessert, this upscale and romantic spot offers a cozy yet trendy atmosphere perfect for a special evening.
You’ll find yourself immersed in a culinary journey, enjoying exquisite French flavors and a sophisticated ambiance that makes every visit memorable.
Overview: Introducting L'Oursin
L’Oursin offers a taste of French bistro charm, with many guests appreciating the friendly and welcoming staff and the overall cozy atmosphere. While the food often receives praise for its deliciousness and carefully crafted drinks, some find certain dishes fall short of expectations.
However, the experience can be a mixed bag, particularly concerning value and service consistency. Some diners feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the quality, and there are instances where attention from the waitstaff could be improved, leading to frustration.
Good
6.7
out of 10
563
Reviews
61.5%
Satisfaction
169
negative
48
neutral
346
positive
L’Oursin garners a respectable overall score of 6.7, placing it in the good category, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 61.5%. This suggests that while many find the experience positive, a notable portion of diners have reservations.
These insights are drawn from 563 customer observations, with 346 positive remarks and 169 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Ambience (7.5) and Food (7) are clear strengths, often praised for creating an authentic atmosphere and delivering delicious dishes.
Service (6.7) also performs well, indicating generally attentive staff. However, Value (3.8) is where L’Oursin struggles, with many guests feeling the pricing doesn’t always align with the overall experience.
What people like
- Authentic Bistro Vibe
- Attentive, Kind Staff
- Delicious Signature Dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Dish Quality
- Questionable Value Proposition
- Service Lapses
L’Oursin presents a charming French dining experience, particularly if you appreciate a well-crafted atmosphere and generally good food. With a recommendation score of 6.9, it leans towards being a worthwhile visit, especially for those seeking specific French classics and a pleasant setting.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in dish execution and the overall value proposition, which some find challenging. If you prioritize ambience and specific menu items over strict budget adherence, L’Oursin could be a delightful choice for your next meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on L'Oursin
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners generally find a lot to love, with a 7 score indicating a good culinary experience. Many rave about the fine dining quality food and delicious dinner experiences, often highlighting favorites like chicken with morels, French onion soup, and escargots. Out of 359 comments, a solid 231 were positive, praising the well-prepared dishes and flavorful options.
However, the customer satisfaction is a more mixed bag at 64.3%, with 90 negative remarks pointing to some areas for improvement. Common concerns include small portion sizes for sharing plates, dishes being too salty, and tough steak or dry cassoulet. Some also found the tartare to have too much vinegar, suggesting a need for more balanced flavors.
Food
359
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
90
negative
38
neutral
231
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fine dining quality
- Delicious French classics
- Creative flavors
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent seasoning
- Tough meat
Often praised
- foodUnlike some other reviews, we found the service to be genuinely hospitable. The food was delicious, though a bit on the saltier side for my taste, but still very good. Our server, Jack, was helpful, attentive, and open to feedback.
- drinksThe drinks are superior and carefully crafted
- oystersoysters (Deer Creek, melt in your mouth, excellent)
- French onion soupWe ordered the French onion soup, bread starter, and sole for two. The bread and soup were both solid, some of the better versions I've had in Seattle. Our sole dish was unfortunately average; we would have enjoyed more acid or peppers, and the lack of deboning was disappointing given the price.
- escargotThe food and wine were outstanding. I particularly enjoyed the steak đ„, escargot, and the special salmon collar. The salad with goat cheese was also incredible, as was the shrimp with a yummy sauce.
- cocktailseverything we hadâfood, cocktails, and wineâwas excellent
- steak fritesThe onion soup and steak frites will turn you into a regular
- wineeverything we hadâfood, cocktails, and wineâwas excellent
- wine selectionThey have a great wine selection
- calamariGet the French onion soup and calamari. Great stuff.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was better. The terrine de foie gras was the brightest of the items we ordered.
- cassouletThe cassoulet was the most disappointing
- steakThe biggest blow was the steak. It was extremelyyyy chewy
- steak fritesThe biggest disappointment for us had to be the steak frites.
