Experts' Choice Award Staple & Fancy
What the experts agree on
Chef Ethan Stowell's intimate Ballard restaurant shines with a chef's-choice tasting menu featuring seasonal Italian dishes served family-style in a chic converted warehouse. The constantly changing pasta and small plates, paired with thoughtful
“The "Staple" side of this Ethan Stowell restaurant at the south end of Ballard Avenue might mean ethereal gnocchi served with corn and chanterelles, or a whole grilled branzino.”
– Fodor's
Frommer's "You must eat at Chef Ethan Stowell's Staple & Fancy Mercantile, and the best way to enjoy a meal here is to opt for the chef's-choice menu." Full review
Zagat4.2
"Ethan Stowell's "spectacular" Italian elicits "OMG"s for the "smashingly good" four-course tasting menu, as well as the "constantly changing dishes" among the "incredible" à la carte options." Full review
Gayot14.0
"Ethan Stowell's intimate restaurant is located in a redesigned historic building in "Old Ballard," offering rustic charm and urban attitude." Full review
Seattle Times "A relaxed milieu at once antique yet au courant, an ad hoc $45 prix fixe menu served family style, plus the requisite fine-dining frills -- expertly blended cocktails, a thoughtful wine list." Full review
Not For Tourists "For a special night out, try the supper in 4 courses."
Where "The menu here highlights simple Italian-inspired food. Try a multi-course feast of seasonal dishes created specifically for your table." Full review
The Infatuation "You could have a terrific birthday dinner around a big table at Staple & Fancy if you order small plates, eat pasta, drink wine...the space looks like a classy brick shipping warehouse. " Full review
