Saint Germain - CLOSED

Easily the worst service I have experienced in a restaraunt in a long, long time. Our server could not answer any questions on the first three wines we inquired about. After 45 minutes of waiting for a salad we asked to switch to the cheese plate which was hastily brought out with minute traces of cheese splattered across a plate. After watching 3 groups that were seated approximately 45 minutes after us receive entrees I asked to cancel the two open faced sandwiches I had ordered. The server refused to let me do so assuring me they would be out in "one moment". After no aplogies at all from the staff I expected to see a line item or two no charged on my bill. Surprise, surprise there was nothing comp'd after this two hour debacle to get two small sandwiches and a salad-Skip it more

I relish this opportunity to congratulate Jean-Michel for his marvelous, delicate cuisine and cordiality. My friend Myrna and I had the good luck to enjoy dinner at Saint Germain on Thursday, August 30, 2007. It was difficult to decide among the few and attractive offerings. After we received wine, Jean-Michel presented an assortment of olives in the plenitude of a very long tray. Then came carmelized onion, "Parmesan Balsamic," a new dish for me. The flavor squelched a lurking prejudice I had against something "foreign-looking." It was just sweet and spicy enough. Next was the "Salade St. Germain." I thought that the advertised apple ingredient might overwhelm, but it was an appealing touch in the salad of butter lettuce and fennel. We enjoyed these so much that we could not stop and ordered finally the smoked duck in pasta. At the end, I asked Myrna to tell me her favorite. It was the pasta. For me, I'd say the carmelized onion with the Salade St. Germain a close second. I went with a gift of $50.00 from a friend for a fine dinner, and after tip left with $2.00. I fully recommend Saint Germaine on Madison. My only caution is that you must allow plenty of time and be patient. Jean-Michel is attentive and friendly at each table. On the night we were there he was the only waiter. He has much to do. Idore Anschell more

We went for lunch and left unimpressed and unlikely to patronize St. Germain again. The service was very underwhelming: there was only a smattering of tables but it took a while for our server to acknowledge us and take our order. To make things worse, other patrons who arrived after us received their food before ours! Our server was a very nice woman but she just wasn't very good at her job. However, even if the service wasn't up to par, we would go back . .if only the food were worth it. My lunch date's grilled garlic chicken sandwich was dry and a bit tasteless while my "Paysanne" tartine, though slightly more delectable, just felt like glorified toast with carmelized onions on top. And we were both severely underwhelmed by the "salad": wilted lettuce drizzled lightly with a vinaigrette. Pros: price? the decor was charming Cons: the food lacked a certain character and life more

I have been to Saint Germain 3 times now...and it is hands down my favorite lunch/dinner spot (at the moment)!! My boyfriend and I enjoyed a romantic dinner, french style, with a half bottle of wine...how great is that?...so you're not tempted to down the whole huge bottle of wine, or lug it home. Also, Jean-Michel, the owner I believe, was very friendly and willing to give his recommendations. The menu is great and very resonably priced, I enjoy trying something new each time I go in. It's always refreshing to go to a restaurant where there are no screaming children! I would recommend Saint Germain to anyone who enjoys the finest food and wine. Pros: Food, Wine, Ambience, Service Cons: None more

I really enjoy going to this place for lunch. Each time I try a new item, and have enjoyed them all. It's a tastefully and simply decorated cafe and reasonably priced. I've liked the Pain Bagnat the best so far--very Frenchy. Pros: Quaint, inexpensive, Frenchy, casual Cons: small, the kitchen probably needs more ventilation, as it seemed smoky from the toasting. more

what a strange evening. i consumed a butter drenched tartine that managed somehow to be dried out and flavorless. I was annoyed not only by not only our boring, low energy waitress but also the gregarious, ultra-fake host/owner (??) and there lack of genuine interest or flair for any aspect of our dining experience. the french cotes-du-rhone was one I new because I regularily purchase it at the neighborhood QFC--nothing special, just in my personal price point. Overall, the establishment is blah. no unique perks or attributes worth mentioning. I recommend that the seasoned traveller/wine drinker stays away from this disappointing lil' spot. Pros: ? Cons: service, ambience, music, unimpressive french wine selection more

Went to St. Germain over the weekend, and had a wonderful time. I want to become a Francophile, and it's always great to taste a Frenchmen's rendition of food. Jean-Michel was a wonderful host who made us feel welcome and invited. Took time to chat and was quite genial. He alone is a reason to return. But we went for the food, and we enjoyed it. From the starter to our salad to our sandwich to our dish, all were quite tasty. The sandwiches are delightful and the toast was divine, look forward to trying more of them. Saint Germain is a great French Bistro that deserves to be visited and I look forward to doing so again. Pros: Ambience, prices, service Cons: Street parking can be a gamble more

I'm not sure what the other reviewer is talking about. I guess everyone has a right to their own opinion. It sounds like they are just too "worldly" to be going to a place like St. Germaine. Let's hope that those who appreciate simple good food can enjoy it without pretentious self anointed critics snorting at the next table. I was told by a friend that the simple French fare was worth a try. My wife and I on a whim stopped in for a late night dinner and were pleasantly surprised at the great food, helpful owner/server and super atmosphere. It's a perfect neighborhood restaurant where you can talk to the owner who has a passion for making his guests feel at home. I was not disappointed. My wife and I enjoyed the simple yet flavorful Endive and Apple salad followed by an amazing Duck Tartine. The creamy butter spread on the tartine was savory and melded with the duck perfectly. The owner/server offered a glass of red wine from Rhone Valley that was a perfect spicy match to the tartine. He even offered to refill my glass when I "drunk" with enjoyment spilled half of it on the table. I especially like the fact that he likes to keep the restaurant open late. I can't wait to invite a few friends out to St. Germaine to appreciate a little flavor of France in the heart of Madison Valley. more

This restaurant has huge soul and style. In the heart of Madison Valley there is a little piece of everything that's wonderful in France. The charming owner Jean-Michelle is super knowledgeable and invites you to feel at home. The young waitress spoke perfect French and has a gift for knowing just when to show up to refill a wine glass or make a recommendation for something delicious to accompany your wine. The ambience is perfect--quiet, romantic and small--to encourage a unique and special experience. The wine that was recommended by our waitress was superb and the tartines and salads were memorable accompaniments--not too much, not too little--actually, the portions were very generous! There are so few good late night spots in Seattle--this one is perfect for after- (theatre, opera, symphony, jazz performance, Kate's Day spa) or just as a destination all by itself. I wholeheartedly recommend St. Germaine for a unique cosmopolitan experience! more

i was soooo unimpressed by this sorry little excuse for a french bistro or cafe. the service was slow, silly, and flat out stupid. unable to pronounce wine names, unaware of grape varietals, and the basics of server etiquette. the owner/manager seemed to be trying oh so hard and i was very unimpressed by the selection of drinks (no bar!) and lack of originality in menu. not worth the time or pocket change (one + was the prices) Pros: location, atmosphere Cons: service! selection! no savvy more