IL BISTRO

A gem. The Tiramisu... easily the best I've had in the States and probably at least as good as the best one I had in Italy. Rigatoni Bolognese.. also incredible. Arancini, caprese, the drinks... all top quality. And Hannah was a pitch perfect server. Do not skip this place. I ate outside so can't really comment on the atmosphere.

Wow! Great little Italian place. A little loud out on the patio with the air conditioner, but nice to be in the fresh air. The meals were amazing. Had the rigatoni, gemelli, and chicken parmesan between the three of us. A side of focaccia to split. Large portions and no one left disappointed!

This is a great Italian spot. The food, service and atmosphere were amazing. I really enjoyed the Rigatoni and Parmesan Chicken were great!

LOVE this spot! Great vibes for a date night or for a chill hang out with friends. Lighting is low with candles and roses at each table. Food is delish and they have a really good late night happy hour. Wine and amaro selections are fun! Sometimes have live music on the weekends.

There was not a single thing we didn’t like! I’m not one to enjoy beans, nor beets, but I ate them up here! I ordered the Honey Twist, thw foccoica, the Burrata, the pork chop, and the New York strip. The honey twist was a lemon drop but a tad sweeter. the foccoica was incredibly fluffy. the burrata fell apart just how I loved it (and paired with beets w/ sprinkled pistachios and grilled foccocia). The beets were drizzled in a balsamic glaze that made them a perfect concoction of sweet and tart. Then the pistachios added a salty flavor. Altogether, they were delicious! The pork chop was very tasty. My husband ordered that and I only had a bite with the beans, so I’m not totally sure on that dish. But oh, man, oh, god… please try the New York strip steak. Even alone, the fingerling potatoes and green beans make it worth it. But tho was seriously the most tender steak I have ever had. It melted in my mouth like butter. The crust had a slight crust that melted right into my mouth for a perfect bite of medium rare. Please indulge!

I'm just wowed by this restaurant. I reserved a table for my husband and I for our two year anniversary. We have had a really hard year and are just coming out of it, so I wanted to make the night special. I essentially said as much under special requests and asked for anything the restaurant might do for a special occasion. I will say this is a romantic restaurant and it says so in its website, so families disappointed by this experience did not seem to understand their intentions and I do not fault the restaurant for it! We had a table in the bar area nestled next to the huge glass pane windows. Our table was covered in beautiful red rose petals, and multiple staff wished us a happy anniversary. They treated us to a romantic decorated tiramisu and some champagne, and the gorgeous and sweet red haired waitress gave some of the best service I've ever had in a restaurant. I wish I could remember her name but my memory for names is poor. The special experience aside, my husband and I were amazed with the chef tonight. He ordered the gnocchi ai funghi and the earthy mushroom flavor mixed with the truffle oil cream sauce incredibly well, all while being buttery and melt in your mouth. I order the bistecca despite some hesitancy (I'm extremely particular about my steaks having grown up with a chef who specialized in them). The medium rare came out juicy, flavorful, and wonderfully textured. The gorgonzola creamed potatoes were melt in your mouth, and my partner thought they were some kind of seasoned meat at first the way they had retained the flavors of their sauce. The broccolini had a sharp vinaigrette sear and all together made for a fantastic meal worth the price ($50). We ended with tiramisu that we had high expectations for after such a good meal. Of course it didn't disappoint and was topped with a chocolate heart and rose petal. Softest, lightest, tastiest slice I've had. Last but not least our drinks were incredible. We've had issues with bartenders recently of watering down drinks, no such thing here! Our second drinks came out stronger than the last and each were a citrus lime concoction that was fantastic paired with the heavier food. All in all please come to il bistro! I have fallen in love with this restaurant and I cannot wait to come back. I'd love to spend my anniversary here again. It is a dimly lit, sultry atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic date and night with your partner. I wish I could give more stars!

The atmosphere was pleasant, the service was amazing, I just wish there was more variety of pasta. I was craving lasagna but sadly I don't eat lamb so I settled for chicken Parmigiano and it was delicious. There's a large selection of liquor, wines, cocktails, and etc.

Julian is absolutely the best bartender in Seattle he will make sure you have a fantastic experience!!!! And the best looking.

Great spot at the Pike Market foe authentic Italian. Everything is super fresh and made in-house like the pasta and even the Gelato. Nice ambience, super great service and worth the experience.

This little place was really good! It's right next to the gum wall and they had live music when we where there. The food was great. I was surprised bc it seemed like more of a bar type place so I was surprised the food was so good. Definitely a great place for a date. I don't have one complaint.

Group of 3 who dined here to enjoy our family reunion of 30 yrs. Hannah was our incredible server who was very thoughtful and kind. Food was delicious, for the most part. Would dine here again just for the Hannah experience.

