Highlights
- Great dessert
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
oChef » Il Nido – Seattle
Il Nido - Seattle
Photo from Il Nido
Il Nido at a glance
Seattle Alki
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 102 of the guests
#67 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#3 Italian Restaurant out of 32 in Seattle
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
701
Reviews
88.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional food
- Attentive service
- Cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Difficult parking
- Challenging reservations
- Pricey dishes
The restaurant, an exquisite Italian Restaurant in Seattle’s charming Alki neighborhood, offers a truly memorable dining experience. Step inside Il Nido and discover a cozy, romantic atmosphere, complete with a welcoming fireplace that sets the perfect mood.
This upscale spot is renowned for its great dessert, making it an ideal destination for a special evening out.
Overview: Introducting Il Nido
Il Nido offers a dining experience marked by genuine hospitality and a cozy and beautiful setting. Guests frequently praise the unique and memorable dishes, reflecting a clear passion from the kitchen and front-of-house team.
It’s a place where every detail seems carefully considered. However, some guests find the experience a bit pricey, especially certain dishes, and note that finding a parking space can be difficult.
Occasionally, securing a reservation can also be a headache, and there have been isolated reports of less attentive service.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
701
Reviews
88.6%
Satisfaction
64
negative
16
neutral
621
positive
Il Nido earns a strong overall score of 8.7, backed by a solid 88.6% customer satisfaction. This positive sentiment is largely driven by its exceptional Food (8.7) and outstanding Service (8.9).
With 621 positive remarks out of 701 customer comments, it’s clear that many diners leave feeling well-cared for and impressed by the culinary offerings. The restaurant’s Ambience also contributes significantly to its appeal, scoring an excellent 8.7, often described as cozy and romantic.
While the Value (6.7) is rated good, it’s notably lower than other aspects, suggesting that while quality is appreciated, some guests perceive certain items as expensive. This balanced perspective comes from a substantial body of feedback.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Warm, attentive service
- Cozy, romantic ambiance
What people don't like
- Parking can be difficult
- Reservations often challenging
- Some dishes pricey
Il Nido comes with a strong recommendation score of 9, indicating a highly satisfying experience for most. If you prioritize exceptional Italian cuisine, attentive service, and a charming atmosphere for a special occasion, this restaurant is certainly worth considering.
Be prepared for a potentially higher price point and plan ahead for parking and reservations, as these are common points of friction. Despite these minor hurdles, the overall quality and memorable dining experience make it a compelling choice.
Similar Restaurants in Seattle
- Italian Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
229
95.6%
- $$
- Wallingford
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
674
90.8%
- $$
- Ravenna
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
309
86.7%
- $$
- Central Business District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
601
86.4%
- $$
- First Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
456
84%
- $$
- Ballard
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
679
79.8%
- $$
- Magnolia Village
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Il Nido
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
You're in for a treat with the food here, which boasts a fantastic 8.7 score and a solid 89.1% customer satisfaction. With 326 positive remarks out of 366, diners consistently praise the exquisite food, especially the handmade pasta, delicious desserts, and fantastic cocktails. Many find everything on the menu, from burrata to seasonal dishes, to be exceptional.
While overwhelmingly positive, 31 comments did highlight a few areas for improvement. Some found certain meals lacking flavor, with specific appetizers or steaks occasionally disappointing. There were also mentions of small portions and some focaccia being a bit dry.
Food
366
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
31
negative
9
neutral
326
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Handmade pasta shines
- Exquisite food quality
- Creative seasonal dishes
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent dish flavor
Often praised
- foodThis establishment truly delivers an exceptional dining experience. The gorgeous ambiance, fantastic food, and the best front-of-house service in the city create a perfect evening. You'll dine in a beautiful early 20th-century building that perfectly embodies classic Seattle architecture, and its proximity to the beach is ideal for pre or post-dinner strolls.
- pastaIl Nido is a delightful restaurant that elevates any occasion to a special one. Whether you snag a seat at the bar for a perfect bowl of pasta & a great glass of wine, or you book a table in advance and take a deep dive into their beautiful interpretation of Italian food with a very local PNW flair, expect to be surprised and inspired by what you find on the menu. The service from the moment you arrive to your goodbyes at the door is warm & attentive, and the staff are thoughtful and knowledgeable.
- focacciagot the focaccia, 2 pastas, the ribeye, polenta and olive oil cake. Every single dish was divine!
- pastasYou can tell a lot of heart goes into the food; it hits the Italian comfort food spot on. I highly recommend the focaccia, and you can't go wrong with any of the pastas, but the tagliatelle ragù is recommended for something more traditional. The atmosphere is also a unique experience, making you feel like you're coming home for a family dinner.
