Cafe Lago Reviews

Ditto the other reviews - -get the lasanga.

I love thin-crusted wood-fired pizza and typically seek this item out on restaurant menus when I am in the mood to indulge. Café Lago is simply the best, and consistently the best. And I would go as far as to say that it ranks above similar pizzas in other Seattle restaurants I've tried, and extremely favorably in restaurants in other cities. It's a hit! While I frequently choose the various new and changing toppings on their pizzas, the traditional Margarita pizza remains my favorite. There are wonderful starters on the menu-- the roasted beet salad with grilled endives was sensational; Caesar and mixed green salads are always reliable. The lasagna and other pasta dishes are also outstanding, according to the friends with whom we often dine. My only negative about Café Lago relates to the wine list. Simply put, the wine list is limited, and for a casual place like this, it is overpriced. This is not the place to share an intimate dinner accompanied by a fine bottle of wine or champagne. It's a fun place, casual and can be noisy. It's a popular place for families and large gatherings. . The restaurant serves great bread to start, and it comes to the table without having to ask the server, and without an additional charge. This is appreciated, especially as more and more restaurants are charging additionally for this essential course.

We got the take and bake lasagna. It was probably the best lasagna I have ever had. After prep I cut into it and it was like butter. The noodles I think are handmade. So soft and delicious. It is not on the menu so call in. Don’t let the price scare you. It is nine layers and is massive. We will probably have leftovers for a couple day. It really is great. Called ahead 48 hours at their request. They get busy. Beautiful restaurant with wonderful staff. Hope to dine in with my wife at some point. Simply delicious.

A friend introduced me to Cafe Lago last week and I was very impressed. Most of the clientele were regulars from the neighborhood with a good number of families. Everything was great - the food, the service, the ambiance and the prices. Will definitely be going back.

We hadn't been to Cafe Lago for quite a few years, but recently went back for our anniversary dinner celebration. It was as good as we remembered - or maybe better. We had the antipasti and the eggplant - both incredibly good. Such variety on the antipasti plate, and the eggplant is like candy. We split a yummy lasagne and couldn't finish it all. We'll be back sooner this time!

A colleague and I had an air b and b one block from this fabulous restaurant. We took five fine dinners over 10 nights. We sampled nearly every item on the amazing menu. Try their Carol gardens old fashion. Nothing like it anywhere.

Three of us had an early dinner here before a Husky's football game . That meant we had Roark 6 blocks away because of temporary parking restrictions . Nonetheless it was worth the effort . Even though it was only 5:00 we probably should have had a reservation because of the pregame crowd . They kindly sat us but asked us not to take overly long . Our server was quite pleasant and looked after us quickly but didn't make us feel rushed . The bread and salads were exceptional . We all had pasta . The lasagna , though meatless was a big hit . I had noodles and meatballs which was delicious . Quantities were generous . Very nice room . Large excited crowd but not terribly noisy . Well decorated in a simple but almost elegant fashion . Really a top drawer neighbourhood bistro .

Took my kids for dinner. Had the papperdelle pasta, which lacked structure, flavor - bland! $20 for this dish - overpriced for what was delivered. Blue Cheese salad was good. Helpful waitress offered the kids menu verbally - pizzas and bowl of plain noodles with butter. Ordered one of each. Price turned out to be $12.95 - for a very small bowl of plain spaghetti. Truly a rip-off. If it didn't say "Childs [sic] Pasta" on the receipt I would have been certain a mistake had been made. Pizza was so-so - too much garlic for most kids. $10.95, plus $3.00 for Salami. Never mentioned the price, nor the extra charge for salami! Really? $27 for two items off the "kid's menu"?! Added salads for the kids, for another $12. Ambiance nice. Wait staff attentive. But the value is simply not there -- not even close. I'm happy to pay well for good, quality food. But it's not here, and the rip-off leaves a very bitter taste.

Clean, upscale yet kid friendly (provided crayons and butcher paper table covering). Excellent food. Three of four had the steak. One had the lasagna. Good wines. Busy even on a Thursday evening, so make a reservation. Patient, helpful server. Didn't rush us even though one of our party was over half an hour late due to traffic.

