Highlights
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Mondello – Seattle
Mondello - Seattle
Photo from Mondello
Mondello at a glance
Seattle Magnolia Village
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 109 of the guests
#248 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#7 Italian Restaurant out of 32 in Seattle
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
679
Reviews
79.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Friendly service
- Cozy setting
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Pricing concerns
- Portion value
The restaurant Mondello, an Italian Restaurant nestled in Seattle’s charming Magnolia Village, offers a delightful culinary escape. Guests often rave about the exceptional dessert selection, making it a sweet highlight of any visit.
This cozy spot provides a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying authentic Italian flavors and a memorable dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Mondello
Mondello offers a warm, inviting experience, often praised for its authentic feel and the genuine care from the owner and staff. Many appreciate the homemade pasta and the overall cozy atmosphere, making it a pleasant spot for various occasions.
However, some guests have found aspects of their visit less satisfying, particularly regarding the perceived overpriced items and occasional inconsistencies in service. Despite these points, Mondello generally provides a welcoming environment where the culinary offerings are a clear highlight.
The restaurant aims to create a familiar, comfortable setting, though some aspects of the dining experience, especially concerning cost, have drawn mixed reactions from patrons.
Good
8
out of 10
679
Reviews
79.8%
Satisfaction
123
negative
14
neutral
542
positive
Mondello generally performs well, earning a solid restaurant score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 79.8%. This positive sentiment is built on 679 customer observations, with 542 positive remarks outweighing 123 negative ones.
The Food (8.1) is a clear highlight, often described as authentic and well-prepared, while the Ambience (8.9) also receives high marks for its inviting feel. The Service (7.7) is generally well-regarded, though some experiences vary.
However, Value (4.2) stands out as an area needing attention, with some guests feeling that certain items are not priced appropriately for the portion or offering. Overall, the positive aspects significantly contribute to its favorable standing.
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Warm, welcoming service
- Cozy dining setting
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Perceived high prices
- Small portion sizes
For those seeking genuine Italian flavors and a comfortable dining experience, Mondello is certainly worth considering. With a strong recommendation score of 8.1, it generally delivers on its promise of quality food and a pleasant atmosphere.
Just be mindful of the pricing, as some items might feel a bit steep for what you receive. If you prioritize delicious food and a charming ambiance, you’ll likely enjoy your visit.
However, if value is your top concern, you might want to review the menu carefully before committing. It’s a place that excels in many areas, but a few aspects could use refinement.
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%
- $$
- Ravenna
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
701
88.6%
- $$
- Alki
- 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
Verdict: Our expert take on Mondello
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this restaurant generally hits the mark, boasting a solid 8.1 score and a strong 80.7% customer satisfaction. Many diners rave about the delicious offerings, with 305 positive remarks highlighting the homemade pasta, amazing sauces, and authentic Sicilian cuisine made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. It truly feels like a taste of home for many.
However, not every dish is a winner. Out of 378 total comments, 66 express disappointment, citing undercooked pasta, small portions, and bland sauce as issues. Some also noted inconsistent food quality, suggesting that while the highs are high, there can be some misses.
Food
378
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
66
negative
7
neutral
305
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homemade pasta shines
- Authentic Sicilian flavors
- Fresh ingredients used
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portion sizes
- Undercooked pasta issues
Often praised
- foodThe atmosphere was low key with enough fancy vibes for a romantic night out. The food was filling but not heavy. I had the chicken parmesan, which was the best I've ever had in my life.
- cannoliPerfectly tender, smoky from the grill, and seasoned to absolute perfection—it’s one of those dishes you remember long after the last bite. Finished the night with a cannoli that might actually ruin all future cannoli for me—crispy shell, velvety sweet ricotta, just the right touch of powdered sugar. Great food, great people, great vibes.
- tiramisuThe meatballs and the tiramisu in particular were absolutely incredible.
