Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Carrello – Seattle
Carrello - Seattle
Photo from Carrello
Carrello at a glance
Seattle Capitol Hill
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 91 of the guests
#308 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#10 Italian Restaurant out of 32 in Seattle
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
619
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great Pasta
- Good Service
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Small Portions
The restaurant Carrello invites you to experience authentic Italian dining right in the heart of Seattle’s vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood. This Italian restaurant is renowned for its exceptional culinary journey, especially if you have a sweet tooth, as it boasts a great dessert selection.
You’ll find yourself immersed in a cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for an intimate dinner or a special occasion. With its trendy vibe and welcoming service, Carrello promises a memorable meal.
Overview: Introducting Carrello
Carrello offers a dining experience where the food often shines, with many appreciating the quality and preparation of dishes, especially the pasta. Guests frequently commend the attentive service, noting staff who go out of their way to ensure a pleasant visit.
However, some diners find the overall price to be on the higher side, with concerns about value for money. While the ambience generally receives praise for its comfortable setting, a few experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies in the dining environment.
Good
7.8
out of 10
619
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
115
negative
21
neutral
483
positive
Carrello earns a solid 7.8 out of 10 for its overall performance, indicating a generally positive reception. Customer satisfaction stands at 78%, which is a good indicator that most diners leave content.
This positive sentiment is drawn from 483 positive remarks against 115 negative ones, out of 619 total customer observations. Looking closer, the Food (8.2) and Ambience (8.3) are clear strengths, consistently impressing guests.
Service (7.3) also performs well, with many appreciating the staff’s efforts. However, Value (5.3) presents a more mixed picture, suggesting that while some find specific offerings worthwhile, others feel the pricing could be more competitive.
What people like
- Exceptional Pasta Dishes
- Attentive, Friendly Staff
- Pleasant Dining Ambiance
What people don't like
- Perceived High Prices
- Mandatory Service Charge
- Small Portion Sizes
If you prioritize well-crafted dishes, especially pasta, and appreciate attentive service in a pleasant setting, Carrello is likely to deliver. The 8 recommendation score suggests it’s a place many would encourage others to try, particularly for its culinary strengths.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill, as some find the pricing and mandatory service charge a point of contention. If value for money and generous portions are your top priorities, you might want to explore specific deals like their happy hour to ensure a satisfying experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Carrello
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With a strong 8.2 score and an impressive 82.9% customer satisfaction, its clear diners are loving whats on their plates. Out of 368 comments, a whopping 305 praise the delicious food, highlighting everything from fired octopus and blue prawn pansotti to creative tasting menus and amazing dessert presentations.
Many rave about the quality, flavorful dishes, and accommodating dietary restrictions. However, not every bite is perfect, as 50 comments point out some areas for improvement. Some found dishes like spaghetti or rockfish to be extremely spicy or flavorless, while others noted overcooked pasta or food that was overly salty or unseasoned.
A few mentioned small portions or limited vegetarian options, despite efforts to accommodate.
Food
368
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
50
negative
13
neutral
305
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative, flavorful dishes
- Accommodating dietary needs
- Handmade pasta
What people don't like
- Overly salty dishes
- Overcooked pasta
- Unseasoned food
Often praised
- foodThe portions were so large that we had to take home leftovers because we couldn't possibly eat more. I highly recommend this restaurant for vegetarians looking for a menu that doesn't try to mimic meat options but is instead uniquely flavorful. My favorite dish was the pasta, which featured corn prepared in so many different ways!
- tasting menuWhen I ask to do the tasting menu, I answer maybe three questions and then every dish is perfect.
- FoodFood:5
- pastaMy favorite was the pasta - which had corn prepared in so many different ways!
- pastasIt's as good as Spinasse, but without the wait. I enjoyed their excellent crudo and amazing pastas. The top-notch house-made baked bread was a highlight, and the prime ribeye was frankly better than Spinasse.
- chicory saladMy personal favorite dish was the truffle cabbage! Other notable mentions include the house made bread, the dry aged steak, the potatoes, any of the pastas (which were so fresh!), the chicory salad, the burrata cheese, and the panna cotta. We will definitely be returning!
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. All of the dishes are great, and everything is made from scratch, which speaks to the top-notch quality. It all comes together when you realize its sister restaurant across the street, Altura, has a set menu with limited seating.
