Cafe Lago

Italian restaurant · Montlake

Cafe Lago

Italian restaurant · Montlake

5

2305 24th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112

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Cafe Lago by Mark DeJoy
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Highlights

Ultrathin lasagna, wood-fired pizzas & simple trattoria fare  

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

cafelago.com
@cafelagoseattle

$30–50

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

+1 206 329 8005
cafelago.com
@cafelagoseattle

$30–50

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Sep 7, 2025

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The Best Italian Restaurants in Seattle | Eater Seattle

"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

https://seattle.eater.com/maps/best-italian-food-in-seattle
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Where to Get Fantastic Pasta in Seattle

"Montlake’s Cafe Lago is the perfect neighborhood white-tablecloth Italian restaurant — just upscale enough for celebrating a special occasion, but not so fussy that it won’t accommodate an off-menu order of fettucini alfredo. The pastas, including two excellent lasagna dishes, are well-executed here, and evolve with the seasons." - Eater Staff, Mark DeJoy

https://seattle.eater.com/maps/best-pasta-restaurants-italian-seattle
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Where to Eat Dinner in Seattle on Monday Nights | Eater Seattle

"Carla Leonardi’s Italian bistro has been serving Tuscan-inspired food on white tablecloths in an old brick building in Montlake since 1990. The wood-fired oven at the back of the restaurant churns out delicate, crispy pizzas that are only $10 on Mondays for customers dining in, making this one of the rare restaurants that really courts the Monday crowd. The only downside is that it can get pretty busy, so expect a wait; reservations are encouraged." - Jade Yamazaki Stewart

https://seattle.eater.com/maps/best-date-restaurants-seattle-area-open-on-mondays-edmonds-bainbridge
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Montlake’s enduring trattoria is known for handmade pasta, thin-crusted wood-fired pizzas, and a warm, family-run ethos. Bon Appétit and local writers have long praised its lasagna and gnocchi; regulars come for the hospitality as much as the cooking.

https://www.cafelago.com
Italian Restaurants in Seattle (2025)
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Han L

Google
As someone who truly appreciates Italian cuisine, particularly pasta, I chose this restaurant for my birthday dinner with high expectations. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t quite meet my hopes. I ordered the meatball pasta, and while the noodles had a nice texture and were cooked well, the overall dish fell short of expectations. The meatballs had a processed quality that reminded me of frozen options, and the tomato sauce tasted quite basic. Given the price point, I felt the pasta didn’t deliver the authentic Italian flavors I was hoping for. However, I must highlight that their pizza was genuinely excellent - perfectly baked with great flavor balance and wonderful texture. The kitchen clearly has strong pizza-making skills. For fellow pasta enthusiasts, I’d suggest exploring other options, but if you’re a pizza lover, this place is definitely worth a visit. The restaurant has potential, and I hope they can bring the same quality they achieve with their pizza to their pasta dishes

David Peters

Google
This outstanding restaurant is well worth finding when you visit Seattle. The lasagna is like no other you can find. Very light, delicate noodles, ricotta cheese that is fluffy and highlighted with just a sprinkle of spinach. And the sauce, delicate also. Very flavorful. The pizza had the thinnest crust I've ever experienced, and it was crispy even in the center! Amazing. Service was warm and friendly, very prompt. The house wine, pictured here tasted better than most, with dark spicy notes. Only four stars for the atmosphere, as it was loud, as so many restaurants are these days. But truly, this is a great Italian restaurant, and not to be missed!

Angela A

Google
What a sweet, lovely neighborhood restaurant! Everything about it was just cozy and warm. And everyone was so friendly! We came on a Monday to try out the $15 pizzas. We came right at 5pm when they opened and we were able to get a table for 3 right away. The pizzas were good. Also had the gnocchi, which was okay. But the star was the lasagna!!! One of the best lasagnas I’ve had!! The pasta was so thin and silky. The sauce and cheese were so flavorful! Taking a bite was so airy yet bold, but also simple…if that makes sense. Anyways, come here for the lasagna, good vibes, and friendly faces!!

