Named for a monastery outside of Lonigo, Italy, San Fermo in Ballard is probably the first new Italian restaurant in a long time that wants to make its name in rustic, homey southern Italian food.

Instead of focusing on the current trend of modern, interpretive Italian dishes, co-owners Tim Baker (Percy's & Co.), Scott Shapiro (Melrose Market), and Wade Weigel and Jeff Ofelt (both of Bimbo's Bitchin' Burrito Kitchen, Cha Cha Lounge, King's Hardware and Percy's fame) have transformed the conjoined (and formerly pea green) historic Pioneer Houses on Ballard Ave into an utterly charming, upscale pasta house. The 50-seat San Fermo (more seating on the patio), which abuts the Sunday farmers market, is now a glossy white stunner with black accents and a similar indoor color scheme.

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Source: http://www.seattlemag.com/