Il Bistro Reviews

What a great experience. The restaurant was an amazing romantic experience, the food great and the staff friendly and helpful. What a great birthday dinner, thanks to everyone who waited on us.

We spend a week end in Seattle at Christmas. A highlight is a dinner at a nice restaraunt that has some character to it. Our favorite place recently closed leaving us in need for a new Saturday night dinner place. Great find, but..... This is a wonderful setting, at the foot of Post Alley and the Gum Wall and in a classic basement bistro setting. The ambiance was super and just what we like. The wait staff was friendly and prompt. However the kitchen and bar seemed "behind" and so our drinks and meal took a long time (more than casual, elegant dining speed). I had the gnocchi, my daughter the ciappino. Both very good. In fact, my daughter tried a bite of the gnocchi and said it was the best she ever had! My wife on the other hand, had the chicken dish and was very unhappey with the chicken itself. The sauce and fagioli were very good but the chicken tastless and "an odd texture". It was not on the level of the rest of the dish or our dishes. We will likely give il Bistro another try as we like the restaraunt, but not for the chicken dish.

We both had the home made veal lasagne & it was excellent. Large portion but one of the best lasagnes we’ve had. Nice ambience.

I made reservations here from out of town for my husband's 30th Birthday dinner this past Tuesday. I made the reservation online and noted that it was for his birthday. Upon arrival, we had to wait for our table (with an 8pm reservation for two people). When we were eventually seated, it took forever for someone to come take our drink order. The restaurant had open tables, so I would not say they were extremely busy, but from working in the business, I didn't pay attention to how many people were actually working the sections. We decided on the filet for my husband and I had the salmon over pasta, that was the special for the night. My husband's was actually pretty good, but mine was not good. No one ever came to ask how the food was and no one once acknowledged the occasion we were there for, even though I saw multiple birthdays being celebrated. Since we were by ourselves, I couldn't say something right in front of my husband and ruin any chance of surprise. Eventually, we gave up on getting another drink and just left disappointed and unimpressed and with a a hefty bill. We've been in Seattle almost a week and had better meals at many other locations.

This was our second visit to Il Bistro, and it was wonderful. The menu expanded the vegetarian options, which was great for me. It's so nice to have several items to choose from. I had the black truffle risotto, which was the risotto of the day. It was perfectly cooked, with an amazingly generous amount of shaved truffle spread throughout the dish. The service was extremely good and pleasant. The atmosphere was cozy and warm. We look forward to our next visit.

My husband and I went to Il Bistro after passing by while visiting Pike Place. (Its right next to the gun wall.) Though much more sophisticated than that... LOL. It was a very romantic environment....low lighting...candles...etc. Moving on....I love Italian food, and this was, by far, the best Lasagna I have ever put in my mouth. I have no earthly idea how they make it taste so light. It melted in my mouth, but not in a heavy cheesy way. It dissipated on my tongue. If you are ever in the area....go to Il Bistro and order the Lasagna. YUM YUM YUM YUM YUM!

Fantastic restaurant located by Pike Street market, the staff were very charming and the food was a delight to eat, the cocktails were pretty good too. Loved the ambience of the restaurant, the tables weren't too close together, which is really nice when you want to catch up with friends and not be drowned out by other peoples conversations.

As Italian of course I like Italian restaurant, and this appeared to be a real one, at least from the name of the meals in the menu. As soon we entered was a strong smell of drain water, similar to gray water. It was really bad! The menu as said appeared pretty much genuine, beside that there were linguini with clams and sausage. I never saw before seafood paired with meat. We decided to take the linguini with mushroom, which honestly was not that bad, again I never saw before mushrooms, beacon and truffle, paired with green peas. Price is honest. Overall, I would had give a 4 if was not for the bad odor. It was really gross and bad!

Warm setting great staff fantastic food! The ingredients are fresh and the taste reminded me of my travel in Italy.

The portions size was surprisingly generous. We would not have ordered appetizers had we known the entrees would be so loarge. That said, the prawn appetizer was delicious and our favorite part of the meal. The waiter wore entirely too much cologne. This is inappropriate for fine dining. The waiter's contrail of odor interferes with tasting subtle flavors. We cringed every time he came to the table.

Il Bistro was recommended by a bartender at another establishment. So we had to try. Late happy hour from 10 to 12. Parking easier. Less tourists. Great happy hour menu. Awesome bourbons and scotches. Bartenders very knowledgable. I can't wait to go back

We ate here for the first time during a recent visit to Seattle. It's part of Pike Place Market and the venue is really quite nice. The food, surprisingly, based on other reviews, was only satisfactory. Our waiter was attentive, but also a little pushy. In the end, I was a little surprised by our total bill. We might return, but with so many other places to go in Seattle, our next visit may not be anytime soon.

I have been to Il Bistro before and I loved it - as a scotch lover this is The Place However we couldn't get a reservation for Valentines weekend - that's how good they are! But I didn't give up! Fine, let's go try the bar- lucky me there were two chair empty with my name written all over them! I have reservations for dinner at another close by place so I asked the guys at the bar if could just get some house bread ( don't drink on an empty stomach) and they said sure! So my guess had a beer and I tasted two Islay scotches never had before and I loved them! The bartenders are knowledge about scotch ( this is not my first time here) and to me it is the perfect bar scotch they have super wide selection and you can try what you don't have at home before buying it... Nice place They had very nice live music for Valentines weekend

Wonderful menu and very good service. We split a very fresh Caesar salad. My wife really enjoyed her rigatoni bolognese. I had a delicious marsala, which is a pork loin scaloppini. I have to warn you if you don't enjoy pasta with a kick tell the waiter not to add any red pepper. I enjoyed it but know some diners out there may not. Reasonable prices for high quality dining. Enjoy!!

The restaurant is a hidden gem, tucked to the side of the Pike Market. We had no reservations, but we' we're able to bed seated immediately. Pasta is home made, so expect to wait a little longer, but it was definitely worth the wait. I had Apollo channeling, stuffed with goat cheese and ricotta. My companion had the gnocchi. Both were delicious. The dessert menu was interesting, but the entrees were filling a unfortunately no room for dessert.

Located in historic Pike Place Market,down a side street, sits this bistro that has been here for over 30 years. Great bar and well spaced out tables. We liked table 16 for 2. You get a warm feeling when you walk in. Priced are reasonable; great Martini.

I liked this cozy restaurant a lot! I love the low lighting and candles. My Caesar salad was good... and I absolutely loved loved loved the meatballs and gnocchi. I will say the menu seemed a little limited... but I managed to find something I liked a lot! I would definitely go back.

The worst service I have ever experienced throughout the USA. Waiter Alex was rude, dismissive and disrespectful of those whom English is a second language. The food was nice but we could not wait to leave the restaurant due to the insulting service. Won’t be back and would not recommend.

Outstanding happy hour menu including seafood and Italian dishes which taste great. Servers are over the top. Can easily make a meal of it, which we have more than once, especially with happy hour running until 6:30.

as the food and service were both quite good. Gracious about splitting our salads and entre, and attentive without being overbearing. Good variety on menu and reasonably priced.

Bar service is cold....they just opened so maybe a grace period needs to be extended? Being a huge champagne drinker, options lacked in color to match the bar tenders enthusiasm for his job. Ambience is romantic, with a sultry sexy feel. Best bruschetta I have ever had! Carpaccio is supreme! Just a preview of the dinner menu options offered. Definitely will come back to rate dinner and dessert!

Been serving food here for over 40 years . Food was perfectly prepared, ample portions ,attentive staff fairly priced. On the side of Pike Street Market down the alley

I really should give this 5 stars as the service was awesome. I gave it 4 as the Bruchetta was just ok and that's why we went. My Ciopino was amazing. The wine and mixed drinks were good as was happy hour. Right in pikes market place so it was convenient. Don't hesitate to go.

It was raining, I was tired, it was a Saturday night, and I asked concierge at Inn at the Market to recommend a nice restaurant I could walk to. Concierge called the restaurant and they greeted me and seated me immediately. Very friendly. The place was hopping and I sensed a lot of locals go here. I had a great glass of Cliquot, salad, and the wonderful gnocchi which they make themselves. It's hard to get a good gnocchi, but this is one of the top three I've ever had in the USA. Great service even though busy. Try it out!

