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- Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun 5 pm - 1 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
40 reviews for Artusi
Review Highlights
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"...service was lovely as well--much like Spinasse next door." In 9 reviews -
"...and also Some Young Pine, the juniper oil really makes this..." In 2 reviews -
"I started with a Miller's Crossing and Pink Hook for drinks..." In 2 reviews
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40 reviews in English
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Review from Vanessa J.
Seattle, WA
5/8/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I wanted to try one of everything on their menu, but then I tasted the first sip of my Tenderoni, and I wanted to dive into it and swim about for the rest of my life. Negroni lovers, this is your bar.
The staff is amazingly cool, good looking, and great at their job, and sitting at the counter for a cocktail is a treat, since it also allows you to watch them make magic.
We waited at Artusi for our table at Spinasse, next door, so I didn't try the food, but I can't wait to come back for happy hour to taste their small plates and a new cocktail. And, you know, bask in the genius.
Additionally, the place is modern rustic in the decor, which I thought was gorgeous, and it has a really peaceful atmosphere. This would be a perfect place to unwind after a hard day. Just a thought. -
Review from Brett J.
Seattle, WA
3/12/2012
Fantastic Cocktails.
The meal was just ok. With so many options available around them, I have no need to return anytime soon. -
Review from Desiree H.
Seattle, WA
3/5/2012
I have been here twice now. I am much happier with the food the second time. The rabbit pate was great, and so was the squid ink cavatelli. The first time I had squid ink pasta, elsewhere, I got sick from too much brine and the pasta was swamped in ink. Gross. This dish was balanced and you could still taste other features. I also had the semolina wafer with roasted cauliflower puree was delicious. I loved the wafer the most!
The drinks were pretty good and the staff was aware of ingredients. But, I have to say I am shocked how small the bar selection is for a bar. I also love the burnt wood decor. -
Review from Allison Y.
Seattle, WA
5/23/2012
Artusi is the perfect date night, happy hour, late night place. We had reservations at another bar and decided to come to Artusi recommended by a bi-coastal friend for happy hour drinks and a small bite to eat. Because the food was amazing and the cocktails were tasty we ended up moving our reservation back three times before leaving Artusi. We sat at the bar and chatted with the bar tender who was very tentative and friendly. This is a great venue for a date night or guests from out of town. Not good for large groups.
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Review from Jeff B.
Seattle, WA
2/18/2012
I have eaten a lot of food in my life, odd vegetables, starches and every last part of every last animal.
I've remained open to all menu items and have made a point of trying things again and again; regardless if they were terrible elsewhere. In that vein, I've vowed to always order the thing I disliked most at a restaurant I respect. My thought has always been, "If anyone can do it well, they can"
On that note: I ordered the tripe at Artusi....
5 stars is not enough to quantify the magic that was performed on this Tripe....I could write all night long about how perfect this dish is/was and go on and on, but ultimately it doesn't really matter. I'm writing about how amazing tripe is. I hate tripe. Or, I hated tripe. I've always argued that a great cook can make anything taste amazing. That's what cooking is about for me and why I keep trying things over and over again in the face of disappointment. I order things I've grown to hate on the hopes that a great chef will show me what I've been missing.
Until Thursday, Tripe was the only thing I couldn't really "stomach." (yes, a bad pun on Yelp, it's a prerequisite right?) and now that's gone....
I can no longer say, "I don't like tripe."
I can now say, "I love tripe." a heartfelt "I love tripe."
For that, Jason, I sincerely thank you.
Jeff -
Review from Arry Y.
2/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
For the record, I love Spinasse. LOVE.
Artusi... it's okay.
Maybe I was expecting more because of what I know about Spinasse... or something... but it just wasn't that wow for me. It's good - I'd go back if I were with people that really wanted to go there, but I don't think I'd put my vote to eat there myself.
Service = good
Food = good
Drinks = good -
Review from Angie B.
2/23/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This place rocks my socks!
It's pretty simple. GREAT food + open "mini-kitchen" + cool/simple/reclaimed decor = a place I want to visit again & again.
