Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Altura – Seattle
Altura - Seattle
Photo from Altura
Altura at a glance
Seattle Capitol Hill
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $101+
mentioned by 108 of the guests
#409 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#17 Italian Restaurant out of 32 in Seattle
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
817
Reviews
71.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Food
- Attentive Service
Frequently criticized
- High Cost
- Slow Pacing
The restaurant Altura, nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood, offers an exquisite Italian dining experience. You’ll discover a truly romantic and upscale atmosphere, perfect for a special evening out.
Known for its great wine list, Altura invites you to savor authentic flavors in a cozy setting. This spot is a must-visit for those seeking refined Italian cuisine in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Altura
Altura offers a culinary journey where the food truly shines, often described with complex flavors and impressive presentation. The dedicated service team frequently earns praise for their attentiveness and passion, making for a memorable visit.
However, some guests find the overall value proposition a point of contention, with concerns about pricing and portion sizes. The ambience, while often intimate, occasionally receives feedback regarding comfort or decor.
Good
7.6
out of 10
817
Reviews
71.8%
Satisfaction
191
negative
39
neutral
587
positive
Altura garners a solid 7.6 overall score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 71.8%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 817 customer observations, with 587 positive remarks outweighing 191 negative ones. The culinary offerings are a clear standout, with Food scoring an impressive (8.3).
Service also performs well at (7.3), often noted for its friendly and accommodating nature. The Ambience receives a respectable (7.5), though some find it less refined.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value, which registers an average (4.5).
What people like
- Exceptional culinary creations
- Attentive, friendly service
- Unique tasting menu
What people don't like
- High price point
- Slow service pacing
- Ambience comfort issues
Altura is a destination for those prioritizing an inventive and flavorful culinary experience, backed by genuinely attentive service. If you’re seeking a meal where the dishes are the star, this restaurant delivers a strong performance.
With a recommendation score of 8, it’s certainly worth considering for a special occasion, provided you’re prepared for the higher price point and potential for a leisurely paced meal. Manage expectations around value and pacing, and you’ll likely have a rewarding visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Altura
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here is definitely a highlight, scoring a solid 8.3 and leaving 80.9% of customers very happy! With 334 positive remarks, diners rave about the creative Italian cuisines, beautiful presentation, and complex flavors. Dont miss the unique non-alcoholic drink pairings either!
However, its not all perfect, with 59 less enthusiastic comments. Some found the portion sizes a bit small, especially for the price, and vegetarian dishes sometimes lacked protein. A few dishes were also noted for being too salty or having unbalanced flavors.
Food
413
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
59
negative
20
neutral
334
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative dishes
- Excellent flavors
- Unique drink pairings
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Limited vegetarian options
- Unbalanced dish flavors
Often praised
- foodI recently visited this restaurant for the fourth time this weekend, and my experience was absolutely amazing. This is hands down the best restaurant in Seattle.
- tasting menuFully enjoyed the tasting menu. Lots of fun items and great flavors.
- dishes5-hour experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. The creative finger foods and dishes were a highlight, offering complex layers of flavor with ingredients like squash, beets, parsnip, and truffles. The friendly and passionate service, particularly from our server John, made the evening special.
- wine pairingThe wine pairing was really interesting and different
- mealone of the best meals that I have eaten
- flavorsI thoroughly enjoyed my experience at this restaurant, particularly the tasting menu which was full of fun items and great flavors. The only aspect I found less ideal was the entree portion size, which I wished was a little bigger, though I understand this is common for tasting menus.
- presentationThe tasting menu is a true testament to their culinary techniques and mastery of ingredients, flavors, and textures. Beyond the exceptional food, there's a great attention to detail with the presentation. Altura's cuisine is a celebration of gastronomy and a true gem in the Seattle dining scene.
- FoodFood:5
- courseeach course was beautifully plated and delicious
- dietary restrictionsLove that they accommodated all of our dietary restrictions.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe service and food did not meet our expectations
- dishesseveral dishes were unbalanced (e.g., an oyster dish dominated by mango)
- flavorsEach course had a 30-minute wait between them, and the staff seemed unsure of what they were serving, often pausing and forgetting ingredients. The food itself was underwhelming; the flavors were muted, and the presentation felt like an afterthought. I wasn't impressed by any course, and despite adding supplements, I left hungry.
