This neighborhood restaurant atop Queen Anne is the most intimate of those in the Ethan Stowell family. As a nod to the restaurant’s literary namesake, Chef Michael Gifford repeatedly impresses by doing so much from this tiny kitchen. The continually changing, Italian-inspired menu focuses on smaller plates and fresh, daily-made pastas, typically enjoyed family style in the cozy, wood-clad dining room. Stop by the Queen Anne Farmer's Market before dinner, and you might see Chef Gifford gathering ingredients for that night's menu. Have dinner at the bar and sip Prosecco while watching the kitchen create.
"I thought it was a fun whimsical place with a fun menue.to share so you could try alot of different plates.! Service was good and she was helpfull and asked if we had questions about the menue which is always helpfull. we ordered the liver patee with crusteenies which was fabulous! we also ordered 2 pasta dishes, ravioli with mushrooms and the pasta with asparagus. they were really good but i must say we both agreed that the pastas were toooo salty. i am a salt fiend but this was on the edge we both thought. But overall i would go again or try one of his other resteraunts to compare."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Been here before and usually love it. The broiled eggs are divine, the gnocchi was fantastic. And for desert, everything looked great so it was hard to choose from. But lately some dishes are too salty."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"If "How To Cook A Wolf" were a college basketball team, they'd be Syracuse: imaginative, brilliant, best among it's peers. Standout stars on the "How To Cook a Wolf" team include starters Rissotto, Char, and Beets. Rounding out the team are Gnocchi, Cocktail, and Panna Cotta. I am lucky to live in Seattle and be close to this superstar."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"The dishes are not big, but very tasty. Two dishes per person is appropriate. Excellent service, I loved the lady that served us. They have a few tables outside, they're great if weather is good, the view is Queen Anne Ave, you can see people walking by. The garlicky sauce from the soft eggs was delicious. The chicken liver pate with rhubarb conserva was also very good. We received freshly made pasta as a gift to take home."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"The menu encourages sharing and prices are reasonable, particularly when you consider the quality of the food. Our beet salad, risotto and gnocchi were delicious. The restaurant is small with a great buzz. Staff are very friendly and welcoming, and extremely professional."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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"I immediately felt cozy when I walked into How to Cook a Wolf and sat down. The tables were covered with what appeared to be repurposed cork, and at a low height that nearly touched my legs, almost like a Japanese chabudai that made me and the rest of my group feel more intimately connected. The menu is a playful collection of dishes they like to serve family style, tailoring the courses and pace of everything based on what we ordered, which made the decision-making much easier. Our server also had an excellent grasp of the wine menu, and they have a wonderful selection of Italian wines - I appreciated them leaving our white wine at the table without a wine chiller to let its aroma continue to develop. I recommend going there hungry..."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We loved this spot! We tried the fern special, the risotto, sea scallops and the gnocchi... yum! everything was perfectly cooked and tasted amazing! We would defiantly go back, especially because the service was so good!"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"We didn't plan on going here, however we were pleasantly surprised. We had some oysters to start, then the beef tongue salad, the beets salad, and the risotto, and all were distinctive and fantastic. We also had orecchiette pasta, but that was just OK, mainly because we were already pretty stuffed from the previous courses. Note that everything is family style, so I'd recommend just ordering 3-4 plates from the appetizers to share between two people and that should be more than enough. Highly recommended!"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Excellent food with a menu that has a lot to offer in terms of variety and a wine list that isn't over-infused with local domestic wines. Will definitely go back."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Overall, a very good meal. Our best dishes were the seafood ones (scallops, crudo) and, surprisingly, dessert. The meat dishes were a bit heavy-handed (pork cheeks, beef tongue). The orchiette was tasty if a bit overly seasoned (too much pepper and salt). Stay away from the carpaccio as the slivers of the pickled fish overwhelmed any subtle flavor of the beef. Would defintiely go back."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Meh...I thought it would be better given the raves, but none of us are pasta eaters so maybe we picked the wrong spot. The food we did order was good, but super pricey for what we got. I'm somewhat of a decent cook myself and don't like paying top-dollar for food I can do a better job with at home. The ($$$) pork chop was ok, but tough despite being brined. The beet salad was very tasty and sizable. The "scallop" was a small dish and $$$ for the size. My husband liked the sardines, but I'm not a sardine person. Tables super close together and we found that distracting. We ate at Anchovies and Olives a couple of years ago and sort of felt the same way...lots of $$ for ok food, and not much of it. Maybe we're just not Ethan Stowell people."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2004
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"I was looking forward to experiencing Ethan's resturant and it was wonderful! A bit slow to get seated, but they were very gracious abuot it and it was worth the wait. Our server was excellent (Seth) and our dishes were delightful - beet salad, incredible smoked pork chop, and two pasat dishes. Loved the architecture inside as well."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Some of the best food I've ever had...Seattle Restaurant Week didn't make a difference! Perfect service too even though we didn't order wine. (This usually makes a difference of the level of service get.)"
