Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Cortina – Seattle
Cortina - Seattle
Photo from Cortina
Cortina at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 107 of the guests
#597 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#26 Italian Restaurant out of 32 in Seattle
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
681
Reviews
64.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Elegant ambiance
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- Mandatory charge
- Inconsistent service
- High noise
The restaurant Cortina is a premier Italian restaurant located in the heart of Seattle’s vibrant Central Business District. You’ll discover a truly romantic dining experience here, perfect for an intimate evening out.
This upscale spot offers a cozy yet trendy atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine. Whether you’re looking for late-night food or happy hour drinks, Cortina provides a memorable setting for your next meal.
Overview: Introducting Cortina
Cortina offers a dining experience where the culinary creations often shine, with many appreciating the thoughtful preparation and delightful flavor in their various dishes and cocktails . The setting itself contributes positively, providing a generally inviting atmosphere for guests.
However, the experience can be a mixed bag, particularly concerning the overall value proposition. While some praise the happy hour deals, others find the mandatory service charge and occasional rude server attitudes detract from an otherwise pleasant meal.
Good
6.9
out of 10
681
Reviews
64.5%
Satisfaction
205
negative
37
neutral
439
positive
Cortina achieves a respectable overall score of 6.9, placing it in the “good” category, yet customer satisfaction sits at a more moderate 64.5%, indicating a mixed reception. This suggests that while many find the experience positive, a significant portion of diners have reservations.
This assessment is drawn from over 681 customer remarks, with 439 positive observations against 205 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food (7.3) is clearly a strong point, often lauded for its quality.
The Ambience (8.3) also receives high marks, contributing significantly to the dining experience. However, Service (6.6) falls into the average range, and Value (3.7) is a notable area for improvement, frequently cited as a concern by patrons.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful dishes
- Elegant, inviting atmosphere
- Knowledgeable, attentive staff
What people don't like
- Mandatory service charge
- Inconsistent, inattentive service
- Loud dining environment
Cortina presents a compelling case for those prioritizing well-prepared dishes and a sophisticated setting. With a recommendation score of 7.1, it’s generally considered a worthwhile visit, especially if you appreciate a refined atmosphere and flavorful cuisine.
However, be mindful of the pricing structure and potential service inconsistencies. If you’re seeking a dining experience where food and ambiance take precedence, and you’re prepared for the automatic service charge, Cortina could be a good choice for you.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cortina
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
It seems the food here offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a solid score of 7.3 but customer satisfaction sitting at 69.7%. Based on 340 customer comments, with 237 positive remarks against 79 negative ones, there's definitely a lot to talk about. Many rave about the delicious meatballs, tender octopus, and the highly recommended strozzapreti pasta.
Guests frequently praise the focaccia and cocktails, highlighting thoughtful flavor combinations and excellent presentation that make for a truly enjoyable meal. However, some diners encountered issues like undercooked steak or dishes that were either too salty or bland. There were also concerns about small portion sizes for the price and occasional inconsistencies in dish quality, such as misdescribed items or cold food.
Food
340
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
79
negative
24
neutral
237
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pasta dishes
- Flavorful appetizers
- Unique flavor combinations
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Dishes too salty/bland
- Small portions for price
Often praised
- foodPrompt service, friendly staff, and the spicy sausage rigatoni and broccolini were phenomenal. Flavorful, fresh, and exactly what dining out should feel like. Though the manager did comp the drinks we had at the bar prior to being seated, I wouldn’t return.
- drinksI hosted a work meeting for 10 people on Monday, and the staff truly read the notes on my reservation and attended to our every need. Between the delicious small plates and drinks, this was a gorgeous spot to host our event. We will definitely be back!
- pastaLove the pasta here - cheesy and I like the tomato favor.
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I enjoyed the excellent cocktails and yummy food. I highly recommend trying the Beauty Sleep cocktail and the fried potatoes.
- FoodEverything was delicious
- dishesordering the same dishes we had yesterday because they were just that good!
- pastasexcellent variety of Italian inspired small plates and pastas
- dishThe overall vibe is effortlessly elegant without being stuffy. The service is on point, and every dish tastes like it was made with care. It's a perfect spot for a date night or a slow, indulgent dinner.
- flavorI had a wonderful dinner experience here. The buffalo mozzarella and peach salad was absolutely amazing, and we were completely blown away with the flavor. Every single dish we tried was great.
