Recommends

seattlesavvy

Joined 3 years ago

a hidden gem. il bistro is a hidden gem! this a candle-lit cavern is one of my favorite romantic restaurants in the city, serving amazing italian dishes made from the freshest local products of the pike place market. the wine list is extensive, focusing on regional and italian wines. don't know which one to pair with your meal, ask. the servers won't dissapoint with their recommendation. i can't wait till the next time i'm there.

Doesn't Recommend

MikeSeattle

Joined 4 years ago

Strike 3 on Service ~ You're out. Attracted by the mood and romantic atmosphere, my girlfriend and I returned to Il Bistro three times within two weeks. Our first experience at the bar was excellent. When we returned on a quiet week night for the food happy hour, we were greeted by EXTREMELEY slow service, and an undeserved attitude from the manager who rushed us into picking out a desert. Though the kitchen was no where near closing, we ordered what the menu claimed was "gelato." It was unmistakably ice cream...not gelato. Strike three on service came when we chose a romantic booth in view of the bar--a place we had seen other couples sitting on our previous visits. After being obviously ignored for 15 minutes, the hostess rebuked us for sitting in the "dining room" which was closed, and said to be served we would have to walk TWO STEPS away. We sat there stunned for a few minutes and discussed what we were going to do, when the manager (our favorite person with the famous attitude) told us again that the dining room is closed. My girlfriend smiled warmly and said we were just finishing a discussion and would only be a moment. He condescendingly repeated that we were sitting in the dining room, it was closed, and to be served we better move immediately. So we did: straight out the door, with no intention of returning. There is absolutly no reason to speak to people like that, especially in the service industry. And so much for the relaxed Italian atmosphere; it is obvious no one on staff has ever been there. We estimate Il Bistro lost about $600 over the next three weeks from us alone. We will tell others to avoid it, and encourage you to do the same.

Recommends

genner

Joined 7 years ago

great food. We just finished a wonderful meal. One of the best meals I have had. The chicken was prefect -- an amazing preparation. I can't wait to go back. Happy hour looks amazing but I haven't tried it yet. Next time...

Recommends

KarmaDJ

Joined 5 years ago

Hard to find but, Well worth it!. I have been to quite a few little places (and bigger known places as well) in Seattle and one night a friend and I had asked around for ideas on a nice little, quiet, lounge-like restaurant. Il Bistro was mentioned and so, we decided to check it out.

The service from the moment we walked in the door (including a coat-check) was outstanding and the waiter was very good on giving suggestions on what to try off of the menu.

The wine was tremendous and I definitely will be back to Il Bistro soon and plan to tell all coworkers and friends about it as well!

Congrats Il Bistro on making one of my top restaurants of Seattle!

Recommends

seattle36

Joined 6 years ago

So romantic!. After reading all of the reviews of this restaurant, it definetely lived up to my expectations. I did ask for the private table, but apparently it was already booked. We were seated in the back corner which was just as romantic.

The food was very delicious. We started off with an eggplant appetizer. Something I wouldn't have selected myself but the waiter suggested it. Great flavor. Went on to share a salad and off to dinner!

I had the lamb and my husband had the chicken rissotto. The lamb was truly amazing, probably the best I've ever had. My husband was very happy with his dish as well. We finished our meals with a chocolate cake for dessert.

The atmosphere of the restaurant was very romantic. Service was good, but the waiter never came back to re-fill our glasses of wine. I'm almost wondering he did that on purpose to leave us to our privacy. We honestly didn't mind at all. We loved not being hounded or interupted.

The prices for the meal are very reasonable and the ambiance is truly made the night! We will be back!

Recommends

johncleaver

Joined 5 years ago

Lived up to high expectations. We had fantastic service and the food was phenomenal. We've been back a few times over the last year or so and it's always been very consistent. Great little cozy and romantic location. Intimate bar. Great wine list.

Recommends

BillTraci

Joined 5 years ago

Nice Romantic Dining. A bit hard to find but well worth it. Tucked under the newstand at Pike Place Market. One of Seattle's best kept secrets. Food was outstanding, service quick but not pushy, Our server, Melanie, was cheerful, and knowledge about the wine list and specials of the day. Good value for the cost. Cozy spot for couples to dine.

Recommends

ThomasStr

Joined 5 years ago

Great all around. This was an excellent restaurant. The service was excellent and checked in just enough so that we got everything we needed but also took care of us. The food was some of the best I have ever had. The location is tucked right under Pike Place Market and feels cozy.

Recommends

zebra980

Joined 5 years ago

Wonderful Food and Atmosphere!. I recently experienced the most wonderful place! My friend and I went to dinner at Il Bistro last week and was amazed at the great food and service. The waiter was very attentive. I can't say enough about the food, it was absolutely fabulous! I will be returning in the very near future! Thank you Il Bistro.

Doesn't Recommend

generic1606

Joined 5 years ago

Does not live up to the other reviews. Went to dinner because of other reviews. Must have been an OFF-night...bread was refrigerator cold. The appetizer was barely warm and both of our dishes (special and pasta was very bland). Our wine was the only decent part...Out of there at $125. We live within walking distance but will never try again. Too many great restaurants in the area.