IL Bistro

We came here on a Tuesday night and it had a line out the door. I think maybe because the hostess didn't know how to utilize other people to help her seat people. It's a nice place located on the lower lever of Pike Place Market. However, waiting outside for your table is quite interesting as the market staff or city workers (it wasn't clear which) washed down the steps and streets/flooring within the center with fire hoses to get rid of the urine. It's almost as bad at Bourbon Street in New Orleans. They sat us and immediately took our drinks. Our group ended up drinking four bottles of wine. I had a Moscow mule and they made it exceptionally well. We ordered a number of appetizers for the table: Arancini - these were fabulous and large in size. Focaccia - this came with a garlic oil, but was not over the top with garlic flavor. Truthfully, they shouldn't charge you for this and just bring it to your table. Charging $4 per order is silly. Sauteed Calamari - my friends said this was pretty good, but I'm allergic, so I did not partake. Next, we ordered our meals. It's a hard menu for those with some dietary restrictions. One member of our group needs gluten free options (there was only one pasta dis (though he could have had the gluten-free pasta with any pasta dish). He didn't want steak or chicken as you could get those anywhere. I really like gnocchi, but it came with a heavy cream sauce. I could have asked for the bolognese, but its made with veal and lamb, neither which I'm a fan of. They had some more seafood dishes, again, I'm not a fish person (just basically eat shrimp). So I ordered the chicken parmigiana (I normally don't order a fried chicken breast that is smothered in marinara and covered in cheese and then baked, because there are generally better pasta options, but not here. It's very frou-frou. The chicken parm was fantastic! It came with two chicken breasts and atop a heaping pile of small shell noodles covered in marinara and parmesan cheese. This is easily shared with two or three people. I would have brought it home had I lived there, but reheated in my hotel room the next day would have been gross. We were so stuffed that no one got dessert. Don't misconstrue my 4 stars for a lacking review. The food, drinks, and service were phenomenal. However, my opinion is that the charging of bread for the table is kind of tacky and it's definitely more of a frou-frou Italian place. If you're looking for more staple Italian dinners, this is not your place. However, it is great for groups, and perfect for a nice dinner or date night.

Great gluten free pasta!