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    Gardner's Restaurant

    4.3 (235 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Gardner's Restaurant Photos

    GARDNER'S RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Romantic
    Quiet
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Gardner's Restaurant

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    MUST DESSERT!!!
    Lisa M.

    DESSERT FIRST! Okay, if we must adult. Our group had the Burrata appy (gone in 60 seconds good) - Lamb (good not great) - Ribeye (excellent) - Seafood Fettuccine (yummy) But dessert - I can't resist it when a tray full visits your table and they all say "eat me" - I don't even remember which we had because their sweet taste took over my brain! Service was top notch- we were very well taken care of! Ambiance is quiet and calming - not rushed or overwhelming - A+++ Gardner's should be an Olympia landmark for being consistently excellent - maybe not for the building (not fancy) the food and the excellent service - and they have easy parking!

    Clams, beer, bread, mojito special
    Ben B.

    Awesome. I've known about this place and heard great things for at least 20 years, yet hadn't been until Saturday. Amazing. Cool close and intimate even though it's a small building and a little loud. Amazing food. Amazing service. Alex was great. She knew what we needed before we did. My wife and I had an appetizer, 2 salads and 2 entrees. It was too much. Wonderful food but I was full. We finished her scallops, saved 80% of my piccata and she had peanut butter cake. Love it. Thank you!

    Red Queen and Lemon Meringue cocktails
    Candi K.

    Had dinner at this restaurant over the weekend and it was great. The ambience was nice, our waitress was amazing and knowledgeable and friendly. The drinks were delicious and filled to the brim, just how we like it. My only note was the menu online and in person should be consistent. Being gluten free, I like to look at restaurant menus prior to dining to get a sense of the options. The online menu didn't reflect all the dishes that were available and we almost didn't go because of that reason but I'm glad we did. Fantastic!

    Menu
    Yvonne V.

    My husband and I came back here for dinner recently to commemorate our 5 year anniversary since this is where we had our first date. Definitely different than it was 5 years ago but that's to be expected. The restaurant itself is very romantic and has wonderful ambiance. We were even able to have our same table from our first date which made the evening that much more special. The servers were really sweet and made great suggestions for specials. The only reason for 3 stars is that the food wasn't on par with our first visit. We had the salmon seafood dip as an appetizer and that was probably the highlight of the meal. My husband ordered the top sirloin with squash risotto and although the steak was on point the risotto was not. I had the scallop entree with asparagus but the scallops were beyond salty and I could only eat 2. Had I left a review 5 years ago it would have been hands down 5 stars. My husband and I agreed that we would be willing to go back and maybe try different items on the menu, but it might be a while.

    Isabella H.

    Hidden gem. If I could add 6 stars I would. This place is top tier, service was IMPECCABLE, Alex, our server, was wonderful. Absolutely so fresh, vibrant, and creative flavor profiles. We will be back very soon.

    Steak with truffle butter
    Bre X.

    I never leave reviews. This place is worth running back to the hotel and writing a review. Go here. Stop thinking about it. Best meal I have had in years! Steak with truffle butter is next level. Carmel brownie for desert was the desert I didn't know I needed in my life. Do it. So so so beyond good.

    Menu

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    14 years ago

    Amazing service adorned our dinner. All were helpful, and food was absolutely wonderful! Gardners is my new favorite restaurant in Olympia!

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    11 years ago

    Best place to eat seafood fettuccine in Olympia!! We can't say enough about it love love love the food, staff and ambience!

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    10 years ago

    Really nice atmosphere, very good food. A bit on the expensive side but the service is top rate.

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    Page 6 of 6

    Ask the Community - Gardner's Restaurant

    Are reservations needed / required?

    It's a good idea midweek and usually necessary on weekends. They do try to accommodate walkins.

    Where is it located?

    Next to the Doubletree Suites by Hilton

    Is Gardner's handicapped accessible (wheelchair accessible) and are the restrooms handicapped accessible?

    Yes. They have a ramp they put down to allow for ADA access.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Pellegrino's Italian Kitchen and Catering - Seafood Fettuccini Alfredo, Fettuccini Alfredo

    Pellegrino's Italian Kitchen and Catering

    4.0(674 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    This was our second visit to Pellegrino's, and we really enjoyed it both times! It's a tiny little…read moretwo-story restaurant, and we've sat upstairs on both visits. The upstairs is small and intimate, which gives the whole place a cozy, unique feel. Our waiter this time was a young gentleman who was incredibly friendly and did a great job! Three of us ordered Coors Lights in bottles, and he brought them out ice cold with a chilled glass to pour them into. When we ordered a second round, he let us know he had just put some more in the freezer, so it would be a few minutes. That little extra step made a difference...we'd much rather wait a few minutes for an ice-cold beer than have it brought out warm! I ordered the spaghetti with their house-made Bolognese sauce and added a meatball, and WOW. The sauce had the perfect combination of slight sweetness, a little spice from the sausage, and that tangy tomato flavor. So good! And I'm usually not a huge fan of restaurant meatballs because they can be tough or rubbery, but this one was soft, juicy, and packed with flavor. Sean got the lasagna and absolutely loved it! Our friends who invited us out ordered the steak and spaghetti Bolognese, and everyone was happy with their meals. The steak was cooked exactly how it was requested, and the quality of the food for the price was really good. Overall, Pellegrino's is just a great little place. Warm, inviting atmosphere, friendly service, delicious food, and a fun, intimate setting that feels a little different from your typical Italian restaurant. Definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a place to enjoy a good meal with friends. We'll definitely be back!