- CassouletThe Cassoulet was very dry and more like a paste or mash
- Halibutthe Halibut was so bad that it ruined the whole meal
- creme bruleeThe steak was described as stringy, and the creme brulee was burnt. When I pointed out the burnt creme brulee to the server, her response was, "I thought so, " yet she still brought it. Furthermore, the server had zero idea about the ingredients in their cocktail menu, such as genever and cap corse.
- duckThe duck had a huge piece of fat in it that was quite gamey to taste.
- fishThe salad was extremely sour with way too much vinegar, and the tartare had the same issue. The fish was also tasteless. The service was average and at times a little rude.
- raviolithe ravioli was also very mediocre for being $42
If youre looking for a good French meal with some standout dishes like the chicken with morels or French onion soup, its definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might have smaller portions or inconsistent seasoning, so choose wisely.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had some truly lovely experiences, with 60 positive remarks out of 96 total. Youll often find praise for the attentive and friendly staff, with many servers like Jack and Zach offering helpful recommendations for food and wine. The overall sentiment points to a pleasant dining experience, contributing to a solid score of 6.7.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, as customer satisfaction sits at a 62.5% mixed bag, with 33 negative comments. Some diners encountered slow service and even rude staff, particularly when special requests like anniversary dinner acknowledgements or dietary preferences were seemingly ignored. A few felt a distinct lack of attention and found the service underwhelming.
Service
96
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
33
negative
3
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Helpful recommendations
- Prompt service
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Rude, unhelpful staff
- Ignored special requests
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Loursin restaurant was great, starting with the incredibly friendly and welcoming staff from the very beginning. Unlike some other reviews, we found the service to be genuinely hospitable. The food was delicious, though a bit on the saltier side for my taste, but still very good.
- staffthe staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming
- serversServers were attentive and very kind.
- wait staffwonderful wait staff who were very helpful
- JanaJana once again was way too kind
- Jesse and TommyJesse and Tommy behind the bar were incredible
- JoeJoe, thank you for the extra (extra) bread
- ServiceService:5
- ZachAsk Zach about the kalimotxo.
- ZackZack (sorry if I spelled your names wrong!!) were so kind
Frequently criticized
- serviceFor such a high rating, Lâoursin falls flat on the expectations. Service at our table was almost non-existent; perhaps we came at the wrong time (5: 30pm, restaurant was almost empty). The waitress was barely in sight for the whole time.
- serverher service was lacking attention, care for us as customers and sincerity
- Chartreuse T-shirtswill check to see if we can buy one... then disappears for 25 minutes
- Resy reservation infoinfo from the Resy reservation was either ignored or not received
- ServiceService was not worth the 22%. Staff didnât seem too happy with customers
- anniversary dinnerI think if I go back, I would try their chicken instead. Additionally, we were there for our anniversary dinner and marked this on the Resy reservation, but it wasnât acknowledged. We also specified our dietary preferences, but were still asked about them.
- attentionThey did not ask how the food tasted. For a $140 dinner, this kind of attention should be standard. Overall, the food and service did not justify the price, and I would not return.
- automatic tipthis service is supposed to deserve a 20% automatic tip? For what?
- birthday acknowledgementno acknowledgement of her birthday from either hostess or server
- bottle eventran out of the bottle a while ago. Um... OK, you couldn't have told us that earlier
Considering the mixed feedback, service here can be a bit hit-or-miss. While many praise the attentive and friendly staff, others have encountered slow or inattentive experiences. If you prioritize consistently flawless service, you might want to temper your expectations, but a positive interaction is definitely on the cards.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, with a 7.5 score indicating a good experience and customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 79.3%. Out of 58 total remarks, a whopping 46 were positive, praising the nice atmosphere, perfect vibe, and fantastic decor. Many guests felt comfortable and at home, enjoying the cozy atmosphere and lively spots.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, as 7 negative remarks pointed out a few areas for improvement. Some found the seating notably uncomfortable, while others experienced a significant draft or felt the lighting was harsh and uninviting. ' These are minor points, but worth noting for a perfect visit.
