Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Salvatore – Seattle
Salvatore - Seattle
Photo from Salvatore
Salvatore at a glance
Seattle Roosevelt
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 45 of the guests
#464 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#20 Italian Restaurant out of 32 in Seattle
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
352
Reviews
71.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Attentive service
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Small portions
- Inconsistent quality
- Uncomfortable seating
The restaurant Salvatore Ristorante Italiano is an Italian Restaurant located in the vibrant Roosevelt neighborhood of Seattle. When you step inside, you’ll discover an upscale yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a trendy night out.
You can indulge in their exquisite menu, knowing that a great dessert awaits to complete your dining experience. This spot also offers a fantastic wine list to complement your meal, ensuring a memorable visit.
Overview: Introducting Salvatore
Salvatore offers a dining experience where the quality of its Italian fare often shines, creating a memorable meal. Guests frequently commend the authentic Italian food and the generally attentive service.
However, some experiences point to concerns regarding small portion sizes and occasional inconsistencies. The restaurant cultivates a welcoming atmosphere, often described as having a cozy, old-school Italian charm.
While many find the overall experience delightful, a few patrons have noted minor issues with comfort or specific service interactions.
Good
7.4
out of 10
352
Reviews
71.6%
Satisfaction
80
negative
20
neutral
252
positive
Salvatore earns a respectable overall score of 7.4, indicating a good dining experience, and boasts a Customer Satisfaction rate of 71.6%, which is also a solid performance. These figures are drawn from 352 customer opinions, with 252 positive remarks outweighing 80 negative ones, suggesting a generally positive sentiment.
Delving deeper, the Food (7.7) stands out as a particular strength, consistently receiving high praise. The Ambience (7.5) also contributes significantly to the positive experience, creating an inviting setting.
Service (7.2) is rated as good, though some experiences vary. The Value (5.8) score suggests a more mixed perception, with some finding it reasonable and others feeling portions are small for the price.
What people like
- Authentic Italian cuisine
- Attentive, friendly service
- Charming, cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Uncomfortable seating
If you’re seeking a restaurant with genuinely good Italian food and a pleasant atmosphere, Salvatore is certainly worth considering. Its strengths in cuisine and setting often create a delightful dining experience, supported by a good overall recommendation score of 7.7.
However, be mindful of potential variations in portion sizes and occasional service hiccups. While not universally perfect, for those prioritizing authentic flavors and a charming environment, Salvatore generally delivers a satisfying meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Salvatore
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre looking at a pretty solid experience! With a strong score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at a good 75%, many diners rave about the authentic Italian food and amazing specials. Out of 200 total opinions, a whopping 150 were positive, highlighting delicious items like wild boar with spinach pasta, squid ink tagliatelle, and generous portions, all made with quality ingredients.
However, its not entirely perfect, with 40 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. A few guests mentioned issues like overcooked pasta, bland Carbonara, and surprisingly small portions for certain dishes. While these instances are noted, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards a delightful culinary journey.
Food
200
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
40
negative
10
neutral
150
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian cuisine
- Amazing specials
- Quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Overcooked pasta
- Bland Carbonara
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodHonestly, I thought I accidentally got a kids meal considering how small my food was. All of that said, the food was at least still really tasty, and I know times are tough right now, so I won't give this place the 1-star I otherwise would've.
- breadThe veal was so tender and thin, and the pasta was so tasty. The bread, while not complimentary, was also very Italian tasting. The atmosphere and food were rated a 5 out of 5, and the service also received a 5 out of 5.
- dishesI tend to gravitate toward the specials rather than the regular menu entrees, and I’ve never been disappointed. The dishes are prepared with simplicity and freshness in mind, proving that the best meals don’t need to be overly complicated. On my last visit, I had the ossobuco, which were absolutely phenomenal—though generous enough to share.
- Italian foodThe staff was great, and the food was excellent. If you're looking for Italian food in Roosevelt, this is the place to go. While it is a little expensive, the quality makes it well worth it.
- authentic Italian foodAbsolutely fantastic authentic Italian food
- wineThe food, wine, service, and atmosphere are all amazing
- Italian restaurantNice to enjoy a down to earth Italian restaurant
- calamariThe waiting time for food and service was unexpectedly long, but bearable. Bruschetti were second to none, and others highly praised calamari. The Carbonara was a bit bland, and I wouldn't recommend it.