Roccella Carrozza

Google
Last evening I had one of the most memorable restaurant experiences I have ever had in Seattle. The atmosphere, the staff & the food were perfectly aligned—seamless. The flavors of beautifully plated food delivered by smiling staff…we didn’t want our dinner to end. I can’t imagine a better experience eating out…certainly my favorite Italian food in Seattle. Thank you Cafe Lago for the beautiful & perfect evening. Rocket

Mei Parnes

Google
Officially one of my favorite Italian spot for a casual weekday meal/treat. No frills. Good cooking. Highly recommend the lasagna🥂

Nate Spilman

Google
This place is grade A. Somehow it feels appropriate to come here both to celebrate a graduation or anniversary, or to have a casual hang with friends and family over a great meal. Prices are good, service is great, food is remarkable.

Sofia FloressC

Google
If you're craving for a good pasta, this is the right place. Wow. The pasta is so fresh and hot, and it tastes awesome and that it comes from someone who is not a big fan of pasta, but this one tastes good. But for me, the star is the pizza it was perfect, no too toasted, no too soft, and the flavor is good. It's a really good place, but some areas in the dining room can be a little bit dark

Tif Taylor

Google
This review is part of my personal hunt for fresh pasta / wood fired pizza. TL;DR, I would be back for the pizza, maybe pasta/gnocchi, but I'd not spend money on the bread or desserts. Roasted Tomato on Toast App: Fantastic. This melted in your mouth and the balance of flavors was perfect. I would have ordered 3 of these and called it good. Haha Fresh Bread App: No thanks. The bread was a good quality but served kind cold and the butter inside olive oil was a bit overkill with the fat and the salt seemed to go to the bottom of the bowl so it had a bland flavor. The bread was better without the butter/oil, but I wish it was warm and served with only butter with salt or only oil. We didn't really like this app, despite always getting fresh bread apps around town. Mushroom Gnocchi: It was decent. I enjoyed the balanced flavors between the mushroom and cream sauce. The pesto was lacking and could have been more. The texture was overcooked gnocchi. I enjoyed it enough to eat but I wouldn't ever order it again when I've had better carbs to spend the calories and money on. Wood fired Pizza: Wow! The flavor and texture of the dough / crust was phenomenal. Like nothing I've had around my wood fired pizza explorations. Very lovely flavor. It's extremely thin and wet, so be prepared to fold it if holding it. I appreciated the sausage pieces were small which helped distribute the flavors better. Cheese was only ok in flavor. The dough was the star. Apple Thingy Dessert: Nah, no thanks. Served cold, but lacked flavor overall imo. I didn't finish it. I am a dessert person, but I'd rather order another roasted tomato app at the end than the desserts imho.
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Michelle D.

Yelp
Amazing staff and service. They were very attentive and knowledgeable about the courses and gave excellent recommendations. We loved the spot prawn summer pasta and the nectarine salad. We also had the classic lasagna which was wonderful. Will definitely be back to try their seasonal dishes.
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Joshua F.

Yelp
Just OK pizza. We've been wanting to try Cafe Lago for a while, and finally made a reservation to get in Monday night. + Ambiance was the best part of the night; cozy small tables with paper covering and LED candle light. Black and white photographs of Italy on the wall. We were excited to order after sitting down anticipating awesome food. + Staff was friendly and attentive - Pizza reminded me of the chain Mod Pizza, though the ingredients were a higher quality. Dough didn't have much flavor and it was a bit puffy/chewy. Sauce had a bunch of oregano/marjoram flavor. I'm not sure I'd come back to try other dishes. For me personally, I know I wouldn't have the pizza there again.
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Sri Sneha G.