Their small bites menu is great for a quick happy hour stop-in or you can string a few together for a full dinner & linger over the fresh, amazing flavors. They have an extensive drink menu, as well as a smaller, well-rounded wine selection.
I still haven't been to Spinasse (next door) which is I think the main reason people pop into Artusi. I'll have to get over there one of these days, but probably not if I stop in Artusi first - you'd have to drag me out of there kicking & screaming! -
Review from Lily S.
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Hmm...Artusi.
The first time I came here w/ a group of people, our server was less than thrilled to be waiting on us. Also, it was 1am and some of us were already 3 sheets in. So I get it.
This time I showed up for happy hour. This server was lovely, very sweet. Not super attentive, but there were a bunch of us sitting at the bar so I totally understand!
Happy hour wine - $3! That is cheap! A tiny carafe shows up in front of me that I pretty much drink in 2 gulps. Now I know why it's $3. This will not stop me from coming back b/c everyone knows how I'm a sucker for little carafes. I can't help myself...they're just so cute.
Brussels sprouts salad - was expecting it to be served warm, but it was cold. I can get behind that. But I didn't really like the dressing it came with - nor the dried fruit that was in the dressing. The overall salad taste was a wee bitter for me.
Fried capers - now, I loves me some capers. So I was even more excited to try a FRIED caper. Did not really like. They were bitter. I was sad. I put them in my brussels sprouts salad thinking that would help. It did not.
You could say I struck out a bit on this night.
That being said, I will probably come back. Maybe not for any of the above items, but most likely for a few of those cute little carafes of wine. -
Review from Trevor B.
3/29/2012
My first stop of the night was to finally try out Artusi's. Great design with tons of bar seating not the most attentive service but it did seem to be dinner time for the bartenders. I had an Anti-Facist aethiest which was quite delightful. My friend got a Punctured bicycle which was unbelievably bitter but it looked cool. Im tempted to give it another shot as I enjoyed the atmosphere but hopefully service will be better.
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Review from Peter L.
12/27/2011
From the same owners of and next door to Cascina Spinasse, Artusi is a small bar with some solid drinks and tasty bites. On a recent friday night, the bar was packed but we managed to get a table to the side. Started off with a Pink Hook - Unaged Rye, Punt e Mes, Maraschino, and grapefruit. Delicious. Also tried a Love Bizarre - Wry Moon Unaged Whiskey, Clear Creek Blue Plum Brandy, Cocchi Vermut di Torino, Lime, Maraschino, and Peychaud's Bitters. Was a little to tart for my taste so followed up with a Manhattan (solid) and a shot of fernet branca (awesome - esp at hh prices of $3/shot!).
There is also a limited menu focusing mainly on small plates, although there are also a few entrees. we tried the semolina wafer with roasted cauliflower puree, toasted cumin & sesame, which reminded me of a light hummus.
Artusi is a nice twist on an Italian bar. Many of the cocktails have Italian Amaro or bitters in them, mixed with new world ingredients and booze. while I did not have a chance to sample much of the food, what I did have was good. They also have a two happy hours, including $3 shots of fernet branca. The room has a nice vibe but may be a little on the bright side. Overall, definitely a good place for some drinks and food! -
Review from Joshua B.
12/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
We went here just hours ago and I already feel compelled to write a review. We went early (5:30pm) and had no problem getting a seat at the bar. But not the regular bar, the bar that surrounds the small, but clearly well managed open kitchen.
We were pleasantly surprised to find out that it was happy hour and there were glasses of red/white wine for only $3 each (and not swill either, good stuff). My wife and I shared two different antipasti to start - a creamy quadrella di bufala (buffalo milk cheese) with olives drizzled in oil and an out-of-this-world "bruschetta".
More on the bruschetta - Fresh-made bread that's perfectly crusty on the outside and doughy in the middle, smothered with a duck liver pate and topped off with a thick balsamic. It's so good I wanted it fed to me gavage-style (google it).
For dinner we also shared a braised pork shoulder over creamy polenta, which was fall-apart-delicious without being in your face with flavor.
The service was excellent - with everyone from our waitress, to a roving bartender, to the chefs themselves offering useful information and keeping our glasses filled and the food coming.
