A new dining destination made its grand debut in Downtown Seattle this November, the all-new trattoria and pizzeria: Bar Solea. The highly-anticipated spot is the latest from Hitchcock Restaurant Group, with the hospitality group’s owner, Brendan McGill, taking the reins as chef and offering authentic Italian dishes and an extensive wine program.
Located in the historic Exchange building in Seattle, Bar Solea opened Tuesday, Nov. 1. The new spot offers a stylish, art-deco design, with a 30-ft. bar as the focal point of the space. Bar Solea’s name was inspired by the special Solea tomatoes found in Naples, Italy.
“Solea, meaning ‘base’ in Latin, refers to the prized Solea tomatoes used in the finest pizzerias in Naples. Not just the literal base of the pizza, but the foundation of the cuisine,” says McGill in a press release. “Every pizza we’ve served since our first pop-up in 2010 has been topped with these special DOP San Marzano tomatoes.”
The bar’s fare will feature Neo-Neapolitan pizze, antipasti, plates created from the forno and indulgent desserts. Some items guests can expect to enjoy include specialty blistered pizze like the Marinara Pomodoro with garlic, olive oil and Mediterranean oregano; the Vongole Manila with Manila clam, olive oil, Grana Padano, parsley, garlic and lemon; or the Soppressata with a margherita base, soppressata salami, red onion, pecorino and pickled peppers. Items from the forno are also available, like the rabbit leg, rockfish al cartoccio or roasted carrots.
“Pizze will be fermented for 72 hours, hand-stretched with a pronounced cornicione, fired at 800 degrees and bear the signature blisters of a long ferment and high-heat cook that we all know and love. Pizze will be served whole, uncut and piping hot,” McGill says.
The beverage director for Hitchcock Restaurant Group, Tony Lombardi, curated a libation program with a selection of negroni on tap, spritzes, handcrafted cocktails and an Italian wine list.
Bar Solea is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m.
To learn more about Bar Solea, visit barsolea.com.