When I’m hungry in Olympia, I know I’m in for something good. This city has a choice of great restaurants and unique settings, many with ocean views. If you’re like me, you’ll appreciate how many restaurants here focus on local ingredients and seasonal menus. Olympia gives you plenty of delicious reasons to stick around.
Unique Restaurants in Olympia:
1. Order fresh seafood at Anthony's Hearthfire Grill - North Point
Rating: ★★★★★
I started my tour of Olympia restaurants at Anthony's Hearthfire Grill because of the incredible views that it offers. Perched on tall pilings over Budd Inlet near Olympia, Anthony's Hearthfire Grill is literally floating over the water, giving you an unobstructed view of the sound and passing boats from floor to ceiling windows or magnificent terrace. Beautifully decorated dining room is elegant and comfortable, providing upscale atmosphere and superb food cooked over fire. The menu is small but exquisite, combing fresh seafood and high quality meat, with local wines and craft beers. The best deal is four-course early dinner that includes house flatbread, an appetizer, a salad or soup, entree and dessert. The restaurant has its own dock you guests can tie their boat right next to the restaurant. It is difficult to imagine more romantic spot for a special occasion.
Address: Anthony's Hearthfire Grill - North Point, 1675 Marine Dr NE, Olympia, WA 98501 , Phone: 360-705-3473
2. Dine with a view of the marina at Anthony's Homeport Olympia
Anthony's Homeport Olympia is located right next to the Olympia's Farmer's market on Budd Inlet. The view of the marina and the beautiful Port Plaza from floor to ceiling windows is spectacular.The place is incredibly romantic once the sun starts setting and colors the ocean in gold. There is also a lovely outdoor space, perfect for Sunday brunches. The guest dock is located next to the restaurant so you can come directly from your boat. The menu, like in all restaurants in Anthony’s chain, is primarily focused on fresh catch, and since they have their own seafood company, the choice and quality is guaranteed. The menu is extensive and besides superb fish and seafood, it offers high quality grilled meats. The star of the menu is Tristan Island rock lobster oven roasted and served with dipping butter and almond basmati rice pilaf. Sunday brunch is a special treat. Large menu has all the favorites and starts with complimentary seasonal fresh fruit platter and house warm, homemade blueberry coffee cake.
Address: Anthony's Homeport Olympia, 704 Columbia Street NW, Olympia, WA 98501 , Phone: 360-357-9700
3. Taste authentic Northern Italian cuisine at Basilico
Located in Olympia’s Historic District, Basilico is elegant, sophisticated and understated, with beautifully crafted furniture, original art on the walls and soft palette of colors, exuding the Old World charm. The menu is authentic Northern Italian, prepared fresh and from scratch for each guest from high quality ingredients. The menu is based on the cuisines of Emiglia-Romagna, with a lot of fresh pastas, and Liguria, with pesto, olives and seafood, but also with a range of red meat dishes. Extensive wine selection features wines from different wine producing regions of Italy, mostly from Piemonte and Tuscany. New wines are added weekly. Basilico’s special treat is their pasta station, were pasta is made by hand right in front of the guests, then cooked and served.
Address: Basilico, 507 Capitol Way S, Olympia, WA 98501 , Phone: 360-570-8777
4. Have a date at a local favorite: Budd Bay Cafe
An iconic Olympia’s Percival Landing restaurant overlooking the marina, Budd Bay Cafe has been local favorite since 1988. Spacious, bright and informal, the café is a place to come for fresh fish and excellent steaks while enjoying a 180 degrees view of the sea and the Olympic Mountains in the background. The menu is extensive, the wine list is well-curated and focused on Washington wines and there is a nice selection of local craft beers. Large deck is a perfect spot for their very popular Sunday brunch or for romantic sunset cocktails. The brunch buffet is not to be missed, it has been award-winning for the last 25 years.
Address: Budd Bay Cafe, 525 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501 , Phone: 360-357-6963
Date Ideas:
5. Enjoy oysters at Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar
Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar is a temple to oysters. Located at Olympia’s open 222 Market, this bright, airy and friendly space celebrates oysters in all their shapes in forms: fried, baked, raw, in pastas, in chowders, in any way Chef Henri Nol can think of.There is a painting of mermaid on the wall and even a chandelier is made of oyster shells. They have other Chelsea Farm bounty, as well as oysters, clams, mussels from other sources. There is also plenty of fish, and for those who are not crazy about seafood, there is even an odd burger. The place is great for business lunches, family dinner and even for romantic evenings – there are cozy inset booths for two. Full bar serves great cocktails, wines and beers from local and other sources.
Address: Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar, 222 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501 , Phone: 360-915-7784
6. Experience fine dinning at Dockside Bistro & Wine Bar
For an elegant meal with a waterfront view in Olympia, head to Dockside Bistro & Wine Bar.
I enjoy sitting by the marina, and relaxing with a view. I always look forward to the blend of French, Asian, and American flavors.
You can taste fresh, seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients that make up the dishes here.
Whether you’re going out on a date night or celebrating with a dinner, Dockside is a memorable restaurant.
Address: Dockside Bistro & Wine Bar, 501 Columbia St NW B, Olympia, WA 98501 , Phone: 360-956-1928
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