« Ballard Restaurants

We went for Valentine's Day a few years ago and had a last-minute emergency an hour before our reservation and tried to cancel. They tried hard to find a replacement, but couldn't - which was understandable under such short notice. We ended up going to our reservation, but needless to say, couldn't enjoy it much as we had just received some very bad news about a family friend. Once we were there, the service wasn't extraordinary (somewhat "snooty"), and the meal was VERY overpriced. The food was good, but not great. Overall, not impressed and would much rather spend $250 dollars on a nice meal at Daniel's Broiler. Won't be going again...

you went "a few years ago" and are just reviewing now?
Seems weird, not to mention irrelevant...

I continue to love this place. Bruce knows how to cook. Period. To the person below who would prefer Le Pichet to Le Gourmand - when they can cook a piece of meat and sauce it like Bruce Naftaly can, then I'll happily pay for your meal.
Until then, I'll be at Le Gourmand. (paying less now, too, by the way, with a prix fixe menu)

After four courses, two bottles of wine, and 3 hours, our table of four was sadly disappointed with the results of Le Gourmand. The food was "ok" along with the service. With these prices, the staff should be pouring our wine. Clearly, they missed that memo. I would opt for Le Pichet over this restaurant any day.

the food was good, the service was fair but snooty, but for the prices I expect more.

I was VERY dissapointed in the bar. The bartender made my drink grudgingly taking time out from flirting with other patrons and THEN poured half of it into a glass, and handed it to a passing waitress, who drank it! For 312! I will never go back. I give it a zero.

Hands down my favorite restaurant in town.
Amazing food, nice atmosphere, very knowledgeable staff, friendly and no attitude. Expensive but worth every penny.

Wish I could afford to go more than once a year or two.

An excellent restaurant (and good bar, too)
Le Gourmand has a new website, according to Bruce Naftaly, the owner/chef of the restaurant.
legourmandrestaurant.com
doesn't seem to be up yet - just a place holder page - but he says it will have menus and wine lists from both Le Gourmand and Sambar.

Matt - I loved the review of Le Gourmand on your blog! Pictures even!

I am sooooo hungry right now. ;-)

Thanks!

I'd give Le Gourmand 6 stars if I could. I went there last year for my brother's birthday, and was absolutely blown away by the food. Bruce is a genius in the kitchen.

A little disappointed with the snoot factor last time at Sambar, some new faces have replaced the old, more friendly help. Could have just been an off night, hopefully not a trend. Let's not forget this is Ballard, people, not some shallow Hollywood hot spot.

Absolute joy in food. Their dedication to locally sourced, super-fresh food and considerate, creative preparation makes it a jem for memorable evenings. The bar next door is sparse and luxe and feels like it should be in a Barcelona or San Francisco. Delight!

Easily one of the mest unique, some say top 10 restaurants in Seattle. Great, nice couple that runs it. An easy, often overlooked choice for an intimate special occassion.

I've actually never eaten in the restaurant, but the little bar is topnotch and the perfect place to meet for a blind date, not to mention the tasty appetizers available.

The newly redone interior is now quite modern, much better. The food remains wonderful and they offer both a tasting menu as well as ala carte options

one of the best chefs in seattle - no one but no one beats his sauces!