Italian restaurants are everything, but few and far between in the greater Seattle area. And so it follows that with so many to choose from it is very rare to find an Italian restaurant that is worth boasting about. But get ready for some boasting, because I have come upon an outstanding Italian Restaurant that deserves some special attention.
Name of Restaurant: Capri Ristorante Italiano
Location: 15121 Main Street Mill Creek, WA 98012. Carpi is centrally located in the Mill Creek Downtown Center. There is plenty of parking close to the restaurants entrance.
The Décor and Ambiance: As soon as one steps foot in the door, one cannot helped but be impressed by the interior and ambiance of Capri. The ceiling is domed and is graced with a calming mural. Scrolled chandeliers provided the perfect amount of light for a meal. The furniture is the typical Tuscan style expected in Italian restaurants and the tables are finely placed. The center of the small restaurant holds a grand piano. On select nights Italian performers come to the restaurant and provide patrons with live music. I was fortunate enough to dine on such a night and can’t deny that my dining experience was made even more delightful by the soft serenades of two Italian musicians. There is not a lot of excess background noise and the tables are arranged in a manner that allows for privacy. On warm days, patrons can also dine outdoors against the backdrop of an enormous Tuscan fountain flanked by Corinthian columns. The décor and ambiance are perfectly ideal for perfect lunch or dinner.
The Food: Bless the chefs in this Italian kitchen because the food at Carpi is almost worth dying for. I sampled both the Penne Gorgonzola and Spinach Ravioli and was smitten with both dishes after only one bite. The Gorgonzola cream sauce over the penne was smooth, creamy, and perfectly spiced. The Spinach Ravioli were giant, filled with fresh baby Spinach, and drizzled with the perfect amount of cream sauce. It was definitely a meal worth repeating. However, one will not likely repeat a meal because in addition to the wonderful plates I sampled, Capri presents many other mouthwatering dishes. Its menu has a fair amount of variety without being overwhelming. It offers traditional Italian favorites such as Fettucine Alfredo, Spaghetti Carbonara, and Margherita Pizza, but also a few unique dishes like Farfalle Al Salmon (Farfalle with Salmon, capers, Kalamata olives, and onions in a vodka cream sauce) and Gamberi Capri (prawns and muscles in a signature chipotle cream sauce over spaghetti). It offers multiple vegetarian dishes and the staff was very receptive to special requests. The dishes are reasonably priced and range from about 14 to 24 dollars per plate. I forgot my license the day I dined at Carpi and thus did not get to sample any wine (an unfortunate event I severely regret), but I can attest to the impressiveness of the wine list. In addition to wine, guests can select from a wide assortment of mixed drinks, liquor, and beers. The food is hands-down some of the best Italian food I have had in quite some time- sorry Olive Garden!
The Service: Capri is owned and operated by a local Italian family with a love of Italian cuisine. They take pride in their food and restaurant, a fact made clear by the exceptional service that accompanies every meal. Each employee I came in contact with from the hostess to the waiter was courteous and devoted to making each guest’s dining experience memorable. The waiters were very knowledgeable about the menu and more than willing to offer recommendations on dishes. They also had considerable knowledge on the extensive wine menu. Service was prompt and friendly without being rushed or unprofessional. I am always pleased to find a restaurant that values fine service along with its fine food.
Final Notes: Overall, Capri offered a welcoming ambiance, delectable food, and exceptional service all for a reasonable cost. I will defiantly be visiting again and likely very soon. Adding to the allure of Capri in the summer months is the fact that on select days in July and August, Mill Creek will be hosting free concerts in the courtyard right next to Capri. Dinner and a concert: sounds like a wonderful first date idea to me. And hey if that first date eventually leads to marriage Capri offers both catering and a banquet room!
Name of Restaurant: Capri Ristorante Italiano
Location: 15121 Main Street Mill Creek, WA 98012. Carpi is centrally located in the Mill Creek Downtown Center. There is plenty of parking close to the restaurants entrance.
The Décor and Ambiance: As soon as one steps foot in the door, one cannot helped but be impressed by the interior and ambiance of Capri. The ceiling is domed and is graced with a calming mural. Scrolled chandeliers provided the perfect amount of light for a meal. The furniture is the typical Tuscan style expected in Italian restaurants and the tables are finely placed. The center of the small restaurant holds a grand piano. On select nights Italian performers come to the restaurant and provide patrons with live music. I was fortunate enough to dine on such a night and can’t deny that my dining experience was made even more delightful by the soft serenades of two Italian musicians. There is not a lot of excess background noise and the tables are arranged in a manner that allows for privacy. On warm days, patrons can also dine outdoors against the backdrop of an enormous Tuscan fountain flanked by Corinthian columns. The décor and ambiance are perfectly ideal for perfect lunch or dinner.
The Food: Bless the chefs in this Italian kitchen because the food at Carpi is almost worth dying for. I sampled both the Penne Gorgonzola and Spinach Ravioli and was smitten with both dishes after only one bite. The Gorgonzola cream sauce over the penne was smooth, creamy, and perfectly spiced. The Spinach Ravioli were giant, filled with fresh baby Spinach, and drizzled with the perfect amount of cream sauce. It was definitely a meal worth repeating. However, one will not likely repeat a meal because in addition to the wonderful plates I sampled, Capri presents many other mouthwatering dishes. Its menu has a fair amount of variety without being overwhelming. It offers traditional Italian favorites such as Fettucine Alfredo, Spaghetti Carbonara, and Margherita Pizza, but also a few unique dishes like Farfalle Al Salmon (Farfalle with Salmon, capers, Kalamata olives, and onions in a vodka cream sauce) and Gamberi Capri (prawns and muscles in a signature chipotle cream sauce over spaghetti). It offers multiple vegetarian dishes and the staff was very receptive to special requests. The dishes are reasonably priced and range from about 14 to 24 dollars per plate. I forgot my license the day I dined at Carpi and thus did not get to sample any wine (an unfortunate event I severely regret), but I can attest to the impressiveness of the wine list. In addition to wine, guests can select from a wide assortment of mixed drinks, liquor, and beers. The food is hands-down some of the best Italian food I have had in quite some time- sorry Olive Garden!
The Service: Capri is owned and operated by a local Italian family with a love of Italian cuisine. They take pride in their food and restaurant, a fact made clear by the exceptional service that accompanies every meal. Each employee I came in contact with from the hostess to the waiter was courteous and devoted to making each guest’s dining experience memorable. The waiters were very knowledgeable about the menu and more than willing to offer recommendations on dishes. They also had considerable knowledge on the extensive wine menu. Service was prompt and friendly without being rushed or unprofessional. I am always pleased to find a restaurant that values fine service along with its fine food.
Final Notes: Overall, Capri offered a welcoming ambiance, delectable food, and exceptional service all for a reasonable cost. I will defiantly be visiting again and likely very soon. Adding to the allure of Capri in the summer months is the fact that on select days in July and August, Mill Creek will be hosting free concerts in the courtyard right next to Capri. Dinner and a concert: sounds like a wonderful first date idea to me. And hey if that first date eventually leads to marriage Capri offers both catering and a banquet room!