Yelp
The food and menu were great and were served at the right portions. Service was a bit weird, not sure if they were too busy or didn't like that we arrived ~10mins late, but we're not very welcoming to seat us. Dessert and drinks selection was ok, nothing special but their lamp osobucco and squash pizza were amazing!
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Mic A.

Yelp
The lasagna with no meat? Not a vegetarian lasagna, just no meat sauce. Why call it a lasagna? I did not read the menu and assumed the lasagna had one of the four main ingredients. (bolognese) Friends, don't make that mistake. Unless you are a vegan. I am not. Maybe they should not call it lasagna. Just an idea. Or have your staff explain that this lasagna has no meat! Just a heads up! The rest of the meals my friends had was nothing to write about. It was ok. Not much flavor. Expected more from a "real" Italian restaurant.
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Claire G.

Yelp
Best Italian in Seattle. As a nearby neighbor, I frequent cafe lago once a month. Their pizza is so good and you don't feel like you had a gut bomb after you eat it. The lasagna melts in your mouth! Their desserts are all to die for. Love everything on the menu. Also they are so friendly with kids! Always have great service. Can't say a bad thing about lago :)
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Sunnica L.

Yelp
This place holds such a special place in my heart. The restaurant is charming and filled w/ such warmth from the staff and those who attend. Reservations are a must for Monday's as they have pizzas for $10 (such a steal) and everyone wants a seat. Tables are a little small, but they make it work. There's parking up the hill and around the residential area. We ordered: Lasagna Bolognese - Some of the best lasagna I've ever had. It's heavenly light and tender w/ the perfect blend of ricotta. Don't get the half lasagna, order the full and thank me later :-) Margarita Pizza - Generous in size and full of flavor. The pizza topped w/ their parmesan... chefs kiss. The parmesan is so fluffy it almost looks like fresh snow powder. I would buy a container if they ever sold it. I always leave here happy and overly satisfied. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive despite it being busy almost all the time. I'll see you very soon delicious Cafe Lago lasagna (in my dreams and in person).
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Parth S.

Yelp
On Mondays, they have $10 for a pizza, so I'd definitely recommend going on a Monday if you go. Make a reservation as it's quite busy. The actual pizza itself is a little soggy and can use more flavor, and it could be more crispy. I'm not sure I would come when it's not a Monday as I'm not sure it's worth it. If you come, come with a small group! They have a good selection of cocktails and wine as well.
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Shanie D.

Yelp
This place is incredible! I had their lasagna and it's my new favorite of all time. The sauce was clean and delicious. The dish is actually on the lighter side as far as lasagna goes, and I loved their take on a usually heavy dish. The seasonal appetizer with butternut squash and burrata on toast was so tasty! I also loved their Caesar salad. The dressing wasn't over powering and the croutons were made of the best unique dark bread. I could have eaten those in their own. HIGLY RECOMMEND!! PS: The team who served us were very attentive.

STEVE C.

Yelp
excellent polished service in a place that has lasted around 30 years. a bit pricey perhaps .... it would be a good touch if they served hot Italian crunchy bread with the meal because the meal essentially is a la carte. The chocolate gelato is quite good.

Carol C.

Yelp
Best lasagna ever! Great service and nice ambiance. Highly recommend. Parking can be challenging.
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Joanna P.

Yelp
This is such a homey neighborhood-like italian restaurant with amazing food. I can only speak for the pizza here because that's all we ordered but it was delicious. I made a reservation online for the Monday night pizza deal where each pizza is $10. The pizzas are very generous in size (I had to take home leftovers) and the ingredients are really fresh. We got the caprino this night and I highly recommend if you're a goat cheese lover or just want to try something different! Although they were very busy, our server was very attentive and kept checking in on us throughout the meal. I highly recommend making a reservation (especially if you want to come for Monday pizza night) as it can fill up pretty quickly here. The perfect casual date night spot!
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James H.

