You already have a great selection...for Italian in downtown Seattle, we like Carmine Il Terrazzo and Tulio. A short taxi ride away is a great Spanish tapas restaurant in Madison Park called Harvest Vine...really favorful and different food.

You don't go particularly for the food, but the revolving restaurant at the Top of the Space Needle can't be beat for views on a clear day. We went up late in the day and watched the sun go down and everything turn to night. It's something we won't soon forget.

Thank you for both your replies, I really appreciate it. I'd heard good things about Tulio before, but completely forgot about them. Since the restaurant isn't very far from our hotel, I'll add it to our list for Italian.

Machiavellis is a fabulous little neighborhood cafe. But it's a totally different level (price point, fancy-factor) from Il Bistro. Actually my favorite Italian downtown is Assagio's on 4th, which falls in the middle of these two.

I prefer Etta's over Steelhead, and at Etta's I like the left hand side (bar) of the restaurant better than the dining room, which I find kind of crowded feeling and noisy.

Thanks for reminding me about Carmine Il Terrazzo. It's an old school place with great food and service. I wonder why it keeps such a low profile. Perhaps it has all the monied clientile it can handle. If somebody offers to take me out for my birthday, I'll suggest the place: http://www.ilterrazzocarmine.com/lunch/index.html

Thanks suze and htty. I knew Machiavelli and Il Bistro were different levels, but each sounded good for what they do. I know we'll have a fine meal whichever Italian restaurant we decide on, including the additional suggestions.

Actually I love Machiavelli's. I know the owners there. Good people. Good food. Fun experience. It would fall into the 'eat where the locals eat' category I think. It's a teeny bit outside downtown, up towards Capitol Hill, but close enough to easily walk.

I also think Il Terrazzo is a fabulous restaurant. Il Bistro has one of the best 'romantic' atmospheres around to my view. Assagio's reminds me the most of Europe.

Just very different places, all