50 Best Italian Restaurants near Mercer Island

“Great place pizza is amazing, and garlic twists are recommended 100% good prices and the staff are very nice people just great place overall“

“Great spot! Enjoyed Happy Hour very much. Aperol Spritz, Margherita Pizza, Arugula Salad & House Red Wine all great! Service was excellent and attentive. Will be back for sure.“

“This is one of Seattle’s best Italian restaurants. You won’t be disappointed.“

“Our meal at Cinque Terre was amazing. That was seriously some of the best pesto I've ever had. My husband's boar pasta had plenty of meat in the sauce. The pasta was fresh. And they even had some good mocktails - as a non-drinker, I appreciate when a restaurant takes the time to create drinks that make me feel welcomed. The atmosphere was peaceful - not too loud in any way. I would absolutely recommend this place“

“Great expresso martini! Try 2!“

“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.“

“Went there once and truly loved everything about it.“

“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“

“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!“

“We were thrilled with everything about this new restaurant. LOVED the food selections, wine was divine and service impeccable. Highly recommend!“

“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.“

“From the moment you walk in, this Italian restaurant delivers an exceptional experience that feels both authentic and unforgettable. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, striking the perfect balance between elegant and cozy—perfect for a romantic dinner or a relaxed night out. The food is nothing short of outstanding. I had the salmon special, which was cooked to perfection—tender, flavorful, and beautifully presented, with each element on the plate complementing the fish without overpowering it. My wife ordered the fettuccine with prawns, and it was just as impressive: perfectly al dente pasta coated in a rich, well-balanced sauce, with generous, succulent prawns that made every bite memorable. We finished with tiramisu for dessert, and it was the perfect ending—light, creamy, and beautifully balanced with rich espresso notes. The service truly set this restaurant apart. From start to finish, the staff was exceptional—warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they do. Every interaction felt personal and thoughtful, from being warmly greeted at the door to perfectly timed check-ins throughout the meal. The team was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, offered excellent recommendations, and anticipated our needs without ever being intrusive. Their professionalism, friendliness, and attention to detail made us feel relaxed and well cared for, elevating the entire dining experience. This restaurant captures everything you hope for in great Italian dining: outstanding food, a welcoming atmosphere, and truly top-tier service. An unforgettable experience and an easy 10/10. We’ll absolutely be back.“

“ALL the food was delicious 😋“

“For over 20 years we have enjoyed every meal on the menu. They are the only restaurant that I know that make their own pastas, sauces, bread, and desserts. What a difference that makes. Everything is fresh tasting and satisfying. The meatballs are so light and tasty, eat them slowly to enjoy every bite. Not only are their pastas and pizzas delicious so are their appetizers. I love how they roast their eggplant and they serve it in an incredibly rich tomato sauce with Gorgonzola on the side. Their steak is cooked to perfection with an amazing sauce, a grilled pepper, onion, and their incredible handcut shoestring fries that are to die for!! Enjoy“

“I had the Halibut special for dinner. It was very good moist fish on a bed of mashed potatoes with capers & broccoli. The broccoli was a bit firm as I was not able to cut through the stalk with my knife but still good to the bite. I much prefer that than too soft. But (my fault), I was very disappointed that I left my favorite water bottle on the table! and I was flying out the next morning. I'm hoping to pick it up in a few months when I'm back in town. Hope they will still keep it for me!“

“Great Mediterranean food in a pleasant, neighborhood atmosphere 😊“

“Pizza was great! So was the pasta Fagioli. The waitress was very friendly and attentive. Very cute restaurant with cozy atmosphere.“

“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.“

“The best Italian food in Seattle. The focaccia is probably the best bread I’ve ever had. The heirloom tomato and nectarine marinara is a revelation. I can’t wait to go back.“

“Great food and the tasting menu was able to accommodate our tastes while still being interesting“

“We had a meal here for our first time. It was an absolutely wonderful atmosphere and delicious! We ordered a margarita pizza, veggie pizza, eggplant parm, standard pasta and sauce, and more. All of it was fresh and made to perfection. The kids got some gelato and we packed a tiramisu to go- all of which were delicious as well. I highly recommend!“

“Went to the cheese room yesterday, had a lovely table by the window with great people watching. The food was excellent! highly recommend the lobster ravioli. Will definitely be back.“

“Went here after the Seahawks Super Bowl parade, and got championship grade food and service worthy of the occasion! Classic oven fired pizza, good happy hour, good drinks, good caesars and Grace was a delight. Definitely my new favorite spot in the neighborhood. Go Hawks!“

“What a fun family reunion dinner. Great food but most importantly best server ever! Daniella was incredible. Her knowledge of the menu and wines was stellar. She embraced the chaos of a large family arriving from the airport at varying times. She brought humor to the evening and had great timing as the evening progressed. Thanks Daniella!“