- dessertsThere are some very nice options for desserts
- olive oilThe staff were amazing throughout the evening, and we were even greeted by Salvatore himself. Our meal began with soft, delicious bread served with authentic and outstanding olive oil and parmesan cheese. The special appetizer of garlic butter mushrooms was warm and created a stellar flavor when paired with the olive oil bread.
Frequently criticized
- pastaThe pasta was overcooked
- CarbonaraCarbonara was a bit overcooked
- carbonaramy carbonara wasn’t worth eating
- clamshe tells us they are out of clams
- portion sizeI'm all for supporting local businesses, especially given the pandemic. However, I was pretty shocked by how small my portion was, considering I paid almost $30 for a dish that didn't even cover the bottom of the takeout box (chicken cacciatore). I also got a $9 slice of tiramisu that could fit in the palm of a 5-year-old.
- BologneseBolognese tasted solely of tomato purée...just acidic. No nuance, no meat, though ground lumps were visible.
- Carbonara sauceCarbonara sauce was visibly curdled (egg overheated when added), appeared to not be freshly plated, and was too salty throughout.
- anchoviescompletely missed anchovies in the pasta
- bologneseMy kids each got the bolognese, which used to be one of the best in town. They bought fettuccine with a very liquid tomato sauce, almost room temperature with barely any meat in it.
- breadThe drinks were good. It's definitely not your Olive Garden experience, so you will have to pay for bread 😭😂.
If youre craving authentic Italian flavors and love exploring daily specials, this place is definitely worth a try. While some dishes might occasionally miss the mark on consistency or portion size, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youre in for a delicious meal.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.2, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67.1%. Based on 82 total opinions, with 55 positive and 22 negative, many guests rave about the friendly owner, attentive staff, and personalized service, often feeling like part of a family-run establishment. However, not all experiences are stellar.
Some diners have faced issues with long wait times, inattentive waiters, or even rude staff. There are also mentions of a lack of attention to details and occasional understaffing, suggesting that consistency might be an area for improvement.
Service
82
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
22
negative
5
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Personalized owner interaction
- Family-run atmosphere
What people don't like
- Slow service/wait times
- Inattentive/rude staff
- Discriminatory seating policy
Often praised
- serviceI particularly enjoyed the wild boar pappardelle, which was delicious. While our waitress seemed a little frazzled, the service was at an appropriate pace, and the price matched the quality.
- staffWe were greeted with amazing staff all around the entire evening
- SalvatoreDon't bother, go to Crown Hill for some nicer Italian Restaurant. I would give Salvatores a Zero if it weren't for Salvatore who is good and decent.
- ownerthe same gent, who you realize owns the place, is managing the front
- serverThe server was the most Italian man
- waiterClaudio, our waiter was very attentive and friendly
- Salvatore himselfSalvatore himself cooked for our dinner
- amazing serverour amazing server even went out to give it to us
- attentive serviceI've visited this place several times and each time I've left feeling thoroughly pleased with both the service and the food. What truly impresses me is the exceptional value you get for your money—fresh Italian cuisine and attentive service that never feels overpriced. I can enjoy a full meal, including an appetizer, entree, wine, dessert, and coffee, without ever feeling like I've spent more than the experience was worth.
- best servicebest service we have ever experienced
Frequently criticized
- serviceService was ok, though just 1 person was handling the floor/door and seemed taxed.
- waiterthe waiter was not good, wasn't trying to accommodate much of anything
- amendmentdidn't really do much about it
- apologydidn't come back to do a proper apology
- attention to detailsthe team had lots of attention to details and lots of care for your customers, however the experience yesterday was out of the ordinary
- clothe and pantsSTAINED MY CLOTHE AND PANTS WITH OIL
- large groupsThe owners' Daughter will screen you out of a table should you say you are only 1. She likes large groups and will discriminate against anyone except couples or groups because they get more money and aren't worth it to them. Don't bother, go to Crown Hill for some nicer Italian Restaurant.
