Never ‘basta’ with these pastas

Although the city of Seattle is known for many delicacies such as clam chowder, oysters and crab, visitors often overlook the plethora of to-die-for pastas the Emerald City has to offer. As a food-motivated traveler, this born-and-raised local girl recently returned to the islands after living in (and eating her way through) the Pacific Northwest for the past two years.

And let’s just say, the pastas in Seattle are literally something to write home about.

1. The Pink Door Pike Place Market
1919 Post Alley
206-443-3241
thepinkdoor.net

Photo by Caitlin Basilio

Hidden in Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market, the entrance to this restaurant is actually a pink door. A chic atmosphere offering nightly entertainment ranging from cabaret, trapeze, music and tarot readings greet guests as soon as they walk in. The fun doesn’t stop there, as the menu is full of authentic Italian dishes, an extensive wine list and unique cocktails. An all-time classic is The Pink Door’s Pappardelle Al Ragu Bolognese, where the slow-simmered meat sauce will leave your mouth watering for more.

2. Il Corvo 217 James St.
206-538-0999
instagram.com/ilcorvopasta

Photo by Caitlin Basilio

Open for lunch only, there’s always a line wrapped around the street’s corner at Il Corvo — except on the weekends when it’s closed. Expect fresh housemade pasta,
and the elbow-to-elbow, fi rst-come-fi rstserved seating arrangements that scream authenticity if you’re a fan of Italy’s food culture. The restaurant updates its Instagram with three alternating pastas crafted by the chef. Possibly the best part of all is that each pasta ranges a mere $9-11.

3. Carrello Restaurant
622 Broadway E.
206-257-5622
carrellorestaurant.com

Photo courtesy Carrello Restaurant

Possibly the most fun part about Carrello Restaurant is its location. Capitol Hill in Seattle is the place to be on a Friday night with an abundance of restaurants, bars and entertainment. At Carrello, guests and staff refer to chef Ines as “Mama,” and she makes all of her pastas by hand. One noteworthy dish is the Duck and Veal Agnolotti, served with crispy sage and parmesan.

4. Vendemmia
1126 34th Ave.
206-466-2533
vendemmiaseattle.com

Photo courtesy Carrello Restaurant

If you find yourself in Seattle’s Central District near Lake Washington, and zoom in a little closer to the neighborhood of Madrona, you’ll find Vendemmia. This Italian-inspired locale is chef Brian Clevenger’s first restaurant and home of a tasty Tagliatelle. “This dish is great because it focuses on our housemade pasta but also shows the beauty in the combination of sardines, majoram and lemon zest,” says Clevenger.