Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » NOLITA – Seattle
NOLITA - Seattle
Photo from NOLITA
NOLITA at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 82 of the guests
#173 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#6 Italian Restaurant out of 32 in Seattle
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
456
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Attentive service
- Cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Noisy environment
- No bill transparency
- Accessibility issues
The restaurant NOLITA is an Italian Restaurant nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood. You’ll discover a truly memorable dining experience here, especially if you appreciate a great dessert.
This spot invites you to indulge in authentic Italian flavors within a romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for your next culinary adventure.
Overview: Introducting NOLITA
NOLITA offers a dining experience where the culinary execution often shines, with many appreciating the fresh ingredients and generous portions. The attentive service from the staff also contributes positively to the overall visit.
However, the setting can sometimes detract from the meal. Some guests have found the space cramped and noisy, and there have been comments about the lack of a printed bill, which might be an unexpected detail for some.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
456
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
62
negative
11
neutral
383
positive
Overall, NOLITA garners a strong 8.2 score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer Satisfaction stands at a solid 84%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are based on a substantial 456 opinions, with 383 positive remarks outweighing 62 negative ones, suggesting a well-regarded establishment. The Food (8.7) is clearly a highlight, frequently praised for its quality and preparation.
Service (8.1) also performs well, with staff often noted for their attentiveness. While the Ambience (7.4) is generally good, some find it a bit lively.
Value (6) is perceived as average, with some finding certain aspects a bit high for what’s offered.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quaint, cozy ambiance
What people don't like
- Noisy, cramped space
- Lack of bill transparency
- Accessibility concerns
NOLITA generally delivers a satisfying experience, particularly if you prioritize well-prepared dishes and attentive staff. With a 8.5 recommendation score, it’s a place many patrons would suggest, especially for those seeking a pleasant meal in a lively setting.
However, be prepared for a potentially bustling atmosphere and a less conventional billing process. If these aspects don’t deter you, NOLITA could be a worthwhile choice for your next outing, offering solid food and service.
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Verdict: Our expert take on NOLITA
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting an 8.7 score and an impressive 90.4% customer satisfaction. With 216 positive remarks out of 239 total, diners consistently rave about the fresh ingredients, excellent vegan pasta selection, and authentic Italian dishes. Many also appreciate the generous portions, making for a truly satisfying meal.
However, a small number of the 239 comments, specifically 15, did point out some areas for improvement. Concerns included issues like bone fragments in a dish, inconsistent food temperature, and a few instances of what some described as mediocre food. There was also a mention of rancid sautéed calamari, suggesting occasional missteps in execution.
Food
239
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
15
negative
8
neutral
216
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Authentic Italian dishes
- Vegan pasta options
What people don't like
- Bone fragments
- Inconsistent temperature
- Rancid food
Often praised
- foodthe food has been a step above where it had been previously, which was very good. Now it's excellent!
- portionsHands down my favorite place to order takeout in Seattle. I had a fantastic experience with their reasonable pricing and generous portions. My order was always correct and ready, and the staff was nice and unpretentious.
- Italian foodI enjoyed the delicious food and appreciated the large portions. The service was wonderful, and I would highly recommend this place for great Italian food and stellar service.
- wineThe food and wine was incredible!
- breadMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly good, thanks to the superbly fresh ingredients, Italian attention to detail, and vibrant seasoning. Everything from the bread to the pork chop, the (Simon and Garfunkel) potatoes, and the chicken piccata was beautifully prepared. It was a really great meal.
- mealThe service and meal were excellent.
- FoodFood:5
- Italian restaurantDelightful authentic Italian restaurant
- dessertThey gave us a dessert for my mom's birthday
- dishesThe ambience was cozy, and the staff were super friendly and generous. There was a good variety of wonderful dishes, and the prices were reasonable. It's an all-around fantastic place, and we are very lucky to have them in Ballard.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food is NOT ITALY. Sorry, but it doesn't smell Italian.