This restaurant is tucked away in the old part of Pike Place Mkt, and continues to please. We had the salad special which had aged pecorino with baby lettuces and shaved pears-light and flavorful. The appetizer prawns tasted "market fresh", and the oysters were from nearby British Columbia-all excellent. Entrees varied from the special scallops to the fresh salmon to the lamb-all had delicate saucing and were served piping with flavor . Our waiter was a pro, and punctual to move us along for the Symphony that evening. Overall, feel good experience with local picks and a "lived in" cozy atmosphere. Their Happy Hour is also one of the best deals in town for our next visit!

We opted for an early dinner at this restaurant. Since we didn't have a reservation, the host offered to seat us in the bar area with other patrons who were eating, assuring us that we could access the full menu there. No problem. The problem became evident when 2 hours passed and we still hadn't received our meals. When we asked our server about the delay, she was less than sympathetic, explaining that they were down one chef that night, and that these things happen! Management needs to be aware that seating patrons you cannot serve in a timely manner risks the reputation of the restaurant. We would much rather have either been told that there would be a long delay in getting our meals to us, or told that they couldn't handle more customers at the time we arrived. It is unfortunate, since the week before, we had had a good meal there with great service with 5 work colleagues, spending a lot of money. This last incident will have us thinking twice about recommending this restaurant, since the service is inconsistent, it is pricey, and there are many other choices around.

Visited this restaurant last night and we were pleasantly surprised by just how good it was. Though set to the side of the Pike Place Market, the waiting staff, food (especially the amazing vanilla ice cream) and wine were all excellent. I have to admit it looks nothing from outside, and I was a bit sceptical about going in, but can definitely recommend it as being as good as some of the better located ones nearby….and the kitchen doesn’t close at 8.30pm!!!!

Was very busy and we were able to get a table near to the bar. We ordered the vegetable ravioli and chicken cannelloni which were both very nice. A little dark inside, but I suppose that adds to the mood of place. Nice Italian meal

After reading the reviews, I was looking forward to a relaxing and pleasant dinner with my family. Upon arrival, I was optimistic that my expectations would be met, as the restaurant was attractively laid out and decorated for the holiday season, and we were quickly and warmly greeted. Once we were seated, however, my comfort level soon went downhill. Our table for 5 was located in the middle of the room, and whether for this reason or just the general acoustics, the noise level was just terrible and it was almost impossible to carry on a conversation with the two members of my party who were not sitting right next to me. In addition, although our waiter and the other servers were certainly polite, by no means were they attentive. The service was extremely slow throughout the evening, and when I wanted coffee, I had to flag down the waiter. At the end of the meal, I expected our waiter or another server to ask whether I wanted a box for the rest of my dessert, but despite my plate having sat there (fork down) for an extended amount of time, this was not offered - even as my husband paid the $350 check. I am nevertheless giving this restaurant 3 stars because the food was delicious. Perhaps at a less busy time (this was a Friday evening), seated at a better-located table, the experience would have been better.

It had been decades since our last visit, so we looked forward to visiting Il Bistro for our 43rd anniversary dinner. A romantic evening was on our minds. The scallops, linguine de mare, caesar salad, and bruschetta were superb and our server was welcoming and helpful. Soon after we arrived, however, a party of 16 people was seated near to us. The noise level increased dramatically, so much so that we saw other nearby patrons turning to look at them. The maitre d asked that they keep it down. That worked for a very few minutes. Having any kind of a conversation was difficult. Thankfully, that group eventually left. We were pleased when our server offered to comp desserts for us. I've given this restaurant an "average" rating primarily because it was a poor decision of management, knowing the noise level would likely be high, to seat a party of that size.

Small beautiful romantic like restaurant but still welcoming of family and friends. The food was like a home cooked meal from a recipe from your Nonna! I had the lasagna and highly recommend it. The staff were very friendly and the ambience perfect.

Came here for dinner but decided to do happy hour instead. Really good choice. Excellent drink choices and several menu choices that were small plate offerings from their regular dinner menu. We each had 3 items which allowed us to sample 6 dishes. They were all very tasty, fresh and well prepared. The best part was that spot on service of our waiter, Ethan. He was attentive, polite and really friendly. Thank you Ethan! We enjoyed happy hour at Il Bistro immensely.

We went to Pike Place market for dinner, and found out lots of places are closed for the evening, so we went in Il Bistro. The place was packed, and since we didn't have a reservation, we took a small table by the bar. The food was average, service was slow, maybe they were too busy, and the food came out cold.

My husband and I visited Il Bistro for our anniversary dinner yesterday. We ordered the calamari as an appetizer, and it was absolutely delicious! We both joked that we wanted to drink the sauce. The Alaskan salmon special was good, and the clam linguini was also fantastic. We ordered a bottle of wine, but it was not available; however, the host offered another comparable one. At the beginning of the meal, the waitress dropped and broke a wine glass by accident. As a result, our calamari was comped, which was very nice. Overall, we had a lovely dinner. We would definitely recommend sitting on the outside patio for people watching as they head to the gum wall, which is right around the corner. Lots of gum being popped in mouths on the way.

Very intimate environment with great ambiance and service. Food we had was excellent and our server Mathius was just lovely full of detail about the menu and what to do in Seattle. Almost in Pike Street market all round is atmospheric

A very cosy restaurant in Pike Market, Italian style and dishes in a cosy, warm atmosphere. This makes also a nice evening with your guests or loved one. I can recommend the linguini frutti de mare: an excellent recipe!

On a late Friday night we were fortunate to have reservations for a big group . We were seated at a well appointed round table. We ordered a variety of bottle of wines for the table . Baskets of bread were also served . We dined on pasta dinners and the salmon . Our server allowed our wedding party to enjoy the evening !

Il Bistro is one of the classic Italian joints in Seattle. Honestly, it's not the best, but they it's never really a bad choice. Service is decent and they have a good wine selection. I like getting the rigatoni. Their ragu is cooked for a long time and full of flavor. End your meal with tasty terra cotta and wash it all down with an excellent wine.

This is the perfect spot if you are looking for somewhere to grad a snack and drink after a show or concert. We didn't have dinner but hung out in the bar after a show around 10:30pm and had a great time enjoying the ambiance and a great snack. Will come back to try dinner!

When I travel, I often visit places that are known to have paranormal activity. I had read that the Il Bistro is one of them. Decided to check this place out for a nightcap. Our waitress Sophia was the bomb, super friendly and efficient. Both of us ordered cocktails that she recommended. Sorry, can't remember their names but they were pretty awesome. I tried two different ones and neither disappointed. Since we had already eaten dinner, ordered a calamari dish as an appetizer. Both of us were expecting the calamari to be fried, to our amazement, it was prepared in a light sauce with mushrooms? We were a little apprehensive at first but, after the first bite, we were in heaven. It was delicious! Oh yes, my unassuming friend(?). Being spiritually aware, I knew from the minute that I stepped into the bar that there was something there. Long story short, I did feel and see a presence (shadow) and it was all good. For those of you who are not into paranormal stuff, no worries, the quality of the food and service is impeccable which makes Il Bistro "a must dine" whether you believe in the paranormal or not. I highly recommend the Il Bistro and will definitely be back.

I really can’t say enough about this place. The service is impeccable! We thankfully got in after they had a cancellation and we were treated like kings and queens. The wine was amazing, the food was so tasty (I got the lasagna) and oh whatever you do, you MUST get the Cesar salad before your entree. It was delicious. The setting is also very intimate. We LOVED it. Highly recommend a stop here!

We booked this restaurant for our 5 year anniversary dinner. It was very clean and the wait staff was professional. The Lasagne and Salmon were excellent. Our wine steward provided us with a great choice to celebrate and mix with our dinner. I would highly recommend this restaurant in Pikes Place Market.

Love, love, love this charming bistro. Food is exquisite, servers attentive without hovering, lingering over dessert encouraged.

My wife and I had a fantastic dinner at Il Bistro! The ambiance was very romantic with candles providing light to each table. We had the king salmon (special of the day), gamberoni, caprese salad, and calamari accompanied, of course, by some white wine. The calamari was different from the usual fried fare and was quite tasty. Overall, we were impressed by the quality of the food, and the prices were very reasonable. We definitely plan to come back the next time we visit Seattle!

