Queen Anne just gained a delicious new neighbor. Cornelly — the Capitol Hill pizzeria and pasta spot that built a loyal following with its naturally leavened dough, house-made pasta, and welcoming vibe — has officially opened its second location on upper Queen Anne.
What started as a small, tight-knit team on Capitol Hill has now expanded, but the heart of Cornelly remains unchanged: simple food made with care, a thoughtful, seasonal menu, and a genuine commitment to community.
Chef and co-owner Brett Phillips, who runs Cornelly alongside partner Sam Carroll, has been part of the Seattle dining scene for years. After cooking at well-loved local restaurants, he felt the pull to create something of his own — inspired by childhood memories of family meals, learning to cook from his dad, and watching his grandmothers bake bread.
Before Cornelly became a brick-and-mortar spot, Phillips and Carroll hosted Friday night pop-ups at NW Peaks Brewing. Those early evenings gave them room to experiment, refine recipes, and connect with guests who would later become some of their most loyal customers. The Capitol Hill restaurant opened in 2020, built on a simple philosophy: naturally fermented dough, fresh pastas made in-house, and ingredients guided by the season.
That same energy now lives in Queen Anne. Fans of the original will recognize favorites like the Classic Pep and the sweet-spicy Hornet Honey pizza. The new location also brings its own seasonal hit — the Delicata Queen, topped with squash, leek cream, mozzarella, and a touch of saba. House-made rigatoni with pork sausage and n’duja, along with a crisp Chicory Caesar, round out a menu that hits comfort and creativity in all the right ways.
And Cornelly has never overlooked dessert. Queen Anne diners get an extra treat with a warm peach tart served with vanilla ice cream, alongside the much-loved tiramisu crowned with caramelized coffee beans.
Beyond the food, Cornelly’s culture is a major part of what keeps people coming back. Many early team members came from Brett and Sam’s restaurant circles, creating a staff dynamic rooted in trust, collaboration, and genuine care. Phillips says that listening to the team and creating a positive work environment has been essential — and diners feel that warmth the moment they walk in.
Opening their first restaurant in 2020 taught the team to stay agile, and that mindset still shapes how they grow today. The Queen Anne location offers more space and a broader reach, but the mission stays steady: scratch-made food, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
As for what comes next, Phillips keeps things grounded: one day at a time, staying true to what they do best.
For Queen Anne residents — and anyone searching for a new go-to spot — Cornelly’s arrival is something worth celebrating. Whether you’re grabbing a weeknight pizza or settling in for handmade pasta, this neighborhood addition is already shaping up to be a standout.
This post was based on information found on Seattle Refind.