- mealThere is a reason it can be hard to get a reservation at this restaurant; it is a special place. Hands down, this was the best meal I've had in Seattle and some of the best Italian food I've experienced in the States. The service is top notch, as the staff go above and beyond to ensure you are satisfied and cared for.
- Fazzolettothis featured lobster mushroom ragu with egg yolk over a single handkerchief pasta. This was probably our favorite dish of the night
- dishesEveryone was so nice and welcoming, and the restaurant is incredibly cozy and beautiful. Each dish was so unique and memorable. We had the special salad with a green I had never heard of before that was wonderfully fresh and crunchy, the mafaldine pasta with sausage, kale, and colatura that was one of our favorite pasta dishes of all time, and the lamb rib special that was rich and luxurious.
- fazzolettoespecially the fazzoletto - is unctuous and luxurious
- burrataThe service was excellent, and the building itself was gorgeous, contributing to a wonderful atmosphere. The food was incredible, and I particularly loved the burrata with the foccaccia. However, I did not enjoy the Baba al Rum; it was a bit too dry and not to my usual dessert preference.
- Italian foodIl Nido is a delightful restaurant that elevates any occasion to a special one. Whether you snag a seat at the bar for a perfect bowl of pasta & a great glass of wine, or you book a table in advance and take a deep dive into their beautiful interpretation of Italian food with a very local PNW flair, expect to be surprised and inspired by what you find on the menu. The service from the moment you arrive to your goodbyes at the door is warm & attentive, and the staff are thoughtful and knowledgeable.
Frequently criticized
- burratadidn’t enjoy chili oil on the burrata
- focacciafocaccia was burnt, like cut your mouth crispy
- saladThe salad, which used to be my favorite, was disappointing
- 9 oz steakThe 9 oz steak ($67) was disappointing
- Angel Hair PastaAngel Hair Pasta with tomatoes, mushrooms, and Parmesan. Unfortunately, it was extremely disappointing
- Baba al RumDon't recommend the Baba al Rum
- Saratoga steak9oz Saratoga steak with smoked bone marrow butter was also very mediocre and quite chewy
- Tonno del ChiantiThe Tonno del Chianti had no flavor and was excessively greasy
- appetizersskip the appetizers
- dessertsnot a good fit for the type of desserts
If you're seeking a delicious Italian meal with standout handmade pasta and creative dishes, this spot is definitely worth a try. While the vast majority rave about the food, be aware that a few diners have noted inconsistent flavors or smaller portions on some items. Expect a generally excellent culinary experience.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly delivers, boasting an excellent score of 8.9 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 89.3%. With 183 positive remarks out of 205, guests consistently rave about the attentive and knowledgeable staff, often highlighting the owner's personal touch and even calling it Michelin-level service. Expect a warm welcome and impeccable care from the moment you arrive.
However, not every experience is flawless. While only 19 negative comments were noted, some guests faced challenges with reservations and wait times. A few instances mentioned rude or inattentive staff, particularly concerning specific individuals or attitudes, which unfortunately impacted their overall experience.
Service
205
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
19
negative
3
neutral
183
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, knowledgeable service
- Friendly, accommodating staff
- Owner's personal touch
What people don't like
- Reservation difficulties
- Rude staff attitude
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceAfter living in the neighborhood for over 3 years, my husband and I finally walked in on a date night hoping to sit at the bar, and ended up getting an adorable cozy table in the bar area! Everyone was so nice and welcoming, and the restaurant is incredibly cozy and beautiful. Each dish was so unique and memorable.
- staffThe staff's warmth and attentiveness truly made the experience exceptional. Every detail, from the champagne welcome to the pacing of each course, reflected genuine care and professionalism. IL Nido is an elegant, intimate, and deeply satisfying spot that makes any occasion feel extraordinary, especially for a milestone celebration.
- serverWe took my mum here when she was in town and we had a wonderful experience! Our awesome server (Lorenzo) had two specials for us, a spot shrimp linguini and steamed halibut with escarole, both of which were exceptional. The shrimp was buttery tender and paired perfectly with the bisque sauce on the spaghetti.
- ServiceService was warm and attentive
- hospitalitydelivering what can only be described as unreasonable hospitality
- ownerThey were exceptionally accommodating with various food allergies at our table, preparing unique dishes tailored to each individual's needs. The owner was attentive and friendly, as was all the staff, whose presence was much appreciated. When asked for recommendations, they suggested drinks that delighted everyone.