- drinksservice and drinks were equally outstanding
- flavorsI was pleasantly surprised by the impressive and sophisticated menu. Everything we ordered was perfectly cooked, and all the flavors complimented each other beautifully. We enjoyed the buratta, focaccia, beets (so good!), pasta with duck, and lamb neck.
- menuThis is currently one of my favorite places in Seattle. The staff are great, and they take a great deal of care in the menu. The atmosphere is just comfortable, thoughtful, and relaxing.
Frequently criticized
- pastaI enjoyed the pumpkin ravioli, which was pretty good. However, the seafood pasta was not good at all, and the pasta was really hard.
- foodAlthough we were assured the food would be spaced out when we pushed back, this did not happen. Our dinner arrived before my glass of white wine, which I had intended to enjoy with my appetizer. When we politely addressed this with the waitress, she started to cry, creating an awkward and stale environment.
- lamb neck entreeAll three starters we tried were great, though a bit too salty. However, the lamb neck entree was plain and below expectation. The service and atmosphere were excellent, both receiving a 5-star rating.
- portionsthe portions are too small
- tasting menuAfter they confirmed, we paid a deposit, only to be very disappointed on the day of the reservation. To our surprise, they had forgotten we had already chosen the tasting menu and stated they could not accommodate the dietary restriction. The situation became very awkward when they asked how strict the restriction was.
- Spaghetti ala ChittaraSpaghetti ala Chittara had some slight heat despite being assured that it was not spicy
- breadWorst bread and pasta I have ever had
- cocktailMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. We encountered several issues, starting with the fact that they were out of the cocktail we wanted. Subsequently, one of the three white wines by the glass that I desired was also unavailable.
- cocktailsthe cocktails could have been better.
- complex flavorsdidn't have the complex flavors I was looking for
If you're looking for a culinary adventure with creative, flavorful dishes and excellent accommodation for dietary needs, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention overly salty or unseasoned food, so it might be a slight gamble.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
Service here generally shines, with a good score of 7.3 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 69.7%. Based on 101 positive comments, guests frequently praise the friendly and attentive staff, often highlighting their knowledgeable suggestions and exceptional service. Many commend specific servers and the overall warm welcome.
However, not all experiences are perfect, as seen in 39 negative remarks out of 145 total. Some guests encountered slow or disjointed service, servers lacking menu knowledge, or even instances of poor attitude. Issues like long wait times and feeling short-staffed also occasionally left a sour taste.
Service
145
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
39
negative
5
neutral
101
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable servers
- Exceptional service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Poor menu knowledge
- Rude server attitude
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I had some of the best pasta I've ever tasted, complemented by great food and great service. The $35 happy hour pasta trio was a particularly impressive bargain.
- staffMy first time visiting this restaurant was fantastic. I received lots of attention from the staff, and the food was all delicious. It's close to where I live, so I may become a regular.
- ServiceWe then got 3 desserts to sample: the cheese plate, the semi-freddo, and the bourbon panna cotta. Service was beyond amazing and everyone was very kind. The food was spectacular; we felt we were being swooned throughout the experience.
- serversOn a positive note, the rest of the food was delicious, with the tiramisu and parsnip ice cream being standouts. The service was also a blend; some servers seemed like interns but were super friendly, while others were seasoned and efficient. The atmosphere was excellent.
- attentive serviceappreciated the attentive and friendly service
- AshleyI spent several hours at the bar and felt entirely too comfortable. Ashley was lovely, so thank you.
- Chef NathanI attended an after-hours, 5-course dinner party where the menu had been prearranged. Chef Nathan went out of his way to accommodate my dietary needs. He prepared beautifully plated dishes that were full of flavor!
- DanielSo flawless ☺️. Daniel was our main server and he was amazing.
- Dietary restrictionsThey made a point to ask before our meal about restrictions
- JonahThe service by Jonah was terrific and he guided me to an amazing experience.
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was not great, it took the server 15 minutes
- serverOur server couldn’t explain any of the dishes
- hostinteraction with the host was nothing short of stiff and curt
- reservationsnot welcome for simply not having reservations
- dietary restrictionsaid they couldn't do the dietary restriction
- food orderpressured us to put our entire food order in at once
- hoursThe hours say they're open until 9 and they take reservations until 8:30.
