We (two couples) came to Le Sel Bistro for a weekend dinner. We very much wanted to love this place – the ambiance is really delightful, and it’s French! But, ultimately, we left disappointed. For the delicious burrata and roasted mushrooms with balsamic that we had as an appetizer, our server suggested we order a toasted baguette as there wasn’t enough bread that came with it and the nearly $20 price tag. For our mains, the mushroom risotto was good, and the salmon with risotto and asparagus was tasty, but the burger was overall quite bland and had a stale brioche bun. Our server was super friendly and nice but not particularly attentive, and he seemed very new at his job. We were not late-hour diners by any means, but we were told a couple things on the menu were sold out or unavailable as he was taking our order, and so then we had to come up with substitutes on the fly. And the nice bottle of wine we ordered was uncorked and poured without letting us taste it, which is…unusual. Le Sel Bistro is not an inexpensive place for dinner, and we left feeling underwhelmed. So, we’d suggest going in for a pre-dinner appetizer and a glass of wine, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Journey796670
Beautiful decor, and yummy food and drinks. We went for lunch yesterday, and it was perfect out on the deck, relaxing in a comfy chair with a nice view. I ordered the chicken and brie sandwich, while my mom had the French onion soup, and we both loved our dishes. Their cocktail menu is great, and our very kind waitress actually offered a custom-mixed drink, when I had a hard deciding between a couple of options. Loved everything and will definitely be back!
RoseCityTraveler626
This was our first visit to this Tacoma restaurant during our seven years in town. Four of us were here for dinner -- three of us local and my sister-in-law visiting from the northeastern U.S. Overall, it was a good experience, although not a winner with everyone. Service was a little too attentive, sometimes to the point of being overwhelming. Food was pleasing, but drinks somewhat disappointing. Maybe our server who was also our bartender was too distracted talking with new diners arriving after taking our drink order. We probably will give the staff another chance, but not when the same out-of-town family member is visiting.
REH999
A nice little brunch spot. Small intimate dining area, which kept things nicely quiet. The staff was attentive without being overly so. The brunch food was variable. I had the potatoes with my "foraged mushroom" omelet and the potatoes were excellent - wonderfully spiced and perfectly cooked. These are not greasy potatoes, but rather appear to have been steamed or par-baked first and then lightly fried (or finished baking) in a smidgen of oil. Just delicious. (Potatoes = 5 out of 5 stars). The foraged mushroom omelet, however, was lacking flavor and there was very little mushroom in it, which is sad, because that is why I bought it. Moreover, the ones in it lacked flavor. In fact there was very little inside the omelet itself. I did like the fluffiness of the eggs and the lack of grease, though. It wasn't awful by any means, I just wanted more - more flavor, more mushrooms and a little more stuffing (Omelet 3 out of 5 stars).
IsabelPsyche
This resto came highly recommended for French food, so I took my friends and family for brunch. The only French thing about it is the price, well almost. They do not put additional charges in France, this one did. The food I had was a tad too salty, but then again, Le Sel means The Salt in French, so they were at least up front about it. Food was meh, price was ugh, I like that you can see Puget Sound in some parts of the restaurant, so I'm giving it three stars.
natalia t
Stopped in with a friend, I got the Mushroom Medley, which had local mushrooms with a poached egg and arugula in a delicious cream sauce for $22. I’d never had anything like this before, and I’m glad I took a chance cuz I wanted to lick my plate clean. The staff seemed to enjoy working there, everyone was extremely friendly! Unfortunately that seems more and more uncommon these days, so it was refreshing and added to the overall experience. Took quite awhile to get our food, which was fine with us since we were busy catching up. Never felt rushed by the staff to leave after eating. I’d definitely seek this place out if I return to the Tacoma area.
DEGiii
My wife and I went for an anniversary dinner. Our table was in the bar area, which was fine. The New York steak with green pepper sauce was divine. I got it with the risotto instead of mashed potatoes. It came with asparagus. The halibut with lemon beurre blanc sauce was excellent. As was the risotto. Unfortunately, some of the carrots were overdone. The salmon mousse was very good. Next time we with get the brie in pastry appetizer. Cheesecake with ice cream and a sliced strawberry was an excellent way to end the menu.
hanalea
Met two dear friends from Seattle-they needed outdoor seating so we came to Le Sel Bistro. It's advertised as French themed with locally sourced food. The outdoor seating was actually quite nice, with a view looking out over the water. The food, on the other hand, was underwhelming. Nothing reallywas authentically French. I had the French onion soup, not the best. And the foraged mushroom risotto, not really very interesting. One friend had the sockeye salmon, about 1/3 lb smallish piece, overcooked, and $32. The other had the pork chop which was WELL done. On the ice cream sundae for dessert they forgot the candied hazelnuts, and the ice cream per se was a little icy. Over all, I would not return.
