Anthony's is located in downtown Olympia, on the Budd Inlet waterfront. The restaurant is part of a regional chain, but don't let the fact that Anthony's is a small chain turn you off. This is not your ordinary chain seafood place. Anthony's features top-quality Pacific Northwest seafood, caught and processed by its own seafood company in nearby Seattle. This assures that the specialties served in the restaurants, including wild King salmon, halibut, oysters, and Dungeness crab are extremely fresh when they arrive in the kitchen at each location.

Anthony's Olympia location is in a modern building designed to follow the natural shoreline of the waterfront. Tables are located either along the large windows, or elevated so that all diners can enjoy the incredible views of the water, marina, hills, and state capital building. During warmer months, outdoor seating is also available when the weather permits.

Menus at Anthony's vary by season, and many items change based on daily availability. A wine list featuring many Washington and Oregon varietals offers many excellent choices. On my visit, I selected a combination plate that featured half portions of the restaurant's signature alder planked salmon and Dungeness crab cakes. This entrée was served with fresh vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes. I also ordered a side salad as an appetizer, and ended the meal with a delicious blackberry cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream. Everything, from the salad and hot, homemade bread, to the dessert, was extremely good. The salmon was especially fresh, and it was a treat to have wild Pacific salmon, as opposed to the farm-raised salmon I usually find at home. The crab cake was also quite good, and full of lumps of Dungeness crab.

While the service was at first very slow -- nearly 10 minutes passed from the time I was seated until a server acknowledged I was there and took my drink order -- it soon improved and became more attentive. The restaurant was not very busy, but the server working my area also had a large table of 8 who appeared to be very demanding and required most of her time. Other than the occasional slowness, the service was always friendly, and everything I ordered was served very promptly from the kitchen.

Anthony's is an outstanding choice for dinner in Olympia. Prices and selections do change daily, but most entrées average $15 to 25. For a full dinner, including wine and dessert, expect around $40 per person. If price is a concern, the restaurant offers a variety of lunch selections, as well as an early dinner special before 6pm that includes an appetizer, choice of chowder or salad, entrée, and dessert for a fixed price.

More information, including other locations in Washington and Oregon, and sample menus can be found on the Anthony's website.