We came by after dinner for a drink before heading home, very convenient, right next to the market. We ordered our drinks before happy hour started, they were around $7.50 each for mixed drinks. At 11pm happy hour kicked in and I was really hungry after a lovely but small dinner, so I ordered the Bolognese off the HH menu. What a deal - a really good sized bowl of what I think was veal ragu with penne, for $4.50. It was so good, and so cheap. I ate every last morsel. Totally going back! Great people watching in the bar too.

We really like the way we're treated at Il Bistro. Intimate couples experience is their forte. We were attentively served, but given private space. The menu is extensive and sublime. Great place for large parties, too! We saw friends and families having fun. While couples cuddled nearby. You need to go!

Great location. Really romantic feeling. The food was very good. The bruschetta though simple was delicious. Service was excellent. Had the pasta in cheese sauce. Very spicy but delicious.

This restaurant is a hidden gem in the Pike Place Market that can be difficult to find the first time because it is on a lower level on the south side of Pike Street tucked into an area that is not readily apparent from the main street in front of the market and the location doesn’t look very good, especially at night. Once inside the restaurant, it’s very attractive with an inviting atmosphere, candles and comfortable seating. I went with three business associates during Seattle Restaurant Week--three courses for $33 that were amazing—I had Insalata Verde (Organic Baby Greens, Heirloom Tomato Wedge, Pecorino, Red Wine Vinaigrette), Merluzzo Nero Con Stufato Di Fagioli (Seared Ling Cod, Tuscan Bean Stew, Sofrito) and Tiramisu (Lady Fingers, Sweet Mascarpone, Madeira, Espresso & Cocoa). Everything was prepared to perfection, with wonderful flavors and a beautiful presentation. Our waiter helped us with our selections and the wine steward recommended a syrah that was perfect. We had an enjoyable evening that we’ll all remember.

Not good! The noodles were clumped and served stuck together as if not stirred while in the water. Not a mistake a restaurant of this caliber should be making. Waitress never even asked how how the food was. Seafood linguini was the worst I’ve ever been served.

I was there with several client friends. I booked the large table in the alcove which I secured by contract and cc. When I arrived Chris, the Maitre die was good to make a note to ensure my guests got sent to the right table. The table was seated for 12, which is how I had reserved it. I mentioned there was a possibility I could have a couple extra guests. Chris told me they were full and it wasn’t possible, I had booked the reservation for only 12. I had two guests that had to leave early and three that were going to be late, so I hoped it would just work out. But it didn’t and I had 2 guests too many to fit at my table when the 3 later guests arrived. There was a two person table vacant right by our table along with a couple other four seater tables. I asked if him we could have the two person table and he said no. Then when I went to move my own things to give up my seat, my colleague and the three guests were adjusting the two extra chairs around the two person table and our waitress was kind of helping them. I was trying to get out from behind my table to tell I didn’t think they could have that table, he came over and rudely told my incredible sweet caring healthcare professional colleagues that they could not “just take over a table.” I was mortified!!! My co-worker told him that he was rude and took our 3 late arrivals to the bar area to get them away from there so they weren’t any further embarrassed. When I told him that it was unnecessary to be rude to my guests, he argued that he was not rude and merely told them that the table was reserved so they couldn’t sit there. Trust me when I tell you that there were several witnesses that heard and saw it and it was a rude tone and rude wording. ....GUESS WHAT? That table REMAINED empty all night!!!!! As well as a couple others. What an unfortunate experience that could have been handled sooooo much better!! I work and host numerous client dinners regularly. With as many as 90 guests. I’ve seen restaurants turn the check in table into a dinner table several times in order to accommodate etc...and always keep a reasonable and friendly demeanor. Not last night at IL Bistro. The other thing I found interesting was that our waitress was working our big table amongst others on a Friday night when she had only started a week or so ago!! WEIRD!! I’m giving them three stars instead of one bc the food was good, simple, basic, scratch Italian. They got that part right.

Enjoyed the lively atmosphere at a table in open seating near the bar. The fresh rigatoni pasta with Bolognese was just right. The warm crusty fresh bread came with a lovely plain butter. Washed down with a Washington Merlot it was an enjoyable meal. Finished off with a delicious Affogato, 2 scoops of vanilla gelato drowned in good strong coffee.

All our dishes were amazing, but the waiter mistakenly entered my entree selection as something else and realized his mistake before serving us. He brought me the selection he mistakenly entered (which I didn't want only because that would be too much food), and my fish came out shortly after. Not only that, he offered me wine (on the house), brought out a dessert (on the house), and was so apologetic. No big deal--we were on vacation. I guess what impressed me was the lengths he went to to "make it right". Cozy restaurant with an excellent menu. We were lucky our concierge could get us a table!

Pasta was appropriately cooked. Service was excellent. Bruschetta was a bit disappointing with flavorless tomatoes. Overall tasty and would go back, but not the best Italian I have had in Seattle by a good margin.

Came here on vacation with my family. We had just flown in from the East coast and were starving! From my count, our waiter had 7 tables and did not seem to care that we were wanting quicker service. I got the impression that they don't change their style here for anyone! You will get laid back, slow service NOMATTER what. There is no kids menus- only two pasta choices and even then he got our order wrong. I had the ravioli which only had 5 ravioli !! I left still hungry😳

We were a party of 4 on a busy Friday night and were promptly seated despite not having a reservation. Wine list is extensive and reasonably priced. Pasta was perfectly al dente. Two of us had the Seafood Linguine which had a huge amount of seafood in it. The bread served with dinner was excellent. The four of us shared bruschetta as an appetizer and there was plenty for everyone. It was very fresh with just the right amount of basil. We will definitely go back next time we are in Seattle!

Highly recommend the charcuterie antipasto platter. Lasagna was bar none the best I've ever had. The location is just to the left of the main entrance to Pike Place Market and the restaurant is very atmospheric. Nice bar.

IL Bistro is a must place to eat on Pike Street. The seafood is fresh from the Pike Street Market and Pasta is made in house. Food was excellent!! Complements to the Chef and staff. Looking forward to eating there again!!!

The concierge at our hotel recommended Il Bistro for dinner and told us how to find it... down the alley at the Market, behind the visitors center. It was quiet , dark and old-worldy in a sea of chaos and commotion that is Pikes Market. It was mostly empty when we arrived and we had excellent service. ( previous reviews complained of curt service - we did not encounter this) My husband ordered the pasta with seafood for dinner, which was suppose to consist of shrimp, fish clams and mussels. It had one shrimp and no fish. After my husband pointed this out to the waiter, service declined. He did offer to bring him a piece of fish but he declined and asked for the check. the Manager insisted to make up for the lack by sending us dessert, which was a nice gesture on his part. The restaurant had filled up and the desserts took 30 minutes to arrive at the table. The food was fair.... it won't be a restaurant we'll return to next time we go to Seattle.

My husband and I first found Il Bistro 25 years ago (pre kids). This trip we had a couple of teenagers with us. It did not disappoint - the food was as good as we remembered from before. Bret was fabulous!

Good Itialian with good service. Maybe one of the best restaurants near the market. Decent wine list.

To find Il Bistro, head down the alley toward the Gum Wall. It is on your left right before you turn left to the Gum Wall. In fact, it has been here for over 40 years occupying the same spot....that says a lot about a restaurant, to have that kind of staying power. We came for dinner, made reservations the night before (good idea to do so several days in advance for summer time and busy weekends during the year....like Mother's Day Weekend when we ate here) Started with some bruschetta....very fresh tomatoes and basil. I would have preferred to have the bread toasted a little more, a little soft, but overall, pretty flavourful. We also received a bread basket. First bunch was a bit burned on the bottom, second loaf was perfect....warm and soft on the inside. Dinner brought the seafood special (halibut with mussels and clams. Halibut was perfectly cooked and appreciated the extra bowl for the shells from the clams and mussels. Also had the gnocchi....the sauce was amazing. Splurged and shared a mascarpone cheesecake....WOW...the hit of the meal. I love making cheesecake and consider myself a "cheesecake connoisseur" and rarely do I find a cheesecake in a restaurant that I would give top ratings to....but this one garnered it hands down. Service was quite excellent. Our waiter had been there about 8 years and was super friendly, helpful with the menu, and checked on us several times. Like most of the restaurants in the Market, this establishment was small and cozy. There are not views of the sound, instead a rich, almost cave-like experience. It was just a bit on the dark side...so much we needed to use our phone lights to fully read the menu. But we enjoyed our meal, would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting a fine meal at the Market.

