(206) 524-6989

3626 Northeast 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98105 47.6669 -122.3009

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Neighborhoods: University District, Northeast, Northeast Seattle

Hours:

Daily 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Price:

$

Last updated 10.20.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Cash, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Lunch Spot

Cuisine:

Italian

What People Are Saying About Ciao Bella

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

In Short – Ciao Bella is just simple and charming, as a neighborhood Italian place should be. Owner and native Italian Umbrian Gino Borriello offers refined and unpretentious meals at his cozy eatery, including a selection of seafood appetizers such as prawns in a slightly creamy marinara. Specials include trenette mare e moti (a plentiful collection of shellfish and vegetables over pasta) and veal in an artichoke heart, mushroom and cream sauce.

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
Reservations are taken, but only for parties of four or more.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/09/10

dependable food and service

by sally98101 at Citysearch

It is located in a spot that is easy to miss. Service and atmosphere are okay. But what stands out is the homemade pasta and sauces. To die for!!!

  • Pros: comfortable atmosphere
  • Cons: Large helpings!! You cannot stop stuffing yourself
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/17/10

Best lasagna in town!

by Anisa Ishida , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

Ciao Bella is a little gem tucked away in a random corner. Keep driving past U Village, past the Baskin Robbins and then make a very awkward left hand turn into on coming traffic, and you are there!

If you find Ciao Bella you are in for a great meal. The lasagna is a house specialty and as they will tell you, a well known local anchorwoman orders it for her parties. The portions are enormous and the staff is very attentive. They have a full bar and a more than decent wine list.

I have a hard time trying new things here because the lasagna and Bolognese are so good, but I have ordered the "special" (which has been the special every time I've gone these last four years) which is a light red sauce with mussels, clams and calamari over spaghetti. This dish is gorgeous! Huge mussels and clams poke out of the birds nest of pasta, and the tender calamari is always cooked perfectly.

I can't say Ciao Bella is authentic to any region of Italy, but if you are looking for affordable, comfortable and consistent neighborhood dining you won't find a better option. It’s a hidden neighborhood favorite that hopefully doesn’t remain too hidden. If this same restaurant were in Belltown it would be packed and a lot pricier. Take a trip to Laurelhurst and visit the intimate and charming Ciao Bella.

  • Pros: Great food, attentive staff, reasonable price
  • Cons: The location is a little too tucked away
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/19/06

romantic and the best lasagana

by bunker777 at Citysearch

This is a hidden gem....The location would make you think otherwise(Across from mcdonalds) but the food is amazing...The resturant is cozy and very romantic...Get the lasanga it is the best i have ever had! cheap as well!

  • Pros: food, ambience
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/22/05

Great food and Great service!

by knhuggin at Citysearch

My boyfriend and I just love this place. The food is excellent always hits the spot. The service is also excellent and they go out of their way to make sure you are completely satisfied with your meal. Its a very cozy setting and romantic but also good for large groups too:) I highly recommend checkin it out!

  • Pros: Service excellent, excellent food
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/23/05

Best in the neighborhood

by breeziegrl at Citysearch

My husband and I set out on a quest for a great Bolognese one nightand we found it! We were so impressed by the food, service and value that we will make this our regular neighborhood restaurant. The flavors were traditional yet refined and we felt pampered by our wait staff. They have also paid attention to every detaillighting, room layout, dishes. I have nothing but good things to say. These guys know how to run a restaurant.

  • Pros: Quality for the price, Service
  • Cons: View of McDonald's