A very nice meal, and a wonderful night out. The food was good - particularly the Antipasto Plate - and the wine was flowing. The staff served us well and it was a very nice place to be. [The best part though was walking into the mens toilets to find a room full of pictures of women. I was very worried I had walked into the wrong toilet.]

We are regulars at Cafe Lago. The food is consistently excellent, the atmosphere lively and the service superb. I think we would eat there every night if we could. It feels like our neighborhood place, even though we do not live in Montlake. We have enjoyed taking friends there. They have always enjoyed the food as much as we have.

We've eaten here multiple times over the last year or so. Cafe Lago has always been consistently good, an enjoyable atmosphere, friendly servers, and a nice environment. The food is always tasty and I like eating there. My only conplaint with the dinner experiences has been that I leave feeling underwhelmed - it's nothing other than the price. Somehow the balance of the experience, food, and price isn't in balance. I always feel like I've overpaid by $20 or $30. We did try brunch once there and that has everything in balance - I think I'll continue to enjoy Cafe Lago, but for brunch going forward and not for dinner.

Took several good friends into Cafe Lago and left completely happy with the experience. The food was (and is always) perfectly balanced and delicious, the wait staff was professional, kind, and personable. And the atmosphere was clean and welcoming. This is on my Top 5 spots for a special occasion in all of the PNW.

My husband and I were visiting Seattle for vacation and a family friend recommended Cafe Lago. They told us it was a little expensive (my guess is entree's cost $15-$20) but we went for it. I tell you what, that was the most fantastic food I may have ever had at a restaurant. The pizzas are wood fired and thin and light as air, so delicious, I pine for them back here at home. The service was wonderful, it is a wide open, clean old building with lots of windows. I just can't say enough about how much we enjoyed our dinner there. If you are looking for some genuinely wonderful food, not middle of the road fare, and are willing to spend a little more than usual (better than cheap eats!), you definitely try Cafe Lago, you won't be disappointed.

Dropped in early Saturday evening and were welcomed in spite of our wheelchair. Seated appropriately and offered great service. Most importantly, the food was outstanding; ranging from vegetarian, to beef to a fantastic rendition of meatloaf.

Friends recommended the place with a charming interior. The service was friendly and attentive. The food came quickly. The salads had a tad too much garlic. The lasagna was good with more than ample portions. The pizza was good, but not spectacular. A chosen desert from the menu was not available.

Best raviolis and lasagna in town. Light and flavorful. Everything on the menu is excellent. Have Carla's lemon tart for dessert.

Appetizers have held there own. Steak and frites looked good at the next table. It’s great lasagne is finally served in half portions. Pasta puttenesca rates a 1 for lack of flavor, small portion, and gummy pasta. Bread was also and gummy. Stick with appitizers, pizza, lasagne, and desserts.

We had dinner for sixteen in this neighborhood Italian restaurant. Our host put together a family style dinner with the chef and it turned our perfect. We started with several appetizers that made me think I was back in Italy. The antipasto plate had everything plus more of what you would expect and the slow roasted tomatoes drizzled with olive oil served on brochette was excellent. We then had three of their salad selections and each one was fresh to the point you would think the lettuce was just harvested from the garden. We had their Ravioli filled with goat cheese in marinara and the Fettuccini with meatballs tossed with marinara sauce. The pasta for both of these dishes was tender, flavorful and cooked to perfection. Our last course was their steak platter that was simply outstanding. The steak is USA Prime served on a platter of gorgonzola, grilled onions, red peppers, frites and brochette. Wow, what a meal and the service was friendly, helpful but never bothering you throughout the evening.

Cafe Lago has been my go to for Italian since 1997. They have a great wine list, excellent salads and I love their pizza. I know people rave about their lasagne (which is super light) however, Cipolla pizza is my favorite (or their sausage with peppers). My son swears by their meatballs with fettuccine. The bottom line is you can’t go wrong at Cafe Lago.

This is still one of my favorite places to go for really good Italian food in Seattle. The veg. lasagna is some of the best I've ever had, it melts in your mouth. The antipasti is also really good. Easy to find and normally easy to find parking.

My son took me and several friends to Café Lago for my birthday. We ordered several appetizers and a couple of salads to start. They were delivered to our table so that each one could be shared before the next one appeared. The entrees which came next could not have been prepared better. The service was extraordinary. Overall, the evening was delightful and it made up for being a year older.

