Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Ballard

7 restaurants available nearby

1. Messina

4.1

Excellent(241)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Queen Anne

Booked 48 times today

Messina Modern Italian Kitchen in the vibrant Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle is a treasure trove of contemporary Italian fare infused with Pacific Northwest flair. Right next to the Climate Pledge Arena, it’s the perfect spot for an exceptional dining experience whether for a family dinner, a romantic date, or before a game. Guests rave about the creative dishes like the "spicy pepperoni pizza which was 🔥" and the "pasta board which is a whole vibe!" The service is consistently praised, with one reviewer exclaiming, "Truly one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in Seattle." Messina also delights with its inventive drinks and desserts, notably the "pistachio cannoli" and handcrafted cocktails. It’s clear that Messina’s blend of traditional Italian elements with modern twists and excellent service makes it a must-visit destination.

2. Haerfest

4.7

Exceptional(88)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Wallingford

Booked 12 times today

At Haerfest in Wallingford, Seattle, the essence of Italian cuisine is captured through the art of house-made pastas and locally sourced ingredients. This restaurant stands out for its dedication to freshness and quality, with rave reviews like "Tiramisu tasted just like in Italy 🇮🇹" and "All of the pasta dishes are outstanding." Diners repeatedly praise the "fantastic experience" and the authenticity that Haerfest brings to the table, especially noting dishes that are "each different and very flavorful." The ambiance and knowledgeable staff further enhance the dining experience, making Haerfest not just a meal, but a celebration of Italian culinary excellence.

3. STELLA.

4.3

Awesome(858)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Capitol Hill / First Hill

Booked 16 times today

STELLA, nestled in the historic Hotel Sorrento in Seattle’s Capitol Hill/First Hill neighborhood, stands out as a beacon of Italian culinary excellence. Patrons frequently laud its "amazing food" and "fantastic service," underscoring its commitment to quality and authenticity. Reviewers rave about the "delicious" truffle fries and papardelle, and the "perfectly cooked pork chop," which embody the restaurant's dedication to Italian cuisine. The ambiance, described as having "old world charm" and "Emily in Paris vibes," enhances the dining experience, making every meal feel special. Whether it's the live piano music, the fireside room, or the enchanting garden patio, STELLA consistently provides a "lovely atmosphere and dining experience for a special night out," making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Italian fare in Seattle.

4. Rimini Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(123)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Kirkland

Booked 26 times today

Rimini Restaurant in Kirkland, Washington, is a gem for lovers of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Owned by the renowned Nardone family, Rimini marries classic Italian flavors with modern culinary twists, creating a dining experience that’s both authentic and innovative. Guests rave about the "exceptional dining experience" and the "authentic Italian style" of dishes like the short rib ravioli and the wild boar bolognese. The atmosphere is described as "elegant" with touches of old Italy and vibrant live music that enhances the dining experience. With its waterfront location and glowing reviews, Rimini stands out as a top destination for those seeking a genuine and delightful Italian meal in the heart of Kirkland. As one diner put it, this place is "PERFEZIONE" – perfection indeed!

5. Fire & The Feast

4.7

Exceptional(849)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Edmonds

Booked 34 times today

Fire & The Feast in Edmonds is a gem for Mediterranean cuisine enthusiasts, offering an authentic taste experience that rivals the quaint eateries of Mediterranean towns. The restaurant's use of local resources mirrors the fresh, farm-to-table essence typical of Mediterranean fare. Guests rave about their experiences, with one patron exclaiming, "The food is excellent!" and another emphasizing the uniqueness and quality of the dishes: "Nothing like the taste anywhere else." The ambiance, coupled with consistently lauded service, makes Fire & The Feast a must-visit. Whether it’s the celebrated Country Dutch Baby or the omelet Siciccia with Calabrian chili aioli, every dish promises a delightful culinary journey.

6. Bottle & Bull

4.8

Exceptional(480)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Kirkland

Booked 16 times today

Bottle & Bull in Kirkland offers a unique dining experience that embodies the spirit of Ernest Hemingway's adventures. Renowned for its Contemporary American cuisine, the restaurant excels in delivering farm-to-table dishes inspired by Hemingway's favorite locales. The authenticity and quality of the food are consistently praised, with reviews highlighting the "very creative and incredibly tasty dishes" and the "perfectly seasoned" Truffle Parmesan Fries. Patrons are captivated by the handcrafted cocktails and the cozy, upscale ambiance, making it a top choice for both locals and visitors. The glowing testimonials, like "everything we ordered tasted amazing," underscore why Bottle & Bull is a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional Contemporary American fare. Whether it's the Mushroom Pasta or the innovative Smoked Beets, the culinary craftsmanship here ensures a memorable gastronomic journey.

7. Girardi's Osteria

4.4

Awesome(87)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Edmonds

Booked 7 times today

Girardi's Osteria in Edmonds is a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine, delighting diners since 1999 with its charming fusion of traditional flavors and inventive dishes. Celebrated for its cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere, the restaurant boasts a beautiful patio and a welcoming dining room that accentuates its commitment to a memorable dining experience. Patrons rave about signature offerings like the "perfectly prepared Fred's Salmon" and the "delicious Lobster Ravioli." The glowing reviews highlight the "wonderful" mushroom risotto and recommend finishing with the "delicious molten lava cake." As one reviewer puts it, Girardi's is "phenomenal!! High quality, great service and cozy atmosphere, best Italian in the bowl." With such endorsements, Girardi’s Osteria stands out as a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Italian fare.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
John
Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Stella is a hidden gem. Chef is fantastic. Will definitely be back sons
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STELLA.Price: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Capitol Hill / First Hill
•
4.3
C
Carly
Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We had an amazing experience at Haerfest. Delicious food, fantastic service. They went above and beyond to help make my wife's birthday special!
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HaerfestPrice: Expensive• Italian• Wallingford
•
4.7
C
carol
Virginia •15 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Good service, good food. A little noisy. Would return.
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MessinaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Queen Anne
•
4.1
R
Robert
Seattle / Eastern Washington •15 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was my second visit, and like the first the star of the show was the food. From the balsamic laced bread to the flavorful pastas and salads, this place knows how to cook. It also understands service, which was warm and efficient. The missing star is for the noise level, which is deafening. That may be the price of popularity, and the tables were full on a Tuesday night, but it did make conversation challenging. Still, I'll be back.
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Rimini RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Kirkland
•
4.9
H
heesun
Seattle / Eastern Washington •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
we were dining in to celebrate our anniversary. The server was very friendly and attentive and the food was very delicious. It was pretty crowded during the happy hour, but we made reservation and was seated right away when we arrived. Great food, great ambience, great date night!
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Fire & The FeastPrice: Moderate• Italian• Edmonds
•
4.7

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Ballard

Contemporary italian

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Ballard

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7 restaurants available nearby

1. Messina

2. Haerfest

3. STELLA.

4. Rimini Restaurant

5. Fire & The Feast

6. Bottle & Bull

7. Girardi's Osteria

See what locals rave about

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