- welcome drinkFor this visit, I chose the mixed pairing. We did not receive what everyone else was having, and upon receiving the printed menu at the end, we realized we were supposed to have an initial "welcome" drink. Despite this, we enjoyed our experience.
- wine pairingThe wine pairing left much to be desired
- Japanese A5 wagyuwe ordered 2 oz. of the Japanese A5 wagyu to try before our main course, but it never arrived
- NegroniI ordered a Negroni (off menu) that took a good while to come out
- PNW diningpnw dining favors style over substance
- RavioliMost dishes were delicious, and the dessert was incredible. However, I unexpectedly chomped down on something super hard in the Ravioli – it turned out to be a bone! Luckily, my teeth held up.
- Wagyu beefunder-seasoned (notably the Wagyu beef)
If you're seeking an adventurous culinary journey with creative dishes and unique pairings, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared for a tasting menu experience where portions might be on the smaller side, and vegetarian options could be limited.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7.3. Many guests rave about the staff being incredibly friendly and accommodating, often going above and beyond. Youll frequently hear praise for the attentive and knowledgeable team, with exceptional service making special occasions truly memorable, based on 149 positive remarks.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 69.3%, indicating theres room for improvement. Some diners have experienced slow service and long waiting times between courses, with a few finding interactions unprofessional or the staff disorganized. These concerns, noted in 61 negative comments, suggest that while the highs are high, consistency can be an issue.
Service
215
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
61
negative
5
neutral
149
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, accommodating staff
- Attentive, knowledgeable service
- Exceptional special occasion
What people don't like
- Slow service pace
- Long waiting times
- Unprofessional interactions
Often praised
- serviceThe creative finger foods and dishes were a highlight, offering complex layers of flavor with ingredients like squash, beets, parsnip, and truffles. The friendly and passionate service, particularly from our server John, made the evening special. He was incredibly patient, allowing us to taste wine recommendations before selecting glasses.
- staffThe staff were all wonderful, professional, but still let each of their personalities shine.
- chefsask questions of the chefs as they hurried through the magical preparations
- ServiceService:5
- food restrictionsThey were extremely accommodating for food restrictions.
- serversin general the servers provided good service - friendly and courteous
- teamAmazing team who was fun, informative, and lively
- attention to detailattention to detail by the staff absolutely on point
- Chef LockwoodChef Lockwood and his team continue to create
- Chef NathanChef Nathan was amazing to watch and speak with!
Frequently criticized
- serviceI wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. We went there for my birthday and not only did they take forever between the services, the AC was cranked up so high we needed a blanket and had to leave early since most of us started feeling sick after 3hrs. The service was quite shocking; the servers clearly didn't care if we enjoyed ourselves or not.
- waiting timeOur reservation was at 5: 00 PM, and we were seated promptly. However, despite waiting for 15 minutes, nothing was brought to our table, while other guests received a small welcome drink. We asked the waitress to confirm our menu and double-check our wine pairing.
- reservationwanted to confirm the reso since there was no text or email prior to the date. I called the restaurant number and email the address on the confirmation, but ZERO response or communication.
- wait timeAdditionally, the service was extremely slow; it felt like we were at the restaurant forever. Ideally, the wait time between dishes could be halved. I also agree with other reviews that the AC is tuned too cold, but that was a minor issue compared to the other points.
- accommodatingwould be more accommodating
- apologydidn’t experience any further apology or reassurance
- birthday candleWe were celebrating and birthday and they forgot the candle
- cancellation policywe have a 48h cancellation policy, otherwise no refunds
- contact the restaurantattempted to contact the restaurant multiple times
- course wait timeEach course took 30 minutes in between
If youre seeking a dining experience where staff are often friendly and attentive, this place could be a great choice, especially for special occasions. Just be prepared that the pace of service might occasionally be slower than ideal, so its best if you're not in a rush.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.5 with a good customer satisfaction of 73%. Based on 122 comments, with 89 positive remarks, many guests rave about the Chef's Counter and open kitchen views, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for special occasions. The lighting and music often contribute to a memorable and intimate dining experience.
