Mondello Ristorante Italiano

Doesn't Recommend

Meo

Joined 3 years ago

Quaint, but Strange. I just read the earlier post about the family of three wanting to have a good experience, but were treated as less than expected. I too felt that way when my daughter and I decided to stop in to eat at this establishment while waiting for a tennis match to begin. As we stood at the door, waiting to be seated, the patrons that were in the restaurant kept glancing at us, short of staring. What? Did I forget to button my pants? The hostess-waitress was kind enough. She was pleasant and cordial. We ordered the octopus appetizer. It was delicious. Then we ordered two salads. One was the Caesar that came with rock hard croutons! The salad itself was very tasty, but those croutons were an invite to a crown on a tooth! We pointed this out to the waitress who apologized, but then that was it. Oh well, moving on. The other salad we had was the salmon salad. Served on a bed of spinach and tossed with a lemon oil dressing, along with cherry tomatoes, was pretty tasty, except for the generous sprinkling or dose of SALT. Arrggh. Ugh. If you are on a reduced sodium diet, do not order this salad. The salmon is lox, btw. Other than being stared at again by another couple, we had a fairly good dinner--despite the fact that I never could eat the salmon salad due to the saltiness of it. Thank goodness for the five baby octopus. BTW, their dishes are overpriced for the portion sizes.

Doesn't Recommend

Kupe

Joined 2 years ago

NOT A family restaurant. This review is catered to families interested in visiting Mondello's. For our family, taking our three young children to dinner is a rare treat- a chance to dress up and feel special about going to dinner as a family. So... when the young hostess tells you upon arrival (with a reservation mind you) that another party of 3 gets the corner table because "they're regulars" and my family of five gets a table for 3 because we're not, it really ruined a special night right from the start. Shame on you Mondello's. The way you get regulars is to treat new customers as 'regulars'.

The food was okay; nothing terrific and nothing awful - very average Italian food with portions slightly smaller than expected. I'd imagine as readers, you'd all expect that when you drop $100, you'd get a little 'wow!' in one of the five plates being served. Not so much.

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kayanuw

Joined 7 years ago

not bad, but not great. Got a groupon/deal so decided to trek all the way to Magnolia to try it. Started off with the Antipasto Misto, which was pretty good. Date had the Rigatoni Puttanesca which was really good. I can't remember what I had, maybe the gnocchi, but it obviously wasn't super amazing if I can't even remember. Wine selection was ok, but the two that we picked were both not super good. Probably won't go back since it's in Magnolia, but not bad if you live in the neighborhood.

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pbfireball

Joined 4 years ago

Italian Dining worth driving to Magnolia!. I visited some friends in Magnolia last Saturday. They suggested Mondello because they know I like Italian. The place was pretty busy so we sat up to the bar and started with a glass of wine. As busy as they were they actually took some time recommending different wines and making us feel welcome. We had a mini wine tasting.

I have my favorite Italian restaurants like Il Terrazzo Carmine in Pioneer Square, Tavolàta in Belltown and Volterra in Ballard but hands down Mondello cooks up the best meal. The Pappardelle con Polpette was Magnifico!

You must go! I am headed back this Thursday. You will also like the quaint neighborhood feel.

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alexlovestoeat

Joined 5 years ago

good food, good service. The food was delicious. Service was prompt and appealing. Ambiance was pleasant. What else would you want?

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SpecialPhysX

Joined 5 years ago

Fast and reliable local spot. There are many reasons to love Mondello. They run a stable, family business. You can always tell the quality of a business by the faces of the staff. If the staff is constantly changing, I am so much less inclined to be a regular patron. At Mondello's, you really do feel as if you know these people and we've been eating there for years.

Their food is fresh and delicious. It normally comes out to your table quickly. You can get very filling pasta dishes or lighter things without all the carbs. It's true, their food is not cheap. It's not a burger joint. It's quality Italian cuisine with good wine selections. Being an accomplished cook myself, I know the cost of running a kitchen and a family. The prices at Mondello are not exorbitant, as you can tell by the fact that their tables are almost always full.

We typically have a meal there on a monthly basis because we enjoy the food and the people; also, because we want to support quality & service in the Village. They will even prepare your meal for carry out if you phone ahead and keep it simple. This is such a bonus on a very busy day -- or a sick day.

I don't give them 5 stars only because they don't do much to emphasize organic, chemical free ingredients in their preparations. (Also, because I want the Bresaola. Bring back Bresaola, Please!) And it would be especially nice to have a little more variety for those of us who cannot eat wheat

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smhx22

Joined 5 years ago

One of the best Italian in Seattle!. Walked into the restaurant and stepped into one of the best Italian dining experiences in the Seattle area. I was greeted right away and seated after a 'Ciao' from the lady in the lovely dress at the front. Service started out fantastic and continued to be so throughout the night. The atmosphere of Mondello was the most warm and welcoming I have experienced within the city. People around us were laughing and chatting and enjoying the beautifully plated food with sensational taste. The wine list accompanied the food perfectly, while each dish ordered was better than the next. This is the place to be on a sunny spring day, a warm summer night and or a breezy fall and or winters afternoon. If you want an authentic and true dining experience where you are always welcomed and treated like family, Mondello is the place where delicious Italian cuisine is born.

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csmk

Joined 6 years ago

great italian!. you truly feel like family here. it is a very warm and inviting atmosphere. and not too far from seattle. just a 5-10 minute drive from downtown. the gnocchi is amazing (so are the other dishes). and they a]lso will recommend the best wine to go with your italian dinner. definately stay for dessert.

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leighline

Joined 6 years ago

Very pricey. My husband and I had dinner here, was alright but I expected more for the price we paid.

I have had better food for half the price. The style of the place was very nice, still not worth the price tho.

Recommends

mpenney451

Joined 6 years ago

Best meal I've had in 6 months.. As you enter the location it is impossible to not feel as though you are really on an island in the Med.

Service is attentive and personable but not over-bearing.

The food is the best. Prawns, Ahi, Pasta, Almond gelato, and wine are perfection come to life.

Just the right size for party of 1 to 6... not for the "loud crowd". Don't bring your kids unless they are old enough to pay the $60 a head freight for a really good meal and experience.