Salt District Italian Kitchen has opened its doors and claimed one of the best views in Seattle. Located along the city’s iconic waterfront on Pier 55, you’ll find casual Italian dining, a diverse wine list and breathtaking sunsets all while looking out at the Puget Sound and Cascade Mountains.
Begin your visit to Salt District with a signature cocktail like the Witch on the Water, poured with blanco tequila, Liquore Strega, piment d’espelette, fresh basil and lime, or sip on the Bayside Bellini with vodka, L’Aperitivo Nonino, peach, lemon and prosecco. Both cocktails are picture worthy, refreshing and delicious–especially when enjoyed from Salt District’s wraparound patio. The tenderloin carpaccio, plated with pecorino aioli, pine nut and arugula, is an easy starter for sharing and pairs wonderfully with an order of the house-made focaccia. The bruschetta is also a fantastic shareable and comes with three per order. We recommend the classic bruschetta garnished with creamy mozzarella, heirloom tomato and basil. Have a larger group? Order a variety by adding in the stone fruit bruschetta served with herbed ricotta, roasted garlic and honey.
The Pacific Northwest is not only known for beautiful landscapes but also for seafood, and Salt District has wonderfully highlighted fresh fish while keeping an Italian-inspired menu. You’ll find entrees like scallops paired nicely with roasted butternut squash, Romanesco, Calabrian chili and pecorino cream. Grilled King salmon is another tasty option plated with white bean, pancetta, tomato, roasted garlic and finished off with a veal reduction.
Do as the Italians do and accompany your seafood with an order of fresh pasta. Pomodoro is a well-known staple, featuring spaghetti noodles tossed with pomodoro, pecorino, basil and tomato and topped off with in-house meatballs. Salt District’s pesto-based campanelle pasta dish is another house special and a lighter pasta option, made with pancetta, mushrooms and roasted tomato. Be sure to inquire about the desserts, which range from vanilla panna cotta to creamy gelato from Seattle’s own Nutty Squirrel.
Offered daily from 3 to 6 p.m. in the bar, happy hour is the perfect time to get a taste of the Pier 55 eatery and dig into a juicy burger for $15, served on a buttery bun with onion-tomato jam, arugula and caciocavallo. Or enjoy a midday caffeine boost with the espresso martini shaken with house-infused vanilla bean vodka, espresso liquor and cold brew.
Salt District Italian Kitchen is now open seven days a week for dinner from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. For more information on Salt District, visit www.saltdistrictsea.com.
Food photo credit: Andrew Valantine