- LorenzoLorenzo really took the experience to the next level
- hostThe host was a perfect reflection of this place, charming, smartly-dressed, warm and welcoming
- peoplethe people there too
- recommendationstheir recommendations were spot on
Frequently criticized
- reservationgetting a reservation was a headache
- Chloedishonor of being held by Chloe, she was rude
- attitudeterrible with her attitude
- dismissiveshe was rude, inattentive, dismissive to our questions
- experiencemade our whole experience terrible
- host, GeorgiaGeorgia, had presided to tell me that I would need to wait 45 min longer. Her response was extremely condescending and rude.
- inattentiveshe was rude, inattentive, dismissive
- messagesent a message, but we didn't receive anything
- open seats at the barnoticed 3 open seats at the bar
- ordering foodIt took over 40 minutes to even order our food
If you're seeking a dining experience where service is a top priority, this place is definitely worth trying for its generally attentive and friendly team. Just be prepared for potential reservation hurdles and occasional wait times, which seem to be the main points of frustration for a few guests.
Ambience (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 90.4%, it's clear guests adore the atmosphere. Based on 103 positive remarks, people consistently praise the charming, cozy, and romantic date night vibe, often highlighting the beautiful building and overall experience.
However, not everything is perfect. Out of 114 total comments, 9 negative observations point to some minor snags. A few guests found parking difficult, mentioned occasional issues with noise level, and noted inconsistent temperature, suggesting some areas could use a touch-up for an even smoother visit.
Ambience
114
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
103
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
- Beautiful building
- Great for date night
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Inconsistent temperature
- High noise level
Often praised
- atmosphereThe seasonal dishes are a great touch, offering something new with each visit, but it's also a bit sad when a favorite dish is no longer available. The service here is consistently one of the best in Seattle, and the atmosphere is fantastic – definitely come for the vibes! During my last visit, we were able to see into the kitchen as they were closing and even met one of the owners and main chefs, KG.
- experienceThe food is exceptional, and they maintain a very seasonal menu. The entire team, from the front of house to the kitchen, is clearly extremely passionate about their work, and this dedication truly shows in the food and experience.
- ambienceThe ambience was really cute and nice.
- restaurantAfter living in the neighborhood for over 3 years, my husband and I finally walked in on a date night hoping to sit at the bar, and ended up getting an adorable cozy table in the bar area! Everyone was so nice and welcoming, and the restaurant is incredibly cozy and beautiful. Each dish was so unique and memorable.
- ambiancethe ambiance was cozy and romantic
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is homey and quaint
- buildingbeautiful early 20th century building
- date nightWe experienced excellent service and food with no rush. The space, a large house converted into a restaurant, was a bit odd but ultimately cozy and great for a date night.
- dining experienceit truest felt like an iconic dining experience
- interiorthe interior of the historic wood cabin is cozy and inviting
Frequently criticized
- ParkingDon't bother trying to park in the parking lot. It's very small
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- drunk tableWe repeatedly asked for sparkling water three times, having to remind our waiter, Henry, even though we clarified we wanted both still and sparkling. The table next to us was very obnoxiously drunk and yelling in the restaurant, and our waiter even encouraged them as they proceeded to order almost the entire menu, including one of each dessert. The focaccia was burnt, with a texture so crispy it felt like it could cut your mouth, while the drunk table next to us received two perfectly cooked ones.
- noise levelwe could barely hear each other talk, even when going to and from the restroom we could hear our neighboring table yelling
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- social media hypeWe won’t be returning and wouldn’t recommend this place to others. The social media hype was misleading.
- spotplaced us at a very undesirable spot
- temperaturealways either cold or hot in there, never in the middle
If you're seeking a restaurant with a truly special and inviting atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Its charming and romantic setting makes it ideal for a date night or special occasion, though be mindful of potential parking challenges.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners felt their money was well spent, with 9 positive remarks out of 16 total. Guests frequently praised the quality and portions and felt it was worth it, often calling it the best bang for your buck. The score for value lands at a solid 6.7, indicating a generally good experience, though customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 56.3%.
However, not everyone was convinced, with 5 negative comments raising concerns. Some found the experience pricey or a little pricey, particularly regarding specific dishes. The Angel Hair Pasta was notably disappointing for its cost, suggesting that while some items offer top-shelf quality, others might not match the pricing expectations.
This indicates some inconsistency in value.
Value
16
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the price
- Excellent quality portions
- Best bang for buck
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Overpriced specific dishes
- Disappointing dish value
Often praised
- pricingA special shout out to Cameron - he went above and beyond for us. The pricing was reasonable. We loved everything we got and we can't wait to come back.
