Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Cantinetta – Seattle
Cantinetta - Seattle
Photo from Cantinetta
Cantinetta at a glance
Seattle Wallingford
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 97 of the guests
#733 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#31 Italian Restaurant out of 32 in Seattle
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
648
Reviews
53.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Cozy ambiance
- Friendly service
- Tasty dishes
Frequently criticized
- Tiny portions
- Loud environment
- Poor value
The restaurant Cantinetta is an exquisite Italian Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle. When you step inside, you’ll discover a truly romantic and cozy atmosphere, perfect for an intimate dinner.
You’ll be delighted by their great dessert selection, a highlight that truly completes your dining experience. This spot offers a trendy yet upscale setting, inviting you to savor authentic Italian flavors in the heart of Seattle.
Overview: Introducting Cantinetta
Cantinetta offers a charming dining experience, often praised for its inviting atmosphere and the quality of its culinary creations. Many guests appreciate the friendly service and the overall pleasant setting, making it a popular choice for a relaxed evening out.
The wine list also receives positive remarks for its thoughtful selection. However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value, particularly with portion sizes that can feel quite small for the price.
While the staff is generally attentive, there have been instances of inconsistent service, and the dining room can become notably noisy, impacting conversation.
Good
6.1
out of 10
648
Reviews
53.5%
Satisfaction
254
negative
47
neutral
347
positive
Cantinetta holds an average Restaurant Score of 6.1 out of 10, reflecting a generally acceptable but not outstanding performance. Customer feedback, based on 648 total opinions (347 positive versus 254 negative), indicates a Customer Satisfaction of 53.5%, placing it in the mixed category.
This suggests that while many enjoy their visit, a notable portion of guests leave with reservations. Delving into specifics, Food leads with a good score of (6.5), indicating a solid culinary foundation.
However, Service (5.8) and Ambience (5.9) hover in the average range, suggesting areas for refinement. The most significant challenge appears to be Value (3.8), which falls into the poor category, often cited due to pricing and portion concerns.
What people like
- Inviting, cozy ambiance
- Attentive, friendly service
- Delicious food offerings
What people don't like
- Small, inconsistent portions
- High noise levels
- Overpriced for value
Cantinetta presents a mixed proposition. If you prioritize a cozy atmosphere and generally well-prepared dishes, it could be a pleasant choice.
However, be mindful of the potential for smaller portions and a lively, sometimes loud, dining environment. It’s a place that delivers on certain fronts but has clear room for improvement.
With a Recommendation Score of 6.3, Cantinetta is worth considering if its strengths align with your priorities. For those sensitive to noise or seeking exceptional value, it might be wise to manage expectations or explore other options.
It’s a spot with potential, but not without its quirks.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cantinetta
Food (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction rating of 56.5% and an average score of 6.5. Out of 359 customer remarks, 203 were positive, often praising the delicious homemade pasta, excellent Tiramisu, and fresh burrata appetizer, alongside a great wine selection. However, 122 comments pointed to areas for improvement.
Many found the portions to be tiny, some dishes bland or flavorless, and sauces occasionally watery. There were also mentions of food being overcooked, suggesting inconsistency in execution.
Food
359
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
122
negative
34
neutral
203
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Handmade pasta shines
- Tiramisu is excellent
- Burrata is fresh
What people don't like
- Portions are tiny
- Food lacks flavor
- Sauces are watery
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of good and bad. The food was good and delicious, which was a definite plus. However, the portion sizes were too small, leaving us feeling hungry.
- pastaMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food was great, and although they accidentally brought us the wrong dish, they quickly fixed it and even let us take home the pasta we didn't order. The service was amazing.
- risottoWe also shared a burrata appetizer. The burrata was good, and the risotto tasted good but was such a tiny portion. My pasta a la carbonara was the worst part; it was the worst carbonara I've ever had.
- cocktailsFor dessert, the torta was delicious until the last few bites, which had an overwhelming freezer burn taste. On a positive note, they had a lovely wine selection and the cocktails were amazing. The staff was incredibly attentive, making us feel truly doted on, but the food was just so disappointing.
- tiramisuThe tiramisu was pretty authentic and good
- clamsburrata, beet salad, amatraciana, gnocchi and clams were all fantastic
- focacciaDon't miss the focaccia either: soft, fragrant, and irresistible
- portionsThis was a perfect date night spot. The price is extremely reasonable for the quality of food, the portions, and the overall atmosphere. We ordered a lot on the menu and enjoyed everything, including the cocktails.