However, 29 negative comments point out some areas for improvement. Some found the dining room loud or the AC cold, impacting the environment. A few felt the setting was a bit too casual and lacked the interior decor polish expected for a fine dining experience.
Ambience
122
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
29
negative
4
neutral
89
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Chef's counter view
- Cozy, intimate feel
- Great for occasions
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- AC too cold
- Setting too casual
Often praised
- atmosphereLove the look of the place too, more like a taverna rather than a stiff, white table cloth place
- experienceit’s an experience that lingers long after the last bite
- chef's counterseating at the chef's counter, which offers a unique vantage point
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- dining roomintimate, warmly lit dining room feels like stepping into the chef’s private atelier
- ambianceThe ambiance is unassuming
- ambiencethe pace of the food and the ambience let us have time
- decorI had the lucky experience to sit at the counter, which allowed me to watch the chefs prepare each meal. The decor blended well with the lighting, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Throughout the evening, the staff were consistently vigilant and friendly, even engaging with my jokes.
- dining experienceMy annual birthday visit to Altura was an amazing all-around dining experience. Chef Lockwood and his team continue to impress with their culinary creations and impeccable service.
- environmentThe environment is comfortable
Frequently criticized
- ACI wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. We went there for my birthday and not only did they take forever between the services, the AC was cranked up so high we needed a blanket and had to leave early since most of us started feeling sick after 3hrs. The service was quite shocking; the servers clearly didn't care if we enjoyed ourselves or not.
- atmosphereThe atmosphere and interior decor leaves much to be desired
- Kid-friendlinessNot suited for kids under 13+ in my opinion
- ParkingParking is troublesome but there are some parking lots around the area
- ambianceNothing about the...ambiance...screamed fine dining
- ambiencesignificantly took away from the ambience of the restaurant
- bright lightbright light
- celebrationFor $300 a head, I expected better. It doesn't matter if you're there for an occasion; they won't make you feel like it's a celebration. The final comment of "you prepaid your tab, you're free to go" made us feel like we were in a weird, businessy transaction.
- decorNothing about the decor...screamed fine dining
- diner boothI'm aware this is the only place in town where you can pay $175 for a steak dinner, and other menu items are also quite spendy, with the steak being the extreme example. The portions were small, and my party of four was uncomfortably crammed into a standard diner booth.
If youre looking for a unique, interactive dining experience, especially at the chefs counter, this place is definitely worth a visit for a special evening. However, if you prefer a very quiet, traditional fine dining atmosphere or are sensitive to cold, you might want to consider other options.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners truly feel they get their money's worth, even at a higher price point. Many rave about it being worth every penny and offering good value for money, especially for a special occasion. These positive sentiments are echoed in 15 remarks, highlighting that for some, the experience exceeds fine dining expectations.
However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, with a 4.5 score indicating an average performance and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather poor 22.4%. With 42 negative comments, many found the experience not worth the price, feeling ripped off by the expensive price tag and unexpected additional charges on the bill.
Value
67
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
42
negative
10
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth every penny
- Good value for money
- Exceeds fine dining
What people don't like
- Not worth the price
- Feeling ripped off
- Hidden additional charges
Often praised
- pricepay a lot...for tiny morsels of food...which doesn't even taste that special. BUT, Altura completely blew me away
- every pennyWhen celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a fabulous meal, Altura is our go-to. Worth every penny!
- AlturaAltura is certainly on the expensive side but certainly worth a visit!
- fine dining experiencesThe food, presentation, and staff never fails to be anything short of divine. Although it is certainly on the expensive side compared to a typical meal, I’ve had my fair share of “fine dining” experiences and trust me when I say that Altura far exceeds meals I’ve eaten for 2x or 3x as much money. Take any excuse you can get to book a reservation ASAP.
- pricesfair prices
- valuefive stars for the value
- value for moneygood value for money
- worth itI thought it was worth it without question
Frequently criticized
- priceHowever, the overall experience was marred by a lack of communication and concerns about pricing. The price is set and they add 20% service charge automatically, which felt like a lot. The wagyu beef was particularly disappointing, with my husband stating it wasn't worth the additional $80.
