The food scene is expanding in delicious ways in the
picturesque waterfront city of Gig Harbor, Washington. A dynamic restaurant
scene, walk-around food festivals, wine events, an award winning distillery,
craft breweries, and a seasonal waterfront farmers market make it an easy
choice for food lovers looking for a sweet and savory escape.
For breakfast and lunch, deck seating on a sunny day is only
topped by the aroma of bacon cinnamon rolls hot from the oven at Netshed No.
9. The Maritime Pier is a great platform for photos before a weekend
breakfast or a fish-and-chips lunch inside or out at Puget Sound landmark Tides
Tavern. At the foot of the harbor, Devoted Kiss, with panoramic
harbor views and a handful of tables on the deck, serves up classic and healthy
options. With indoor and deck seating, Susanne’s Bakery is another
neighborhood favorite, offering gluten-free morning glory (and other) muffins,
pastries, sandwiches, fresh baked breads, espresso, and more.
Putting the finishing touches on their wood-fired ovens, Millville
Pizza Co. is slated to open soon. It will be located on the corner of
Harborview Drive and Dorotich Street, next to Susanne’s and adjacent to Ship to
Shore’s new buildings at Arabella’s Landing. Millville Pizza will offer a simple
menu of naturally leavened artisan pizza with fresh, seasonal and local
toppings, salads and an appetizer or two, as well as distinctive Washington
wines and brews.
Casual dinner options on the water include The Tides,
a convivial hub for the over 21 crowd, and the seasonal, new JW @ The
Boatyard Food Trolley with picnic-table seating adjacent to a working
boatyard. Harbor General Store offers a gourmet market, a cafe and gift
boutique all in one space. The new outdoor patio at Anthony’s at Gig Harbor
offers a spectacular view of the bay.
For intimate dining on or near the water look to at Brix
25° for Northwest-influenced hearty, flavorful, American cuisine, savor
creative comfort cuisine at JW’s, enjoy classic, wild and organic fare
at The Green Turtle, experience authentic Italian fare at Il Lucano
Ristorante Italiano, and sample contemporary fusion fare at Morso.
All offer extensive wine lists, many featuring Washington wines; some create
and serve inspired, craft cocktails.
No food scene would be complete without a local brewery. Gig
Harbor has two – 7 Seas Brewing and adjacent taproom and Wet
Coast Brewing Co. The harbor also has a nationally recognized craft
distillery, Heritage
Distilling. With an inviting downtown tasting room as well as
distillery tours and tastings uptown, Heritage is notable for 20-plus naturally
flavored vodkas, “My Batch” distilling classes and the introduction of spirits
growlers.
Olalla Vineyard and Winery, seven miles from the
harbor, has energetic new owners who orchestrate winemaker dinners in the
vineyard and welcome visitors on Thursday through Sunday afternoons to their
tasting room or to purchase a bottle and pre-ordered picnic basket to enjoy on
the idyllic grounds. Beyond the warm hospitality, notable are the expertise and
artistry of winemaker, Matthew Loso, the use of handcrafted Italian amphorae in
the wine making process and the Golubok grapes, one of the less-common red
varietals grown.
Cutter’s Point Coffee originated in Gig Harbor and
has a convivial new flagship coffee shop at the top of Soundview. Further up
the road, MarKee opened next to Harbor Greens, with barista-made
specialties as well as food and wine options. Java & Clay, a
delightful coffee and pottery making shop, occupies an enviable downtown
location.
Annual food events spotlight local talent and provide an
entertaining introduction as well. Top choices include the Gig Harbor Wine and Food Festival (July), twice annual Sip and Stroll, Food Truck
Feast and special events at restaurants.
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