Summer is coming (or at least we hope so in Seattle) and that means that patio season is upon us, y’all! I cannot wait to slurp oysters and sip bubbles in the sun at one of my all time faves, Seattle waterfront classic, Westward. Nestled on Lake Union, this whimsical, nautically themed restaurant is fantastically charming and offers stunning views of the lake and downtown Seattle beyond. This award winning gem from Josh Henderson and the Huxley Wallace Collective is a favorite of mine even in the off season with it’s water inspired Pacific Northwest fare, but the patio makes it just truly spectacular this time of year. I’ll be sitting on it every chance I get this summer and here’s why…
It’s all about the oysters at Westward and Executive Chef Will Gordon and team curate a unique daily oyster selection based on what’s fresh, delicious and interesting. (Depending on the day it could be an assortment of five to eight different types of oysters.) And by the way oyster lovers, they do an oyster happy hour daily here! Westward offers local oysters for $2 during happy hour, which is 3:00 – 4:00pm on weekdays and 3:00 – 5:00pm on weekends. Order as many you like, your oysters are presented on beautiful trays with little flags labeling each species, which I love (I don’t know about you but I forget which oysters are which usually about one second after my server tells me).
(back) Fried Halloumi & Panisse with Shishito, Olive, Jalapeno & Buttermilk Dressing
(front) Grilled Octopus Salad with Beet Taramasalata, Roasted Radish, Soft Herbs
Beautiful summer dishes abound; some almost (I said almost) too pretty to eat. The Grilled Octopus is a favorite here and presented beautifully with the bright pop of color from the beets and radishes. Cheese lovers will be smitten for the fried halloumi, a personal favorite I could eat again and again.
It’s not just about the rosé and bubbles at Westward this summer! They offer a stellar collection of fresh, seasonal cocktails to satiate all the spirits lovers out there, too! There’s a pickle brine martini that I fell in love with years ago on their cocktail menu that I promise all you other pickle lovers out there will adore. Don’t drink? That’s cool! Westward has a nice “Sans” section for you that includes local ginger beer, root beer, a seasonal shrub, multiple sparkling water options, non alcoholic beer and more!
Wood-Oven Roasted Rainbow Trout with Spring Pea Salsa Verde, Smoked Almond, Mint
This dish blew me away, y’all. I came for the oysters, but this was my favorite thing on this particular visit to Westward. The freshness of the fish alongside the bright flavors of the peas and mint were absolutely delightful. This dish tasted like spring on a plate to me. Trout is not my favorite thing, I would almost never order it for myself so I’m extremely glad my friend insisted we have it and I’m still thinking about how fantastic it was.
Butterscotch Pot De Crème with Brown Butter Shortbread
Don’t skip dessert here and I’m talking specifically about this Butterscotch Pot De Crème. Swoon, y’all; seriously the thing dessert dreams are made of. Creamy and airy at the same time, the texture is perfect and the brown butter shortbread is bliss. It’s the perfect treat on a summer day!
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