GinaF9999
Great eggs benedict and bloody Mary. Super creative brunch foods like the lamb chops, grits, and egg. Perfect cappuccino. Nice ambience in the garden area. Friendly staff. Would definitely go back and try the dinner sometime.
Portobello B
This is such a gem in Tacoma. It's a small French bistro and they have also an outside covered patio with a view of the water. They have warm heaters and blankets (on the chairs) but we didn't need the blankets. I had their scrumptious brioche French toast made with caramelized bananas, hazelnuts, & mascarpone sauce. It was wickedly good. My friend had the local foraged mushroom omelet and it was tasty as well. I can't wait to come back and try more items. You must make reservations as this is a popular spot!
We had a gift card to utilize for this place so we decided to try brunch. Great service and amazing food and drinks from start to finish. Melissa was amazing as our server and answered all the questions we asked of her in a polite manner. Luv this place and highly recommend it! Two thumbs up!!!
lisaannr2016
Our first visit and we shall return to try other menu items. We sat outdoors. Everything was delicious and cooked perfectly. We enjoyed brussels sprouts with ham and poached egg and the Nova Bagel. The setting and service were intimate and attentive. The bar area looked inviting and we'll look forward to trying a cocktail, one day soon.
HumJer
We were impressed to find this small eatery in Tacoma during COVID. They offer reservations, have an unbeatable outdoor seating area, and serve amazing dishes. After having a dinner with friends, we loved this place so much we came back for brunch. Both are equally good.
Kfigluc
My husband and I chose this restaurant for date night, have been wanting to go for a year. Even with the pandemic it was a special evening. Awesome cocktails, loved the beef bourguignon soup, albeit a tiny salty. And I loved my chicken françese. So good! Saved half for the next day. Husband also loved his mushroom risotto. Make your reservation online if you wish. Request a table on the patio close to Sunset… Really cute bistro.
TamieH
My husband and I had a late breakfast at this place. When we enter it reminded me of a beautiful & cozy period living room leading to a beautiful deck filled with flowers overlooking Commencement bay! My husband had Eggs Benedict with dungeons crab & I had a delicious omelette, along with a couple of mimosas. Our food was prepared perfectly and service was impeccable. Is not inexpensive it's definitely a special day/celebration restaurant. Definitely worth it! Tamie H
We (two couples) came to Le Sel Bistro for a weekend dinner. We very much wanted to love this place – the ambiance is really delightful, and it’s French! But, ultimately, we left disappointed. For the delicious burrata and roasted mushrooms with balsamic that we had as an appetizer, our server suggested we order a toasted baguette as there wasn’t enough bread that came with it and the nearly $20 price tag. For our mains, the mushroom risotto was good, and the salmon with risotto and asparagus was tasty, but the burger was overall quite bland and had a stale brioche bun. Our server was super friendly and nice but not particularly attentive, and he seemed very new at his job. We were not late-hour diners by any means, but we were told a couple things on the menu were sold out or unavailable as he was taking our order, and so then we had to come up with substitutes on the fly. And the nice bottle of wine we ordered was uncorked and poured without letting us taste it, which is…unusual. Le Sel Bistro is not an inexpensive place for dinner, and we left feeling underwhelmed. So, we’d suggest going in for a pre-dinner appetizer and a glass of wine, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Beautiful decor, and yummy food and drinks. We went for lunch yesterday, and it was perfect out on the deck, relaxing in a comfy chair with a nice view. I ordered the chicken and brie sandwich, while my mom had the French onion soup, and we both loved our dishes. Their cocktail menu is great, and our very kind waitress actually offered a custom-mixed drink, when I had a hard deciding between a couple of options. Loved everything and will definitely be back!
This was our first visit to this Tacoma restaurant during our seven years in town. Four of us were here for dinner -- three of us local and my sister-in-law visiting from the northeastern U.S. Overall, it was a good experience, although not a winner with everyone. Service was a little too attentive, sometimes to the point of being overwhelming. Food was pleasing, but drinks somewhat disappointing. Maybe our server who was also our bartender was too distracted talking with new diners arriving after taking our drink order. We probably will give the staff another chance, but not when the same out-of-town family member is visiting.