- Italian foodmost authentic Italian food I’ve had in Washington
- homemade pastaThis is hands down the best Italian restaurant in Seattle! It's the real deal, featuring fresh homemade pasta, amazing sauces, and delicious cannoli. The Sicilian flare is evident in both the richness of the food and the warm hospitality of the staff.
- lasagnathe lasagna, mushroom ravioli, and all the seafood options have all been amazing
- pastaWe moved here a year ago and found this little neighborhood gem and have been impressed with the food, the loveliness of the owner and her daughter, and the ambiance. The pasta is fresh and the sauces are delicate but so flavorful. I have loved the fish special, the squid ink and shrimp among other dishes.
- authentic Italian foodauthentic Italian food in a friendly neighborhood location
- breadThe bread served at the table always feels warm and fresh
- gnocchiI always get the gnocchi so it’s a great staple if you want delicious cream!
Frequently criticized
- foodfood overall greasy with poor presentation
- pastaEspecially because the pasta was horrible!!!
- lasagnaThe lasagna was uncomfortably sweet
- tiramisuthe tiramisu — the coffee flavour wasn’t pronounced and lady fingers were soggy
- breadI ordered the fettuccine pasta, which had chewy, hard pasta, and the veal seemed stale. The bread served was stale and inedible. The burrata was average.
- butternut squash raviolibutternut squash ravioli special was so undercooked
- dishesall other dishes are tasteless
- gnocchignocchi that was so doughy and chewy
- meatballsmeatballs were stone-cold
- oiloil presented with the bread is no where near fresh extra virgin, it's so tasteless
If you're craving authentic Italian, especially homemade pasta and Sicilian flavors, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences mention inconsistent quality or smaller portions, so manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.7 score, which is quite good! With a solid 77.4% customer satisfaction and 120 positive comments out of 155 total, many guests rave about the phenomenal service, friendly and attentive staff, and the warm hospitality that often includes a personal touch from the owner. However, not every experience is perfect.
About 34 comments highlight areas for improvement, mentioning instances of a language barrier, guests feeling rushed, and a lack of consistency. Some also noted dismissive apologies when issues arose, suggesting there's room to ensure every interaction is as welcoming as the best ones.
Service
155
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
34
negative
1
neutral
120
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent, friendly service
- Warm, personal hospitality
- Attentive, welcoming staff
What people don't like
- Some staff rude
- Feeling rushed
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Mondellos was absolutely sensational. I had a fantastic service and a beautiful restaurant experience. Thank you Mondellos for the lovely evening!
- ownerThis is truly a special, wonderful spot. The owner, Sofana, is so lovely, and if she suggests a daily special, trust her! My favorite is the tortellini soup, and the meatballs and any seafood are always winners.
- staffTo finish, the limoncello cake was delicious. The staff were friendly and attentive, and I appreciated the local neighborhood vibe. The atmosphere was rated 5/5, service 5/5, and food 5/5.
- customer servicethey have very good customer service
- ServiceService:5
- familyThe family that owns this place is just the sweetest and so welcoming.
- peoplegreat people
- owner and staffowner and staff is so kind and friendly
- Food came out very quicklyFood came out very quickly
- OwnerOwner is italian and super friendly
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was an older lady this time and equally as bad
- managerThe manager was rude to my mother
- tablebut when I chose a table, she asked if I wanted to move??
- SeeverSeever was rude! Never said hello or offered us any sort of greeting.
- ServiceService is also really bad. Within a minute of sitting down while still holding/reading our menus, we're asked if we're ready to order.
- bottleThe waiter scoffed when we asked to pay for a side of mozzarella and again when we asked for a second order for our picky toddler. Tonight, we asked if a bottle could be put in the fridge for our baby and were told there wasn't any room. We always feel rushed and like a nuisance.
- consistencylack of consistency in service
- customer carefood safety and respectful customer care need immediate attention
- customer serviceAccidents can happen in any restaurant, but how they’re handled makes all the difference. Unfortunately, this response left us with one of the worst customer service experiences we’ve ever had. I hope the management takes this feedback seriously, as the restaurant does have potential, but food safety and respectful customer care need immediate attention.
