Highlights
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
oChef » Brunello – Seattle
Brunello - Seattle
Photo from Brunello
Brunello at a glance
Seattle Roosevelt
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 104 of the guests
#374 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#14 Italian Restaurant out of 32 in Seattle
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
617
Reviews
78.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Italian food
- Friendly service
- Quiet ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Dirty cutlery
- Overpriced dishes
The restaurant, Brunello Ristorante Italiano, in Seattle’s Roosevelt neighborhood, invites you to a truly authentic dining experience. You will find a cozy Italian restaurant where the warmth of a fireplace creates an inviting ambiance.
This spot is perfect for a romantic evening or a quiet meal, offering a taste of Italy right in the heart of Seattle.
Overview: Introducting Brunello
Brunello generally offers a pleasant dining experience, often praised for its authentic Italian food and attentive service. Many appreciate the cozy atmosphere that makes for easy conversation, contributing to a memorable visit.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly with service speed and occasional issues with cleanliness. While the culinary offerings are a consistent draw, a few diners have noted that the overall value can be a mixed bag.
Despite this, the restaurant maintains a reputation for being a welcoming spot where the staff often treats you like family, making for a generally positive impression.
Good
7.7
out of 10
617
Reviews
78.3%
Satisfaction
119
negative
15
neutral
483
positive
Brunello holds a solid 7.7 Restaurant Score, indicating a good overall performance. Customer satisfaction is also quite strong at 78.3%, suggesting most diners leave content.
These figures are based on a substantial 617 customer remarks, with 483 positive and 119 negative observations. Diving deeper, the Ambience (8.0) and Service (7.9) stand out, often noted for their friendliness and comfortable setting.
The Food (7.8) is also a clear highlight, frequently described as fresh and authentic. However, Value (5.1) appears to be a mixed bag, with affordable happy hour options contrasting with some feeling it’s overpriced.
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Cozy, quiet ambiance
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service speed
- Cleanliness concerns
- Some dishes overpriced
Brunello presents itself as a reliable choice for Italian cuisine, particularly if you prioritize well-prepared dishes and a comfortable setting. The 7.9 Recommendation Score suggests it’s a place many would happily suggest to others, especially for those seeking a relaxed meal.
While the experience is generally positive, be mindful of potential service fluctuations and check your bill for any unexpected pricing. If you value good food and a pleasant atmosphere over absolute perfection in every detail, Brunello is worth considering for your next Italian meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Brunello
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place generally earns high marks, boasting a good score of 7.8 and a strong customer satisfaction of 80.8%. Many diners rave about the delicious food, particularly praising the pasta and authentic Italian food, often highlighting the large portions. With 248 positive remarks, it's clear the culinary experience often delights.
However, not every dish is a home run. Out of 307 total opinions, 53 point to some areas for improvement, with complaints about mediocre food that can sometimes be bland or oily. A few guests also felt they received a tiny portion, which can certainly be a disappointment.
Food
307
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
53
negative
6
neutral
248
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian dishes
- Delicious pasta
- Large portions
What people don't like
- Bland or oily
- Small portions
- Mediocre food
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant has been lovely every time I've dined here. For the past four years, my partner and I have consistently received amazing service and absolutely delightful food. They expertly balance classic menu items with new, fresh dishes, making it suitable for any occasion – whether it's a casual dinner with friends, a family meal, or a fancy date night.
- pastaThe pasta tasted fresh and I feel like it's hand made.
- pastasthe pastas have been excellent
- tiramisuBoth dishes were very good and served in huge portions, leaving us with enough for leftovers. We took our leftovers so we could share the tiramisu. The service was great and very attentive.
- cocktailsThe bread, herbs, and oil served at the beginning were a tad bit charred but still yummy. We also had a couple of cocktails. The great service and quiet atmosphere made for an easy conversation.
- drinksFrom the moment I walked in, the amazing smell transported me, reminding my Italian American boyfriend of his grandmother's kitchen. The service was outstanding, the drinks were great, and the food was fantastic. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance, being classy but not overstated.
- menuOur experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We've tried almost everything on the menu and haven't been disappointed yet. If you're looking for good Italian food and great service, please stop in!
- wine selectionWe enjoyed wonderful service and a chill atmosphere. It's very reasonably priced, with a huge wine selection and nice staff.
