Valentinetti's

Huge let down. Been a steady patron of Hi Life for over 5 years, and I've never had a bad experience. Food was always great, the staff was excellent, and the place was always bustling with people. Tried Valentinetti's over the weekend... the food options were very niche, and tasted mediocre. The staff (not sure if it was the waitress or the kitchen) messed up our table's order three times. I don't know why the owner decided to close one of Ballard's best breakfast/brunch restaurants and decided to open a place that focuses on hard to eat sandwiches, cracker pizza, and overpriced drinks. I can't speak for the dinner menu, but based on what I had for lunch it doesn't surprise me that the place was empty. Hopefully they can turn it around, but they lost a group of loyal customers in me and my group of friends.

Very creative and comfortable redo of the old firehouse. Food was delicious. Best Caesar Salad, good pasta and wonderful slightly spicy meatball pizza. Next time we will leave room for the desserts. Everyone at Valentinetti's was welcoming and attentive. The service was slow which is to be expected on their 3rd night in business and the reason for the lack of 5 stars. Wonderful having serious Italian food available in Ballard.

Came here for brunch and was very impressed with the food. Had a sausage and pepperoni scramble while my wife had an egg bake and both were delicious. The restaurant ambience is very pleasing and the service was friendly and prompt. Excited to come back and check out the dinner menu.

The atmosphere is OK. We waited about 15 minutes for our drinks and 20 minutes for our appetizer (bread and EVOO.). The drinks were good. We got the Pinsa (pizza) to go. Unfortunately it was also only OK. Sauce was not great and the flavoring was subpar. The crust was good, however. I wish we wanted to go back, but we don’t.

I grieve the loss of The Hi-Life. It was a gem. The family style Sunday chicken dinner was a staple for out-of-town friends. It was the place you went when you weren't sure what you wanted to eat, because the service was great & the menu was full of trusted American staples. Every item was the best version of itself, and there was something for everyone. Now I'm not sure if there's anything on this new menu for anyone. It is the most challenging version of Italian/Mediterranean food, in a neighborhood that generally doesn't turn out for high-end Italian food – or else I assume Volterra would still be open. I appreciate their commitment to the preservation of puppetry arts, of course, but I feel like food & service to the community should be the main priorities of a restaurant group. I only regret not writing a review while Hi-Life was still open.

Great atmosphere, bit of an edge. Food was great, awesome gluten free pasta and pizza. Strong espresso. Good wine list.great service. Very good. Cool to be casual too, in a very beautiful building.

To be fair, this is a review of their I Bar, immediately next door (and a part) of the restaurant. My wife and I went there for an early happy hour and loved everything: food, service, price, atmosphere. It was all great!

Had reservations at 6 and it didn't happen. Arrived at restaurant to a sign saying it was permanently closed. A missed phone call earlier in the day informed us of the cancelled reservations. Very disappointed to arrive to the sign on the doors. Missed opportunity for what looks like a great building. Too bad and sad...