Highlights
- Great dessert
- Sports
- Great wine list
oChef » Messina – Seattle
Messina - Seattle
Photo from Messina
Messina at a glance
Seattle Uptown
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 97 of the guests
#388 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#16 Italian Restaurant out of 32 in Seattle
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
822
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Great service
- Good ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Mixed ambiance
The restaurant Messina Modern Italian Kitchen, an Italian Restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant Uptown neighborhood, invites you to discover a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll find a cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for enjoying their renowned great dessert selection.
This trendy spot offers you a welcoming ambiance, whether you’re planning a casual dinner or a special evening out.
Overview: Introducting Messina
Messina generally impresses with its culinary offerings and attentive staff. Diners frequently praise the carefully prepared dishes, often highlighting the pasta flight and other flavorful options.
The service also stands out, with many appreciating the promptness and helpfulness of the team, making for a pleasant dining experience. However, Messina’s approach to pricing can be a point of contention.
While the ambiance is often described as welcoming, some find the overall cost, particularly concerning automatic service charge practices, to be a significant drawback, leading to questions about the true value provided.
Good
7.6
out of 10
822
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
176
negative
47
neutral
599
positive
Overall, Messina earns a solid 7.6 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at a respectable 72.9%. This positive sentiment is largely driven by its strong performance in key areas.
The Service (8.2) receives high marks, indicating a generally attentive and pleasant staff experience. Similarly, the Food (8.1) is a clear highlight, with many patrons enjoying the culinary creations.
These positive experiences are reflected in 599 positive remarks out of 822 total customer comments. The inviting Ambience (7.2) also contributes positively to the dining experience, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
However, the Value (3.6) score indicates a significant area for improvement. Many customers express concerns about pricing and additional charges, which temper the overall positive feedback.
Despite this, the majority of feedback leans positive, with only 176 negative comments, suggesting that while value is a concern, it doesn’t overshadow the strengths for most diners.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Attentive, friendly service
- Pleasant dining ambiance
What people don't like
- High prices, added charges
- Loud, inconsistent ambiance
Messina is a solid choice if you prioritize excellent culinary execution and attentive service. With a 7.6 recommendation score, it’s clear many diners find the experience worthwhile.
Expect well-prepared dishes and a welcoming atmosphere, making it suitable for a special occasion or a pleasant evening out. However, be prepared for the pricing structure, as value can be a point of contention due to additional charges.
If you’re sensitive to cost or prefer a quieter, more consistent atmosphere, you might want to weigh your options. For those who value quality food and service above all, Messina delivers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Messina
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems like Messina generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.1 and a customer satisfaction rating of 80.7%, many guests rave about the delicious Italian options. Out of 348 comments, 281 were positive, frequently praising the exciting pasta flight, flavorful Bolognese, and delightful Tiramisu, along with appreciated gluten-free options.
However, not every dish is a home run, as 40 comments pointed out some areas for improvement. Some found certain items to be bland, dry, or even overpriced, with a few guests feeling the pasta flight didn't quite live up to the hype. It seems consistency can be a slight issue, but overall, the positives heavily outweigh the negatives.
Food
348
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
40
negative
27
neutral
281
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing pasta flights
- Delicious Italian food
- Great gluten-free options
What people don't like
- Bland, dry dishes
- Overpriced food
- Underwhelming pasta flight
Often praised
- foodThe short rib lasagne was to die for, and the salmon (fresh, local chinook) was crisped just right, lightly seasoned, moist, and tender. Overall, the food was wonderful and carefully prepared. The service was prompt, the staff delightful and interesting, and the chef even introduced himself, showing genuine interest in our input.
- pasta flightWe popped in on a Friday early evening without a reservation, and were pleased to find they could seat our party of 5 with 90 minutes for dinner. Our experience included 5 appetizers, 2 pizzas, a mini pasta flight, and a spaghetti. All the food was absolutely delightful!
- drinksOur server Alex treated us like royalty the entire night. Every single dish was seasoned to perfection and the drinks were strong (just how we like them 😅). Highly recommend this spot for a date night, birthday dinner, or just because.
- pastaMy experience at the restaurant was a fun experience, even coming out with a sparkler! 🎇 The pasta itself was pretty basic flavor-wise but cooked perfectly al dente. The eggplant parm appetizer, which was supposed to be crispy, arrived in a cup drenched in sauce, so that was a bit of a letdown.
- cocktailsAnna, our server, was a joy: attentive, friendly, and engaging. From the outstanding service to the delicious cocktails, Messina delivered a truly unforgettable night out.
- pizzaThe cocktails were perfect and the food was delicious. We shared the pasta platter and a pizza, and everything was amazing. We will definitely be coming back!
