Cantinetta Bellevue is a restaurant I've walked by too many times without having checked it out. Fortunately, my friend suggested we get some bites here, which was a great decision on her part, as it introduced me to the goodness of Tuscan cuisine that's found here. Although we did not have a reservation on a Tuesday evening, we were able to be seated outside where they provide blankets for patrons if it gets too cold. Sweet! However, it should be noted that even on a Tuesday, this place gets busy, so reservations are recommended. We started with cocktails. I ordered a Manhattan, which was solid. And since we only wanted a snack, we ordered the focaccia bread with the clams, per my friend's recommendation. Although the bread was served with olive oil and balsamic, we ended up dipping our bread in the tomato-base broth that the clams were in, which was fantastic! The only minor issue here was that we felt rushed by the staff here. Throughout our time, they asked us several times if they could take away the bowl with the clams, as they saw all the shells were out, but we were still having the broth for our bread to dip in. We had to repeatedly say that we were still working on the dish. Eventually, I just asked if they were closing soon, which they said they weren't. But then a few minutes later when we ordered another drink, our server told us that they needed the table cleared in 30 minutes. Very odd. All in all, I would come back here to check out more of the yummy menu, which is straightforward and doesn't have a long list of items, but enough to choose from. In contrast, the wine menu is very, very long, which I'm not complaining about. Glad to have Cantinetta in Old Bellevue. read more

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My friends and I went here for Seattle food week and the food was great! We each got different items and all had a great experience. The service was the best thing. One man kept checking in to help fill our waters and let us pick our utensils for dessert. This is a great place if you're looking to have a special occasion since the vibe of the location is very romantic. It was fun to go as friends but definitely more a date spot. read more

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Our favorite restaurant in Bellevue it's absolutely amazing! The service is always amazing and the hostess Riley is the best. The positions are perfect and we love the Cacio e Pepe and the bruschetta! We always get the mocktail and add alcohol and they're amazing highly recommend read more

Could've been better service but otherwise solid place. Check it out for yourself! Honest opinion Wallingford location way better. read more

Cantinetta Bellevue - Parpadelle!! - Italian Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

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Incredible food but what I appreciated the most was the excellent service we got from Scott as we navigated changes to our plans and had to push our reservation twice. It's not often you encounter such accommodating and easy service. Thank you so much for the thoughtful and understanding service + delicious food + the most amazing salted caramel gelato! read more

After reading all the reviews we were expecting the service to not be that great but we had such a wonderful experience! The staff was soo kind and checked on us frequently! The food was good but we loved the ambiance most! Will be coming back for sure! read more

Really nice place, with nice ambiance and great Italian pasta reasonably priced. The manager was very accommodating. Super happy with the service of the support staff as well. Will be back. read more

Came here for our anniversary dinner (during COVID). Precautions made us feel safe enough to sit inside. Location: ambiance is nice - small, European feel Service: our server (also the bartender) was nice and prompt to get our orders and check in. Food: the squash blossoms with the truffle oil were divine! The house made pasta was good too, more firm than I expected though. Tiramisu was also great - nice and light. Drinks: loved the gimlet! Very refreshing. The only issue was when our server came to pour the Negroni at the table and had to go back to replace the glass because there was lipstick on it. That being said, he noticed before we even did, so that's good! It just makes me wonder how there can be mixups with the clean and dirty glasses... read more

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Cantinetta is a wonderful place for an intimate meal after a day of shopping :) Their rendition of a carbonara is one of my go-to meals when I want some elevated comfort food! That and a glass of their Chianti will soothe anything. I recently tried the burrata and it was amazing! The tomatoes were very fresh and in season. Service is always so friendly and genuine; you can tell they all work very hard and are good at what they do. I would suggest making reservations as this is a popular spot and when weather allows, sit outside. The tables are adorable and chic. read more

Cantinetta Bellevue - Italian Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

