10/29/08

Excellent Italian, very romantic, fabulous service

by kristylsummers

Go hungry - that way you can enjoy all of the courses. Or, go with someone who likes to share. ;-) Start with the Insalata Barba - beets, arugala and tomato. The Zuppa Toscana is delicious - their version of ribolita (bean soup with pancetta). We tried the two specials that night - the lamb was excellent as was the salmon ravioli. Next time - I am definitely trying the scallops. They looked wonderful.

• Pros: The closest look, feel and taste of an Italian Trattoria

02/03/09

Great place for intimate dining!

by franktz

I have gone to Sostanza many times with friends or on dates! I love Italian food, and this is one of the best in the city. I urge anyone who wants a cozy place with great food to go here. And it's even better in the summer, when you can sit on the outdoor deck overlooking Madison Beach and Lake Washington. Kudos to the management and staff!!!

01/19/08

loved it

by taikom

great italian food, both pasta dishes were delicious, good luscious sauces, fresh tasty tomatoes in our salad. really extensive and fun wine list. the service was excellent and the downstairs seating area is cozy and intimate. the fireplace is a really nice touch. the upstairs area seemed less intimate, brighter lighting, less appealing to me. i'd definitely come back to this little neighborhood place again!

11/17/06

Friendly and Warm

by cheriwan13

It was a rainy night, I wasn't sure what we were doing, and my dream boat drives me here for a romantic dinner. Well, it worked. It was warm, there was a low din in the dining room, we were seated by the fire, and there I was, transported back to first date moments~ what a great feeling. We had generous glass pours, and the wine was delicious, a great Caesar and Carpaccio, and the pasta was good. I had ordered the veal, but unfortunetly the veal was off that night, so it found its way back to the kitchen. Regardless, the pasta that replaced it was creamy and satisfying, and my feelings of being treated like a princess on a cold bleak night stayed with me all evening. It seems as if there were other couples there on true first dates, with a lot of sparkle and candle light, leaving with smiles. I left warm and smiling with them.

• Pros: Warm, friendly, great wine and pasta
• Cons: parking, no visible full bar?

10/20/06

More perfect than perfect...

by rustacarirulestheworld

If you know Italian food and wine order from their extensive list of both. If you don't know Italian food tell your expertly professional waiting staff to put it together for you...either way you'll be very richly rewarded. Beyond the food the quiet romantic setting is perfect, and, lastly, the Madison Park location is also perfect. The ONLY thing I'd like to see is more window seating, but even if this place were in a flooded basement I'd crawl through a mile of broken glass to eat there!

• Pros: everything
• Cons: nothing

12/26/05

Cute and cozy place with a romantic atmosphere

by jchris00

The Sostanza is a great little restaurant for those wanting a cozy little place to eat where the waitstaff will treat you just right. I have gone here on many occassions and love the place. It has a great atmosphere and is perfect for stopping by for lunch or if you would like a romantic dinner. On more than one occassion the waitstaff has gone above the call of duty to provide outstanding service. The food is exactly what I would expect for a restaurant of this caliber, it is definitely above some restaurant chain like the Olive Garden. The portions are not too big and not too small. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a cozy place for small group.

• Pros: Food, Ambience, Service
• Cons: Parking

06/23/05

Loved it!

by taxidog

Every course was wonderful, including the cocktails (a great "Mandarin Drop"- and I don't usually care for mixed drinks). The polenta appetizer was richly flavored with demi-glace and mushrooms. The saltimbocca was tender and perfectly cooked. My lemon angel food cake with berries was a nice light dessert, but the creme brulee was the best; smooth as silk and not too sweet. I definately recommend Sostanza.

06/28/04

This Italian hideaway in Madison Park seduces night after night.

by Contributor

The Scene
The lakeside patio offers a lovely view of boats floating past in the warm months. In winter, a fireplace warms the intimate bi-level space that is illuminated by the moon's glow at night. Minimal trappings and terra-cotta walls fade pleasantly into the background, keeping the focus on sharply dressed customers and of course, the food.

The Food
Start with the impeccable beef carpaccio, served with mustard dressing. Salads are crisp and refreshing, while the house pasta--pappardelle, tossed with ground veal, mushrooms and barolo wine--is a silky delight. The vegetarian pasta, crafted tableside with goat cheese, tomatoes and fresh basil, is elegant nirvana that might leave carnivores envious if it wasn't for the tender veal topped with prosciutto and sage. There aren't many misses, though the T-bone steak is a bit tough.

• Pros: romanticwater view

10/02/03

A friday night

by anth8541

Very nice restaurant but not really in the location that you would expect.. I would acctualy have to say that the location is sub par..... but the restaurant in and of its self is really nice.... its just i think i expected more from the surrounding community... Great food...

• Pros: Inexpensive, Good food, Great fireplace
• Cons: Bad location, Small, Bad parking

08/12/03

Time to go somewhere else

by nakayamag

The quality of food has declined (they left the strings in the string beans). The servers have gained attitude (she disappeared from view for 30 minutes). After frequenting Sostanza for the past few years, it's time for us to try somewhere else.

• Cons: poor service, mediocre food