Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Place Pigalle – Seattle
Place Pigalle - Seattle
Photo from Place Pigalle
Place Pigalle at a glance
Seattle Belltown
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 118 of the guests
#197 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#33 Restaurant out of 94 in Seattle
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
780
Reviews
80.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Scenic views
- Charming setting
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Service issues
- Noisy atmosphere
The restaurant Place Pigalle, nestled behind where they throw the fish in Seattle’s vibrant Belltown neighborhood, offers an upscale and historic dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy and romantic atmosphere perfect for dinner or lunch, where you can indulge in a truly great dessert.
This Seattle restaurant is known for its inviting ambiance and exceptional culinary delights, making it a standout choice for your next meal.
Overview: Introducting Place Pigalle
Place Pigalle offers a generally pleasant experience, often noted for its `charming, classic atmosphere` and `eye-popping views`. Many guests appreciate the `delicious food` and attentive service, making for memorable occasions.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies in service and food quality. While the setting can be quite appealing, some visitors have found the establishment to be `overpriced` for what’s offered.
There are also occasional remarks about service that `lacked attentiveness` and an environment that could be `loud`, impacting the overall comfort.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
780
Reviews
80.8%
Satisfaction
117
negative
33
neutral
630
positive
Place Pigalle generally earns a solid reputation, reflected in its overall Restaurant Score of 8.1. This positive sentiment is echoed by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 80.8%, indicating that most diners leave pleased.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 780 customer remarks, with 630 positive observations outweighing 117 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (8.2) stands out as a particular strength, frequently praised for its quality.
The Ambience (8.7) also receives high marks, contributing significantly to the dining experience. While Service (7.8) is generally well-regarded, the Value (4) aspect appears to be a notable area for improvement, with some guests finding the pricing less appealing.
What people like
- Delicious, quality food
- Beautiful views
- Charming atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices, hidden fees
- Inconsistent service
- Loud environment
Place Pigalle, with a strong Recommendation Score of 8.1, generally offers a compelling dining experience. If you prioritize excellent food and a captivating setting, particularly with scenic views, it’s certainly worth considering for a special occasion.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill and some variability in service. While many find it a delightful spot, those sensitive to noise or strict about value might find aspects disappointing.
It’s a place with clear strengths, but also some areas to be mindful of.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Place Pigalle
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at a great 81.4%, diners are clearly enjoying their meals. Out of 370 comments, a whopping 301 were positive, praising delicious seafood, excellent French food, and superb cocktails.
Many rave about the duck confit, scallops, and the extensive wine list. However, not every dish is a winner. There were 50 negative remarks, with some finding the servings small or the food disappointing.
Specific concerns included issues with the pork chop's sauce, undercooked risotto, and fishy mussels. A few also mentioned the baguette being tough or the crab cakes being greasy.
Food
370
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
50
negative
19
neutral
301
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious French food
- Superb seafood
- Excellent wine list
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Small servings
- Tough baguette
Often praised
- foodIt is behind the place where they throw away fish. It has a wonderful local wine, food, and service (Thanks Christian and the host lady!). The view and the whole atmosphere of this wonderful place.
- bouillabaisserecommend the bouillabaisse and cod enough, they were fantastic
- scallopsOur mains were scallops and the venison, both solid options
- French onion soupThe steamed mussels and French onion soup were incredible
- musselsI especially enjoyed the mussels with their baguette
- crab cakesFor entrees, the scallops were elegant and tasty, but the accompanying risotto was seriously undercooked, and the asparagus was shriveled and overcooked. The crab cakes were tasty, but the overly sweet citrus reduction and cold spring mix salad felt like an afterthought. I would return to Pigalle, but the issues with the entrees might be a dealbreaker next time.
- drinksOur server, Daniel, was incredibly attentive to our needs and provided very hospitable service. The food was amazing, and the drinks were spot on. I definitely recommend this little gem!
- onion soupThe onion soup is the best you’ll find anywhere.
- beet saladWe enjoyed the calamari Dijonnaisse with greens, which was a delight. The beet salad was lovely, though the goat cheese was a bit overwhelming. The bitter greens and white bean salad had a nice flavor, but the white beans were undercooked and grainy.