Great late night vibes. The food was delicious and cheap. The atmosphere is low lit chill. Highly recommend if looking for a place to bring friends or a date.

We loved the romantic ambience for our date night! The food was absolutely delicious! We tried a couple of appetizers and the lasagna and everything was so delicious. The servers were all warm and friendly. Next time we are back in the city, we will definitely go back.

Two of us, appetizer was focaccia, one ordered carbonara, the other rigatoni, two cocktails, a glass of dessert wine, and afffogato. $82 EACH! Amazing service, amazing host. Our waitress Kate was the BEST. I’m never one to turn down a drink but oh my, when Kate asked me how I genuinely felt comfortable to send it back. I would definitely come back and ask for Kate.

What a wonderful experience at Il Bistro! Prayed for couples. We had the lamb & veal lasagna, pork chop, shrimp appetizer and blueberry cheesecake. Everything was cooked to perfection. Highly recommend for a romantic evening!

Tried this place tonight and I was so impressed! I’m so sad as a local I haven’t been here sooner. I got the 3 course anniversary special for $55 and it was genuinely a really good deal. I’ve been to many pasta/Italian restaurants in Seattle and this is up there with someone of the best but honestly something that sets this place apart is the PORTION SIZES. I left satisfied and full which feels like a rarity in Seattle. Everything was seasoned, salted and cooked amazingly! I saw the comments about the lighting, and as I can see where some people are coming from, especially for someone who has vision difficulties, it was very pleasant for someone like myself who LOATHES a bright light. If you’re willing to spend a little money on good Italian food, this is a GREAT choice.

We had a wonderful experience at IL Bistro! This was our first visit, and we were immediately impressed--not only with the welcoming vibe, but also with the building itself, which is absolutely charming. We arrived on a Saturday night looking for something quick and found a cozy table in the bar. Gabriella was our server, and she is truly a gem! We mentioned that we were in a bit of a hurry to catch the ferry, and she thoughtfully suggested entrées that wouldn't take long to prepare--such a huge help. She was down-to-earth, friendly, and an absolute breath of fresh air. One detail I especially appreciated was that she kept our water glasses full the entire time--a small thing that so many servers overlook. Gabriella's service was flawless, and I would easily give her 5 stars. Our food arrived quickly and was absolutely fantastic. From start to finish, IL Bistro delivered a memorable experience, and we can't wait to return!

Ambiance was great! Super great date spot! We got Caesar salad which was very average, it needed more dressing. (Good flavor though!) Lasagna- Heaven on Earth. Crispy bites mixed in. Cooked perfectly. Gnocchi- perfect compliment to the lasagna! The truffle oil tasted divine!

Hidden gem tucked away in Post Alley. The quattro formaggi pizza is absolutely amazing and reasonably priced. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of vegetarian options on the menu by default otherwise (except for a salad or two). The place is quite dark/moody inside, so it can be a little difficult to see the company with you. The staff members are friendly and attentive, but the service can be a little slow sometimes. Overall, it's a great spot for Italian cuisine close to Pike Place Market.

This was a great experience in Italian food. The servers were really friendly and attentive. Most of the food and drinks were really good and the place feels like an elevated Italian cantina. The lasagna has been the only item kept on the menu unchanged for over 50 years and it is really amazing, a lot of filling. There were a few misses like the focaccia (it had the wrong texture for a focaccia, very dense and salty) and one of the drinks, but most things were very good. The tiramisu was just ok too. The restaurant has a huge wine menu and interesting options for food. They were more than happy to accommodate for allergies and eating preferences (vegetarian).

A very unique spot at the foot of Pike Place Market. With its burlesque-inspired theme, the place is dark, moody, and absolutely oozing ambience. Service was a little slow throughout the experience, but it was quite busy, so some leniency was definitely fair. The Caesar salad was incredible—fulfilling every expectation and then some. Then came the Gameroni, packed with flavour and garlic, and honestly massive for an appetizer! For the mains, we had the Cioppino and the Quattro Formaggi pizza. Not a single complaint about either dish. Both were beautifully simple and elevated by perfect ingredients and execution. An absolute must-visit if you’re in Seattle—don’t miss out on this golden opportunity!

Very cozy, warm, soft yellow lighting, makes this spot fun. Music is hit and miss but not intrusive. Bar is best place but getting a drink takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Pizza, shrimp cocktail, Bolognese and cocktails are a hit. The bars out wall is the gun wall for where this place is. Park in this area.

My experience at this Italian restaurant was simply superb. From the moment I stepped in, the service was exceptional. The bread they served was fresh, warm, and paired perfectly with a delightful dipping oil, setting the stage for an amazing meal ahead. And oh, the pasta! Cooked flawlessly and paired with the most delicious sauce. I highly recommend this place for anyone who appreciates great service and outstanding Italian cuisine.