- feel rushedWe always feel rushed and like a nuisance when we come here.
Overall, the service here is a strong point, often making guests feel like family. While most visits promise a delightful and attentive experience, be aware that a few diners have encountered minor inconsistencies or felt a bit rushed. Its definitely worth trying for that personal, welcoming touch, but keep in mind theres a slight chance of a less-than-perfect interaction.
Ambience (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines with an excellent score of 8.9 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 94%. Guests consistently rave about the cozy atmosphere, authentic feel, and family vibe, often mentioning the warm lighting and rustic décor. With 110 positive remarks out of 117 total, its clear many find it a charming, welcoming place that feels just like home.
However, a few guests did note some minor hiccups. With only 4 negative comments, the main concern revolved around parking space and limited spots, making it difficult to find parking. While not a deal-breaker for most, its something to keep in mind when planning your visit.
Ambience
117
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
110
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, authentic atmosphere
- Warm, family vibe
- Charming rustic decor
What people don't like
- Difficult to park
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff were incredibly friendly, contributing to a cozy atmosphere with lovely decor. The carbonara was absolutely spot on, and for anyone with a sweet tooth, the cannoli's are pure perfection.
- ambianceambiance, service, menu selection, location and price point
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- parkingLots of parking on the street in front
- ambienceThe place has a nice ambience, decor and service.
- cozy atmosphereWe love the cozy atmosphere at Mondello’s.
- date nightuse this restaurant as date night
- decorMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff were incredibly friendly, contributing to a cozy atmosphere with lovely decor. The carbonara was absolutely spot on, and for anyone with a sweet tooth, the cannoli's are pure perfection.
- family friendlyThe service was warm and genuine, making it our most favorite Italian restaurant in Seattle. It's family friendly and everything you could ask for in a neighborhood restaurant.
- locationlocation and price point
Frequently criticized
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- parkingParking:Limited spots, but we made a reservation
If you're seeking a restaurant with a genuinely warm, authentic, and family-friendly atmosphere, this place is absolutely worth trying. Just be prepared that finding a parking spot might take a little extra effort, but the charming experience inside makes it worthwhile.
Value (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag! While the overall score sits at an average 4.2, customer satisfaction is quite low at just 24.1%. Some folks really appreciate the fair price and amazing value on certain entrees, finding the price point to be quite reasonable cost for what they get.
These positive sentiments were noted in 7 remarks. However, a significant number of diners, 19 out of 29 comments, felt things were overpriced and didn't offer good value for money. Concerns frequently popped up about portion size, especially for the kids menu, and some were frustrated by hidden costs like a cake fee or tariff for large groups.
It seems many expected more for their money.
Value
29
Reviews
24%
Satisfaction
19
negative
3
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair price
- Good entree value
What people don't like
- Overpriced
- Small portion size
- Hidden costs
Often praised
- pricesthe prices are pretty fair
- entreesGreat value, particularly on the entrees
- fair priceat a fair price
- price pointHands down, my favorite restaurant in Seattle! It excels in every aspect: ambiance, service, menu selection, location, and price point. I've consistently felt welcomed, like being at my Auntie's house for Sunday night dinners.
- reasonable costat a reasonable cost
- valueAmazing value
Frequently criticized
- priceIt's overpriced. At 26$ for a vegetarian pesto pasta, I felt I overpaid.
- ParmesanThey charge me $2 for it.
- cake feecharge a per person cake fee of $3.50
- dish costThe dish cost $29.00 and it had only three shrimp in it.
- hidden costsPointing out the hidden costs here
- kids menukids menu has a variety of options but pricey for the portion size
- moneyway too much money!
- portion sizeHowever, our young server was rude and seemed annoyed by our presence. The kids' menu had options but was pricey for the portion size. We were also told it was digital menu only, and when I asked for a physical menu, they didn't have one, which again seemed to annoy the server who quickly ran through the menu while rolling her eyes.
