Once again we bring you to the beautiful South Sound region of Washington State to historic downtown Gig Harbor.
And this time we’re taking a look at JW Restaurant.
Based on outward appearances, JW is the most unassuming restaurant you can imagine. Located in a building so tiny you’ll miss it if you blink your eyes, it resembles something more like a small fast food takeout than the romantic restaurant it really is. JW is an embodiment of the old adage “you can’t judge a book by its cover.” The moment you walk in and are enveloped in its charming, elegant atmosphere you can’t help but release a slow “aaaaahh.” And then of course once you taste the food…
And it’s for these reasons that JW has won the following distinction – 5 years in a row!
JW first opened its doors 5 years ago, the dream of owner Jason Winniford who has a long history in the restaurant industry, along with the support of co-owners and parents Joe and Karen Winniford. He and his sister-in-law, Jamie Lindsey, are co-owners and together have created a true culinary gem in Gig Harbor. It just won “Best Romantic Dinner” in the South Sound.
Chef Eddie Williams, joined them a few months later and brought with him his own style influenced by his years in Europe growing up in a military family. In chatting with him I learned that he went to high school in my hometown of Stuttgart, Germany. A second-generation cook, his father was a mess sergeant and Eddie’s son has likewise followed the family pattern and cooks alongside his father at JW. Chef Eddie was just recognized as “Best Chef” in the South Sound.
JW offers a cozy and thoughtfully decorated atmosphere that is romantic without being remotely stuffy or pretentious. It has a very friendly and dedicated staff who clearly have a passion for both good food and top service.
One of JW’s hallmarks is the complimentary wine you’re offered while perusing the menu. We were well attended to, our flatware readily replaced, our glasses never allowed to run dry, and the table cleared swiftly and smoothly without ceremony.
JW features “creative comfort cuisine” with new twists on old classics. The dishes are thoughtfully created and expertly executed.
We visited on a Tuesday and every Tuesday and Wednesday JW features a “3 for $30” deal: An appetizer, main course and dessert for just $30. For a restaurant of this class I don’t think I’ve ever seen a deal this good.
After perusing the menu we made our first selections.
For our appetizers Todd ordered the Honey Almond Prawns which had an excellent texture and flavor.
I had the Sweet & Savory Flatbread with goat cheese, grilled pears, pan-fried prosciutto, arugula, toasted walnuts and honey drizzle. Need I say more? I’d come back again just for that flatbread!
The bread was perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and topped with a delicious medley of flavors and textures.
Our table gave us a good vantage point to the kitchen and we were close enough that we were able to chat with the friendly kitchen staff throughout their preparations.
As we sat waiting for the next course it was really fun to watch the kitchen staff at work and to visually savor all of the finished dishes coming out and smell all of the mouth-watering aromas.
A few that we saw come through included the Apple & Parmesan Salad and the Lobster Mac & Cheese. The latter features large conchiglie shells stuffed with white cheddar, mozzarella, pepperjack, pecorino and romano cheeses. It’s then baked with a creamy cheese sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and green onions. Guess what I’m wishing I had for dinner right now?
Before our entrees arrived I also wanted to try the Roasted Red & Gold Beet Salad. I love beets and the flavor combination sounded (and was) superb: Cherry vinaigrette, arugula, goat cheese and pistachios.
There were some excellent-sounding entrees to choose from, selections like Duck & Dumplings, Seared Sea Scallops, Eggplant Parmigiana and Wild Salmon with a sweet chile sauce, but the one that really hooked me was the Bacon-wrapped Pork Tenderloin with a sage mushroom demi, crispy smashed potato and seasonal veggies. I mean, just look at it!
I think I unnerved the chef a bit by requesting the tenderloins be cooked to well done, but as requested there wasn’t a trace of pink and it was still perfectly, lusciously tender. I savored every last bite. The crispy, crackly-skinned smashed potatoes and asparagus were the perfect accompaniment.
Todd was craving something similar and ordered the flat iron steak with the same accompaniments. Perfection.
We were full. But there was no way we were leaving without sampling dessert.
The chocolate mousse cake and pumpkin cheesecake were both absolutely sublime.
We were the last ones to leave the restaurant that night (can you tell we enjoyed ourselves?) and Chef Eddie came over and sat with us while we finished our desserts. I complimented him on his chocolate mousse cake and he chuckled as he told us that the base crust is made out of crushed up chocolate Teddy Grahams, inspired by his 3 year old grandson. I like hearing stories like that.
