Pasta Restaurants near Kirkland, WA

“There are places in this world that find you rather than the other way around. I have sat in the grand dining rooms of Florence. I have lingered over Barolo in the hill towns of Piedmont. I have smoked aged Cubans on terraces overlooking the Adriatic while the sun took its time disappearing. I know what the real thing feels like.

And yet here I was, a man who has circled this particular block in Kirkland a thousand times behind the wheel of something fast, never once stopping. Downtown Kirkland has a reputation among those of us who know it well. Restaurants arrive with great fanfare, burn bright for a season, and vanish like smoke from a cigar you wish you had savored more slowly. I had written this neighborhood off without ever giving Rimini the courtesy of a glance.

Then one evening, alone, family abroad, I found myself searching for something worth dressing for. Waze delivered me, almost conspiratorially, to a door I had passed in ignorance more times than I care to admit. Fifty feet from my cigar lounge. Walking distance from my favorite Mexican table. There it was. Waiting.

I walked in and the room rearranged something inside me.

The staff moves through the dining room speaking Italian with the easy confidence of people who were born into it. The beautiful ones condescend to English when necessary and do so graciously. The candles are not decorative. The wine list is not a gesture. It is a serious document assembled by someone who has actually been to the vineyards, who understands that a great Italian meal is not complete without a bottle that has its own story to tell.

It took me immediately back to Firenze and Crossroads in their prime, twenty years ago, before success made them comfortable and comfort made them ordinary. Rimini carries that same electricity. That same sense that you are somewhere that matters, that the kitchen takes it personally, that the room itself has ambition.

I dined solo and felt like a king.

This is not a restaurant for the timid or the indifferent. This is a room built for people who have tasted life at its most generous and still lean forward when the next glass arrives. Brothers and sisters, I have been around this world more than once. I know the real thing when it sits across from me.

Rimini is the real thing. Do not make the mistake I made. Walk through that door.“

“I don’t usually eat Italian out because I feel I do a good job at home. This place is way better than I can do. The menu/ordering process is a little challenging to figure out but worth the challenge. We’ve been twice and both times excellent. The salads are great, house made mozzarella with these sweet tomatoes and a balsamic reduction - so good! Tonight I had the gluten free pasta with mushrooms and white truffle oil, fried tofu, homemade sausage and ghost pepper oil. It was so freaking good! The atmosphere is fun as well, open, vibrant colors and Italian pop music. Welcome addition to Totem Lake.“

“If you can snag a reservation here, do it — but honestly, even if you can’t, they hold a few tables each night for walk-ins, and it’s so worth the wait. The Pink Door is one of those rare places that’s somehow both trendy and timeless. Every corner feels thoughtfully curated — chic, eclectic, and a little bit artsy — and when the live music starts, it’s pure magic. We were lucky enough to be seated in the back dining room overlooking the Ferris wheel and the Salish Sea, and the view alone could’ve made the night. But then came the food — and wow. From the appetizers to the pappardelle pasta and rabbit (plus alllll the bread), everything was beyond delicious. Huge shoutout to our server, Jeannie, who was amazing — warm, attentive, and clearly loves what she does. We left already planning our next visit. This place is beautiful, delicious, and full of charm. We’ll definitely be back!“

“Great pasta and sauces. Just finished tortellini from Met Market and thinking how it’s not as good. Going to stock the fridge this weekend.“

“the vibe inside is really homey. the price point is great. I was able to comfortably order a few things to try. I also think the portions were good. the duck ragu was very good. I enjoyed that plate very much. the sauce pairs with the duck very well. it's fork licking good. the carbonara I didn't care for, I didn't finish it. it didn't taste quite balanced. also my pasta was under cooked. I checked to see if maybe I was given buccatini on accident but no, it was just underdone spaghetti. overall, I'll try it again. my experience I think was good for a first visit“

“Charmingly tucked away in Pike Place Market's atrium, you might side-eye the lofty pasta prices for counter-style service, just like I did, until... BAM! You just ate the freshest pasta with height of the season specialized ingredients. You know, like they do in Italy, and it's worth every penny. Have you ever had a walnut pesto with sauteed fiddlehead ferns, leeks, and aleppo pepper flakes? I can't say enough good things about how amazing it was and you get to watch the very cool, friendly crew make everything in the open kitchen. I did pass on the $14 wine pour because that's not right for lunch. That would get me a whole carafe in Italy.“

“the vibe inside is really homey. the price point is great. I was able to comfortably order a few things to try. I also think the portions were good. the duck ragu was very good. I enjoyed that plate very much. the sauce pairs with the duck very well. it's fork licking good. the carbonara I didn't care for, I didn't finish it. it didn't taste quite balanced. also my pasta was under cooked. I checked to see if maybe I was given buccatini on accident but no, it was just underdone spaghetti. overall, I'll try it again. my experience I think was good for a first visit“

“incredible variety, they give you recipes and ideas for the types you purchase and the clerks rock. Don't pass them up!“

“Just went there today with my Boyfriend. Was very impressed by the great service and plenty of delicious vegan/vegetarian options! Definitely going back there as soon as possible! :)“