Campagne Restaurant

If I want to be SURE my wife and I have a lovely meal out, Campagne is where we go. The food is sophisticated, and complex. Every item is prepared with excruciating care. At the same time, the service is relaxed, easy going. They'll never rush you, make you feel stupid, or try to be your buddy. They just bring you what you need, when you need it. The best.

Pros: Sauces, desserts, everything

Cons: Not cheap

Posted 08/23/09

A stellar restaurant in the heart of Pike Place Market - post alley. I really loved the meal we had here, great foie gras and rose combo for apps, and my salmon nicoise was out of this world. Great place, and our server was pretty great too - really funny.

Pros: Excellent Service, Fresh Seafood

Cons: Not Cheap

Posted 07/06/09

This used to be a pretty good restaurant. I've eaten there for years, whenever I got to Seattle. I went there again last night and the experience was horrible. Service was slow and indifferent from the start. The "free" Gruyere cheese puffs could have come from the frozen food section. The "Foie gras and duck liver terrine served on toast with honey and toasted walnuts" ($14) was a bunch of fatty, tasteless pate spread on bread; I've had better out of a tin. I couldn't finish it.

We ordered a bottle of fairly expensive wine and were sipping it with the appetisers, hoping it would last through the main course. But the main course never came. We waited an hour and when we noticed that people who came after us were being served, finally asked the waiter. He was churlish about it and said he didn't know why the chef had prepared other people's dinners first. There was no apology, or any assurance as to when our dinner would be served. We finally finished our wine and got up to leave. The waiter couldn't have been more unpleasant. No manager showed up and no one acknowledged that we had cause to be unhappy. We paid for what we consumed and left.

My suspicion is that the waiter delayed our order hoping we'd spring for another bottle of wine. Or maybe he forgot--he seemed to have a lot on his mind.

Never going back there. There are plenty of great restaurants in Seattle and there is no reason to put up with lousy food and rude service.

Pros: Not much

Cons: Really, really bad service; food not so great

Posted 06/24/09

The new look is nice. I'm not sure when they put up the curtains but they look nice. I had dinner with a friend and the food was great, we had a great waiter, super friendly and he knew everything about the menu. It seems like the wait staff work well as a team because almost everyone came to our table. Great cocktails and yummy little cheesy poufs.
My only thing is the "maitre'd", a dark haired (bald) man with facial hair. He seemed angry but maybe it was a bad day.
It won't stop us from going back, the food is so good and I love the cheesy sandwich downstairs in the cafe.

Pros: food, service, drinks

Cons: parking, cost

Posted 01/10/09

We had been to the Campagne Cafe for my birthday in December and loved it. So, we decided to try the upstairs Campagne for my boyfriend's birthday on Friday. Our coats were attended to and we were promptly seated. We almost laughed out loud when the waiter offered us our choice of tap, spring, or sparkling water --- and the pretentiousness didn't end there...later there would be crumb scraping and various loftily-asked questions that we raised our eyebrows at. The ambiance of this restaurant just isn't formal enough for me to expect or accept that level of snootery. The food and wine were awesome, if overpriced. I selected an inexpensive ($11) glass of Bordeaux and my boyfriend got an inexpensive ($12) Merlot. Both were great. The menu selections were limited, but we settled on the truffle & mushroom risotto and the scallop dish. The risotto was incredible and the scallop dish was very good. We had the cheese course afterwards and it was well worth the $15. We also had the creme brulee which is inarguably the best in the city. Our tab was $100+ for two glasses of wine, 2 entrees, a cheese plate, and a dessert. My recommendation would be to dine in the far less "full of itself" downstairs cafe. The food is a little cheaper and is just as good and the atmosphere is far more intimate.

Pros: Great view of the market & waterfront, excellent food and wine list.

Cons: Parking, pretensious waitstaff, need to make reservations well in advance for a weekend night.

Posted 04/04/08

I've heard about the legendary brunch Campagne serves just twice a year, but have never been able to get down there. Finally, I planned ahead, managed to get a reservation for Easter and boy what a brunch! The meal was so fantastic that I made a reservation for Mother's Day brunch before I walked out the door. The restaurant was packed with Easter diners, but we felt well taken care of. My Dungeness crab quiche was divine - rich, buttery and light all at the same time. I don't think I've ever had a better quiche. My boyfriend chose the Boeuf'nOeufs (how cute is that) - he was overwhelmed. The steak was so flavorful, cooked perfectly (medium-rare as per our servers recommendation) and served with fried eggs and a great smoky sauce. I can't wait to eat here again!