I had dinner here about 10 years ago and came back a few months ago. The place hasn't changed at all. The food is superb. Wonderful wine selection. Be prepared to spend some cash. But well worth it. Enjoy!

We dined here on Sunday night and were very impressed. The restaurant is small, cozy, very dimly lit and everything has a lot of worn-in feel to it but definitely a lot of character. The restaurant had a very romantic feel but not so much that it would be exclusive to couples or date nights. I was impressed with their wine selections and they had a Sommelier that was quite knowledgeable and friendly. We chose without his assistance, but he seemed very enthused with what we chose and gave us some information on Mt Baker vineyards (the bottle we chose was from there). The wine was fantastic and priced with a reasonable mark-up. The service was incredibly good the night we visited. Our water glasses never had more than a sip taken out of them before they were refilled. The food was great! I had the risotto and my wife had the cannelloni we both were pleased. The salads were fresh and well prepared and dessert was spectacular. If there was one point of criticism it would be that portion sizes were a little on the small side. Overall we greatly enjoyed the experience there. The atmosphere, service and quality of food were all well worth the cost of the meal. We will be back for sure.

tucked in a side alley in Pike's Market is this great place. food is fresh and very imaginative. they mix Italian classics with the fresh seafood available in Seattle. I had Halibut over pesto pasta and my dining partner had fresh made mushroom ravoli. Appetizers and salads were great. Service efficient and friendly. you will need a reservation as they get crowded. This is just like the great small family owned places in New York and Boston.

This place is a gem, quaint, not too big and filled with caring devoted people. We had an incredible evening filled with great wine and fabulous food. Attention to detail was never too much. Upon learning I had an allergy to lobster, our waiter was diligent that all my food was lobster free. My entree was the night special of lobster with a cream sauce but instead, made with cod with a different sauce. It was fabulous. Al our food was delicious, our waiter witty and attentive. Infact, he was the spitting image of actor Martin Short, which he told us he had been told many times before. The resemblance was uncanny....maybe Martin was taking time off in Seattle?

So worth the trip for the quaint food experience! Great for that special occasion or just not the same old Italian dish!

Went here the first week of January during a real quiet time in the market area. Nice atmosphere and would be a great place for date night. Restaurant was not at all busy so we could not understand why it took so long to get a drink at our table and why the timing between courses was painfully slow. Food was very good. Hot and fresh bread for the table, gnocchi and other pastas were delicious also. Extensive gluten free options marked on the menu for those with allergy concerns. I will go back and hope for a better service experience.

Super Nice food. Amazing place. They have "snacks" that are served until late (pizzas, bruschetta, ravioli )We'll be back for sure.

Wife and I had dinner at IL Bistro for our Anniversary. Wonderful spot for a romantic dinner. The food was excellent. Staff was wonderful and attentive.

We came by for a late supper, and the place was still buzzing with great energy at 9:30 and 10 pm on a Sunday night (Memorial Day weekend). We are visiting from Hawaii; in a touristy location by Pike Place Market, but not a touristy atmosphere. Great service by Matthias. Excellent innovative dishes (ravioli with ricotta, white honey, and stonefruit/plums) as well as classic homemade Southern Italian lasagna.

Visited this establishment on the recommendation from the Concierge at the hotel we were staying at. He highly recommended this place. He got this wrong. I am not a complainer but I feel the need to complain so maybe management can address the issue. The food was mediocre, nothing special. Not bad but not just middle of the road. I had the Risotto and it really was not good. My friends had no problem with their food being tasty. The reason I give them such a low score was the service or lack of any. They were not friendly at all. Food took awhile to get there. We never got a refill on our drinks. If service is important to you, you want to avoid. Maybe they were just having a bad night but I would not recommend.

We found this Italian in like market. The staff were great. Offering ideas for wine. The music was lovely. Three players playing jazz. A lovely romantic place to go. Well the food. Highly highly recommend the stew to start. There homemade spicy Italian sausage was truly awesome. The best food I have had all week. I then had the Apollo chicken. Again beautiful. Value for money was truly fantastic. A must to go if you like Italian.

Went there for a Saturday night dinner with my wife which I had reservations for. The food was actually good – I wouldn't say it was excellent, but it was good food. We ordered the blackened salmon as well as their fresh scallop special. The scallops were actually very well done. Two issues: Service was just a bit peculiar. For example Every time we ordered wine, it took a long time to get it. First time around we had ordered the wine, the waitress left, then she came back and took our order for dinner, and then even delivered the salads...but we still had not received the wine. We asked a couple of times and there seem to be just a state of confusion. We did finally get two glasses of wine just about the time we had finished her salads. Same thing happened when we ordered a second glass of wine, we quickly realized that we have just entered the same type of weird cycle(?). We had similar type issues with the service overall. The second issue was just the overall price for the food and the service that we received. Obviously the restaurant is in a good location, but we ended up spending about $260 for dinner for two. Probably better choices in the same surrounding area...

I never go out for Italian but il Bistro was said to not be missed so I tried it. They were right, this is a must visit place. First the atmosphere is great and the location is at the Pike Place Market. If you are traveling alone like I was, sit at the bar. Then just ask Donnie what to drink and eat......I let him suggest everything and it was incredible. Great food and great people in Seattle...what more could you want!

The ambiance was wonderful, service was good, but the salmon was oily and probably not fresh. Since it is an Italian restaurant, don"t order the fish.

Our concierge highly recommended this restaurant and he was right! It was fantastic - the food was delicious, the service was excellent. Really a wonderful little gem right in the Market area. Don’t miss this!

Probably the most tasteless Italian restaurant I've ever visited.The place smelled so bad upon entering and they blamed it on the proximity to the fish market. Structurally the place had character. Overall, so disappointed. Best thing was the wine. The bread, while good was cold. They need a bread warmer. I ordered the seafood linguini ($27), which was completely bland (no garlic or salt). There was no kids meal and they offered a pasta marinara, which was $13 and a side of meatballs $12 (we didn't know the $ until the bill). My husband ordered the Gemelli ($19), which was the size of a side dish (literally served in a Spanish tapas dish) and again tasteless. The host was charming and accommodating. Between the smell and the tasteless food I cannot give them more than 1 star. Which is really too bad as they have a prime location.

The concierge at our hotel recommended Il Bistro, and we were glad he did! It’s a quaint location on the lower level of the Pikes Market. It’s quiet, and a bit romantic. The menu is fabulous, and we fell in love with all the dishes we saw coming out of the kitchen! We started with the carpaccio, which was delightful. We shared a Caesar salad, and both ordered the lasagna. We should have split, because it was huge! But somehow we managed to eat every bite. We shared a tiramisu, which was served in a custard type dish. It was okay, but next time we will try something different. Service was very good,great food and ambiance. We will be back!

The first challenge that you find in this restaurant when you dress for the first time is to find it since it is in the underground of the public market in an environment that is not very nice especially at night, but if you achieve this stage, some dishes are far from being what one expects from an Italian restaurant. It is assumed that in an Italian restaurant, an icon dish is the risotto, in this case we asked for risotto and they brought us something that was far from what one expects, but it seemed like a rice given to the sick in a hospital, something between a soup and a rice, absolutely insipid, after 2 tablespoons we returned it to the kitchen, the waiter did everything possible to solve the problem, but such a failure is unacceptable in an Italian restaurant, I asked to speak with the manager, but this did not appear in the table despite being in the restaurant.

Ate here with kids. Was a little hesitant to bring kids there. But there were very kid friendly by making a basic pasta with butter. The lasagna was recommended by the waitress, so I trusted her and ordered it. She was right, it was absolutely delicious. They have a nice variety of wines. Was a little tough to find. It’s located just around the corner from the gym wall.