Ambience
58
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
7
negative
5
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, warm atmosphere
- Fantastic decor
- Quiet, easy to talk
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable seating
- Harsh lighting
- Significant draft
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, capturing an authentic French bistro vibe. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive, and the wine selection was great.
- barMy specific server was just okay, described as 'comme ci, comme ça', but the rest of the staff were trÚs bien and seemed really nice. I would definitely come back and would prefer to sit at the bar.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceambiance that allows you to come as you are
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- cozy atmospherea cozy atmosphere
- decorFantastic decor
- dinner seatingperfect blend of neighborhood brasserie and dinner seating
- dogme aceptaron con mi perro
- experiencethe whole place is just an incredible experience
Frequently criticized
- POCsplaced POCs in one section
- anniversary candlesThe anniversary candles on paper were weird.
- bartry not to sit at the bar because the washing machine the staff uses can spilt on your face and food
- draftcaused significant draft. Each of us were very cold
- lightinglighting was harsh and uninviting
- seatingseating was notably uncomfortable
- washing machinethe washing machine the staff uses can spilt on your face and food
If you're looking for a place with a generally warm and inviting atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. While a few minor comfort issues like seating or drafts might pop up, the overall vibe is overwhelmingly positive and conducive to a great experience.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
While the overall score for value sits at a rather poor 3.8 and customer satisfaction is a low 18%, a small number of diners (9 out of 50 comments) did find some bright spots. They appreciated when things felt worth it or worth every penny, especially noting fair or low Prices and clever options like half-pour half-price drinks. However, the vast majority of feedback, with 39 out of 50 comments, points to significant concerns.
Many felt the experience was overpriced and frequently mentioned frustrating service charge additions, leading to an expensive or pricier side bill that didn't always justify the cost. This heavily influenced the low score and satisfaction.
Value
50
Reviews
18%
Satisfaction
39
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth every penny
- Fair or low prices
- Half-pour, half-price
What people don't like
- Automatic service charge
- Overpriced food
- High bill total
Often praised
- PriceItâs much cheaper to visit this amazing piece of France than fly
- PricesPrices are fair or low perhaps
- expensive mealexpensive meal but it was worth every penny
- half-pourloved how they make half-pour half-price of the full pours, no upcharge
- overallbut overall itâs totally worth it
- restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's the best affordable restaurant in town. The food was great, and the service was excellent too.
- service chargeadded 20% service charge to the bill so no tipping is required
- worth every pennyit was worth every penny in my opinion
- worth itbut worth it!!
Frequently criticized
- priceI really enjoyed the appetizers and dessert, but the mains were just okay considering the price. We had the cod, which had a nice sear but an unmemorable sauce, and the cassoulet, which was good but dry.
- service chargeThe food was mediocre and overpriced. The service was incredibly slow and rude, which was particularly frustrating given the mandatory 20% service charge. What was most upsetting was the apparent segregation, with POCs placed in one section while white families were in another.
- billmy bill came to 85. For two dishes, the first of which I had barely 2 bites of. Ridiculous.
- pricesđĄ We definitely won't be returning. There are many other places offering much better food at better prices and with significantly better service.
- $150 for two peoplespending $150 for two people without drinks
- automatic "service" chargeautomatic "service" charge! đĄ Yeah... we won't be back
- entreefor $48s an entree I expect every entree to be stellar
- entreesdisappointing for the almost $50 entrees
- food and serviceFor a $140 dinner, this kind of attention should be standard. Overall, the food and service did not justify the price, and I would not return.
- overall worthThe calamari was just okay. Honestly, for the price, the quality of food and the "unhappy youâre here" service, it was overall not worth going at all.
When it comes to value, this spot seems to be a tough sell for most. Be prepared for potentially high prices and automatic service charges that many customers found hard to justify. If budget is a key concern, you might want to explore other options.
How are the prices at L'Oursin?
Youâre looking at roughly 84 per person â reported by 90 diners. That puts it in the $81â$90 category. For a French Restaurant, itâs comfortably mid-range, leaning towards the higher end.
While the average sits here, a significant number of guests actually spend well over 100 $, indicating a strong demand for premium experiences.
