Best Italian Restaurants in Downtown

The service and food were both fabulous, as usual. The Sicilian blood orange salad was absolutely lovely, as were our pasta dishes. Dessert was decadent, and accompanied our espresso martinis wonderfully. The only thing I wish had been different was the volume of the table next to us. It’s normal to hear an overall buzz of background noise, but one person at their table thought everyone around him needed to hear every word he was saying and it was just obnoxious. Why is it always the most dim-witted, uncouth person who decides to make themselves the loudest? It wasn’t even entertaining to overhear.

Wonderful place but having to pay $15 to park at lunch but you validate at dinner will keep us from returning.

Everything we had was outstanding. The new cabbage salad was unusual but refreshing. The pasta and risotto were better than I have had in great places in Italy. The server was knowledgeable, helpful, and clearly loved working there. And the desserts were delicious. Finally I will say they now make their own bread and it was excellent.

Tulio has been around forever, since 1992 to be exact, and was the love child of founder and Chef Walter Pisano who pioneered West Coast Cuisine with a focus on sourcing local ingredients while being true to his family and heritage. Tulio, with Walter at the helm, changed the course of culinary expectations in Seattle, just as Alice Walters and Chez Panisse set the stage for California Cuisine (a.k.a. Nouvelle Cuisine) that forever changed the landscape of American Cuisine. Although Walter recently retired in November, his legacy continues to be reflected in the mission and spirit of Tulio. Having said that, I had an amazing dinner at Tulio. The restaurant is an unassuming neighborhood destination, centrally located on 5th Ave., caddy corner to the Seattle Public Library (which is worth a trip to the neighborhood itself), beautiful location on the corner street level of the Kimpton Hotel Vintage. The space has old school charm, and is comfortable and welcoming. The service is informed, professionally, and helpful. Shasta was my waiter on my recent visit (and in the past), his suggestions, particularly with the wine pairings, made for an excellent experience. The food is, and has been consistently amazing. The focus is on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients and after 32+ years the kitchen continues to meet and exceed expectations. Disclaimer, I live out of town and dine at Trulio 1 to 3 times a year; however, I've been a patron since 2001. I always come back for the gnocchi which imho has been the star of the menu since God created Adam and Eve, then I realize the unassuming menu has so much to offer. In addition, the wine list is educated and well curated even though it may seem limited. Who needs pages of vintages when you're only going to chose a bottle or two to pair with your meal? Here's the deal, centrally located and comfortable atmosphere, excellent and educated service, AND great consistent food that is localy sourced.

Wonderful place to eat. Excellence sauces, al dente pasta, great service. White linen, candles, fresh flowers and a relaxed atmosphere. Louder than I remembered it from the past, though. Glad to see this fabulous restaurant reach its 50th anniversary!!!