- clam chowderDelicious clam chowder with a hint of safron
Frequently criticized
- foodWe eventually put it on the counter so I could eat. Also, since everything came together, the last two dishes got cold. I understand the restaurant might not have enough experience with people sharing food, so I wouldn't have written such a long rant if it hadn't been for the angry woman.
- musselsmussels were dreadful - well past any sign of freshness
- French onion soupThey changed the recipe!! Instead of using Guyer, they have blended it with Swiss cheese.
- French red wine" Honestly, the executive chef who approved this dish should be canned immediately. Unsurprisingly, it did not pair well with our $100+ bottle of French red wine. Our server seemed to notice our dissatisfaction, as she was absent until it was time to present the check.
- French restaurantout of left field at a French restaurant
- Liver Pâtéthe liver pate was not soft neither creamy
- Maple Leaf duck breastThe Maple Leaf duck breast was swimming in a cheap chili sauce... It was awful.
- Sea Bass Entreethe Sea Bass was a bit over cooked. I like my Sea Bass to very moist and the ends were a bit dry
- Swiss cheeseSince Swiss does not behave the way Guyer does, you can't eat it.
- appetizer and main coursewarum Vorspeise und Hauptspeise zusammen kommen
Overall, if youre looking for a place with generally delicious French and seafood options, especially the duck confit and scallops, its definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that a few dishes might miss the mark, so perhaps stick to the highly praised items for the best experience.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
Youll be pleased to hear that service here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction of 77%. With 144 positive remarks out of 187, many guests rave about the attentive and friendly staff, often highlighting their professionalism and impeccable service that truly elevates the dining experience. However, its not always perfect.
The 41 negative comments occasionally mention a lack of attentiveness or frustrating waiting time. Some guests also reported encountering a rude waitress or feeling the team was understaffed, which impacted their overall experience.
Service
187
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
41
negative
2
neutral
144
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Impeccable service
- Professional and caring
What people don't like
- Lack of attentiveness
- Long waiting times
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Place Pigalle was wonderful. The restaurant boasts a charming, classic atmosphere with excellent service. It was spotless, offering a cozy, welcoming vibe that made me feel right at home.
- staffThey tasted like frozen fish sticks in ketchup. The staff was genuinely nice, but they seemed understaffed. I just felt bad for them.
- serverWe stumbled upon Place Pigalle online and booked a reservation for dinner. Our server was wonderful and made the already amazing experience that much better. The food was delicious, the views were beautiful, and we will definitely be back.
- ServiceService:5
- recommendationsgave us great recommendations
- serversServers can paint the palate and make you feel at home.
- HannahServicer’s name was Hannah. Witty, professional and attentive.
- NateHe chose a 2024 Bordeaux Blanc from Chateau de Costis ($14) and a 2021 Pinot Noir from Coria Estates ($17, Willamette Valley).
- dining experienceThe ambiance was both relaxed and elegant, perfect for any occasion. I'd definitely recommend Place Pigalle for a memorable dining experience.
- ownerthe owner is one of the loveliest people
Frequently criticized
- serviceI love the atmosphere and the view. Unfortunately, that was not enough to make up for the mediocre service and the bad food. Everything had a weird layer of grease on it.
- servershe was a ghost until it was time to drop the check
- waiterOur waiter avoided our table. He was incompetent from the beginning.
- waiting timeit took forever for items to come.
- waitressthe waitress did not have a good day
- apologiesdo not get any apologies
- attentivenesslacked attentiveness despite only three tables
- communicationwhy this information wasn't communicated to us right from the start
- demand a tiprudely and loudly asked why I did not leave a tip
- dining experienceThis actually negatively affected our dining experience a lot
Overall, the service here is a strong suit, with many guests praising the attentive and friendly staff. While there are occasional reports of slow service or rudeness, the positive experiences far outweigh the negative. You can generally expect a pleasant and well-cared-for visit.
Ambience (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 91.8%. Based on 180 positive comments out of 196 total, guests consistently rave about the beautiful views of the water, often from a coveted window seat. The warm and inviting atmosphere creates a cozy spot that many describe as a hidden gem or iconic Seattle experience.
However, it's not entirely without its quirks, with 10 negative remarks. Some guests found the noise level to be a bit high, mentioning loud music or conversations. A few also noted that tables could be close together, leading to a dark and cramped feeling for some, wishing for a more spacious atmosphere.