The cheesecake was made by Chef Eddie’s son who is also a cook at JW. Todd and I shared each other’s desserts – they were outstanding.
For delicious creative comfort food, a warm romantic atmosphere, friendly service and an affordable middle price point of around $20, JW is a winner indeed. We highly recommend it.
JW only seats about 40 people so unless you’re coming on a weeknight it’s definitely best to make a reservation.
For more information visit their website: JW Restaurant
4107 Harborview Drive
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
253.858.3529
JW Restaurant hosted us for a meal without any obligation to write a positive review. As always, all opinions are entirely my own.
What a great review. Sometimes it is the most unassuming places that are the most unforgetable. Glad you liked it. Will have to look it up if ever in your next of the woods.
Thanks, Ali, and so, so true!
What an amazing sounding place – that chocolate mousse cake?! Yes please!
It was sooooo good, Ashley! Hope you get to try it for yourself!
What a cool place… and the food!!
It really is, Gerry!
Oh my gosh what a fun place to visit & dine. I totally hear what you’re saying, it seems more like a quick in & out place – what a gem to find such a romantic dine-away!
It really is a gem, Debra, and one that would be so easy to overlook when you pass by it in the car!
What beautiful photos! This looks like the absolute perfect meal!
Thanks, Becky, and it was indeed! 🙂
It all looks so tasty! Very cool location
Definitely a beautiful location, Chandra!
I’m drooling over those honey almond prawns!
Oh, I know, Michelle, and those were just the beginning of the meal!
This is a place I would love to visit! how fun.
You would love it, hope you make it there!
What am excellent meal! I want that flatbread too! If I’m anywhere near Gig Harbor on a Wednesday, I know where I’m going!
Yes, yes, yes! They’re 3 for $30 deal is seriously amazing, Nikki!
I have been to JW sooooo many times since it opened. My son knows one of the owners so we had a really romantic double date night there, and were spoiled rotten. I fell in love with the chef too. He let me hang around and chat food for a bit, and was excited to hear about my blog. Great place and fab review!!
Thanks, Bobbi! I’m so glad to hear you were equally impressed – maybe we’ll bump into each other there one of these evenings 🙂
LOVE this post, and your photos are absolutely gorgeous! I would visit in a heartbeat!
Thanks, Justine, and I really hope you do get a chance to visit!
Everything looks AMAZING! This is like torture….now I’m craving all of it!!!
Haha! I know, Cathy, looking over these pictures again is making me really wish I were there right now 🙂
What a charming restaurant! That meal looked absolutely divine.
Oh, it sure was, Kimberly Ann!
I need to go here on my next visit to see my sis in Tacoma. We love driving into Gig Harbor for the day 🙂
You’ll both love JW, Lori, have a wonderful time!
Everything looks delicious, but I’m particularly drooling over the lobster mac and cheese. Yum!
We’re going to have to try that one next time, Jennifer!
I’ve never been to this part of Washington but I would love to visit!! The food looks incredible!
Liz, you’d fall in love with the South Puget Sound – it’s heaven on earth! 🙂
Sometimes the best places to eat are the most unassuming & quaint ones. 😉 This looks like heaven! And complimentary wine?? Yes, please.
You’d love it, Carrie, next time you’re out this way you’ve got to try it!
Oh goodness this meal looks amazing – love that the son is the pastry chef!
It’s a really nice establishment, Marnely, and the staff is super friendly!
omg that meal is EVERYTHING. And the dessert. I can’t even handle it, I need it all in my life NOW! Looks like such a fab night~
So, so true, Gaby! Hope you make it out this way sometime!
Oh, my. The red and gold beet salad! Actually all of the dishes look aMAZing! Never been to Gig Harbor, but maybe one day (I’m in OR).
I agree, Sandy, and yes, I hope you make it up here!
The prawns have me drooling, the rest has me starving. Everything looks amazing!!
I know, Tara, I haven’t had lunch yet and would love to relive that visit all over again right now!
Thanks. JW is our favorite. And always will be.
Glad to hear it, K. Winniford, and thanks for visiting my blog 🙂
What a cozy, warm looking atmosphere. They seem to like pleasing their customers by the look of the food and the fact that they are so attentive. JW looks like a nice place to have a fantastic dinner. Reminds me of the east end of Long Island. There are beachy unassuming looking places that just go out of their way to feed you well and happily. Thank you for the review.
Agreed, Alice, and in the end it’s the food and service that matter most.