- interactionAn interaction that lasted less than a few minutes left a very bitter taste
- kitchentold us the kitchen was already closed
- manager interventionNo manager came to help even though we did request one.
Overall, the service at this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, leaning positive. While youre likely to encounter friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive staff, be prepared for the possibility of slower service or occasional inconsistencies. Its worth a try for the potential for exceptional care, but manage expectations for busy periods.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a strong score of 8.3 and delighting 88.6% of customers. With 62 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the beautiful setting, charming garden patio, and al fresco ambiance. Many appreciate the thoughtful little touches and the overall romantic Italian dinner vibe, making for a wonderful dining experience.
However, out of 70 total opinions, 8 did point out some areas for improvement. A few found the atmosphere a bit dead or the environment stale, while others mentioned blasting music or a general lack of warmth. These suggest that while generally excellent, the vibe can occasionally miss the mark.
Ambience
70
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful setting
- Charming garden patio
- Thoughtful details
What people don't like
- Dead atmosphere
- Loud music
- Lack of warmth
Often praised
- atmosphereimpressed with the atmosphere and small details
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceOutstanding meal, service, and ambiance at this wonderful Italian restaurant.
- dining experienceMy partner and I had the most incredible meal and dining experience. We couldn’t stop talking about it on the drive home.
- gardenDefinitely sit in the garden if you can
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- al fresco ambianceal fresco ambiance, amplified by the warmth of heat lamps and enchanting lighting
- ambienceAmazing service, ambience, and food!
- back patiosat outside on the back patio and it was nice
- barhung out at the bar for some hours entirely too comfortable
Frequently criticized
- environmentthe environment was stale
- Classic Rock musicClassic Rock music could have the volume turned down
- ambienceThe ambience was like being at a pub
- atmospherethe atmosphere was a bit dead
- automobile headlightautomobile headlight blinding requires blinds be drawn
- musicthey were blasting music for a pretty empty place
- warmthThe service was just okay, nothing special. I was hoping for a little more warmth all around, especially considering the price.
If you're seeking a beautiful, often romantic setting with charming outdoor spaces and thoughtful details, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that on rare occasions, the atmosphere might feel a bit subdued or the music a tad loud.
Value (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found bright spots, with 15 positive opinions out of 36 total. Guests often felt it was truly worth it, highlighting a reasonable price for upscale food and calling certain offerings like the feast for the table or pasta hour a great value or even a dining deal. The overall score for value sits at an average 5.3, suggesting a mixed experience, but those who found good deals were genuinely pleased.
However, the value proposition isnt always clear-cut, with 18 negative opinions indicating some significant concerns. Many felt overcharged or found the overall experience expensive, especially when considering the 20% tips or service fee that pushed totals higher. Some even stated it wasnt worth the money or that they were left hungry after paying a lot.
This contributes to a mixed 41.7% customer satisfaction, showing there's definitely room for improvement.
Value
36
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
18
negative
3
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value deals
- Reasonable price
- Feast/pasta hour
What people don't like
- Overpriced menu
- Mandatory service fees
- Poor value
Often praised
- pricebest service and food for the price I have ever experienced.
- $75/ppFor $75/pp at an upscale restaurant, we were a little worried that portions would be lacking but we were far from disappointed
- 5-course feastThe 5-course feast is a steal at $75 per person
- dining dealthere is a better dining deal in Seattle
- feast for the tableThe "feast for the table" is great value
- happy hour pasta trio$35 happy hour pasta trio is a bargain
- pasta hourpasta hour is a great value
- pricesfair prices for Seattle
- reasonable priceupscale food and a reasonable price
- service charge20% service charge included, which was definitely worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceIt is overpriced
- expensiveThe meat was entirely fat that had not been rendered, and everything was either overly sweet or salty. The food was also described as nasty and expensive.
- 20% tipsenforced 20% tips which was rediculous
- appetizer priceapps are $25 a plate
- dinnerFor a $300 dinner, very disappointed
- entree priceentrees $30-50
- gratuityExpensive gratuity included for abhorrent service.
- moneyNot worth the money we paid
- overcharged usthey overcharged us for items we didn’t order
- parking lotFor a $300 dinner, we were very disappointed. Additionally, their parking lot costed $35 to park for a couple of hours.
