New Grub Alert: Volterra arrives in Kirkland

Volterra's Pork Jowls. Photo by Michael Lee.

The Eastside welcomes Volterra’s second location.

After finding award winning success with their restaurant Volterra in Ballard, Chef Don Curtiss and Managing Partner Michelle Quisenberry are pleased to announce the grand opening of their second location in Kirkland on earlier this month. Providing the Eastside with a new experience in Tuscan-inspired cuisine, Volterra – Kirkland offers a more modern and sophisticated offshoot to the restaurant’s original Ballard location.

Volterra’s Pork Jowls. Photo by Michael Lee.

In addition to a contemporary and comfortable bar/lounge area with a signature cocktail menu developed by Kathy Casey, Volterra-Kirkland’s 2,500 sq. foot interior also includes an elegant main dining room with seating for up to 55 diners, featured art by upcoming and prominent local artists including 4 vibrant drawings by renowned artist Dale Chihuly, a Murano glass and Swarovski crystal Chandelier in the entryway, a custom designed wine wall, an open kitchen and a chef’s counter with seating for up to six guests. Legendary DJ and music industry tastemaker Marco Collins curated Volterra’s music to create a current yet relaxed ambiance.

The downtown Kirkland setting is an ideal location and affords us the opportunity to provide diners with the same Volterra dining experience as our Seattle location, without the hassle of dealing with traffic, bridges and tolls,” stated Curtiss. The menu features classic and many farm-to-table ingredients that are locally sourced.

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Photos by Michael Lee.

Their signature dishes include the Wild Boar Tenderloin served with a Gorgonzola sauce and rosemary roasted Yukon Gold potatoes.  The fontina cheese filled Polenta with wild mushrooms and truffle scented wild mushroom ragu is spectacular. The polenta is smooth and creamy and the mushrooms enrich the ragu with umami-rich flavors.

Pork Jowls with wild mushrooms features housemade organic egg pasta tossed with smoked pork jowls, locally harvest mushrooms, and truffle butter. The Beef Tenderloin Medallion is wrapped in pancetta and served with mashed potatoes and a two-day demi-glaze sauce that will have you licking the plate. For dessert, save room for the Chocolate Orange Cake, a deeply rich mousse balanced by an orange sauce and chocolate tuile cookie.

Volterra – Kirkland is located in downtown at 121 Kirkland Avenue. Complimentary parking is available in the 121 Building parking garage. Open Monday – Saturday 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm and Sunday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.  Daily lunch service, happy hour and Sunday brunch.

Volterra | 121 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland | (425) 202 – 7201