Firenze Ristorante Italiano
Bellevue, WA 98008
Phone: (425) 957-1077
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- 156th Avenue NE
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11:30am- 2pm, 5pm-10:30pm, Sat-Sun 5pm-10:30pm
Editorial Review for Firenze Ristorante Italiano – by Renae Martin
The Scene
This place has romance written all over it: An old chandelier bathes casually dressed couples in soft light as they lean in, sharing intimate conversations enhanced by red wine, opera and the clattering of silverware.
The Food
As often happens, the simplest dishes are best. The classic caprese salad--a row of ripe tomatoes punctuated with mozzarella rounds and fresh basil--is an elegant start. But with the exception of salads, be wary of anything dressed in olive oil, which is used with a heavy hand: The spaghetti with sun-dried tomatoes is particularly slick. Best are the classic red sauces, deepened with wine. Desserts are a perfect end: From refreshing sorbets served in hollowed lemons or oranges, to the exceptionally good tiramisu with rich custard and liquor soaked cake, it's difficult to go wrong.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoFirenze is great for a relaxing dinner with friends and family, but plan to dine at a leisurely pace. If you're in a hurry, go elsewhere.
User Reviews for Firenze Ristorante Italiano
02/22/2008 Posted by chefsgirl
My husband and I both really enjoy the food at Firenze. What we have not enjoyed is the inconsistant service and variable pricing. We have found that when we come in with several friends (ie - we are a large party) we are treated extremely well. When it is just the two of us, we find that we are lucky if we get our water glasses refilled. As for pricing, I tend to order the same four or five dishes. Each time, I have been charged a different price. The most embarressing incident was when I suggested to my work team that we have our lunch meeting at the restaurant. The five us of all had wildly varying charges for our meals. Why do we go back? Because the food is really, really good. Very fresh pasta, top quality ingredients, and amazingly consistant quality. That having been said, I think the next time we have a craving, we will order our food to go.
Pros: Fantastic food
Cons: inconsistant service, variable pricing
11/01/2007 Posted by crazyfist
I am owner of a restaurant and, I used to work as a server for many years. I have many years of experience in restaurant business and this is purely my opinion. I've read most of the reviews about restaurants and some people are being unreasonable and some can actually understand value of a restaurant as a money making business. If you order in a restaurant glass of water and two salads or pasta split, you can not expect "red carpet" treatment. Restaurateurs are in the food making business and if you are not making profit, it is hard to welcome you back with smile and open arms. They're pushing specials, because it cost a lot of money to get fish or steak, and profit is not as great as a price you're end up paying. If you want to experience a great treatment and good time in any restaurant, the best advise I can give you is SPEND MONEY! If you can't afford go out and eat, stay home!Neverthless,I do agree that service should be outstanding and you should feel welcome and have a great time. Although, you can't aspect servers do all the entertaining and you as a customer can't even answer to a simply question as "how are you?" I came across to many customers, that required what we call in food industry “special treatment", and ask you to modify their food and they ask you for something else every time you come to table, and that is difficult to do when you have 6 or 7 tables at the same time. And in the end they barely give you 15%tip, that is just hard to make a server smile when he see you next time. It is a hard business and I am not trying to make excuses but there is always two sides to every story. Some people expect to get a lot for almost nothing. Make a even trade when you come next time to a restaurant and I guarantee you, you will have a great time!
Pros: Great Food+Great Service=Great Experience
Cons: On busy night be prepare to wait
Users Like You Also Viewed
Osteria la Spiga
1429 12th Ave
Seattle, WA 98122
Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizza
4411 Stone Way N
Seattle, WA 98103