Cafe Lago makes really good pizzas. Recently they introduced all their pizzas on Monday would be $10. How great and what a deal, right? Wrong! The wait after the order was put in was over an hour. Since there were several of us what did we do while we waited and chatted? We drank wine. And then we ordered more wine. The bill at the end of the meal looked nothing like the bargain pizzas we came for. If there had been just two of us we would have left. But there were six of us. Waiting well over an hour. We should have been comped something and they should have apologized!!

GREAT Italian food.

We visit Cafe Lago a couple of times a year and are never disappointed. They have a young and friendly wait staff. You are served fabulous bread with olive oil for dipping while you decide on your order. We started with the superb Pomodori al Forno (plum tomatoes marinated and slow roasted in fruity olive oil, garlic and oregano, served with crostini and goat cheese). Caesar salad came next with the most fabulous dressing; we also love the blue cheese salad with balsamic reduction. I enjoyed the ravioli with pancetta, mortadella, spinach and raisins with their wonderful tomato sauce and my husband enjoyed the linguine with clams, shallots and cracked pepper, divine. Tiramisu and chocolate Truffle cake for desert. Fantastic meal and we can't wait for our next visit.

my favorite restaurant ever

Every single thing we tasted was delicious. The owner and staff have built a real gem of a restaurant that runs like a well-oiled machine! We can tell this spot has a very loyal following, after 20 years in the restaurant business still special and welcoming, great for large gatherings or romantic evenings, always sourcing high-quality ingredients and using unique preparations. Pastas handmade every day, lasagna and gnocchi so delicate, wood-fired pizza seconds to your table. Lago is pretty great.

We were treated to dinner at Café Lago by our daughter & son-in-law who knew the restaurant from previous visits. It was quite noisy but that is par for popular places which this is. My agnolotti with a sauce I do not remember was outstanding. Service was good. Try Café Lago & you should not be disappointed.

We really enjoyed Cafe Lago. It is a bit pricey but this is Seattle and most restaurants are. For a couple with a huge appetizer, pizza, entree and a bottle of wine our bill was just under $100. We ordered the Antipasti which was very good. A little bit of everything and the fresh mozzarella was fantastic. Olives, good salami, tender seasoned eggplant. Plenty for 2 would have worked for 4. We also shared the magherita pizza...great thin crust, great sauce and the clams w/pasta. We weren't fans of the type of pasta served with the clams but otherwise very good. Every thing was very fresh. Service was polite and not rushed. The restaurant is a bit loud but we were seated in a quiet area in the back. We noticed that a few families with young children were seated up front. The restaurant has a nice neighborhood vibe to it. We came a little early and spent sometime at the anitique shop next door with a very friendly proprietor! Made for a nice evening.

Others love it, I just don't.

Great little neighborhood Italian restaurant, everything I've tried there is good, but the specialty of the house is their lasagna - it has the most wonderful light, airy texture that is unlike anyone else's. Yum!

Cafe Lago has been around for well over 20 years, so they must be doing something right. They offer a limited menu of good Italian fare. They offer a few very good anitpasti and a few good pasta and a few pizza. If you are looking for fish, poultry or other meats, you may be disappointed because it is not offered. I believe they only serve one (1) steak dish. Also - when full, the dining room (all hard surfaces) can be noisy. With wine or cocktails you will spend $100 a couple without effort. No liquor - you can spend less . Service staff is all young and eager to please. So....if you know go knowing this - you will enjoy your experience.

Everything was superb - generous cold antipasto, hard crust bread, pasta dishes, perfect pizzas. You can't go wrong here.

Although this Montlake neighborhood restaurant (just south of Husky Stadium) is cute and has a nice atmposphere, its menu items are accompanied by upscale downtown prices. $19.95 for a bowl of pasta is certainly not something you would expect in this casual little restaurant, but when the portion comes in an appetizer sized bowl, that is where this reviewer draws the line. Last night, I ordered a bowl of fettucini and meatballs and was astonished that there were only 4 little --- and I mean very small --- meatballs. When ordering, given the price and how hungry I was, I specifically asked it the portions were large. I was assured they were. When I notified the waiter that the portion was not as advertised, she shrugged her shoulders and said "I will notify the kitchen of your feedback". Given the rip off at Cafe Lago, I am certain it was a standard line she has had to use over and over again. Avoid this trap at all costs (no pun intended)!