Il Bistro is one of my favorite restaurants in Seattle and definitely my favorite in the Pike Place Market. It's located in a secluded section of Pike Street below the main level of the Market. It is great for a romantic evening or a pre-theater or pre-concert dinner. The Italian food is well prepared and served and the staff are very personable.They have a cozy bar that is perfect for a wet Seattle evening.

A hidden gem in the Market Place. Italian food is pretty good, but it is the bar you must visit - great cocktails, great happy hour,

Truthfully, chose this restaurant because Pink Door was fully booked. Planned on an hour here for dinner on a weeknight before attending an event nearby; should have allowed more time. Service was excellent. Food was very good, however not anything to write home about. Took longer than we would have thought to get our food considering the restaurant was not full. There was a large party nearby (presumably an office Christmas dinner) that got louder as time went on making it difficult to carry on a conversation across our small table. Noise does carry here so if there is a large party, don’t expect a quiet, intimate experience.

My husband & I came here for dinner on a Sunday night. What a great choice! We sat outside and watched the world go by. Great people-watching spot on the lower level of Pike Place Market. Opposite the post-it message wall. The host is a hoot! Server was friendly and attentive. One of the chef's had quit that night, so they were down a person in the kitchen. Our server apologized for the slow service but we were in no hurry. The menu selections are all delicious. It's hard to decide. Started with a glass of moscato. Sweet & bubbly. Exactly the way I like it. I ordered the house salad & grilled scallops with cauliflower cream & pancetta. YUM! Salad was dressed with a tasty vinaigrette. Scallops were fresh & tasty. The pancetta was crisp. The dish was cooked perfectly. My husband ordered the lasagna. Loaded with goodness. The large hunk of sliced crusty bread with plenty of softened butter was warm & delicious. No room for dessert. What a delightful way to wrap up an evening of strolling around the Pike Place Market. Definitely stop in for a meal.

Located right in the market. Great food and prices for happy hour. But a very popular bar so get there at 5:00 when they open. We felt our selections were good indication of quality of food served in the restaurant.

Went to Il Bistro with a friend last night. This is one of my favorite happy hour spots. My co-workers and I like to go to happy hour but it is tough to find bars with space because we don't leave the office until after 5pm. Il Bistro opens at 5pm and happy hour is from 5-6:30pm. Because they don't open until 5pm you can usually find a spot in the bar. They have an extensive happy hour menu (all items until $10). Although some of their portions are small the prices are so good you just get a few orders and you are good to go. This bar has a great vibe, low key but fun. It can be a romantic spot for a date too.

We stayed in Seattle for 4 days working before flying to San Francisco. At the end of the market we found Il Bistro, went in and OMG, first of all i drank a cocktail never tasted nicer. And the food, everything full flavours, perfecly cooked, everybody enjoyed themselves. What an evening we had. It was so dissaponting i had to leave and not able to come back. Recommendation deserved!

Always a wonderful experience when visiting Seattle. The bartenders are the best in town. Great food and super atmosphere. All the dishes are exceptional. Highly recommended and right at Pike's Place Market.

Very good food and excellent service in an old-style restaurant tucked in Pike Place Market. We've returned twice, and will go again.

I vacillate between a ** and a *** star for this one .. mostly because it's so damn expensive and the quality of meal just wasn't there. Things we liked: - great atmosphere - they carry our favorite vermentino by the glass! Things that were okay: - our appetizers Things we did not like: - credit card requirement for parties of 6 (We get it .. people no show. But $25 per person in the event of a no show? This did not affect us, btw, we just thought it was a bit pretentious.) - the caprese salad .. most expensive salad on menu; sad little dollops of mozarella - our dinners .. high price point, low on quality (We ordered five different meals .. talked my husband into the lasagna based on the reviews and wish I had not .. waiter told me my choice was "the most popular meal" and it was flat and tasteless (and macaroni, NOT rigatoni!) .. even our kids were non-plussed .. and our teenager will eat anything!) Okay, I get it: this place is in a prime tourist trap location. Many locals are probably avoiding it .. and for a reason. We just happened to be in Seattle for the day and the market was a good place to meet friends. We will branch out next time!

This is my second time at Il Bistro and it will not be my last! Both times I came here on a date, which it is the perfect ambiance for a date. Cozy, the restaurant is split into 'rooms' so it feels intimate and romantic. My water glad was never empty, and our dishes were coursed out perfectly! The food is to die for - my fiance ordered the filet and it was one of the best steaks either of us have ever tried! So juicy with amazing flavor - plus the vegetables surrounding it were seasoned and cooked perfectly. I got the mushroom ravioli which was delightful - it was on the light side, maybe not the best selection if you are starving, but great if you don't want to be weighed down. We both ordered caesars which were a bit better than your average caeser. We started with the calamari - it was pan fried I believe (not breaded) but well worth it if you are use to the breaded like we are!

The location is quaint and nestled in the market with outside access. Traveling on business and had clients out for dinner, the menu, wine and service were all at a high level. We tried many different dishes at the table, sharing many, and didn't have anything we didn't like. I had a seafood pasta dish and it was on the verge of marvelous. The location is small but not crowded. Reservations suggests from my perspective. You won't go wrong, give it a try. If you have a small party there is limited outside seating as well.

The happy hour here is a great deal. There's lots of choices and all are good. A lively atmosphere and charming market location make this a wonderful venue for an evening with friends.

The front desk at my hotel (Alexis hotel) recommended Il Bistro for great Italian food. Admittedly, my skepticism went into overdrive when I discovered the restaurant's location.... Right in the middle of Pikes place market. However, we decided to try it out. Peter, who turned out to be the wine director, warmly greeted us at the door and led us to a table that fit our specifications ( I am picky about where I sit, and always want a great table). Peter made several wine recommendations, after learning of our likes, and produced an amazing Italian varietal that exceeded our expectations. On a side-note, the lengthy wine list refreshingly offers great prices without the absurd mark-up often found in Seattle. Ashley, a very friendly and knowledgeable server, also made excellent recommendations leading us to settle on a Caesar salad which she recommended we split and the gnocchi (made in house) and the rack of lamb. All the dishes exceeded our expectations! I travel to Italy frequently and the food rivaled the best of the Italian countryside. Recommendations: Reserve table 5 or 18 both cozy. The gnocchi and the lasagna are amazing as is the rack of lamb (we pestered the lady who ordered the lasagna at the neighboring table about it because it looked incredible) I heartily recommend the house made torta gianduia for dessert.

Having just dined at Assaggio the night before, we couldn't help but compare the food and overall experience. Il Bistro is good, but for the quality of food, service and ambiance, it wasn't more than average. (I would have given it 3.5 stars if yhat was an option.) I only wish our visit to downtown Seattle was a bit longer so we could have visited Barolo, The Pink Door and Etta's for further comparisons.

We went here for dinner. It had been about 25 years since I was last here. Unfortunately it was not what I had remembered but still a good experience. The service was fantastic, the meal was average and high priced. I had the rigatoni which was ok, others had the gnocchi which they said was really good as well as the linguine and clams, mussels and fish. The Caesar salad was good and was large enough to share. I would not be opposed to returning but I have had better and would prefer to go elsewhere, away from the tourist area.

After several nights eating at great seafood places, four of us wanted Italian & found Il Bistro through TripAdvisor. It was exactly what we hoped for. Excellent pasta plates & appetizers in a quaint & comfortable setting. The lasagna was the perfect old school pasta, sauce & meat that is the stamp of a great Italian restaurant & the chicken dish was very good. Also a terrific strip steak, great meat & well prepared. Drinks & dessert were wonderful. Waiter was a little hurried by other tables & it was loud for awhile but altogether an excellent meal in a very nice setting at the market! Was delighted that the experience equaled the high rating & I’ll happily return!

We stopped to enjoy the fantastic happy hour at Il Bistro and were not disappointed! It is definitely a hidden gem but well worth exploring. Our bartender Matt was excellent! Gave us some history on the location, made amazing and unique cocktails and was very friendly and welcoming! Great stop! The sauteed calamari and Mozzarella balls were yummy!

We stopped for dessert and a drink one night. The restaurant is nice, dessert was good, and the other dishes we saw looked very good. We enjoyed having a quiet drink in the bar area along with dessert.

