When you cross a Wes Anderson color palette with great steak frites and imaginative wine tasting notes, you get L’Oursin. Among quips about Ocean Spray cranberry juice to describe whole-cluster grenache, this Central District spot serves a serious dinner. Pêche du jour and raw scallops nod to the restaurant’s seafood roots, while snacks like panisse with harissa dip mix things up. Use L’Oursin to earn yourself cool points by way of their sepia-toned digs, expert-level chocolate mousse, and Alsatian pinot blanc that’s described as liquified honey walnut prawns.

The Infatuation

L’Oursin pairs French food with natural wine expertly

“Like Le Caviste, the Central District’s L’Oursin fixates on French wine and food, although this brasserie has a much more modern feel, from the rotating seafood-focused menu (the name means “sea urchin,” after all) to the jazzy descriptions of mostly natural wines, also available at retail and via a wine club. Think rare grape varietals, tiny sub-appellations, and dessert wines served alongside grilled sturgeon and fried sweetbreads by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff.”

Eater Seattle
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“While you never quite forget you’re on the retail level of a new apartment building, this seafood café nearly pulls it off. The presence of off-duty staff from all your favorite city restaurants indicates you’ve come to the right place. With its inspired natural wines‚ chef J. J. Proville’s modern interpretations of French-café classics, and enthusiastic, experienced staff, L’Oursin has been killing the game since opening day.”

Condé Nast Traveler

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“It was lovely to step from a chill drizzle into L’Oursin’s caramel glow, to have an aproned server hasten to the door in welcome, to have plenty of hooks handy for wet coats.”

Seattle Times
A love affair with French restaurant newcomer L’Oursin