    We came in with a party of 11 for my niece's birthday and unfortunately had a very disappointing…read moreexperience from start to finish. Right away there was confusion at check-in--they called for a party of 9 with no name, and the host was rude when we responded using the first name instead of the last. After being seated, it took about 10 minutes just to get drinks, and then another 30 minutes before our server took our food order. During that time, we weren't asked about appetizers or offered any drink refills. About an hour later, the server came back and told us the kitchen was backed up and they were "just now making our food," which honestly felt like our order may have been forgotten. At that point, all of our drinks were empty and I had to ask for refills. While we were still waiting, another server came to the table asking how one of our steaks was cooked, which added to the confusion. Our food finally arrived after about an hour and a half. Unfortunately, the issues didn't stop there: My spaghetti and meatballs was incorrect, but I kept it since I didn't want to wait again with a toddler. My sister's husband's meal was never even put in--the server admitted this. My sister's fish and chips came out cold. No one checked back to see how the food was. Drinks were left empty again with no refills offered. We were never asked about dessert. Plates were never cleared, even after I stacked empties at the end of the table to help. Every time we needed something, we had to flag someone down. To make matters worse, the checks came out incorrect with items swapped between them. I've worked as a server/bartender for four years, and my niece is also a server, so we completely understand how busy and stressful things can get. But this experience missed the mark on multiple levels. Even when things go wrong, basic service--like keeping drinks filled and checking on guests--should still be happening. This was easily the worst restaurant experience I've had. It was especially disappointing because we're an easy group and typically tip very well. Unfortunately, we will not be returning.

    Photos
    Pellegrino's Italian Kitchen and Catering
    Pellegrino's Italian Kitchen and Catering - Rare steak, not veal cutlets ... disgusting!

    Rare steak, not veal cutlets ... disgusting!

    Pellegrino's Italian Kitchen and Catering - Tiramisu martini

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    Tiramisu martini

    Pizzeria La Gitana- Olympia - feeling good @ La Gitana

    Pizzeria La Gitana- Olympia

    4.3(696 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$
    Vegan friendly
    Locally owned & operated

    I was going to go eat at the restaurant but had to cancel my reservation…read more I ordered a takeout instead and it was Delicious! I had the meat platter and the burata caprese. Awesome! Perfect meal for two, while watching a movie. I plan on dining in person in the not too distant future.

    Had been looking forward to trying this restaurant as it seems to get decent reviews…read more Pickup order on a weekday, later PM. Terrible parking - had to circle a couple times for street parking. Place had maybe 8 total people so not busy. Went up to Server/Cashier near front to let her know I was there for pickup and was immediately told "The servers like it when you stand by the table" in a mildly pretentious tone. No "Hi" or "How can I help you?" This is downtown Olympia so typical establishment behavior. Not surprised. Place was clean and very nicely decorated.Took about 5 minutes to get my pizza which was surprisingly quick. The Pizza I generally like my pizzas crisp and this was not even close. Very soggy, and not much flavor (Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, olives). This was thin crust so that potentially had something to do with taste and texture. I would compare this Pizza to what you get at MOD. It's not too bad, but not too good. Average at best and I expected a lot better. Cost was about normal (14" pizza and bread appetizer for $50 plus tax). Marinara sauce for bread was delicious. All in all, it wasn't a terrible experience. It's by no means gourmet or fancy pizza. Perhaps the rest of their menu is better. Server needs to chill out and brush up on her customer service skills. 3 stars at best.

    Photos
    Pizzeria La Gitana- Olympia - Flan - gluten free desert

    Flan - gluten free desert

    Pizzeria La Gitana- Olympia - We put heart into it

    We put heart into it

    Pizzeria La Gitana- Olympia - Fresca pizza and glass of Malbec

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    Fresca pizza and glass of Malbec

    Mercato Ristorante - Calamari and lemon aïoli

    Mercato Ristorante

    3.6(348 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Went with family that had been there and loved it. While waiting to check in, a lady standing there…read moreasked if I'd ever been there and I said "no" and she told me it was WONDERFUL. I can see why. The restaurant is quite large with some separate rooms and areas as well as a large outside seating area. We were given water right away and asked if we wanted drinks and bread. The focaccia bread was quite good. Drinks came quickly and we ordered our meal. I had the pumpkin ravioli that came in an apple cider cream sauce with caramelized onions hazelnuts and parmesan. It was an interesting mix of ingredients but tasted great. The other meals for the family were a cheese pizza, rigatoni and spaghetti and meatballs, all good and enjoyed. For dessert I had the tiramisu which I enjoyed. Service was great, food was really good and we all liked it a lot and would go back again to try something else.

    Well, walked by when visiting the Farmers Market a few days ago. Smelled wonderful ! We decided to…read morehave lunch today since my friend who just moved to the area had eaten the Salmon Salad before and stated how much she enjoyed it. Showed me a pic she'd snapped of the salad. Looked yummy! Dang!! I was hopeful...Had to wait a bit for the hostess, no biggy. Seated outdoors since it was a lovely day. Ordered a cocktail, asparagus appetizer and our meal. asked for bread, the salmon was definitely overdone, easy fix...asparagus sounded tasty, need some work with this one folks. Asked for bread when placing our order, had to get up to ask the server mid lunch for the forgotten bread. Service, nice young lady, teachable... sealed the 2 star rating when I had to go inside to the hostess stand to retrieve our check., Need to step up the game here. Has great potential, just not there yet.

    Photos
    Mercato Ristorante
    Mercato Ristorante - Bread...oh my BREAD!

    Bread...oh my BREAD!

    Mercato Ristorante - Ravioli

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    Gardner's Restaurant - seafood - Updated September 2026

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