Hereâs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 90 reviews.
See how this French restaurant’s value for money compares to others in Seattle.
Considering its a French restaurant and many diners are happy to spend over 100 $, wed say the pricing feels quite fair for the experience. It suggests a quality establishment.
Customer Reviews: what people think about L'Oursin
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Superb Food, Mixed Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of highs and lows. While the food and drinks were both superb, the service was inconsistent. My specific server was just okay, described as 'comme ci, comme ça', but the rest of the staff were trÚs bien and seemed really nice.
I would definitely come back and would prefer to sit at the bar.
- food10
- drinks10
- specific server5
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
3
Mixed Feelings on Price and Food
We came in hungry and got a little carried away with the dishes. They had an uni in the shell special, so we got that. It came with a few slices of their homemade brioche and a pat of salted butter.
I did appreciate that all of the bread they served was warm. The one large plate that we ordered came out pretty late and was room temperature. I think they forgot about it.
The lingcod was fishy smelling but tasted fine. Some other reviewers mentioned feeling bloated afterwards, and I think that's from the amount of salt they use, which is to say a bit too much. Not sure I'd be back considering the price tag.
- uni in the shell7
- brioche7
- warm bread8
- room temperature plate3
- salt3
- price tag3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Disappointing Cassoulet, Okay Service
Upon entering, the host approached but remained silent. After an awkward pause, I mentioned we didn't have a reservation. Despite it being early (17: 30) and not busy, we were seated promptly.
Our waitress was pleasant and helpful. However, the food did not justify the price. The Cassoulet was notably dry, resembling a paste or mash.
- waitress7
- Cassoulet2
- food2
- host3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Mixed Experience with Steak and Dessert
My experience at the restaurant offered a great wine selection, particularly appreciating the half-pour option at half-price with no upcharge. For appetizers, the tuna, foie gras, and salad were all good, with the foie gras and salad being especially remarkable. The steak frites entree had great fries, but the steak itself was too tough, leading me to believe a better cut would have been worth a higher price.
The creme brulee for dessert had the right flavor but the wrong texture; the top layer was too chewy and the custard was too runny. Overall, I enjoyed my time and would have rated it a 4. 4 or 4.
5 if possible.
- wine selection10
- half-pour10
- tuna8
- steak3
- better cut4
- top layer3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Experience, Overpriced Food
We had high hopes for this restaurant, but the experience did not match the price. The food was a significant letdown. The salad was extremely sour with way too much vinegar, and the tartare had the same issue.
The fish was also tasteless. The service was average and at times a little rude. With the 20 percent tip already included, it felt like typical France-style service where no one even checks on you.
They did not ask how the food tasted. For a $140 dinner, this kind of attention should be standard. Overall, the food and service did not justify the price, and I would not return.
- salad2
- tartare2
- fish1
What L'Oursin offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at L'Oursin in Seattle's Central District?
At L’Oursin, you can anticipate an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a special dinner. The restaurant offers comfortable seating and table service, ensuring a delightful dine-in experience. You’ll find it’s a trendy spot, ideal for enjoying French cuisine.
Does L'Oursin accommodate special requests like vegetarian options, happy hour, or accessibility needs?
Yes, L’Oursin offers vegetarian options, happy hour drinks, and happy hour food. You’ll also find a great wine list and cocktails. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restroom, and accepts reservations for dinner.
What are L'Oursin's main strengths and weaknesses?
L’Oursin generally excels in Ambience (7.5) and Food (7), offering an authentic bistro feel and delicious dishes. However, Value (3.8) is a notable weakness, with some finding prices high for the experience. Service (6.7) is generally good but can be inconsistent.
Is L'Oursin considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find it “worth every penny” and appreciate features like “half-pour half-price” drinks, others describe it as “overpriced” and question the “automatic service charge” given the overall experience.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at L'Oursin?
You can expect an “authentic French bistro vibe” with a “cozy atmosphere” and “fantastic decor.” Many appreciate the “quiet” noise level, making it “easy to talk,” though some mention “uncomfortable seating” or “harsh lighting.”