We Ranked The Top 10 Italian Restaurants In Washington And Here’s Who Came Out On Top
An Italian restaurant sits behind a pink door in a narrow alley, and some nights a trapeze artist swings above the dining room. I had to read that twice. Then I wanted a table immediately.
The surprises kept piling up as I built this ranking. One Washington spot shares its name with the restaurant from a famous Twilight dinner scene. Another tosses its pasta with mushrooms foraged in the surrounding forest.
I love that great Italian cooking here isn’t stuck in one big city. The list runs from Puget Sound to the dry east side. It stops at a converted house, a brick-lined room, and a mountain town with serious pasta skills.
With so many incredible pasta spots to choose from, making the top ten was no easy feat. So which plate of pasta do you think earned the crown?
1. Nostra Tavola
Seven days a week of pasta and pizza is a rare gift. Nostra Tavola in Vancouver opens daily at 11:30 AM.
The menu covers authentic pasta dishes and artisan pizzas. It’s the kind of spread that settles a family debate fast.
Bringing the kids? Good news, because there’s a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables.
Your four-legged friend isn’t left out either. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
Lunch is a strong play here. The restaurant serves a full lunch crowd, and service tends to move quickly.
Happy hour includes food too. Small plates make a nice excuse to try a few things without committing to one big entree.
Vegetarian diners get a full menu of their own. Organic dishes also show up, which is a nice touch for a neighborhood spot.
Prices land on the friendly side for a sit-down Italian meal. That makes it easy to return without much planning.
Hours run until 9 PM Monday through Saturday and 8 PM on Sunday. Saturday evening is the busiest time, so book a dinner table ahead.
Parking is simple, with a free lot right there. In southwest Washington, that’s a welcome break from circling the block.
Address: 8070 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98664
2. The Pink Door
Dinner and a trapeze act in the same room? That combo earns the top spot on our list, and honestly, it was not a close call.
The Pink Door sits on Post Alley in Seattle, right by Pike Place Market. The menu leans Italian-American, and the room hosts cabaret shows, live music, and trapeze entertainment.
Let’s talk food, since that’s why you came. Lasagna and lobster ravioli are two of the big draws here.
Start with the house bread and its rosemary-infused olive oil. It’s a simple opener, but it sets the tone for a long, happy meal.
Craving something from the sea? Oysters show up with a pink balsamico ice, which sounds fancy and fun at the same time.
Plant-based diners get real choices too. The restaurant offers a full vegan menu and a full vegetarian menu.
Grab a spot on the terrace if you can. It looks out over Elliott Bay, and a sunset view makes pasta taste even better.
Planning matters here, so don’t wing it. Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner, and there’s usually a wait.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM. Sunday and Monday are closed, so plan your Seattle trip around that.
Parking near the market can be tricky. Consider a paid garage nearby and enjoy the short stroll through the alley.
Address: 1919 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
3. Marzano Italian Restaurant
Somebody’s former two-bedroom home now holds one of the best pasta tables in Tacoma. Marzano turned that house into a 55-seat dining room back in 1993.
The owner is a native of Italy, and the kitchen shows it. Expect housemade pasta and specialties like braised rabbit.
Here’s what I like most. The menu stays short and focused, so each dish gets real attention.
Appetizers include calamari, polpo, and fett’unta, which is Italian garlic bread done the old-school way. Carlton Farms pork belly also makes an appearance.
Pizza fans can go for a Margherita or a Funghi. Lasagna sits among the pasta choices for anyone who wants classic comfort.
The kitchen leans on local and organic ingredients. That mix of Italian roots and Pacific Northwest produce gives the food a fresh feel.
Date night? This place fits the bill with its quiet, romantic, and intimate setting.
Book ahead, because reservations are recommended and often required. A small room fills up fast on weekend evenings.
Doors open at 4 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. The kitchen closes at 8:30 PM midweek and 9 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Parking is easy, with a free lot and free street spaces. That’s one less thing to stress about before your pasta arrives.