Yelp
A solid 4.3! This one sits in the tried and true category. Who doesn't love a neighborhood italian restaurant. If i lived here this would be a go and in the rotation. Pizza is neapolitan style and good size @ 10". Nice selection of wines with a deep variety. Entrees are simple fair done well. Again you cannot go wrong with the neighborhood favorite.
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Daniel L.

Yelp
Amazing doesn't describe this place. My wife and I tried here after being in the area before and seeing it. Food heaven. We got the Ravioli di Formaggio. Very light and thin pasta, with the right amount of filling. The morels were amazing (never had them before). We also got the Spicy Bobby B pizza. I loved it - thin crust, good flavor. My wife didn't like the sausage but I loved it. We got the olives mista and bread appetizers. So good. The butter and olive oil was to die for. We opted for the Panna Cotta dessert. Absolutely fabulous and a great finish to our meal. No complaints. The service was great, and while busy it wasn't too loud. It's a little on the pricier side but worth every penny.

Rosie K.

Yelp
Excellent Italian food in Seattle. They use the best ingredients and prepare them really well. The pizza has such a great crust and flavor! The pastas are delicate and super tasty. I especially like the ravioli with the different fillings throughout the seasons. When I go with my husband we usually get a couple of pastas and a steak to share. With a salad to begin with it makes for a really great meal. They are also really nice and split the plate of steak for us so we each get our own small portion. Also love the atmosphere of the place and the kind service. This is sort of an underrated place and I'm so glad they're still around!
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Will L.

Yelp
We came for $10 pizza night, quite by accident. I think we were both considering the lasagna, which was highly rated, but pizza sounded too good to pass up, so all things being equal, we opted for the pizza, which we split between us. We ordered the Caprino, which had goat cheese, caramelized onions, tomato sauce, garlic, herbs. It was really quite tasty, and a great example of Italian-style pizza. Great selections of drinks too. My date had the Cin-Cinnati, which was Prosecco-based. I wanted a red wine, and our waiter suggested I try the Chianti Cultusboni, which was a good pairing with the pizza. The place was very crowded: Monday night $10 pizzas draw big crowds. I'm glad we had a reservation, since we likely wouldn't have gotten a table otherwise. Seating is a bit cramped: we were wedged in a table really close to where the hostess took in guests, so the noise level was probably a little higher than elsewhere in the restaurant. Wait staff were incredibly accommodating and polite. Since we stayed for a couple of hours, there was a shift change: our waiter needed to head out. The person covering for him came over to our table to let us know so that we wouldn't be shocked to see a new face. Very nicely done.
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Elizabeth B.

Yelp
I drive by this place all the time and was excited to try it! We went on the earlier side and were seated right away, so I'd definitely recommend going before the dinner rush. I started out with the house baked bread and the thyme-orange-fennel compound butter was to die for. I also got the ravioli which was tasty as well. I also got the Salsiccia pizza and the crust was tasty and had the perfect amount of chew while still being crispy on the outside. The restaurant itself is small, but has a homey feel that would make it perfect for any occasion. I'm picky about Italian food, but this is definitely a hidden gem in the Seattle area!
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Waldo K.

Yelp
A classy Italian restaurant with a warm atmosphere and delightful staff. The vegetarian options were great. The lasagna was excellent, but the ravioli really stole the show with intense and complex flavors. Everything tasted so fresh! I enjoyed the interior, with its distinctive black-and white theme, softened by natural wood, warm lighting, and a colorful bar area.
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Mark B.

Yelp
This is one of our favorite local places. Everything they put forth is well done. The blue cheese salad is our favorite salad in Seattle. Please never change this it is special. Wines are good and well priced, Chianti is a highlight. Homemade pasta and pizza are fantastic. The only thing I can say is not great are the tiny frites with the steak. I know they're authenticity French bistro but they are just not very good. An improvement there would make the steak an option. But again this is a serious stretch to find something that they could improve. Well done and thank you for creating a neighborhood gem!
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Richard M.