This is our favorite local restaurant. A friend called it "the extension of my kitchen", indicating how often he was there. We go frequently ourselves and are always delighted with the food and the service. Everyone seems to know about Cafe Lago so reservations are recommended. It is definitely a fan favorite.

Stopped by on my son's quest for the best pizza in Seattle. Son had marguerite pizza, wife had goat cheese/Carmelized onion--both fresh from Apple wood fired oven. I ordered the steak and did not regret it!

We visited Cafe Lago on a Sunday evening and instantly loved the quaint, neighborhood location. The food was delicious and the kids had plenty of options. My carrot ravioli was "out of this world" good! My husband loved his meatballs. The kids pizza could have been cooked a little longer, but overall a wonderful dining experience.

My favorite place... in the world!!! Maybe I shouldn't be telling everyone. Try the lasanga!

Cafe lago was excellent! They had a great selection of wine, pizza, and other Italian dishes. I would highly recommend the lasagna. It was definitely the best I’ve ever had! The service was also wonderful!

I'm amazed at many of the reviews that expect a neighborhood restaurant to be cheap and generic. Cafe Lago has a very specific taste and style and they don't vary from the original concept. We've enjoyed every meal at Lago, it's our style. We find the portion size perfect, I don't want a platter of food that would feed two. The lasagne is feather light and delicious, my favorite. My husband loves the sausage pizza. If you want spaghetti for your children this isn't the place for you. Save Cafe Lago for a special date night.

I simply do not understand the positive reviews for this mediocre, overpriced place that has survived 30 years in my neighborhood. We thought of giving Lago one final chance and regretted it. My ravioli minis arrived with purple spots on each of the six pillows. Turned out they were some version of beets that we had overlooked in the menu's description of ".... beet ...." I then asked for fettuccine which was not only lukewarm but flavorless. So I sent that back and then we talked to the chef and manager who parenthetically mentioned the difficulty in hiring good help! So when the bill finally arrived, they had charged us for the lukewarm pasta! I refused to pay for that, of course, and was told to have a good day as we paid for our final meal at this overrated place.

I am more critical of this restaurant having just returned from Europe where I had fabulous Italian food, but it still ranks as very good. I have been coming here for years -- frequently when we lived in Seattle -- and we still enjoy it whenever we come back. It's in a nice neighborhood, easy to get to by bus and car (though you may have to drive up the hill to find a parking place), and it's good for a casual meal with friends. White paper on top of the tablecloths, no pretension as to decor, good service, and we've never ordered anything we thought bad. I'm surprised by the variation of views in the other critiques. I don't think the portions are small, but neither are they huge, like in some of the chain Italian restaurants. Four of us shared 2 pizzas and had a slice or two left over, but I am sure that a guy in his 20s can eat one by himself. Maybe the variety of views results from the fact that this is neither a kind of fast food restaurant with large portions nor is it gourmet. And I agree that the Salsiccia pizza is very good -- we had that last night. But so are the antipasto plates, and the special salad of the day, Caprese with heirloom tomatoes, was top-notch! Our only wish is that Cafe Lago had spumoni or sorbets on the dessert menu. After a rich meal, we all felt like something refreshing instead of a rich dessert, so we went without.

This is Very good, classic italian. We eat here regularly and have enjoyed it every time. My favorites are the lazagna & the steak. Pizza are done in the wood oven so expect some black, we enjoy that. We always have to get the antipasta plate. Casual atmosphere and good, but not oppressive service. It is on the pricy side by the time you are done - because we can't resist getting all the things we want... There is special pricing on Monday & Tuesdays.

We have been going to this Italian restaurant in Montlake since my son moved to Seattle in 2001. The pizzas are thin crust and crispy from their wood fired oven. They are expensive but very good. The best entree is the vegetarian lasagne which is fantastic. This is one lasagne which will delight everyone, even the meat eaters despite the lack of meat. The portion is huge and it is very well balanced in flavor and texture. The salads are ala carte but they are worth it. The house Italian bread is very good and is served with a dish of extra virgin olive oil. I can't comment about the desserts because I am always too full to even think of getting one. It is always crowded so it is advisable to make a reservation.

