Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Voila – Seattle
Voila - Seattle
Photo from Voila
Voila at a glance
Seattle Washington Park
- đ„ French Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51â$60
mentioned by 61 of the guests
#421 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#2 French Restaurant out of 3 in Seattle
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
431
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional food
- Attentive service
- Cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Value concerns
- Pacing issues
- Loud environment
The restaurant Voila! Bistrot invites you to a delightful French culinary journey in Seattle’s charming Washington Park neighborhood.
You’ll discover a truly authentic experience, celebrated for its exquisite French cuisine and particularly its great dessert selection. This French restaurant offers a cozy yet upscale atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a special lunch, ensuring you feel right at home while enjoying top-tier dining.
Overview: Introducting Voila
Voila offers a dining experience where the culinary creations truly shine, often described as exceptional food by many. Guests frequently praise the excellent service and the inviting, cozy atmosphere that makes for a pleasant visit.
It’s a place where attention to detail in the kitchen and on the floor is often noted. However, while many find the overall experience quite satisfying, some opinions suggest that the perceived value can be a point of discussion.
Despite this, the restaurant generally provides a memorable setting for those seeking a refined yet comfortable meal.
Good
7.5
out of 10
431
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
94
negative
23
neutral
314
positive
Voila maintains a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.5, reflecting a generally positive reception from diners. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 72.9%, indicating that a good majority of guests leave content with their experience.
These figures are drawn from a substantial base of 431 opinions, with 314 positive remarks outweighing 94 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Food leads the way with a strong (7.8) score, frequently highlighted for its quality.
The Ambience (7.3) also contributes positively, offering a pleasant setting. Service (7) is generally well-regarded, though some experiences vary.
The main area for improvement appears to be Value (5.4), which sits in the average range, suggesting that while the quality is there, some find the pricing less compelling.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Professional, attentive service
- Cozy, classy ambiance
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value
- Service pacing issues
- Loud dining environment
If you’re prioritizing a delightful meal in a charming setting with attentive staff, Voila is certainly worth considering. The strong performance in food and ambiance, backed by a Recommendation Score of 7.7, suggests it delivers on its core offerings.
It’s a place where the culinary experience often stands out. However, it’s wise to manage expectations regarding the overall cost, as the value proposition doesn’t resonate with everyone.
For those who appreciate quality ingredients and a good atmosphere and are less sensitive to price, Voila could be a very enjoyable choice.
Similar Restaurants in Seattle
- French Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
389
94.1%
- $$
- Uptown
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- French Restaurant
6.7
out of 10
out of 10
563
61.5%
- $$
- Central District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Voila
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a 7.8 score and 76.5% customer satisfaction, indicating a good dining experience. Many of the 189 positive remarks rave about delicious dishes like the escargot, steak frites, and French onion soup, often highlighting high-quality ingredients and fantastic specials, including standout profiteroles and creme brulee. However, not every dish is a winner, as seen in 43 negative comments.
Some found items like escargots and mussels to be overseasoned or lacking flavor, while others noted issues with overcooked salmon, dry pork chops, or disappointing French onion soup with processed cheese.
Food
247
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
43
negative
15
neutral
189
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious classic dishes
- Fantastic daily specials
- Exceptional desserts
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Over-seasoned food
- Overcooked items
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true neighborhood gem with wonderful food, excellent service, and a cozy atmosphere. I especially love that the owner is present most nights; his involvement and care are clearly reflected in the overall dining experience.
- burgerI agreed to write a review if their burger was the best I've had in Seattle. So, here's my review :) The burger was indeed exceptional, meeting the high bar set for the best in Seattle.
- escargotThe escargot came with being applied on the bread
- salmonescargot, salmon, steak frites
- Foodcraving for true French food
- boeuf bourguignonordered the boeuf bourguignon, and it was probably one of the best dinners Iâve ever had
- cocktailsThe cocktails were so tasty
- creme bruleethe creme brulee was the best I have ever had
- drinksthe drinks are pretty good too
- mealThis place has been our long-time favorite, and we've been coming here for years. The food is always top-notch, and today's meal was great as usual. Unfortunately, we were rushed through our 3 course meal by the staff.
Frequently criticized
- broththe broth was a stunning disappointment..no flavor worth a memory
- foodWorst restaurant food I've had in a long time
- musselsmussels nicely cooked but flavor was flat and too boozy.
- French Onion soupFrench Onion soup was made from vegetable broth and cheese from the deli isle.
- escargotThe escargot were slightly over cooked and a were a little chewy
- salmonmy salmon was ordered med rate.it was way over cooked!
- Beef BourguignonBeef bourguignon was not made with a red wine, was more of a greasy gravy.
- CassouletThe Cassoulet is very salty.
- FoodFood:1
- baconAlso, Iacked any bacon.
