Darkalino's
Italian restaurant · Pioneer Square
300 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Highlights
Fresh pasta, focaccia, and a unique sneaker shop vibe
Fresh pasta, focaccia, and a unique sneaker shop vibe
"It might be scientifically proven that ragu and amatriciana taste way better in the middle of the day when you're free of responsibilities. And at this Italian spot in the lunch capital of Seattle (Pioneer Square) you don't have to wait too long for a table before going to town on a steamy bowl of pasta alongside fluffy focaccia or a chopped salad, and then ending things with a biscotti dunked in espresso. Don't question science on this one—it just works." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley
"Welcome to Pioneer Square, where the abundance of red brick can get real divey real fast. Not at Darkalino’s, whose quirky little barstools and speckled stoneware make it an ideal locale to get acquainted with a good-enough bowl of rigatoni. It’s easy to barge in with your entire book club, there’s a big antipasti board that does the trick as an opening snack, and pastas won’t run you more than $23." - aimee rizzo
"Sometimes we just want to enjoy carbs and the sanctity of being alone without bearing witness to a restaurant-wide PDA contest. At this enthusiastically casual all-day Italian spot, the only romantic vibes are between us and a plate of penne all'amatriciana—despite their playlist of wedding dance floor bangers. Darkalino’s menu is loaded with small plates and focaccia sandwiches, but lean into the fresh pastas dressed in sauces like rich, meaty ragu or a burrata-topped pesto jazzed up with burst tomatoes and mint. And whatever you do, make sure there’s an order of chili oil-drizzled carrot tartare on your table. This spread of sweet pureed carrot served with nutty buckwheat crackers is such an outstanding snack that you may want to tell everyone you know, except your friends in relationships." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley
"Darkalino’s caters to an extremely specific type of guy: a sneakerhead who loves to grab a focaccia sandwich when he’s having a client lunch, or nosh pasta when he’s on his way to the Macklemore show. That dude’s specific prayers have been answered at this shoe store/restaurant/cafe. –Harry Cheadle" - Joey Carreon
"It’s safe to say after being out in the world all day, sometimes we just want to enjoy carbs and the sanctity of being alone. At this casual all-day Italian spot in Pioneer Square, you can do just that. Spend quality time with their fresh pastas, which include rich, meaty ragu and a spicy pasta all'amatriciana with festonati that trap tangy red sauce like little Ziploc bags." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley
