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Il Bistro

93 Pike St, Ste A, Seattle, WA 98101-2052 (Downtown)
206-652-0832
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Ranked #165 of 2,401 restaurants in Seattle
Price range: $12 - $38
Cuisines: European, Italian, Healthy
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romance, Special occasions, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Late Night
Dining style: Casual Elegant
Neighborhood: Downtown
Cross street: First Avenue
Description: Picture a cozy restaurant nestled in a cavern in the rolling hills of Tuscany. Imagine the freshest local ingredients, authentically prepared, an extensive wine list featuring the best of Italy, the Northwest and California and a classy candlelit bar specializing in hand-made cocktails, single-malt scotches, ports and grappas. Sound like a special evening? Visit Il Bistro and Spend a Night in Italy. For over 30 years, Il Bistro, tucked away down a narrow cobblestone alley in the Pike Place Market, has offered Seattle romantic, fine dining, featuring regional Italian fare. Market fresh Meats, Seafood and Produce are always our priority. Please make a reservation to join us!
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118 reviews from our community

83% Recommend
    55
    44
    11
    5
    3
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Edmonton, Canada
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
12 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 5, 2013

Il Bistro is a nice Italian restaurant near Pike's Place Market. We were promptly greeted and seated at a lovely table adorned with fresh flowers. The wine list here is extensive and, although both old and new world wines are represented, the emphasis is on Italian wines from all regions of Italy. The wines are very reasonably priced. We enjoyed... More

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See 7 more reviews by LouBell64 for Seattle
Kansas City, Missouri
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 30, 2013

This is the best meal I have had in awhile. Tucked under the historical Pike's Place Market my husband and I found some of the best Italian we have ever had. The historical building with dim lights and candles was very romantic and the wait staff was fantastic. My husband had the salmon special and I had the risotto special.... More

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Santa Monica, California
Top Contributor
84 reviews 84 reviews
23 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 51 cities Reviews in 51 cities
154 helpful votes 154 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 15, 2013

First time visit to Seattle, a friend took me to Il Bistro on a recommendation from her friend. Said to be "romantic and intimate". But it was more like eating on a subway platform, for the noise level in this place. We started with the bruschetta, and it was the best bruschetta I've ever had anywhere. The freshness of the... More

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See 2 more reviews by JimmyMc for Seattle
Scottsdale, Arizona
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 5, 2013 via mobile

The food was delicious. The service was impeccable. They have home made pasta! Must try the flourless cake.

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See 3 more reviews by Jennifer P for Seattle
seattle
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 25, 2013

Il Bistro, at the bottom of the stairs to the left of the entrance to the iconic Pike Street Market in Seattle, is a great find. The bar manages to be cool, cozy and classy at the same time. The menu is wide ranging without losing focus. The service, in the three times I have been there, is impeccable. The... More

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Piegaro, Italy
Top Contributor
85 reviews 85 reviews
28 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
62 helpful votes 62 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 25, 2013

Thirty four years ago I had an office near Pike Place Market and often stopped here after work. Under the market around the corner from Pike Alley this is a typical Italian cellar bistro. I always loved their Happy Hour when I could order their divine steamed cozze e vongole, calamari and fantastic salads for around $2. I now live... More

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See 15 more reviews by ColleeninPiegaro for Seattle
Seattle, Washington
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 21, 2013

My second time to Il Bistro proved to be just as wonderful as my first! The salads and pasta dishes are delicious, I especially love their house-made gnocchi. If you are lucky enough to have Parris as your server, you are in for a special treat. Highly recommend this restaurant.

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Greater Seattle
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
7 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 18, 2013

The food and the beverages were good -- I prefer the bar to the restaurant proper. A nice break from the hustle of the Waterfront and the Pike Place Market. And oh, the cognac!

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See 18 more reviews by MizKitt for Seattle
Miami, Florida
Top Contributor
155 reviews 155 reviews
110 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 54 cities Reviews in 54 cities
58 helpful votes 58 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 13, 2013

Sometimes featured as a daily special, Chef Norman's seafood-based risotto is outstanding. The shrimp and mushroom version he prepared when we visited had a creamy consistency and superb flavor that would please all lovers of quality Italian cuisine. The Happy Hour menu from 5-6:30 pm and at 10 pm every evening offers a variety of smaller dishes at very reasonable... More

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See 15 more reviews by D N for Seattle
Seattle WA
Top Contributor
108 reviews 108 reviews
72 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 40 cities Reviews in 40 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 31, 2013

Ate here with a group of friends for a birthday. The staff was very attentive and the service was great. The restaurant sits steps away from the Pike Place Market and is located down a side alley. The restaurant is small so I would recommend calling ahead of time to reserve a table. The inside is quaint and you feel... More

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See 7 more reviews by TikiTravels for Seattle

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