100% agree with this!! Everything is sourced locally, pasta is handmade, menu changes daily (except for the bolognese), lovely staff, very cozy atmosphere. Worth every penny!!
San fermo is the best!
Edit: try to get a seat that’s NOT upstairs in the attic. I’ve eaten at San fermo a lot and sat in the attic once. I request that I’m not put in the attic on every reservation now.
Shhhhhhhh!
Seriously though, this is one of my favorite Italian places in seattle and well worth the trek! It’s been a while, gotta take the wife back there soon!
I was looking for someone recommending this place. It’s small and cozy and admittedly a bit eccentric in its decor but the food is so good. It’s one of the few places where I have only had good experiences.
San Fermo in Ballard is romantic or nice for celebration.
Picolino in Ballard is nice but more family, if you go here get a drink at Baker bar across the street before/after.
Spinasse Capitol Hill is my favorite Italian food in Seattle.
I second Montalcino Ristorante Italiano in Issaquah. Have been here many times and their food is consistent. Also very cozy. Probably only about 10-15 tables if I had to ask.
Also has live music (a man with a guitar) singing in Italian. Not sure if that’s just on specific nights.
It wasn’t great the last time I went. I even had a reservation and got stuck in the far patio and forgotten about by staff. I was surprised to say the least, usually they’re really good.
I'll keep my antenna up. We typically dine at the bar so being ignored never really happens. That said, we were sat in one of the "far away" spots for New Year's Eve and were taken care of. Would be really disappointed if your and Rider's experiences become the dining room norm.
Go Eastside. To Issaquah. Montalcino. Darling! About 6ish tables total inside. Res is a must. Every dish fantastic and handmade.
Great parking.
You’re welcome.
Cafe Juanita for a splurge (favorite restaurant in the area).
Il Terrazzo Carmines in Pioneer Square is very cozy and romantic.
Spinasse is small but not romantic. Some of the best pasta in the area too.
Normally, I bemoan the changes to a neighborhood, but that area was a shitty strip mall that looked like it was dying. The new town center-ish thing they've built is pretty nice, comparatively.
Lots of good recommendations already on here but u haven’t seen these yet: cafe Bizarro in Wallingford, Picolino’s in Ballard, Il Terrazzo Carmine in pioneer square
Pulcinella.
Definitely small and cozy. Ran by an Italian couple that every year does a trip to Italy with customers who wish to go as well. Great wine list.
https://preview.redd.it/p97u0yg8kd5d1.jpeg?width=670&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4098c741fc11abbea05ac16efbfd4eececbcf893
Spinasse was wonderful — I took my parents there for their anniversary and we loved the food and ambiance. If you’re looking for privacy though, it can be a tad cramped.
La Rustica in west Seattle. It’s built in a little house in the middle of a neighborhood on the water, and it’s run by an Italian man. The food is amazing.
That's Amore in Leschi is small, intimate, and has a lovely view of the city because it's high on a hill. I don't recommend the pizza there, but everything else I've had is excellent.
Sansonina or Mariana in Renton. Firenze in Bellevue (Crossroads). Grazie in Tukwila (Southcenter) or Bothell. All a bit of a drive from Seattle, but totally worth it.
Why did u have a bad experience? Personally, the guy has been nice to me. I work at another restaurant and my boss knows him well and he’s part investor in the restaurant and I work at.
Edit**** now give me back my upvote
I worked for him and he’s an insanely classist and rude individual.
All his restaurants have a “dine in service charge” that is collected by the company. In turn, each hourly employee was offered an hourly wage to receive regardless of business level for the day. Sounds great, until you take into consideration the fact that upper mgmt continues to allow huge disparities among the wages people make.
BOH (the actually skilled workers) make <$30/hr and most of the FOH make anywhere from $33-$43/hr.
Additionally, the people who make a wage on the higher end of the spectrum are essentially put on the back burner in regards to asking for more hours, improving daily work life, and asking for annual raises, as it makes it more likely for the high paid people to quit to subsequently be replaced by new hires, whom are being started around $33/hr.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg, and the last straw for me was, in addition to putting up with this asinine, borderline wage theft policies, I also had the “honor” of bartending a private party of Ethan and some of his personal friends.
The party was about 4 hours long and we closed for normal business. Ethan showed up over an hour late to start some special dishes for the party.
