21 Best Italian Restaurants in Seattle, WA in 2025
If it's the best Italian restaurant in Seattle you are looking for, look no further. Seattle has a bustling culinary scene, with something to cater to every craving, including those hankering for their favorite Italian dishes.
In this list, you will find everything from mom-and-pop joints serving pizzas daily to fine-dining establishments rethinking traditional Italian recipes. From silky smooth pasta to hearty Tuscan stews, no matter what you crave, Seattle’s best Italian restaurants have you covered.
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The 21 Best Seattle Italian Restaurants
1. Il Nido
Located in West Seattle, Il Nido is one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle. The Fir Lodge or Alki Homestead, which houses Il Nido, was built in 1904, adding an inimitable sense of charm and history to the space.
The Vibe
Befitting of being one of Seattle’s best Italian restaurants, Il Nido is a formal and fine-dining restaurant. The dining room, with its stone fireplace and chandeliers with entwined antlers, sets a warm and cheery mood while the service is top-notch.
What To Order
What makes Il Nido one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle? Customers can’t stop talking about the antipasti selection, especially the salads, which use the freshest ingredients but with a seasonal twist. For dessert? The tiramisu both looks and tastes amazing!
Il Nido | 2717 61st Ave. SW, The Alki Homestead, Seattle, WA 98116 | $$$$
2. San Fermo
Known as one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle, San Fermo is loved for its intimate, romantic setting and delicious pasta menu. If you are looking for a neighborhood trattoria that encourages walk-ins and is open seven days a week, look no further.
The Vibe
A list of Seattle’s best Italian restaurants has to include this quirky, romantic spot. Located within a historic home on Ballard Avenue, complete with a wraparound porch and vine-covered walls, San Fermo’s dimly lit interiors set the stage for a date night or an intimate celebration.
What to Order
With homemade pasta stealing the show, it’s unsurprising that San Fermo appears on the list of best Italian restaurants in Seattle. The menu changes with the seasons, so check ahead of your visit if you are craving a specific dish.
San Fermo | 5341 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98107 | $$$
3. Il Bistro
When you enter the intimate dining space at Il Bistro, you may forget that you are dining in Seattle. Reminiscent of a Tuscan trattoria and located in a narrow cobblestoned alley in Pike Place Market, it's easy to see why it makes it to the list of best romantic restaurants in Seattle.
The Vibe
You would expect th staff to be attentive and knowledgeable at one of Seattle’s best Italian restaurants, and Il Bistro delivers. There's also a classic cocktail lounge that is open until 2 a.m., in case your date night exceeds expectations.
What to Order
Dining at one of Seattle’s best Italian restaurants should include an order from all the course selections for the best experience. If we had to pick one, we’d choose the burrata salad — served with braised beets, pistachios, shallot, basil and of course burrata, all on grilled focaccia with a tangy drizzle of balsamic.
Il Bistro | 93 Pike St. Ste. A, Seattle, WA 98101 | $$$
4. Cornelly
Considered one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle, Cornelly serves classic pizza and fresh pasta with a few desserts and small plates inspired by traditional Italian cuisine.
The Vibe
Unlike most other spots on the list of best Italian restaurants in Seattle, Cornelly's vibe is casual. Be prepared to wait, as reservations are not available.
What to Order
Pasta and dessert choices are limited, but that’s not why Cornelly is known to be one of Seattle’s best Italian restaurants. People come to Cornelly’s for the delicious Detroit-style pizzas. The pies are 14” wide and unavailable by the slice, so be sure you arrive hungry.
Cornelly | 601 Summit Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98102 | $$
5. Carrello
Chef Nathan Lockwood puts his passion for local produce and love for pasta on display at Carrello. A lively, rustic, vibrant dining room serving generous portions of traditional Italian dishes, Carrello unanimously earns its place on the list of best Italian restaurants in Seattle.
The Vibe
If you are looking for one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, head to Carrello. The ambiance is convivial, the plates are laden with Italian delicacies and the ingredients are either made in-house or locally produced.
What to Order
Dining at one of Seattle’s best Italian restaurants ensures the pasta is fresh and handmade, the sauces are slow-cooked and the ingredients are locally produced. Don’t miss out on the Agnolotti, a delicious concoction of chicken, rabbit, pot, sottocenere (a soft Italian cheese) and pistachio.
Carrello | 622 Broadway E., Seattle, WA 98102 | $$$
6. Esters Enoteca
Compared to others on this list of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle, Esters Enoteca, does things a little differently. Think of a casual diner but with wholesome pasta meals instead of the usual fast food.