A nice little brunch spot. Small intimate dining area, which kept things nicely quiet. The staff was attentive without being overly so. The brunch food was variable. I had the potatoes with my "foraged mushroom" omelet and the potatoes were excellent - wonderfully spiced and perfectly cooked. These are not greasy potatoes, but rather appear to have been steamed or par-baked first and then lightly fried (or finished baking) in a smidgen of oil. Just delicious. (Potatoes = 5 out of 5 stars). The foraged mushroom omelet, however, was lacking flavor and there was very little mushroom in it, which is sad, because that is why I bought it. Moreover, the ones in it lacked flavor. In fact there was very little inside the omelet itself. I did like the fluffiness of the eggs and the lack of grease, though. It wasn't awful by any means, I just wanted more - more flavor, more mushrooms and a little more stuffing (Omelet 3 out of 5 stars).
This resto came highly recommended for French food, so I took my friends and family for brunch. The only French thing about it is the price, well almost. They do not put additional charges in France, this one did. The food I had was a tad too salty, but then again, Le Sel means The Salt in French, so they were at least up front about it. Food was meh, price was ugh, I like that you can see Puget Sound in some parts of the restaurant, so I'm giving it three stars.
Stopped in with a friend, I got the Mushroom Medley, which had local mushrooms with a poached egg and arugula in a delicious cream sauce for $22. I’d never had anything like this before, and I’m glad I took a chance cuz I wanted to lick my plate clean. The staff seemed to enjoy working there, everyone was extremely friendly! Unfortunately that seems more and more uncommon these days, so it was refreshing and added to the overall experience. Took quite awhile to get our food, which was fine with us since we were busy catching up. Never felt rushed by the staff to leave after eating. I’d definitely seek this place out if I return to the Tacoma area.
My wife and I went for an anniversary dinner. Our table was in the bar area, which was fine. The New York steak with green pepper sauce was divine. I got it with the risotto instead of mashed potatoes. It came with asparagus. The halibut with lemon beurre blanc sauce was excellent. As was the risotto. Unfortunately, some of the carrots were overdone. The salmon mousse was very good. Next time we with get the brie in pastry appetizer. Cheesecake with ice cream and a sliced strawberry was an excellent way to end the menu.
Met two dear friends from Seattle-they needed outdoor seating so we came to Le Sel Bistro. It's advertised as French themed with locally sourced food. The outdoor seating was actually quite nice, with a view looking out over the water. The food, on the other hand, was underwhelming. Nothing reallywas authentically French. I had the French onion soup, not the best. And the foraged mushroom risotto, not really very interesting. One friend had the sockeye salmon, about 1/3 lb smallish piece, overcooked, and $32. The other had the pork chop which was WELL done. On the ice cream sundae for dessert they forgot the candied hazelnuts, and the ice cream per se was a little icy. Over all, I would not return.
Great eggs benedict and bloody Mary. Super creative brunch foods like the lamb chops, grits, and egg. Perfect cappuccino. Nice ambience in the garden area. Friendly staff. Would definitely go back and try the dinner sometime.
This is such a gem in Tacoma. It's a small French bistro and they have also an outside covered patio with a view of the water. They have warm heaters and blankets (on the chairs) but we didn't need the blankets. I had their scrumptious brioche French toast made with caramelized bananas, hazelnuts, & mascarpone sauce. It was wickedly good. My friend had the local foraged mushroom omelet and it was tasty as well. I can't wait to come back and try more items. You must make reservations as this is a popular spot!
Restaurantji Recommends
We had a gift card to utilize for this place so we decided to try brunch. Great service and amazing food and drinks from start to finish. Melissa was amazing as our server and answered all the questions we asked of her in a polite manner. Luv this place and highly recommend it! Two thumbs up!!!
Our first visit and we shall return to try other menu items. We sat outdoors. Everything was delicious and cooked perfectly. We enjoyed brussels sprouts with ham and poached egg and the Nova Bagel. The setting and service were intimate and attentive. The bar area looked inviting and we'll look forward to trying a cocktail, one day soon.
We were impressed to find this small eatery in Tacoma during COVID. They offer reservations, have an unbeatable outdoor seating area, and serve amazing dishes. After having a dinner with friends, we loved this place so much we came back for brunch. Both are equally good.
My husband and I chose this restaurant for date night, have been wanting to go for a year. Even with the pandemic it was a special evening. Awesome cocktails, loved the beef bourguignon soup, albeit a tiny salty. And I loved my chicken françese. So good! Saved half for the next day. Husband also loved his mushroom risotto. Make your reservation online if you wish. Request a table on the patio close to Sunset… Really cute bistro.
My husband and I had a late breakfast at this place. When we enter it reminded me of a beautiful & cozy period living room leading to a beautiful deck filled with flowers overlooking Commencement bay! My husband had Eggs Benedict with dungeons crab & I had a delicious omelette, along with a couple of mimosas. Our food was prepared perfectly and service was impeccable. Is not inexpensive it's definitely a special day/celebration restaurant. Definitely worth it! Tamie H