RESTAURANT REVIEW: Ristorante Picolinos in Ballard

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Recommendation: If you’re looking for a great Italian restaurant in Ballard, I recommend giving Ristorante Picolinos a try.

Background: We’ve been going to Picolinos for many years. It’s a neighborhood staple.

Location: Located in Ballard at 6415 – 32nd Ave NW, Seattle. On the corner of NW 65th Street and 32nd Ave NW.

Food: They have a large menu including antipasti — fritto misto, carpaccio and mozzarella Caprese among them — followed by several pastas and relatively few “secondi,” but those entrees are augmented at lunch and dinner by specials. Portions are huge, be warned. I have several favorites and often choose one of the specials. Their ravioli is house made and hard to resist, with stuffed goat and ricotta cheese ravioli tossed in brown butter, fresh sage, and garnished with a dollop of rich tomato sauce as my favorite. The butter lettuce salad (a frequent special) is probably my favorite salad.

Service: The servers are friendly, helpful and attentive and treat you like family.

Atmosphere: Reminiscent of Italian country villa, the restaurant is warm and inviting. There are several seating areas in the restaurant, both inside and in the garden space outside in back. The exterior seating is tented and has heaters for the chilly months. There is also a small café on the corner, where you’ll find espresso, gelato, pastries and focaccia.

Ristorante Picolinos
6415 32nd Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107

Photo courtesy of Ristorante Picolinos