Yelp
The lightest lasagne i have ever eaten. We tried the meat AND the veggie and surprisingly the meat version after felt lighter in texture. Both are delicious and feel like angel food cake as you fill your mouth. Sauce is perfect - rich and a tiny bit tangy but not too much, balances the dish very well. The Caesar salad was quite good, and all other dishes were good: gnocchi, pizza.
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Dean S.

Yelp
When the moon hits the sky like a Lago pizza pie that's amore.... I've been going to Cafe Lago since I was a little kid, and the place has been incredible for 20 years. Let me set the scene-- You walk in on a chilly fall evening. The dim lights and beautiful Italian style decorations catch your eye, but not before the smell of the kitchen and big wood fire pizza oven in the back corner of the restaurant. The decor makes you feel like you've walked straight into Florence's finest. You take a seat in the bar area and your server approaches. You ask for a wine recommendation and they give you 3 informed opinions of what may pair well with your meal and preference. The tapenade is incredibly tasty on top of their fresh bread. The gnocchi is fluffy and delicious, and each and every one of their thin crust pizzas is to die for. They are tasty and don't weigh you down like your standard American pie. Whether it be for a date, group of friends, or an evening where you treat yourself to a delicious meal and wine, I could not recommend Cafe Lago more.
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Madeleine C.

Yelp
What a wonderful restaurant! I called that we were going to be late to our reservation and they still were able to seat us right away. It's wonderfully lit and has just the right amount of noise to make you feel like you've chosen some place special. We got the tempest, mezcal, lago Negroni, and a dessert wine, all of which were lovely. The highlight of the food was of course the pasta dishes. Highly recommend what others say in getting the ravioli and gnocchi. Both were fabulous and we devoured both. The antipasto plate was also really good: grilled eggplant and tomato, three cheeses, and some prosciutto among other little tasty bites. I just wish it came with more bread! Can't wait to come back .

Neil D.

Yelp
Great food let down by poor service Arrived on a saturday evening with my wife and daughter for some casual italian food. Immediately felt very comfortable pleasant surroundings.Everyone chatting enjoying their food We were shown to the table.Handed some reasonably price menus After about 15 to 20 minutes, we decided to wave down. A passer by to see if we could be get some service. This carried on all night. Our server had friends at the bar and ignored our area all night Pity because the food and drinks were great but we won't be back
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E S.

Yelp
Have been coming here for 20+ years. Likely the best antipasto plate in the city, love the roasted tomatoes. The beet app was super good and the Caesar salad is always a crowd pleaser. Had the ravioli, gnocchi and sausage pizza for mains and flourless chocolate cake and strawberry sorbet for dessert. Solid food, it was packed so the service was a little slow but still attentive. Had some beautiful flower arrangements too!
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Saimeera J.

Yelp
Visited Cafe Lago for dinner on a Saturday night. Definitely recommend getting a reservation. Tried the vegetarian lasagna we absolutely loved it, it was super light and the sauce was fresh. Also had the gnocchi with mushrooms that was good as well. One of the better Italian restaurants in Seattle

Matthew H.

Yelp
The lasagna is amazing! Cute little place that had been around forever. Still has the great ambiance, service and food quality after all these years. Always a five star experience!
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Prasanna U.

Yelp
Service was good and ambience was great. I had ravioli as main course which was light and great. Had enough

Anna K.

Yelp
Great neighborhood restaurant with hand made Italian food and rotating menu. We've tried numerous pastas and pizzas from them and everything is solid. The atmosphere is nice and the Monday night specials are a great deal!
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Lexie R.

Yelp
Was there for a friend's birthday and was blown away by the quality of the meal. Everything was delicious from the Caesar salad my friend and I shared, to the perfectly layered lasagne I can't stop thinking about. In case you're debating between the two lasagna choices, I highly recommend the lasagne over the lasagna bolognese. The service was quick but not to the point where we felt rushed out of the restaurant. All friends agreed on how delicious the food was. Also, get the bread! The homemade thyme-orange-fennel compound butter was to die for and was devoured in seconds (hence no picture!) I will definitely be back.

