Need a Rec.--quiet, quick and downtown

[Sue Flay]

My husband's having dinner with an visiting friend who's asked my husband to get a reservation somewhere that's quiet (he says he's going deaf) and where the food will come quickly (they're eating after the friend reads at a local bookstore, and the friend expects to be hungry and wanting wine). Past experience with this friend suggests the food should be quite good too. Any suggestions? They'll be in Pioneer Square and could take a cab to somewhere nearby, but they'll be heading out around 9:00 and don't want to end up in a closing restaurant. Friends have recommended Il Terrazo Carmine, Andaluca, Place Pigale, and Chez Shea. I've only been to Il Terrazo of those (we moved here in September) and don't remember it being particularly quiet. We tried out Zoe, one of our favorite places, last night, but it was pretty noisy.

Thanks for any recommendations.

[sorry for the awkward header--I'm a new poster]

Edited February 5, 2006 by Sue Flay (log)

[tighe]

Most of the high end places in town (Mistral, Lampreia, Rover's, Canlis, Palm Court) are quiet, but I don't know if you're looking to drop that kind of $. At lower price levels, it gets really hard to find a place that's both quiet and good. Geneva comes to mind for quiet, but I haven't even eaten there in it's current incarnation.

[dandelion]

I'd recommend Il Bistro in the Pike Place Market. They serve good Italian food, they've got great wine, it's quiet, and they serve dinner quite late. It'll be just be a short cab ride from Pioneer Square.

[skyflyer3]

Etta's in the market is open later on the weekends, and was quiet last time I went. Dahlia is also open later, but I don't remember if it was quiet. Oh, try Brasserie Margaux, or Tulios.

[little ms foodie]

Not sure how quick they are but Brasa is always really quiet and it's a quick cab from PS. I agree also with Andaluca and Place Pigall.

[Mrs.Jenner]

Le Pichet is rather appealing and not too loud. It has a rather intimate and cozy setting and I have never had a bad meal there.

[little ms foodie]

Welcome Mrs.Jenner!

Unfortunately I will disagree with Le Picher, as a regular diner there I think it is very loud on most nights. But agree that the food never disappoints!