Simone W.
Yelp
This little gem of a place is tucked away on a tree-lined side street, almost a part of the PLU campus, but not quite. Located in an unassuming converted house and completely accessible with a ramp from street to front door, culinary discovery awaits you.
My husband and I have been frequenting Marzano since 1996, when we first discovered the place in a quest for delicious Italian homestyle food. I don't think we've ever been disappointed or left hungry. I feel like we've watched Brian grow up over the years, he remains General Manager and can often times be seen working the floor and serving alongside the other wait staff. Elisa, the chef and owner can also be observed serving at times, often appearing as a no-nonsense, focused individual intent on providing the best experience possible to her guests. If you engage her in conversation however, she is down-to-earth and charming.
Inside there are three main but intimate dining rooms - and yes, the word is intimate. Tables are snugly placed, very reminiscent of dining in Europe. If you can't abide being seated by another party a few feet away, this may not be the place for you - noise levels can creep up, but this shouldn't detract from the experience. There is additional seating alongside the corridor and towards the back, as well as a sometimes-open courtyard and outdoor seating in the front. I've seen the décor inside the restaurant change much over the years, and I have enjoyed seeing this decorative journey. Currently I'd describe the decorative moment as understated elegance with a minimalist approach.
From a food perspective, the menu always seems to be full, diverse and interesting, playing to a wide range of palates. From starters/appetizers to mains and desserts, there is something for everyone. Each time we visit I am challenged by the wide array of specials posted. From day one, my favorite dish has been the Boscaiola pasta dish - a meat sauce with delicious mushrooms, finished up with a light additional cream. So delicious, I push myself each and every time to try something new, but the challenge is real! Early on, I found the vinaigrette to be overly sour and bitter on the house salads, but the vinaigrette has been improved upon over the years to where sometimes, that house salad and a cold glass of white wine is all I want to eat! Starters - whether it's the pork belly, mussels, bruschetta or Bresaola, all delicious. Additionally, we've ordered the braised rabbit, lasagna Bolognese and fish specials and haven't left unhappy. Desserts are house-made, diverse, and tasty - unfortunately we are typically so full at that point, we sometimes don't order dessert. One last mention, their wine list is fairly diverse and extensive - we typically share a bottle with dinner.
Reading through these reviews, I note a fair share of 1 and 2 stars commenting on poor service, lack luster food, too crowded, etc. To these reviews, I say this: All dining establishments have their fair share of pain points to overcome, and sometimes there are off days. To those who gave this place a one-time-only chance, I challenge you to try again and see if things are better.
Marzano, keep up the good work, we are fans!