By Jenni Liu Kirkland — Volterra’s second location opened on September 10, 2012 in Kirkland downtown. The high ceilings and artwork are tasteful, creating a modern and sophisticated space. This Tuscan-inspired Italian restaurant first opened their original location in Ballard in 2005. With the increased traffic and tolling to cross the bridge into Seattle, this location offers the same Volterra experience on the Eastside. The husband-and-wife duo, Chef Don Curtiss and Managing Partner Michelle Quisenberry named their restaurant after the Volterra, Italy where they were married. Chef Don has worked at Al Boccalino and was an opening chef at Andaluca. He also worked as Assaggio, headed the kitchen at Prego Ristorante and was chef partner at II Fornaio.
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. Bruschetta Volterrana is not your typical tomato-parmesan combo, but a mushroom and truffle puree with minced artichokes served on Tuscan bread.
Volterra features a variety of pasta dishes, including Shrimp and Lobster Papparedelle, Lamb Sausage and English Pea Risotto, and Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi as well as entrees including, Crispy Herb Chicken, Baked Alaskan Halibut, and Pork Ribeye.
They have an extensive wine list featuring wines from Tuscany and other Italian regions.
Volterra is located at 121 Kirkland Avenue. Complimentary parking is available in the 121 Building parking garage. Open daily for lunch and dinner and brunch on Sundays. For reservations or more information, visit http://volterrakirkland.com/
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