- best bang for your buckBest bang for your buck in Seattle that I've found so far
- priceWe are from out of town and happened to find this restaurant based on an online post praising it for authentic food and amazing service. The price was justified for the quality of ingredients and dish portions. We sat right next to an open window and enjoyed the light breeze in this cozy, white cloth table Italian restaurant.
- qualityquality and comfort in equal measure
- quality and portionsPrice was right for quality and portions
- top-shelf qualitypaying for the top-shelf quality
- valuethere can still be value even when paying for the top-shelf quality
- worth it100% worth it!
Frequently criticized
- priceyStill a bit too pricey
- Angel Hair PastaOn our server’s recommendation, we also tried an off-menu option: Angel Hair Pasta with tomatoes, mushrooms, and Parmesan. Unfortunately, it was extremely disappointing for $42. It tasted like vermicelli in tomato soup, lacked flavor, and felt overpriced.
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- priceHowever, the other dishes we ordered were very average. The 9 oz steak ($67) was disappointing for the price and didn’t taste very fresh. The desserts we ordered, chocolate torta and olive oil cake, were also rather unmemorable.
If youre looking for good portions and quality, many find this place worth it and a best bang for your buck. However, be mindful that some specific dishes might feel pricey' and not live up to expectations, so choose wisely.
How are the prices at Il Nido?
You’re looking at roughly $79 per person – reported by 102 diners. That puts it in the $71–$80 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While many guests spend around this average, there’s also a noticeable spread, with a good number of diners enjoying a more premium experience, spending over $100.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 102 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in Seattle.
Considering its an Italian spot in Seattle, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for the experience youre getting. Its a good option if youre looking for quality without completely breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Il Nido
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
A Safe Bet for an Exquisite Night
My experience at this restaurant was a safe bet for an exquisite night. I was dazzled by just about anything on the menu. While the menu doesn't feature wildly exotic, hyper-seasonal flavors, it offers extremely well-executed, solid, familiar foods.
Everything from perfectly balanced salad dressings to thoughtful takes on panna cotta can be counted on to please any preference.
- menu9
- familiar foods9
- salad dressings9
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Wonderful Anniversary Dinner!
We had a wonderful experience at this restaurant on our anniversary night. The food was amazing and the service was warm and attentive. The standout dish for us was the Fazzoletto (mushroom ragu pasta) — absolutely exceptional!
😍
- food9
- service9
- Fazzoletto (mushroom ragu pasta)10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Il Nido: A Five-Star Seattle Gem
My experience at Il Nido was absolutely amazing. Everything about this restaurant, from the food to the service to the overall experience, was five stars. It's my favorite restaurant in Seattle.
I highly recommend booking a reservation, especially for weekend nights, as they can get quite busy.
- food10
- service10
- overall experience10
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Excellent Food and Impeccable Service
My cousin hosted a private event at Il Nido earlier this year, and the experience was outstanding. The food was incredible, with every dish, from the breads and pastas to the salads and desserts, being absolutely delicious. The service was equally impeccable.
They were exceptionally accommodating with various food allergies at our table, preparing unique dishes tailored to each individual's needs. The owner was attentive and friendly, as was all the staff, whose presence was much appreciated. When asked for recommendations, they suggested drinks that delighted everyone.
I would recommend Il Nido for a tasty night out or a private event without any hesitation.
- food10
- service10
- food allergies10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Service Intent
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Food and Service for Date Night
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. The food, particularly the pasta, was amazing. Equally impressive was the service; our waiter, Lorenzo, was incredibly knowledgeable and provided excellent wine and food recommendations.
I definitely recommend this place for a romantic date night.
- food10
- pasta10
- service10
What Il Nido offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Il Nido in Alki?
Il Nido provides convenient free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Il Nido, and are reservations needed?
At Il Nido, you’ll find an upscale, cozy, and romantic atmosphere perfect for dinner. They offer table service, a great wine list, and delicious desserts. Reservations are required and highly recommended, especially for dinner, to secure your seating.
How does Il Nido generally perform according to customer feedback?
Il Nido maintains a strong overall score of **8.7** with **88.6%** customer satisfaction. Its **Food** (8.7), **Service** (8.9), and **Ambience** (8.7) are particularly well-regarded, while **Value** (6.7) is considered good but less stellar.
What do customers appreciate most about dining at Il Nido?
Guests frequently praise the restaurant’s **hospitality** and the **cozy and beautiful** setting. The **unique and memorable** dishes, especially the pasta and focaccia, are consistently highlighted as exceptional.
Are there any common challenges or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some diners find certain dishes to be **pricey**, and securing a **reservation** can often be a **headache**. Additionally, finding a **parking space** in the vicinity is sometimes noted as difficult.