Nestled into the heart of Pleasant Beach Village is Joe’s Restaurant, located west of Seattle on Bainbridge Island. Executive Chef Joe Benish puts a spin on traditional Italian cuisine by incorporating local ingredients to bring a new contemporary style. From fresh pasta and pizza to a plethora of wine, there is an extensive menu of classics along with Joe’s specialties that are one of a kind.
Bainbridge history fills the walls of Joe’s with images from decades of cooking and photographs of the Island, all centered around a beautiful stone fireplace, high ceilings and the most stunning chandelier. Dining indoors, you will get an intimate feeling with a few cozy booths and high-top tables. If you prefer a more casual experience, dine at the bar where you will have front-row access to the many signature craft cocktails Joe’s has to offer. The patio is also available for outdoor dining, dependent on weather, and is best enjoyed in the peak spring and summer months.
Starting off with an order of the housemade braised meatballs–which are crafted with beef and pork and served in marinara sauce–is an excellent way to begin your dining experience. If dietary restrictions apply, the truffle polenta fries served with marinara sauce or house kefir ranch is a wonderful vegetarian starter. One of the most popular appetizers is the giant garlic parmesan twist, large enough for two to three diners. This deep-fried sourdough twist is loaded with garlic butter then topped with fresh parmigiano reggiano, parsley and a side of in-house marinara.
A great option for family night is ordering up a tutti di carne pie, topped off with red sauce, mozzarella, capicola ham, pepperoni and Joe’s house fennel sausage. The eight-hour slow-simmered Bolognese is a true classic, loaded with beef, pork, San Marzano tomatoes, wine, vegetables, herbs and fresh radiatore pasta. This dish will cure all your cravings for home-cooked Italian comfort food, so buon appetito!
The butternut squash sauce, paired with pappardelle pasta, is unlike any other. Served with brown butter, sage and ricotta, the flavors and richness in the brown butter will leave you licking your plate. If you prefer vegetarian food options, the eggplant ragu is absolutely delicious, and slow simmered with tomato, garlic, bell pepper and finished off with basil, olive oil and radiatore pasta. Pair either of these dishes with the kale salad featuring lacinato kale, golden raisins, lemon, pine nuts and pecorino romano. The Joe’s salad with lettuce, tomato, onion, piparra peppers, grana padano and a house-made Italian dressing is also a great option and available in a starter size or family size.
With Joe’s extensive wine list, you are sure to find the perfect wine to complement any entree, including the Citea Cabernet Sauvignon, which is available by the bottle and pairs wonderfully with any of their fresh pizza or pasta dishes.
Dessert options are endless, and you will surely want to save room for the cannoli (while they last!) or a slice of the double-layered carrot cake with a cream cheese frosting. Joe’s signature espresso martini, a local favorite, also makes a decadent dessert in itself.
Whether it’s a romantic getaway for two, celebrating a milestone or taking a beach vacation with family, Joe’s easily accommodates every occasion. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m., Joe’s offers dine-in, takeout and curbside delivery. Looking to book a private event? Joe’s also offers private dining.
For more information on Joe’s Restaurant, visit pleasantbeachvillage.com.
Review Washington State indoor dining guidelines prior to your visit.