Italian Restaurants in Olympia, Washington

Olympia, Washington, sits on the southern shores of Puget Sound and is home to the state capital. Visitors come from all over the world for political reasons, but the city also attracts tourists with its proximity to the Olympic National Park and the recreational opportunities on the sparkling waters of Puget Sound, such as salmon fishing and boating. Hiking and bird watching at the nearby Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge are also very popular. At the end of a busy day, this cosmopolitan city has a number of restaurants where guests can unwind over a good Italian meal and a bottle of wine.

Trinacria Ristorante Italiano

Customers of Trinacria Ristorante Italiano rave about the authenticity of the Italian food and the fact that the owner of the restaurant, Eugenio, does all of the cooking and visits with his patrons every evening. The menu is comprised heavily of pasta dishes, and the lasagna, penne with broccoli and spaghetti amatrisciano are all highly recommended. Diners also rave over the gnocchi with pomodoro and the pizzas. The restaurant is only open for dinner on Tuesday through Saturday. Be prepared to leave the plastic at home, as Trinacria accepts only cash or checks. Reservations are not needed but are recommended, particularly on a Friday or Saturday evening, when the place gets really busy.

Trinacria Ristorante Italiano
113 Capitol Way N.
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 352-8892

Basilico Ristorante Italiano

The family that owns Basilico Ristorante Italiano only moved to Olympia from Italy in 2000, so when they claim everything they do is authentic, patrons enthusiastically agree. The pastas are all handmade on site, and diners are invited to watch the chefs at the pasta station. A variety of pasta dishes are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including ravioli stuffed with roasted asparagus and wide, flat pappardelle noodles with a wild boar ragu. The menu is arranged in the traditional Italian way with four courses, and the wine list is mostly Italian. The restaurant also offers a full menu that is gluten free. Basilico is a dinner-only restaurant, open Monday through Saturday.

Basilico Ristorante Italiano
507 Capitol Way S.
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 570-8777
ristorantebasilico.com

Mercato Ristorante

The popular Mercato Ristorante is not only open for lunch and dinner every day of the week, it also offers an upscale version of the early bird special called a Twilight Dinner. The Twilight menu is served from Sunday through Thursday in the late afternoon to early evening, and diners can choose from a prix fixe three-course menu. The pasta is handmade on site, and diners are enthusiastic about the fettuccine alla bolognese, the penne di pollo alla toscana, the pizza gamberi and the hazelnut goat cheese appetizer. Happy hour is offered Monday through Thursday with discounted food and drink specials. Outdoor dining is available in good weather.

Mercato Ristorante
111 Market St. N.W.
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 528-3663
ramblinrestaurants.com

Resources

Article Written By Maria Christensen

Since 1997, Maria Christensen's writing has appeared in diverse publications, from the "Savannah Morning News" to "Art Voices Magazine." She also authored "The Newcomer's Handbook for Moving to and Living in Seattle." A former construction industry accountant, Christensen studied communications at the University of Washington and history at Armstrong Atlantic State University. Her specialties include the fields of nutrition and business.

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