- Brussels sproutsThe eggplant parm appetizer, which was supposed to be crispy, arrived in a cup drenched in sauce, so that was a bit of a letdown. The Brussels sprouts, though, were delicious and still managed to stay crispy under the sauce. One thing to note: gratuity is automatically added at 22% to support higher wages for employees, which I completely respect.
- Cacio e PepeThe food, though, was great. We ordered the pasta flight with Cacio e Pepe, Bolognese, and pesto—all three were delicious. Unfortunately, the offbeat service left a sour note on what could’ve been a great experience.
- dessertI like my dessert with Espresso
- meatballsThey prepare everything in-house, and the pasta was amazing. We ordered the pasta flight, olives, meatballs, and tiramisu for dessert, and EVERYTHING was delicious! The service was amazing, and the place looks very cute.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the bartender Amy was lovely and provided a great experience, the food itself was lack luster. I would return for the bread and wine, but I would definitely skip the pasta flight next time.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. We came to celebrate my wife’s birthday and were seated, but then no one bothered taking even our drinks down after waiting for 30 minutes. This lack of attention continued, as our food order was also not taken.
- pasta flightThe pasta flight was underwhelming compared to the hype
- Arugula SaladArugula Salad is soggy, not enough flavor.
- FoodFood:3
- Pasta flightHalfway through our apps they bring out the pasta flight
- Short Rib LasagnaShort Rib Lasagna.....it was flavorful but it was swimming in sauce
- Spicy VodkaSpicy Vodka was kind of bland
- blandBland, dry, overpriced not executed well
- cacio e pepe pastaThe noodles with the cacio e pepe were very al dente and had an offputting chew to them and ruined the experience
If you're looking for a spot with generally great Italian food and a fun pasta flight experience, Messina is definitely worth trying. Just be aware that while many dishes are celebrated, a few might not quite hit the mark for everyone.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction rate of 81.4%, its clear most diners have a good experience. Out of 290 comments, 236 rave about the attentive staff, excellent service, and knowledgeable servers who offer a warm welcome and thoughtful recommendations.
Many guests felt genuinely cared for, highlighting individual servers for their outstanding hospitality. However, not every visit is perfect, as 51 comments point to areas for improvement. Some guests encountered slow service, long wait times for drinks or refills, and scattered waiters.
Issues like pacing of the meal, lack of attention, or even being charged for another tables food occasionally left a sour taste, suggesting some inconsistency in the service delivery.
Service
290
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
51
negative
3
neutral
236
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Knowledgeable recommendations
- Exceptional customer care
What people don't like
- Slow service speed
- Inattentive servers
- Pacing issues
Often praised
- serviceOverall, the food was wonderful and carefully prepared. The service was prompt, the staff delightful and interesting, and the chef even introduced himself, showing genuine interest in our input. The atmosphere was just right: simply decorated with huge windows providing a great open feel.
- staffstaff, but that was not our experience. The hostess greeted us nicely and we were seated immediately. Our server was also very pleasant and attentive
- serverThis was our first visit to this restaurant, and I would highly recommend it. The service was exceptional — our server, Miguel, was very welcoming and provided outstanding customer care. He checked in with us regularly and offered excellent food recommendations that made our dining experience even better.
- server JackRecently, I dined with friends and had Jack as our server. He was super kind, attentive, answered all our questions about the dishes, and provided wonderful food recommendations. I highly recommend this joint 🖤.
- server AlexThe vibe was beautiful, the food was bomb, and the drinks were strong and smooth. Our server Alex made the whole experience even better — he was fun, attentive, and really made us feel welcome the entire night. Everything came out FAST, and Alex made sure we were good from start to finish.
- AmyAmy was really helpful in giving us food and drink recommendations
- server AmyOn our second trip to Messina, the pasta was plentiful and enjoyable, just like the first time. Amy, our server on both occasions, was very helpful and kind throughout the night. This is a restaurant to recommend to friends and bring your appetite.
- MiguelShout out Miguel, one of the bartenders. The drinks he makes are fantastic. Pretty friendly dude.
- attentiveHe was attentive and in such good spirits.
- bartenderthe servers and bartender were nothing but accommodating and sweet
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I had high expectations coming here, but unfortunately, the service was horrible and the meal was overpriced. To make matters worse, the pasta was dry.
- serverserver arrived several minutes later to give us water
- hosthost... looked annoyed that we didn’t have a reservation
- actual serverour actual server didn’t even ask or apologize about it
- additional drinksno offer for additional drinks
- attentionOur server was friendly but seemed a bit scattered. We were seated without water and had to wait a while before getting any attention. The food, though, was great.