Ambience
196
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
10
negative
6
neutral
180
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning water views
- Warm, inviting atmosphere
- Cozy, charming vibe
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Seating feels cramped
- Music too loud
Often praised
- atmosphereAmidst the bustle of the Pike Place Market, it was a delightful lunch setting. Music from the street performers and faint hollers from the fish market could be heard in the background, only adding to the atmosphere. Not familiar with the area, but felt at home at my white linen table for 1.
- viewIf you go alone, especially during busy times, you might get completely ignored, treated like a ghost! Despite the service issues, I still recommend it for the overall vibe, wine selection, view, and of course, the can't-miss food.
- viewsDespite the hefty price tag of over $150 per person (including cocktails, appetizers, entrees, wine, dessert, and tip), making it one of the most expensive meals I've ever paid for personally, it was an absolutely stunning restaurant. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, complemented by eye-popping views of the sound. The food was top-notch, and the service was first-rate.
- locationWe experienced wonderfully cooked dishes made with locally sourced ingredients from the market. The charming tucked-away location offers a gorgeous view of the sound. As saffron is my favorite spice, I immensely enjoyed the Seafood Bouillabaisse, a generous pile of seafood in a tomato saffron broth, and the unique saffron clam chowder.
- vibeThe restaurant boasts a charming, classic atmosphere with excellent service. It was spotless, offering a cozy, welcoming vibe that made me feel right at home. Our waitress was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, providing helpful suggestions and checking in at just the right moments.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance is both cozy and sophisticated
- beautiful viewThe bouillabaisse was flavorful and served in a generous portion. Although the restaurant isn't strictly authentically French, it possesses a certain charm and is definitely worth a visit, especially with the added bonus of a beautiful view of the Seattle port. Overall, I recommend this restaurant!
- placethis place if you want to impress your friends or your significant other this is the place
- ambienceThe ambience, views and food are exceptional.
Frequently criticized
- customers with strong colognecustomers who had strong cologne were sat close
- dark and crampedIt is dark and cramped
- hard-to-find entranceMany would miss this spot due to it's hard-to-find entrance
- locals can become loudLocals can become loud at the bar
- loudPretty loud in there
- musicWhat’s with the hip-hop, electronica music that is playing way too loudly?
- noise levelsNoise levels were a bit high as it was a bit difficult to hear
- sensory allergiesbecause of my sensory allergies
- spacious atmosphereAs the evening progressed, the place filled up more and became louder. Overall, the food was good and the service was decent, but I would have preferred a more spacious atmosphere.
- tablesTables are quite close to each other so not a lot of space
If you're seeking a restaurant with breathtaking views of the water and a warm and inviting atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth trying. Just be aware that it can get a bit loud and some tables might feel a little cramped, so consider requesting a window seat for the best experience.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
While the overall score for value sits at an average 4, and customer satisfaction is quite poor at 18.5%, some diners found specific items, like the onion soup for $13, to be worth every penny and a truly memorable experience. A few felt they get what they pay for despite higher costs, appreciating the price for a Meal for two or inexpensive wines. However, the majority of feedback, with 16 negative comments compared to just 5 positive ones out of 27 total, points to significant issues.
Many felt the food was expensive and not worth the price, leading to a burned hole in the wallet. Concerns also arose from service charge issues, lying about prices, and even being overcharged on debit cards.
Value
27
Reviews
18%
Satisfaction
16
negative
6
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth every penny
- Quality justifies cost
What people don't like
- Overpriced for quality
- Hidden service charges
- Billing errors occur
Often praised
- $13My experience at this restaurant was truly memorable. If you eat one thing in the market, a cup of the Onion Soup Gratinée may be the best $13 you’ve ever spent. No joke.
- Meal for twoMeal for two costed $90
- Price per personThese are inexpensive wines, but they matched well with my dishes.
- pennyIt's worth every penny
- priceIt is pricier than most dining options in the city but you absolutely get what you pay for
Frequently criticized
- priceExtremely overpriced for the quality and service
- priceseverything has declined except for the prices
- ParkingIt's challenging to park nearby
- automatic 27% feecharges an automatic 27% fee on all bills
- expensiveThis place is now expensive
- overcharged debit cardovercharged my debit card over $100
- service chargeadding a sleazy, dishonest, disrespectful 5% service charge
- tiptip is auto applied
- valueIt used to be good value
- walletI don't blame them; they seemed swamped. I wanted to love this place, I had my hopes up, but it let me down and burned a hole in my wallet.