We loved our dinner experience at Cantinetta! We had made a rez for 8 p which I'm glad we did as they were fairly busy. We're immediately greeted at the door with a friendly hello & seated promptly. The atmosphere has good energy and food was delicious. It was our annual mother/daughter night out after Snowflake Lane in Bellevue. First, we started with the burrata with fennel citrus appetizer, then ordered the roasted carrots with ricotta honey, and shared two pastas - Pici Cacio e pepe and the Agnolotti butternut squash. (My daughter said it was the best pasta she's ever had!) And of course, we ended the evening with the tiramisu. I had the Cantinetta Red (Passing Time) which was the perfect compliment to the meal. Ps. We were so hungry and excited to eat. I forgot to capture them before yet have a few to share. ;) read more

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We came here to celebrate my husbands birthday and I guess we should have chosen a different establishment. The food was so-so it lacked flavor and the was very pedestrian. We asked if they had any specials and were told no even though they were apparently participating in Seattle restaurant week. We were unable to get a reservation via Open Table however AMEX was able to secure us a reservation. Strange because the restaurant was empty for the first hour we were there. I don't think we will return as for the price point there are MANY other options in the area that are much better! One is right around the corner and they are STELLAR in comparison. read more

I was in the mood for Italian and this restaurant is very cute and fits the bill perfectly! Small inside, with outdoor seating its a really cozy cute place. It would be great for date night. I got the carbonara and a glass of red wine. All of it was good. I sat at the bar and both bartenders were very attentive with a nice calm and welcoming demeanor. It is a little pricey but I think its fairly worth it. Street parking all around with 1 garage nearby. I found free street parking just down the hill if your ok with walking. read more

Cantinetta is the closest to Italy you can find on the east side. Every dish, even down to the super simple appetizers such as mista salad, clams, burrata are perfectly crafted in simple but high quality ingredients and perfect execution. I've been coming to Cantinetta for 10+ years, first recommended by an Italian colleague who told me that it's the best Italian in the area and it still holds true after all these years. While the portion is not the typical American large family sharing portion, it's also not dingy and is perfect for two to be able to eat both pasta and entree meat/seafood dishes. The menu changes seasonally, you'll always be able to find one or two common arrangements like bolognese, pesto or carbonara, along with a few more seasonally unique selections. Always save room for dessert, tiramisu and zeppole are to die for! I read some reviews complaining about service and we've never ever had any issues in the 10 years we've frequent here (and we even bring kids). It's not any slower or faster than any other small fine dining restaurants where the customers are meant to slowly enjoy their food while sipping wine / yummy cocktails. Make sure you do make a reservation ahead of time as they do get quite busy. The little outdoor patio seating is fantastic during the beautiful PNW summer. read more

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I ordered the rigatoni and I was surprised by how much I liked it... it's hard to to impressed by pastas since I've been to so many Italian restaurants but I was definitely impressed this one. The servers were VERY attentive. They checked in consistently even though the restaurant was busy. The interior and location is charming. read more

I've been here a couple of times before and have always enjoyed my meals. This time I enjoyed a late night dinner here. Our party of 6 managed to squeeze in after the Bellevue wine walk. The service was fantastic and patient with us. We had the pork belly with Arugula and it was divine. I had the very tasty risotto and wth the chunks of chanterelles. The ambience is this place is inviting and lively. read more

Cantinetta Bellevue - Risotto chanterelles, thyme, pecorino - Italian Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

Cantinetta Bellevue is a subpar version of its sister restaurant in Wallingford: subpar service, ambiance, and food. What should be a great add to Bellevue is not. Yet you'd be fooled by the crowds... this place is packed and loud, dark and dingy, and seating is very tight. Compare this to the light, airy, and cozy ambiance in Wallingford. The crowds must just be needing some Italian food on the Eastside and unfortunately this place is one of the better ones. The service here is poor. Rude host and inattentive waitstaff. Specifically, it took 30 minutes to get the check and cancel the item that was never delivered to the table. A lackluster apology topped off the unprofessionalism. Lastly, the food here just sucks compared to Wallingford. The bread is soggy, the dishes are consistently over cooked and sometimes burnt, and the portions have been inconsistent amongst multiple visits. Do not come here. Be proactive and get a reservation at Carmines instead. Or just go to the Wallingford location. read more