- little gem saladThe little gem salad was great and large enough to share
Frequently criticized
- foodNothing special food wise. Quite salty.
- pastathe pasta we got seemed like it sat around for a while because it came out and the entire outside was cold
- focacciaOffering the focaccia as the bread for additional cost really did not meet our needs
- hamachiI’d also recommend skipping the hamachi; it was underwhelming
- pasta dishpasta dish with rabbit. When it came we were unable to find any rabbit
- pesto pastaWhy is it vegan, and why does it taste like nothing?
- saladsalad was chopped within an inch of its life, overdressed, and incredibly salty
- Creste di GalloCreste di Gallo was actually quite lacking in depth of flavor and basic salt content
- Grilled OctopusTheir Grilled Octopus (a lil chewy not the best I've had)
- Italian dishespiatti sono una rivisitazione in chiave americana
If you're seeking standout Italian flavors, especially in their pasta and appetizers, this spot is worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, as some dishes hit the mark perfectly while others might leave you wanting more.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
When it comes to service, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.6 (average) and customer satisfaction at 61.4% (mixed). Many of the 113 positive remarks highlight the friendly staff, their attentiveness, and exceptional service. Guests often praise their wine knowledge and helpful recommendations, creating genuinely welcoming experiences.
However, 66 negative comments reveal areas needing improvement. Some diners reported slow service, a lack of attention, and even rude servers. Issues like long wait times for orders or checks, and inconsistent service, unfortunately, left others feeling frustrated and ignored.
Service
184
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
66
negative
5
neutral
113
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Exceptional service
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Rude, dismissive servers
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceThe space was well-maintained, and the overall vibe was calm and welcoming. With excellent service and a fantastic atmosphere, Cortina is a place I’d love to return to for another great meal.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was modern and friendly, with soft music that never overwhelmed the atmosphere. The attentive staff provided excellent service, and the food was good. We opted for several smaller dishes, which were enjoyable, and the cocktails were a great match.
- serverOur server was great, but the kitchen experience was not so much. While the wait staff took very good care of us, our meals arrived at different times, with a 5-minute gap between the first and second being the worst.
- ServiceService:5
- serversOur event planner, Phia, was very prompt and helpful. All the servers were so nice, knowledgeable, and patient with our large group. They were also great with the various dietary restrictions for the group.
- exceptional serviceMy experience at Cortina was elevated to a 5-star rating thanks to the exceptional service provided by Willy. He is a kind and personable young man who consistently turns a 4-star experience into a 5-star one with his sincere smile and outstanding service.
- recommendationsThe service was outstanding—our waitress was friendly, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain the menu. She offered some great recommendations and checked in just the right amount, making sure we felt comfortable throughout the meal. The ambiance was both casual and chic, creating the perfect setting for a laid-back yet special dining experience.
- teamWe are incredibly grateful to the entire team at Cortina for making our wedding day unforgettable. For our small wedding of 32 people, Cortina provided an exceptional experience from start to finish.
- waitressFrom the moment we walked in, I noticed how clean and organized the restaurant was, making for an immediate good impression. The service was outstanding—our waitress was friendly, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain the menu. She offered some great recommendations and checked in just the right amount, making sure we felt comfortable throughout the meal.
- AlyssaManageress Alyssa made sure everything was perfect
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was, at best, average. The service was bad, and the meal was expensive. I had expected so much more, especially after planning dinner there following a visit to ACT.
- serverUnfortunately, the 22% automatic service charge seemed to negatively impact our server's attitude. The server was not friendly and rather rude. He placed our drinks down loudly and left immediately without taking our order, which made us feel very awkward.
- waiterOur waiter was incredibly rude and dismissive
- waitresswasn’t impressed with our waitress, when she did show up here and there
- attitudeHis attitude was entitled and unprofessional
- staffWe sat for an entire hour – no order taken, no water, not even a “we’ll be right with you. ” Clearly, there was no need for the staff to provide any effort since there’s an automatic 22% “service fee, ” which must go toward the staff’s impressive ability to avoid eye contact. They’ve truly mastered it.
- appan app that is forgotten entirely
- attentionTook a long time to order entrees because of the lack of attention
- back of housesomething is not going right in back of house
- baristathe barista that made my drink this morning confirmed
If youre looking for consistently stellar service, this spot might be a gamble. While many praise the friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for the possibility of slow or inattentive service that could dampen your experience. Its worth a try if youre patient, but dont expect flawless service every time.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner! With a strong score of 8.3 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 87.6%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Guests frequently praise the atmosphere, bright lighting, and stylish setting, noting how clean and inviting the space feels.