- lemon for waterwas not allowed to supply lemon for the water
- owners' DaughterThe owners' Daughter will screen you out of a Table
- quality of servicethe quality of service and food yesterday was pretty bad
If youre looking for a place with a strong chance of warm, personalized service, especially from the owner and staff, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some guests have encountered slower service or less attentive staff, so your experience might vary.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a solid 7.5 score and a 77.1% customer satisfaction, both indicating a good experience. Many guests rave about the lovely atmosphere and old-school charm, making it a great space for a romantic evening. With 37 positive remarks out of 48 total, its clear the vibe is a major draw.
However, not all aspects hit the mark. Some guests noted issues like dusty window blinds and cooking smells from a nearby kitchen. A few found the chairs uncomfortable, and there were mentions of lighting needing improvement.
These 9 negative comments suggest theres a little room for refinement to perfect the overall environment.
Ambience
48
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming atmosphere
- Old-school charm
- Romantic setting
What people don't like
- Cooking smells
- Uncomfortable chairs
- Dusty blinds
Often praised
- atmosphereI found it to be the best restaurant I've been to in awhile. I absolutely love the atmosphere, and the food is so good. It's worth noting that the bread is baked in house.
- ambiancethe ambiance has that cozy, old-school Italian charm
- Italian jointIt's a great little Italian joint.
- ambienceexcellent experience - ambience
- date nightThis place is good for a date night
- dining roomthe dining room... has an elegant vibe
- environmentApproachable, authentic environment
- familiar experienceMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. It's the best Italian restaurant in Seattle, offering extremely authentic and familiar tastes and experience. The quality is far from poor, and it's not overpriced.
- family restaurant feelThis is an instant classic with a family restaurant feel
- fine dining experienceMy experience at Salvatore's was always perfect and undeniably special. It's the perfect fine dining experience for an upscale Italian meal. The food is always on point, and the dining room, while almost always at capacity, has an elegant vibe.
Frequently criticized
- chairsChairs not comfortable
- cooking smellsyou got all the cooking smells
- lightingThe waiter was fantastic, and the prices are very reasonable. The only way this place could be better is with low lit lighting and some red walls.
- mens room toilet seatMens room toilet seat laying on its side
- red wallsThe waiter was fantastic, and the prices are very reasonable. The only way this place could be better is with low lit lighting and some red walls.
- seating areaThe seating area is next to the kitchen
- special experiencerecommended as a special experience for my birthday and I was severely disappointed
- ventingthe venting was not great
- window blindswindow blinds were icky with dust/grime
If you're seeking a restaurant with a charming, old-school Italian atmosphere perfect for a date night, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some minor details like seating comfort or occasional kitchen smells might slightly detract from an otherwise lovely experience.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, with a 5.8 score putting it squarely in the average range. Many diners found the food to be reasonably priced and well worth it for the quality, noting exceptional value for their money. Out of 22 remarks, 10 highlighted positive aspects, appreciating that prices matched the quality.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a 45.5%, indicating a mixed experience. Some felt it was a little expensive, especially given small portions or extra costs like bread. Nine comments expressed disappointment, with some finding the prices higher than expected for what they received, leading to feelings of being outrageous for the meal.
Value
22
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality justifies price
- Reasonable prices
- Exceptional value
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Can be expensive
- Bread costs extra
Often praised
- priceI particularly enjoyed the wild boar pappardelle, which was delicious. While our waitress seemed a little frazzled, the service was at an appropriate pace, and the price matched the quality.
- pricesThe pizza and the Chianti were sooooo good! The waiter was fantastic, and the prices are very reasonable. The only way this place could be better is with low lit lighting and some red walls.
- reasonably pricedVery reasonably priced for the quality food you get
- valueexceptional value you get for your money
- well worth itIf you're looking for Italian food in Roosevelt, this is the place to go. While it is a little expensive, the quality makes it well worth it.
Frequently criticized
- priceI'm all for supporting local businesses, especially given the pandemic. However, I was pretty shocked by how small my portion was, considering I paid almost $30 for a dish that didn't even cover the bottom of the takeout box (chicken cacciatore). I also got a $9 slice of tiramisu that could fit in the palm of a 5-year-old.
