New Brick Oven-Fueled Bistro In Sunset Hill Officially Debuts Its Brunch

Sunset Hill’s new bistro on the block continues to blossom. Two months after its arrival in the neighborhood, Samara — a warm, farm-to-table spot from up-and-coming chef Eric Anderson — is officially adding brunch to its repertoire, starting Saturday, April 6. And we’re not talking bacon and eggs. Plates of grilled maro-ishi oysters, shaved porchetta flatbread and roasted duck hash will be some of the highlights, taking full advantage of the restaurant’s wood-fueled brick oven and hearth. Especially popular dinner items, such as Dungeness crab served with tarragon sauce over a charred rice cake, will also be available.

Samara opened with great interest in February, but will have to bring the heat, because there is no shortage of brunch options in nearby Ballard. Chef Anderson hopes his spot — located in a quiet area across the street from Sunset Hill mainstay Ristorante Picolino’s — will stand out for its emphasis on refined, locally-sourced dishes, its relaxed atmosphere and reasonable prices (the average brunch dish runs about $13-16).

But perhaps the biggest feature that could differentiate this off-the-beaten path bistro from the Ballard hub on weekend days? There might actually be a place to park.

Samara is open for dinner Wed-Sun, 5pm-10pm; brunch Sat-Sun, 10am-2pm