(206) 329-8005
2305 24TH Ave E
Seattle,
WA
98112
47.6397
-122.3023
Neighborhoods: Montlake, Northeast, Northeast Seattle
Years in business
Established in 1990
Hours:
Sunday-Tuesday 5-9p.m.
Wednesday & Thursday 5-9:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday
5-10 p.m.
Price:
$$
Last updated 8.17.11
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Check, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Group Dining
Cuisine:
What People Are Saying About Cafe Lago
Featured Review
Contributor
Contributor
In Short – Cafe Lago exudes an earnest welcome and a confidence that comes from years of serving to impressively loyal customers. The dining room buzzes with conversation as cost-conscious, savvy diners and efficient, well-tuned servers do a much-rehearsed dance. Any dish built around the housemade tomato sauce is popular, especially the lasagna, crafted from sheets of fresh pasta, herbed ricotta and bechamel. A thin-crust pizza topped with sweet onion slices is a lighter choice. –
Editor's Tips
- When to Go:
- Before dinner, make time to check out the nearby Arboretum. Summer evenings at the Japanese Garden are especially peaceful.
Great gnocchi
by kayanuw at Citysearch
Started with the Pomodori al Forno, which was amazing!
Had the Gnocchi (add sausage) and the whole meal practically melted in my mouth! It was delicious! Friends had the pizza special, which was a white sauce and they said red would've been better. Also tried the white/oily sauce pasta item (there was only one) and it was ok. I think I scored with my picks.
A SERIOUS RIP OFF
by STEVE CUMMINGS at Citysearch
I have never figured out how this place got its supposedly stellar reputation. I have lived in this neighborhood for a quarter century, and frequented Lago probably five times. Each time I hope to have a better experience, but each time I come away shaking my head. The food is really quite ordinary, just as the prices are extraordinary. Service is perfunctory unless you buy a lot of their overpriced table wine. I have had far better pizza in several locations in Seattle. Far better.
- Pros: CLOSE TO MY HOUSE
- Cons: AVERAGE FOOD, POOR SERVICE, HIGH PRICES
Every dish is excellent
by vfc at Citysearch
The pizzas are simple but elegant, never over done or "decorated". They make their pasta everyday and you can tell. The staff is a blast. All the sauces are delicate and satisfying.Signature drinks invented in house.
I recommend it without reservation.
- Pros: great drinks, fresh pasta, great pizza
- Cons: Hard to parlk sometimes
The Way Pizza Should Be
by NoobieFoodie at Citysearch
Not many people outside of the neighborhood know about this place and it definitely has a neighborhood restaurant feel. But, my wife and I will drive from West Seattle to eat here. The pizza is how pizza should be. Fired on stone, minimal toppings, thin, crispy and with a crust that's like eating the perfect breadstick at the end of every slice. The fresh made pastas are also really good. The meatballs, that I hear come from an old family recipe, are some of the best I've ever had. Plenty of flavor and herbs but balanced without that overdone dry "italian seasoning" taste that so many affordable italian places fall prey to.
Great Spot!
by Bdeanda at Citysearch
Cafe Lago has great Italian cuisine nailed! Plus, the service is impeccable. The pizza reminds me of Italy. All carmelized and crispy from the wood fired oven. Delish! The ingredients and menu selections are fresh plus the pasta is so delicate and delicious! This is not a cheap Americanized Italian joint. It may cost a bit more but you always get what you pay for. Great wine selection, great food and wonderful homemade tiramisu for dessert. Don't forget to have the Blue Cheese Salad too! Great spot for family get togethers or dine at one of the booths by the bar for a more intimate setting for two.
- Pros: Great Food and Great Service