The Vibe
Make your way to the counter, order your meal and head to your table with a token. Fuss-free service with a smile is what you get when dining at this contender for the best Italian restaurant in Seattle. Add to that a well-curated wine list and a lively atmosphere and it’s the perfect place for a midweek meal.
What to Order
The menu is eclectic, with a range of dishes such as fried cauliflower, oxtail poutine and vegan-friendly kale Caesar salad. Don’t miss out on the velvety-smooth carbonara or the porchetta sandwich made with smoked pork, pickles, gremolata aioli and bread. Special mention should be made for the care taken with the gluten-free items on the menu, such as using a separate fryer and utensils.
Esters Enoteca | 3416 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle, WA 89103 | $
7. The Pink Door
The creative brainchild of Jackie Roberts, The Pink Door clearly shows off her Italian heritage and eccentricities. If you are looking for date ideas in Seattle with a difference, this is just the inspirational space for you.
The Vibe
As a fine dining restaurant, The Pink Door easily makes it to the list of best Italian restaurants in Seattle. Its dimly lit interiors give it a cozy, romantic feel. A small stage opposite the bar is earmarked for entertainment. This could range from a kinetic jazz ensemble to a cabaret, which may spice up your date night. Check beforehand for the schedule of events.
What to Order
Standing out amongst the other best Italian restaurants in Seattle, The Pink Door's menu is traditional but with plenty of seafood variations for a change. Try the clams and mussels, brought deliciously to life with vermouth, garlic, parsley and a touch of cream, and served with a mop of garlic toast.
The Pink Door | 1919 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101 | $$
8. How to Cook a Wolf
Among the fancy restaurants in Seattle, we have How to Cook a Wolf, which antithetically serves simple and rustic Italian food. Inspired by the famous food writer MFK Fisher and the philosophy of transforming simple ingredients into culinary magic, How to Cook a Wolf may be on the list of most expensive restaurants in Seattle. Still, it’s also one of the best.
The Vibe
Cozy booths, wooden paneling and the simple, minimalistic design add to the rustic charm of the décor.
What to Order
When you dine at this contender for best Italian restaurant in Seattle, don’t miss out on the Sea Wolf sourdough with fennel-honey butter. Customers rate it as one of the best appetizers on the menu for its unique flavor combination. Other recommendations include the pappardelle infused with orange zest and mint and the chicken liver mousse for a change from the regular Italian menu items.
How to Cook a Wolf | Multiple Locations | $$$
9. Tulio
Since its inception, Tulio, an Italian restaurant in downtown Seattle, has won many awards. The restaurant's founder and Chef Walter Pisano attributes his cooking to his Italian roots and travels.
The Vibe
Classy, old-world interiors and excellent service give it a great ambiance, while dim lighting and soft music add to the allure of this Italian restaurant in Seattle, WA.
What to Order
The house-made ravioli stuffed with butternut squash and Parmesan butter has quite the fan following, as does the chicken liver pâté served with baguette and orange preserves. Order the luscious olive oil cake served with lemon curd and crispy meringue for dessert.
Tulio | 1100 Fifth Ave., Seattle, WA 98101 | $$$
10. Bizzarro Italian Café
A Seattle favorite since 1986, Bizzarro Italian Café is located in a converted auto workshop. From its humble beginnings, it has become one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle. Why? Because almost everything, including the bread and pasta, is made in-house.
The Vibe
The décor is eclectic, with a tandem bike and an oversized stuffed dog in a cart vying for your attention. By 6 p.m., almost every table is occupied, a testament to its popularity as one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle.
What to Order
The elk bolognese will satisfy your meat cravings and the tiramisu will complete your meal at Bizzarro. Daily specials add to the variety of the menu.
Bizzarro Italian Café | 1307 N. 46th St., Seattle, WA 98103 | $$
11. Donna’s
You may wonder how a self-service restaurant makes it to the list of best Italian restaurants in Seattle. To answer that, you must try the food at Donna’s.
With hearty Italian-American classics on the menu, comfort food doesn't get better than this.
The Vibe
Donna's stands out among the long list of Italian restaurants in Seattle, WA, for its cheerful vibe and casual ambiance. There's also a late-night happy hour with a $10 pasta offer.
What to Order
Donna’s buffalo wings are the perfect light bite to accompany your drinks. For mains, try the highly praised pasta mafaldine for its well-seasoned ragu made with pork and beef. End your meal with a cannoli or gelato, the flavors of which are usually rotated.
