Gardner’s Restaurant: Classic Pacific Northwest Dining with Timeless Elegance
Gardner’s Restaurant in Olympia, Washington, has been a beloved dining destination since 1983. Owned and lovingly managed by sisters Chelse Pagel and Sarah Felizardo for nearly two decades, Gardner’s combines old-world charm with Pacific Northwest culinary excellence. The restaurant places a strong emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and scratch-made dishes that highlight seafood, quality meats, and seasonal produce. With a warm ambiance and attentive service, Gardner’s has become a favorite spot for special occasions, romantic dinners, and those seeking a refined yet comfortable dining experience.
About Gardner’s Restaurant
Housed in a historic building steeped in character, Gardner’s offers an intimate setting that feels both elegant and approachable. Executive Chef Dayton Kuenstler crafts the menu with an eye for seasonal and local sourcing, ensuring that every plate tells a story of regional flavors and timeless techniques. The restaurant is well known for its handcrafted cocktails, thoughtfully curated wine list, and wide selection of desserts made fresh daily. Fine dining awards and consistent praise for ambiance and cuisine reinforce Gardner’s reputation as one of Olympia’s premier restaurants.
The Menu at Gardner’s
Gardner’s menu showcases an array of dishes designed to please diverse palates. The offerings range from classic seafood preparations to hearty steaks, alongside vegetarian and gluten-free options. The culinary team makes every item from scratch, crafting a blend of comfort and creativity.
Starters and Salads
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Seasonal Burrata Mozzarella: Creamy burrata served with toasted baguette and seasonal accompaniments.
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Dungeness Crab Dip: A rich blend of crab and cheeses, served warm with toasted baguette.
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Steamed Clams: Fresh local clams cooked with butter, onions, tomato, and a hint of chili flake.
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Calamari Steak: Lightly floured and pan-fried calamari served with garlic lemon aioli.
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Seasonal Side Salad: Fresh vegetables with a choice of house-made bleu cheese or Caesar dressing.
Pasta and Seafood
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Seafood Fettuccine: A luxurious mix of scallops, crab, prawns, clams, and mushrooms, served in the choice of cream sauce or olive oil with garlic, chili flake, capers, and lemon.
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Bolognese: Ground beef and pork simmered with garlic, chili flake, fresh cream, and Parmesan.
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Dungeness Crab Gnocchi: House-made gnocchi with rosemary, cream, tomato, and plenty of Dungeness crab.
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*Fresh Fish: Daily seasonal preparations spotlighting the freshest catch.
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Cioppino: Fisherman’s stew with clams, scallops, prawns, and Dungeness crab in a tomato and white wine broth.
Meat and Specialty Plates
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Lamb Chops: Roasted corn puree, blackberry jus, and a parsley, shallot, and hazelnut salad.
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Pork Chop: Served with peach barbecue sauce and jalapeno chimichurri.
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Chicken Piccata: Frenched chicken breast roasted with white wine, lemon, cream, tomatoes, and capers.
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Add-ons such as demi-glaze, bleu cheese sauce, and truffle butter enhance flavors.
Shareable Sides
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Seasonal risotto and polenta
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Fried potatoes with rosemary, salt and vinegar, and aioli
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Seasonal vegetables
Desserts and Drinks
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House-made desserts are presented with care, including delicate pastries and rich cakes.
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The bar offers creative cocktails such as the Lemon Meringue Drop (vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon) and the Dubliner (Jameson Irish whiskey, Grand Marnier, sweet vermouth).
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A selection of local wines and craft cocktails complements the meal elegantly.
Menu Highlights
Guests often highlight the exquisite Seafood Fettuccine and the delicate Dungeness Crab Gnocchi as standout dishes for their depth of flavor and freshness. The Lamb Chops with blackberry jus and the Chicken Piccata also receive frequent praise. The Dungeness Crab Dip serves as a rich and indulgent starter, while house-made desserts offer the perfect ending to a memorable meal.
Why Gardner’s Restaurant is a Local Favorite
With decades of consistency, superior food quality, and attentive service, Gardner’s has earned the loyalty of Olympia’s diners. It is especially loved for special occasions, romantic dinners, and culinary celebrations with friends and family. The elegant yet inviting atmosphere blends perfectly with the culinary excellence presented on every plate.
Tips for Visiting Gardner’s
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Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends and holidays.
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Try the seafood dishes to appreciate the full spectrum of local Pacific Northwest flavors.
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Save room for dessert and enjoy the wide array of house-made options.
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Explore the cocktail menu for creative local flavor blends.
Gardner’s Restaurant is a quintessential embodiment of Pacific Northwest fine dining with a classic foundation and creative modern touches. It stands as a testament to quality, tradition, and hospitality — a must-visit destination in Olympia for those who value fresh ingredients, scratch-made cuisine, and an inviting atmosphere.