Cafe Campagne The brunch at iconic Cafe Campagne still holds up

Published 19 hours ago• 3 minute read

For over four decades, this iconic restaurant in Post Alley has been a go-to spot for French comfort food. The dining room hasn’t changed much in that time, fully committing to a Parisian bistro theme, right down to the vintage posters and lamps made out of old wine bottles. Even though a dinner here is a chilled-out experience, dishes can be hit or miss. The best move is to go here for the excellent brunch.

A collection of five dishes at the Seattle restaurant Cafe Campagne, seen from overhead

photo credit: Chona Kasinger

The dining room at restaurant Cafe Campagne at Pike Place in Seattle, with wood tables and chairs and a vintage French poster in the background

photo credit: Chona Kasinger

Croque madame with a fried egg on top and a side salad in the background

photo credit: Chona Kasinger

Cafe Campagne is much livelier during the day when Pike Place is in full force, as the buzz from groups sharing fluffy egg dishes and crusty bread commingles with jaunty music. Though there’s nothing super groundbreaking, this is a good place to take a friend from out of town after a day of strolling the market. Just note that waits are long during prime brunch times, so sitting at the counter is a better bet. Make sure a creamy slice of quiche is in the mix, too—it's Seattle's best.

A must-order for anyone who likes winey broths and gooey cheese pulls.

French onion soup served in a white porcelain bowl overflowing with broth

photo credit: Chona Kasinger

The pork and chicken liver spread does the job, but there are better versions elsewhere. It’s nice to get quick free refills on the bread, though.

This flavorless pile of raw meat needs a lot more of everything, but mostly basics like salt and pepper.

Beef tartare with an egg yolk on top along with slices of crostini and a side salad

photo credit: Chona Kasinger

Jump on this seasonal dish before it drops off the menu in the spring and summer. The pretty orange pot has lots of smoky meats like lamb and duck mixed in with creamy white beans, making for a wonderful treasure hunt.

Skin is crispy, meat is moist, and side potatoes are lemony—yes, those key boxes are checked. We just wish this plate had a little something extra to raise the bar.

The citrus and vodka-cured slices of fish on levain bread pop with color and are incredibly melty, blending well with a thin layer of crème fraîche. We would happily eat this for breakfast every morning. And, clearly, they don't skimp on the greens.

Cured salmon on top of bread with a pile of greens on the side

photo credit: Gabe Guarente

Cafe Campagne is known for incredibly rich quiches—and they live up to the hype. The quiche lorraine in particular has a perfectly browned surface and a center oozing with salty comté and pops of bacon. $26 is a bit steep for a single slice, but it’s worth it.

A slice of quiche next to a salad