Cantinetta Can't Get Betta

I've always thought that Seattle had a lot of really good Italian food for some strange reason...maybe my taste just happens to lean more towards Italian flavor (now that I think about it, most of my favs in New Orleans and Austin involve some variation of Italian). Or maybe it's just a coincidence.

Anyway, I have a new favorite Italian joint in Seattle (for the time being). Cantinetta opened a few months ago in the Wallingford neighborhood. We've already been twice, and WOW - thinking about when I can go back already.

Wonderful little restaurant on the up-scale side of neighborhoody and definitely exceeding the expectations of the neighborhoody label. Great mix of the new and the old - tall exposed wood ceilings and rustic iron chandeliers with candlelight complemented by the clean-lines of a suspended walnut and steel wine shelf and a concrete bar. It's in a corner-store space with lots of giant wood windows that constantly remind you of it's nestled neighborhood proximity. You kind of feel a little guilty knowing that while you're enjoying the wonderment of Cantinetta's wine list, pasta menu and ambiance, adjacent homeowners could be watching you from their lonely dining room table eating their Lean Cuisine.

Creative menu favorites: Mussels Putanesca with Anchovies, Avocado Grapefruit and Olive salad with Chili - just as tasty as it is beautiful and odd, Grilled Pancetta-wrapped Dates crispy with a bit of char and balsamic, homemade Tagliatelle with Rabbit (or Ox Tail), Chantrelle Risotto - self-explanatory, Pasta Bolognese for a bit more tradition, and finally, Mascarpone-filled Bombolini with citrus sugar (fancy donut holes!). We more-or-less got the same things both visits - if it ain't broke don't fix it.

A savvy someone knew what they were doing with this place (not surprised to learn that he has a history with Via Tribunali). It's a collection of many good ideas stored up patiently over time, perfectly executed. On top of that, the staff is well-organized, knowledgeable and barely there, in the good kind of way. Bueno.

P.S. If you're curious (I was), a cantinetta is apparently a small wine cellar where the typical Italian family stores their wine. Over time, the cantinetta would sometimes turn into a small shop selling, among other things, the family's wine label. Kinda gives you the same warm and fuzzy feeling as their homemade pasta...