Maximilien

Seattle, United States

4

Closed now

23 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wi-Fi

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 206-682-7270
Website:
www.maximilienrestaurant.com
Address:
81A Pike St Ste A, Seattle, WA, 98101
b/t Post Aly & Western Ave
Downtown
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
910 ft3rd Ave & Pike St
0.2 mi3rd Ave & Pine St
0.2 miPine St & 4th Ave
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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
Yes
Delivery
No
Take-out
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Good For
Dinner
Parking
Valet, Garage, Street, Validated
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
No
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Casual
Ambience
Romantic
Noise Level
Average
Alcohol
Full Bar
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wi-Fi
Free
Has TV
No
Waiter Service
Yes
Caters
No

Today

Today 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (Seattle) 8:27 AM Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Business hours

Monday 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tuesday 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Wednesday 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Saturday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm

Description

Specialties

The chefs at Maximilien cook local ingredients with French techniques. The result is a seasonally changing menu highlighted by such signatures as the wonderful «Tournedos Rossini» or «Les Moules Maximilien,»

Penn Cove mussels steamed with caramelized onions, parsley, pastis and cream.

Happy Hour:

Join us after your busy day to relax with your friends, colleagues or family. Enjoy our new special Happy Hour menu Monday through Friday from 5pm to 7pm and Saturdays 8−10pm. The menu features $ 4, $ 6, $ 8 and $ 12 appetizers such as Foie Gras, and Steamed Mussels along wine, beer and cocktail specials.

History

Established in 1997.

Maximilien is a romantic and charming French restaurant located in the heart of downtown Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market.

Owner operated since 1997, Maximilien has all the old-​world charm of any hideaway in Paris.

Our Chef de Cuisine is Christian Potvin.

Christian has worked in France, Miami, Key West and many French and Northwest restaurants in Seattle before joining us in 2004. He received his training in the culinary rich region of Brittany.

Our servers, Carlos, Jean, Ali, Mike, Vanina and David have been with us for many years and welcome you everyday for Brunch, Lunch or Dinner.

Meet the Business Owner

Axel and Willy M.

Business Owner

Axel had worked at Maximilien for many years before taking over the previous ownership. He received training in culinary schools in France before moving to Seattle in the early 90’s.

Willy helped Axel opening Maximilien in 1997 and worked as the Sous-​Chef and Chef for a few years before taking on the managing role.

Maximilien also recommends

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«Nice selection of wine and specialty items from Europe (and the rest of the world)!»

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«Nicest fish selection in the Market.»

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«Our Italian neighbors! Friendly staff, and great bar!»

Don and Joe’s Meats

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Meat Shops

Axel and Willy M. says,

«Best meat selection in the city!»