If you're looking for classic French fare with some real highlights, especially their specials and desserts, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few dishes might miss the mark, so stick to the well-praised items for the best experience.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, but leans positive with a good score of 7 and mixed customer satisfaction at 65.2%. Many guests, 60 to be exact, raved about the attentive service and staff, often highlighting waitress and waiter interactions. Youll find plenty of praise for knowledgeable servers who make the dining experience special, offering great suggestions and a friendly demeanor.
However, not everyone had a perfect experience, with 27 opinions pointing to areas for improvement. Some felt rushed through their meals or encountered slow service, especially from the kitchen. There were also mentions of staff issues, including some unprofessional conduct and concerns about COVID protocols', which definitely put a damper on things for a few diners.
Service
92
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
27
negative
5
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable servers
- Owner involvement
What people don't like
- Rushed dining experience
- Slow service
- Unprofessional staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true neighborhood gem with wonderful food, excellent service, and a cozy atmosphere. I especially love that the owner is present most nights; his involvement and care are clearly reflected in the overall dining experience.
- staffthe staff was extremely professional and kind
- serverWe had a wonderful server who provided top notch service.
- Serviceexcellent Service
- waiterMy experience at this restaurant was easily a 10/10! I want to give a special shout out to their super experienced and friendly waiter. She was probably the best waiter we've ever had and truly made the night extra special for our group.
- DennisDennis, outlet server, was excellent and so helpful
- best waiterProbably the best waiter we've ever had!
- buspersonThe busperson was sweet, brought me ketchup and aioli.
- checkgot our check quickly
- cocktail choicesknowledgeable about cocktail choices
Frequently criticized
- waiting timeover an hour passed between first and main courses
- serviceservice was not great overall.
- staffthey were short staffed so the the staff there they had were running like crazy
- waiterWe had a great dinner and it was overall a nice date night! The food was great, but we felt a little rushed by our waiter initially.
- COVID protocolsMy experience at this restaurant was marred by terrible COVID protocols. None of the staff were wearing masks, and my vaccination card wasn't even checked.
- ServiceService:1
- forced to leaveforced us to leave
- kitchen was slowthe kitchen was slow (for other patrons as well)
- menu explanationshoping they would explain the menu
- online ordercould not fulfill the order
Overall, the service here seems to be a bit of a gamble, but often lands on the positive side. If youre looking for a place with potentially friendly and knowledgeable staff, its worth a try, but be prepared for the possibility of slower moments or feeling a bit rushed during peak times.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a 7.3 score indicating a good experience and 74.1% customer satisfaction showing most people are happy. Many guests rave about the relaxed atmosphere, lovely atmosphere, and cozy place that often evokes a French Bistrot feel. With 60 positive observations, its clear the vibe is a big draw.
However, its not always perfect. Some of the 19 negative comments mention the place can get crowded and loud, with a few noting the atmosphere felt tired or even had a smell a little off near the door. These suggest occasional inconsistencies in the overall experience.
Ambience
81
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
19
negative
2
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Relaxed, cozy atmosphere
- Authentic French vibe
- Great for date night
What people don't like
- Can get loud
- Feels crowded sometimes
- Needs cleaning/upgrade
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true neighborhood gem with wonderful food, excellent service, and a cozy atmosphere. I especially love that the owner is present most nights; his involvement and care are clearly reflected in the overall dining experience.
- ambianceambiance is low key and classy
- date nightit's perfect for date night
- dining experiencestill a great dining experience
- placethis place was noteworthy
- special placeitâs just a special place to go
- vibesWe made reservations and were sat super quick. While it took a little while to get our food, we didnât mind too much as the service was good and the vibes were right. Although there were a lot of older folks, I didnât feel out of place.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- French Bistro feeltrue French Bistro feel
- French Bistrota great French Bistrot
Frequently criticized
- parkingparking can be a pain
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- atmosphereThe atmosphere wasnât great either
- clatter and chatterrestaurant clatter and chatter is amplified
- cleaningit really needs to be cleaned
- crowdedreally crowded
- entry wayentry way is a little odd, its an enclosed curtain so it felt a bit claustrophobic and confusing
- forkI had a limited time for lunch, and the service was quick. I'm giving a 4-star rating because my fork had a big lump of dried food on it. The waiter promptly brought me a new one when I drew his attention.
- loudCan get a little loud
- open tablestons of open tables
If you're looking for a generally good, often cozy French-inspired atmosphere for a relaxed meal or date night, this spot is worth checking out. Just be aware that it can get a bit noisy and crowded at times, which might detract from the experience if you prefer absolute quiet.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at a 45.5% mixed rating and an average score of 5.4. Still, some guests found pleasant surprises, noting that the wine selection was reasonably priced and that overall, the prices felt quite fair. With 5 positive remarks out of 11 total opinions, theres a sense that you can find good deals here.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. An equal number of 5 negative comments suggest that some experiences felt like a waste of money, with guests feeling that certain offerings, like a specific 3-course dinner or even happy hour items, just werent worth what they paid. It seems the perceived value can really vary depending on what you order.