- bologneseTook home the bolognese for my husband and he gobbled it up
- portion sizeThe portion size for that dish was fantastic
Frequently criticized
- foodAdditionally, one of the waitresses rested the water pitcher on every glass she refilled, inevitably spreading germs throughout the whole restaurant. It was overpriced, with not good service and not great food this time.
- pastaThis is one of them. The Bolognese was soggy, and it seems like the only thing these people know about pasta is al dente. The Bellevue location is just as bad, though it has a great atmosphere if you are on a business trip!
- portionsIt’s a cute lively place, but the food is just okay with small portions. The last two times we had a reservation, we had to wait 10-30 mins for our table.
- focacciathe focaccia and cauliflower were not great
- gnocchiThe waitress had an attitude, and most of the food we ordered was not good. Specifically, the beets salad was bland, the melanzane was horrible, the gnocchi was way over salted, and the filetto was overcooked. The only dishes we enjoyed were the cannelloni and the desserts.
- portion sizemy entrée was also ridiculously small
- sauceThe sauce was so watered down it was the consistency of soup
- House FocacciaHouse Focaccia - doesn't come warm sadly. It's a little dense and dry
- Italian foodoverpriced and undercooked Italian food
- breadbread, costs extra and it's more like corn bread. Very strange
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a culinary experience that has its highs and lows. While the handmade pasta and desserts often impress, you might encounter small portions or inconsistent flavors. Its worth a try if you're willing to gamble a bit on your dish.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! With 70 positive remarks out of 136 total comments, many guests had a good experience. Folks frequently praised the attentive staff, waiters, and their knowledgeable recommendations, sometimes even highlighting a great team service approach.
While the overall score sits at an average 5.8, theres definitely a bright side to the hospitality here. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. About 58 comments pointed to some bumps in the road, leading to a mixed 51.5% customer satisfaction.
Some found the service inattentive, others encountered rude staff, felt rushed through their meal, or described the experience as disorganized. It sounds like consistency might be the main challenge.
Service
136
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
58
negative
8
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Knowledgeable servers
- Excellent service
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Inattentive servers
- Disorganized service
Often praised
- serviceThis is such a cute spot with friendly service and good vibes, a real sweet small neighborhood spot. Our hopes were high, and while we loved the atmosphere and our time there, we left slightly hungry and a little underwhelmed by the house-made focaccia, house-made pasta, and diver scallops (3 for $36 😳).
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with loved the food and drink and the knowledgeable and friendly staff making for a great meal. However, the atmosphere was a bit noisy, which sometimes made conversation difficult.
- ServiceThe portion size for that dish was fantastic, but as you can see in the picture, for the same price and nothing notated, the ravioli was comically small and swimming in a plate of oil. Service was very attentive, though we felt rushed through and were seated so close to the expo line that we felt very in the way.
- wait staffapproachable, attentive (not to mention wonderful!) wait staff
- reservationBe sure to make a reservation
- serverthe server didn't miss beat in hearing our order
- AnastasiaAnastasia was knowledgeable, friendly and checked in on the table the perfect amount.
- attentive staffstaff was so attentive
- fixed itquickly fixed it
- free breadwe were offered free bread
Frequently criticized
- serviceAdditionally, one of the waitresses rested the water pitcher on every glass she refilled, inevitably spreading germs throughout the whole restaurant. It was overpriced, with not good service and not great food this time.
- serverOur server was inattentive, rushed us through the ordering process, didn’t offer wine service, and was rude from the start for no apparent reason. When we accidentally presented an expired card for payment, the server returned, slammed the bill on the table, and used offensive language when we confronted him for his rudeness, despite our apology for the mistake. While some staff members were polite, our server (Ryan) made the entire experience unpleasant.
- waiting timeKept waiting. Kept waiting. Kept waiting. Kept waiting.
- managementirresponsible of the management to allow conditions like these
- waitressTo make matters worse, the portion size was pretty meager. Additionally, one of the waitresses rested the water pitcher on every glass she refilled, inevitably spreading germs throughout the whole restaurant. It was overpriced, with not good service and not great food this time.
- acceptable serviceupholding any level of acceptable service
- acknowledgementNobody acknowledged our existence
- anniversary acknowledgementit was not acknowledged during the meal
- assumed we wanted outsideassumed we wanted outside, despite our reservation
- breadHad to ask for bread
So, should you go? The service here can be a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter wonderfully attentive and knowledgeable staff, be prepared for the possibility of a less-than-stellar experience.
