Chez Shea has a wonderful location above Pike Place Market, with peek-a-boo views of the Sound. It also has some pretty good French food.

Much of Chez Shea’s appeal is in the way the mood is set. This is one of the most romantic restaurants in Seattle, especially at sunset. At the same time, the bar is a classy, peaceful place to have a cocktail and unwind after a tedious workday. If you prefer to unwind with wine, the list here is a well-rounded one, but the prices are on the higher end of affordable.

Chez Shea keeps the spell intact with French classics that bear only the most subtle of twists: pan-roasted Muscovy duck, seared squab breast with spring onion pistou, or beef tenderloin with marrow butter and red wine jus will satisfy, but they’re not dashing enough to interrupt conversations or inspire what-am-I-doing-with-my-life reveries. That’s fine: there’s a time when all we need is simply elegant food for a simply elegant evening. Or just a nice drink, a beautiful view, and nice company.