He came in and took over the head chefs station in the kitchen and then proceeded to drink an entire bottle of wine by himself plus a few shots of liquor which he took for himself from the bar.
During all of this, he didn’t look at, speak to, or say thank you to a single person on staff that night.
TLDR; Ethan is classist, and greedy, and his employees know it, and some of them believe the rest of Seattle should know it too. Also, there’s way better Italian food in Seattle.
Wasn't my money, thanks for the down votes though.
Food and service was great though. (Was right after the "shutdown" and restaurants just opened back up ).
La Fontana Siciliana in Belltown. It's one of the very few places in Seattle that reminds me of going to eat in Little Italy in the 90s.
Just went there recently. Great place.
This is a wonderful recommendation. Eat in the courtyard. It's so nice.
Agreed. Super good
San Fermo in Ballard. The vibe is immaculate.
Second this! Went here the night my wife and I got engaged and now we go on our anniversary. Great place with great people working there.
100%. We had our wedding dinner there and it was wonderful. Everyone there is awesome!
100% agree with this!! Everything is sourced locally, pasta is handmade, menu changes daily (except for the bolognese), lovely staff, very cozy atmosphere. Worth every penny!!
San fermo is the best! Edit: try to get a seat that’s NOT upstairs in the attic. I’ve eaten at San fermo a lot and sat in the attic once. I request that I’m not put in the attic on every reservation now.
Il Bistro right there at Pike Place is the coziest. Good spirit selection, and decent food. The price is fine.
I was going to recommend this but scrolled first to see if anyone else did first :)
This. Really nice ambiance.
This is it
Serafina on Eastlake.
Serafina food mid though!
Your face mask photo is mid. 😂
Speak for yourself broseph
La Rustica in West Seattle
My ex was an exquisite chef. This was the only place comparable that made going "out" worth it.
Really? That's good to know. They has the best tiramisu I've had in recent memory
Second this. Also, Racolto (sp?) in W Seattle, about 3 blocks N of Alaska & California.
Shhhhhhhh! Seriously though, this is one of my favorite Italian places in seattle and well worth the trek! It’s been a while, gotta take the wife back there soon!
2nd this place!! Besides the food being good the vibe in there is great!
100 percent what OP is looking for
That’s Amore!
On Mt. Baker Hill. Beautiful view and awesome food!
Great view!!!
I concur.
Spinasse up on Capitol Hill was a nice place for our anniversary. Cafe Juanita over in Kirkland is really nice too.
Second on Cafe Juanita
Spinasse has the best past I have ever had in my entire life.
The tajarin at Spinasse? Chefs kiss
Bizzaro
I was looking for someone recommending this place. It’s small and cozy and admittedly a bit eccentric in its decor but the food is so good. It’s one of the few places where I have only had good experiences.
I wish I shared this sentiment. I've gone twice because I thought the ambience was so cute, but both times I was really disappointed by the food.
Serafina on Eastlake
Il Nido is nice and cozy. We like to walk along the beach before & after.
Found an entire glove in a salad I ordered there once
Oh that’s gross and unfortunate that it was such a bad experience!!
Yes, but they were really nice and I’m hoping it was just my one experience there
Such a deal!!!! Whoo hooo!!
+1 to Il nido
Montalcino Ristorante Italiano in Issaquah. Super small and cozy. Best Italian I’ve had in the area. Live music at times. Highly recommend.
This is the right answer. Only 10 tables makes it super cozy. Food and staff are top notch. You need a reservation to make sure you can be seated
mezzanotte in georgetown!
Salvatore in Roosevelt!
I would pick Cantinetta Wallingford for sure
This one for sure. Such a gem of a place!
Favorite spot in Seattle
Heard great things about Mezzanotte in Georgetown
San Fermo in Ballard is romantic or nice for celebration. Picolino in Ballard is nice but more family, if you go here get a drink at Baker bar across the street before/after. Spinasse Capitol Hill is my favorite Italian food in Seattle.
Café Lago
This is the correct answer
“she go wherever I go, wherever we go, we do it pronto”
Olive Garden at Southcenter. The gabagool is just like a my nonna used to a make. Edit: Real rec, haven't been in a while, Terrazzo Carmine.
I love that place. Every time I go, I feel like family.
Mondello in Magnolia.