One of the best Italian places in the area! Came here for my mama's birthday dinner. As an Italian family, we are always looking for authentic Italian cuisine. The service was a little slow as we were seated outdoors, but it wasn't an issue for my family. I can't recommend the Pappardelle Alla Bolognese enough. It was soooo delicious and flavorful! read more

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We have so much fun every time we visit. The meal is genuine Italian which often I need to look up the menu items to see what they really are. Wine selection very good, great bar. Service always excellent. Get a table outside on the street. You will want to return. read more

Having lived blocks from Cantinetta since it's opening, it was disappointing to finally try it all these years later (6/12) and discover that I won't be going back. The service was just fine but the food was so so (at best( and given the price point, I'd call that unacceptable. The burrata was a little bit too thick; as in I would have expected it to be creamier when it was split open. It was much more like a ball of firm cheese than a spreadable burrata I'd expect from a high end restaurant. The arugula balsamic strawberry salad sounded great but what arrived was oil with a side of arugula and strawberries. I don't know if there was any balsamic vinegar in the salad - by the way, there's no mention of oil on the menu and since that was the main ingredient, it was a huge miss and a waste of $14. The carbonara was a not as advertised. The idea of some fresh snap peas sounded great as a means to deepen the flavor profile. What came out was a traditional carbonara (which is great) but no snap peas. Further, the guanciale in the pasta tasted almost "ripe." Not suggesting it was bad but another guest made the same comment. Finally, the dish came out slightly above room temperature. At that point everything was congealing and no extra cheese would melt into it. It was just disappointing. We also tried the prosciutto melon appetizer. The melon couldn't have been less ripe unless it had been still green. Another miss... The positives were the service and excellently crafted drinks. If you want a really enjoyable Italian meal, just wander another block over to Carmines. They make it work and if they don't, they make it right! And it's roughly 15 to 20% less expensive. read more

Bolognese. Great place with outside seating. Staff is very friendly and accommodating for families with kids. We will be back. read more

Cantinetta Bellevue - Bolognese - Italian Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

We were pretty excited about trying this place out after hearing multiple friends suggest this place. We really like the appetizers and the drinks that we started off with. Our server kept asking us if we had enough food and suggesting we also order a bread which we ended up agreeing to. The bread wasn't bad but we were kind of disappointed that it wasn't just included with the meal or that a couple pieces didn't come with the clams or the other appetizer. We didn't think it was anything special. The rigatoni was too soft and pretty oily and fell short of our expectations. The zeppole was a nice way to finish off the meal - it was delicious. The atmosphere is pretty vibey and a nice place to celebrate. Overall we would come back for the appetizer, drinks, and dessert. However, the pasta (which we had such high hopes for) was pretty disappointing and the servers weren't that friendly and rather pushy in getting us to order more food. read more

Food 4/5 Service 5/5 Parking 3/5 Price 4/5 We went here for Seattle restaurant week and really enjoyed ourselves. The waiter took great care of us and sharing the resultant week deal made it very affordable. The burrata starter was nice and creamy and the bread was the perfect crispiness. There was an odd ratio though that left me with far more cheese than bread but we enjoyed it non the less. The main course was decent but nothing to stand out. The gnocchi had some rich sauce but had a bit too much cheese and creme. Finally the dessert was spot on with a light and delicious tiramisu. It was the perfect amount of sweetness and texture. Overall it was probably the best Seattle restaurant week place we went to for the price though I'm not sure it would draw me back without the restaurant week deal with the other options in the area. read more