A special note about the decor, with the zebra-striped wood and hexagonal tiles dotting the bar and the walls. I found it to be elegant and understated. The bar seats were even nicely padded and comfortable - so it's not an afterthought that they want you to sit at the bar.
Great addition to the pike/pine corridor on Capitol Hill. Go now! -
Review from Kevin K.
Seattle, WA
3/9/2012
Drinks were ok and the food was pretty bland. I really don't understand the appeal of this venue. There are so many better places on the hill to choose from.
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Review from Barry G.
Redmond, WA
Ho hum... more small plates and craft cocktails served up by a warm and professional service, kitchen, and bar staff. Is that getting boring yet? No it isn't.
Artusi's small space provides a few four-tops but it is mostly setup for parties of two with its intimate tables and two counters: one wrapping the large bar well and another wrapping around the micro sized two person kitchen. The space is cozy and merges with it's big sister Spinasse right at the pantry where she hangs her pasta to dry.
But there is none of Spinasse's famous pasta on the menu here, in fact there is nothing on the fair sized menu that requires boiling water or anything more than a single pan to prepare. Items on the menu are largely pre roasted or prepped and then heated, dressed and finished before being sent to the table. The result is a tasty set of small plates that are unfussy, simple and full of flavor: sliced white mushrooms with shaved boiled egg in a light herbed dressing, roasted beets on pureed tuna, bruschetta with nduja, roasted carrots, fried capers, kale soup. Entrees are available too: big portions of braised oxtail, roasted chicken and tripe stew are finished on one of four induction burners.
It feels not too different from visiting your Nonna's and having her pull left overs from the fridge and finding them even better reheated than they were the night before.
Of course you probably don't have a nonna. And even if you do she probably never made great cocktails for you: drinks with with gin, Amaro and cassis (that's the only slightly sweet but so well balanced Miller's Crossing) or juniper oil floating on top of sparkling wine with gin (the Joyous Young Pine). Cocktails are Italian food inspired masterpieces finished with vinegars, bitter wines, stregas and vermouths that are fantastically food friendly. There are no suggested cocktail and food pairings but the service staff here is top notch and should be able to steer you - our server provided us with forceful recommendations through the evening on food and drinks completely removing the need to make decisions.
In all, a great experience in a warm atmosphere with high repeatability. -
Review from Miss J K.
Seattle, WA
3/8/2012
I am often asked by people visiting Seattle where they should go for drinks and food and I never fail to send them to Artusi. This spot exudes excellence in all aspects of bar/restaurant. The food is delicious and you never get tired of it because they change their menu every couple of months. The drinks menu is creative and done well, although I find the best way to order here is to give the bartender a base spirit and let them improvise. The service is friendly and accommodating. This place is great for dinner with your friends as well as for sitting solo at the bar and enjoying a glass of wine from their carefully curated selection.
Yes, it is not like Spinasse as a lot of reviews point out and I applaud the owners for taking the risk and creating such a unique place instead of replicating the same idea on the smaller scale. But there is one thing that the two neighboring spots have in common and it is always being the highest of quality. -
Review from Amy K.
8/17/2011
I am going to blame the lateness of this review on my pre-Italy vacation excitement in late June. JP and I decided to check out Artusi prior to departing on a trip to Italy and I am so glad we did. We grabbed 2 seats at the bar and were well taken care of by the bartender Adam. JP ordered up a couple of different drinks while I stuck with some wine. Adam was great at providing small pours of a couple of different options for me to try and make my decision.
We ordered a bunch of plates to share, everything was good but I did not care for the clams, the preparation had an odd texture in my opinion but were fine by JP. Personal preference.
Prices for cocktails and food were a bit steep but we enjoyed ourselves. We actually ventured back last weekend with some friends and the bartender totally remembered us. Talk about great customer service! JP was excited to order an Aperol Spritz since he had been drinking a few during our trip. Service again was great as well as the food. We shared a couple of small plates and each ordered an entree. I ordered the lamb which was okay, but JP's duck was excellent.
