Ciao,
we would like to introduce ourselves…

We are Kevin and Maria Downey, two owners who are passionate about conveying our vision for an authentic Italian experience.

We have traveled to Italy over thirty times through the last thirty years. At times, taking with us many of our employees, to help us communicate our vision of sharing with you delicious Italian food.
Over the years we have gotten to know many of the wine producers that we support, to introduce their wines and their stories to our customers.
You will find everyone who works at Grazie Ristorante – both the Southcenter and Canyon Park locations – to be friendly and welcoming, as well as the most knowledgeable staff anywhere.
You’ll experience Italian food made with authentic recipes and ingredients just like you were dining in Italy.
Only at Grazie Ristorante will you receive five-star service at family prices.
Grazie Ristorante was born in November of 1987, by owner Kevin Downey.  With his years of experience working in the restaurant industry, he took his love of the business and created a unique Italian dining experience, more authentic than any other in the Puget Sound area.

The first Grazie Ristorante was located in a beautiful 2-story building built in the early 1900’s, overlooking Commencement Bay in Tacoma.  It featured spectacular views and became an instant hit. In 1997, we sold the Tacoma location.

Grazie at Southcenter opened in November 1988, we are the longest running Grazie to date. Our staff here is always willing to give hugs and complements to each and every one of our customers.

Grazie Factoria was opened in 1990 with many great years of memories for not only our employees but our Cheers like atmosphere in the bar. We called it “Gods little waiting room,” because so many of our friends and customers would have their family’s memorials there. We were sadly closed in 2008, due to landlord property issues.

In 1995 together with Maria Downey, the Canyon Park location in Bothell was opened.  Our wood burning Pizza oven has been burning non stop since the day we opened the restaurant, now it has been burning for over 24 years.  We pride ourselves not only in hand-crafted cocktails but also personalized service from our veteran staff.

It has been a fantastic journey, filled with joy and tears, hard work and happiness. Most of all, it has been a labor of love to serve tens of thousands of Grazie Ristorante’s loyal customers through the years.

We look forward to serving you soon!

Grazie Ristorante also enjoys being part of the community we serve:

  • Member of the Washington Restaurant Association.
  • Charity dinners are hosted each year in which 100% of the proceeds go to a selected charity.
  • Dinner certificates are occasionally donated for school music and band programs, gold tournaments, auctions and galas that help women and girls our of sex trafficking, The United Way, and other charities.

GRAZIE BY THE NUMBERS 2012

What sets us apart!

SOUTHCENTER GRAZIE OPENED 1988
STAFF TRIPS TO ITALY 9
KITCHEN EMPLOYMENT AVERAGE 12 years
CHEF/C00K WORKED LONGEST AT GRAZIE 19 years
SERVER EMPLOYMENT AVERAGE 6 years
SERVER WORKED LONGEST AT GRAZIE 12 years
YEARS WORKED AT GRAZIE – MANAGER AVERAGE 16 years
MANAGER WORKED LONGEST AT GRAZIE 21 years
YEARS WORKED AT GRAZIE Manger Average 19 years
COMBINED EDUCATIONAL VISITS TO ITALY- CURRENT STAFF 66
KITCHEN EMPLOYMENT AVERAGE 15 years
OVER 1/3 OF OUR STAFF HAS BEEN WITH GRAZIE 10+ years