- expensiveit was quite expensive
- price pointfor this price point, i’d expect perfection
- Parking optionsPaid street parking
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- PricePrice is really high though
- added costsbe prepared for some added costs if you go in for those
- additional chargesanother 12-15% in additional charges without really understanding
- billBeware of the bill at the end as gratuity is included
- billing practicesdeceptive billing practices (relating to upgrades)
If youre seeking a truly exceptional experience and are prepared for a significant splurge, some find the value here to be outstanding. However, be aware that many feel the high cost doesnt always align with the overall experience, so manage your expectations regarding the price point.
How are the prices at Altura?
On average, you’ll spend around $109 per person – from 108 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $101+ category. For an Italian Restaurant in Seattle, that’s definitely on the higher-end side.
Looking at the data, prices cluster very clearly around this premium average, with almost all guests opting for the higher-priced experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 108 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering its a higher-end Italian experience in Seattle, we think the pricing could be fair for the right occasion. Its certainly not a casual weeknight spot, but perhaps a place for a special treat.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Altura
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Good Food, Poor Service Recovery
My experience at the restaurant featured food that was quite good and thoughtfully prepared. However, a single service interaction significantly detracted from the overall experience. We brought to the staff's attention that a shrimp dish had not been deveined.
Unfortunately, the host dismissed our concern, stating it was intentional, without consulting the kitchen. A chef later confirmed that the shrimp should indeed have been deveined. While the mistake itself was minor, the host’s dismissive response felt unprofessional, especially for a fine-dining establishment.
In summary, the food was strong, but this particular interaction left a negative impression.
- food9
- shrimp dish2
- host’s dismissive response2
- service interaction3
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
World-Class Food, Cozy Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The food, plating, and service were world-class, easily comparable to other tasting menus and Michelin-starred establishments I've visited. Despite the high caliber of the fare and service, the atmosphere was wonderfully cozy and intimate, creating a laid-back yet refined dining experience.
It felt very 'Seattle' and specifically 'Capitol Hill'.
- food10
- plating10
- service10
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Phenomenal Meal and Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was phenomenal! I really enjoyed sitting at the counter and watching the action unfold. The service was great, and the entire experience was totally unpretentious.
- meal10
- service9
- atmosphere8
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
An Unforgettable Fine Dining Experience
My experience at Altura was one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. The service was flawless, and the atmosphere was calm and upscale. Every course was incredible.
The chefs even let me try fresh Italian truffles, which was a crazy good surprise and showed how much pride they put into their food. Altura delivers a true fine-dining experience from start to finish. Easy 5 stars.
Highly recommend.
- service10
- atmosphere9
- every course10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Meal and Service in Seattle
My experience at this restaurant was truly outstanding. The service was amazing, with staff who were incredibly friendly and kind. They were also extremely accommodating for food restrictions, which I greatly appreciated.
The food was also exceptional, possibly the best meal I’ve had in Seattle. I highly recommend the non-alcoholic drink pairing; the bartender has created some really fun and lovely drinks. The atmosphere was quiet and conducive to easy conversation.
- service10
- food10
- non-alcoholic drink pairing9
What Altura offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Altura?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, and often required, to secure your dining experience at Altura. Especially for dinner, planning ahead ensures you can enjoy the upscale Italian atmosphere without a wait.
What are the parking and accessibility options at Altura in Capitol Hill?
Parking near Altura can be somewhat challenging, with paid street parking and a paid parking lot available. However, the restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
How is Altura rated overall?
Altura holds a good overall score of 7.6, with customer satisfaction at 71.8%. Its Food (8.3), Ambience (7.5), and Service (7.3) are rated well, though Value (4.5) is considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about Altura?
Patrons frequently praise Altura’s creative finger foods and dishes, noting complex flavors and beautiful presentation. The friendly and passionate service, including accommodating food restrictions, also receives high marks.
What are some common concerns at Altura?
Common concerns include the high price point and perceived lack of value for money. Some guests also report slow service pacing between courses and occasional issues with the ambiance, such as AC temperature or decor.