Miinno N.

Yelp
Its Lasagna is famous and we understood why. The antipasto was great, too. Quite family friendly. Seatings are bit cramped. The desserts were ok-ok. The waiter was attentive and great. We will return.
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Milo Z.

Yelp
Man, I never thought I'd leave an Italian restaurant hungry. If you're from Seattle, you'll probably like this place, but for those of us who were not born in a sewer, it could have been much better. Regrettably, I am in Seattle on an extended stay and felt a hankering for Italian food and, finding this place sorta kinda decently ranked, decided to give it a shot. The first thing I noticed is that everyone is so unfriendy here (a trend in Seattle) from the hostess, to the server, to the bussers. My server actually asked me if I wanted "a drink or food" as if I were loitering. I told her I'd have food, and ordered the fettuccine and minuscule meatballs ($25.00). Now, this is the second place I've dined that had different prices on their website; this place was at least not as obnoxious as Johnny Less's. Here, they do not give you bread with your meal (but used to, it seems). Rather, they list bread for $5 online and, if you're lucky enough to come in and eat in-house, it's $6.00. For bread. In an Italian restaurant. I'll pass. My dinner came in short order and at first I was convinced I ordered from the children's menu and was treated to a handful of fettuccine and four (4) meatballs that were barely larger than those you'd find in a can of spaghetti-o's. However, I will report that the meal was tasty (for what was there) and the meatballs, while marble-like, did taste like they were made in-house. Problem was, after three or four forkfuls I was done, with not even a roll in sight to mop up the tomato sauce. Also, no one asked if I needed cheese or anything else - it was a very mechanical, "get in and get out" dining experience. Check came and people just starting pulling things off my table like they were grabbing souvenirs off the titanic. I realize it's probably me, and this is what dining is in Seattle - small, overpriced meals with more nickel and dimes than a tip jar and delivered with an extra side of Seattle freeze. That's okay; as I said in my last review, I have an oven at home and can chop it up like Ramsay, so not only won't I starve, but I'll actually eat well.
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Alyssa P.

Yelp
After a long day of hiking and driving around, my partner and I wanted pasta. We went to Cafe Lago for dinner and had no issues getting a table. We got the insalata mista with goat cheese to start, and it was fresh and tasty. I got the lasagna bolognese while my partner opted for the fettuccine with meatballs. The lasagna was great! My partner enjoyed his meal too. This spot seemed like a lowkey neighborhood joint.
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Nellie C.

Yelp
Have been going here, for YEARS now, even when we'd just visit WA. They now require reservations, even on a rando Tuesday nite. It was pretty full too. Their food and drinks are always sensational, but their service, isn't the same. Not as warm and inviting, as before. (I will just blame the C-word.) They even ran out of their complimentary house bread and a few other menu items ~ this speaks volumes about the popularity, of this place, along with how supply and demand are going, in the world. I'm just grateful that Cafe Lago is still around and that their food, hasn't changed! Grazie!
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Sheryl F.

Yelp
Waiter - M. Zawadi - a 5+ star rating. He was amazing, attentive, patient, great recommendations, kind - he created a great experience. The food - 4+: from the olive and goat cheese 'tapenade' to the ravioli and duck pasta dish - fantastic. The tables tucked into the corners and so close to the other guests that you should be part of their party, because you were definitely part of their dinner conversation and if you moved - you touched each other - a 1. You're such a great restaurant, with wonderful people, and food. Please do something about the seating. I want to give you a 4 or 5, and unfortunately because I can't do a partial rating, have to 'downgrade' my other review to a 3.

Michael C.

