Serving eclectic comfort food, Savory is Langley's best-kept secret

The word savory means "full of flavor, delicious and tasty." In downtown Langley, there is a restaurant by this same name, delivering on the promise.

Savory owners Stefen Bosworth and Ron Rois describe their menu as "eclectic comfort food." If your mouth begins to water at the mere thought of this savory experience, then head to this artist's mecca on the southern tip of Whidbey Island. It is an easy, accessible jaunt across Possession Sound aboard the Mukilteo ferry, which is about 30 miles north of Seattle. Langley offers a wide variety of shops, galleries and restaurants, making it the perfect day trip destination, and dining at Savory is the perfect way to end your fun-filled day touring this town.

Tucked down a passageway between boutique shops, Savory is an intimate bistro infused with the personalities and combined charm of Bosworth and Rois. Stepping into Savory feels more like entering a dinner party than a restaurant. They designed Savory to be a place to relax, be at ease and dine with one's senses — as if you are at home.

Business has been booming since opening in March 2021, with it quickly becoming a favorite spot among locals and tourists. No wonder, thanks to the thoughtful menu items both Rois and Bosworth cook up in the kitchen and Bosworth's easy, welcoming manner front-of-house.

"We like to think of our guests as friends. Recognizing them and getting to know their preferences is one of our greatest compliments," Bosworth said.

Recently, they expanded their seating capacity in order to accommodate more friends. Indoor dining now allows for 24 to 26 tables with an additional 14 seats arranged on their deck overlooking the sweeping views of Saratoga Passage, as well as overlooking the Langley Marina.

Both gentlemen have ties to the Pacific Northwest. Bosworth grew up here, beginning his career in a French restaurant on Queen Anne. He was happy to return home after 25 years of working in the Chicago area, where he climbed the ladder from management to director of operations. Bosworth and Rio enjoy the community and quality of life on Whidbey Island, which has a slower pace and the opportunity to enjoy family and friends, including the new ones they make every day.

The dishes created by this duo are a collection of family recipes handed down from Bosworth's mother and Italian grandmother, yet they enhance these recipes with the many nuances and adventures from their lives and travels — like drawing inspiration from the red tomato sauce base taught to Bosworth by his grandmother and then expanding that with flavors picked up in Mexico. And a popular favorite, adding a Northwest flair, is the roasted wild salmon served over a house blend of basmati and wild rice drizzled with the savory, sweet and tangy house dressing.

Combine these world flavors with a Northwesterner's understanding of PNW cuisine and it is pure synergy happening beyond that kitchen window. Drooling yet? For dessert, try anything with chocolate. However, according to Bosworth, "the good ol' fashioned chocolate cake" is a hit.

"We taste test the cake quite frequently," he said. There is also a mixture of vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options made to order.

As for Bosworth and Rois, they hope to see you soon so you can "sit back and dine with us."

Savory is open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. They are closed from Sunday to Tuesday. It's located at 220 1st Street, langley WA 98260. They do not take reservations, however, do call or drop in. They are happy to hold a table for you for 15 minutes or add you to their waitlist. Take-out is also available.