Pasta Freska

Recommends

dale919

Joined 5 years ago

Unique and Tasty. It's little unsettling to have your meal chosen for you. Let the food set you free. Be prepared to spend 2 to 3 hours on a leisurely meal of several courses, wine, and conversation. The good food, the positive vibe, and the conversation with the owner/chef makes for a refreshing fare. The important thing is to let yourself go with the flow. If you are extremely controlling you will not enjoy this experience.

Doesn't Recommend

dweezilz

Joined 5 years ago

Average at best and too expensive for Average. It looks like it tastes, average at best.

For the dry chicken marsala and chicken parmesan and the remainder of the pre determined menu, it was not worth the price we were charged.

It also would have been nice if the price of the meal and the wine would have been mentioned up front.

Additionally, a "sampler" was provided, that wasn't mentioned, and that we were charged additional for.

Poor communication, too many unspoken assumptions, too much push without enough choice. Even in Italy were there are many prefix meals, there is still some choice.

Recommends

thebrutusbear

Joined 5 years ago

Great Food, if you have 3 Hours to spare. I read all the reviews before going and was still amazed by the food....twice! Chef Mike was great the first time and the second time, a younger (i'm assuming apprentice) did just as well. The much-maligned service is definitely not meant for the where's-my-food-i-want-it-now crowd but if you're planning on a slow evening to enjoy with family & friends, this is the place to go. The meal + dessert + drinks + tips = $35-40/person, a little pricey but worth the experience. Another reviewer was spot-on; although the dinner is menu-less, Chef Mike definitely has his standard dishes (eggplant appetizer anyone?) but you won't hear complaints from me. The decor/ambience didn't match the $ but suited the friendly and personable chef.

Recommends

robluvski

Joined 5 years ago

orchid1 is a moron!!!. Pasta Freska is great. Anyone who wants to exploit a technicality to get a two dollar meal probably doesn't see the light of day in the middle of the day. Get a clue freeloader! Just because you're right, doesn't remotely suggest you should.

Now for the review. The food is wonderful and the atmosphere a refreshing change. Sure there are fine Italian dining establishments in Seattle that will satisfy anyone, orchid1 wouldn't be allowed in the area, let alone in the door. Way to go chef Mike! A unique and winning formula!

Thank you for many great meals! Rob Miller <<< real name :)

Doesn't Recommend

orchid1

Joined 5 years ago

The owner/chef is friendly - IF - you spend what he believes is a. This ended up being the rudest dining experience we've ever had. Mike, the owner/chef was friendly at first, sitting down with us to discuss our likes and dislikes for dinner. I felt that this in-your-face "best buddy" technique seemed fake and it made me uncomfortable. My instinct about that rang true later on. Everything seemed like a sell, as he offered us wine and salads. We ordered a pizza only, which was basically what we came in for anyway. He told us it would be $12.00 for a medium. The male server we had was quick and friendly. He seemed genuine and nice. The pizza was great, although I felt it had too much black pepper sprinkled on the crust or in the sauce. That kind of put a damper on it for me. The toppings were plentiful, however. I had a $10.00 Restaurant dot com gift certificate printed for this restaurant, which is how I even heard about them. I wanted to try this place. On Restaurant dot com, Pasta Freska is one of the affiliated restaurants and there weren't any stipulations in order to use the certificate. Most eateries on that site require a purchase of $30.00+. I made sure I followed the rules of the certificate. When I presented it to the owner/chef, he looked down at it and told us that he didn't know whether he could accept it or not, as he would "only be making $2.00" off of our meal. When I calmly and politely said that I made sure I followed the rules of use, he crumpled up the printed certificate and told us that it's ok and that he "didn't need to make any money" off us as he walked away abruptly. We sat there dumbfounded with our mouths open, not knowing what to do. On our way out, we offered to pay the $2.00 +tax, but he told me that we insulted and disrespected his restaurant. When I reminded him that the certificate didn't have requirements (his fault), he said that he assumed his customers would respect him to order enough food so he could make some money. Very rude & unprofessional. Will not ever return.

Recommends

kjoman

Joined 6 years ago

Pasta Freska is great for parties and other events too!. I have eaten at Pasta Freska on many occasions and have treated many friends and family to this fantastic restaurant, all of whom have been simply delighted. There are many reviews on this place but I'd like to add that it is also a great place to hold a party or even a benefit as was held for me a few weeks ago. I am a freelance photographer (read no employer, limited insurance), recently recovering from cancer surgery and chemotherapy. My sister decided to throw a benefit auction for me and picked Pasta Freska for the event. She worked very closely with the owner, Mike Horri, and the event turned out better than anyone could have expected. The atmosphere was upbeat, fun, and Mike and his staff took it up several notches more with the wonderful service and food. Many people had never been or heard of Pasta Freska previously and they had the time of their lives with all their senses fulfilled - great food, drink, and Mike was ever the charmer, as usual. My normally reserved father told Mike he loved him the first time he ate at Pasta Freska.