Overall Artusi is a solid addition to the neighborhood. You can't beat great cocktails, friendly service and good food. I would say the cocktails and service definitely get most of the stars. -
Review from Kira A.
Seattle, WA
8/14/2011
This place is wonderful. The cocktail menu is fab. I've sampled the Punctured Bicycle which was a wonderful Campari cocktail and also Some Young Pine, the juniper oil really makes this sparkling wine cocktail absolutely amazing.
I would recommend so many things on the menu. Highlights in my previous two dining experiences include the ricotta & wafer, the radishes, the beets and the zucchini Parmesan. And I highly recommend the sesame confection for dessert.
If you end up in the cold at Spinasse due to a packed house, head next door to it's sister Artusi; you will not be disappointed.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from dean s.
Seattle, WA
2/14/2012
The Miller's Crossing cocktail is really good, but the parsnip pancake dish was disappointingly cold and the brussel sprouts salad was cold and too salty to eat. Very nice waitstaff but extremely slow service, to the point where I was ready to go home to bed before the food arrived.
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Review from Sarah B.
1/24/2012
Artusi has a great corner location which provides great views of the Capitol hill hussle and bussle as you sit an enjoy your beverage. Knowing that this is connected to Spinasse I was expecting this bar to be small and that my friend and I would be lucky to find a spot. Not the case. I think the bar is even bigger than the restaurant and there is ample seating both belly up to the bar or at the tables along side it. My friend and I met here for a pre dinner aperitif before heading to dinner. I had the Punctured Bicycle (Campari, Cynar, Prosseco, fresh lemon juice) which was quite good. If you have never had Cynar I highly recommend giving it a try. It is made from artichokes and I think is considered a bitter liquor, like Campari. However, it has a sweetness to it that I can't explain. All of the drinks on their cocktail menu were creative and different from what I have seen before.
I liked the vibe of the place and the fact that there were all different groups of people: a group of girls just starting their night, friends, couples, older couples , families. It provides a nice energy.
We didn't order food but our neighbors to the right of us did and the woman couldn't stop raving about how good everything was. So it definitely will be a place I return for both drinks and food. -
Review from Johnny W.
If you've ever wanted to try Spinasse, but found it too rich for your blood, come try Artusi, their new sister restaurant/bar. They get a solid 4.5 stars for excellent and affordable food and cocktails (relative to their next-door neighbor, anyway).
With that out of the way, detalis! Vicki L noticed that Artusi had opened last week and suggested that we drop in for some drinks. Located next door to Spinasse (ignore Yelp's directions, it's actually between Pike and Pine), the two are actually interconnected, so one could drop in to Artusi for snacks and drinks, and then tunnel over to Spinasse for a proper dinner.
If they so choose, anyway, because Artusi serves up food as well - while Spinasse will continue to focus on their signature pasta dishes, Artusi offers no pasta whatsoever, focusing, instead, on a handful of Italian cocktails and small plates.
I started with a Miller's Crossing and Pink Hook for drinks, and finished with an order of the local truffles and guianciale (aka, tasty, tasty bacon) served over soft polenta, for $9, $9, and $19 per. Both cocktails were excellent drinks, and I'd highly recommend the Pink Hook for anyone that likes bourbon or rye. And the polenta? So, so delicious, and again, highly recommended - the truffles were not mere truffle flakes or powder, no, but actually slices topping the dish!
My only complaint is that they're only easily wheelchair accessible towards the front of the bar. Once full, maneuvering towards the back, where the bathroom and open kitchen are, is fairly difficult. And their bathroom is designed in such a way that it's almost impossible to close the door with a wheelchair inside.
Off-topic: I'm pretty sure I saw Brian Canlis (yes, of THAT Canlis) eating three tables away from us. First ever celebrity chef sighting in Seattle! -
Review from Michelle B.
Seattle, WA
6/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
As a long time fan of the Spinasse food, but not the Spinasse crush you experience when trying to dine with 32 people in a shoe box (an extremely quaint shoe box, to be sure) I am absolutely delighted to have a large new bar serving up the same quality food at a more casual price point.