- CapreseWhat I wouldn't order again: Caprese -- for $17 it should have been more
- bone fragmentsHe barely looked at my non-white friend while talking with us, which was concerning. Additionally, there were lots of bone fragments in the rabbit ragu, and the server seemed nonplussed by this issue. Due to these issues, we won't be back.
- bread and olive oilThe food took a very long time to come out. While waiting, we asked for bread and olive oil, and they even charged us for that. We had brought a boxed cake with us for the celebration, and after the meal, they just placed the box on the table and left.
- cioppinoMy cioppino was over cooked, bland
- food temperaturethe Bolognese came out WAY too hot.
- mediocre foodmediocre food
- pastaPasta is not much better either.
- rabbit raguHe barely looked at my non-white friend while talking with us, which was concerning. Additionally, there were lots of bone fragments in the rabbit ragu, and the server seemed nonplussed by this issue. Due to these issues, we won't be back.
- risottoIf you like risotto, go elsewhere.
If youre seeking a delightful Italian culinary experience, this restaurants food is definitely worth trying. While a few minor issues have been noted, the overwhelming majority of diners have found the dishes to be exceptional, offering authentic flavors and generous servings.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With a strong score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at 81.6%, its clear guests are generally thrilled. Many of the 102 positive comments praise the friendly staff, attentive service, and knowledgeable waiters who make excellent recommendations, often leading to an impeccable dining experience.
Pickup orders are frequently noted as being on time too. However, not every experience has been perfect, with 22 negative comments among the 125 total. Some guests have encountered slow service, long waiting times for reservations, or even argumentative service.
There were also instances of staff attitude and orders being incorrect, suggesting theres still a bit of room for improvement in consistency and attention to detail.
Service
125
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
22
negative
1
neutral
102
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable waiters
- Impeccable service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Staff attitude
- Incorrect orders
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and good service. However, the place was quite cramped and very noisy.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was delightful. It's an authentic Italian place run by friendly and welcoming staff. I'm looking forward to coming back and trying more.
- ServiceService:5
- reservationimpressed they were able to accommodate my reservation
- waiterThe waiter was patient, informative, answered our questions
- attentive serviceHis warm demeanor, attentive service
- great staffalong with the great staff
- recommendationsmade what turned out to be great recommendations
- serverGood portions on the pasta and risotto. Server was fantastic, friendly, good time sequence of service, made great recommendations. We will be back again to try the prosciutto and melon, panna cotta and the gnocchi :)
- Italian ownersgreat service from italian owners!
Frequently criticized
- serverserver was a dick and disinterested
- argumentative serviceargumentative service made for a deeply disappointing experience
- attention to detailhoping for more, especially in terms of attention to detail
- checkhe already printed your check.. which is crazy because he never brought a printed check
- food allergiesasked about food allergies for our son
- front desk guyFront desk guy has an attitude
- front of housetoo many people in the floor front of house
- good serviceexpect good service, don’t even bother
- liquor licenseyet to get their liquor license
- non-white friendbarely looked at my non white friend
Overall, the service here is a definite highlight for most diners, making it a great choice if you value a welcoming and attentive experience. While a few hiccups occur, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests you're likely to be well taken care of.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.4 and boasting good customer satisfaction at 73.2%. Many of the 52 positive comments highlight the cozy environment, welcoming, warm environment, and décor and ambiance, making it a popular date spot with plenty of parking for a pleasant experience. However, its not without its drawbacks.
Among the 18 negative opinions, some guests noted challenging noise levels and described crammed tables, leading to a tight in the restaurant feel. A few also mentioned the lack of AC, ' which could make the place uncomfortably warm at times.
Ambience
71
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
18
negative
1
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, warm atmosphere
- Beautiful decor
- Ample free parking
What people don't like
- High noise levels
- Cramped seating
- No AC
Often praised
- atmosphereAlthough the restaurant is not very big and can get busy, we had a reservation and were seated immediately. The restaurant itself is so quaint, featuring nice linen tablecloths, big windows, and a lovely atmosphere. The food and service were excellent!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The scenery was beautiful and minimalistic, creating a classic and romantic ambiance. The staff were impeccably dressed in perfectly tailored and clean uniforms, and their attentive and kind service made the evening even more special.