Posted 03/23/08

Took my mom there while she was visiting. We are both "food snobs" and know our way around a restaurant. We were seated quite quickly but then left alone for almost 1/2 hour. Both of us were dressed casual, could this have influenced our service? Food was okay. Nothing notable. Most disappointed was the dessert. We ordered the fig torte and for $9 expected a torte a least big enough for two bites each. When it came, we discovered it was as big as a silver dollar. While good, wasn't worth the price and wish the server had thought to mention the size. Waited another 1/2 hour for our check. Won't go back and won't recommend.

Pros: Coffee

Cons: everything else

Posted 03/21/08

Such a huge disappointment. Three people - tried a few items plus a bottle of wine - over $500.00 for a meal that was less than impressive. Didn't finish dessert - just wasn't worth the calories. I also expected better service - the waiter had a hard time covering his tables - it was a Tuesday night - not extremely busy. I can think of a dozen other restaurants to go to - wont return anytime soon.

Posted 03/19/08

What a delightful evening! My boyfriend and I decided to treat ourselves to a romantic French dinner and couldn't have picked a better restaurant to do so. The ambiance, the decor and the service were impeccable. The sommelier was always close by for us to ask questions about their impressive wine list, and our waiter Mike was extremely friendly, yet professional and knowledgeable. We just loved this place and wished to have discovered it earlier! We'll definitely go back in a very near future.

Pros: Service, Ambience, Food & Wine!

Cons: None

Posted 03/05/08

Thanks for a special evening for my family to get together. It was very memorable. We will always talk about the evening

Pros: ambience,

Cons: parking parking parking

Posted 02/24/08

Stopped in on a Friday after work--were greeted, seated at the bar and had water/bread within five minutes. Had great Manhattans and that superb lamb burger. This is how a restaurant works--they say hi, you drink, you over tip, everyone goes away happy.

Posted 01/27/08

Food was just Blah. For the price they charge I was expecting a sensation. Also, still cant get over the fact that they charge for the soda refils (hovewer, it's not unusual, so that fact did not affect my rating).

Pros: location

Cons: price

Posted 01/02/08

I've been here 3 times and more recently for the 30 fo $30. The food is the star here. I had the escargo, beef Bourguignon and the fig tarte. All were very good. I think I might have preferred my boyfriend's chicken saugage actually... it was very flavorful and lighter than the beef. I do have to say, the 2nd time I was there, i had a very rude server and had to request for a new server. Just looking around, the servers they currently have seem to be very sweet and humble, not arrogant as before. So thats good to see. I also cannot say more good things about the fig tarte. It was divine. Great mild flavors, and such a good combination... tasted quality ingrediants... Overall, i recommend it.

Pros: Good food, good service, nice restaurant

Cons: none

Posted 11/18/07

This is by far the best food I've had in the City of Seattle. It's fresh, straight to the point, the service is impecable, the ambiance is clean and comfortable and it's in a great location. Sure it's pricey but it's allowed to be, that is how they market themselves. It's a special occasion type of restaurant with nice sized portions and special food.

For a fabulous, quiet, classy meal please eat at Campagne. Whatever you order is bound to be superb and really, what more could you want after a fabulous meal than a stroll around pike place?

Pros: Incredible food

Cons: None

Posted 05/22/07

My general rule is that restaurants that have been open more than 10 years are probably tired. But my date insisted that we dine at Campagne (not sure how old it is, but it was old when I moved to Seattle 10 years ago) and I'm going to have to re-think my rule. This place is a find. The dishes are classic French, but always with a little touch that shows that the chef loves the food enough to make it his(or her) own: perfectly seared scallops with gingered carrot Puree and bacon; seared foie gras with roasted grapes; beef tartare served with coins of potato that are loving poached in duck fat before they are fried. Nothing was tall, everything was prepared simply but perfectly, and all of the portions were almost too big (how often do you say that about a nice restaurant). I could eat here every day. My only complaint about the food was that there was too much asparagus on the menu . . . I understand that it is in season, but it seemed like almost every dish was touched by asparagus in some way (on the other hand, I appreciate the enthusiasm). The service was warm, knowing, and very good. The winelist is glorius: full of hard to find French wines from small producers--no California Chardonnay or Australian Shiraz here (for those who aren't sure, that is a pleasant change from the majority of wine lists in the Seattle). We had a lovely bottle of Bandol from La Badianne. The place is cute and intimate. I love it.

