L'Oursin Seattle is Stellar

I’ve been liking this place since it opened. It has survived the pandemic and is better than ever. A recent dinner here made me feel cheerful for days which is amazing in the crazy world of 2022.

Although the cocktail program is very sophisticated, my favorite classic is a Citadel Martini with a twist. Whatever foie gras they offer is essential. This evening it was a generous portion of Mousse de Canard that I should have shared, but didn’t. It was too good. My friend ordered the sweetbreads-ris de veau-and they were extraordinary too. The lamb shank screamed “order me!”. The poached salmon and grilled sturgeon won. The sturgeon was floating a piperade sauce with sun chokes and saffron mayonnaise. The salmon topped a most unusual jus made of mussels and kuri squash with sun chokes and brussel sprouts. Kuri squash is new to me and will require research. A competent rose accompanied the fish dishes. The housemade ice-creams (mocha and creme fraise) require Armagnac.

I have never had anything bad to eat here. The menu changes frequently but always offers traditional Lyonnaise cuisine with Northwest products. The quality is consistent. The service is friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. Here is a link to their website with all the details of the address, reservations and a sample menu for your review.