Some EXCELLENT Italian food in the Montlake area. Definitely worth the visit. However, the food does come out slowly (it was not a busy night on my visit). The service is a tad inattentive also. However, for those NOT in a rush -- food quality is simply incredible.... even the simplest dishes were amazing!

Dinner with family: pasta and meatballs and a pizza - way overpriced for the quality. Meat balls tasteless and pizza was paper (too) thin. Didn't really see a smile from our waiter. I really felt like he was doing us a favour. The staff need a "happy" lesson or two. Super disappointing.....

Excellent food, service, and ambience. My husband and I went with another couple on a date to Cafe Lago. The flow of service was perfect. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable. We all enjoyed the Wine, cocktails, salads, pasta and pizza we ordered. We loved that we could hear each other speak without any problem. We enjoyed ourselves so much, we were the last guests to leave. Note: no one hurried us out. We will be back soon for more of their gracious hospitality and delicious food.

It’s been awhile since we visited Café Lago. We were greeted by a very friendly hostess and taken to a nice table. Despite the fact we had never met the hostess before, she was very friendly and made us feel right at home. She came and checked on us a couple of times during dinner. Shortly after being seated, Kyle came over to tell us about the specials and offer drinks. Kyle was also very friendly and told us about a number of specials. We started off with the antipasto which was exceptional. Then move onto a main courses of chicken and fettuccini. Both were very good. The service and food were great. My only complaint was how long it took us to get served for beverages and food—I don’t think this was a Kyle issue. There must have been some backup at the bar and in the kitchen. Kyle did give us updates that our food was coming, but that things were a little backed up. Overall, we liked the hostess (sorry we did not remember her name), Kyle and the food. They just need to speed up the delivery.

Four of us went to Cafe Lago for dinner. It was my first time and I was very impressed. Very comfortable place, really good service and spectacular food. The beet salad was wonderful. I had the tortellini with duck and it was sublime. I would highly recommend this neighborhood place.

Cafe Lago is a nice Italian osteria in Montlake that caters mostly to a neighborhood and local clientele. They have decent wine list and short menu of favorites ranging from antipasto and salads to pastas and their "Neapolitan" wood fired pizzas that are enjoyable but expensive. I return here a couple times each year because of Cafe Lagos's relaxed, European style. But this local flavor comes at a cost. The food is expensive for the quality and execution. And the restaurant's location offers very limited parking. So go and enjoy Cafe Lago's friendly, local, and unassuming aesthetic. But when you're ready for Seattle's best Italian, know there are other choices.

Cafe Lago needs to be your list of restaurants if you authentic Italian food. I’ve been going longer then I’ve lived in Seattle. The food has never been less then very good. The lasagna might be the best in Seattle. Their antipasti is always a great choice.

Cafe Lago has grown and changed a bit over the years but their lasagna is still tops and their lemon tart is perfect--flaky rich crust, and intense lemon. Casual style but great service. If you don't want to drive to Montlake, take the 43 bus from Pike Street and get off on 24th at the stop right after you cross Lynn St.

This place seems to cruise on having a quasi restaurant monopoly in the tiny Montlake retail stretch. Service is fast but indifferent. The food is just OK but priced as if it were some fancy place. I hope the pub next door takes off and gives Cafe Lago an impetus to improve the quality of its fare and service.

I had traveled from Minnesota to Seattle and couldn't wait to try cafe lago! I was so happy when I finally got to my table! We ordered the pomodori al forno. I told the waiter that I often make this since it is my hubs favorite. Got the eye roll. After we finished, I complemented the waiter saying it was wonderful, and he mocked me by saying "Really? better than yours?" I said " of course" another eye roll! Before the app, we ordered wine and I swear he was checking phone after corking as the wine sat on table 5 min. So, I poured the wine in my glass as he clearly was not giving 2 cents about us coming the distance we had. Then I got a big hissy fit over that. Honestly this has been a few years, and I am an optimist. I could not wait for my trip to Seattle/Vancouver, so I just ignored this jerk. However, I think mgmt should know this waiter who I would say resembled James Spader wearing Warby Parker glasses, is a real downer for foodies. I read a lot of reviews on other sites about rude wait staff, and it is totally true. Food is completely awesome but wait staff is like a fly in your wine.

