Raccolto

Italian restaurant · Genesee

11

@infatuation

"When you were a little kid at the supermarket, after some meltdown you had about dunkaroos not being in stock, something caught your crazed toddler eyes: it was a wire basket filled with different colored bouncy balls. Mom said, “Okay, but you can only have one,” as she placed her box of Franzia in the cart. That day, you learned about making choices. Which was tough, because picking out a color when you’re four is extremely stressful. Raccolto, a new West Seattle pasta spot, falls into the basket of the many other Italian restaurants in the city to choose from. And while it’s good, it’s not good enough that we’ll pick it over the more exciting ones around town. That wasn’t our first impression - when we first visited Raccolto, we were pretty blown away by the pasta. Specifically, the cacio e pepe: it’s made with little ridged gnocchi that look like roly poly bugs but taste like peppery partytime, and it’s one of the best bowls of pasta in the city. On subsequent visits back though, our experiences weren’t as outstanding. The other pastas on the menu are the embodiment of what Coach said to you when you didn’t make the heinously unnecessary flag-twirling team in high school: good technique, valiant effort, but missing the it factor. The second-string pastas here are the bolognese that needs more lamb, and a rigatoni with broccoli rabe and pork that tastes like what would happen if Wolfgang Puck was the CEO of Stouffer’s. photo credit: Nate Watters Raccolto’s interior is also not the kind you’re going to be thinking about the next day. It’s nice, but kind of boring. The best parts of place are that you can watch the cooks saute stuff behind the open kitchen, and if your friends all mysteriously flaked out on the dinner plans you had, joke’s on them: the bar in the back is practically designed for solo eating. All the minimalistic furniture is either white, black, or light wood, and there’s a strange amount of empty space. Essentially, welcome to the as-is section of an IKEA. If you don’t live in West Seattle, your one reason to go out of your way for Raccolto is the cacio e pepe. Given that the menu changes often, you might even find your way here on a night when they happen to making something else as mind-blowing. But for us, there are too many other excellent Seattle pasta options to choose from. Just like the neon-colored bouncy balls that would destroy valuables in your home while Mom poured her Franzia, kicked up her feet, and powered on the roomba. Mom was smart. Food Rundown Dungeness Crab A small bowl of dungeness crab, snap pea, fennel, apple, chives, and oh, would you look at that, we yawned so big we hurt our jaws. photo credit: Nate Watters Cured Meats Most of the meats at Raccolto are cured in-house, so they’re not a bad idea to snack on with some wine. They also come with big shavings of parmesan, watercress, and grilled bread. Smoked Fish Crostini topped with a smoked fish/aioli/caper situation and a pinch too much salt, then garnished with chives and pickled onion. A nice bite to have with a cocktail to wash it down, but by itself, the salt is a lot. Strozzapreti Equivalent sign noodles (~) with a tomato-based lamb bolognese. There’s a splash of cream and some mint involved, and while it’s also heavy on the salt, this is still a nice plate of pasta. The downside: the lamb was few and far between. Rigatoni This comes in a parmesan broth with broccoli rabe and braised pork. We could have eaten the pork all day, but a bite of everything reminded us of a Top Chef version of the rigatoni alfredo with broccoli Lean Cuisine. photo credit: Nate Watters Gnocchi Sardini This is incredible. Little bug-looking pasta in a glorious pool of cacio e pepe sauce and covered in parm. It’s silky and peppery, and it's your order. Don’t use a fork - the giant serving spoon can be used as a personal utensil if you believe in yourself." - Aimee Rizzo

Raccolto Review - West Seattle - Seattle - The Infatuation
Nate Watters

4147 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116 Get directions

raccoltoseattle.com

11 Postcards

Reserve
See full details

More Places For You

E-Jae Pak Mor

Thai restaurant · International District

E-Jae Pak Mor in Seattle’s International District offers a vibrant menu of authentic Thai street food, with a standout specialty in made-to-order Pak Mor, delicate rice flour dumplings filled with savory pork and paired with zesty sauces that keep diners coming back for more.

9 Postcards

The Cozy Nut Tavern

Bar · Greenwood

Nestled in Greenwood, this cozy gem offers world beers, quirky cocktails, and enticing bites in a warm, critter-themed atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

2 Postcards

Musang

Filipino restaurant · Beacon Hill

Musang, a cozy Beacon Hill gem led by star chef Melissa Miranda, serves up innovative Filipino comfort food with a stylish twist and craft cocktails.

55 Postcards

Bangrak Market

Thai restaurant · Belltown

Bangrak Market is Belltown's vibrant Thai street food hub, serving up delicious late-night noodles, skewered meats, and cocktails in a fun night market setting.

10 Postcards

ISSIAN

Japanese restaurant · Wallingford

This lively Japanese spot features a sushi bar and stone-grilled delights, with a standout happy hour and a vibrant selection of small plates to share.

7 Postcards

Pair

Restaurant · Ravenna

Pancita offers a cozy haven in Seattle where elevated Mexican cuisine meets a charming, rustic vibe, spotlighting house-made tortillas and vibrant, shareable dishes.

18 Postcards

Bar Sosta

Bar · Pioneer Square

A stylish bar adorned with white marble and birdcage chandeliers, Bar Sosta serves up upscale Italian fare and expertly crafted cocktails, perfect for a cozy night out.

3 Postcards

Dead Line

Restaurant · Pioneer Square

Sip on creative cocktails and savor Latin-inspired snacks in a chic, retro bar setting, perfect for a pre-game bite in Pioneer Square.

9 Postcards

Wasabi Sushi & Izakaya

Japanese restaurant · Belltown

Dine in a sleek, vibrant spot where inventive sushi and friendly service come together for a fun night out with family or friends.

1 Postcard

Star Brass Works Lounge

Lounge · Georgetown

Chill and cozy, Star Brass Lounge is a beloved dive bar in Georgetown, serving up solid American fare and craft brews with a fun outdoor vibe.

6 Postcards