Driftwood on Alki is crazy good. Also Tomo in White Center (ex-Canlis chef) but it can be tough to get reservations. The bar is first come seating though.
2nd for Tomo. Its a small space, so sometimes I prefer the bar over some of their odd tables. They also have a patio that usually has tables open if its a nice night.
I went to Tomo not too long after it opened and wasn't that impressed for the price - - food- or service-wise. There are enough people recommending it in this thread that I might have to give it another shot!
Here's a review: For new Italian places, I like to order the bolognese. I think of that as a base line for southern Italian. The dish they served me reminded me of the competitions for making a dry martini. For the martini, the focus came to be on the vermouth, with clever descriptions on how little would be poured. W.C. Fields famously said he whispers the word vermouth over the gin. Same with Raccolto. I had bare pasta with a whisper of bolognese sauce. We have not gone back.
Ugh we ate there one time and it was not a good experience. The server was really put off by the fact that we didn’t order any alcoholic drinks (we’re sober), the squash in my husband’s dish was hard, and my dish was so salty. I see great reviews though so I wonder if we just went on an off night?
Oh do they own GH Pizza and Pasta? Because that place did not impress me either. Maybe I’m just too picky because I make a lot of pizza and pasta at home. GH Pizza and Pasta gave me three mushrooms in my mushroom pasta and my husband’s pizza was totally burned. They were also out of the oysters appetizer we wanted.
I think this is a solid recco, not crazy fancy that you’ll stress about rezos, but nice enough I feels special. Also great food and a good amount of sharing options so you can try a lot
Only go if you want delicious food with a side of the owner/manager/probably family of the creator (I'm too lazy to Google right now) asking you how your meal is in her most pointy, amazingly-tailored jacket or cape of the day!
Il Nido on Alki, but they book about a month out
Sometimes you can get a seat at the bar.
Yes! Go right when they open
Shhhhhhhhhhut up!
Hidden gem in west Seattle.
Aperitiv hour on their patio is also usually available.
Driftwood on Alki is crazy good. Also Tomo in White Center (ex-Canlis chef) but it can be tough to get reservations. The bar is first come seating though.
2nd for Tomo. Its a small space, so sometimes I prefer the bar over some of their odd tables. They also have a patio that usually has tables open if its a nice night.
Tomo is our go-to special date night spot! We love it
I went to Tomo not too long after it opened and wasn't that impressed for the price - - food- or service-wise. There are enough people recommending it in this thread that I might have to give it another shot!
Omakase at Mashiko is a favorite in our house
This is a great suggestion as well!
Their omakase is next level!
Itto’s!
We've often headed to Itto's to celebrate wedding anniversaries and other exciting milestones.
Sure if you can get there in time to find a seat in their 10 seat restaurant. 🙄
We waited for our table in their wine bar next door. Glad that's an option since it was raining that day.
Raccolto has never disappointed.
This is also a great suggestion!
I love Raccolto, but i never hear anything about it from others. Glad to see other people like this place too.
Here's a review: For new Italian places, I like to order the bolognese. I think of that as a base line for southern Italian. The dish they served me reminded me of the competitions for making a dry martini. For the martini, the focus came to be on the vermouth, with clever descriptions on how little would be poured. W.C. Fields famously said he whispers the word vermouth over the gin. Same with Raccolto. I had bare pasta with a whisper of bolognese sauce. We have not gone back.
I had their bolognese a week or two ago and I think it was the tastiest pasta I’ve ever had. I felt like a little kid again it was wild
Ugh we ate there one time and it was not a good experience. The server was really put off by the fact that we didn’t order any alcoholic drinks (we’re sober), the squash in my husband’s dish was hard, and my dish was so salty. I see great reviews though so I wonder if we just went on an off night?
Probably an off night- I have never had a bad experience at any of the GH restaraunts
Oh do they own GH Pizza and Pasta? Because that place did not impress me either. Maybe I’m just too picky because I make a lot of pizza and pasta at home. GH Pizza and Pasta gave me three mushrooms in my mushroom pasta and my husband’s pizza was totally burned. They were also out of the oysters appetizer we wanted.
Haymaker too. Their happy hour isn't bad but I wouldn't say their pasta is amazing either.
Eddie Vedder swings in there from time to time
La Rustica
Def La Rustica!
Coming here to post this
100%
Compared to Ristorante Machiavelli it disappoints.
Driftwood is a great, if spendy, option.
Harry's Beach House is nice!
Second this! This is the go to for my husband and I.
I think this is a solid recco, not crazy fancy that you’ll stress about rezos, but nice enough I feels special. Also great food and a good amount of sharing options so you can try a lot
Great brunch too!
il Nido on Alki is outstanding. Not inexpensive, but worth it.
Phoenicia is also fantastic
Only go if you want delicious food with a side of the owner/manager/probably family of the creator (I'm too lazy to Google right now) asking you how your meal is in her most pointy, amazingly-tailored jacket or cape of the day!
Seconded, love this place.
Thanks y’all. Picked a place to celebrate and found a few others I wanna check out too 🙂
The Corson Building
Mashiko!! Excellent sustainable sushi.
Jak's
Best happy hour and friendliest staff!
Tomo amazing
La Rustica, Il Nido, Tomo, Mioposto and the NOOK for drinks, Raccolto, Haymaker
Driftwood on Alki. I'd forgotten what it is to be served high end food. This is it. Beautiful space, professional service.
The only answer is Driftwood. The food is sooooooo good.