Yelp
The service was very nice and accommodating. We arrived without a reservation but were seated right away and it appears we were just lucky. 6 small groups showed up right after us and were given lengthy wait times so we would definitely recommend calling ahead. Sadly we were not overly impressed with the food given all the hype. It was very obviously fresh and made in-house but was under seasoned and a bit underwhelming. The wine list was great and it was nice to see a few mock-tails to appease the other side of the table. I'd give it another shot but at over $100 for two entrees and two drinks I'm likely to dine elsewhere.
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Misha G.

Yelp
A lovely old school spot with a small menu of Italian favorites. The lasagna is very In this rare instance, I recommend the Lasagna Classico, not the Bolognese. Blue cheese salad and panna cotta were quite good, too. The service was quite attentive-- but the restaurant was uncharacteristically unfilled -- as it was Super Bowl Sunday, so I can't speak to a typical normal day.
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alicia n.

Yelp
Had the cauliflower, asparagus, cesear salad and mixed geeen salad to share for the table. All was amazing. We tried the gnocchi with morels. The gnocchi cannot be beat. The lasagne Bolognese was also off the charts. The pasta was so thin which made the entire entree light and fresh. With the closure of El Corvo, this is right next in line for me as a neighborhood choice. Nice place to celebrate a special occasion without the prices being ridiculous.
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Claire N.

Yelp
Lovely Italian eatery in Montlake- I enjoyed our service and the food was amazing! The place has a quaint but charming interior, and not too noisy. Split the antipasto with friends and got the spaghetti and meatballs (I've also had their lasagna before and would recommend it for any first-timer here)! My only complaint is that there wasn't enough food for leftovers.
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Sachi T.

Yelp
Cafe lago has nice dining setting but horrible service for walk in customers. Our part of 6 arrived first in line before opening at 5pm, and were greeted with a happy face then the hostess with short hair asked us if we were all 21+ to sit at the bar and I said yes. She said okay, and asked us to sit to the side until reservations were seated. She then proceeded to seat 3 other walk in parties of 7 people at the 21+ bar section BEFORE seating us even though the restaurant was completely empty since we got there 15 minutes before opening. Once the reservation parties had all been seated and three other walk in parties were seated before us, we were finally seated and food was good! We got five $10 pizzas and the shoestring fries. The pizzas came out quick and the fries took a really long time. My group was 3/4 done eating their pizza by the time our side order of shoestring fries came out. However, our waiter, Matt, was super nice and friendly. Also sharing the hair that was at the bottom of my fry order. As a seattle foodie this place was more disappointing for me, and in the unlikely case I'm ever back, I hope the service is better! Would not recommend as there is much better pizza joints like Mioposto that have $10 pizzas every day for HH.

Yasmin R.

Yelp
Food was delicious! Not a ton of variety would definitely go back! I ordered the gnocchi and the red sauce was delicious!

Indu N.

Yelp
Love everything about this place! 10 stars for not interrupting us even though we overstayed. We thought the place closed at 10 and were engrossed in our conversation with family and friends. The staff waited patiently for us to clear out and didn't say a word! One doesn't come across this kind of grace these days! Thank you! We'll be back!
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Jodi M.

Yelp
Get the large lasagna. Just do it. It is so light and tender - I dream about it. I also had the asparagus (my husband doesn't eat it so it was all mine) which was the best asparagus I've ever had.
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Mark Y.

Yelp
Classy neighborhood Italian. This feels like date night, even if we bring the kids with us. White tablecloths, great service. Awesome raviolis, lasagna and Caesar. Fantastic cocktails and wine list too.
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Tammy E.

