Dean Falconer
They call it The Peasant, but the food is anything but.
Owner/Chef Kevin Smith delivers one of the most genuinely enjoyable dining experiences I’ve had in Seattle. The whole night felt personal, like being cooked for by someone who loves what they do and wants you to love it too. Every dish had character, balance, and was perfectly composed.
The pâté en croûte was an absolute standout rich, layered, and perfectly executed. The lamb chop was cooked rare, but was so tender you could have cut it with a spoon. It’s deep, savory crust that made me wish there were two. Even the broth course, which sounded simple on paper, had incredible depth and the unique dumpling felt comforting in the best possible way.
The atmosphere is exactly what you want from a small single seating spot: relaxed, intimate, and full of life. Watching Kevin work while chatting casually with him makes the whole thing feel less like a restaurant and more like sitting in the kitchen of a friend who happens to be an exceptional chef.
… moreDenise Tanaka
We went to the Peasant with an à la carte reservation, and the atmosphere was very intimate—just a few tables occupied, which made the evening feel calm and relaxed. The staff were incredibly attentive and explained each dish with care, which we really appreciated. 2 couples raised seat, and 2 tables of 4 in the middle.
The meat was delicious—cooked a bit rarer than I usually prefer, but still full of flavor. The combinations on the plate were spot on: simple ingredients, no unnecessary frills, but beautifully balanced and complex.
For the quality of the food, I didn’t find it overpriced at all. We went a little adventurous with our choices this time, so we’re definitely planning to return and explore more of the menu.
It was a great overall experience. Parking was easy, and if you arrive before dark, the neighborhood is lovely for a little stroll—especially in spring, with the flowers in bloom.
Extra points for the chicken wallpaper, the ambiance is just very cozy, no loud music just very mature dining experience. I rarely give 5 starts but this is the fewest places in Seattle that deserves 5 for the food and service.
… moreNoah Presnell
The food was excellent. Heirloom tomato salad with a basil vinaigrette to start, pork cheek confit over creamy sweet corn with a pickled peppers, patè of ham with hot mustard and pickled apples, smoked New York strip with a mushroom stew and the surprising star which was a fried shallot , dessert was a steamed pudding with berries and some sort of delicious sauce. All were paired with a variety of wines. The staff was super nice and helpful and the communal table, sitting with a small group of happy strangers was fantastic. We loved the whole experience. Would def go again, though it will break the bank, it’s worth it every once in a while.
… moreNadine Greenberg
We are in town from NY and were excited to go based on Instagram postings. They did not disappoint. Each course was better than the next….I can hardly choose between my 3 favorites! Unexpected layered flavors delighted out palates. The prep work, knowledge and care that went into these dishes was impressive. We were at chefs table, which was super fun and informative. The only negative was the bar-type chairs.. very uncomfortable. But the meal and the staff made me forget my discomfort. If you’re in Seattle and you are a foodie, give it a go. Make a reservation well ahead of time. They only hold about 16 people so it fills up fast. Friendly relaxed atmosphere. (Dress casual, but nice.)
… moreBecca T
Amazing experience. Kevin is so passionate about his creations and he nailed every dish. We had a great time – it was just a laid back fun meal. The wine pairings were spot on. So happy we finally got a reservation!
… moreSafina Hossain
A very unique, delicious and personal dining experience at The Peasant. The meat is fantastic quality, the flavors of our dishes aligned very nicely and the wine pairing was a great accompaniment. I absolutely loved being able to talk with the chef and sommelier. Highly recommend for any carnivorous diner.
… moreMichael Davidson
The Peasant is squeezed into the front of a butcher shop, so don’t come in expecting fine dining ambiance. The night I was there there was one person cooking, one person waiting, and one person bussing and refilling water.
That said, the food is terrific, the service is warm, and I found the ambiance to be quite charming for a few tables squeezed into a retail shop.
The menu is of course meat-forward, but the highlight for me was a roast cabbage side. Everything was well thought out and carefully composed. A very unusual restaurant, but a very delicious experience.
… moreViviana Kenney
AMAZING meal served from an AMAZING butcher. We come here very often for top quality meats and pates so we had to come for one their dinners. Very pricey but an experience like no other. Every course WOW’d our table and even months later we’re all still talking about what an experience this meal was. Great service and ambiance, truly like no other meal in the Seattle area!
… moremomo
The food is as exceptional as the quality of meats sold here during the day at Beast and Clever. Chef Kevin Smith does not disappoint. I was excited to come try dinner here after I moved back to Seattle. The menus rotate quite often and this is an experience you won’t forget.
… moreJohn Smith
Old school cooking with some novel and interesting twists. Food is really good, but pacing is too slow. 2hr for 5 coure is really uncommon even in fine dining world(10 course for 2hrs usually). Service is cold but 20% charge.
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