Went there last night and I was not hungry after! The pizza takes a while to get out to you but, it is very good and very filling which is good :-)

Cafe Lago is not one of the restaurants that makes 'splashy' news. However, it has been a fixture in Montlake area of Seattle for few decades. If planning a simple dinner, date night etc., this is my experience that you may find helpful.... Ambience: It is located on the busy street but its completely quiet inside. Except for the boisterous chatting of the patrons. It has beautiful tall ceiling, so the acoustics dont help. It is a great place to bring a date (as I did), or to have a party of friends (I have done that several times) or just a simple dinner. Food: The food is Italian and they also serve Pizza. Good selection of cocktails plus Italian wines, beer etc. Service: The service is beyond imagination. You are well attended to, never overbearing and you never have to ask for anything as the attention is spot on.

I thought this was a little neighborhood place, but it turned out to be a medium-sized restaurant that was fairly upscale in their prices. No kids menu, but they did have a couple of kids' plates like cheese pizza and macaroni pasta. The antipasto salad is $18 and most entries are $20-$25. Wine glasses are rather small for the prices they charge. The pasta is fresh and very good, but overall this place is pricey.

We have been coming to this restaurant for a very long time.. However, it had been well over a year since our last visit and I was curious to see if there had been any change in either the service the food or the menu. I was most gratified to see that Cafe Lago has maintained their past high standards of service. The food has not changed in that they continue to do an excellent job. The only change is that the wines are a little more pricey than in the past. Overall, Cafe Lago remains one of my favorites.

Best lasagne in the world

Their Ravioli was amazing! Easily the best Italian I've had in Seattle (and Italian is my favorite type of food)!

Cafe Lago's food is always good, but has become somewhat pricey for a neighborhood restaurant. Great atmosphere for most occasions. If the prices were more reasonable, we'd go more often.

This cute cafe is in a small business block of a very pretty neighborhood, just to the west of the Washington Park Arboretum. Really delicious food, especially the pizza. The specialty cocktails are pretty awesome too.

Have visited this restaurant several times, and it never disappoints. The menu is creative, it is diverse, the service great, and it is a terrific destination after a UW football game. All in all a great venue.

Cafe Lago has been around a long time. I am had the opportunity to go many times. The food is excellent. They have the best lasagna in town. Two of my favorite antipasti are Pomodori al Forno and Caponata. When they have Tiramisu it's amazing. The service is very good. A great place for really great Italian food.

Cafe Lago has been a steadfast and consistent Italian spot in Montlake for years. The lasagne (meatless) is velvety, and the wood-fired pizzas (Try the Salsiccia with sausage and fire roasted peppers) are a winner.

Attractive neighborhood italian restaurant. Crisp, clean white table tops in airy dining room. Server competent and efficient however less than attentive on Tuesday night. Wine list adequate but pricy for quality. Price fix meal at $25 is a steal for the house. Pieces of toasted bread topped with three recipes, a side order of meatless house made sauced pasta, and good desert. Antipasto large platter skimpy at $19. Beet salad very good with tasty with abundant beets. Best item: chocolate cake rich and silky smooth. Overall: good, not memorable. Poor value-small portion sizes. Server competent. Ambiance promises more than is deliverwd.

Cafe Lago is consistently good. I've been going for as long as I've lived in Seattle and it is one of those places that is very very consistent. It's hard not to order the Lasagna every-time I go. The service and ambiance are both very good!

My family enjoyed an excellent meal here. The lasagna pasta was so delicate, I was truly amazed. The service was impeccable.

Café Lago is one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle. Located in the family neighborhood of Montlake, it has incomparable brick oven pizzas and the best lasagna you will ever eat. There is a strong wine list that suits the food (including by the glass)and excellent starters (try the antipasti plate to share.) The downside is that the room can get extremely loud. Also, go for that extra starter since desserts are not Café Lago's strong suit.

I took my father-in-law and 2 of his friends, all in their mid-80's, to this restaurant for their weekly outing. The waitress was really good working with the old men and helped them make their selections. There was no wait - it was a Wednesday evening - and we were seated very quickly. Many of the other guests seemed very familiar with the staff and the restaurant. This was my first time and I'll very likely go there again when I'm in the Seattle area.

the menu was way overpriced. portion were to small for its price and taste like having lean cuisine. i have the fetuccini and meatballs that comes with four tiny meatballs.