Pros: Food, Service, WINE

Cons: Asparagus(Too Much), Parking

Posted 05/07/07

I never knew a place like this existed in Seattle. Seattle is said to be a culinary town, but I didn?t believe it until I found Campagne. Being a recent transplant from the East Coast, I felt starved for a dining experience that truly impressed me. I found it. The service at this place is top notch and the food, simply unforgettable. My friend had the scallops and I the oysters marinated in a stunning vinaigrette. How genius to serve freshly sucked oysters in a marinade, and the scallops were so tender in a beautiful carrot sauce. The guinea hen with escargot was divine and the little bite of lamb my friend offered up was out of this world. Their wine list is stunning and our server?s recommendations were right on the mark. If you love food, you have got to try my new favorite find. Trust me, you will not regret it.

Pros: It is all about the food and wine

Cons: Parking

Posted 03/13/07

Luckily I used the $25 special to dine at Campagne. A nationally recognized french restaurant and high accolades from Zagat fell short on the night I dined there. A small restaurant that gets very loud during peak times is not ideal for that special someone whom you would love to hear speak. The ambiance is not romantic unless you think looking at French posters and seeing people walk out of Pike's market remind you of Paris. I wish French restaurants would actually serve french bread the way it's meant to be, fresh crusty bread with a moist warm interior. Instead you get a limp cold tasteless carb with rock hard butter that you can't even spread. The tealight was useful to warm my butter knife. The potato gnocchi was ok, didn't exactly melt in my mouth as Crush did. The braised medium well veal breast could have been USDA Select chuck roast and would have tasted the same. Braising is more designed to soften tough meats of lesser quality. Would you put cubed beef tenderloin in a crockpot? The twice baked chocolate cake created a crusty exterior but was not decadent enough. Maybe this was the intention of the pastry chef. The raspberry coulis could have been more generous to complement the chocolate but you only get a few fancy circular squirts. Not enough to coat your fork. The water waitress walked by my empty plate but made sure my water glass was full. It took awhile to receive my bill, I guess the busy main server had to personally deliver it to me. I did have enough water to pass the time. Once I put my credit card in the billfold, the hostess was quick to pick it up though. Interesting. Overall, I wouldn't take my special someone to Campagne due to the lack of romanticism, loud crowd noise at peak times, and expensive homestyle french cooking. Maybe it was the special deal that limited the uniqueness of Campagne, but that would be the chef's fault for choosing a poor representative menu to showcase his talents.

Pros: Nothing to tout about

Cons: Average service, Not a romantic place to dine unless your date is impressed with expensive plates

Posted 03/06/07

Went to Campagne for the first time for V-Day. Parking in that area is a little tough as it is right across from Pike Market. When we got there, my wife and I were seated in a corner table next to the window, with a good view of pike. Our waiter made us feel comfortable with both the menu and wine list. I had the lamb and my wife ordered the game hen with escargot, both were delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant for its elegance, quick service, and heavenly food. If you are looking for somewhere to spend your special occasion this is it! But paradise comes with a price tag, you can expect to pay $$$ for an out of body culinary experience. Definitely will come again.

Pros: Elegant, Extensive Wine List, Friendly Staff did not look down on a casual wine drinker

Cons: Paraise comes with a price-tag

Posted 02/14/07

This is Seattle's Finest Dining (maybe w/Canlis?) Definately none better! The wine list is awesome (I am a red-burgundy fan so for me it's heaven)! The Frog Legs!! Wow! Desserts, not 1 dish was a miss! (6 of us ate together) Ask for a Chambertin or Puligny-Chambertin region '95 Oh my! Ask about off-lists, amazing!

Pros: Everything Fine

Cons: $$$$$$$

Posted 06/15/06

What a magical evening. I am not sure if it was the impeccable service, the delicious halibut special or the wine, but last night was one of the most memorable meals and all in a quiet outdoor courtyard in the middle of the city. C'est magnifique!

Pros: Food, Service, Courtyard

Cons: Parking, Take a cab

Posted 05/16/06

I have been to France several times and am married to a Frenchman, so we are always looking for French restaurants to try out. We have been here twice and left dissapointed both times. The staff is pretentious and rude and the food isn't anything to brag about. I found it funny that while none of the servers could speak French they refused to serve ketchup to preserve their "French" atmosphere. There are definitely better French restaurants in Seattle!

