Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fish dishes are startlingly fresh and always interesting. Pasta lunch specials are also
highly recommended.
ANNAPURNA CAFE
NEPALESE
$$
( 206-320-7770;
www.annapurnacafe.com
;
1833 Broadway E; mains $9-13; noon-10pm;
Capitol Hill)
One of the Hill's best ethnic places is this subterranean Nepalese restaurant
on Broadway whose extensive menu mixes in a few Indian and Tibetan varietals as
well. There are soups, thalis, curries, breads and plenty of vegetarian options. It's busy
(good sign), but service is quick and efficient.
OSTERIA LA SPIGA
ITALIAN
$$
( 206-323-8881;
www.laspiga.com
;
1429 12th Ave; pastas $15; 11:30am-2:30pm & 5-10pm;
Pike-Pine)
Italian restaurants in Pike-Pine aren't labeled 'Italian'; instead, their
names are regionalized. Hence, La Spiga describes itself as 'Emilia-Romagna,' special-
izing in the food of the Bologna and Parma region - arguably Italy's finest.
The
'osteria'
moniker doesn't really fit (the restaurant is large and contemporary),
but the food -
tagliatelle al ragú
and the authentic Romagna bread called
piadina
-
shouldn't disappoint Italians or recent visitors to Italy. All pasta is homemade.
R & L HOME OF GOOD BAR-B-QUE
SOUTHERN
$$
( 206-322-0271; 1816 E Yesler Way; mains $10-15; 11am-9pm Tue-Sat; 27)
You can't
get within a block of this little neighborhood joint without drooling from the smell of
barbecue. The storefront looks a little unpromising, but inside there's a wood- paneled
cafeteria with curtained windows, a few tables and a counter for take-out orders.
CASCINA SPINASSE
ITALIAN
$$$
( 206-251-7673;
www.spinasse.com
; 1531 14th Ave; 2-course meal $40; 5-10pm Sun-Thu, to
11pm Fri & Sat; 11)
Behind the rather fussy lace curtains hides what is possibly the
finest new restaurant in Seattle. Spinasse specializes in cuisine of the Piedmont region
of northern Italy. This means delicately prepared ravioli, buttery risottos (enhanced
with stinging nettles, no less), rabbit meatballs and roasted artichokes. The impressive
wine menu is dominated by fine Piedmontese reds including Barolo, available by the
glass.