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23 reviews of Maximilien

No registration required
Place rating: 2
Davis, CA
Our crew of 6 stopped in for drinks and to relax upstairs. The service was uncomfortably terrible. We are a pretty low maintenance group of young drinkers with simple tastes. Ordered a variety of drinks when finally asked and mostly kept to ourselves. The draught beer was great, exactly what we were looking for, and the cocktails were each more unique and delicious than the last but not enough so to merit this place a better rating.
Basically the place was empty on a Saturday afternoon but it took staff 5min to even look at us, much less seat us. And there were staff everywhere. And there were open tables everywhere. We sit down and know what we want quickly but go to order and the servers walking by just ignore us. Finally order and get drinks but wanted to pay and leave and the server accused us of not making that clear. Just kind of uncomfortable…
PROS: great view, tasteful décor, convenient location by Pike’s place
CONS: terrible service
Place rating: 1
Seattle, WA
Such a disappointing experience at Maximilliens last night!
A little context — I was just engaged in Paris two weeks ago to my girlfriend and when we returned this past weekend we started looking at wedding venues. We stumbled across Maximilliens online — a French restaurant that does events with a beautiful view — sounds perfect! Her mom was coming into town for the weekend and I made reservations for three to scout out the restaurant.
Upon arrival, we were taken to the upstairs area (away from the main restaurant). My seat was a diner style cushion that literally sunk me down to where the table was against my upper chest (and I’m 6’2). Furthermore, the seat was coated in bread crumbs. I went asked if we could be reseated to one of the main dining room tables downstairs (considering we were celebrating our engagement and three tables were open) and the server said it wouldn’t be possible. Stuck upstairs and sinking in the chairs, her mom decided to just go downstairs and check out the space for herself. While down there, a couple with no reservations walked in and asked if a table was available — the host looked at the main dining room, told them he had a one available and walked him right to one of the four tops we had just asked about.
We decided to just leave and have dinner elsewhere, but rarely have I been more excited about a dinner and felt so let down by basic customer service.
Place rating: 3
Seattle, WA
A favorite way back when!!!
I used to frequent this place back in 2011, 2010 even. Mainly for brunch! Their views are amazing. Stunning rather. And French food isn’t bad either :)
Love ~ the Sunday menu! They have my favorite brunch items on Sundays! Not even Saturday. They have lunch on Saturdays!
Dungeness omelet ~ perfectly done and tasty! Love this.
French toast~ well duh! Why wouldn’t you have this!
I’ve also had their 3 course menus: steak frites, escargot and so on. Mimosa added. The place is tiny! But they do have upstairs. Depends on who seats you, you’ll get a different experience. They also have the outdoor patio area that’s perfect for beautiful summer days!
Happy hour isn’t cheap but you can try a ton of things for less than their regular menu prices. Did I mention how gorgeous the view is though? Its a stunning view! You cant even feel that you are in a market. That’s how quiet, secluded and pretty it is. Everyone that I have brought here love the views as well. If you want a pâté, a glass of champagne or two in the busiest touristy market without feeling like you are in the middle of it all, this is the spot for you! It is also one of the prettier spots for brunch in the market! Yey for old favorites!
Place rating: 5
Federal Way, WA
Had an incredible steak dinner here the other night. Best steak dinner I’ve ever had. The service was great. Our waiter checked in on us frequently. The drinks were delicious as well. Will definitely come back here many times.
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
Every once in a while you hit a spot that makes you very, very happy. This one’s mine. But seriously… Maybe you’re missing Europe since your last trip abroad or haven’t been yet and want a little feel of it… if you want the vibe of a quaint, non-​presumptuous, comfortable bistro-​style place — this is it. You won’t leave wishing you went someplace else instead. Go upstairs for sunsets and amazing Sound views, delicious food, cocktails, wine, atmosphere and some of the most exceptional service you will see anywhere in Seattle. All the good stuff.
The specifics: love the mussels. Order anything but make sure you include the mussels.
Great spot for a date or for a group of friends. Maybe not so much for kids but you know your kids. Use your judgement.
Servers go above and beyond. They have a commitment to your experience here. Love that. Love the place. Give it a shot.
Place rating: 3
Seattle, WA
Over the summer, my sister decided to have a birthday dinner here… okay keyword: DINNER.
Take note that they have different menus before dinner. Before 5 PM (dinner time) their menu is usually drinks and small plates/​appetizers. That totally confused us, but luckily our reservations were 15 mins away from dinner hour.
Seating was amazing, as it was a view of the piers. Nice on a sunny summer day. They have great drinks from moscow mules and the local ginger beer from Rachel’s.
Everything we had was amazing. From the couscous salad. it was buttery, light and very very fluffy. Definitely my favorite from our dine here. We also had a fish dish, which I do forget which, along with escargots, which was also a great dish. Bone marrow and steak was perfect in taste and something we all agreed was really good. Our last dish was the duck breast. It was quite salty and nothing we touched too much.
Our server was very nice, although the host was not so nice.
Overall, this place was great due to food and our server and the awesome view. Would go here again and recommend. Prices were worth.
Place rating: 3
Seattle, WA
We had an office lunch to celebrate the visit of a colleague. Food and service were ok — nothing superb or stood out to me. We sat outside and the view was amazing but chilly for the summer. I wish they had one of the heaters outside, it would have helped.
