Enjoy fresh Pacific Northwest cuisine with German flair.
In this edition of Food Porn, we feature Szmania’s Restaurant & Bar, tucked away in the quaint neighborhood of Magnolia. Adding a German twist on fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients, Szmania’s creates an unique menu that features happy hour specials, shareable plates, and full-sized entrees.
Szmania’s German Sampler. Photo by Jennifer Liu.
Chef and owner duo, Julie and Ludger Szmania opened Szmania’s 22 years ago in hopes of creating something truly special — internationally inspired cuisine created with fresh local ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. Before settling down in Seattle, Chef Ludger lived all over the world, including Europe, Puerto Rico, Texas, and Canada and speaks five languages. His travels have influenced his style of cooking and in the creation of his seasonal menus.
The German Sampler with Westphalian prosciutto, soft housemade pretzel, and a cheesy gruyere fondue is a great share-able way to begin the meal. Flavorful and grilled, the Harissa Beef Skewer is served with a caraway-cilantro slaw. House-Smoked Salmon on a potato pancake contrasts well with a dill sour cream sauce. Seared Halibut Cheeks with roasted tomatoes, parsley pesto, and english peas is fresh and moist. Szmania’s signature dish, Jager Schnitzel, is a breaded pork cutlet with mushroom sauce served with a side of cheese spatzle.
To end the meal on a sweet note, try the Citron Tart with a lime, orange, and grapefruit custard on a graham cracker crust or the decadent German Chocolate Cake with a pecan-walnut coconut frosting.
Photos by Jennifer Liu.
With an open kitchen, an outdoor patio, great service staff, and delicious fare, Szmania’s needs to be on your list.
Szmania’s Restaurant & Bar | 3221 W McGraw St., Seattle, 98199 | (206) 284 – 7305