Donna’s | 1355 E. Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98122 | $
12. Bar del Corso
A neighborhood pizza joint worth the detour to Beacon Hill, Bar del Corso offers thin-crust pizzas, small plates and a robust cocktail menu. Considered one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle, the place understandably gets filled quickly, even with its outdoor patio area.
The Vibe
Italian restaurants in Seattle can get noisy, and Bar del Corso can definitely get loud, so be warned. That said, it's a prime spot for a team dinner or a fun meeting with friends.
What to Order
One of the reasons Bar del Corso is on the list of best Italian restaurants in Seattle is that the pizzas can be made gluten-free on request. Apart from the wood-fired pizzas known for their perfectly charred thin crusts and toothsome tomato sauce, customers also recommend the fresh garden salads.
Bar del Corso | 3057 Beacon Ave. S., Seatlle, WA 98144 | $$
13. Café Juanita
In 2000, Chef Holly Smith opened Café Juanita, where she raised the bar among Seattle Italian restaurants with her interpretation of the cuisine of Northern Italy combined with the produce of the Pacific Northwest.
The Vibe
The atmosphere at Café Juanita is decidedly formal. Turn up for your reservation on time and well-dressed or you risk being turned away.
What to Order
The menu at this contender for the best Italian restaurants in Seattle changes depending on the freshest available produce. The award-winning wine list focuses on Northwest and Italian wines. Choose between four prix-fixe tasting menus or ask the team for personalized recommendations.
Café Juanita | 9702 NE 120th Place, Kirkland, WA 98034 | $$$$
14. Delancey
Every night is a pizza party at Delancey. The pies are piping hot and piled up with the best local produce and sustainably raised meats. The beer and wine are chosen from around the world and are always affordable and the staff is friendly and attentive.
The Vibe
Minimal décor, but that’s not what Delancey is known for. The wood-fired pizzas keep Delancey on the best Italian restaurants on the Seattle list. With no reservations accepted, be prepared to wait for your table.
What to Order
The menu is brief and doesn’t stray too far from the real stars of the show, the pizzas. Italian restaurants in Seattle usually cater to vegetarians and meat lovers, and Delancey is no different. There’s also delicious house-churned ice cream to round out your meal.
Delancey | 1415 NW 70th St., Seattle, WA 98117 | $$
15. Pasta Casalinga
Located in the bustling Pike Place Market, Pasta Casalinga is a small, cozy nook serving fantastic pasta plates. Thanks to Chef Michela Tartaglia's passion for quality ingredients and traditional recipes, Casa Pastalinga has repeatedly made it to the list of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle.
The Vibe
Pasta Casalinga is self-service, so you must order at the counter, collect your meal and find a table. Like other good Italian restaurants in Seattle, WA, there’s always a crowd, but the staff is helpful and the food arrives quickly.
What to Order
Indicative of the confidence and skill of the kitchen team of one of Seattle's best Italian restaurants, Casa Pastalinga rotates a weekly menu. All ingredients are locally sourced and seasonal. There’s even a “From the Garden” menu ideal for vegetarians and vegans.
Pasta Casalinga | 93 Pike St. Ste. 201, Seattle, WA 98101 | $$
16. Osteria La Spiga
Serving traditional Emilia-Romangna dishes, Osteria La Spiga has been in business since 1998. In 2006, it moved to its current location in the iconic Piston & Ring building on Capitol Hill. Chef Sabrina Tinsley is responsible for keeping Osteria La Spiga on the list of best Italian restaurants in Seattle. She is committed to authentic recipes and her path-breaking Future of Diversity program to support young chefs of color.
The Vibe
While osterias in Italy are usually small and causal, La Spiga is neither. Instead, the industrial chic ambiance indicates the high-quality meal that awaits you. The bar space is welcoming and the staff makes you feel instantly at home.
What to Order
Like most other good Italian restaurants in Seattle, WA, La Spiga emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus. Pasta is made in-house and the signature sauces are always from scratch.
Osteria La Spiga | 1429 12th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 | $$
17. Café Lago
Established in 1990, Café Lago is a crowd favorite from the list of Seattle's best Italian restaurants. Headed by Chef Lauren Thompson, the restaurant serves up Tuscan-inspired dishes full of flavor and heart.
The Vibe
Café Lago welcomes diners with its distinctive black-and-white décor, warm lighting and cozy bar area. The place can get noisy, and with $12 pizzas on Mondays, it does get busy — but it's all part of the charm. Reservations are a must.