Not only do I recommend Pasta Freska in a 'normal' situation, but give Mike the opportunity for your next party or big event and he will far surpass your expectations. Thank you, Mike, and your staff too, for making this special night such a success.

Recommends

mattho

Joined 6 years ago

Tasty food, Fun vibe.. I love this place.

The tables are placed close together but it doesn't seem crowded. There is only a tiny waiting area in the front, we got there a bit late so we had to wait a few min. no big deal the wine helped pass the time.

Mike (the owner) personally takes care of his guests, making sure you wine glass is never empty and that everyone is having a great time.

The close seating, and small space make for a noisy bustling atmosphere that sort of enhance the whole experience. Keep in mind Pasta Freska isn't a quaint reserved "romantic" place. This is your drunk uncle Larry?s hang out where everyone comes to eat great food in excess and allow themselves be happy.

The main reason I went the first time is that I am tired of going to restaurants and having to choose one item out of the 7 or 8 that sound really good, problem solved! No menu's, bring on the food.

Right now, this is my top pick in the area for bring folks who are visiting from out of town.

Stop putting it off?..just go.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Astonishing quantities of traditional Italian comfort food fills this cozy Lake Union restaurant with a happy crowd of regulars.. The Scene
With a dim, oddly-shaped dining room and casual rooftop deck, this neighborhood favorite feels like a party from the first peek through the door. Chef-owner Mike Horri is likely to greet everyone personally, popping open a bottle of wine for each table while inquiring about food allergies. Don't be surprised if he coerces half the restaurant to sing "Happy Birthday" to a table in the other half-and be even less surprised if all but the firmest introvert ends up chatting the night away with near strangers.

The Food
It's easy to grab a quick and satisfying lunchtime grinder, but the real draw here is the leisurely fixed-price dinner. There's no menu, just course after course of hearty (and somewhat Americanized) Italian food. Depending on the season and the chef's whim, expect anything from a deliciously cheesy eggplant to herb-infused grilled lamb to pinenut-stuffed and marsala-topped chicken breast. Dessert arrives as a sampler plate that includes cheesecake, chocolate cake and sorbet.

Hits: Mike is a gregarious charmer, but everyone on the staff deserves tremendous credit for keeping pace with such a busy kitchen-they handle complicated service with grace.

Misses: Picky eaters and non-cheating dieters will likely find the abundance of rich food more disturbing than delicious.

Recommends

whitefishmt

Joined 6 years ago

What an experience!. My wife and I went to Pasta Freska a few nights ago, on the recommendation of a friend. We were expecting something very good, but the reality was extraordinary!

Mike and his staff were gracious, attentive, personable, and professional, in a very casual and friendly way. The food was simply incredible. I'm a vegetarian, my wife eats seafood and no other meat. Mike made us a meal to remember for a lifetime, while taking the constraints into account. Our meal was incredible, the wine his staff selected was excellent, and dessert was to die for!

I'm not sure where the bad reviews I'm seeing as to service come from, for we were watched over carefully, but not obtrusively.

As one of the other reviewers said, this is not a 5 star restaurant, as that simply doesn't do justice to the whole experience. 10 would be appropriate. And all of this, with wine, came in at less than 80 bucks! What a value!

We will go to Pasta Freska at least once per visit to Seattle from now on! Thanks, Mike and staff!

Recommends

garett206

Joined 6 years ago

Just sit back, relax, and let them do the work!. This is the kind of place you hear about in Europe. Course after course of tantalizing surprise!! The best part is, Mike Horri owner personally visits every table to magically decide what is you drink, sample, taste, eat, feast over, and finally indulge!

Tonight was a Saturday night driving friends of the family from Florida on an anniversary vacation. We came across Pasta Freska completely by accident. We walked in at about 7:30pm looking for a slice of pizza and a beer. Boy did we get turned around. When I was asked if I was drinking wine or beer I replied, "I'll have a Syrah." Mike quickly corrected my answer with, "oh, no, I choose the wine for you. Now I want everyone to tell me what you don't like." He asked us mostly about what kind of meats we don't eat. After briefly describing our tastes he was off.

The seating is spread out in front of the kitchen and has an outside deck for the nice days. The main room is narrow and very cozy. Every dish was a culinary master piece. The texture and flavor were amazing. Keep in mind we have no idea what is going on. At this point we are just along for the ride. All in total I think there were 7 or 8 courses including desert. Each dish complimenting the previous and the quality was AMAZING. I am completely serious when I say Pasta Freska was the most intriguing and satisfying dinning experience ANY OF US at the table had ever had!

We ended up leaving the pace after pictures and smiles from the whole staff at about 11:00pm. That's right we were there for 3-1/2 hours!!!! The cost was about $20 a person for the food.

If you are a really impatient fast food junky, this is not the place for you. You will not enjoy the food if you are mad it doesn't all come at once. Keep an open mind and please don't complain about the service. They are busy because the food is so fantastic. Trust me, Mike genuinely cares about your taste buds and will strike notes on every pallet.

Thank you for a wonderfull evening Chef Mike!