My one complaint is that it took FOREVER for our food to come out. Now, I understand that not all of our party was here to order and we waited for everyone to arrive before ordering. But once we placed our orders and when we received our order … goodness it was more than 45 minutes. We had an 11:30am reservation, I think everyone was there by noon the latest and food didn’t come out until 1pm or a little after. I had to be back in the office for an appointment at 1:30. It was just ridiculous.
Place rating: 5
Carlsbad, CA
Fabulous food, fabulous service, fabulous everything!
Went with the price fixe menu ($ 45, $ 60 with wine pairing) and was totally impressed with each course. Had the escargot, duck confit, and the espresso crème brûlée. I have to say this meal was even better than the French meal I ate in Paris! Definitely going back.
Place rating: 5
Yokosuka, Japan
I have not eaten a casual meal at Maximilien, but I did rent the entire place for my wedding. What a top notch establishment!!! The restaurant was set up beautifully: two bar areas and the downstairs set for a formal dinner for our 40 guests. After our superb 4 course meal (appetizers, soup or salad, choice of entrée, and dessert), we moved upstairs for dancing. The staff was amazing, catering to our requests. Our bar tenders were awesome. I couldn’t have asked for a better venue to host our intimate wedding. If you’re planning a wedding for 50 guests or less, consider this spot. It’s also a great place to do pre-​reception photos in the market. A unique Seattle wedding experience.
Place rating: 2
Seattle, WA
Went to this restaurant for Seattle Restaurant Week and was sorely disappointed. It didn’t seem to live up to the expectation that I had for the food. Previously I have come here for cocktails and they have always been fabulous– there was one in particular that had a round ice cube and they would give you a small little hammer to break it. Sadly, during my last dining experience the waiter told me they no longer had that drink on the menu. They did get some points for the warm and cozy atmosphere!
Place rating: 5
Tacoma, WA
Consistently great! Came here for an appetizer and cocktail. Never disappoints! There aren’t many signs to tell you it’s maximillien or a host to great you. But the bar is right in the front and the bartender usually acknowledges you.
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
If you’re looking for a spot in the Market to rest your feet after an afternoon of browsing and shopping, this is the spot! My «pick me up» is starting with their Pâté Maison or if you want a garlic rush, try their Escargots a la Bourguignonne. If it’s a typical cold, wet and grey day outside and you need to something «warm», try the Onion Soup (Soupe a l’Oignon). If you’re still hungry, and you need a bit of bacon in your diet (who can resist bacon, right?), try the Penn Cove Mussels Provencal!
Bön apetit.
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
My family decided to do a holiday party in Seattle of the Ugly Christmas Sweater variety — our last stop of the night was at Maximilien. A friend was already seated at the bar and we clustered up around him despite the bar being rather full. Drinks were ordered, sweaters were commented on, and we settled in for the night.
When a couple finally left, two gentlemen that had come in after us moved to take the seats. My mother and aunt did not say a word, but the manager told the two gentlemen very politely that the ladies at the bar were here first and those seats were for them. After they were seated, no fewer than three times was I offered a stool from upstairs — no fewer than three times did I refuse (I like to stand). However, the moment I turned my back to the bar, a stool appeared much to my chagrin.
Enter David, the bartender, explaining to me that the Frenchman who run the restaurant do not understand customer service like Americans do, they will force it upon us even if we don’t desire it. (I sat for ten minutes and then politely asked David to take it away).
Regardless, throughout the night we chatted with other customers, David and each other. Our volume eventually matched that of our sweaters and we excused ourselves, promising to come back for a proper meal the next day.
Despite our lack of colorful attire, and the fact that we did not sit at the bar, the staff — and David! — remembered us. David made a point to swing by our table and let us know if we needed anything we could let him know. There is something to be said for excellent customer service built upon a platform of excellent food and drink. (Our lunch was impeccable and we had no complaints).
I can, without a doubt, say that I will make time to come to Maximilien any time I come to Seattle.
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
This place is amazing!
Set in the historic Pike Place Market, the view upstairs overlooks the Sound from the dining room or Pike Place rooftop garden from the upstairs bar.
The entire restaurant is enveloped in warm, rich wood. And our Thursday happy hour was set to music by the live accordion and French vocalist who came around to serenade us.
Amid that ambiance, the food and drinks were all together delightful. We began with an Imperial Sour, which was perfectly sweet, sour, sophisticated, and smooth; and a Autumn Spice which was comforting, complex, and smooth all at the same time.
The food was an uncommon treat! My favorites were the happy hour escargot baked in garlic and parsley butter and savory fries. We accepted all of Carlos’ suggestions for drink pairings, I had never seen absinthe served with a flamed cube of sugar dissolved under a drip of water – ordering it worth the experience, but the taste is unexpectedly better than I could imagine absinthe to taste! The highlight of the night was the Foie Gras Duo. The staff will do a delightful job explaining how each is prepared differently, one cured 15 days in cognac and the other is pan-​seared in a balsamic vinegar reduction. It required my logic overriding my tastebuds that I was not eating the most delicious buttery bite.
You will love the staff’s interactions in making your meal memorable for a lifetime, only outclassed by the food and drink.
Place rating: 5
Everett, WA
Went here for the Pike Brewing Co beer pairing dinner and had an amazing experience. Service was on point, the view was amazing… we can see the Great Wheel and ferries going back and forth through the panoramic window. As for the food… Classically French, flavorful and comforting without the pretense that has infected this city’s food scene; Julia Child would’ve loved dining here. There was even a giant raclette cheese wheel they were melting and plating for us!