Seriously? I've eaten here twice, the most recent about a year and a half ago. It looks like a nice place from the outside, but their food is completely unimpressive. Last time I had the lasagne, and it was on par with something that came out of the freezer section at the grocery store. My husband also was extremely underwhelmed. Maybe it's the pizzas that get this place high marks, because the other dishes I and my friends have experienced were crap. Especially for the price.

We had a great time and the restaurant decor is warm and inviting with a modern flare. The food was very fresh and homemade. We definitely will be back. The service was right-on. We went about 8pm and things were winding down a bit.

Cafe Lago is a go to place if you're looking for delicious, authentic Italian food in Seattle. Their Lasagna is one of the best in the city. We also shared the linguine which was really good. As always the service was very good/

Had a family dinner with 5 people on a Tuesday evening. Were lucky to get a table, as the place filled totally 20 minutes after we arrived. Appetizers were interesting and presented promptly. Good mixed drink menu. Very good pizzas from wood-fired oven, great crust, a wide range of topping styles, they were popular with all. Service got spotty as the night wore on, was not clear who had accountability for our table, seemed like one main dude and a whole bunch of servers who delivered but didn't try to ask whether anything more was needed. I think the food was a 3-4 but the service was a 2. Pretty expensive for what you got, as it was good but not gourmet. We spent well over $300 for five, with two drinks per person. Not a good value.

One of the best dinners out EVER! A quaint location AND you have to know its there or you will sadly miss it. We received wonderful service and the pasta with clans was mouth watering delicious. Cooked to perfection ! We also had a gourmet pasta and meatballs, NOT just for kids. A recipe you will want to SNAG and make at home....

really good but way over priced

We had reserved and planned a graduation party for 14 people for a Friday evening. All was in order and ready when we arrived. Service was very attentive. We were served family style, with one good dish after another, all Italian. Highlights for me were the antipasti, the signature lasagna dish, and the chocolate mousse. The house wines were good. Every one not only went away full, but we took home boxes of food that provided an excellent repast the next night. What was remarkable, too, was there were no duds at all... everything without exception was very good, with the above mentioned (for me) rising to a very high level.

Unless we are traveling, we usually eat at home. For a special occasion, such as a birthday, we might eat out. We are very fortunate to have Cafe Lago within walking distance of our home. Recently we had the caponata, my husband had the lasagna, and I had the gnocchi. All delicious! Friendly and efficient service and lovely atmosphere. We skipped dessert, but we realized we could drop in some evening and have just the panna cotta, since it is within walking distance.

We had a some good food and wine, but weren't impressed with the service. Maybe the waitress had a bad day.

Everything was incredible- food, cocktails, service. Cozy and comfortable atmosphere which feels like a neighborhood restaurant. The slow roasted tomato appetizer was one of the best starters I’ve ever had.

My husband and I are foodies. We're also well traveled. So it's with some expertise that I say, this is a fabulous Italian restaurant. We are truly blessed to live within walking distance of this unique and authentic spot. We are regulars and after all this time I'm still surprised at how much joy this food brings me. The staff is attentive and so down to earth, the wine selection is decent without overwhelming those who don't know wine and the atmospheres welcomes everyone. I know there are some mixed reviews on here, but as I read them I am left honestly believing the folks who don't like this place's quirky charm and authenticity are fans of The Olive Garden. I can absolutely say we are NOT and it is because this place is not a giant corporate, shovel ready chain that we love it so. Don't listen to the ill informed haters, take it from a neighbor...this place is special!

We have been going to Cafe Lago for years. I don't know why I haven't reviewed it already, it is our go to Italian restaurant. We have been to a couple of mediocre restaurants lately and I realized I had to let diners know about this gem. The atmosphere is casual but they use table cloths which is a nice touch. If you want more ambience, away from families with small children, ask for a table in the bar which is in a separate part of the restaurant. I have not had ravioli anywhere else that is as good as Cafe Lago's. The pasta is so thin, so fine and the filling is inventive, fresh and always spot on. The meatless lasagne is incredible as well. Their thin crust pizza with fresh in season toppings is also delicious. Great wine list, great service.

