Roman, Tuscan, Ligurian, Neapolitan and Sicilian in the South Sound
Posted: Jan 18, 2007 by Jake and Jason de Paul
Serving pizza pies, calzones, pasta, bagels and breakfast, this joint is a favorite of students at the art high school and University of Washington Tacoma. 1946 Pacific Ave., 253.779.0769.
Finely crafted Northern Italian with several twists and turns such as wild boar and duck ravioli. Basilico knows Italian food. The tiramisu is one of the best. 507 Capitol Way S., Olympia, 360.570.8777.
Taking its cue from New York’s Little Italy, this noisy three-ring circus offers eye-bulging portions served with zest and fun by a wacky wait staff. The spaghetti with meat sauce is fantastic — just like home. The board on the wall lists 13 pasta choices as well as Neapolitan pizzas. 701 Ninth Ave. N., Seattle, 206.244.2288.
Farelli’s has fire-cooked pizza with toasty mojo happening, and the ambience there includes a fireplace in the bar as well. 3518 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.1999. Also locations in DuPont, Lacey, Sumner and now Parkland.
Expect ultra friendly service in a long dining room that doesn’t scream Italian like its menu but rather Northwest bistro with exposed beams, low lighting and more greenery than a florist shop. Heavy on seafood, the selections span the gamut from traditional delicious Italian fare to some fanciful opportunities. Portions are massive. Expensive. 111 Thurston Ave. N.W., Olympia, 360.786.8466.
Bright, beautiful northern Italian cuisine meets gorgeous dining space. More than half of the menu lists pasta dishes. That’s the tip-off. Great wine list. Reservations are a must. Now open for lunch. 2717 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.6688.
Located in Seattle’s premier shopping palace, The Pacific Place, this elegant, Tuscan-touched dining room, complete with wood-burning oven, makes an ideal backdrop for some of the most interesting and innovative Italian food around. Updated takes on classics share menu space with contemporary ideas. It’s pricey, but the food is worth it, and the service is tops. 600 Pine St. in Pacific Place, at the corner of Sixth and Olive in downtown Seattle, 206.264.0994.
Owner Joe Stortini bills the place as an Italian style New York deli, but frankly, he seems more gracious than New Yorkers are typically known for being. Standard Italian dishes — large portions catering to the average diner. Full bar. 2207 N. Pearl St., Tacoma, 253.761.5555.
This Italian joint offers large portioned menu items at moderately low prices. Fresh ingredient filled sandwiches are satisfying. For wines — four to five reds and whites by the glass are offered via stand-up table tent menus: sangiovese, zenato valpolicella, and argiolas perdera run $4.49 to $5.99. Mammoth dessert selection pulls us in like a space ship tractor beam. Traditional and specialty cakes and pies, cookies to cherry crostada, cheese cake, adorable mini pineapple upside-down cakes and more than eight different types of gelato, most everything is imported from Italy. 2049 Mildred St. W., Tacoma, 253.566.6108.
TEMPORARY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
Located across from the Olympia Farmers Market, Mercato melds sophistication with casual, often with a lively crowd. The chunk of pasta and rich meat sauce lasagna swims in a bowl of sweet tomatoes. Everything about it is divine. The fare is Italian with Northwest touches. 111 Market St., Olympia, 360.528.3663.
Old School Pizzeria is where you’d take Grandma — if she were a punk rocker. Old School is Olympia in a nutshell: loud music, eclectic décor, bitchy staff — but in a good way. The pizza is New York thin and delivers the crust just right so you can fold the thing in half and slide it into your mouth. 108 Franklin St., Olympia, 360.786.9640.
Pizza Casa is a Lakewood icon that transcends all peoples. The menu is full of favorites such as ravioli, chicken, and manicotti. Still, most people order the pizza, and for good reason. 12924 Pacific Highway S.W., Lakewood, 253.588.8135.
This joint is like everyone's memory of their favorite college pizza hangout. Puget Sound Pizza has that college, no-frills feel with plenty of art event posters on the walls, large tables, big windows, not to mention cool retro barstools and those ’70s red, orange and yellow chain lamps we sat under while watching the “Partridge Family” on prime time. It’s the place to find a quick and large breakfast at a reasonable price, plus pizza that rocks your world. 317 South Seventh, Tacoma, 253.383.4777.
Few restaurants have survived in downtown Tacoma, but one that seems to hold its own is Ravenous — an intimate Italian restaurant with terrific views of the theater district. The tiramisu and chocolate cake are delicious. 785 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.627.3282.
What? Huh? Sorry. We couldn't hear you over The Doors' "L.A. Woman." Wait. Shhh. A large variety of funky pies (“Bat Outta Hell,” “Yellow Brick Road,” “Bad To The Bone”) star at this music-themed pizzeria and pasta joint. Because the pizzas are Live at Buddakan, the place packs them in, even Sunday nights. The pizza lunch buffet is a bargain. Full bar, too. 1920 S. Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.1221.
Besides delivering showstopping food, owner Franco Cannava also visits tableside for his own version of a dramatic reading — mainly the menu in one act. The veal is sensational, and so is the tiramisu. 430 Legion Way, Olympia, 360.352.9915.
Three pizza sizes, four hand-tossed crust flavors and three sauce choices support a variety of topping options, including wild mushroom medley, roasted walnut, eggplant, goat cheese, chicken breast, chorizo sausage, and many others. Upper Crust also serves four specialty pizza options that arrive as works of art. 2714 N. 21st St., Tacoma, 253.752.0900.
Volare Café Italiano in the Olympia Airport Terminal redefines the experience of grabbing a bite before your flight. The spaghetti ragout was a delight — a large plate of thick noodles in a ragout sauce with chunks of beef, basil and Parmesan. 7022 Airport Terminal S.W., Tumwater, 360.357.6997.