Yes, casual price point is a way to say it's cheaper. But, you can't just down a few of their cocktails, come home, and call them cheap. I learned that lesson the hard way. -
Review from Nina N.
6/21/2011
yelpers unite!
I saw johnny there and it was pretty funny how we yelpers think alike.
1. great cocktails
2. great customer service
3. good food ( kind of small for my tummy, but good nonetheless )
This is a 21 and over restaurant and their food portion is VERY VERY SMALL!!!! their stewed mushroom thingy is amazingly delicious, and their puree mushroom sauce is so damn good. They just need to pair cascina's pasta noodles and make this a pasta dish! so damn good!!!!
loves it!!! -
Review from Celeste T.
Seattle, WA
9/11/2011
I came here one night with my husband. We ate the entire menu. I recommend EVERYTHING (except the mushroom and egg salad thing, which was a BIG pile of mushrooms - it would have been great if it were half the size, an odd thing to say in a restaurant, but it was just hard to wade through that many white mushrooms, no matter how tasty they are.)
The drinks are tasty, and I love their hexagonal citrus peel plug that replicates their logo inside your drink.
The zebra striped wood that makes up the bar is way cool, though the art on some of the wood is weird and childish, but quirky and funny too. Highly recommend! -
Review from Daria M.
Seattle, WA
2/14/2012
Artusi did not deserve to be nearly empty during Happy Hour on the night recently of the Cap Hill Art Walk. Because it was lovely! Delightful cocktails at HH prices, and thoughtful dishes that were sheer treats: roast brussels sprouts chopped with Meyer lemon, oil and currants; fresh mozarella with grapefruit and a special honey... A warm welcome, perfect service, a window table for two...all delightful.
Do not allow Artusi to be alone during Happy Hour- especially since they extend it to 7 pm! -
Review from Perugia N.
Seattle, WA
7/17/2011
This is a cute bar and drinks place next to Spinasse. It is from the same owner and the space flows into the Spinasse space.
I ate here and paid dearly for small portions of food that were not tasty nor Italian... Come here only for drinks. -
Review from Christina M.
Seattle, WA
1/24/2012
Cool spot. Cool vibe. Food did not knock my socks off. Nor did the drinks....but I'll give them props for trying hard. I'd be back and maybe rave next time??!!??
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Review from Elaine M.
Seattle, WA
7/1/2011 10 photos
We really enjoyed this place! Sunlight was streaming through huge windows in this corner space. The additional bar near the kitchen offered a different dining atmosphere.
The cocktails and food was delicous. The portions and the quality of the good are great value for the price.
Service was friendly and courteous, but a little slow. To be fair, they were completely packed and people kept dropping in all evening.
This is definitely a new favorite! -
Review from Eugenio F.
Seattle, WA
7/9/2011
Great bar! They have a great selection of Italian amari...
...but just stick with the drinks of wine. The food is a bit pretentious, and definitely not authentic Italian. -
Review from CJ B.
Seattle, WA
8/29/2011
We liked it, but thought certain aspects were a bit odd. The portions are too generous (!) for one person and beg to be shared. Both the mushrooms and the carrots (sorry, can't remember the full names or all the ingredients) were very good but the portion was so big it could discourage one from eating anything else. The greens were good as was the duck leg and the simple melon desert.
One of us is not a consumer of fancy cocktails so just had a G and T, which seemed light on the G.
The servers seemed a bit disorganized and did not communicate with one another so we often were asked the same question multiple times.
The room is very inviting - lots of counter space (a favorite) and beautiful lighting. Most folks were using the space to drink and wait for a table next door. If you came wanting to eat at Spinasse, you won't find much similarity in the menus. -
Review from Lor B.
12/14/2011
Oh Lord this place is so freaking good - I can't stand it! The rabbit pate w/balsamic and pork rind nibbles are the bomb! The bone marrow and tripe was outstanding. Vino by the glass options are fabulous. Very cool counter seating - vibe is casual and cool - came for a late night cap and munchies - did not disappoint. Will definitely be back. Good alternative to the heavy dinner options at Spinasse.
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Review from Carla D.