Place rating: 4
Seattle, WA
I came here for restaurant week and this place was pretty good!
We started with the mussels and they were delicious. I dipped some of the French bread we ordered into the bottom of the bowl with garlic and butter.
For an entrée I got the braised beef and it was awesome, falling apart with my fork and the mini onions bursting with flavor. My girlfriend got the monkfish and it was even better! The fish sauce was a tomato based sauce and it was fantastic.
For desert our entire table got the Crème Brûlée and it was the best desert we tried during the 4 restaurants we visited for restaurant week.
Great spot though a little expensive for normal visits. What else would you expect at a nice French restaurant in downtown though?
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
Restaurant week!
The food was delicious and the staff on point.
I was born in France. It does seem snooty BUT what do you expect? Normal for me to see.
Everything was perfect. The restaurant was very nice. The view AMAZING. Beautiful view!
Place rating: 5
Renton, WA
Located directly behind Market Spice at Pike Place Market, Maximilien is a great choice for brunch with a waterfront view.
From beginning to end, our service was impeccable for our party of 14. Flawless, actually. It never once felt like we were a large party. Our food arrived in a reasonable time, all pipping hot, and beautifully presented.
So let’s get to the important stuff:
— The croissants with butter and jam? Order it! If I had my eyes closed, I would’ve sworn that I was sitting at a sidewalk café in Paris. Yes, they are THAT good!
— Omelette Jambon & Fromage: Yep, get that too if you’re feeling so inclined. Like everything else on their menu, the portions are huge! The truffle in the omelette really sets it off. THe breakfast potatoes were delicious as well. I know, they’re just potatoes, but the texture and the seasoning set it apart from any other restaurant I’d been to.
–Other great suggestions:
Pike Place Market Benedict
Smoked Salmon Benedict
Strawberry & Banana Crêpes
Pain Perdu Brioché
Our server was quick, and had no trouble taking care of our party of 14. I’m very pleased with Maximilien and look forward to returning for dinner in the near future.
Place rating: 4
Seattle, WA
Maximilien is an adorable French restaurant tucked inside Pike Place Market behind the famous fish throwing stand. I came here with a friend for lunch and loved the ambiance immediately — just picture warm wood tables, wide windows and tons of natural lighting! With its intimate dining room and view of the water, I feel like this would be a stellar date spot. :)
They have a great $ 17 «business lunch menu» from Monday to Friday, which features one of three sandwiches (salmon, duck confit or ahi tuna) and either an appetizer or dessert. We went with the:
–Duck Confit and Salmon Sandwiches — I thought the duck was very tender and flavorful, with the mustard adding a nice, spicy kick. I actually preferred this over the salmon, which comes out as a patty, not a fillet.
–Crème Brulee au Café — I’m a sucker for dessert and this crème brûlée was DELISH. The espresso taste comes out quite nicely in the custard — not too overbearing, but not lost in the caramel either.
Each sandwich comes with a side of greens, and I love that they stay «within the market» and use bread from Le Panier!
I’d recommend coming here if you have time for a more leisurely lunch. While it wasn’t busy when we got there around 11:30AM, the lunch scene definitely picked up and the dining room filled up quickly. I would love to come here again — maybe for happy hour? :)
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
My new favorite restaurant! Definitely want to come back & check out their brunch and also their happy hour.
The food was truly amazing! We had a really great cheese appetizer. The bartender made me a yummy grape nehi (although the waiter hàd no clue what I was ordering) and a glass of wine for my friend. My friend wanted a dry wine & specifically requested that, but did not get that. Oh well.
Dinner was just superb. The meat was so soft & moist, it was unreal. How do they do that???
The view was just lovely and the service was great as well. Can’t wait to come back and get a seat out on the patio during the summer!
Place rating: 4
Seattle, WA
The starter was my favorite.
Baked brie with honey, walnuts, greens and crostini. Really well done, very balanced salty sweet. I loved this!
Scallops with wild mushrooms and butternut squash purée with brown butter. I wasn’t impressed with the brown butter, it was very «oily» tasting and didn’t remind me of brown butter. The endives on the plate tasted strongly of beer (which I don’t like). Scallops were nice. wild mushrooms were nicely done. Not much purée — so just for a hint of flavor.
Baked French dessert with grapes — really good! like a bread pudding. Not too sweet but hits the spot.
Place rating: 2
Seattle, WA
The view of this restaurant was breathtaking. Even at night. :) I found it kind of funny that there were a lot of mirrors on every wall you turn (Especially the bathrooms). A little bit vain, but at least the interior design was consistent.
Anyways, my S.O. and I came here for the Soufflé dessert. Ever since he came back from Oregon he’s on the hunt to find the best soufflé in Seattle. The review is only on that. Anyways, it looks really cute. Very clean and looks like a Soufflé on the outside. However, the moment I bit into it, it felt like I was drinking alcohol. I’ve never had a soufflé before, but I’m pretty sure its not suppose to be liquidy on the top and somewhat spongey on the bottom. Let’s just say it was inconsistent.
Great environment, but the soufflé is a different story.
Place rating: 3
Seattle, États-Unis
La location est superbe, ainsi que la vue. Le menu semble très alléchant. Les compliments s’arrêtent là.
Le service manqué beaucoup de professionnalisme, c’est à ce demander s’ils n’ont pas recrutés leur personnel chez McDonald’s.
La nourriture est bien, mais sans plus. Très petites portions.
C’est facile de voir que tu es dans un restaurant 3 étoiles au plus lorsque tu demandes du poivre et qu’ils t’apportent du poivre de table.
Pour le prix, Seattle à tellement mieux à offrir.