Mezzanotte Is Serving Some Of The Freshest Pasta In Washington
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published March 22, 2024
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Andrea Verschuyl
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Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
If you’re trying to establish a list of the best Italian restaurants in Washington, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Our state is brimming with incredible ristorantes, osterias, trattorias, and more. That said, if you’re looking for the best pasta in Seattle, take note of the buzz surrounding Mezzanotte, a funky Georgetown favorite.
Though it may be Seattle's oldest neighborhood, Georgetown doesn't always get the attention it deserves. In recent years, it's become one of the city's premiere spots for excellent dining, binge-worthy antique stores, and pub hopping.
Mezzanotte makes the most of its location's abundant quirkiness. You'll find it in one of the neighborhood's old brick buildings, immersed in antique charm that's been reimagined as modern cool.
Italian film auteur Federico Fellini once said, "Life is a combination of magic and pasta." I think he was on to something, and so does Mezzanotte's owner, Marcus Lalario. His Seattle spot is self-expression through pasta, a veritable Italian road trip taking diners to his favorite food memories of northern Italy, where he grew up.
Oh-so-fresh and completely handmade, these pastas will ruin you for the boxed stuff. It's so good that I recommend opting for primi plates that allow the pasta to shine. Forgo the heavy bolognese sauces for the revelation of high-quality pecorino on spaghetti cooked al dente.
And don't forget to dabble in the antipasti selection, too. It may be sacrilege, but I'm not above ordering a few of these offerings to share in lieu of a main course. Just be advised that the pasta remains necessary eating at least once.
Like many of Italy's most beloved ristorantes, Mezzanotte emphasizes outdoor dining. When the restaurant debuted, Lalario relayed to Seattle's Daily Hive that he looked forward to his place being a local spot where diners could enjoy the experience of eating al fresco.
This practice proved critical when Mezzanotte opened at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
Today, you can still dine outdoors, rain or shine. A clear tent ensconces guests seated in the snug courtyard, protecting them from Washington's frequently inclement weather.
However, I will add that the interior of Mezzanotte is equally cozy, making the most of its limited space by exposing the building's brick and relying on warm light.
If you have the time and love pasta (and who doesn’t have time for loving pasta), check out this delightful Georgetown restaurant. Some say it’s serving the best pasta in Seattle. Mezzanotte exemplifies the sort of casual excellence that typifies the very best Italian restaurants, and it’s captured local loyalty with its masterclass in handmade pasta.
Visiting from out of town? Add Mezzanotte to your dining itinerary. If you can get a table, you’re sure to have an unforgettable evening.
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