Eva M.
Yelp
Despite going to Seattle Center for shows regularly, this is our first visit to Bambino's Pizzeria. I always have a fear that places too near SC are tourist traps. The reviews are rather random with a love-it or hate-it pendulum. We had a good overall experience. The restaurant itself is in an older building. What we can see looked respectable enough, although my husband did advise me to skip the bathroom. Our server is enthusiastic and eager; he bought us menu, water, food expeditiously. After reading the reviews, we kept our orders to entrees only. Street parking only. Family friendly.
The Food:
Primavera pizza, 10", $18 - 4 Stars
Menu: Tomato Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella, Onions, Peppers, Mushrooms, Olives, Tomatoes
The menu specifically says they bake their pizzas to 'dark'. When the pizza arrived, it just looks normal to me. I have seen much, much darker (i.e. too dark). The pizza is fully loaded with lots of veggies. The center did get soggy, so it didn't pass the New York test, if you know that rule. It is possible this will happen only for the veggie pizza. The crust has a fantastic chew. I regularly don't eat the crust, but I did with this one. The sauce could use a wee bit more herbs, seasonings. I added pepper flakes to compensate. Overall, I am sufficiently satisfied.
Pancrazio calzoni, $16 - 4 Stars
Menu: Italian Sausage, Mushrooms
The calzone arrived at our table perfectly puffy, as it should be. It is a good size for one person. The inside is well stuffed. The sausage adds more flavor than the veggies; the sauce didn't seem under-flavored in the calzone. My hubby was happy with it, though he managed to find the appetite to eat one big slice of my pizza, too.
Honestly, for their location and proximity to Seattle Center, I thought their prices and amount of food are very reasonable and perfectly good for locals to eat here. This explains why there were at least two tables of regulars who chatted with the staff and left with 'see you next time'. We can see ourselves returning for a quick meal before a show, too.