While France may have coined the term “tartine,” we're well-acquainted with this classic lunch and snack time fare, otherwise known as an open-faced sandwich. A host of Seattle’s best French-style eateries (and a few of our other favorite cafés and happy hour joints) serve them up on the daily, whether loaded with freshly chopped ingredients, savory meats, delectable spreads, or oozing cheese. Here’s where to find yours.
Café Fonté | 1321 1st Ave | 206-777-6193
Café Fonté isn’t just for coffee (though it’s a must on any visit). Guests would be remiss to miss out on the fantastic brunch menu, which is served from 7am-3pm daily. When you’re in need of a light but delicious lunch, pop in and order any of the café’s three tartine offerings: the tomato, basil, mozzarella, and prosciutto tartine on olive bread; the vegetarian tartine, which features caramelized fennel, red peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach, and hummus atop wheat bread; or the Market tartine with Alderwood smoked salmon, tomato, pickle, onions, sour cream, and dijon mayo piled onto sliced sourdough.
Cure | 1641 Nagle Pl | 206-568-5475
Build your own tiny tartine-style bites when you select from a variety of imported, domestic, and specialty meats and cheeses (served with a sliced Le Panier baguette). Add your favorite complements, from pickled veggies to jams and jellies, for some additional sweet or savory zing.
Lecosho | 89 University St | 206-623-2101
Whether you’re out for happy hour (from 3-6pm daily) or capping off a late night (with a special menu served until 1am every night), go for the grilled sardine tartine. Not only is it fun to rhyme when putting in your order -- it’s also a crave-worthy addition to your small bite spread. Columbia City Bakery olive bread smeared with house aioli take an already tasty treat and push it over the edge.
Le Pichet | 1933 1st Ave | 206-256-1499
It’s nearly impossible to think French dining in Seattle without Le Pichet coming to mind. Located near Pike Place Market, this longtime establishment and local favorite serves up the country’s most classic dishes, including Les Tartines. The open-faced sandwich is served on country bread with mustard, cornichons (mini French-style sour pickles), and either your selection from the charcuterie board or topped with warm chèvre, butter and cornichons. This tartine is also part of Le Pichet’s all-day menu, so get yours anytime between 8am and close.
Tin Lizzie Lounge | 600 Queen Anne Ave N | 206-282-7407
It may not be your classic tartine, but Tin Lizzie Lounge does a mean crostini, which could easily be framed as the tartine’s close cousin. Choose from the Smoke Salmon Mousse with fried capers, tomato preserves, and microgreens; the Fig-Bacon Jam with whipped mascarpone and chopped truffled almonds; or the Wild Mushroom featuring a locally foraged mushroom ragout, crème fraiche, and fresh herbs. All are available during daily happy hour from 4-7pm.