Yelp
Delicious authentic Italian food, made with simple ingredients that leave a hearty impression! Valentine's day dinner here was such a delight. I have driven past here countless times and have even walked all the way home from this area before. For some reason I didn't realize there was a gem sitting in plain sight the whole time! Not sure where the less than 5-star ratings are coming from because this restaurant is absolutely lovely. For a completely full house for 3.5 hours straight the service was good and I didn't feel rushed at any point during the meal. When I saw the queue of 10+ people waiting at the door I realized why it seemed that the servers were rushing around - and did the responsible thing (quickly cleared out!) The table bread was very fresh - best table bread in the city! And we loved the pomodoro appetizer. Goat cheese and tomatoes juxtaposed by crunchy toasted crostini was pure perfection. The gnocchi melted in my mouth and was so satisfying that I only needed to eat half of the entree - the other half I finished for lunch the next day! The vegetarian lasagna was simple, delicate, and wholesome. Words cannot describe the best lasagna I have ever had IN MY LIFE. My only complaint was that the aisles in the restaurant were a little cramped in certain areas and on a busy night this was a bit chaotic. Not a deterrent for me however - I can't wait to return!
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Ronald B.

Yelp
Excellent lasagna and pizza. My only complaint on the pizza is they put more olive oil on the base of the pizza than they should. Always good service and food is consistent.

Amber S.

Yelp
$10 pizzas on Monday is a bit slay. It's dine in only but the bar seating is lovely for a treat on a especially hard Monday

Kelly S.

Yelp
Cafe Lago did not disappoint. The atmosphere is super perfect with the black and white checkered tiles and tall ceilings. Food was delicious. You must try the tomato and goat cheese crostini's to start! They are to die for! The pizzas were great, super thin crust. Lasagna was heavenly, it melts in your mouth. And the flourless chocolate cake was so smooth and delicious! Service was great! The perfect amount of leaving us alone to chat and making sure we had everything we needed.
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Marie B.

Yelp
The last time I ate at Cafe Lago , definitely it was during the pre Yelp days and Alex (aka The Homie) was still toddler/preschooler aged, the Crayola crayon set. I was dealing with a very aggressive tail gater on I-5 S, so I ended up taking the 520 exit towards Montlake. So it became an obvious choice to get acquainted with Cafe Lago's legendary lasagna. We lucked out being seated immediately as a two top in the far corner. Menus, water, and delicious bread with evoo was brought to the table shortly thereafter. Despite getting views of fresh pizza dough being tossed and thrown in the air, The Homie selected the fresh, handmade Fettucine with Meatballs ($24). Like him, no starter apps or salads for me. Dive right in to main pasta entrees. I ordered the large legendary Lasagne ($22) , because I still have fond memories of those thin sheets layered with bechamel and ricotta. Both dishes have copious and flavorful house marinara. The kind that a second batch of bread is meant to sop up it all up. I lamented the careless dribble on my sweater. That's what fabric stain remover is for! I ate half of this lasagne to save room for dessert. I'm going to have an amazing lunch tomorrow! Hurray for desserts! The Homie selected the Lemon Tart ($8)...paraphrasing his description of having a limoncello atop a shortbread cookie crust. Luscious lemon custard! The biscotti (and Vin Santo) sounded great, but my inner chocophile ordered the Chocolate Truffle Cake ($8) topped with a espresso creme anglaise. Reminded me of chocolate decadence from my pastry/restaurant industry days. Mmmm without it being over the top. Goldilocks just right! Definitely, I'd lose the powdered sugar showering of each dessert though. Thankfully no token mint leaf in sight either! Patting my 'food baby' belly as we walked back to the car....Alex asks, "Mom, can we visit Cafe Lago again?" Of course, was my reply. Next time, with a much shorter interval. So glad that Cafe Lago has been going strong since 1990!

Sonali G.

Yelp
Great food and service! Lots of vegetarian options. Appetizers were great and pizza was good too. The lasagna was disappointing- not enough sauce and dry lacking flavor. Pear ravioli was yummy.
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Henna J.

Yelp
Came here for on a Monday. Pizza and one pasta dish is $10 on Mondays. What a great deal! Ordered the caponata appetizer, Salsiccia and Romana pizzas, and the lemon tart dessert. All dishes were amazing. Service was great.