Casa D'Italia Market & Cafe
(206) 525-7747
2615 NE 65th St
Seattle,
WA
98115
47.6756
-122.2993
Neighborhoods: Ravenna, Northeast
What People Are Saying About Casa D'Italia Market & Cafe
The Editor
Anna Roth
Citysearch
The Scene
The cozy interior is jam-packed with tables, an antipasto-filled deli case and a limited stock of Italian imports, but outside, the large, leafy patio feels like an intimate backyard party. Owner Anthony Donatone is a whirlwind of energy around the place, personally visiting each table to explain the long list of daily changing specials written in Italian on a chalkboard. Service is leisurely, sometimes to a fault.
The Food
There is a printed menu, but the restaurant's treasures are found in the inventive daily creations. On a given day Anthony might feature spinach ravioli with a tomato-based sauce of wild boar, antelope and brisket, or pasta in a cream sauce with spicy Italian sausage. The cold heroes are also a favorite--all come stuffed with cold cuts and cheeses, doused in homemade Italian dressing and have names like the Sinatra. Don't miss the not-too-sweet ricotta cheesecake.
User Reviews
lovetodine59
January 19, 2009
I went here in Spring of 2008. it was a chilly spring and we sat inside. I think the appeal of this place may be the patio seating. It is very cramped inside. it was a week night and the tiny place did fill up, which actually helped the atmosphere. It was noisy and smelled good. Our server was nice and knew his long list of specials & wine speech. But, it was a one way conversation. He didn't really listen, which is annoying. We both ordered unusual pasta specials and for the price, I thought it may be the greatest pasta ever or the greatest pasta bust. The food was OK, not great , not horrible, but what was not OK was, that it was cold. That shows a lack of pride in the Chef and the server. We both ordered pasta, so for them both to go cold? That's a rookie mistake. I think the special list was too long. A smaller selection done well, would have been welcomed. In all fairness , it's been a while since Ive eaten at Casa d' Italia Market and Cafe. And things change a lot ,sometimes quickly in the restaurant biz. I hope its improved , but i wont be trying it again.
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jojoseattle
February 15, 2008
First if you aren't Italian or from New York I take what you say with a grain of salt, since I am both. In Seattle there are very vew legitimate Italian Eateries and especially ones that last longer than year. The fact that it has been open for years and they do have oustanding food and Italian-esq portion makes it a must visit.
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kerramichele
February 14, 2008
This was the worst food served to me in a long time. My boyfriend and I decided to go here because we both LOVE Italian food (I've lived in Italy and he's half Italian) and we really like little hole-in-the-wall, mom-and-pop type restaurants -- not to mention the Citysearch editors recommended it in last week's e-mail. He ordered the caesar salad and I ordered the minestrone to start. His salad was practically inedible because so much vinegar (not balsamic, but regular vinegar) was dumped on top of it. The minestrone was basically a bowl FULL of oil with some random vegetables thrown in, which were clearly a jumble of every frozen veggie you can buy in the freezer isle -- and all over-cooked. For the main courses we both ordered a special; he a pasta in a goat cheese and pesto sauce and me roasted turkey over a bed of roasted potatoes and fresh vegetables. When I got my entree I was surprised to see that my dish was, literally, some turkey in a bowl with minestrone dumped on top of it. LITERALLY. I mentioned to my waitress that I had basically ordered two bowls of minestrone and she just said, "Oh, you're right. I never thought about that. Tee hee!" I was hungry to I started eating it anyway, only to find huge chunks of cartilage and a small BONE in my bowl. I never send things back but since all our food had been horrible that night (my boyfriend's pasta was the most oily thing I'd ever seen served) and it was a $15 dish, I told the waitress I wouldn't pay for it. She then asked the owner, who was sitting two tables from us in the completely empty restaurant, if I could send it back and he got really mad but said yes. He then proceeded to stomp around the 300 sq. ft. room bossing the wait staff around and scolding the guy in the kitchen. It was very awkward and uncomfortable. The dessert we had was good and they took my entree off the bill, which is the only reason I'm giving them 2 stars. If you want good, rustic Italian, I recommend Machiavelli.
read full reviewThe Details on Casa D'Italia Market & Cafe
When to Go:
Reservations aren't taken; go early or late or be prepared to wait.
Save Money:
The portions are huge--pay the minimal split-plate charge and share or go home with leftovers.
What to Drink:
The Apertivo is the epitome of a refreshing summer cocktail, made with Orvieto white wine, bitters and a lemon twist and served cold in a wine glass.
The Extras:
Catering is available, including antipasto, cold cut, sandwich and Italian cookie plates. Call Anthony for other requests.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Date Spot, Outdoor Dining, Hidden Find