Address: 516 Garfield St S, Tacoma, WA 98444
4. Sorella
Watching someone make your pasta is basically dinner theater with carbs. At Sorella in Spokane, scratch-made pasta comes together right where you can see it.
The restaurant sits in the Kendall Yards neighborhood. Its style is old-world Italian seen through a modern lens.
Start with the meatballs, served with marinara and parmesan. They’re one of the most popular plates in the house.
Arancini also earn a spot on the must-try list. Crispy rice balls before a big bowl of pasta just make sense.
The room glows with candlelight, which suits a romantic night out. It still feels lively, so you won’t need to whisper.
Vegan and vegetarian diners can relax here. Sorella offers full menus for both, not just a lonely side salad.
Got a crowd to feed? Semi-private dining works for up to 30 guests, and a full buyout fits up to 70.
Timing is the tricky part. Sorella opens Monday through Thursday from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and Friday from 4 PM to 9:30 PM.
Weekends are closed, which surprises plenty of people. Plan a weeknight visit instead and grab a reservation, since there’s usually a wait.
Free lot parking and street spots make arriving simple. Easy parking plus fresh pasta sounds like a solid Monday to me.
Address: 1122 W Summit Pkwy, Spokane, WA 99201
5. Bacco Trattoria Italiana
Wild boar on a weeknight in Olympia? Bacco Trattoria Italiana makes that happen with its pappardelle wild boar.
This trattoria specializes in fresh, handmade pasta and traditional meat dishes. You’ll find it in a shopping strip on Martin Way East.
Gnocchi gets plenty of love here. One version comes with braised pork, and short rib ragu shows up on the menu too.
Seafood lovers have options worth noticing. Lobster ravioli is a favorite, and there’s a gluten-free pasta with lobster and prawns.
Bruschetta works well as a starter for the table. It keeps hands busy while the pasta heads your way.
Save room for tiramisu, because it’s one of the standout desserts. Skipping it feels like leaving a movie before the ending.
Most nights, dinner runs Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30 PM to 9 PM. Friday and Saturday add a lunch window from 11 AM to 2 PM.
That weekend lunch is a smart move for families or anyone short on evening time. Dinner also returns those nights at 4:30 PM.
Reservations are recommended for dinner, and a wait is common. Call ahead if you’re coming with a group.
A free lot keeps parking painless. Sunday and Monday are closed, so line up your pasta plans for midweek or the weekend.
Address: 9323 Martin Way E Ste 108A, Olympia, WA 98516
6. Storia Cucina
Exposed brick and a plate of meatballs make a pretty great first impression. Storia Cucina in Bellingham pairs both in a chic, contemporary room.
The menu covers antipasti, pasta, pizza, and other Italian classics. It feels elevated without getting stuffy.
Those meatballs deserve their own spotlight. They’re one of the dishes people keep coming back for.
Flavors here lean subtle and well-crafted, not heavy-handed. Portions are generous, so sharing is a smart strategy.
Weekend mornings bring a bonus. Storia opens at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday for brunch.
Weekdays start at noon, which makes lunch an easy option. Friday and Saturday nights stretch until 11 PM.
Vegan and vegetarian guests get full menus to explore. That’s a big plus for mixed groups with different eating styles.
The place is family-friendly, with high chairs ready. It also works well for groups and solo diners grabbing a quick bite.
Outdoor seating is available when the weather cooperates. In a college town like Bellingham, a sunny patio is a hot commodity.
Reservations are accepted, and you should probably use them. Weekend afternoons are the busiest, and a wait is common.
Address: 109 Grand Ave Ste 102, Bellingham, WA 98225
7. Larch Handcrafted Pasta
Leavenworth is famous for its Bavarian look, yet one of its best meals is Italian. Larch serves handcrafted pasta just off the main drag on 8th Street.
Here’s a detail I love. Some dishes feature mushrooms foraged in the surrounding forest.
The kitchen leans on locally sourced ingredients in general. That gives a mountain-town spin to classic Italian cooking.
Scallop linguine is the star of the show. It comes with perfectly seared scallops in a creamy, bright white sauce.