If youre willing to take that chance, you might be pleasantly surprised, but its not a guaranteed smooth ride.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a pretty mixed bag, with a score of 5.9 and customer satisfaction at 53.5%. Out of 127 opinions, 68 found the atmosphere quite charming, often praising its cozy atmosphere, romantic feel, and low lighting. Many appreciate it as a cute neighborhood spot with thoughtful decor.
However, 55 opinions point to some significant drawbacks. Guests frequently mentioned issues like loud noise levels, poor ventilation, and even cleanliness concerns such as dirty tables and cobwebs. Some also found the seating uncomfortable, which can definitely impact the overall experience.
Ambience
127
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
55
negative
4
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Romantic feel
- Charming decor
What people don't like
- Loud and noisy
- Poor ventilation
- Cleanliness concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereThis was a perfect date night spot. The price is extremely reasonable for the quality of food, the portions, and the overall atmosphere. We ordered a lot on the menu and enjoyed everything, including the cocktails.
- ambianceThe ambiance is amazing and offers a chic, rustic vibe.
- placeDon't miss the focaccia either: soft, fragrant, and irresistible. The place is small, so booking is highly recommended. But every detail, from the service to the quality of the dishes, makes the experience absolutely memorable.
- vibeMy experience at this Italian restaurant was largely positive, marked by an incredible vibe and some truly excellent mains. The restaurant is built into a former residential house, creating a very homey and welcoming atmosphere.
- decorThe decor is very welcoming and cozy
- environmentenvironment is comfortable and cozy
- experienceOverall great experience
- interiorrestaurant has a very nice interior
- settingNice, intimate setting inside.
- Dining outsideDining outside on a sunny day is nice
Frequently criticized
- noisytoo noisy for intimate conversation
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- spaceIt was a very very loud space without any feel for privacy
- acousticsthe acoustic could be slightly better as it was very loud inside
- atmosphereIt is a bit noisy though
- musicthe “music” is often a single base beat on a jarring repeat
- noise levelThe vibe and decor reminded me of similar establishments in Europe. However, the acoustics could be slightly better as it was very loud inside.
- parking spaceParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- restaurantIt looked like a noodle soup with a very watery and thin cream, and was very bland tasting. The restaurant is very small, packed, and loud. There's barely room for servers to pass through the tables.
- street parkingThe staff were courteous, and their service was great. The only potential hassle is parking, as it's street parking only and might require some searching.
If youre looking for a cozy, romantic vibe and dont mind a potentially lively (or loud) setting, this place might charm you. However, be prepared for possible comfort issues and check if they've addressed ventilation or cleanliness concerns before you go.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
Despite a generally low sentiment, a few guests did find some silver linings regarding value. Some appreciated the reasonable price for certain items, noting a good wine list that wasn't outrageously priced. The availability of free street parking also added a small positive touch to their experience.
However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, with a score of just 3.8 and customer satisfaction at a mere 23.1%. Based on 19 negative comments out of 26 total, many felt the high prices and small portions made the experience feel overpriced. Issues like billing errors and unmentioned automatic gratuity further detracted from perceived value.
Value
26
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
19
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good wine list
- Free street parking
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- Billing errors
Often praised
- PricesPrices were fair
- meal and drinkthe bartender (Randy?) comped my meal and drink
- priceThe price is extremely reasonable
- pricesreasonable prices
- street parkingFree street parking
- wine listGood wine list with bottles that aren't outrageously priced
Frequently criticized
- priceserving overpriced
- billDinner was $180 without dessert and if I felt like being rushed outta a restaurant
- price pointMy entrée portion was ridiculously small for the same price as my partner’s normal portion. The taste and presentation were underwhelming and did NOT reflect the price point. Toward the end, the waitress sarcastically asked if we were skipping dessert.
- pricesWe felt like the service was overbearing. Given the prices and the bad experience, I will not go back.
- Seattle restaurantspretentious overpriced Seattle restaurants
- automatic gratuityfailed to mention that an automatic gratuity would be added
- billing errorswe were erroneously charged for the entire bill
- breadbread isnt free
- high pricestiny portions, and high prices were significant drawbacks
- moneySpent a lot of money but still left hungry
If you're considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially high bill, as many found the value proposition lacking. While some small positives exist, the general consensus points to an experience that might feel overpriced for what you receive.
How are the prices at Cantinetta?