- Italian foodIf you want Italian food this is a very good choice
- carbonaraI’ve never had a carbonara that compares to what I can make at home, but this was right up there
Frequently criticized
- foodfood this mediocre is nothing short of a scam and an insult.
- food qualitythe food quality
- meatcouldn't say whether the meat was wild boar or just ground pork - it should be gamier
- pastamake a pasta that is traditionally drenched in oil taste dry
- qualitythe quality and service here has dropped down a cliff
- Calamari antipastiThe Calamari antipasti was simply horrible
- CarbonaraTried carbanara. It was not that great. No salt at all.
- Fettucini Con PestoThe pesto sauce was so bland—nothing like what authentic pesto is
- GnocchiTheir Gnocchi was chewy like gum
- Gnocchi Della CasaThe gnocchi dish was overly salty and the cheese was greasy.
If you're seeking authentic Italian pasta and generous servings, this spot is generally a solid choice. Just be mindful that some dishes might occasionally fall short on flavor or portion size, so consider popular recommendations.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
The service here generally shines, with a good score of 7.9 and 79.2% customer satisfaction. Many of the 137 positive remarks highlight the `friendly and helpful staff`, `stellar service`, and `attentive` approach, often making guests feel welcomed. From personal touches to quick issue resolution, the team frequently goes above and beyond.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 34 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests reported `lacking service`, feeling `rushed out`, or experiencing long `waiting times` for orders. A few isolated incidents even mentioned issues like `overcharged` credit cards or feeling ignored by staff.
Service
173
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
34
negative
2
neutral
137
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Attentive service
- Managers resolve issues
What people don't like
- Lacking service
- Long waiting times
- Feeling rushed
Often praised
- serviceWe've tried almost everything on the menu and haven't been disappointed yet. If you're looking for good Italian food and great service, please stop in!
- staffI originally placed an order through DoorDash because I couldn't find a to-go order option on their website. However, when I arrived, the staff informed me that they no longer use DoorDash and hadn’t received my order. It was confusing since I was able to place and pay for it on the app, but the manager, RJ, went above and beyond to resolve the situation.
- serverCarlos, our server, could not have been more friendly and jubilant.
- wait staffThe wait staff and ownership literally treat you like friends or family
- waiterThe service was the best I’ve had in years; I forgot it could be that good! I never had to wait or ask for anything, and the waiter was super polite. I tried it on a whim with no prior knowledge of the restaurant and was pleased.
- experienceOur server, Adam, was amazing. He made our experience one to remember. If you’re looking for authentic Italian food, I highly recommend Brunello!
- ownerthe owner was much cooler. They seemed genuinely enthusiastic
- ServiceService:5
- TimTim always makes the experience memorable
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant involved a bit of a wait, as the service was a bit slow and we waited quite a while to be able to order and then for our food. However, everyone was friendly, and the food was good.
- serverthe server has served very nicely to the next table but to us it wasn't good at all
- waiterWhile the food was still good, the service and cleanliness were embarrassing. The waiter was practically throwing our dishes on to the table at us. The water tasted strange, and the cutlery and water glasses were smudged and dirty.
- ServiceService can feel a bit rushed
- busserHowever, the overall experience was just MEH. The server was decent, but the buser was not good and unfriendly. The food was mediocre.
- busyEven at the end, when I politely asked about splitting the bill, the server responded with a nasty laugh and a dismissive "Ha! Yeah, we're really busy but whatever! " This attitude made me feel like a second-class citizen.
- chef liedmanager, the chef blatantly lied
- customer's experienceservice impact the experience of customer
- delivery$82 for a delivery of Gnocchi Della Casa and Fettucini Con Pesto, niether of which were any good.
- drink orderMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing due to the service. After being seated, we waited for 30 minutes, and no one even took our drink order. Consequently, we just got up and left.
Overall, the service here is generally a strong point, with many guests praising the attentive and friendly staff. While there are occasional reports of slow or rushed service, the positive experiences far outweigh the negative. If you value a welcoming and helpful team, this place is definitely worth a visit.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot really shines, earning a solid 8 and a fantastic 83.3% customer satisfaction. Many guests, in 80 positive comments, raved about the cozy and charming vibe, often highlighting the fireplace and traditional Italian atmosphere. It sounds like a truly welcoming place.