Out of 89 total remarks, a whopping 78 were positive, highlighting a trendy and modern place perfect for catching up with friends or a date night. However, its not entirely without its quirks. While only 9 negative comments were noted, some guests mentioned parking challenges, concerns about the noise level due to hard surfaces, or discomfort with the heat or specific seating like low tables.
These are minor points, but worth considering if you're sensitive to such details.
Ambience
89
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inviting atmosphere
- Stylish setting
- Clean and maintained
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
- Loud noise
- Temperature issues
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Ludi's was wonderful. The restaurant offers a warm, inviting space with a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. From the moment we walked in, I noticed how clean and organized the restaurant was, making for an immediate good impression.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by very unique dishes and a very good ambience. While the overall experience was positive, it's worth noting that the place is on the expensive side.
- vibeI had a really great vibe and delicious food and cocktails during my visit. I happily stumbled upon this place while staying downtown.
- ambianceMy experience at Cortina was a beautifully elegant dining experience that felt both intimate and luxurious. The restaurant was impeccably clean, and the ambiance was perfect for a relaxed yet refined evening. Our waitress was exceptionally friendly and attentive, offering suggestions that suited our taste perfectly.
- locationConvenient location
- restaurant cleanlinessMy experience at Cortina was a beautifully elegant dining experience that felt both intimate and luxurious. The restaurant was impeccably clean, and the ambiance was perfect for a relaxed yet refined evening. Our waitress was exceptionally friendly and attentive, offering suggestions that suited our taste perfectly.
- spaceShe made sure to check in at all the right moments, ensuring we had everything we needed without being intrusive. The space was well-maintained, and the overall vibe was calm and welcoming. With excellent service and a fantastic atmosphere, Cortina is a place I’d love to return to for another great meal.
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- barthe bar is so beautiful
Frequently criticized
- parkingOnly downfall was parking
- atmosphereit was freezing inside
- boothrequested a booth instead of the hard chair
- hard surfacesSo many hard surfaces that it was very loud
- heatThe 85 degree heat
- low tablesWe asked for the low tables and were not given
- restaurantit was really warm (cooler outside than in)
Overall, if youre looking for a restaurant with a great atmosphere thats both stylish and welcoming, this spot is a solid choice. Just be mindful of potential parking woes or noise levels during busy times, and you're likely to have a fantastic experience.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests found a silver lining, especially with the enticing Happy Hour menu and its appealing happy hour prices. A few appreciated the restaurant's transparent pricing practices and no tipping policy, seeing the included service charge as fair. Out of 68 customer remarks, 11 leaned positive, highlighting these specific deals.
However, the overall picture for value is quite poor, with a score of 3.7 and customer satisfaction at a low 16.2%. A significant 51 negative remarks focused on the mandatory service fee, automatic gratuity, and hidden mandatory fees. Many felt the regular price was on the expensive side, leading to a perception of poor value for money.
Value
68
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
51
negative
6
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy Hour deals
What people don't like
- Mandatory service fees
- Automatic gratuity
- High regular prices
Often praised
- happy hourhappy hour was a great way to enjoy
- pricesCortina is a place where you can indulge in exquisite Italian cuisine without breaking the bank. It's like a magical portal to a world where delicious food and reasonable prices coexist in perfect harmony
- Happy Hourit was Happy Hour 3-6pm
- Happy Hour menuorder from the Happy Hour menu so the prices were right
- happy hour priceshappy hour prices are really good
- happy hoursOne of the better happy hours in downtown!
- no tipping policyI like the no tipping policy
- pricing practicesTransparent pricing practices
- service chargeThere's a 22% service charge with a note that gratuity/tipping is not expected. I think this is more than fair
Frequently criticized
- priceWhen we did complain about the service, they became very attentive, but our server continued to give us an evil eye. To my surprise, the food was average and way overpriced. Furthermore, the mandatory 21% house charge is unwelcome when the service is poor, and you are made to feel guilty for not adding an additional tip.
- service chargeThe wine menu, though small, offered a great selection. A significant point of contention was the mandatory 22% service charge for all table sizes, regardless of service quality.
