Cafe Lago

Italian restaurant · Montlake

4

@eater

"When Cafe Lago brought in longtime Cafe Juanita chef de cuisine Lauren Thompson to head up the kitchen in early 2024, the potentially splashy hire was made with little fanfare. Since her arrival, Thompson’s approach with the menu has been similarly low-key, with gentle but effective tweaks to the Tuscan and Calabrian-inspired fare that’s been drawing diners to Montlake since 1990. She’s improved the sourcing, featuring more local and seasonal produce, along with sustainable producers such as Samish Bay Cheese. Meatballs now include the traditional veal component — which actually restores them to the way they were made in the restaurant’s earlier years. No, Cafe Lago isn’t going the fine-dining tasting menu route à la Cafe Juanita; it’s still a charming neighborhood spot you can bring the kids. It’s more that those satisfying favorites — like linguine con pecorino and lamb osso bucco — are now dialed in with more emphasis on ingredients and technique." - Mark DeJoy, Harry Cheadle

Seattle’s Best Italian Food
Mark DeJoy

2305 24th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112 Get directions

cafelago.com
@cafelagoseattle

4 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

JuneBaby

Southern restaurant (US) · Ravenna

Classic Southern fare made with heirloom ingredients is served in a stylish locale with cocktails.

26 Postcards

Owl N' Thistle

Irish pub · Central Business District

Dublin-style pub with live music most nights & a house band playing Irish music most weekends.

1 Postcard

Plenty of Clouds

Sichuan restaurant · Capitol Hill

Plenty of Clouds brings a trendy twist to classic Sichuan dining in Capitol Hill, offering a warm atmosphere, a heated patio, and mouthwatering pork dumplings alongside creative cocktails.

7 Postcards

Frank's Oyster House & Champagne Parlor

New American restaurant · Ravenna

In a retro-chic vibe, Frank's Oyster House whips up stellar small plates like burger perfection and crispy fried chicken, making it a must-visit hangout in Ravenna.

9 Postcards

Kisaku Sushi

Japanese restaurant · Wallingford

Tucked away in Tangletown, Kisaku offers a cozy vibe and an impressive sushi experience with standout rolls and omakase options at fair prices.

9 Postcards

MariPili Tapas Bar

Tapas bar · First Hill

Nestled in Capitol Hill, MariPili is your go-to Galician tapas bar serving up imaginative small plates like paella with a crispy twist, alongside flawless desserts.

12 Postcards

Marination Ma Kai

Hawaiian restaurant · West Industrial District

Nestled in West Seattle, this chill Hawaiian-Korean joint serves up tacos and kimchi bowls with stunning views and quick service that can’t be beat.

40 Postcards

Zaika

Indian restaurant · Capitol Hill

At Zaika, a vibrant Indian spot on Capitol Hill, you’ll find a mix of traditional and innovative fusion dishes, craft cocktails, and a lively atmosphere perfect for sharing.

4 Postcards

Homer

Restaurant · Beacon Hill

Homer, a cozy Beacon Hill gem, serves up vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes cooked over a wood-fired grill, paired with delightful soft serve from a walk-up window.

40 Postcards

Linda's Tavern

American restaurant · Capitol Hill

Linda's Tavern is a beloved Capitol Hill dive that nails the cowboy charm with its kitschy decor, vibrant patio, and brunch that's a neighborhood fave.

14 Postcards