As someone who truly appreciates Italian cuisine, particularly pasta, I chose this restaurant for my birthday dinner with high expectations. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t quite meet my hopes.
I ordered the meatball pasta, and while the noodles had a nice texture and were cooked well, the overall dish fell short of expectations. The meatballs had a processed quality that reminded me of frozen options, and the tomato sauce tasted quite basic. Given the price point, I felt the pasta didn’t deliver the authentic Italian flavors I was hoping for.
However, I must highlight that their pizza was genuinely excellent - perfectly baked with great flavor balance and wonderful texture. The kitchen clearly has strong pizza-making skills.
For fellow pasta enthusiasts, I’d suggest exploring other options, but if you’re a pizza lover, this place is definitely worth a visit. The restaurant has potential, and I hope they can bring the same quality they achieve with their pizza to their pasta dishes
Nick Ton
Pizza was burnt pretty badly. The unburnt pieces were pretty good though.
Jessica Paul-Jones
We just had an outstanding dinner at Cafe Lago! I’ve lived in Seattle for 20 years and am a little embarrassed that this is my first time dining at such a great spot. The ambiance is charming, the service was on point, and the food was absolutely fabulous. Standout dishes for us were the Pomodori al Forno (slow roasted tomato and goat cheese crostini) and the cheese ravioli (with caramelized onion, chive butter and balsamic). But really, everything our group of 6 ordered was amazing. Thank you for a wonderful family dinner!
David Peters
This outstanding restaurant is well worth finding when you visit Seattle. The lasagna is like no other you can find. Very light, delicate noodles, ricotta cheese that is fluffy and highlighted with just a sprinkle of spinach. And the sauce, delicate also. Very flavorful. The pizza had the thinnest crust I've ever experienced, and it was crispy even in the center! Amazing. Service was warm and friendly, very prompt. The house wine, pictured here tasted better than most, with dark spicy notes. Only four stars for the atmosphere, as it was loud, as so many restaurants are these days. But truly, this is a great Italian restaurant, and not to be missed!
Jiyoung Kim
Lasagna was great and pizza was okay
Patty
Reserved table for a party of 6. Celebration dinner. Pizza was cold, ravioli soggy, orders were incorrect which resulted in one person not having a meal at all. Most reviews positive, so maybe an off night. But our experience was disappointing for a planned special dinner and a near $400 cost. Also, we had a later reservation, so maybe go earlier than 8.
Mei Parnes
Officially one of my favorite Italian spot for a casual weekday meal/treat. No frills. Good cooking. Highly recommend the lasagna🥂
hayden
The pasta was really gross, maybe the pizza is better but I’m not sure.
Adam Coady
So tasty, love what the new chef is doing. Consistently excellent. Totally recommend.
Amazing roasted tomato crostini Appetizer. Wonderful service and crisp fresh atmosphere. Loved it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Lee Anne Stevens
A Taste of Tuscany in the Heart of Seattle
Cafe Lago is more than just a restaurant; it’s a journey to the heart of Tuscany. From the moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in a warm, inviting ambiance that perfectly complements the authentic Italian cuisine. The menu is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients, expertly prepared, but it's the pasta dishes that truly steal the show. The lasagna, in particular, is a masterpiece: layers of delicate pasta, rich ragu, and creamy béchamel sauce. We also enjoyed the
Zucca Kuri Rossa Roasted Kuri squash, fresh mozzarella, bruschetta, balsamico
Insalata di Mele Honey crisp apples, Samish Bay vache, coriander, white balsamic
The service is excellent; attentive and knowledgeable without hovering. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a delicious meal, Cafe Lago is the perfect choice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lasagne Bolognese
Kim Kreis
We waited over an hour (Friday evening without reservations) but it was worth it! The ravioli was so tender and rich, as were the meatballs. The fresh bread was so so good. The staff was very friendly, and were hustling on a busy night.
I sat next to a woman at the bar who had been coming to Cafe Lago for almost 20 years. She told me the owner is a wonderful woman from Sicily.
We will definitely be back!!
Edit: I went back again and it was equally as amazing! I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spaghetti Meatballs, House Baked Bread
Ted Kaehler
Seasonal Squash appetizer with soft cheese is amazing.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lasagne Bolognese, House Baked Bread
Eion Blanchard
The eggplant spread, the chicory salad, and lasagne were all top notch!