Julian rocks! Came in a few times recently for dinner & drinks and have blown away each and every single time with the level of expertise from the mixologists (Adam, Jonathan and Julian) and service from manager Angel at il Bistro compared to many of their competitors in this great area of bars including Bath Tub Gin, Zig Zag Cafe, etc. Each drink is handcrafted frankly to the level you'd expect from Murray Stenson in his heyday at Zig Zag, Canon, etc. and that's the utmost compliment in the Seattle Bartending Community. As for the food - just ate the Lasagna tonight, which must have had 10+ layers with the ultimate crunch on each bite that was simply to die for. Frankly, I'd go back daily just for that dish - let alone the mouthwatering cocktails that are perfectly balanced so your getting each flavor & note exactly as Julian prepared it. Can't wait to come back in the future for another drink & dinner.

Last night in Seattle and this place hit the spot. We had a table reservation but liked the bar atmosphere and opted in staying at the bar for dinner. Highly recommend the salmon dish and risotto dish. Nice get away from the city ambience.

We had a great evening dining outside. Salads were large enough for 2 to share. Lasagna, gnocchi and risotto were all prepared to perfection. We finished our meal with a delicious gelato.

This is one of those best kept secrets in the city of seattle and truly one of the last of its kind .... italain dinner is amazing and truly authentic! The feel of the cobble stone outside in the pike place market makes you feel as if you were in italy in a little bistro! food is more than to die for and their happy hours are the best with little cold cuts and plates that are affordable yet delish!

Located right in Pikes Market. Service was excellent. The food was beyond good. The best lasagne I've ever tasted. And I've lasagne in Italy. You can dress up or go business casual. Oh ya, Caesar salad was extra yummy!

Had a magical experience sipping wine and enjoying a charcuterie tray for a lite lunch. Great Place.

Great drinks, food and service! Sat outside on a beautiful evening and watched the crowd enjoy Puke Place Market. Nice, tucked away place that’s a favorite.

Man, this place is disappointing. My fiancé and I went here for our engagement dinner and never again. The salmon was raw and in a tomato based sauce?? (tomato and salmon aren't great friends guys) that tasted like it was from a can, the mushrooms were cold, and the asparagus was square-shaped? and off color. The chicken was raw in the middle as well, the prosciutto was off-tasting, and it lay on a baked potato. These plates are not worth their price, at $28-29 a plate, the quality is horrible. When we spoke the manager he didn't own up the chicken was raw, when it clearly was. The waitress was really unfriendly and unprofessional. We are servers, and we are pretty understanding of things, and the whole experience was subpar. Save your money.

Step down from Pike Place Market and you find yourself in Il Bistro — dark, romantic, lit by candles, with a bar lined in amaros. That’s always a good sign: if the back bar is this thoughtful, the cocktails are going to be complex. And they were. The spicy mezcal paloma I ordered was one of the best Palomas of my life — bold, layered, unapologetic. I mix cocktails at home (I even keep a cocktail blog), and this drink still impressed me. Balanced but never subtle. The “I Wish I Could Hug You” also stood out as exceptional. It looked and felt like a dessert cocktail, but wasn’t sweet or heavy — it could have just as easily worked as an aperitif. Beet-infused gin, Aperol, amaros, honey, lemon, and a sugar rim: truly a standout creation. Even the classics held their own. A happy hour Corpse Reviver #2 came out perfectly tuned, proof that they don’t just do experimental drinks well — they respect the foundations too. I ended up going two nights in a row (partly because I forgot my card the first night, but honestly, I would’ve gone back anyway). It’s the kind of place where both the drinks and the people are bold — one night I saw folks trying to start fights with the staff, the next ended up chatting with the state house majority whip at the bar. Through it all, the staff were excellent: confident, and inviting. If you like complexity, boldness, and atmosphere that feels timeless and a little dangerous — Il Bistro is your spot.

The Happy Hour is fantastic. Great prices for wines and sherries and the special food items are available. The happy hour portions are a bit smaller, but still a bargain. All of this is in the bar area and the bar staff is excellent.

We sat outside and it was nice for people watching. The prices were reasonable for the food. I would have liked to see a little more seafood on the menu but the calamari appetizer was nice (and a large portion, almost main meal to be honest!) I also enjoyed the clam linguine, although it's quite heavy on the white wine. My partner enjoyed his lamb burger. Even with us being European and used to long dinners, there was a very long wait between courses, I imagine like many places they're suffering a staffing shortage. Overall it was very reasonable, but not mind blowing.

My favorite restaurant and bar in Seattle. Nate is so wonderful. Make sure you trip the late night Happy Hour and say hi to Julian the bar manager. He makes great cocktails!

We tried this place before our concert at Beneroya Hall. I tried Linguini Di Mare and was very happy about the dish. My son tried Lasagna and it was excellent. Prices are reasonable. A little noisy and we had a hard time to have conversation at our table. But over all it was a great place to have dinner and walk to our concert.

The restaurant has a great ambiance and is located at the south end of Pike Place Market. The food is excellent and the Bar is where the locals go...super bar manager who can make any cocktail you could ask for and creates new ones as well. You know it's good when that is where the locals go!

I mean, it was kind of underwhelming. I had called a few times before hand and each time it seemed like I was a bother to them...then when I actually arrived, we still had to wait ten minutes outside in the cold. The food was good and the drinks were strong, but there's something off about the atmosphere. Maybe it's because I already had somewhat of a bad taste in my mouth from talking to them beforehand...but I think I could have done with some other place. Funny thing, I'd read reviews similar to this and I still went. Lesson learned. It's not like Seattle doesn't have other amazing food options.

After searching for this restaurant in Pikes Market, we were pleased to find it. It is a small, cozy restaurant that has a lot of character. We ordered pasta dishes that were very good and well-prepared. The service was excellent. We will definitely return if we are travelling to Seattle again.

Good drinks, great menu, awesome service! Family fun before Mariners Game. We were fueled for fun for sure!

A sad anniversary was transformed into a wonderful night with excellent attentive care by Harim our waiter.. Drinks in the bar first..such a relaxing and warm atmosphere... The wine was perfect with the incredible Veal, he recommended the Gelato covered with the most delicious Espresso for dessert, and a Port that was heavenly! .. And my spirit sang! I be not be waiting until next September to return, T

The food was good and the service was also. We really like Italian food and thought we would try this with another couple. It was all good but after being in Italy for a couple of weeks, it doesn't compare. It's right next to the gum wall for those that are interested.

We celebrated our 2nd year anniversary. Il Bistro made it special with a great table! Chelsea was our waitress. She did an excellent job! We enjoyed the arancini, spinach salad with granny smith apples, lasagna, and pepperoni pizza. It's probably some of the best lasagna we have had in years! Thank you for making our night special!

We had a business meal here and was really happy with the atmosphere, just how a classic Italian restaurant should be. The waiter was very knowledgeable about the entire menu. It is good to note that they hand make all their pasta. We ordered the handmade meatballs and fresh made mozzarella as appetizers and both were simply amazing! I ordered a special that was linguini with calamari and it was very good. We ordered the tiramisu and cheesecake to share for dessert as well as some port. The service was very good and the food was very good. I would highly recommend this place for an intimate meal or a small business meal.

Great food, great friends, great wine. Make a reservation! We were told we should order the lasagna and it did not disappoint.

Once we found the restaurant off Pike Place Market, my friend's wife commented that she got vibes of being in a basement, but we had an excellent experience there. Mackenzie was such a cute and sweet waitress, and we got the pizza as an appetizer for the table which was a great idea. The meals were huge. The ribs got an exceptional review, the lasagna was massive and great, and the rigatoni and chicken parm got rave reviews. We got four desserts and all were so good. It was a great dinner!

My hubby and I had only about an hour to dine after work before catching a show on a weeknight at the Moore theater. I read prior reviews that the atmosphere here was fabulous and I can say that our only disappointment is that we couldn't bask in it for longer! The wait staff was courteous and knew that we didn't have too much time to eat but also didn't rush us. We were initially seated next to a large family that was rather loud and we were offered to move to the quiet, romantic corner booth adjacent to the bar. I see what people mean when they say that it's loud in there, but I found it charming and also allowed you to feel like you could have an intimate conversation because no one could hear you! :). The food was great, the prices were not nearly as steep as I might have expected for the ambiance. A great date night indeed! PS the Pikes Market Garage has $5 parking from 5 pm-2pm on weeknights. It is less than a 5 minute walk from the garage to the restaurant and such a relief to pay less than $20 for parking in downtown Seattle! (forgot to ask if they validate, but at $5 we felt like we could swing it).