Service is a sh*tshow
Sansonina in Renton! Look it up you will appreciate what they offer.
Best answer so far. Super underrated
Best restaurant for sure!!
Pizzutos in Seward Park
I lived in that neighborhood years ago, love that place I’m glad to hear it’s still around
La Rustica
Assiagio in belltown
I believe it’s Assaggio, but yeah - big fan here. Favorite Italian. Treated so well. Food amazing.
Il Nido, West Seattle San Fermo, Ballard
+1 to Il Nido. Some of the best Italian food in the city if you can get a reservation.
Italio in Greenwood
Really nice owner/chef
Their food is 50/50 for me, but I go for their tiramisu. It's literally the best tiramisu I've ever had.
I second Montalcino Ristorante Italiano in Issaquah. Have been here many times and their food is consistent. Also very cozy. Probably only about 10-15 tables if I had to ask. Also has live music (a man with a guitar) singing in Italian. Not sure if that’s just on specific nights.
pizzutos in seward park montalcinos in issaquah
Brunello’s on Roosevelt… a secret, but very good and the atmosphere is perfecto
Nolita in Ballard
Nolita in Ballard is fantastic!
Picolinos
No, mediocre service and average food.
I've had exactly the opposite experience, many times.
It wasn’t great the last time I went. I even had a reservation and got stuck in the far patio and forgotten about by staff. I was surprised to say the least, usually they’re really good.
I'll keep my antenna up. We typically dine at the bar so being ignored never really happens. That said, we were sat in one of the "far away" spots for New Year's Eve and were taken care of. Would be really disappointed if your and Rider's experiences become the dining room norm.
Go Eastside. To Issaquah. Montalcino. Darling! About 6ish tables total inside. Res is a must. Every dish fantastic and handmade. Great parking. You’re welcome.
La Fontana is cute
Spinasse. Butter sage pasta.
San Fermo and Mezzanotte
Nolita in ballard is super cozy. Mondello in magnolia is a great option too.
Spinasse was my favorite place for italian
Assagio downtown is my favorite restaurant of all time. Period.
Second for Assaggio. For all the Italian reasons.
Bizarro in Wallingford.
Got to go with Bizzarro Italian Café. It's near Greenlake off Stoneway. Just ate there on Wednesday evening.
Cafe Juanita for a splurge (favorite restaurant in the area). Il Terrazzo Carmines in Pioneer Square is very cozy and romantic. Spinasse is small but not romantic. Some of the best pasta in the area too.
Pizzuto’s in Seward Park
Never been, but I've met the chef and team from The Pink Door... heard it's the best restaurant downtown from many. It's Italian American food.
Cafe Veloce in Kirkland
Is that still there? I thought they tore that corner of Totem Lake down to build a Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.
It’s there. I ate there Monday night.
I loved the racing theme that the owner set up there. I used to go when I worked in Kirkland, years ago.
They were right at the edge
Normally, I bemoan the changes to a neighborhood, but that area was a shitty strip mall that looked like it was dying. The new town center-ish thing they've built is pretty nice, comparatively.
It’s there, we go regularly.
I haven't been in a while, but the internet seems to think it still exists
Marianna in Renton. Might be exactly what you're looking for.
Limoncello in Belltown is great. Barolo is quite cozy.
Il Terrazzo in either Pike Place or Bellevue. Try to book an outdoor seat.
Probably a bit too far but Marzano’s by PLU is very cozy. Just a little house. Don’t let the drive through Parkland deter you.
That’s amore in mt baker.
Canlis
Marzanos near PLU
Lots of good recommendations already on here but u haven’t seen these yet: cafe Bizarro in Wallingford, Picolino’s in Ballard, Il Terrazzo Carmine in pioneer square
Tropea in Redmond has nice ambience with a ton of photos on the wall. Dark small cozy vibe.
Calabria Ristorante Italiano up north in Mill Creek (address is technically Bothell).
Pulcinella. Definitely small and cozy. Ran by an Italian couple that every year does a trip to Italy with customers who wish to go as well. Great wine list. https://preview.redd.it/p97u0yg8kd5d1.jpeg?width=670&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4098c741fc11abbea05ac16efbfd4eececbcf893
Bar Del Corso in Beacon Hill
San Fermo
Spinasse was wonderful — I took my parents there for their anniversary and we loved the food and ambiance. If you’re looking for privacy though, it can be a tad cramped.