- bartender also be a servermaybe don’t have the bartender also be a server.. he was making drinks for the whole restaurant while also catering to us
- birthdayThey got a free dessert. We didn't.
- changeless than the change we were owed
- charged for another tables foodcharged for another tables food
Overall, you can expect a generally good service experience here, with many guests praising the attentive and friendly staff. While there might be occasional hiccups with speed or attention, the positive feedback strongly suggests it's worth a visit for their hospitality.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.2 score, which is quite good! Many guests love the atmosphere and vibe, frequently praising the live music, making it a perfect date night spot with tasteful decor and lighting. Based on 104 opinions, with 72 positive remarks, it's clear many find the setting enjoyable and welcoming.
However, while the score is good, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.2%, indicating some room for improvement. Not everyone is swept away; some feel the place lacks soul or can be a bit sterile, with concerns about the noise level making conversation difficult. A few found the TVs and pop music incongruous, detracting from the overall experience, as noted in 24 negative remarks.
Ambience
104
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
24
negative
8
neutral
72
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Live music
- Perfect date night
What people don't like
- Loud noise level
- Lacks soul/vibe
- Incongruous TVs/music
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was just right: simply decorated, huge windows for a great open feel
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was great up by the front booth.
- ambianceThe ambiance is classy but still feels warm and welcoming
- barIt's a great spot for date night, gatherings with friends, or family outings. I personally enjoy sitting at the bar and having dinner there with friends. The live music was excellent as well.
- live musicLive music and atmospheric lighting really made this a wonderful night out!
- eveningThe experience exceeded all our expectations. The food was incredible, and every aspect of our evening was memorable. Anna, our server, was a joy: attentive, friendly, and engaging.
- locationlove the location of this restaurant, it’s next to the climate pledge
- restaurantthe restaurant is pretty cute
- spotIt's a great spot for date night
- timehad an amazing time
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere feels like someone mixed together décor from three different restaurants
- TVstoo many tvs for my vibe
- environmentincongruous to the otherwise classy environment
- noise levelVery loud, hard to hear
- vibethe place felt more like a high-volume food factory
- aestheticspaying more for aesthetics and hype
- bar seat reservationseemed boujee and out of touch at first (based on necessity to reserve a bar seat)
- experiencethe vibe and experience just didn’t match the price or the theme
- fliesthere were flies all over the inside
- hypeoverhyped it to be honest
If you're looking for a lively spot with good atmosphere and live music, especially for a date night, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that some find the noise level a bit high or the vibe occasionally misses the mark, so manage your expectations if you prefer a quieter, more intimate setting.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a puzzle. While the overall score sits at a rather low 3.6, and customer satisfaction is a mere 12.5%, there are glimmers of hope. Some folks rave about the happy hour and late night happy hour deals, finding the experience completely worth it, especially with half-priced wine deals on certain nights.
These positive sentiments, though fewer, highlight specific instances where guests felt they got their money's worth. However, the overwhelming sentiment, reflected in 61 negative comments out of 80 total remarks, points to significant concerns. Many customers felt things were overpriced , especially with an automatic service charge often appearing on the final bill .
The mention of gratuity and tip also frequently comes up, with guests feeling confused or frustrated by additional expectations on top of already high prices and service fees.
Value
80
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
61
negative
9
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Worthwhile experience
- Half-priced wine
What people don't like
- Automatic service charge
- High prices
- Extra tip expected
Often praised
- happy hourCame during happy hour for a wine and free mini pasta
- automatic service chargeI happily pay for the experience the servers provide
- experienceIt’s expensive but worth the experience.
- half-priced wine dealsWednesdays have half-priced wine deals
- happy hour menualmost ordered the ENTIRE happy hour menu and still the bill was so low.
- late night happy hourTheir late night happy hour was worth every penny!
- priceA bit pricey for our normal date nights ($200) but it was completely worth it!
Frequently criticized
- service chargeOn the other hand, the service was great, I can't complain. However, they do charge a 22% service charge onto your bill on top of the high prices, and still expect a 20-30% tip, which I find absurd. If I'm paying 50% for service, the service better be next level – top tier and out of this world.
- priceMy experience at Messina was that of a "social media" restaurant. The interior design and decor felt haphazard, and the pasta flights with sparklers, along with a steep price, seemed designed to attract an influencer crowd. We ordered the Petite Messina Flight, which included three pastas of our choice and a chopped salad.
- tipLeaving what essentially ends up being a 50% tip felt a little excessive
- billthe bill was nearly $300 for four of us
- pricesMy experience at this place was that it's definitely overrated, getting a lot of IG hype. The food was mediocre, nothing special, but the prices are elevated. On the other hand, the service was great, I can't complain.