Tucked under the market is this great Italian restaurant called Il Bistro. From a bartender who knows how to make a cocktail to dishes that are consistently very good we have always enjoyed a trip to Il Bistro. Over the last 30 years we've probably been only 10 times but each time we ask why we don't come here more often.

Wonderful food. I had the seasonal risotto, asparagus and shiitake mushroom, it was cooked perfectly. My husband had the salmon which was very fresh. The mussel appetizer was delicious, but the panna cotta was the star of the show. It was smooth and creamy and just wonderful. I will say the restaurant is quite dark in some areas. The staff was very friendly and helpful with wine pairings. Overall fantastic!

Il Bistro is both a romantic restaurant and a crowd-friendly one depending on the night of the week. They have a lovely bar and happy hour and a beautiful restaurant with menu that offers lots of choices. It's all delicious. Also, a great wine selection.

Having lived in Seattle for 20 years, I can honestly say that Il Bistro is a mainstay for Seattle. It's tucked away underneath the main entrance of the Market at Pike Place and while it seems small on the outside, it actually has quite a few tables. The ambience is warm and cozy with hardwood floors and throw rugs, along with rustic wooden furniture. Every time I come to Il Bistro, I'm amazed by their food. Last night (New Year's Eve) was no exception. We arrived at 10pm and had a four-course meal that included Angel Hair pasta with lobster and beef medallions crusted with Gorgonzola. For dessert, I had a delicious Zabaione (egg custard with Madeira wine) with berries. Everything they do -- they do it just right!

I was in Seattle recently taking some customers to a Seahawks game. I made a reservation for dinner on Saturday and food was amazing. Amazing pasta, amazing seafood and amazing seafood. Great location next to Pike Market.

NYE Dinner res for my girlfriend and I. We're on our 6th NYE together and Il Bistro is our favorite place. We made the res for the bar area; they had overbooked it and initially told us we could not have a table there. When I showed them the proof that in fact I had a bar table res, the manager came over in short order and made everything right (points, guys, good job). The 4-course meal was outstanding. From the lobster to the duck, pasta, eggnog gelato with cognac, it was a perfect meal. The service was outstanding. It should go without saying that we will continue to come back. Thank you to the whole staff for making our NYE dinner a truly memorable experience. Can't wait to return! SW

This is the place for a nice, romantic, traditional dinner. Nice ambience, great service and food in the heart of Seattle and good value at that. What's not to like?

Quaint restaurant under Pike Place, a bit dark and romantic. I had the caprese salad which was delicious and the filet mignon also delicious. I think there was only one server so service was lacking, it took forever to get our entrees and then the bus boy kept on coming back asking to take our dishes away while we were trying to enjoy our meal.

This place exudes old world romantic atmosphere, right down to the locks on the bathroom door. Low, warm lighting, candle light, tiny tables, arched doorways, a sunken bar, a single rose on each table. I hope this is what Italy actually looks like. It was exactly the type of Romantic and intimate atmosphere I was craving. It's a bit hard to find, until you see it and you don't know how you ever missed it! It's kind of tucked UNDER the entrance to the Market, on the little alley hill that creeps down Pike St. Their Late Night Happy Hour is something I wish more restaurants did. Essentially offering Italian tapas, after dinner hours, to theatre-goers, insomniacs, and jet-lagged travelers like ourselves who have very off sleep and feeding schedules. We ordered 5 dishes to share and some drinks and it was the perfect "light" Italian meal (if there is such a thing) for late night. The only mistake we made was NOT ordering the side of bread, as every sauce was soooo delicious, bread would have been ideal to mop it up at the end. Together, we shared the Goat Cheese Ravioli, Rigatoni, a Caesar Salad, the Sauteed Prawns (oh the sauce) and the Clams (or was this sauce better, I couldn't decide!). I enjoyed a nice Italian glass of Sangiovese and my boyfriend had a Peroni (another quality of a true Italian experience- authentic Italian beer options). Definitely a great option for travelers! It was one of the only dinner options we had for a late-night dinner on a Sunday night!

The restaurant had such a romantic atmosphere. There are candles on every table for light. The food is absolutely amazing also the staff is great. We ended up being 20 min late for our reservation because we had such a hard time finding parking but they still got us in. It was my boyfriends birthday and we asked one of the waitresses if she could take our picture and she was so excited to help us. It was such a wonderful and romantic birthday dinner. I definitely recommend.

I hesitate to share this, because it's already way too crowded for happy hour! Delightful, cozy place for a fall or winter day. Happy hour is excellent, great drink choices and the food is fabulous! Wait staff are helpful and cheery.

Il Bistro was a great option for our family for a post theatre dinner. The service was friendly and welcoming, and the water guy was johnny on the spot with refilling our water glasses. The portions were generous and our only miss on the food was the Pesto Garganelli, which was overcooked and gummy. Otherwise, the other choices were fine. I would certainly go to Il Bistro again.

Excellent and cheap (yes cheap) late night menu. This Seattle icon in the Market is not known to bargain hunters but the late night menu features small plates from Il Bistro's stellar kitchen from 11:00PM to 1:00Am on Fridays and Saturdays. Great bar and good service.

Great ambience. Right off Pikes market. Food was amazing. Service was good. A little hard to find but definitely worth a look

Been here many times over the years but not in a long time since we moved. This should have been a five star review because food (charcuterie, chicken parm, and gemelli), wine (super tuscan), server, vibe were all excellent as they always were. I was put off by the 4.5% surcharge which states “100% of this amount is retained by Il Bistro to enable us to pay our employees a living wage”. And I add the language is buried at the bottom of the menu in fine print. Owner’s explanation didn’t say anything about the surcharge money even going to the sever! To the Owners: it’s your job to see your employees are treated well, not your customer’s job. If the minimum wage is high in Seattle (as explained to us), then dig deeper, be rigorous on efficiencies, automate, raise your prices if you must. But I don’t want to do your job; I already have one. And I know the 4.5% is easy to deduct from the tip but then the server suffers which completely contradicts what is supposedly intended. Having said all this, I will return if in Seattle since now I know ahead about this and won’t be surprised at the end of an excellent night when I am presented with the check. PS: server was excellent!

Our party of four dined here before going to a jazz concert at Benaroya Hall. The service was very attentive in all respects from the wine sommelier to our server. The setting is very romantic and reminds one of Italian restaurants in Italy. My only plaint is that the noise level rose to the point where I couldn't hear the others - they had trouble too. More sound absorbing surfaces would help those who want to not only enjoy their food but be able to talk without effort.

This is a fun hustling bustling place with great aromas and wonderful energy! Service was terrific and food outstanding ! I ordered a bolognese sauce with noodles and mozzarella that was incredible ! The portion was huge and I almost finished it! The meatballs with chorizo was also fantastic! Terrific dining experience !

A disappointing 3 out of 5 rating, as I had high hopes for this place (based on the reviews). But quite honestly, the Il Bistro experience was “meh” for us. The ambiance is wonderful once you walk in, alluding to an amazing experience, adding to it the host up front was fantastic. But it came to a screeching halt there. We should have just gone to the bar. My girlfriend and I were tucked at the far back of the restaurant (not a big deal at all), but it’s in an alcove where it’s noisy (music speakers are aimed in our direction above, and volume was loud). Then the air vents above kept our area so chilly, she had to have her coat on the whole time. Hot tip: This place is better for parties of 4 or more, where you get seated in the nicer part of the restaurant. And we always seem to have the luck of getting awkward servers, to the point where it’s an inside joke, and Il Bistro did not disappoint. Again, I guess I expected more, or at least someone more affable and socially on point. And the food? Tasty, but underwhelming, this meal could be purchased just about anywhere. In short, we will never go back. Unless it’s just to grab a quick drink before a show.

Inviting, cozy and delicious setting! Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Pike's Market while still in the center of it all! Service, food and drinks were spot on! Will visit every time we are in Seattle!

