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L'Oursin, Seattle, WA

L'Oursin

4.6

4.6

191 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary French

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L'Oursin ("the urchin" en français) is a French restaurant and bar serving natural wine and aperitif cocktails in Seattle's Central District neighborhood near Seattle University. Our a la carte menu is available seven days a week, with a 5-7 course tasting menu available Tuesday-Saturday. Monday is burger night - burgers are available only at the bar, first come, first served. We keep our bar and patio open for walk-ins.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Contemporary French, Seafood, French
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(206) 485-7173
Website
http://www.loursinseattle.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
JJ Proville
Private party facilities
L'Oursin is available for large group dining and full restaurant buy-outs. For large groups and private events, please call 206-485-7173 or email info@loursinseattle.com.

Location
1315 E Jefferson St, Seattle, WA 98122
Neighborhood
Capitol Hill / First Hill
Cross street
E Jefferson St and 14th Ave
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 191 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6

4.6 based on all time ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

5
4
3
2
1

191 Reviews

MB
MsBacchus
Seattle
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food especially chicken liver mousse and Gratin sunchoke mushrooms.
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EP
EricP
Seattle
31 reviews
vip
4.0
31 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience5
Usually better. We ordered a salad that had 4 ingredients and 1 was missing. Steak Frites were not hot. Otherwise was fine and they comped us a dessert. We will be back but they were off their game that evening
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GS
GregS
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
I've been meaning to eat here for some time and it did not disappoint. We shared four dishes and each were spot on - duck drums, kale salad, squash soup, black cod. It was the right amount of food for two and the cocktails were delicious also.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 3, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Each time you dine at L’Oursin, it is better than the meal you’ve had there before. The crazy thing is, the first meal I had there was one of my best in Seattle and I’ve been back many times since. In fact, I tell everyone to go there. The service is if the highest class and care without feeling formal. The food is insanely good, and the beverages somehow magically uplift the entire experience altogether.
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AV
AngelicaV
Seattle
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food, ambience and great service! Definitely I will come back
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r
redake
Philadelphia
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Really enjoyed the great variety of great small plates. For future visits to Seattle L'Oursin will be on our list.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best date spot in town
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic meal
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E
Eric
New York Area
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food - Awesome natural wine list!!! The service was great in part because the servers were so knowledgeable about the food and the wine. Cool spot - very comfortable
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E
Eric
New York Area
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food, all of it from start to finish, was just great!!! Service was spot on and they have a fantastic natural wine list. Cool place. What more can you ask for??? I am returning 2 days after my first visit.
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i
ilikefinedining
Seattle
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
My favorite restaurant in Seattle. Great menu, great service. Comfortable atmosphere. They helped my vegetarian friend find something to eat that wasn't on the menu. Great experience both times I have visited. Do not miss.
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AM
AgnesMC
Seattle
19 reviews
vip
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2020
overall4food5service5ambience4
As ever the service is professional, attentive and kind; creative and flavorful dishes to share, and a beautiful wine and cocktail menu to explore. Well done!
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DL
DavidL
Portland
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great spot for a special occasion or date night. A little pricey, but the food quality is excellent. Service was fantastic and the overall ambiance of the restaurant is charming. Highly recommend!
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MO
MarcO
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is the place if you like sea food prepared the French way.
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e
eric
Portland
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience3
This is a good spot. Some of the food was outstanding, the main dish was fine but not amazing. The wine pairing was good and not terribly expensive. The ambiance is ok, a neighborhood/empty feel with moderate-loud noise. $200 for two of us with a bottle of wine seems not a "value meal." The service was OK but a little slow.
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C
Caroline
E. Tennessee
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Not to be missed! Fantastic food and service!
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RA
RobertA
Seattle
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience4
Meal cooked with care and precision. Good variety in the menu. Quiet Sunday evening, with good service..
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JW
JessicaW
Denver
16 reviews
vip
2.0
16 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2020
overall2food3service4ambience2
Food: We tried 6 items from menu, everything was pretty tasty, but there were things like capers and olives that were in 2 dishes that were not mentioned on the menu, which was a bit surprising. The steelhead was the top dish in flavor and presentation. The urchin was beautiful in presentation, but could've used room temperature butter or warm bread so that we could actually spread it. Ambiance: it was pretty chilly in the restaurant and the lights were very bright. The bottles lining the wall and the light fixtures mimicking urchin were very on point. Service: our service was top notch and made the difference in our night. Overall, it was good, but not great. I would try it again for a happy hour to try something different.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife and I have dined here in the past. This time was particularly impressive. We were here for our anniversary and treated like VIP guests. They made our day special even though they did not know it was a special occasion. Zach and staff couldn’t be more personable or knowledgeable. Could not love their food more. We ordered oysters, charcuterie, cod, sweetbreads....everything was so delicious. You will not regret picking this restaurant.
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F