- bread cost extraBread cost extra which just seems like poor service
- expensiveIt’s a little expensive
- meal$140CAD meal (before tip) I was disappointed
- pricesPrices were a bit higher than other restaurants
- slice of tiramisuHowever, I was pretty shocked by how small my portion was, considering I paid almost $30 for a dish that didn't even cover the bottom of the takeout box (chicken cacciatore). I also got a $9 slice of tiramisu that could fit in the palm of a 5-year-old. Honestly, I thought I accidentally got a kids meal considering how small my food was.
- tipI left a 15% tip. Manuel the server confronted me at the table and asked why I didn’t leave a 20% tip. Very uncomfortable.
If you prioritize quality that justifies the cost, you might find decent value here. However, be mindful that some dishes or portion sizes could feel a bit pricey, especially if youre expecting large servings. Its a place where you might need to choose wisely to feel you got your money's worth.
How are the prices at Salvatore?
On average, you’ll spend around 49 $ per person here, based on what 45 guests reported. That places it squarely in the $41–$50 price range. For an Italian Restaurant in Seattle, this is on the higher side of mid-range.
Interestingly, while the average is higher, the prices are quite spread out. Many diners found options in the 21 – 40 $ range, but a good number also opted for experiences in the $41–$50 bracket and even higher.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 45 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the average price and the spread of options, we think the pricing feels fair for an Italian Restaurant in Seattle, especially if you’re looking for a quality experience. There are choices for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Salvatore
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Disappointing Vegetarian Options, Okay Pizza
My experience at this restaurant was primarily negative due to a lack of vegetarian options. While the pizza was ok, scoring a 6/10 overall, the overall experience was somewhat disappointing. I was surprised that they didn't have basic items like chilli flakes or even marinara sauce.
Additionally, unlike most Italian restaurants that offer complimentary fresh bread, that was not the case here. The Tira was also mentioned but no further details were provided.
- Pizza6
- price5
- vegetarian options2
- chilli flakes3
- marinara sauce3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Food, Rotating Specials!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, and I loved that they always have something new to try. It's definitely worth asking about their rotating specials.
The service was excellent, rated a 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere was also very good, rated a 4 out of 5. They have a large vegetarian selection and are highly recommended for vegetarians. Parking was easy with free street parking, and reservations were not required.
We experienced no wait time.
- food10
- rotating specials9
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Pizza and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing! The olive oil for the bread was the best I've ever had. While I wouldn't order the mushrooms app again, it was still tasty.
The pizza and the Chianti were sooooo good! The waiter was fantastic, and the prices are very reasonable. The only way this place could be better is with low lit lighting and some red walls.
- olive oil10
- mushrooms app6
- pizza10
- lighting3
- red walls3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Authentic Italian Gem in Seattle
My experience at Salvatore's was exceptional! It truly felt like the next best thing to being in Italy. The food was outstanding, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the overall experience was top-notch.
I absolutely love this place!
- Italian food10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Excellent food, comfortable atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was comfortable and pleasant. While the service by one waiter was a bit burly, it didn't detract significantly from the overall enjoyable experience.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service4
What Salvatore offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What are the parking options when visiting Salvatore Ristorante Italiano?
When you plan your visit to Salvatore Ristorante Italiano in Seattle, be aware that finding a parking space can sometimes be a bit challenging. However, you’ll find free street parking available nearby to accommodate your dining experience.
Does Salvatore Ristorante Italiano offer options for guests with accessibility needs?
Yes, Salvatore Ristorante Italiano is committed to providing a comfortable experience for all guests. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom available for your convenience.
How does Salvatore generally perform?
Salvatore holds a solid overall score of 7.4, with Customer Satisfaction at 71.6%. Its Food (7.7) and Ambience (7.5) are particularly well-regarded, while Service (7.2) is also good. Value (5.8) is an area where opinions are more divided.
What are Salvatore's main strengths?
Customers frequently praise Salvatore for its authentic Italian food, often highlighting the freshness and simplicity of dishes. The attentive service and the restaurant’s cozy, old-school Italian charm also receive positive remarks.
Are there any common concerns at Salvatore?
Some patrons express concerns about portion sizes, feeling they are small for the price. There are also occasional comments about inconsistent dish quality for certain items and issues with seating comfort or general maintenance.