Came for Christmas Dinner! Reservation was made online and we had to pay the full price of the meal + mandatory 20% tip upon booking. Total was $244.34USD for two people. Ordered a glass of wine for an extra $20-25 USD at the dinner. Prime location. Snug under Pike Place Market’s main sign, around the corner from the gum wall. Interior was romantic and very… red. Server was super nice but forgot to offer pepper for our main course. I saw her offering pepper for main courses at other tables. I usually don’t want pepper on my dishes but it would have been good this time. Very minor. We chose caprese salad and spinach feta salad as appetizers, a scallop pasta dish and another pasta-type dish for mains, then tiramisu and salted caramel ice cream for dessert. Everything was rich, tasty and filling. Reason for 4/5 stars: I found a 2 inch hair in my food… in the middle of a bite. Was not impressed while pulling it out of my mouth. Usually I wouldn’t say anything but we paid over $120 per person. Since it was Christmas and the place was busy, I did not bother to tell the server. Hair in food happens, but I was disappointed that I got one. Nice time overall. I won’t choose to go here again but would not discourage others from trying it out.

The relationship manager for our primary software / solutions vendor lives in Seattle so he came downtown and took me to dinner at a place I hadn’t noticed in Pike Place Market. Hah, I’ve probably walked past it countless times, unaware of its existence. The entrance is on the ramp leading to the lower part of the market on the south end. Walk inside and you’re taken to a classic Italian / steakhouse restaurant. The lighting is very subdued, resulting in many of the food pics I took being useless to post. We each had wine by the glass. I went with Argiano, a Super Tuscan from Montalcino. My host went with another red. We shared an order of Gamberoni, sauteed wild prawns in a vermouth / butter sauce, and Cesare Cavolo. The prawns were tender and flavorful, and the salad was a lightly dressed version of a Caesar salad, sans the anchovies. I ordered the Rigatoni Bolognese, and my host opted for the special of the day, King Salmon. My pasta was rich, and the flavors of the ground veal and lamb shone through the sauce. I was too full to contemplate dessert, so we called it an evening. I enjoyed my time at Il Bistro, but I enjoyed the company more. I’ll give the place a good, but not great rating. There are a lot of places nearby that I would rather dine at than Il Bistro.

First, the good: the food was divine! A little peppery on the bucatini alla carbonara but otherwise delicious, good-sized portions. The service was wonderful as well. We had made reservations, just in case, but decided we didn't want to sit out in the alley, so they quickly shifted us to an indoor table and when that was way too loud (my friend is deaf in one ear), they moved us easily into the bar area which was quieter. The bad: It was incredibly dark inside... like too dark to read the menu dark. It is also REALLY loud. I'm not sure what you can do about that, really, but man... you couldn't hardly hear yourself, let alone your dining partners. I'd go back for the food and the service and the wine... but I'd sit in the bar or outside next time.

I thought the food was good. The service was great. They accommodated our whole family. 5 adults 3 children under 6 years old. The whole restaurant had a dim romantic feel. The only thing I didn't like is that the seat in the toilet was broken and it kept sliding to the side it pinched my daughter's leg. But other than that it was a nice place to eat. All the servers were really nice and attentive. We didn't wait long to be seated even without a reservation and we didn't wait long for our food either. Please 👍 if this helped you. Thank you. 😊

Il Bistro provides quality food with an intimate, low-lit ambience. We started with the Gamberoni, a very tasty appetizer (comprised of sautéed prawns, Italian vermouth, garlic, Roma tomatoes and chili flakes). My wife savored the Rigatoni Bolognese and I very much enjoyed the Bisteca, which was cooked perfectly and which was accompanied by a Cabernet demi-glace, broccolini and gorgonzola creamed fingerling potatoes. The harshest criticism I have is that the lighting was so low that I needed my cellphone flashlight to see the menu. The service was very good and the background music was low-volume jazz. Be forewarned that: (1) bread is not offered before your meal or with your appetizer at no charge; and (2) there is a 4.5% surcharge listed on the bill that is described as going to the staff. Based on the quality of the food and of the service, I would recommend Il Bistro.

The food was very good, however the lighting is very dim. So if you wear glasses, bring them. I enjoyed all of the dishes we ordered and they were authentic Italian. My favorite was the pesto sausage pasta and the chicken Parmesan.

