Cicchetti is Italian for (Cicheti) Venetian “tapas” small plates and finger foods. In Seattle, Cicchetti is a Mediterranean restaurant claiming to serve Venetian-inspired cuisine with a Northwest twist. It is what I consider the mother-in-law, bit on the side to Serafina’s Italian Restaurant in Seattle– a very Manhattan style swanky Italian dining spot in Eastlake.
Let me be very frank: Cicchetti is good, it is delicious. But it is by no means anything close to Venetian cuisine. I like the name, it makes sense that it is the small plates restaurant to Serafina’s but it should by no means be given Venetian status.
I went during Dine Around Seattle month in November. 3 courses, $33 excluding tip,tax and booze. However, if you go on a Tuesday to Cicchetti in Seattle, all wine bottles are 30% off. I think 3 is a theme for this place…
To start: Flavorful small bites. Medjool dates with Gorgonzola Piccante & chorizo. Roasted eggplant, tahini & za’atar. Beef tartare, tahini, yogurt & chervil.
To main: Local lamb loin with purées of Jerusalem artichoke & parsley, escarole & a red wine lamb jus.
To Pair: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano by Poliziano. Notes of black, earthy cherries, violet that is oh so typical of Sangiovese, roasted tea and a touch of spice.
To end: Spanish-style chocolate mousse served with olive oil, sea salt & crostoni. Ricotta fritters with cinnamon pastry cream & honey caramel
Holy crap. Did I mention that sitting upstairs affords you a most stunning skyline view of my beautiful lovely Seattle? Talk about romantic this place…
The food was pretty dead on. Perfect texture in the meat, ideal seasoning in the veggies and poignantly prepared sauces that dressed by. A fine selection of spicing and contrasting with sweet when needed. Dessert was silky, sweet and palate soaking richness.
I highly recommend Cicchetti for flavorful eating with fine tuned technique. The view and ambiance make it an ideal spot for a date, dress ups or for those that appreciate good food with class. What I find interesting is that the chef Tarik Abdullah who got the place up and running, is now running on The Taste hand picked by Anthony Bourdain.
May I take this opportunity to express the love I have for this food obsessed city?
In your Seattle dining delight,
Curious Appetite
Have any Mediterranean restaurant recommendations in Seattle you’d like to share? Leave a comment!