You’re looking at roughly 64 $ per person – reported by 97 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range, leaning towards a premium experience.
While the average is 64 $, guests actually spend across a wide spectrum, from mid-range options to quite a few choosing more premium dishes, even above 101 $.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 97 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the average spend and the variety of price points available, we think the pricing feels fair for a quality Italian dining experience in Seattle. It offers options for different budgets, but leans towards a more premium offering.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cantinetta
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Dishes Lacked Memorable Qualities
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I ordered the carpaccio, carrots, scallops, and gnocchi. Unfortunately, none of the dishes stood out as particularly memorable, primarily due to their shortcomings.
The scallops were overcooked, and the carrots were undercooked. The sauces lacked development, and there was an absence of originality in the preparations. While there are many wonderful places to try, this is not one I would recommend.
- dishes2
- scallops3
- carrots3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Billing Errors and Poor Resolution
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to significant billing errors and a complete lack of resolution. When attempting to split a check with another couple, we were incorrectly charged for the entire bill. To make matters worse, when we disputed this, the restaurant insisted we had tipped $135 on a $135 bill, which is an absurd claim.
Despite being good tippers, we do not tip 100%. The restaurant refused to correct their initial error or address the suspicious alteration of the credit card receipt. Given this treatment, the food, which was only rated a 3 out of 5, is definitely not worth the hassle.
- food3
- billing errors1
- credit card receipt1
- hassle1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Incredible Food, Shocking Cleanliness Issues
My experience at this restaurant was a tale of two halves. The food was absolutely incredible, with everything we ordered being delicious. The male server with curly hair was a delight and truly stood out, but unfortunately, the other staff seemed standoffish.
The biggest issue, and the reason for my low rating, was the disgusting tables. They were so dirty that wiping up a small spill left black streaks on my napkin. Even after servers cleaned them, the tables remained visibly dirty.
The entire place seemed to have soot streaks everywhere, including air vents, and cobwebs were present. To top it off, our initial table smelled like sewage. Despite these significant cleanliness problems, the food was so good that I would still consider eating here, assuming the kitchen is clean.
I hope this review reaches management as these seem like easy fixes.
- food10
- everything we ordered10
- male server9
- others3
- disgusting tables1
- black streaks2
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Disappointing Dinner with Rushed Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The atmosphere was lovely, with pretty lighting creating a pleasant ambiance. Initially, the service seemed good, and the hostess was friendly.
However, the food was a letdown. The gnocchi arrived lukewarm, described as 'little pillows of coal. ' My steak, ordered medium-rare, was served medium and was tough, making it difficult to cut.
The most frustrating part was the service at the end of the meal. We were abruptly informed our time was up despite not finishing our entrees, and were offered to move to the bar, which we declined. Multiple staff members checked on us in a short span, creating a rushed feeling.
I probably wouldn't return, especially given the $180 bill (without dessert) for an experience that felt like being rushed out of a trendy New York spot where such attitude might be expected.
- atmosphere8
- service2
- gnocchi3
- steak3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Spot, Worth the Price
My experience at this restaurant was really great. It's a quaint little spot with a wonderful atmosphere. The wine was good, and the food was great.
While it is on the pricier side, I found it to be worth the cost.
- atmosphere10
- wine8
- food10
What Cantinetta offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Cantinetta in Seattle?
At Cantinetta, you’ll find an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, making it ideal for a special evening. The setting is also quite trendy, offering a sophisticated yet inviting space for you to enjoy dinner with table service. You can also look forward to a great dessert selection to complete your meal.
Are there specific accessibility features and parking options available at Cantinetta?
Yes, Cantinetta is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Regarding parking, you’ll find free street parking, though spaces can sometimes be somewhat difficult to locate in the Wallingford area.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Cantinetta?
Cantinetta has a mixed customer satisfaction rating of 53.5%, indicating that while many guests have positive experiences, a significant number also express concerns, particularly regarding value and consistency.
How does Cantinetta score across different aspects of the dining experience?
Cantinetta achieves an average Restaurant Score of 6.1 out of 10. Its strongest area is Food (6.5), which is rated as good. Service (5.8) and Ambience (5.9) are considered average, while Value (3.8) is rated as poor.
Are there any common complaints about Cantinetta's dining experience?
Yes, common complaints include small portion sizes that can lead to feeling hungry, high noise levels making conversation difficult, and some instances of inconsistent or rushed service. The overall value for money is also a frequent concern.