I’m giving 3 stars because I don’t wanna be mean but the food is terrible lol do not recommend. My friend got food poisoning here from one of the pasta dishes. Besides that, the pasta was straight up bad. Took over an hour to get our food for some reason (we didn’t order anything crazy, literally just pasta dishes, and it wasn’t busy). I’m guessing they’re understaffed and don’t have any good cooks working at the moment, that sucks for them but still would recommend avoiding this place lol

Okay, I'm a big food critic, and had my fair share of the okay Italian in Seattle, and this is just that, it's okay. About a 6/10. The lighting is very dim, good for the romantics, but not a social dinner with friends which is what we had. I got the chicken parmesan. Marinara sauce was average, chicken was well cooked, but not drop dead delicious. Pasta was fine and seasoned well enough. The plating was bad as it's served on a long skinny plate and as you cut into the chicken, your pasta -- like mine -- will fall off the plate onto the table. The focaccia with olive oil and vinegar was 10/10 though! Super fresh and scrumptious. And the fried risotto was pretty good. My friends got the rigatoni bolognese, beef spare rib, and quattro formagio pizza. Rigatoni meat and pasta was alright and was peppered with enough flavor. The spare rib was very tender and the cheese they served with it was popping. The pizza was the best entre out of everyone's. A good decent pizza for a restaurant. There's nothing memorable about this spot good or bad. It's just, okay. The reason for 6/10 for sure definitely comes from the price considering what you get. It's got tourist Pike Place market prices for average quality Italian. And to top it off, we were a table of four and on the check there was a 24.5% tip already applied! Now Gina was a nice enough server and I'm a generous guy, but not 24.5% tip for usual tempo service. She didn't talk to us or check in often, she just was, and that isn't 24.5% auto tip caliber. So come if you want, but know there is plenty of better spots with better Italian for a better price in Seattle and I don't think the ambiance sells it enough. 6/10.

Excellent staff, let me say that again. Excellent staff. Charging $17 for a gin and soda, charging me a the cost of an entire bottle of a spirit or more is absolutely ridiculous. I won't be back unless they adjust drink prices! + a tip on a $17 drink 🤣

Is it good? Yes! Does it worth it? Meeeeh For 33 bucks I expect a real italian cheff making the lasagna, not that… microwaved stuff you served me. But I’ll double my bet… I’d expect an average lasagna

We were so disappointed with the food. My Caesar salad was blah topped with croutons out of grocery store box. Nothing creative there. My chicken was cooked to the point of burned. I was expecting large seashell pasta but they were small and overcooked. Everyone’s food seemed precooked from the night before. We had a nice server, but I asked my cocktail to be shaken extra cold, it was not. The atmosphere was dark, cozy and fun and there was a wonder jazz band. I might come back for that.

Atmosphere is excellent for a date night! Service was pretty good. Food was 3 out of 5. I had a drink called a "Shrubbery" that was like drinking a carbonated vinaigrette salad dressing. I ordered the Rigatoni Bolognese; at a higher end Italian restaurant I would expect a traditional Bolognese and not the meaty Marianna I was served and would have expected at a lower end Italian restaurant. It was moderately tasty but not a traditional Bolognese in any sense. Overall, Price point for quality was not aligned.

Food was not bad, but also nothing special, which I found disappointing at ~$30/plate downtown. The ambiance really messed with me. It has the look of a quiet, intimate, and romantic date night venue. The volume felt more like a downtown bar, which made it hard to have Conversation across the table. Photos are representative of how red the lighting was. The service was good, but food came out quite slow. From when we sat down to when the food arrived was about an hour, which felt longer given the poorly managed atmosphere. You won’t hate it here, but you’ll probably find way’s to be disappointed and you’re probably be happier if you found another place to go instead.

We had a big party there. It has an attractive and warm atmosphere with beautiful design and colors, but unfortunately we did not receive high-quality food as we expected and my guests were not satisfied. The internal manager of the restaurant performed well in attracting customers.

Restaurant smelled musty and moldy with the air heavy, making me think the ventilation was not good . We ordered a 4 cheese pizza and chicken parm pasta. Cheese pizza was very cheesy, mostly mozza, not so much of the other 3 cheeses. Chicken parm's chicken was just so so, nothing special as the chicken was dry and had too much breading. The lighting was so red and dark, you could barely read the menu and see what you were eating. (early dinner, sun was still out when we left).

From the UK. Got sat at the bar on a busy night. 4 x 35 year old gentleman . Was asked for ID… presented with our UK drivers license. Was told passports only. As tourists it’s simply not wise to carry our passports with us. On our whole 2 week trip no place has rejected a uk drivers licence … this place did. We don’t look like babies exactly either. One of our party has grey hair.. the other has no hair. We said can we just eat vs other drinks… not allowed. Absolute joke of an establishment. They denied a $200+ bill at least from 4 willing 30+ customers because they don’t understand what an English driver’s license looks like . Zero stars. Staff need to stop having a power trip and use coke common sense. You’re not going to get shut down for having 4 clear adults from having a meal sat by the bar area …. We’re not in the sticks either. This is Seattle. And you’re located by a massive tourist trap location in pikes market.

Walked in, asked for my ID, which I showed, was told that it wasn't valid because it wasn't American. I'm in my late 30's and have never experienced this in Seattle. Seattle is such a wonderful place but this has spoilt the entire trip. Don't bother going here if you're from any other country