Over priced commercial Italian food. This stuff is cheap crap straight from Sysco. Pasta was like glue, tomato sauce was watery and bitter, Brushetta was on soggy toast, the diced tomato not ripe, cheese was like rubber. The server was a huge cow with a bad attitude. She was rude and condescending. We were a party of 7, on time, the kids behaved.

For 50 incredible years, this Italian bistro tucked down a narrow cobblestone alley in the Pike Place Market, has offered Seattle a romantic fine dining, featuring regional Italian fare. The bistro has been a cherished gem and for almost 30 years of those, it has held a special place in our hearts as one of our top three most romantic restaurants. The cozy atmosphere, welcoming staff, and authentic Italian flavors have always made it the perfect destination for family dinners, celebrations, and memorable nights out. IL Bistro is celebrating their 50 years by offering a special prix fix menu for $50.00. Not sure if the menu changes, but on our visit, we were offered a first course of Caprese salad or Caeser salad, main course of Lasagna, Rigatoni Bolognese or Pasta Carbonara ending with a choice of desserts of Tiramisu and two different Gelatos (?). Each course was excellent. Through decades of visits, we've watched this bistro continue to deliver the same exceptional quality and passion that made us fall in love with it from the start. From the savory pasta dishes to the perfectly cooked mains and delightful desserts (Tiramisu!), every meal feels like a celebration of Italian cuisine. It's not just the food that keeps us coming back—it’s the consistency, the warmth, and the feeling of being part of something timeless. Cheers to 50 years of success, and here's to many more! Grazie mille for being part of our lives.

We went here for our anniversary dinner. The food was outstanding and the servers were attentive. It is a place to go for a romantic ambiance (low lights, good music, great drinks) but it does not have the view you might anticipate when dining in the Pike Place Market. This is not to say that detracts from it, just don't go expecting a view. It has the wonderful vibrancy of the market. The food is fresh and well priced. We had a wonderful evening here. Next time I will try to reserve one of the cute tables outside.

Very nice and tucked in the fish market area. No views but in a neat old section. You walk down a ramp to get in the bar/restaurant. We are in the bar area and had great service. I had the seafood cioplla (spelling?). Excellent!

Among the many restaurant choices near the public market, this is a sleeper--and a very fine one. It's Italian. The lasagna is off-the-charts superb. The real thing, not the leaden stuff with tasteless ragu. Modestly priced, with superb servers. We had Nadia.

I've been coming here for 22 years and because of the terrible management and terrible bartender AKA Julian I won't be back... it started with Daniel and then they hired another idiot! What the hell is the owner thinking? He is obviously asleep at the wheel! This place was cool for so many years and now everyone just jokes about this has been crappy place! 😒 ill is correct because this place makes me sick!

Had some appetizers and pasta. All very good. Was the only place I could find open after 9 pm. Highly recommend when by the market

After a long day touring, we stopped in here for dinner. The ambiance was very nice. Ahmed was our server and took great care of us. My wife and I share a formaggi plate and a bottle of Fantini. She ordered the canneloni pollo and I fish special, halibut with pea greens. I was surprised to see my fish special nearly double the price of my wife's dish. It was good but not THAT good. Dinner for 2 was $123 including tip for great service.

Recently dined at Il Bistro for a business dinner. The location is excellent within Pike Place marekt. Very nice staff, excellent service, warm decor, and the food was excellent. I had the rigatoni bolognese which was delicious. Il Bistro provided a delightful experience!

Mark with Savor Seattle recommended this restaurant and we were glad we changed our plans and came here. It was intimate with subdued lighting and not noisy. Our server Bret helped me make a great cocktail selection, the Rutherford, and recommended an excellent Le Volte wine. The pasta bolognese was excellent and we were pleased that there was plenty of the delicious sauce. The bread was quite good though it might have been better warm.

I made a 5:30 pm reservation via Open Table. When we arrived, we were told they didn't start , serving at 6pm and to wait in the bar. That wasn't a big problem. We ordered an appetizer at the bar. Then just as it was delivered, we were told our table was ready. They weren't willing to move the food and transfer the bill to the table. Come on. The food was good and the waiter was nice.

Enjoyed this classic Italian restaurant for a birthday evening out. Wonderful service, intimate setting, fun location in Pike Place Market, and fabulous house made pasta. We tried the bruschetta, cannelloni and lasagna. Everything was excellent! We will visit again!

Super cosy atmosphere, they had live jazz music when we were there. We sat in the lounge area which we loved. Not too loud for conversation. The food was AMAZING. Not cheap but not ridiculous either. Smaller meals which means you can fit in appetisers and dessert, which I would highly recommend!

Lovely , good service, good food and a pleasant evening. Menu limited but good. No view but comfortable and cozy.

I've lived here a very long time and have wanted to visit here many times. We finally got to go. I neglected to make a reservation but it didn't matter because we sat in the bar. It's the same menu. Our server was great! We had appetizers and drinks. Everything was so yummy! It's a nice dimly lit romantic spot. Hubby had the lasagna and I had the gnocchi. We had to wait quite a while for our food because apparently the kitchen lost our ticket. Our server was very apologetic and we knew it wasn't her fault. Food came out right after that and it was worth the wait! We both loved what we got and they ended up comping our entrees. We got desserts too. I had the old stand by tiramisu and hubby got the panna cotta. Both were excellent. Needless to say we were both stuffed and happy when we left! My advice is make a reservation if you want the full dining room experience. Also don't take how the hostess treats you personally. She was uppity when we walked in but I suppose that's her job. It's too bad she's the first person you see :( It wasn't enough to put me off. Go here for romance!

Four friends had dinner tonight at Il Bistro. We were greeted by the maitre d' and seated and served a terrific meal. We each ordered from the pasta menu and all enjoyed our dinners. Lasagna, ravioli with truffle butter and asparagus , linguine with sea food, and the risotto with crab. When our host asked, the friend who'd ordered the risotto told him she thought it could have been creamier, and he provided a wonderful chocolate olive oil cake and took the risotto off the bill. We finished the meal with some coffee and tea and pannacotta . All enjoyed the evening thoroughly. We will come again. Thank you Il Bistro.

Walked down to IL Bistro late night while staying at The Inn at the Market. Split 2 appetizers (Antipasto Misto and Carpaccio) and a couple glasses of wine at the bar. Everything was fabulous! Next trip to Seattle we'll try some entrees.

If you have an occasion to celebrate, this is one of the best restaurants to do so! Great food, extensive wine list, pleasant atmosphere, A little outdoor area is open in good weather and you can watch visitors to the Pike Place Market.

Had dinner on a Sunday evening at Il Bistro. The restaurant is highly rated. The food was good - try the calamari appetizer and the linguini with seafood. The risotto is good too. The atmosphere is nice and cozy, but the place is incredibly noisy. You can't hear the people at your table, but with the bad acoustics you can hear people across the restaurant.

Great bar for happy hour! The bartenders are super friendly and attentive. During happy hour, glasses of wine are $7, draft beer is $1.00 off. Special cocktails are $9.00 and small plates are $8.00. We loved the atmosphere here, and the wine and the food were very good.

We visited this very delicious restaurant again recently, and it is still absolutely incredible! The classy decor, gentile wait staff and delicious food are really first-rate! I enjoyed the Pork Marsala and my husband had the Cannelloni---both were amazing!

My husband and I visited after reading amazing things! We were so disappointed! The food had no flavor! I love cooking Italian food - and I felt like I could have made better than this! That is hard to swallow when you drop $100 on a meal for two people. Spend your money on something else!

We went here on a spur of the moment notice. It was a Friday night and busy, the host said there were tables available in the lounge. We sat down at a table and not two minutes later, the host came back and said he had a table in the dining room for us. It was a lovely table for two. The restaurant is below the Pikes Place Market in an old building that has lots of character. The ambiance was wonderful, white table linens, low lighting, candle and fresh flower at the table. Our waiter Bryson, was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. He offered suggestions and informed us of the dishes on the menu. He was a great waiter. Thank you. My husband had the veal marsala, the veal was very tender and good. I had the chef's special, which was red snapper over polenta with a mildly spicy marinara sauce, overall delicious. Portion sizes were larger than I expected, so I felt we got a good portion for the price. For dessert we shared the Torta Mascarpone, so delicate and fluffy, it was a perfect end to a great meal. We would definitely go back.