Matia Lounge — Restaurant in Orcas Island

We got off the ferry and into town around 9pm on a Tuesday and didn’t have high expectations (or any) for dinner. I did a quick google search parked in our car and found ourselves crossing under construction tape and stumbling into Monti. Soon as we walked in I noticed a line of imported Italian jarred condiments and goods, one being a brand I had just run out of from a recent trip to Italy and was unable to find online. I was ecstatic.

Has this ever happened to you where a series of small and seemingly insignificant interactions happen to align and turns a good day into a great one? Synchronicity maybe? This was our experience upon arrival on Orcas Island.

The hostess warmly welcomed us to a table even though we were arriving 20min before closing. It was late and we were tired and hungry and so grateful. We asked for a glass of red and what was the most delicious also turned out to be the most generous pour! We ordered the meatballs, farm greens salad and pasta- all winners. Food, wine, ambience… these are all important but what really made our night were the people at Monti. We ended up chatting with a few of the faces behind the name, individually and at different parts of the night, and had such memorable interactions with each and every one. Great energy all around. Oh and the kicker? They sent us home at the end of the night with a fresh house loaf stamped with Monti’s name and all. Breaking bread in the most literal definition. You guys rock.

And as luck would have it we all ended up at the same dinner event the next evening! Thank you guys for sharing a bit of Orcas Island with us, we’ll be back soon...

A must when visiting Orcas Island, Matia Kitchen and Lounge is fantastical playful culinary adventure. Founded by Chef Avery Adams, Matia reaches beyond farm to table, this sustainable restaurant creates a warm inviting and elegant atmosphere leaving behind snobbery. My husband I and were way under dressed because we’d been hiking around Moran State Park, yet, we were warmly welcomed and seated immediately in the lounge. Right away we got the sense we were in for a treat, something special. Not recognizing either of the two whit wine options, I asked our server which was closer to a Pinot Grigio or the dryer of the two, she responded, “let’s let your pallet decide,” and brought over both bottles to taste. Wow, great start. I recently adopted a GF diet, so my options were limited. So let’s get to the food. . . We started w/ local Judd Cove Oysters, they were cleaned free of sand and presented beautifully. My husband ordered the herb gnocchi and while the portion was small and they were a little doughy in the center, based on the flavor profile with the fresh chèvre (soft goat cheese) and summer squash he gives it a thumbs up. I ordered the Skagit Tomatoes, Spiced Peanut Butter, Chili Crisp, Matia Furikake, Rice Milk Sorbet, it was OMG good! My husband and I practically licked my plate clean, I mean the melody of flavors just dance across the palette. We look forward to returning and try one of their craft cocktails. A...

I’ve waited far too long to write a review for one the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. My husband and I dined here in August after they had been open for only about 2 months. Monti provided the best customer service I’ve had at a dining establishment - before we even arrived. We were visiting Orcas Island for the first time and our ferry was running 2 hours late. I contacted the restaurant by email and they communicated back and forth, not only assuring me that they would find a spot for us despite having full reservations for the remainder of the evening, but also giving me driving/walking/parking directions, solidarity in assuring me that late ferries are a rite of passage, and a personal phone number to text if needed. The wonderful service continued when we finally arrived. The food was perfect! From the most delicious bread to al dente pasta made in-house and the best caramel-butterscotch pudding on the planet. They also perfected the ambiance and setting. Sitting on the patio, I could have convinced myself we were actually in Italy. To top it all off, as we were leaving, the owners came out to chat with us about the island, their restaurant, and recommendations for other great food on the island (although my husband and I both agree Monti was the best we had during our trip). We were sent on our way with waves and smiles and dreams of returning to this special gem. Thank you, Monti! I hope we see you...