Value
11
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable wine prices
- Great overall prices
What people don't like
- Expensive happy hour
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- pricethe price is reasonable
- pricesGreat prices
- wine selectionOur wine selection was reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- $27was a waste of 27$
- 3-course dinnernot worth the price if you add up the cost
- happy hourWasn't expecting to spend $80 for happy hour
- priceJust not worth what we paid.
- waste of moneyHuge waste of money
So, is it worth it? If youre careful with your choices and perhaps stick to the well-regarded wine selection, you might find some reasonable deals. However, be wary of specific offerings like the happy hour or multi-course dinners, as theyve left some feeling like it was a waste of money.
How are the prices at Voila?
Youâre looking at roughly 52 per person â reported by 61 diners. That puts it in the $51â$60 category. For a French Restaurant, itâs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 52, we see a good mix of spending. Many guests opt for meals in the 31 – 50 $ range, but there’s also a notable number who enjoy a more premium experience, spending well above 60 $.
Hereâs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 61 reviews.
How this French restaurant in Seattle stacks up against similar spots on value for money.
Considering its a French restaurant in Seattle, we think the pricing feels quite fair for the quality and experience youd expect. It offers good value across its range of options.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Voila
Price per Person
- $51â$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Over-seasoned dishes, strange combinations
I really wanted to love this neighborhood spot, but unfortunately, my experience was marred by dishes that were consistently way overseasoned. The escargots were served on slices of bread that fell apart, and the topping of garlic and herbs was so overpowering that it completely masked the escargots themselves. The mussels in the blue cheese broth, which came recommended, were also a letdown.
The broth was excessively thick and viscous, and its flavor was so dominant that I could barely taste the mussels. The combination felt strange. The beef bourguignon was the only dish that approached deliciousness, but even then, it had an unpleasantly strong amount of rosemary, which is surprising as I don't usually find too many herbs to be an issue.
Considering the cost, the 3-course dinner is not worth the price when you tally up the individual dish costs.
- beef bourguignon6
- escargots2
- bread2
- mussels3
Price per Person
- $81â$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Charming French Bistro with Delicious Classics
My experience at this small cafe, styled as a French bistro, was quite positive. The food was particularly good, with the French Onion Soup and Creme Brulee standing out. The Creme Brulee had a perfect texture, the sweetness level was just right, and it was made with real vanilla beans.
The drinks were okay. Overall, it's a great spot for a meal.
- food9
- French Onion Soup9
- Creme Brulee10
Price per Person
- $11â$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Immaculate Vibes and Incredible Food!
My first visit to this restaurant was an absolute delight! The vibes were immaculate, creating a truly gorgeous space. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, contributing to a wonderful experience.
And the food was INCREDIBLE â I'm already planning my return visits, often.
- vibes10
- space9
- staff10
Price per Person
- $81â$90
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Outstanding Dinner Experience!
Normally we visit for lunch, but we had dinner last night and the food was outstanding. The place was hopping, with lines out the door and every table filled. It was a bit noisy, but the dinner was excellent.
We also experienced great service. They serve the best salad in town.
- food10
- salad10
- service9
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing Mother's Day Meal
We took our mom to this restaurant for a Mother's Day celebration, and unfortunately, the experience was far from ideal. It took the server a 30-minute wait just to take our order. To make matters worse, after only 60 minutes, we were told they needed our table and were forced to leave.
For a 90-minute turnover, service should be significantly faster. The food itself was meh at best. The baguettes were stale and the butter was frozen.
The salad was not great either, though the rest of the food was just okay. The atmosphere was also not great; it was really crowded and did not resemble the photos posted. Despite these issues, there were miniature ducks on the ceiling fan.
- rest of the food5
- wait to take order2
- forced to leave1
- baguettes2
What Voila offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Voila! Bistrot accessible for all guests?
Yes, Voila! Bistrot ensures a welcoming experience for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom facilities, making it easy for all patrons to enjoy the cozy French atmosphere and delicious offerings without any hindrance.
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Voila! Bistrot, and do you need reservations?
At Voila! Bistrot, you’ll step into an upscale, romantic, and cozy setting, perfect for a memorable dining experience. While you can enjoy lunch or dinner, dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially if you’re planning a special evening, to secure your table.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Voila?
Voila has a strong overall Restaurant Score of 7.5 and a Customer Satisfaction of 72.9%. Customers particularly praise the Food (7.8), Ambience (7.3), and Service (7), though Value (5.4) is seen as average.
What are some of the standout dishes or aspects of the food at Voila?
Many customers have highlighted the exceptional quality of the food, with specific mentions of the burger being ‘exceptional’, the boeuf bourguignon as ‘one of the best dinners’, and the creme brulee as ‘the best I have ever had’.
Are there any common complaints or areas for improvement at Voila?
Some customers have expressed concerns regarding the overall value, finding certain items or the experience not worth the price. Additionally, there have been occasional comments about service pacing, such as long waiting times or feeling rushed, and the dining environment sometimes being loud.