(pontiseafoodgrill.com) – Ship Canal neighborhood, Seattle, Washington

How I heard of this place: It was a decade or more ago, perhaps during Seattle’s original Dine Around month; I have been on their birthday mailing list ever since.

Type of cuisine: Seattle’s only wild fish only restaurant serves up the most delicate, delectable seafood around. “Executive Chef Alvin Binuya showcases his talent with an ever changing and seasonally focused seafood menu. Chef Binuya has forged relationships with local farmers and fisherman so guests will continue to enjoy the new and unexpected flavors from the freshest local ingredients.“

“Since 1990 Ponti has delighted the palates of our guests with a menu* that offers an array of eclectic flavors ranging from pan-Asian, Mediterranean, classic European and Pacific Northwest fusion“

Ambiance: “When Richard and Sharon Malia opened the doors of Ponti Seafood Grill to Seattle in 1990, they revealed a modern mosaic seafood restaurant.

Ponti, meaning “bridge” in Italian is built in the style of a Mediterranean villa featuring warm Tuscan inspired colors and waterside patios. Located on Seattle’s Ship Canal,

four private dining rooms and two outdoor patios showcase vistas of the water and the Fremont and Aurora bridges.“

What I ordered: On this visit, we started with a basket of warm bread and herbed balsamic olive oil for dipping, my husband unable to turn down the Char Grilled Octopus ($13) served over roasted pepper coulis, sweet corn, wild mushrooms.

For our main entrees, our dining companions favorite and highly recommended Alderwood Smoked Alaska Black Cod ($32) with a five-spice cure, lemon-ginger emulsion, squash, green beans and a side of turmeric basmati rice.

My husband chose the Pan-Roasted Alaska Cod ($22) with a smoked paprika dry rub, served atop rosemary roasted fingerling potatoes, oyster mushrooms, arugula, tomato and beurre blanc.

For me, the Grilled Wild King Salmon ($35) served with fennel tzatziki, green beans, squash, and a side of mushroom couscous.

Our desserts included a Lemon Tart ($7) with fresh whipped cream and a berry coulis,

the Moelleux au Chocolat ($7) caramel sauce, hazelnut toffee crunch and fresh whipped cream,

and the Lemon Cheesecake ($7) with Tuaca Gala Apple compote.

What I loved: The Alderwood Smoked Alaskan Black Cod and the melt-in-your-mouth octopus over sweet corn and mushroom relish. The molten chocolate cake…what?

Why I loved it: A beautiful, waterfront setting, where reflections of the bee-lights play across the minute ripples in the water, indoor seating is warm and cozy and the food nothing short of excellent.

Cost: High ($22 – $36 per dinner entrée)

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