Note: the sign on the door noted they require proof of vaccination or negative test for Covid and we were never asked for ours. Really disappointing. Dropped by for Seattle Restaurant week and enjoyed a nice 3-course meal. The brussels sprouts and burrata were good, shareable starters that we really enjoyed, but the mains were solidly mediocre. The bolognese was really thick and extremely salty, while the gnocchi was swimming in cheese and also way too salty. I legit had a half cup of saucy cheese leftover on my plate after I picked half of it off so I could get to the gnocchi. I'm thirsty just writing this review. The panna cotta with fresh fruit for dessert was the highlight of the meal. The server in charge of our water should get a raise because our glasses weren't ever empty for long. Overall it was a good experience, and I'd probably return to share apps and dessert but the mains were extremely mediocre and I'm not sure that I'd risk it outside of Seattle Restaurant Week prices... read more

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One of our go-to restaurants in downtown Bellevue. The food last night was great, we ordered the Halibut and three pasta dishes along with the flatbread appetizer. All excellent. Service was friendly and attentive and we got great advice on wine from the manager. Nice outdoor seating on a sunny day. The inside is nice, but it can be a bit noisy when they are busy. read more

Cantinetta Bellevue - Martini at the outdoor seating are. - Italian Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

Made a rush reservation for 5:30, and still ended up having seats, but the place was packed after 6:00. Really cute ambiance, good service, awkward bathroom location. For appetizers, we got the arugula salad with figs. The dressing was on the more sour side, but the figs are fresh, and the gorgonzola adds a strong earthy flavor to the dish. The burrata was so delicious along with the agrodolce (sweet and sour sauce), but the only downside is the fettuntas were way too hard... We decided on the gnocchi and salmon for the main dishes, but only the gnocchi was worth it. The gnocchi was so chewy and creamy, and I love the combination of the scamorza and pomodoro - great balance between the cheesiness and sourness. The salmon, on the other hand, was quite disappointing. It was definitely overcooked (kind of dry on the inside), and the garlic crema was lacking both the creaminess and the garlic flavor. Overall, it was not a bad experience. Great ambiance for a date night or if you're looking for a slightly fancier dinner. read more

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Consistently excellent homemade pasta in a stylish, comfortable space. The cocktails are great as well--especially their beautifully balanced house Manhattan. This is one of our go-to date-night places on the eastside. read more

Cantinetta is such a gem. The ambiance is quiet and intimate. It's not a very big restaurant and I love that about it! Literally everything in the menu is great so I always have a hard time deciding! My absolute favorites are the , Clams, Picci, Carbonara, bolognese! Safe to say I'm always heading home with take away haha Service is always fast and friendly! Just love coming here! read more

Since April is the Seattle Restaurant Week, I decided to come here after seeing a friend came to Cantinetta. Here's what I order: Burrata (antipasti), Pappardelle alla Bolognese(main course), & zeppole (dolci). I also order a glass of Pinot noir. I like the restaurant vibe, but the dishes are not as tasty as I anticipated. The burrata is lack of layers of flavor but the zeppole is a must try! I'd highly recommend that. Service was okay-one of the waiters simply dropped the knife infront of me when he served me the appetizer. read more

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Cute date night restaurant. We accidentally made our reservation online for the wrong day but we lucked out and we're able to still find seats at the bar. For drinks we got the aperol spritz and Manhattan. Both of which were good and well made. For appetizer we ordered the burrata which was topped with heirloom tomatoes and peaches both very seasonal! The flavors complimented each other well. The Pici which is essentially cacio e pepe was perfectly creamy. For my liking, it could have used a bit more pepe but overall was very tasty. The Ricotta Ravioli was delicious. They were well filled and an awesome sauce. The service was a bit slower, but once you get them, they are on top of it. read more

The perfect date night spot. I think the decor is maybe farmhouse chic? Whatever it is, is modern, trendy, dim lighting during dinner, cozy intimate vibes. The menu here is very small. If you are a picky eater, you need to take a look at the menu before you go and hope that you find a recent picture of one. I am not sure how often it changes but it is definitely not the same for a long time, maybe seasonal? Ask the restaurant if you are concerned. The servers are very friendly and nice. They know their recommendations if you ask for one and even though busy, come to check on you. It has been a few months since I ate here but I have been here multiple times. Even though the menu changes, it is consistent. The food is cooked perfectly, the flavors aren't just your average meal, this place really serves an experience. You will have a good time going here with people you enjoy spending time with. Maybe even a business dinner if you need a nice small place to go. read more

