Mistral Restaurant

This is very sad news that Mistral has closed. The hubby and I had a very memorable meal here on our anniversary last year. Everything was amazing. Looking forward to the chef’s next endeavour though!

Oh, how I will miss the best restaurant in Seattle.
William, have a great time touring Asia. See you in your new place when you return next year.
Oh, and congrats on your marriage.

I’ll admit straight away that I went here about two years ago. I’ve eaten in Paris, Tokyo, etc. I think that meal, the one two years ago, was the best meal I’ve ever eaten. I think that it may have caught lightning in a bottle on that trip and I might not be able to go back… Can it be that good twice? Do I want to find out?
I’ll mention it is one of the few times I’ve had sticker shock with the bill arrived. It made Tokyo look cheap.
This is simply a must for people that care about food.

I took my boyfriend here for his birthday. Although, marginally understaffed and difficult to find parking for dinner on a Saturday night, the food was positively delightful. We had the long, drawn tasting with the wine pairing. However, be forewarned, request a table further from the door as the club scene next door can filter in with cigarette smoke and electronic music.

Absolutely fabulous!!! We paired our dishes with the captain’s wine list. Best restaurant in Seattle, the staff is superb, the chef paid close attention to detail. We recommend it to everyone for a special occasion!!!

My husband and I reserve Mistral for special occasions. Everything there is so perfectly executed! Only thing is, be prepared to spend 3hrs+ there.

Yep, it really is that good. Fantastic in every way. Food amazing. Service was fantastic. Wines were amazing. We’ll be back soon.

How could I have not yet Unilocaled about this place?
Mistral is the best you can get in Seattle. The food, exquisite. The wine pairings, exactly right on. The Chef, very handsome.
I have never been disappointed when I go here, but it doesn’t hurt if you are eating on someone else’s dime when you go. Prices are high, but honestly, not unreasonable for the quality you get.

Mistral has a special place in my heart as my first phenomenal Seattle meal. That was almost 5 years ago, and I have just finally returned (there are far too many places to try in this city). It was as good as I remember with creative dishes, flawless execution, informative and prompt yet unobtrusive service, and an accommodative chef who catered to our party’s many and varied food allergies.
So why only 4 stars? Mistral hasn’t changed in the last 5 years, but I seem to have. I think I’m officially spoiled. Like a junkie looking for his next hit, I require more and more out of high end restaurants. For the price, I should be able to remember each of the 7 courses as a landmark culinary experience, and while each dish clearly was exceptional, Mistral lacked that inspired divinity from my first experience that set me on the path of le gourmand.

amateurish, uninspired décor. dry, lifeless vibe. three tables next to us covered in dirty plates/​napkins for over an hour– we had to request their removal! 35 minute wait after being seated for server to show up-​another 40 minutes for 1 inch pour of hot, flabby, cheap chardonnay. another drop of drugstore chard offered with next course!
poor service; all items described as having something” under them”, rather like an unfortunate surprise than proper plating/​napping.
orange coulis called «orange stuff «. flatware not replenished. we were never asked about our food. everything was so slip-​shod and carelessly executed; chardonnay with foie gras? sauterne with bloody lamb? i cannot recall the last time i was served such an uninteresting, insipid dessert– looked like spongy hockey pucks oozing beige foam.
$ 423.00 before tip for two with «WINE ACCOMPANIMENT». HAH!
horrible evening that kept on giving; we left with m.d. confirmed food poisoning that lasted for 5 days. take back please? we wuz robbed!!!

Chef William is probably one of the most talented chefs in Seattle. There’s a reason why it’s the #1 rated restaurant (for food) in Zagat. If you have a special occassion or just feel like having a 7 course dinner, then this is THE place to go. Everything is fresh and often straight from Pike Place Market. On one occassion we dined with a couple of vegetarians and they said, «Usually all we get are salads or boring pastas when we go out. But Mistral does make us feel like we missed out on the gourmet experience.»