- automatic gratuityautomatic gratuity tip for the servers
- gratuitynot happy at all about having a set 22% gratuity for service that we didn’t really get
- billjunk fees they add on to the bill
- price pointFor the price point, I expected far better service
- 20% feeadd a 20% fee instead of you tipping
- auto charge22% auto charge for bar top service is a little steep
- auto gratuityauto gratuity of 22% regardless of party size
- automatic 22% gratuityfor an automatic 22% gratuity, there’s no way on this planet that our food should have made it to the table before our drinks
If you're looking for a good deal, your best bet is to stick strictly to their Happy Hour offerings. Otherwise, be prepared for a potentially high bill due to mandatory service charges and regular prices that many find disproportionate to the value received.
How are the prices at Cortina?
Hey there, food lover! On average, you’ll spend around 58 per person at this spot, based on what 107 guests reported. That puts it squarely in the $51–$60 category.
For an Italian Restaurant, that’s definitely leaning towards the higher-end of mid-range. While the average is here, the prices actually spread quite widely, with many guests enjoying more premium options well above 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 107 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the price point and the spread towards higher spending, we think the pricing feels fair for a quality Italian experience. It’s not a budget option, but it promises a more refined meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cortina
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Pasta and Great Atmosphere!
My experience at this fire lil restaurant was fantastic! The atmosphere was a perfect 5/5, and the service was equally impressive at 5/5. The food was absolutely delicious, earning a perfect 5/5.
I highly recommend trying the pasta with ricotta – honestly, anything they're making will be delicious🤤.
- atmosphere10
- service10
- food10
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing Lunch Experience
My experience at this restaurant for lunch was disappointing. Although the restaurant was completely empty except for our party, the service was slow and sloppy. We encountered issues such as no change of plates between courses and having to actively seek out our waiter to order coffee after waiting 15 minutes post-meal.
This was particularly frustrating given the lack of other patrons. Regarding the food, some dishes were great, but others were a total miss. The salmon salad, priced at $30, was excessively salty and the salmon tasted fishy.
The mandatory 22% gratuity felt unfair due to the poor service, as the wait staff seemed indifferent knowing the tip was guaranteed. We will not be returning.
- dishes5
- salmon salad2
- service1
- change of plates1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Brunch Spot with Attentive Staff
Decided to come to Cortina for brunch with friends! It was a great choice. The food was great and the staff were super attentive and had great recommendations.
Apparently, they also have a cafe in the same building that wasn’t open today, but we’d definitely come back to check it out when it is open since the restaurant was great! The portion size was definitely bigger than I expected, so I went home with leftovers (not complaining)! The location was great too - able to easily find parking and go to nearby shops afterwards.
- food9
- staff10
- recommendations9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Delicious Lunch with Excellent Service and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional, earning five stars and then some. The food was a highlight, particularly the salmon salad, which was delicious. It had a light dressing and a perfectly cooked filet, making it my new favorite for lunch.
The service was equally impressive; Diego provided attentive yet relaxed service, ensuring our experience was second to none. Finally, the atmosphere is a major draw, with its bright, warm, and spacious setting, making it a place where I could happily stay for hours.
- salmon salad10
- filet10
- service10
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Food, Service Issues
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was great, earning a perfect score. However, the service was just as expected, with a notable issue regarding an auto-charge and a forgotten appetizer.
The 22% auto charge for bar top service felt a little steep, especially when an appetizer was entirely forgotten. Despite this, the atmosphere was pleasant.
- food10
- service6
- atmosphere7
- auto charge4
- app2
What Cortina offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Coffee
- Happy hour food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Cortina?
Yes, dinner reservations are recommended at Cortina, especially if you’re planning to enjoy their popular table service. You can plan ahead to secure your spot for an exceptional dining experience.
What kind of atmosphere and special offerings can you expect at Cortina?
Cortina offers an upscale, romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for various occasions. You can enjoy happy hour drinks and food, late-night options, and a selection of vegetarian dishes, all complemented by a full bar onsite.
How does Cortina generally score with diners?
Cortina holds an overall score of 6.9, indicating a good experience for many. Its Food (7.3) and Ambience (8.3) are highly rated, while Service (6.6) is average, and Value (3.7) is a common concern.
What do customers enjoy most about Cortina?
Diners frequently praise Cortina’s delicious and flavorful dishes, along with its elegant and inviting atmosphere. Many also appreciate the well-crafted cocktails and the overall sophisticated vibe.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Cortina?
A recurring point of contention for guests is the mandatory service charge, which impacts the perceived value. Some also report inconsistent service experiences, including instances of inattentive or rude staff.