Seattle, WA
9/1/2011
Believe it or not, the amazing tripe I had last night is what compelled me to write this review. It was the best I've ever had. Seriously, even better than what my Italian family used to produce, which was (back in the day) pretty darn wonderful.
Even if offal isn't your thing, I guarantee you'll find something else that is just as wonderful. The care and attention to detail in the cocktail list and the preparation of the food on the menu shows. The service was lovely as well--much like Spinasse next door. Top notch all around. I will be back soon! -
Review from T N.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 2/27/2012
Sat at bar for quick cocktail. Great service and cocktail recommendations by Jonathan and Adam.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/5/2012
Great semolina wafer with roasted cauliflower puree; shaved white mushrooms & egg salad; and… Read more »
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Review from Neil S.
Seattle, WA
11/1/2011
Love their food, and they make mean drinks. Have a Manhattan their way, it hasn't disappointed me. Sit at the chef's table in back - the rest of the seating and decor is kind of off (which knocked the 5th star from this review). Also a nice perch if you're waiting to get into the restaurant next door.
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Review from Mark S.
Seattle, WA
10/3/2011
Just tried this place for the first time last night. We just split a bunch of appetizers, and I was very impressed with everything. Prices are also about right for what you get. They went a bit high-concept on their glass drinkware. I think drinking cocktails through a straw out of a carafe might get old.
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Review from Christian G.
Tacoma, WA
10/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
The staff is friendly and professional. The food is tapas style but great to share with friends. Atmosphere is chill
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Review from Leah W.
Seattle, WA
6/20/2011
Gorgeous space, delicious, well-made drinks, and not at all packed on a Friday night at ten-ish which surprised me considering how new it is and how much love people have for Spinasse. Didn't try the food as we were still stuffed from dinner elsewhere but I will definitely be back to sample some. Artusi has been added to my mental list of classy joints to hit up for a drink on cap hill.
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Review from Isaac P.
Seattle, WA
10/27/2011
Just left Artusi. The server had to confirm our order three times because she kept forgetting. We each ordered a starter and an entree. One starter came, 15-20 minutes later one entree came, another 10 minutes and the second starter came, then finally the second entree. Needless to say the service was terrible and ill-timed. The wine was good and reasonably priced for the bottle, and the food was good but not great. I had been before and had wonderful cocktails and appetizers at the bar with great bar staff so this was very disappointing. I'm left not caring if I ever go back because the service was so awful and the quality of the food did not compensate. That's a shame because I live a block away and like supporting my local businesses.
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Review from veronica a.
Seattle, WA
8/23/2011
beautiful space, sensual cocktails, great food! tried goat for the first time and it was...HEAVEN. this place needs a sign so more people go! oh gosh, so so good
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Review from fran s.
Seattle, WA
7/18/2011
Attencione foodies! Great place. Upscale cuisine. Great place to come after theatre or just tohave some good food and wine.
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Review from muddy w.
Seattle, WA
6/18/2011
I was wondering around Capital hill looking for a stiff drink and finger food and stumbled across Artusi. The barender Molly (I think that was ) greeted me by asking a single malt sir ice or straight. Bizarre I answered with a simple sure and she poured ardbeg, man it hit the spot
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Review from amy h.
11/2/2011
everyone that knows me knows that my favourite nosh spot in seatown is spinasse, home of the best homemade pasta you can get after the sun goes down (the sun's still up, you say? then head directly to mike easton's il corvo). however, what spinasse lacks in its cocktail menu, siamese sister venture artusi more than makes up for next door. perusing the artusi menu, it's hard to miss the heavy-handed application of amaros throughout their speciality cocktail list (not that there's anything wrong with that). what did surprise me, though, was the caliber of dishes there as well. while beets and tuna may sound like an odd pair, their baby beets with salsa tonnata was set on repeat at our table, and the promise of tripe with bone marrow and local black truffles set my hopes ablaze. now maybe i've been spoiled little girl, but after great marrow experiences at st. john and holeman & finch, what showed up at artusi was less than upbeat, and most dismaying, it was sans bone. i guess we can't be good at everything, can we??