The food is good, so good that I had a dream about it one night. The white lasagna is tasty and satisfying while not so heavy as lasagna so often is. But to be clear -- it's lasagna, only lasagna. Some reviews here are anticipating something unreasonable. Cafe Lago has good food, the staff was attentive and professional, the service was pretty quick and it's easy to get street parking nearby. Kind of a perfect package from my point of view.

the lasagne is to die for. i couln't believe it was that good! service was great. place needs some warmth to it and it's too dang loud. i still dream about the lasagna though... jen

A very great pleasure to visit this delightful little Italian restaurant in Seattle. The staff are excellent, carefully and willingly answering questions about allergies and preferences, service quick, the pizza light and delicious, and the wine excellent though very reasonably priced. I enjoyed the experience very much indeed and recommend the Cafe Lago very highly indeed.

Cafe Lago is a very good choice if you're looking for authentic Italian food in Seattle. You really can't go wrong with anything that you order here. Although I must say (again) that the Lasagna is excellent!

We recently came here to celebrate my birthday. We choose this place because of the good reviews. We are so glad we came here. Great experience all the way around. Great food; Great service and great ambience. I would definitely recommend ordering their lasagna. It is a meatless lasagna and has 9 layers of noodles with cheese. The noodles just melted in your mouth. I ordered a zucchini ravioli for myself which also had a lot of flavor. Addis, our waiter, was very friendly. He must have mentioned it was my birthday to the owner because she came over to personally wish me a Happy Birthday. This restaurant has a great neighborhood feel and is all white inside. We will definitely be back.

We've been going to Café Lago for years, since it started as a tiny hole-in-the-wall and expanded at that location to fill half the block. But its larger size hasn't hurt its intimacy, its service, or its food. The hand-made pasta melts in your mouth The lasagna is light and airy. The various kinds of ravioli are innovative. The pizza is wood fired. This is the restaurant by which all other Italian restaurants in America should be judged. It's located in the Montlake neighborhood, between the University of Washington and North Capitol Hill. Especially if you go on weekends, you'll need reservations, and if you're driving, you might have to walk a few blocks to find parking. (There are frequent buses, however.) It's a neighborhood joint with a world-class feel.

Really busy and vibrant. Fresh produce reslly well cooked wait staff excellent. Cant fault it...if looking for basic ingredients cooked reallywell and priced well....a great place to catch a casual fresh meal.....

We have been fans of this restaurant ever since the glowing review in Bon Appetit about 2004. Superb food, reasonable prices and deluxe service! The Pomodori al Forno is our favorite antipasti, caesar and a blue cheese salad, the amazing and unforgettable lasagne (melts in your mouth!), and, this trip, the Romana wood fire pizza graced our table. I was delighted at the fresh flavors in all our selections. We were carefully served by Rhett who assisted in making the evening special. Prices very reasonable for the high quality of the food.

Since my wife and I are both Italian, we have very high standards and expectations of Italian food and Cafe Lago meets those standards without a doubt. Service was impeccable and friendly, the menu has plenty of options (we were already planning what we would order on our next visit), and the food is prepared with high quality ingredients and attention to detail. Our Caesar salad had the best dressing I've ever tasted. The woodfire pizza was light and cooked perfectly, my gnocchi were the right consistency and swimming in a delicious vodka sauce that we couldn't get enough of. I see a few of the reviews with complaints about cost and waiting time - I would address those complaints by saying don't go here if you want a quick, typical Americanized mozzarella cheese smothered pizza for $8. This restaurant understands the value of food prepared with high quality ingredients and the Italian tradition of eating slowly and spending time with your guests. They don't rush you here. We even found we were expecting to be rushed and then realized it isn't their style at all and we quickly relaxed into the evening. Definitely call for reservations or go at 6:00-6:30 to avoid the crowds.

I have been going here for years so I was shocked when I saw that they raised the prices so much! The pizzas cost just as much as the steak! We also made our reservation through opentable and they gave us the table next to the door- not to the mention the restaurant is very loud. The service is mediocre and it took forever. But, it is still my favorite pizza in town because of the thin crusts and sweet marinara sauce. However, due to the higher prices, I dont think I will be returning.