However, not every detail hit the mark. A small number of guests, 10 to be exact, pointed out some issues. Concerns included parking difficulties, dirty cutlery and water glasses, and even a dusty side table.
Some also werent thrilled about dogs in the indoor' dining area.
Ambience
96
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
10
negative
6
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, charming vibe
- Warm, welcoming decor
- Fireplace adds charm
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Parking difficulties
- Dogs in dining
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's a homey and cosy spot that serves absolutely delicious food. The service was top-notch, earning a perfect 5, and the atmosphere was rated a solid 4. It's a quiet place, making it easy to have a conversation.
- experienceraving about our amazing experience
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance was amazing too
- environmentAmazing environment and food. Made me feel like I was back in Italy
- fireplaceWe also liked the fireplace at the center.
- noise levelThe service was top-notch, earning a perfect 5, and the atmosphere was rated a solid 4. It's a quiet place, making it easy to have a conversation. The food itself was also rated a perfect 5, highlighting its excellent quality.
- parkingparking is appreciated (small spots but they are there!)
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- Parking optionsParking options:Free parking lot
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking in the neighborhood is a bit of an annoyance
- bowl of cheese" when they came to collect our empty dishes. The restaurant also kept an uncovered bowl of cheese to offer to their patrons to dust on top of pasta dishes. This bowl is kept on a dusty side table.
- classical musicplaying like very high end hotel lobby classical music
- cleanlinessthe service and the cleanliness were embarrassing
- cutleryThe cutlery and water glasses were smudged and dirty
- dogs in indoorVery unsanitary. Lastly, the restaurant allowed two dogs in the indoor dine-in area during our time there. One dog was on its owner's lap and barked at different people who walked by.
- dusty side tablekept on a dusty side table
- outdoor seatingThe outdoor seating wasn’t great
- tablesThe tables were set on a parking lot that they hadn't even bothered to sweep or weed the cracks
- water glassesThe cutlery and water glasses were smudged and dirty
If youre looking for a warm, cozy Italian atmosphere with a charming vibe, this spot is largely a hit. While a few guests noted minor issues like parking or cleanliness, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive. Its definitely worth trying for that authentic, welcoming feel.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests rave about the fantastic deals, especially during happy hour, with reasonable prices for drinks and food that offer great bang for your buck. With 18 positive remarks out of 41 total, it seems many find the pricing appropriate for the quality and portion sizes, making it feel like a good deal. Overall, the value here is quite average, with a score of 5.1.
However, the value proposition is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at 43.9%. There are 22 negative comments highlighting concerns about the food being overpriced, pricy bills, and even hidden prices on daily specials or wine. Some guests also expressed frustration with automatic gratuity and menus without prices, leading to a feeling of deception.
Value
41
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
22
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent happy hour deals
- Reasonable drink prices
- Good bang for buck
What people don't like
- Overpriced regular menu
- Hidden prices issues
- Automatic gratuity concerns
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this wonderful neighborhood Italian restaurant was fantastic. The food was excellent and quite reasonable, and the staff were incredibly friendly. Their lemon cake is dangerously delicious!
- pricesThe happy hour prices are really affordable.
- happy hourThe real star is the happy hour with half priced pastas and $10 drinks.
- appropriate pricesappropriate prices for the quality and size of the portions
- bang for your buckMy experience at this restaurant was positive, offering a great bang for your buck, especially if you avoid the specials. The menu had a variety of options, and the tiramisu was good.
- dealCan’t beat that in Seattle
- drinksthe drinks are modestly priced
- happy hour menuTheir happy hour menu is extensive
- not pretentiousThe service has always been great, and the food even better. The atmosphere is old-school Italian, and I appreciate that it's not pretentious or overpriced. The penne alla vodka is a go-to for me, and the boar is a special treat when available.
- price pointWe rely on Brunello for good Italian food and a great wine selection in any season. The wine selection is amazing, and the pastas are divine, all at a good price point. We believe the food, experience, and ambiance here surpass places like Pink Door and Spinasse.
Frequently criticized
- priceOverpriced for what it was
- auto gratuityno auto gratuity
- automatic tipThen tip was automatically added in. I didn’t think they deserved any tip at all.