Dined on 04/15/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Reasonable prices make this neighborhood find a place to return to again and again. Menu not extensive, but seasonal and delicious. A very enjoyable experience!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"I have been wanting to eat here since I heard about this place over a year ago. We have wanted to go during Seattle Restaurant Week but never make reservations in time. We decided to go for a special occasional instead and it was a perfect choice. The food was unbelievably good and I really liked the decor of the restaurant. It was quiet so carrying a conversation was easy. Service was also great. Our server, Seth, did a great job of checking on us, keeping us entertained, and giving us great recommendation for food and wine. I would highly recommend this place for any occasion."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"We have now experienced six of Ethan Stowell's restaurants. This came second to 2 times at Staple and Fancy. The service was engaging, knowledgable and accommodating. I really enjoyed the scallops on greens and the beets were tasty, even sweet. The ravioli was perfect, the spaghetti noodles a touch thicker than I am used to but still flavorful. We have a bread maker in our foursome and the Macrina bread doesn't measure up to his in being mouthwatering, that was my disappointment. We enjoyed a smooth Sangiovese to accompany our memorable meal. It was memorable and I will return."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"great food, served ala carte - recommend ordering 2 dishes per person and sharing with the table...hamachi excellent, prawns with cannelini beans even more amazing..beet salad not to be missed - sweetest beets I've ever had. Wine list primarily Italian with a few northwest choices."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Our second time dining at How to Cook a Wolf - excellent experience both visits. ala carte menu - don't expect to eat the same thing twice...menu completely different the second time there - wouldn't want to anyway - too many great things to try....great wine list - mostly Italian with a few west coast wines - least expensive wine $50-$60 - would like to see more regional wines on the list...service was very friendly and knowledgeable - 2 hours flew by!"
Dined on 03/11/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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"We had wonderful and fun service from all the staff. They are very relaxed, yet knowledgeable and patient. There's no rush. Just enjoying food and learning what they have to offer. The smoked Mackerel bruschetta was amazing! So was the beef tartare, and the hamachi crudo. My compliments to the chef!"
Dined on 03/12/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Really liked this place. Everything great. . . except the food (which in my opinion must "missed a little"). Everything is served "family style" in small plates. That makes for a romantic and fun evening. There is a lot of care in the preparation and presentation. The wine list is very good with a lot of excellent choices available by the glass. So, instead of a bottle you can order several glasses for variety.
Siting at the bar is the best arrangement."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"My group had a great time at How to Cook a Wolf. We shared plates and it was an interesting mix of tastes and quality ingredients. I received many recommendations from friends for this place and I guess it built too much the expectation this would be the best place to eat out in Seattle. It is not unforgettable, but it is a very good one."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"I believe I caught this restaurant on a bad night. Everyone around me enjoyed their meal, so it seems to be a good place. But the short rib should have been much better to be consistent with the rest of the food quality. To their credit, the restaurant handled my disappointment very gracefully and left me wanting to return to have something that was as good as expected. Bon Appetit!"