- restaurantLovely restaurant on 15th street
- ambienceCozy ambience
- experiencetruly a wonderful experience
- Free parking lotFree parking lot
- Plenty of parkingPlenty of parking
- amazing vibesIt's my favorite place in the entire PNW. I consistently receive the best service, enjoy the best food, and the overall amazing vibes create a truly welcoming and warm environment. It truly feels like a home-cooked meal.
- attention to detailThe attention to detail in every aspect of your establishment
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and good service. However, the place was quite cramped and very noisy. Despite these drawbacks, I would go back.
- noise levelThe noise level made it nearly impossible
- ACit was hot in there as no ac
- accessibilityRestaurant should remove the accessible symbol from their listing.
- acousticsthe acoustics became terrible
- crammed tablesCrammed tables
- dining roomElectric wheelchair unable to access dining room
- musicThe music was just a smidge too loud I feel.
- noise levelsthe noise levels were deafening
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
If you're looking for a charming, cozy spot with a warm atmosphere, especially for a date night, this place is definitely worth trying. Just be aware that it can get a bit lively and snug, so it might not be ideal if you prefer quiet, spacious dining or are sensitive to noise.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to offer a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6, placing it squarely in the average range. Many customers, representing 13 positive sentiments out of 21 total, rave about the reasonable prices and affordable options, especially for Italian food. They often highlight great prices and a nice, affordable wine list as key positives.
However, with a customer satisfaction of 61.9%, which is in the mixed category, there are definitely some areas for improvement. About 7 negative sentiments point to concerns like feeling overpriced for simple dishes, unexpected cake fee charges, and the addition of a service fee. Some also found the lack of a bill before paying to be a significant drawback.
Value
21
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Affordable Italian food
- Great value
What people don't like
- Overpriced for some
- Unexpected cake fee
- Service fee added
- No bill provided
Often praised
- pricesthe prices are very reasonable
- reasonable pricesMy experience at Nolita has consistently been a delight. It's my favorite Italian restaurant in Seattle, offering amazing food with a great staff at surprisingly reasonable prices. I always look forward to coming here.
- affordablethe incredible food is affordable
- price per personParking is convenient with a free parking lot that has plenty of space. The price per person is reasonable, ranging from $20–30, making it a good value for the quality of the meal.
- pricingHands down my favorite place to order takeout in Seattle. I had a fantastic experience with their reasonable pricing and generous portions. My order was always correct and ready, and the staff was nice and unpretentious.
- reasonably priced Italian foodAuthentic reasonably priced italian food
- wine listWine list is very nice and affordable!
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking was hard to find as it’s a busy neighborhood
- billwant to see a bill (printed or on a screen) before paying, go elsewhere.
- cake feethey charged a $20 cake fee!
- no billAdditionally, if you expect to see your bill before paying, you'll be disappointed as well. The tables were crammed together, the food was mediocre, and there was no bill presented. Overall, a very disappointing experience.
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was not tasty, and I felt it was not worth the price. Honestly, you'd be better off going to a fast-food place.
- service feecharge a service fee
- simple pastasMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food tasted good, but I found it to be a bit overpriced for simple pastas. On the service front, the front desk guy had an attitude.
If youre looking for generally reasonable prices, especially for Italian fare, this place could be a good bet. Just be aware of potential extra charges like a cake or service fee, and dont expect a printed bill. It's a decent option if you go in with those expectations.
How are the prices at NOLITA?
You’re looking at roughly 43 per person – reported by 82 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits here, it’s interesting to see a good mix of spending, with many guests enjoying options in the $21–$30 range, and others opting for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 82 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian restaurant in Seattle, offering a good balance for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about NOLITA
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Stunning Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely stunning, from the moment I walked through the door. The food was EVERYTHING, with perfected flavor. The drinks were smooth.
The host was fantastic. I highly recommend coming here; you need it.