- gratuityOne thing to note: gratuity is automatically added at 22% to support higher wages for employees, which I completely respect. However, the receipt also suggests adding another 25–30% on top of that. I’m all for tipping well for great service, but it would make more sense to simply build that cost into menu prices rather than presenting it as gratuity.
- overpricedBland, dry, overpriced not executed well
- service feecharge a 35% service fee that doesn’t even go to the server
- 22% chargea 22% charge is added to every bill
- 22% service chargeTHE 22% SERVICE CHARGE IS NOT ADVERTISED AT ALL
If you're eyeing a visit, definitely prioritize their happy hour for the best bang for your buck. Otherwise, be prepared for a potentially pricey experience, especially with an automatic service charge that might leave you feeling shortchanged on overall value.
How are the prices at Messina?
You’re looking at roughly 63 per person – reported by 97 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is in this range, the prices people pay are quite spread out, showing a mix of both more budget-friendly and more premium dining experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 97 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for an Italian restaurant in Seattle, especially given the variety of dining experiences customers seem to be enjoying. It offers flexibility for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Messina
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Fantastic Service, Amazing Flavors, Mixed Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, thanks to the fantastic server, Amy. She was attentive and took the time to help us navigate the menu, making us feel like we were her only guests. The food was amazing, with layers of unique flavor in the three pastas we tried.
I also appreciated the option to do samplers, which is great for sharing on a date. The wine and my cocktail were on point, and I'm eager to try more of their fun cocktails. The atmosphere had its merits, with tasteful lighting and decor, and a real candle on the table was a nice touch.
However, the TVs on the wall and loud pop music felt out of place in the otherwise classy environment and detracted from the overall experience.
- server10
- menu9
- food10
- TVs3
- pop music3
- environment3
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Wonderful Meal and Service!
My family and I had a wonderful meal here. We were initially unsure if the Instagram hype would match the reality, but Messina exceeded our expectations. Danielle, in particular, was truly wonderful and made us feel welcome and taken care of.
Highly recommend!
- meal9
- expectations9
- Danielle10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Fun Pasta Flights, Loud Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was great, largely thanks to my excellent server, Danielle. The food was very tasty, and I particularly enjoyed the pasta flights, which were both fun and delicious. My only wish is that the environment wasn't so loud; otherwise, the restaurant is fantastic.
- server10
- food9
- pasta flights10
- environment3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent Food, Service, and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The atmosphere is perfect, whether you're looking for a quick dinner in the bar or a romantic dinner in the restaurant. They have a full bar with a large wine selection.
The staff, including waiters, waitresses, and bartenders, were consistently attentive, always checking in to see how our meal was tasting or if we needed anything. The food portions were just right for one person, and they also offer a pasta flight for the table with up to five different pastas. I enjoyed my dessert with an espresso, which is available upon request.
It's highly recommended to book a table in advance, although the bar offers open seating and is just as comfortable.
- atmosphere10
- bar9
- wine selection9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Messina Exceeded Expectations!
My friend and I finally visited Messina after nearly two years of anticipation, sparked by their tempting pasta board on Instagram. The experience exceeded all our expectations. The food was incredible, and every aspect of our evening was memorable.
Anna, our server, was a joy: attentive, friendly, and engaging. From the outstanding service to the delicious cocktails, Messina delivered a truly unforgettable night out.
- food10
- pasta board9
- server Anna10
What Messina offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations for Messina Modern Italian Kitchen?
Yes, dinner reservations are recommended at Messina Modern Italian Kitchen to ensure you secure your table. You can also enjoy lunch, brunch, or dessert with table service, and walk-ins are welcome for other dining times. They also offer takeout options for your convenience.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Messina Modern Italian Kitchen?
At Messina Modern Italian Kitchen, you’ll find a romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere. You can enjoy late-night food, happy hour drinks, a great wine list, cocktails, and even vegetarian options. They also have a bar onsite, offer private dining, and provide a kids’ menu.
How does Messina generally score with diners?
Messina achieves a good overall score of **7.6** out of 10. This is largely driven by strong performances in **Service** (8.2), **Food** (8.1), and **Ambience** (7.2), though **Value** (3.6) is an area where it falls short.
Is Messina considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed, with a score of **3.6**. Many customers find the prices high, especially with automatic service charges, which can make the overall bill substantial. Some feel the experience justifies the cost, while others view it as overpriced.
What is the atmosphere like at Messina?
The ambiance at Messina generally scores well at **7.2**, described as classy, warm, and welcoming, often enhanced by live music. However, some diners have noted it can be loud, and the decor might feel a bit inconsistent to a few.