MAXIMILIEN, Seattle There are many reasons why Maximilien is one of downtown's most romantic restaurants, starting with its attractive location. The restaurant is tucked away in a quiet corner of PIKE PLACE MARKET (see Outdoor Kissing), so you can escape the crowds but still experience the vitality of this popular Seattle attraction. Inside, you are greeted by a panorama that takes in Puget Sound, Elliott Bay, West Seattle, and the Olympic Mountains, all framed by huge picture windows. Seen at the right time-during a summer's sunset or a sudden rainstorm-the view could even be called sublime.
Recent renovations have given new luster to the wood floors and a deeper hue to the green walls, which are hung with an imaginative variety of antique mirrors. Small tables covered in crisp white linens are brightened by fresh rosebuds and flickering candles. Second-floor seating offers more astounding views and the same intimate setting. The service is low-key, friendly, and not the least bit pretentious.
Unsurprisingly, considering the culinary bounty available at the Pike Place Market, the food is farm fresh and presented with wonderful panache. Vegetables, meats, and seafood are color-coordinated with garnishes and sauces. Start off with puff pastry stuffed with crab and Brie, or escargot with wild mushrooms. Among the entrees, bouillabaisse is a favorite, as is the assortment of seafood infused with herbs and wrapped in parchment paper. The restaurant also serves an excellent roast pork with sauteed apples and a beef tenderloin with foie gras and truffle sauce. Ice cream-filled cream puffs drizzled with chocolate end the meal on a sweet note.

Maximilien: Good Drinks, Cheap Snacks, and a Million-Dollar View
Pike Place Market is a perfect spot for secrets. There are nooks and crannies in its maze of multilevel buildings that even the most ardent of locals can't claim to know. But here's one you should definitely familiarize yourself with: Maximilien. And you should go for happy hour. And sit outside. Though Maximilien is terrific for post-work festivities year-round, it's particularly sublime in the summertime, when the patio's open. Enjoy the salt air, the subtle drone of those poor viaduct commuters below, and the million-dollar views of Elliott Bay while you sip on $4 French martinis. Though not terribly strong, the pleasant combination of vodka and pineapple and cranberry juices is a good way to kick off any evening. Or jump to the best deal of all: a bucket of six Kronenbourgs for $15 during happy hour, which lasts from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday though Friday, and 8 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays. The $2.95 food menu also delivers: mussels steamed with butter, white wine, shallots, garlic, and parsley; or scallop ceviche doused in olive oil and lemon juice with bell peppers and red onions—both as tasty as they ought to be. For the less adventuresome snackers, there are Belgian frites (served cone-style) and a French hot dog (a sausage on a baguette). You'll be miles away in no time, aided by a congenial waitstaff that dotes on its happy hour clientele with the all of the pleasantries you'd expect from a fine French bistro. "Mademoiselle," as they say, "bon appetit."

What's Doing In: Seattle
by Timothy Egan Published 04/09/2004 - Travel Section
With views of ferries on Puget Sound in the heart of the raucous nine-acre Pike Place Market, Maximilien, 81A Pike Street, (206) 682-7270, serves French-Northwest fare, which is to say seafood with sauces that are no strangers to butter. Mussels are a favorite; dinner for two, without drinks, is about $45. Lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday; brunch Sunday.ial waitstaff that dotes on its happy hour clientele with the all of the pleasantries you'd expect from a fine French bistro. "Mademoiselle," as they say, "bon appetit."

The Urbanist’s Seattle: Where to Eat
By Naomi Bishop 07/20/2012 - NYT Mag
This French bistro’s mussels go for $4 during happy hour. They’re steamed in wine, a really traditional, basic preparation that highlights the [Whidbey Island] Penn Cove mussels. You can also get a Lillet, a French aperitif. It’s the color of sunshine, and it’s light, so you’re not getting wasted.

Lunch, Dinner and Happy Hour

Lunch: 11:30am-3pm

Dinner: 5:30pm to 10pm

Happy Hour:5pm to 7pm, Mon. - Fri.

Bar open to 11pm for cocktails daily!

We stay open between lunch and dinner, serving cocktails and appetizers!

Dress code is casual.