Szmania's Restaurant   

3321 W Mcgraw St
Seattle, WA 98199
206-284-7305
www.szmanias.com

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Since 1990, the sleepy, peninsular enclave of Magnolia has been home to this elegant yet comfortable dining room, where local residents vie for tables with day-trippers from farther afield. Master chef Ludger Szmania and his wife, Julie, take pride and pleasure in making everyone feel warmly welcome. The kitchen puts a focus on Northwest ingredients, particularly seafood, and many preparations showcase Szmania's continental roots. Though the menu changes, several dishes are standouts. Don't miss the Caesar salad, prepared with the signature house dressing (so popular it's bottled and sold in area grocery stores). If available, clam chowder is another must, deriving its body from melt-in-your-mouth potatoes and not an excess of cream and flour. However garbed, salmon and halibut are spot-on, and if meat's what you're looking for, try the flavorful prime rib accompanied by oven-roasted rosemary fries and garlic roasted veggies. Feeling a bit Teutonic? Jagerschnitzel with cheese spaetzle is the answer. In an ongoing effort to satisfy customers' desires, several of the most popular dishes are available in lighter portions, and a handful of preparations are designated low-carb. Due in large part to location, patronage tends to be an older, moneyed set, but that shouldn't discourage anyone from venturing to Magnolia for a sedate and superior meal. Wine list, service and desserts? All excellent. By all means, check the website for information about cooking classes and special offers.