After a makeover (including a bright, paint job inside) the Neighborhood Restaurant at 6503 California Ave SW held its soft open on Sunday April 13 ahead of it's formal Wednesday opening, April 16. Large black and white photos from West Seattle neighborhoods are framed and on the wall of the new spot, reflecting its local roots and heritage.

WestsideSeattle first told you about the new restaurant here.

As the product of very experienced restaurateurs The Neighborhood and owners Jenny and Ahmed Abdal Wahab al-Mukhtar are slowly ramping up the menu offerings. 

They were joined by a large group of family and friends who all gathered to sample their initial offerings and wish them well. On the menu are:

• Entrees:

◦ Chicken Parmesan

◦ Spaghetti Squash Smash (can be vegan if the cheese is removed).

• Pizzas:

◦ Baker Pizza: Described as a loaded baked potato on a pizza

◦ Fruit Pizza: Features fruit as a topping

◦ Hot Pepperoni: Includes pepperoni, ricotta, pickled serrano peppers, and housemade hot honey

◦ Veggie Pizzas: Will have a killer white sauce base and feature housemade ricotta.

◦ The restaurant plans to eventually expand to six to eight pizza options.

• Appetizers (five or six to start):

◦ Neighborhood Roll: A take on sushi with proscuitto, arugula, ricotta, pickled onions, cucumber, peppers, roasted red peppers, balsamic glaze, "faux pickled ginger" (Mama Lil's peppers), and pesto as wasabi.

◦ Sauteed Broccolini: With white wine, red peppers, red onions, and garlic (can be made "dirty" with cheese sauce)

◦ Hummus: Made with harissa, chickpeas, and roasted carrots, served with their in-house made bread (which is their pizza dough!).

As for beverages The Neighborhood has you covered.

They are featuring West Seattle's own Viscon Wines:

Porch Rosé: Described as delectable, highly drinkable, and approachable, suitable for any time of year.

Long Road Cabernet: Described as delicious, jammy, and light on tannins, available by the bottle initially.

Other Wines include:

◦ Pinot Grigio

◦ Chardonnay (also available on tap)

◦ Cabernet Sauvignon (also available on tap)

◦ Mrol (from Big Sky Mountain)

◦ Manny's Black Raven Black

Cocktails:

They will start with very basic cocktails but will also feature their housemade limoncello, which will be included in several cocktail offerings.

They will be serving cocktails such as:

◦ Negroni (with limoncello)

◦ Old Fashioned (with limoncello)

◦ Mezcal Negroni

They will also offer non-alcoholic options or mocktails.

The menu and pricing are still being finalized based on the soft opening. The restaurant aims to offer classic dishes with a modern twist. They are also considering family-style dinners in the future if there is demand.