What to Order
Regulars at Café Lago swear by the vegetarian lasagna, which features delicate pasta sheets topped with rich ricotta and tomato sauce. Want something light to start? The mixed chicory salad, with toasted hazelnuts, honey vinaigrette and Parmigiano is a delightful way to kick things off.
Café Lago | 2305 24th Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98112 | $$
18. La Medusa
For comfort food that’s tasty and reasonably priced, La Medusa is the place for you. Located in Columbia City, the handmade pasta and well-rounded wine list have an ardent fan following and keep La Medusa consistently on Seattle's list of best Italian restaurants.
The Vibe
La Medusa is a small, cozy restaurant that can quickly become busy and noisy. Tables are pushed up close to each other and there’s even a chalkboard menu with the day’s specials.
What to Order
Regulars swear by the lamb rigatoni and spaghetti marinara (usually on the daily menu) for the authentic flavors and generous portions. Another must-try is the Columbia City bakery olive bread, which is freshly baked and the perfect accompaniment to your Italian feast.
La Medusa | 4857 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118 | $$$
19. Due’ Cucina Italiana
Seattle's best Italian restaurants have to include Due’ Cucina Italiana. The restaurant claims to show Americans what authentic pasta is all about. The team proudly states that the recipes are nonna-inspired and promises a wait of less than eight minutes for any pasta order.
The Vibe
This casual, almost fast-food Italian restaurant has self-service kiosks, a loyalty program and online orders. Despite all these additions, the restaurant is surprisingly peaceful and quiet.
What to Order
Reasonable prices and generous portions cement its place on the list of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle. The pomodoro pasta combines tomato sauce with salted ricotta, while the kale pesto pasta is topped with flash-fried kale chips and smoked cheese. Several pasta dishes can also be made vegan, gluten-free or dairy-free. The best part? You can take your pasta to go!
Due’ Cucina Italiana | Multiple locations | $$
20. Spinasse
Many consider Spinasse to be one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle. The restaurant's chefs, sommeliers and waitstaff do not take this position lightly. When you dine here, you are in for a treat.
The Vibe
Given that this is one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle, you can expect to struggle for a table. Reservations for a table at Spinasse are open 60 days in advance, so be prepared — leave it too late, and you may be disappointed.
What to Order
The two most highly rated dishes at Spinasse are the Tajarin con burro e salvia and the Tajarin al ragu. The fine-cut egg yolk pasta perfectly accompanies the luscious butter and sage or ragu sauces. If you want to try more, opt for the price-fixe menu, which includes degustation portions of a broader range of specialties.
Spinasse | 1531 14th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 | $$$
21. Wilmott’s Ghost
Among Seattle Italian restaurants, one named after a flowering plant, headed by Chef Renee Erickson and specializing in Roman-style food, may sound confusing. But give Wilmott’s Ghost a try and you will understand why this pastel-pink restaurant has made it to the list of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle.
The Vibe
You can expect to pay a premium, but there's a reason why this spot makes it to the list of Seattle's best Italian restaurants. Located within the Amazon Spheres, the ambiance at Wilmott’s Ghost is half the attraction. The other half is the delicious food and attentive service.
What to Order
Customers can’t stop raving about the Kraken fritti and the pizzas. Also high on the must-try list are the focaccia. The recipe was developed especially for the restaurant by baker and chef Ben Campbell. As one reviewer says, “If you are going to have a carb cheat day, you might as well do it with the focaccia at Wilmotts.”
Wilmott’s Ghost | 2100 Sixth Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 | $$
Try Cooking Seattle Foods
There’s a wealth of things to do in Seattle. From tours to shopping, museums to restaurants, the choices abound. When it comes to food, there are endless restaurants in Seattle with a mind-boggling variety of cuisines. Apart from dining in, there’s another more hands-on way of getting to know the city’s culinary offerings — cooking classes in Seattle.
These classes are a fantastic way to explore the variety of cuisines in the city. If you crave Italian food, book a local chef to teach you the ins and outs of making pasta. There are also pizza-making classes to book, rustic Italian feasts to learn more about and even romantic date-night options. And all these within the comfort of your own home.
The food scene in Seattle continues to evolve and grow. Trends come (and go), but the best part is that the classics still stand firm.
Pizzas, pasta and Italian comfort food remain fashionable, and the best Italian restaurants in Seattle always match your cravings. Whether it's a quick, delicious slice of pie, a wine-soaked date night or a sophisticated four-course dinner, you will surely find what you are looking for among this list of best Italian restaurants in Seattle.
For even more ways to explore Seattle and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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