Foodlover
Seattle
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 21, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience5
Exceptional, interesting food that is carefully prepared. Lovely setting. Much better food and fairer prices than other places in town. Will definitely go back
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BL
BenL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Consistently among the very best spots in Seattle. Great wine list, distinctive cocktails and a really fabulously balanced menu that’s prepared meticulously. Such a welcoming staff and ambiance as well.
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JM
JimM
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 8, 2019
overall4food5service4ambience4
We had a great meal. The Oysters Rockefeller was excellent as was the rest of the food. I was a bit put off by the $3.00 charge for additional butter with the bread and by the no-refill policy on coffee after dinner. Overall, we would go back.
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l
luigi
Portland
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
We wanted to try the tasting menu but was not available on Monday evenings, Four of us shared 6 appetizers and all three entrees plus two desserts. Everything was delicious, well prepared and nicely presented. I sent drinks to the kitchen and the Chef or Sous Chef in charge came over to thank me. Rarely this happens and we thought it was very nice. Service was very good and genuine. Definitely would return.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful. Only word to describe it.
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RW
RodryW
Seattle
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was delicious, service was stellar, location is convenient, no complaints.
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F
Flashguy
Philadelphia
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2019
overall1food4service1ambience4
I asked during dinner that if we can get a candle on the dessert. Sadly the server totally forgot about it! Looks like they were very busy the whole night. Suggest hiring more people or please remove the fixed tips! Food is okay considering the price.
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S
Seamus
Seattle
37 reviews
vip
4.0
37 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2019
overall4food3service5ambience5
Went on a Wed evening so was not crowded at all. Lovely gem of a place - innovative and tasty cocktails. food was fine - just prolly overpriced for what you getting.
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PZ
PaulZ
Seattle
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
Seafood choices and bar menu were good. Service excellent, overall good dining experience.
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VT
VadymT
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a birthday dinner here and everything was exceptional! Service is wonderful, wine even better and food is amazing! Recommend for everyone :)
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J
John
Seattle
3 reviews
vip
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2019
overall1food1service5ambience5
Bring your own champagne if it’s a special Occasion as they don’t have any on the menu... Service was excellent. Every course was way too salty for the 3 of us. Many people love salty food, but we don’t.
L'OursinResponded on November 6, 2019
I'm sorry your food was salty. We strive to season things perfectly, but everyone has different tastes. I encourage you to engage in a dialogue with your server; they're here to help you have a great experience. If you had given us the opportunity, we would of course have been happy to gently season the rest of your meal. I must also point out Ruppert-Leroy's “Les Cognaux” Champagne is the first wine on our bottle list, followed by many other sparkling options. Thank you for the opportunity.
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R
Rossi
New York Area
38 reviews
vip
1.0
38 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2019
overall1food1service5ambience3
Everything was okay until the entree Duck breast served well done. Not a hint of pink. Chewy and looked like, as my date said, pot roast. Not very apologetic server. Will never go there again.
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F
Foodie
Washington DC
28 reviews
vip
3.0
28 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2019
overall3food2service1ambience5
Disappointing food and service was very slow. The natural wine was good and the place is cute. Only dishes we thought was good was the chicken. Would not go back.
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RK
ReneeK
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delightfully surprised by the selection, preparation and service. Most impressive wine list. Very knowledgeable server. Great addition to the neighborhood and city. Thank you.
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MR
MichaelR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 21, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
A stunner, an all time date spot - food, wine, ambiance. Amazing
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FD
FrankD
Seattle
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience4
The bar is not a comfortable eating space. Seated with my knees mashed against the bar, I had to lean forward at 60 degrees to get my mouth over my plate. But the food was great!
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DN
DarrenN
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
Probably the Best Cocktails I have had this year and I have been to bars in NYC, Chicago, Detroit, LA, Amsterdam, London and Split this year!!! Well Done!
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P
Pianist
Seattle
53 reviews
vip
4.0
53 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
Too salty!!!
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TL
TiffanyL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 12, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Absolute class and refinement. We come here at least once a year, if not more, for special occasions.
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F
Foodfighter
Seattle
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
Birthday celebration — they provided a complimentary dessert. Thank you!
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W
Wademamerto
Seattle
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience5
Food was tasty and sophisticated. Salads with watermelon and watercress were fantastic. Oasis buco was delicious.
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FAQs

L'Oursin is rated 4.6 stars by 191 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Google Map for L'Oursin

1315 E Jefferson St, Seattle, WA 98122

Additional information

Cross street
E Jefferson St and 14th Ave
Neighborhood
Capitol Hill / First Hill
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary French, Seafood, French
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
JJ Proville
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.loursinseattle.com/
Phone number
(206) 485-7173
Private party facilities
L'Oursin is available for large group dining and full restaurant buy-outs. For large groups and private events, please call 206-485-7173 or email info@loursinseattle.com.

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