- pricesWe were also told it was digital menu only, and when I asked for a physical menu, they didn't have one, which again seemed to annoy the server who quickly ran through the menu while rolling her eyes. For the prices, I expected a better experience. We won’t be coming back here, which is a bummer because there really aren’t that many places to choose from in the village.
- tariff for large groupsadditional 20% tariff for large groups
If youre looking for a deal, you might find some good "value" on specific entrees, but be wary of other menu items and potential extra charges. Its a place where you might feel you're overpaying for what you receive, so consider your choices carefully before committing.
How are the prices at Mondello?
You’re looking at roughly 42 per person – reported by 109 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 42, it’s interesting to see a good spread in spending. Many guests find great value in the $21–$30 range, while others opt for meals closer to the average or even a bit higher, showing a nice mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 109 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian restaurant in Seattle. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a more modest meal and those ready to splurge a little more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mondello
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Fantastic Holiday Menu Standouts
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with their holiday menu. The butternut squash soup and the slow cooked lamb hindquarter over risotto were absolute standouts. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score.
- butternut squash soup10
- slow cooked lamb hindquarter over risotto10
- Food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Moldy Cake and Dismissive Service
I rarely leave negative reviews, but my experience at Mondello restaurant was truly disappointing. While the main dishes were decent, the “cake of the day” we were served had visible mold. When we brought this to the staff’s attention, the hostess offered a very dismissive apology and remarked that “these things happen”, even suggesting it must’ve happened to us before.
What really ruined the experience wasn’t just the mistake, but the lack of genuine concern or accountability from the staff. Accidents can happen in any restaurant, but how they’re handled makes all the difference. Unfortunately, this response left us with one of the worst customer service experiences we’ve ever had.
I hope the management takes this feedback seriously, as the restaurant does have potential, but food safety and respectful customer care need immediate attention.
- main dishes7
- cake of the day1
- hostess2
- staff’s attention2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Consistently Badass Experience!
My experience at this restaurant has been badass on all four occasions I've visited. I truly could not ask for a better place to go. The food, service, and atmosphere have all been rated a perfect 5 out of 5, making it an exceptional dining destination.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Incredible Anniversary Dinner!
We celebrated our wedding anniversary here and had an absolutely incredible experience. The meatballs and the tiramisu were particularly outstanding. The owner provided exceptional service, and was very friendly.
The atmosphere was cozy and intimate, making for a perfect evening. We highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be returning!
- meatballs10
- tiramisu10
- owner10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
A Little Gem with Fantastic Food!
My experience at this little gem of an eatery was absolutely wonderful! I loved everything about it. The soups were fantastic, and I had a seafood dish to die for❤️.
The food received a perfect score of 5, and the service and atmosphere were also rated a 5. The noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. It's a great spot for a group of 5-8 people, with a price range of $20–30 per person.
- soups9
- seafood dish10
- Food10
What Mondello offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features does Mondello Italian Restaurant offer?
Mondello Italian Restaurant in Seattle provides comprehensive accessibility, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
Can you tell me about the dining experience and atmosphere at Mondello Italian Restaurant?
At Mondello Italian Restaurant, you can enjoy a romantic, cozy, and casual atmosphere. They offer lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service, and reservations are recommended for dinner.
How is Mondello rated overall by customers?
Mondello holds a strong restaurant score of **8** and a good customer satisfaction of **79.8%**. Its **Food** (8.1) and **Ambience** (8.9) are highly praised, while **Service** (7.7) is generally good, though **Value** (4.2) is an area for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about Mondello's food?
Many customers appreciate Mondello for its authentic Italian dishes, including fresh homemade pasta, delicious cannoli, and well-prepared items like lasagna and tiramisu. The food is often described as filling and flavorful.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Mondello?
Some guests have expressed concerns about the perceived high prices for certain dishes, additional fees like a cake fee, and occasional inconsistencies in service quality, with some feeling rushed or finding portion sizes small for the cost.