When it comes to value, this spot seems to be a real gamble. While a few found specific items worth the cost, the overwhelming sentiment points to high prices and unexpected fees. Proceed with caution, as you might find yourself feeling overcharged and disappointed.
How are the prices at Place Pigalle?
On average, you’ll spend around $64 per person – from 118 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning slightly higher.
However, the full price distribution shows a wide range, with many guests spending less, but also a significant number opting for more premium experiences above $100.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 118 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Restaurant in Seattle, especially considering the variety of price points available. It seems like you can tailor your experience to your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Place Pigalle
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Amazing Food, Terrible Service
My experience at this restaurant was a tale of two halves. The food was truly amazing, earning a perfect score. However, the service was the worst I've experienced in years.
It took over an hour to receive soup, and tables seated after us received the same soup and finished their meals while we were still waiting. To make matters worse, dishes didn't arrive together, meaning we all ate at different times. This was my first visit, and unfortunately, I won't be returning.
- food10
- service1
- soup2
- tables2
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent for Special Occasions
My experience at this classic Seattle restaurant was excellent. My wife and I chose to celebrate her birthday here, and we were both very pleased with the quality of the food and the service from the staff. I highly recommend making a reservation, as they were not accepting walk-ins when we arrived.
The Braised Short Rib, though not pictured, was the absolute star of the show. Overall, if you're seeking a nice restaurant for a special occasion or an elevated meal in Pike Place, Place Pigalle is a great option to consider.
- quality of the food9
- service from the staff9
- Braised Short Rib10
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Food, Overpriced Meal
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a charming interior and nice views. The servers were kind, but unfortunately lacked attentiveness, even with only three tables occupied. I was very disappointed with the food during a recent late afternoon lunch.
The best items we tried were the saffron chowder and the baguette with butter. However, the mussels were dreadful, clearly past their freshness and overcooked, with a sauce that tasted of low tide. The gravlax wasn't much better.
While I suspect other dishes might have been better, as a local, I'm stunned that so many restaurants in this city, despite the abundance of fresh seafood, fail to deliver quality. It was extremely overpriced for the quality and service received.
- interior8
- views8
- servers7
- attentiveness3
- mussels1
- gravlax3
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Excellent Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
We absolutely loved our experience at this restaurant! The atmosphere was fantastic, the food was delicious, and the service was exceptional. As residents of Seattle, we will definitely be returning.
The service we received was the best we've experienced at any restaurant; our server, a young man with a mustache and earrings, wearing a white button-up shirt, was truly lovely! Thank you for a wonderful dinner.
- atmosphere10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
A Seattle Hidden Gem for Special Occasions
This restaurant is truly a HIDDEN GEM! As someone born and raised in Seattle, this is absolutely my favorite restaurant to go to for special occasions, or even "just because". My partner and I have been here for New Year's Eve, our anniversary, my birthday, etc.
And it's always a hit EVERY SINGLE TIME. Their service is just as impeccable as their food. The baguette is so fresh and tasty.
I always order the oysters, and their cocktails are delicious as well. Do yourself a favor and eat at Place Pigalle.
- food10
- service10
- baguette9
What Place Pigalle offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Place Pigalle in Seattle?
Yes, reservations are recommended for both lunch and dinner at Place Pigalle. You can easily plan your visit to this upscale Seattle restaurant by securing your table in advance, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Place Pigalle?
At Place Pigalle, you can expect an upscale, historic, cozy, and romantic atmosphere. The restaurant offers a diverse menu including healthy and vegetarian options, complemented by a great wine list, cocktails, beer, and hard liquor, ensuring a delightful experience.
How does Place Pigalle rate overall?
Place Pigalle achieves a strong overall **Restaurant Score** of **8.1**, with **Customer Satisfaction** at **80.8%**. **Food** (8.2) and **Ambience** (8.7) are highly rated, while **Service** (7.8) is good, but **Value** (4) is an area for improvement.
What are the standout features of Place Pigalle?
Guests frequently praise the delicious and quality food, the beautiful views, and the charming, classic atmosphere that makes for a memorable dining experience.
What are some potential drawbacks to dining at Place Pigalle?
Some diners have noted concerns about high prices, additional fees, and occasional inconsistencies in service. The environment can also be quite loud at times.