We recently went to San Fermo to celebrate a friend’s birthday. With only have a sample menu online, we didn’t really know what to expect, but are always open to trying new restaurants so were eager to try it.

Located on Ballard Avenue in the main Ballard business district, San Fermo offers a small menu that changes daily. We had reservations, which I recommend since the restaurant is small and has limited seating due to Covid restrictions.

Almost all the seating is outside, some in front of the restaurant in a tent that is open on one side, with heaters, and some in a small courtyard on the side of the building. We were seated in the courtyard with overhead infrared heaters, which did a great job of keeping us warm. It can get a little toasty on top of your head, but I was happy to be able to take my jacket off and still stay warm.

The courtyard was reminiscent of outdoor dining in Italy. From the time that we were seated, the wait staff were very attentive and fun. San Fermo offers a nice wine selection, and they make their pastas fresh so any of the pasta dishes are recommended. I had the Cesar salad which I thoroughly enjoyed, and it is large enough for two people. For my entrée I had the lamb shank (polenta, local roots, purple broccoli and beet pomegranate agrodolce), which was amazingly tender and flavorful.

Everyone else in our party got the Saffron Spaghetti Bolognese (pork, veal, rosemary, fennel and parmigiano reggiano) The bite that I had was delicious and I will probably get that next time there. If you are looking for a place that has great food, a nice wine selection, and a clean, open-air dining experience, I recommend checking out San Fermo.

San Fermo
5341 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107