“La Fontana Siciliana: Belltown's Authentic Sicilian Gem Check my IG lawyer.traveler.dreamer for more pictures and videos of our dining experience. La Fontana Siciliana is a Belltown restaurant offering genuine Sicilian cuisine in a welcoming setting. This Italian eatery is perfect for intimate dinners or larger gatherings, including potential venues for small weddings or family celebrations. We enjoyed a recent meal there and had the pleasure of meeting Rodrigo, the owner who took over two and a half years ago. His passion for Sicilian food is evident in every dish. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, creating a versatile atmosphere. Our meal began with the flavorful melanzane a la parmigiana and a refreshing spinach soup. For our main course, we savored the tortellini cefalu, fettuccine ai funghi, and fettuccine al pesto, all cooked with high-quality ingredient were extremely delicious. The portions were generous, leaving us satisfied but not overly full. To finish, we indulged in the house-made tiramisu and limoncello panna cotta. The tiramisu was a particular standout, beautifully presented in a way that felt almost like a birthday surprise (and they didn’t know mine was just a few days away!). La Fontana Siciliana is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Sicilian food in Seattle. Its inviting atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly service make it a Belltown favorite. We will definitely go back! 🤩“

“One of the best meals in recent memory. Perfect service. Food so special that you could swear you were somewhere on the coast of Italy. 20 years ago I used to dine here. It hadn’t changed. What a beautiful evening!“

“Amazing experience! Just wonderful and everything so yummy and I presented perfectly!“

“Amazing food, wonderful service, and truly dog-friendly! La Vita E’ Bella is an absolute gem. The food was outstanding — fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with love.“

“The Queen Anne How to Cook a Wolf is consistent in being excellent. The food is always prepared to perfection. The ingredients are well sourced. The atmosphere is lovely. The staff is incredibly friendly without being intrusive. It's my favorite neighborhood restaurant and one of my top 3 in Seattle.“

“My girls took me to Cafe Veloce for my birthday and it was amazing! Service was great and the food was superb. I had the Dungeons pasta, yummy!!! It was my first time dinning at Cafe Veloce and will not be my last. Highly recommended.“

“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“

“Everyone there is super nice and they have great food the cook and the waitresses are super friendly and the regulars that go in are also super friendly and will chat with you definitely recommend going there“

“This lovely gem in Tukwila is definitely worth visiting. Intimate atmosphere good for family, friends or date. The wine menu and menu variety were phenomenal. The server suggesting some of their favorites was a nice touch. This place is top notch and affordable. Definitely recommend.“

“If we (4 of us traveling for a conference) could give it 100 stars we would have! From the greeting, ambiance, food and service this restaurant is exquisite! The presentation of the food matched the flavor and can be described no other way than flavorful and devine! The locals may know of this place but we are considering it the best kept secret for travelers!“

“great place let's try next time“

“An excellent place to celebrate! My husband took me here as a surprise for my birthday and it did not disappoint. Matthew was an excellent server-prompt, knowledgeable and polite. The food was fantastic, the drinks phenomenal and they really know how to make birthdays special without being over the top about it. We will be back and requesting Matthew as a server soon! Cannot recommend this place enough!“

“Food and service was amazing. Highly recommend“

“Fantastic sandwiches — but be prepared to hunt for parking. We ordered the Grindhouse, a Mortadella, classic Salami, stacked with Dijon mustard, mayo, shredded iceberg, house made dill pickles, provolone, and a bright red wine vinaigrette, all on a perfectly chewy demi baguette. Every bite was balanced and delicious in a cute space. Downside for older guests is the unmanned Kiosk to order. No opportunity to ask about the sandwiches and then after ordering yourself the kiosk asks for a tip! And parking, however, was nearly impossible. We ended up in a garage that cost more than the sandwich itself. Still, the food was excellent — just go when you have patience (or a chauffeur).“

“This Mediterranean restaurant is amazing! I love their paella. I was surprised that they accept credit cards! I love the service and the delicious“

“Amazing food and staff!!!!“

“Try the pepperoni rolls!!“

“Fantastic service for a party of 20 in the banquet room. The food was delicious and the waitress was so flexible and helpful. Even cutTing the birthday cake and returning a forgotten phone & credit card. Thanks for making my birthday perfect.“

“This has to be our favorite regional restaurant. The staff are so lovely and helpful. The food is ridiculously delicious. Even when we discussed recent slightly imperfect experiences at Canlis and The Herbfarm, this crew was so professional and filled with camaraderie for their “competition” that it made us love them even more. Just exquisite. In addition, they introduced us to the most lovely pear cider from France that we now order for the kids for holidays and parties. Bring a deep pocketbook and go with the cellar/sommelier pairings. So nice.“

“Absolutely fantastic food. And the service was world Class. Meghan A. is fantastic and made the food adventure outstanding.“

“We absolutely loved our experience at Limoncello Belltown. We will definitely be back! Tip: Don't skip the affogato! Make sure to check out my Instagram @lawyer.traveler.dreamer for more videos of our dinner at Limoncello.“

“visited the Eve of April 2, 2021: Our server was delightful she was warm and offered suggestive drink psirings that were spot on for what we were looking for to compliment our food. The food was absolutely delicious, and the environment very inviting. The whole evening was a lovely experience. I will definitely be back.“

“Great service by our waitress!“

“Authentic, fresh, and entirely delicious. The homemade cannelloni pasta noodles and filling were absolute perfection! Fantastic marinara! And the pizza… amazing. So much for leftovers! And I haven’t even mentioned the kindness of all of the staff. Can’t wait to come back to this gem!“

“Absolutely terrific restaurant! Great atmosphere and service. The focaccia needs a little more salt and I would prefer it baked just a bit longer for color but the ravioli, the cacio e pepe and the romaine salad all first rate. Went two days in a row! And they're very conscientious about dietary restrictions“

“Delicious, gracious and you will even learn some Italian!“