- cheap restaurantthis is not a cheap restaurant mind you
- deceptionnot worth the deception
- effortor effort whatsoever
- fraudulentplace should be marked as fraudulent
- hidden pricesdaily specials have hidden prices
- house saladThe house salad was $3 more on the check than the menu
- insane pricesNo insane prices
If you're looking for a great deal, especially during happy hour, this spot could be a real winner for its reasonable prices and generous portions. However, be cautious during regular hours, as some find the menu prices and potential hidden costs, like automatic gratuity, can lead to an unexpectedly pricy bill.
How are the prices at Brunello?
You’re looking at roughly 47 per person – reported by 104 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 at 47, its interesting to see that many diners spend less, with a good number in the $21–$30 and $31–$40 ranges. But dont be surprised if some guests opt for a more premium experience, as there’s also a noticeable number of diners spending $71–$80 or even $101+.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 104 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for an Italian restaurant in Seattle. It offers options for different budgets, allowing guests to enjoy a great meal whether they’re looking for a comfortable mid-range dinner or a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Brunello
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Lava Cake Disappointment
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. While the atmosphere was fantastic, rated at a 5, and the service was also quite good, receiving a 4, the food was a letdown, scoring a 3. They seemed to be trying to pass off their lava cake as devil's food, which I consider the pinnacle of chocolate.
This was a significant disappointment.
- atmosphere10
- service8
- food3
- lava cake2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Food, Great Service at Brunello
I recently tried Brunello for the first time and I'm already planning my return! The happy hour menu was quite extensive, featuring all pasta dishes at a tempting $13. 75.
While these are half portions, they were the perfect size, especially after enjoying the complimentary bread and an appetizer. Our drinks, bruschetta, and pastas were all absolutely delicious! The service was impressively quick and kind.
I'd definitely recommend making a reservation if you plan to dine in on a weekend, as the restaurant began to fill up around 6: 15 pm.
- happy hour menu8
- pasta dishes7
- drinks9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Happy Hour Steals and Tasty Pastas
We visited last night on our way to a concert, and it was a very nice experience. My wife enjoyed the seafood ravioli, which she found to be very good and a good size portion. I opted for the happy hour rigatoni with sausage.
It was a nice smaller portion but packed with lots of sausage. The real star of the show is the happy hour, featuring half-priced pastas and $10 drinks. We would definitely go again if we find ourselves in the area.
- seafood ravioli8
- happy hour rigatoni with sausage7
- happy hour10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Wonderful Dinner After The Nutcracker
My family and I had a wonderful dinner here after seeing The Nutcracker. We were able to secure a reservation at our desired time, and the service was warm and attentive from the moment we arrived. Every dish we ordered, from the olives to the tiramisu, was even better than the last.
It was a perfect end to a festive evening.
- dishes10
- service10
- reservation9
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
A Cozy and Delicious Italian Gem
My experience at this Italian restaurant was wonderful. It's a homey and cosy spot that serves absolutely delicious food. The service was top-notch, earning a perfect 5, and the atmosphere was rated a solid 4.
It's a quiet place, making it easy to have a conversation. The food itself was also rated a perfect 5, highlighting its excellent quality.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere8
What Brunello offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and amenities can you expect at Brunello Ristorante Italiano?
You will discover a romantic, cozy, and quiet atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. The restaurant features a charming fireplace, a bar onsite, and comfortable seating, ensuring a pleasant dining experience in Seattle’s Roosevelt neighborhood.
Does Brunello Ristorante Italiano offer diverse menu and drink options, and is it accessible?
Yes, you can enjoy a wide array of offerings including vegan and vegetarian options, small plates, and a great wine list. They also serve hard liquor, beer, coffee, and cocktails. The venue is wheelchair accessible, with accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Brunello?
Brunello has a good overall Restaurant Score of **7.7** and a Customer Satisfaction of **78.3%**. Customers particularly appreciate the **Ambience** (8.0), **Service** (7.9), and **Food** (7.8), though **Value** (5.1) receives mixed feedback.
What do customers enjoy most about Brunello?
Diners frequently praise Brunello for its authentic Italian food, often highlighting fresh pasta and delicious tiramisu. The friendly and attentive staff, along with a cozy, quiet atmosphere, also contribute to positive experiences.
Are there any common concerns or areas for improvement at Brunello?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies in service speed, occasional issues with cleanliness of cutlery, and a perception that certain items might be overpriced, despite generally affordable happy hour options.