Dined on 02/20/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"Everything needed salt. I was surprised how bland the food was. The service was prompt and friendly. Poor ventilation made for an unappetizing smoky smell that stayed on my clothes long after I left."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2007
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"I've been dining at Wolf since they opened - have enjoyed many, many fine meals - with my husband, groups of friends and with our son. Each course is usually more delicious than the last. They excel at crudo, bean dishes and pastas. I love that despite it's popularity their service staff has never ever been rude, to the contrary, they are always extremely friendly, often taking the time to chat for a minute. We have been bringing our son there since he was small and despite the fact that it's not really a "kid" restaurant they have always been super accommodating - bringing anything special I've requested. As a young teen now, it is exciting to watch him try some of the more sophisticated items on the menu."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"The ambiance was amazing and I loved the decor. This was on my must experience list for quite some time. I loved the feel of the resataurant and bar, enjoyed the salad and had a great sorbet, the pasta was only "ok""
Dined on 02/09/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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"This was our first visit to How to Cook a Wolf. It was a belated Valentine's Day celebration. We loved the all wood ceiling and walls. We had four small plates which we shared: Hamachi, Smoked Mackeral Bruscetta, Chick Pea Salad and Beef Tartar. We each had a larger plate - one of spaghetti with anchovies, garlic and olive oil and the other was clams and linguine. All were terrific. With a half bottle of wine and a generous tip, we spent $150. Well worth it!!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"Excellent place to celebrate our anniversary with another couple. Enjoyed sharing 6 small plates and one pasta dish. All was delicious and big, bold Italian blend wine was perfect complement."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"The service was great and the food was amazing. We loved everything we ordered starting with the oysters then on to the beef cheek that was so tender and rich, truly and amazing dish. We shared everything our last pick was the Agnolotti, which was a creamy cauliflower and mushroom pasta. It was a special occasion so we got dessert, yum!!! The pine nut tart with caramel ice cream so sooo good. Thanks to the staff and chef for making our night special!!!!!"
Dined on 02/10/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Was worried about the small menu at first but we found several dishes that sounded great. Tried the beef cheeks, the scallops, the polenta fritters (amazing pesto!) and the bolgnaese. All very good choices. Loved that they sent you away with fresh pasta and offered to bag up our unfinished bottle of wine. Tight space but well worth it!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"we enjoyed a nice dinner/evening at How To Cook A Wolf....the menu is wonderful and you can tell that each dish was conceived and made with a lot of thought. we ordered 5 dishes between the two of us and everything was made with freshest, most top-notch ingredients - however, each of the dishes seemed to lack that one little something - texture/vibrancy/seasoning/spice. the service was great - i appreciated someone who took the time to make sure we were happy but didn't drop in on us every 10 minutes unnecessarily. our server knew the wine list and was kind enough to suggest something totally different to sip for dessert, giving me a taste so i could decide...her knowledge and attention to the small things made the evening special."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Put this restaurant on top of your list of places to try. We had a terrific dinner, loved the family style concept so we had a chance to try several different dishes. Service was attentive and informative. We are sending other Seattle visitors !"
Dined on 01/31/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"This was our first visit to one of Ethan Stowell's restaurants and we weren't disappointed. We tried several plates on the menu and loved them all. This is really a tappas-type of setup, which we didn't know going in, but I love that type of menu so this wasn't a problem. This was the smallest restaurant I've ever been in (maybe 8 tables, and a small bar area), which explains why reservations can be hard to come by if you don't make them ahead of time. The manager Seth goes out of his way to make you feel comfortable, and the service staff was topnotch. We never felt rushed or intruded on. I loved the atmosphere and plan to return. Prices are comparable for a restaurant of this type."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"I was a little disappointed this time round...the spaghetti was salty, too much anchovy paste, and the chickpea salad a little flat. the red wine by the glass was acidic.... they usually bring a bag of pasta with the check, this time I had to ask for it.
Like Staple, Fancy and Mercantile much better"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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