oChef » L’Oursin – Seattle » L’Oursin – Seattle – Reviews
L'Oursin - Reviews
1315 E Jefferson St, 98122 Seattle
All reviews at a glance
563
Reviews
61.5%
Satisfaction
169
negative
48
neutral
346
positive
What people say about L'Oursin
Filter Reviews
Visit Type
Service Type
Meal Type
Group Type
Group Size
Wait Time
Noise Level
Price per Person
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 très 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 (0–5 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
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Mixed Experience: Great Shrimp, Dreadful Cassoulet
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The atmosphere was nice, and the shrimp was excellent. However, the Cassoulet was dreadful, and the service was lousy, making the 20% automatic service charge undeserving.
I won't be going back or recommending this place.
- atmosphere7
- shrimp9
- Cassoulet2
- service3
- service charge2
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Cozy French Wine Bar with Excellent Food
My experience at this French wine bar and restaurant was wonderful. It has a homey cozy vibe and offers excellent food and wine selections. While it is a little pricy, the experience is definitely worth it.
I also appreciated that they have clearly labeled gluten-free items.
- homey cozy vibe9
- excellent food9
- wine selections8
- price4
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Incredible Experience, Will Return!
I visit Seattle frequently and am always on the lookout for great restaurants. It means a lot when a place impresses me enough to visit twice in one week! On my first visit, I dined alone, and Jana and Zack were incredibly kind, making my experience truly incredible.
They even taught me about brandy! My second visit, I brought two friends, and the staff went above and beyond to ensure we were well taken care of. Jana was exceptionally kind again, ensuring we fully enjoyed our food and drinks.
Joe, thank you for the extra bread to sop up the delicious sauces. All the dishes were great, with highlights including the escargot, gambas, and steak frites, but honestly, everything was delish! The drinks were also fab.
I'm 100% coming back the next time I'm in town!
- food and drinks10
- escargot9
- gambas9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Bartender and Food Recommendations
My experience at L'Oursin was fantastic, largely thanks to the amazing bartender who provided perfect recommendations for food and wine. It was our first time trying urchins, and we thoroughly enjoyed them. I highly recommend L'Oursin.
- bartender10
- recommendations for food and wine10
- urchins8
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
6
Okay Family Meal, Tasty Soup
My family and I had an overall good experience at this restaurant. The French onion soup was very tasty, though the menu didn't offer anything particularly creative. The service was mid-range but efficient, getting the job done.
I did feel a bit bloated afterward, but that was likely due to overeating. While it's an okay option, there are better choices for a date night.
- French onion soup8
- menu5
- service6
1–10 of 93