Pros: It is in the market

Cons: Rude Waitstaff, No Ketchup

Posted 05/11/06

A very nice place to go for a quiet meal overlooking the market. Expect very small portions, good service, and a wonderful ambience. The cafe downstairs is a little more laid back and less expensive and just as great.

Pros: food, service, location

Posted 05/08/06

Could this be the most consistent restaurant in Seattle. Chef Daisley Gordon's menu continues to improve with each passing year. The charcuterie platter now on the menu is an overwhelming amount of house made delights such as rilletes, pate and different terrines. Definately worth sharing for a starter course for as many as 4 people. I'm definately looking forward to their return to Dine Around Seattle - forks up for March!

Pros: Food, Service, Valet Paking

Posted 04/27/06

Like too many restaurants using the "French food" to attract people,
I wouldn't recomment this restaurant if you want to eat real french food.
You have others french restaurant by the market, real french restaurant!

Pros: romantic

Cons: price, food

Posted 10/24/05

Campagne is a Pike Place Market dining institution. Their wine list is second to none. The best sweetbreads I have ever tasted, better than even at the French Laundry. Other dishes are stellar, though perhaps not as exceptional as the sweetbreads. Campagne has one of the best outdoor dining areas in the city, a great place for a relaxing summer meal.

Service was informed and not the least bit uppity, very refreshing for a high end French food palace. Campagne will remain a Seattle dining institution for years to come.

Pros: Sweetbreads, Wine List, Outdoor Patio

Cons: No Parking

Posted 08/04/05

Campagne has the most excellent desserts I've ever had. We went to the bar after spending time downtown late last weekend, and it was the perfect place to end the evening. They are open late on the weekends, and the staff was impeccably helpful, especially the bartender who recommended a wonderful dessert wine.
I would go back again and again!

Pros: awesome, very romantic

Cons: a little dark inside

Posted 07/01/05

I dined at Campagne last night, and was blown away. From the moment I asked the person at the front desk if our casual attire (jeans, sandals, t-shirts) were acceptable, and he said "you look great!" I was in love. The food was excellent: we had salt-cod beignets, foie-gras terrine, quail with grape-leaves and bacon, and Coq au Vin. Everything was prepared perfectly. We had a lovely bottle of wine from the South of France that the Sommelier helped us to choose (I can't remember the name) for only $37. But most impressive was the great, comfortable service, which was neither stuffy, nor overly familiar . . . just perfect!

Pros: Service!, Ambiance!, Food!

Cons: Are there any?

Posted 05/29/05

Took my wife out for her birthday. We sat indoors and it was air-conditioned, perfect for a hot day. They have outdoor seating too. We has 2 glasses of wine, appetizer, entree, dessert and coffee. We enjoyed the meal, it was just perfect. Around $110 or so. The service was friendly and prompt. They confused a bit on the order but quickly compensated it by giving dessert on the house. The indoors are comfortable but do not provide as much privacy. But it was a great evening and we followed it up by a walking along the Pike's place market area. Will definitely visit again !

Pros: Great food, Friendly service, Nice Location

Cons: Less space inside

Posted 05/27/05

My hubby and I were given a gift certificate almost a year ago and we waited until last weekend to use it. We weren't sure we'd enjoy the cuisine, and even had a backup plan if we left hungry. Well, we left stuffed and happy! The food was so delicious, we tried many different things and loved most of it. (Skip the squash soup, too bland) The ambiance was pleasant, service prompt and friendly. Dessert was fantastic. We didn't even use our entire certificate because the prices were quite reasonable.

Pros: Delicious food, reasonable prices, friendly waitstaff

Posted 11/11/04

I hate french food... but I LOVED this! Definately an awesome place for a date, especially when it gets dark and you can see all the Seattle lights. Absolutely phenomenal salmon, great creme brulee... and the service was second to none.

This isn't a showy restaurant, though when you eat there you can taste every dollar you spend. The service is understated and the atmosphere is romantic but not over the top. Very modest, sophisticated and tasteful.

Pros: Excellent service, Great view

Cons: , inconvenient parking

Posted 07/08/04

We dined before the symphony and it was a great experience. They asked what time we needed to leave, and told us they'd time everything so please don't worry. It was perfect timing. The food was fantastic - I had lamb that melted in my mouth. The wine pairing and service were equally superb. I'm definitely returning. The atmosphere is nice without being "wow". This is a very solid place for a nice meal, prompt service and friendly people. It's not the place to wow your friends with the ambiance.

Posted 01/02/04