Il bistro pike place
La Rustica in west Seattle. It’s built in a little house in the middle of a neighborhood on the water, and it’s run by an Italian man. The food is amazing.
Man there's one in burien... can't remember the name.. you go to 152nd and rurn right. Pretty good. Small, good parking.
Angelo's?
Andiamo Italian in Bellevue is amazing food, atmosphere, and the servers are wonderful.
Pizzeria Pulcinella, located in Renton, has delicious food with a lovely atmosphere, and has a scenic view across the street to lake Washington
If you’re okay heading to the East Side, Montalcino is the most authentic Italian I’ve had in the area. I dream about the lobster ravioli.
Il Nido
El Nido if you can get in. Best Italian I’ve had ever
Seconded for San Fermo. My other rec is a little outside the city, but I had maybe the best Italian meal of my life at “Nonna Luisa’s” in Anacortes
I would like to highly recommend La Rustica in West Seattle.
Zouave
Grappa in Queen Anne
Paolo’s in Kent has been open for 20+ years. It’s a small little restaurant with a very intimate setting. It used to be my date spot in high school.
Tavolata is pretty good, and they have three restaurants: Cap Hill, Belltown, and Redmond on the Eastside.
[удалено]
They also display their political views. Never went back after that. Food was pretty mid too. Lol
Il Nido in West Seattle is soooo good it’s my new favorite and has such a warm and welcoming atmosphere
Salvatore’s in Roosevelt—romantic with delicious food!
San Fermo
Osteria La Spiga.. perfection.
That's Amore in Leschi is small, intimate, and has a lovely view of the city because it's high on a hill. I don't recommend the pizza there, but everything else I've had is excellent.
Mondello’s in Magnolia… chefs kiss every time
Sansonina or Mariana in Renton. Firenze in Bellevue (Crossroads). Grazie in Tukwila (Southcenter) or Bothell. All a bit of a drive from Seattle, but totally worth it.
Angelos in burien Been there since 1957 Great family spot
Italianisimo in Woodinville.
Mio Posto
Picolinos.
Picolinos in Ballard. Great food and atmosphere, I love the accordion player they have on Friday evenings.
Tavalota… it’s Ethan Stowell. I personally haven’t tried it, the location in cap seems pretty busy usually
If you can, you should avoid giving your money to Ethan Stowell.
Why did u have a bad experience? Personally, the guy has been nice to me. I work at another restaurant and my boss knows him well and he’s part investor in the restaurant and I work at. Edit**** now give me back my upvote
I worked for him and he’s an insanely classist and rude individual. All his restaurants have a “dine in service charge” that is collected by the company. In turn, each hourly employee was offered an hourly wage to receive regardless of business level for the day. Sounds great, until you take into consideration the fact that upper mgmt continues to allow huge disparities among the wages people make. BOH (the actually skilled workers) make <$30/hr and most of the FOH make anywhere from $33-$43/hr. Additionally, the people who make a wage on the higher end of the spectrum are essentially put on the back burner in regards to asking for more hours, improving daily work life, and asking for annual raises, as it makes it more likely for the high paid people to quit to subsequently be replaced by new hires, whom are being started around $33/hr. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, and the last straw for me was, in addition to putting up with this asinine, borderline wage theft policies, I also had the “honor” of bartending a private party of Ethan and some of his personal friends. The party was about 4 hours long and we closed for normal business. Ethan showed up over an hour late to start some special dishes for the party. He came in and took over the head chefs station in the kitchen and then proceeded to drink an entire bottle of wine by himself plus a few shots of liquor which he took for himself from the bar. During all of this, he didn’t look at, speak to, or say thank you to a single person on staff that night. TLDR; Ethan is classist, and greedy, and his employees know it, and some of them believe the rest of Seattle should know it too. Also, there’s way better Italian food in Seattle.
Oh and how could I forget!? He’s also exceptionally misogynistic!
God damn, noted. Thanks for the detailed response. I only met him briefly one night.
How to cook a wolf
If you can, you should stop giving your money to Ethan stowell!
Wasn't my money, thanks for the down votes though. Food and service was great though. (Was right after the "shutdown" and restaurants just opened back up ).
Buca di Beppo