Seafood shows up elsewhere on the menu too. Pasta and seafood together make a strong case for a long dinner.
Tiramisu closes things out nicely. After a day of hiking or shopping, dessert feels completely earned.
The dining room keeps a relaxed, down-to-earth feel. You won’t need fancy clothes to enjoy a polished plate.
Families get a kids’ menu, which helps on a busy travel weekend. Vegan and vegetarian menus are available as well.
Doors open at 4 PM daily. Friday and Saturday run until 10 PM, and the other nights close at 9 PM.
Happy-hour specials add a nice early-evening option. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, and parking is paid nearby.
Address: 214 8th St, Leavenworth, WA 98826
8. Passatempo Taverna
Walla Walla knows how to do a good dinner, and Passatempo Taverna backs that up on Main Street. The vibe is casual and laid-back, with rustic Italian plates.
Pizzas and pastas share the spotlight here. You don’t have to choose just one, especially if you bring friends.
The carbonara stands out. It comes with crispy bacon and a light cream sauce.
Meatballs and gnocchi are two more crowd-pleasers. Ordering both for the table feels like a smart move.
The room has strong style to match the food. It’s polished and welcoming without trying too hard.
Planning a celebration? A private dining room makes birthdays or family gatherings much easier.
Late-night food is another perk. Hours run until 9:30 PM, which helps after a long day exploring town.
The schedule is a little unusual, so pay attention. Passatempo opens Thursday through Monday at 4 PM and closes Tuesday and Wednesday.
Families are welcome, with high chairs on hand. Vegan and vegetarian menus mean nobody gets stuck with just bread.
Reservations are recommended, since weekend evenings get busy. Free street parking nearby keeps the trip downtown simple.
Address: 215 W Main St, Walla Walla, WA 99362
9. Bella Italia
Twilight fans, this one’s for you. Bella Italia in Port Angeles shares its name with the restaurant from the famous Bella and Edward dinner scene.
The connection draws plenty of fans to the Olympic Peninsula. Still, the food gives everyone a reason to stay.
Mushroom ravioli is the dish to know. It comes highly recommended and makes a strong first order.
Locally sourced seafood plays a big role on the menu. Being near the water has its tasty advantages.
Geoduck clam chowder is a fun local twist. Geoduck is a giant Pacific Northwest clam, so this bowl feels very regional.
Pasta primavera brings a fresh, veggie-forward option. Tenderloin is another popular pick for heartier appetites.
The bistro feels quiet and romantic, with an attractive interior. It’s also family-friendly, with a kids’ menu and high chairs.
Prices stay reasonable for a sit-down dinner. That’s handy if you’re road-tripping around the peninsula.
Bella Italia opens Tuesday through Saturday from 4 PM to 9 PM. Sunday and Monday are closed, so plan your stop carefully.
Dinner reservations are recommended. Free street parking along First Street makes the visit easy.
Address: 118 E 1st St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
10. Garlini’s Napoletana
Lobster mac and cheese at an Italian spot? Garlini’s Napoletana in Wenatchee isn’t afraid to have a little fun with the menu.
Wood-fired pizzas and pastas lead the way. The sauces are made in-house, which makes a real difference.
Seafood fans have plenty to love. Seafood fettuccine and crab and shrimp fettuccine both get big praise.
Classic comfort shows up too. Lasagna and cannelloni hold down the traditional side of the menu.
The setting leans rustic, with thick dark wooden tables. Dim lighting keeps the room relaxed for date night or a family meal.
Garlini’s has some history in the valley. The restaurant first served diners in East Wenatchee before moving to its current spot off Fifth Street.
Hours are generous, opening at 11 AM daily. That makes it a strong lunch pick in central Washington.
Happy hour offers food specials as well. Small plates are a fun way to sample a few things at once.
Kids are welcome, with a kids’ menu and high chairs ready. Vegan and vegetarian menus round out the options.
A free lot and street parking keep arrival easy. Friday and Saturday nights run until 10 PM, so dessert is still on the table.
Address: 212 Fifth St #13, Wenatchee, WA 98801