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This is unfair I don't understand why they only have 3.5 stars Everything was sooooo right Super good service Super good food Super super good vibe read more

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What an adorable spot! It was a Friday night and all other restaurants on Main Street were on a wait. The patio caught my eye and we decided to give it a try. The server didn't seem wine-savvy but all is fine -- our bottle of Pinot Grigio turned out great. Mussels were delicious according to my boyfriend, and I cannot rave enough about their cocktails. We were taken care of very well, especially for a table so far out on their patio. Returning to try out their full menu and hoping for an equally satisfying experience. read more

Cantinetta Bellevue - Great vibes on the patio. - Italian Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

The food is so good all the way to the desert. The staff is very polite, professional and knowledgeable with the menu. The ambiance is rustic and comfy. Plan ahead because they get very busy. But overall the whole staff knows how to manage it. Make reservations and be early to find parking. read more

I've been here only a few times and everytime I come here its been such a delight. The atmosphere is perfect for couple who want to enjoy good quality food. Yes it may be pricey but it totally worth it. I highly recommend if you looking for something good and when I say good, I mean high quality food, excellent selection of wines and professional services. read more

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Had the veal for our appetizer and it was delicious. Ravioli was amazing with the white sauce. The tiramisu was the best overall item we had! Will definitely be back. read more

Cantinetta Bellevue - Italian Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

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This is a lovely Italian restaurant in Old Bellevue. It's outdoor seating is pretty nice with the fireplace and fur on each chair. I just wish I did not come on such a hot day to enjoy their extra touch. I was strolling Main Street with my doggie, so outdoor seating was my only option. All other restaurants were fully booked excepted Cantinetta but it did not disappoint me. The pasta was al dente, just the way I enjoy them. The veal was very delicious. The crust is flaky and buttery and the meat was still juicy. I enjoyed much and probably can easily eat 2 plates of it. They do not have kid's menu but are able to make all pasta more kid's friendly, like hold off on herbs and lessen the veggies. I do not think the restaurant was meant for family friendly, so I'm planning on dining with them again on my next date night. read more

Cantinetta Bellevue - Italian Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

Always wonderful ambience and great food. Love that they have outdoor seating in the summertime too! read more

A great place with outside seating. I was here to meet my team and we decided to sit outside. The manager was a nice guy who immediately made our table and seated us outside. It was a pleasant evening. We ordered different drinks and appetizers and main course. Since it was my first time at this restaurant my team helped in picking my drink, and food. At the end our main course was rotating among us as everything was very delicious. I often avoid eating cheese because I feel the weird taste of it. But here I enjoyed everything. The staff was very friendly and made sure we were taken care of, by filling our glass of water, asking if we needed another round of drinks and they were very courteous. Enjoyed a great evening with my team, at a lovely cozy restaurant. It is good for romantic dinners and also for big groups, please make sure you make a reservation to enjoy every bit of it. I highly recommend it if you love Italian food. read more

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Late night dining on the Eastside is practically impossible, even on a Friday night. We drove around DT Bellevue, eventually finding our way to Main Street. Cantinetta was seating after 10PM. I felt under dressed having just come from a tennis match. From what might have been the proprietor (he walked by to tell us we made a good choice to come in tonight), to the hostess, to our server, and a really nice guy who seemed to do everything, we were totally welcomed. That made us want to order up. The Cantinetta house wines by Passing Time are outstanding values by the glass. I would return just for those. The gnocchi with sausage and tagliatelle with guancuale were creamy and delicious. One had fennel and the other, peaches. The halibut puttanesca was spicy and delicious. The tiramisu was as good as my daughter's which means it was excellent. So perhaps it was a bit nicer than I needed, Cantinetta felt like home. read more

Very good food and service. We came during a not so busy time and food & drinks were prompt. Food wise: Mista salad - good Focassia - good Halibut - the best Puttanesca - good Gnocchi - very good We've heard it can get busy but our dinner was pretty fast. read more