XO Bistro

Chalk one up for this low-​key, hipster-​free, all-​around-​cool hangout. The owners and waitstaff are down to earth and enjoy you being there. Go there and have a drink at the bar and converse with the locals and regulars or go there and have a fantastic dinner. But always order the deep-​friend greenbeans.

I visited this place a few times after it opened, I believe the place used to be Cassis.
I see the reviews here but honestly, this is not a five-​star establishment (2005)
The food is well cooked though it is over-​priced, and the staff seems to be not very French. They will upsell you on the menu and wines.

One of my favorite casual French restaurants in Seattle. Strike that, probably my favorite casual French restaurant in Seattle. The wait staff is excellent and extremely knowledgeable. The food is also terrific and an excellent value. The 3 course dinner is a terrific bargain as is their happy hour.

Lovely food and top-​notch service in an intimate setting. Suitable for a special occassion or just a nice date-​night with the Mr/​Mrs. Come to think of it, I don’t know why I don’t eat here more often than I do; probably just the same syndrome that restrains people from going to the tourist sights in the city that they live in, and I’m not talking about having been forced to go there on grade school field trips year after year. You’ll be tempted to ask for one of the outdoor tables, but keep in mind that even though the patio’s partially secluded, you’re still on a busy street.
UPDATE: I found out recently that the XO changed owners (and chefs) in August. They’re promising to «remain your neighborhood restaurant», but I haven’t been back since that happened; you should consider this review and rating provisional until further notice.
UPDATED UPDATE: Well, I guess they didn’t keep their promise — they just closed last month.

Seattle is hard on French restaurants, but these guys have made it work. From the ownders of Maximillian downtown, XO BISTRO is a great addition to the French scene and the Northern Capitol Hill neighbourhood. From 5:00 — 6:30 get the 19 $ 3-​course meal, or splurge and come later and enjoy a drink with the evening ambience. Service here is excellent, and in the kitchen is Christian Potvin, chef of Wallingford’s Au Bouchon (before it’s untimely and unfortunate closure). They have french nights here as well as occasional live music. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.