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For many, Valentine's Day dining is an obligation, not a treat. Here are 10 restaurants that are just freakin' great and romantic year-round. Screw Hallmark.
A French little nook inside Pike Place Market (around the corner from Don & Joe's behind the pig), Maximilien is so wonderful for so many reasons, but mainly the Parisian bistro menus, the sweeping view, and the hidden gem appeal. Upstairs, there's a tiny little clandestine bar that is primo for dates...and when you just don't want to be bothered.
One of the best prix fixe menus in the city. Rover's aces food, ambience, service and hospitality. This is where you go when you want to impress...anyone: date, client, in-laws, yourself, whatever. It's a treat and well-worth the price tag.
Le Pichet is Seattle's premiere Parisian bistro, as if you didn't already know that. LP has attained icon status with its flare for nailing simple classic dishes, whether it's pate, tartines, broiled eggs with ham and gruyere, or a cafe au lait. Le Pichet fits the bill for whatever type of restaurant you're looking for, it's that good.
Tucked into a work-space loft just off Western, Boat Street is like stumbling upon a hidden gold mine. The French-inspired menu is heavy on meats--the pork chops is not to be missed, says almost everybody who has eaten here. If you just want a bite and a cocktail or glass of wine, head to the charming little bar that doubles as a people watching perch in what seems like a small town of France.
One of the great restaurants in the Ethan Stowell empire, S&F exudes a sort of casual dining experience, with a good dose of romance, thanks to the exposed brick and general feeling that you've just entered some kind of food cave. The ambience is beautiful and it always smells delicious! Open kitchen + chef's tasting menu + approachable wine list = heaven.
The beautiful, artsy dining room and two separate bars (one to watch the open kitchen entertainment and one to drink) pairs perfectly with a menu filled with seasonal, beautiful and artsy dishes (the owner is a trained artist - who knew?). The only thing that stands out on the menu here is everything.
What makes this place a gem is not its handmade pastas, charcuterie and other Italian delights--it's the bar next door, Artusi. The siblings play off one another like cake and ice cream, er, gelato and whatever the Italian version of cake is. The food garners rave on a regular basis, while Artusi's cocktails--and modern ambience in general--has been one of the 'it' places to drink since it opened in the summer of 2011.
This charming little nook has one of the most magnificent views of Elliott Bay. The perfect place to duck into for some mussels and a glass of wine when you need a respite from the harried Pike Place Market. This place is a gem, and often overlooked by Seattleites, which means there's probably a seat for you at the bar. Hurry!