- food10
- drinks8
- flavor10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Bolognese with Outstanding Service
I finally had the chance to try this restaurant last night, right at opening time when it was nearly empty. The atmosphere was nicely lit with a lovely table decor, though the music was a smidge too loud for my taste. As a single diner without bar seating, I would have had to sit at a table.
The service was outstanding – attentive but not overbearing, allowing us to enjoy our food before checking in. They also made excellent recommendations. For food, I ordered the Bolognese and a wine from Montepulciano, both of which were excellent.
The Bolognese tasted very authentic, a true taste of Italy. My only significant critique is that the Bolognese was served WAY too hot, requiring several minutes to cool before I could even take a bite. It was scaldingly hot and could have easily burned someone.
I hope they adjust the food temperature to be warm rather than scalding. I would absolutely go back and have already recommended it to others. Why wait to try it?
!
- atmosphere9
- table decor9
- service10
- music4
- food temperature2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Experience: Mediocre Food, Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. If you're a fan of risotto, I'd suggest going elsewhere as it was not good. The pasta wasn't much better.
Additionally, if you expect to see your bill before paying, you'll be disappointed as well. The tables were crammed together, the food was mediocre, and there was no bill presented. Overall, a very disappointing experience.
- risotto2
- pasta3
- bill1
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Special Occasion Due to Noise and Service
We chose this restaurant for a special occasion, and unfortunately, we were very disappointed. We had an early reservation at 5: 30 PM, and the restaurant was empty initially. However, it quickly filled up, and as soon as there were more than a few tables seated, the acoustics became terrible.
The noise level made it nearly impossible to have an intimate conversation without yelling. We couldn't hear each other or our server, making the dining experience feel more like being in a nightclub. The food tasted fine, though nothing spectacular.
The wine list is solid, and the prices are reasonable. Beyond this, however, the experience was a disaster. Our server, Yisrael, initially seemed promising.
However, due to the poor acoustics, he unfortunately misheard some of our orders. The primary issue was with a significant error on one of the entrées. Our entire table clearly heard Yisrael offer to comp (remove from the bill) the incorrect entrée.
Yet, when the bill arrived, the item was still listed. When we questioned this, he argued with us, claiming he had only offered a free dessert. While the incorrect entrée was ultimately removed from the bill, the need to argue about it left a very bad taste in our mouth and overshadowed the evening.
I cannot recommend this restaurant. The combination of terrible acoustics and argumentative service made for a deeply disappointing experience, especially when celebrating a special occasion.
- food5
- wine list7
- prices7
- acoustics1
- noise level1
- argumentative service1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Good Food, Loud and Warm Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The service was prompt, with the next course arriving exactly as the previous one finished. The tomato sauce was flavorful, and overall, the food was good.
However, the restaurant was crowded and became quite loud. It also got very warm to the point of being uncomfortable, impacting the overall atmosphere.
- service9
- tomato sauce8
- food7
- restaurant4
- noise level3
- warm3
What NOLITA offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking options are available when you visit NOLITA Italian Food and Wine Restaurant?
When you plan your visit to NOLITA, you’ll find convenient parking solutions. The restaurant offers free street parking and also provides access to a free parking lot, ensuring that you usually have plenty of space available for your vehicle.
Does NOLITA Italian Food and Wine Restaurant cater to specific dietary needs and what is the atmosphere like?
Yes, NOLITA is very accommodating. You’ll find excellent vegan and vegetarian options on their menu. The atmosphere is designed to be romantic, cozy, and trendy, creating a delightful setting for your dining experience, especially for dinner.
What is the overall customer sentiment for NOLITA?
NOLITA holds a strong overall score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction of 84%. Guests particularly praise the Food (8.7) and Service (8.1), while the Ambience (7.4) is good, and Value (6) is considered average.
What do customers enjoy most about the dining experience at NOLITA?
Many customers highlight the delicious and well-prepared dishes, often noting the fresh ingredients and generous portions. The staff’s attentive service and helpful recommendations also receive frequent positive mentions.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners at NOLITA?
Some diners have noted that the restaurant can be cramped and noisy, affecting the overall atmosphere. Additionally, the practice of not presenting a printed bill has been a point of concern for some.