As someone who truly appreciates Italian cuisine, particularly pasta, I chose this restaurant for my birthday dinner with high expectations. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t quite meet my hopes.
I ordered the meatball pasta, and while the noodles had a nice texture and were cooked well, the overall dish fell short of expectations. The meatballs had a processed quality that reminded me of frozen options, and the tomato sauce tasted quite basic. Given the price point, I felt the pasta didn’t deliver the authentic Italian flavors I was hoping for.
However, I must highlight that their pizza was genuinely excellent - perfectly baked with great flavor balance and wonderful texture. The kitchen clearly has strong pizza-making skills.
For fellow pasta enthusiasts, I’d suggest exploring other options, but if you’re a pizza lover, this place is definitely worth a visit. The restaurant has potential, and I hope they can bring the same quality they achieve with their pizza to their pasta dishes
Pizza was burnt pretty badly. The unburnt pieces were pretty good though.
We just had an outstanding dinner at Cafe Lago! I’ve lived in Seattle for 20 years and am a little embarrassed that this is my first time dining at such a great spot. The ambiance is charming, the service was on point, and the food was absolutely fabulous. Standout dishes for us were the Pomodori al Forno (slow roasted tomato and goat cheese crostini) and the cheese ravioli (with caramelized onion, chive butter and balsamic). But really, everything our group of 6 ordered was amazing. Thank you for a wonderful family dinner!
This outstanding restaurant is well worth finding when you visit Seattle. The lasagna is like no other you can find. Very light, delicate noodles, ricotta cheese that is fluffy and highlighted with just a sprinkle of spinach. And the sauce, delicate also. Very flavorful. The pizza had the thinnest crust I've ever experienced, and it was crispy even in the center! Amazing. Service was warm and friendly, very prompt. The house wine, pictured here tasted better than most, with dark spicy notes. Only four stars for the atmosphere, as it was loud, as so many restaurants are these days. But truly, this is a great Italian restaurant, and not to be missed!
Lasagna was great and pizza was okay
Reserved table for a party of 6. Celebration dinner. Pizza was cold, ravioli soggy, orders were incorrect which resulted in one person not having a meal at all. Most reviews positive, so maybe an off night. But our experience was disappointing for a planned special dinner and a near $400 cost. Also, we had a later reservation, so maybe go earlier than 8.
Officially one of my favorite Italian spot for a casual weekday meal/treat. No frills. Good cooking. Highly recommend the lasagna🥂
The pasta was really gross, maybe the pizza is better but I’m not sure.
So tasty, love what the new chef is doing. Consistently excellent. Totally recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spaghetti Meatballs
Nice atmosphere, good food and drinks.
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing roasted tomato crostini Appetizer. Wonderful service and crisp fresh atmosphere. Loved it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
A Taste of Tuscany in the Heart of Seattle
Cafe Lago is more than just a restaurant; it’s a journey to the heart of Tuscany. From the moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in a warm, inviting ambiance that perfectly complements the authentic Italian cuisine.
The menu is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients, expertly prepared, but it's the pasta dishes that truly steal the show. The lasagna, in particular, is a masterpiece: layers of delicate pasta, rich ragu, and creamy béchamel sauce. We also enjoyed the
Zucca Kuri Rossa
Roasted Kuri squash, fresh mozzarella, bruschetta, balsamico
Insalata di Mele
Honey crisp apples, Samish Bay vache, coriander, white balsamic
The service is excellent; attentive and knowledgeable without hovering. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a delicious meal, Cafe Lago is the perfect choice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lasagne Bolognese
We waited over an hour (Friday evening without reservations) but it was worth it! The ravioli was so tender and rich, as were the meatballs. The fresh bread was so so good. The staff was very friendly, and were hustling on a busy night.
I sat next to a woman at the bar who had been coming to Cafe Lago for almost 20 years. She told me the owner is a wonderful woman from Sicily.
We will definitely be back!!
Edit: I went back again and it was equally as amazing! I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spaghetti Meatballs, House Baked Bread
Seasonal Squash appetizer with soft cheese is amazing.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lasagne Bolognese, House Baked Bread
The eggplant spread, the chicory salad, and lasagne were all top notch!
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