If youre looking for a good deal, keep an eye out for specific offerings like their feast for the table' or happy hour specials, as these often provide excellent value. However, be mindful of potential extra charges and higher regular menu prices, which can quickly make the experience feel overpriced and leave you disappointed.
How are the prices at Carrello?
On average, you’ll spend around 82 per person – from 91 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $81–$90 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite spread out. While some guests enjoy options in the 60-70$ range, a significant number choose more premium experiences, with many spending over 90$, and a large group even above 100$.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 91 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant to similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the average spend and the variety of price points, we think the pricing offers a good range for an Italian restaurant in Seattle, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and those ready to splurge on a more premium experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Carrello
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional 5-Course Dinner with Dietary Accommodation
I attended an after-hours, 5-course dinner party where the menu had been prearranged. Chef Nathan went out of his way to accommodate my dietary needs. He prepared beautifully plated dishes that were full of flavor!
From the delicate pasta dish to the beet salad, it was perfect. The rack of lamb was the best I've ever had, and I highly recommend it.
- Chef Nathan10
- dietary needs10
- beautifully plated dishes10
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Excellent Dinner Stop
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic. I found the food, drinks, and service to be excellent. It would be hard to find a better dinner stop.
- food9
- drinks9
- service9
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Impeccable Birthday Dinner Experience
My partner and I celebrated his birthday here, and our dinner was absolutely impeccable! We started with their incredible sourdough, and shared the Pork Chop and Bavette Steak entrees – everything was absolutely delicious. The vegetables served with the steak were the highlight for me, perfectly roasted and dressed to perfection.
We finished with the semifreddo, which was legitimately one of the best desserts I’ve had at a restaurant. Hoping to come back here soon to experience some more of their smaller plates and pastas as well!
- sourdough9
- Pork Chop9
- Bavette Steak9
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Incredible Anniversary Dinner Experience!
My husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary here this evening (10/31/25) and had an incredible experience from the moment we walked in. The tasting menu included creative takes on classics (scallop crudo, waygu ravioli) as well as dishes we had never imagined (tempura octopus topped with chicharrons? !
Stunning!). The staff was accommodating and kind while allowing us to have quality time to chat about the experience and the delicious food! Even the bathrooms were a delight!
(May all bathrooms light a candle or two for our scent pleasure!) Lastly, the non-alcoholic mocktails were delectable and made us feel included rather than ostracized, which is so imperative for someone in recovery! We can’t recommend this restaurant highly enough!
- tasting menu10
- creative takes on classics10
- dishes we had never imagined10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Tasting Menu Experience
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with their tasting menu. The portions were big and served family style, which was great. They were very accommodating, making the dishes to your liking and dietary preferences.
I would advise going hungry to fully enjoy the generous servings.
- tasting menu9
- Big portions9
- family style8
What Carrello 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
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Carrello?
Yes, dinner reservations are highly recommended at Carrello, especially given its popularity. You can easily plan your visit as the restaurant accepts reservations, ensuring you secure your table for an enjoyable Italian dining experience in Capitol Hill.
What kind of atmosphere and drinks can you expect at Carrello?
At Carrello, you’ll find a romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, ideal for a special evening. The restaurant boasts a great wine list and a full bar onsite, offering hard liquor, wine, coffee, beer, and creative cocktails. These perfectly complement their small plates and organic dishes.
What is the overall customer sentiment regarding Carrello?
Carrello generally receives good feedback, with a restaurant score of **7.8** out of 10 and a customer satisfaction rate of **78%**. Guests particularly praise the **Food** (8.2) and **Ambience** (8.3), while **Service** (7.3) is also well-regarded. **Value** (5.3) is more of a mixed bag.
Are there any specific dishes or aspects of the food that stand out at Carrello?
Yes, many customers highlight the exceptional quality of the pasta dishes, often describing them as delicious and made from scratch. The tasting menu also receives positive remarks for its well-curated selections.
What are some common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners at Carrello?
Some diners express concerns about the perceived high prices and the mandatory service charge. Additionally, a few opinions mention that portion sizes can be on the smaller side, and there are occasional inconsistencies in specific dish quality.