Tessio — Restaurant in Washington

Exceptional service can turn what would have been a good dining experience into a memorable one. Such was the outstanding customer service that Derrick provided on this, our first visit here. And it will not be the last.

I was aware of the great reviews for Tessio but couldn't picture where it was in Silverdale. On our way to Petsmart I saw the sign. Turns out it's been there for three years but I never saw it, but Derrick explained he hears that a lot. When we walked in there was one other gentleman in the place. Derrick graciously welcomed us and said we could pick any table. We've rarely met a host/server like him. He was warm and friendly, immediately putting us at ease. He answered all our questions about the restaurant and about the food. He also displayed the ability to check on us during the meal without being obtrusive. We would go back to eat at Tessio just to enjoy his service again.

And now to the food. As you can see from the photo of Starter Salad, it's a meal in itself. A beautiful, wonderful salad made with butter lettuce, plenty of bacon bits, sliced roma tomatoes, and a balsamic glaze. I was so hungry I finished mine and part of my wife's, but we easily could have shared one salad. All the pizzas are 10". I was concerned one pizza would not be enough for both of us. I shouldn't have been concerned. Again, one pizza fed both of us with half of it left over. All the pizzas are cooked inside a brick wood-fired oven. We chose the American Standard: Red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, black olives, mushrooms. Honestly, the pizza is not made in our favorite style, but it was darn good. In fact, it reminded my wife and I of the pizzas we enjoyed at a popular restaurant back in our college days. The white mozzarella cheese covered the pepperoni, mushrooms and olives. It looked like the pepperoni and mushrooms were hand-sliced, the black olives hand-chopped. I was surprised there were no blackened spots on the cheese because, to us, the hard, grayish edges of the pizza crust looked a little overcooked. BUT--and this is an important BUT--this is the first pizza place with a wood-fired pizza oven that produced pizza that looked like it came out of a wood-fired oven. The crust was crisp but not overly so, whereas with the other places the pizza could have come out of a traditional pizza oven. For our beverage we chose a glass of the house red, Colosi Rosso. It had nice body and flavor, with acidity that stood up to the gooey lusciousness of the pizza.

Derrick told us their sister pizza restaurant is The Toad House in Bremerton. My wife and I now have another pizza place to try while we look forward to our...

On a revisit of this restaurant, I must say how Incredible the pizzas were that we ordered. Good Lord, this food is Money! There were four people in our party, and we ordered 4 pizzas. They are at a really good price. 10" at 2 for 24, or 1 for 16. We ordered a Santa Fe with chipotle sauce, ground beef, red onion, green onions, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, sweet corn, cilantro. I have never had corn or cilantro on a pizza, but the flavor profile was Insane! Loved that pizza. My fellow diners ordered a Marco Antonio.. Red sauce, fresh mozzarella, pineapple, bacon, prosciutto, green onion, jalapeno, roasted red pepper, crushed red pepper, mmm spicy delicious. A Gluten Free Crust Razorback..a smooth sweet Bbq with prosciutto(nice touch). I think it could use a little kick myself. A Belly Warmer..Blue cheese dressing, mozzarella, tri tip, caramelized onions, chopped spinach, bacon, gorgonzola, mushrooms...Tri Tip...Get some! We finished it off with a couple of tasty fresh local beers on tap from Rainy Daze located in Poulsbo. We had the Goat Boater IPA..soooo Good! Their attention to detail, and the way that pizza oven cooks pizza to perfection is the reason I will definitely be coming...

I read the few low reviews on here and some you can throw out as it’s ridiculous whining (i.e. the best one - my pepperonis were too small). So, all I can say is, “why haven’t I come in yet?” Service for lunch was outstanding!!! I got the PAESANO sandwich for lunch with Prosciutto, pepperoni, bacon, parmesan, pickles, pepperoncini, jalapeños, red onion, mustard, and honey. It was fantastic!!! The best sandwich I’ve had since returning from Europe! I don’t say this lightly because for the most part, Americans just don’t have the palate for outstanding simple food. We believe the more they pile on, the better. The faster the service, the better! When you take the time and it’s proportionate, it’s always better! I would’ve waited another 15 mins for bistro food this good! It took about 25 mins for the sandwich to come out and that’s perfect! The cook took his time to make perfection and toasted the panini just right! My wife got the APPLEWOOD salad - a Heart of romaine, Apples, Bacon, Goat Cheese, & Balsamic Reduction! She said “perfect” proportions for it’s the perfect blend. Thanks for convincing us ti come back after one meal!! Again,...