Tasty Reasonably Priced Authentic Italian...

[mr.chorizo]

Can these words be placed in the same sentence when dining in Seattle? I have been to Carmine's, La Spiga and Serafina for some quality eats, but after spending the summer in italy and being a recent college grad I am looking for some place that is affordable and delicious. Recently I have tried Bizzarro and Ponte Vecchio (?) in Fremont and while they were good, the price of a plate of pasta was $15, and I'm pretty sure the last time I made it at home I used flour, eggs, water and salt. Can somebody help me out or should I simply stick with the Barilla???

[Sky]

I've had many a good meal at the Fremont Classic. Prices are still fairly reasonable, e.g. around ten dollars for a variety of pasta dishes. Sky

[ssusu]

I really like La Medusa. Although not aggressively inexpensive like the restaurants in Italy (che malo!), I think they faithfully try to emulate the cuisine of southern Italy, their fresh pastas are very good, and they're nice people to boot. Prices are reasonable, and I prefer it to Lago.

[CriticalEater]

Cafe Lago is a rip off. Stay away. Small portions and overpriced food that caters to the upscale residents of the neighborhood. I wouldn't consider it authentic either. I agree the lasagne is good, but not worth the price.

[seattledebs]

I too was less than impressed with Cafe Lago. I went with a friend (and former food critic) last week, as neither of us had ever gone. The pastas were about $15 each for rather unremarkable dishes. I had gnocchi with a too-sour tomato-vodka sauce. Their entire pasta menu was: the gnocchi, a lasagne, spaghetti with meatballs, and I believe one other dish I can't remember. Nothing that sounded (or, based on what we had, tasted) remarkable. It was decent, sure, but a little disappointing.

For uncooked fresh pasta, I've always liked Pasta & Co. as well. Also, DeLaurenti has fresh pasta - and they run the sheet through the cutting machine right when you buy it. Who knows if that makes it taste fresher but I enjoyed it anyway.

[not the bad Steve]

Try their lasagna before you write them off--it's transcendant. Pizzas are quite good, too.

[seattledebs]

I did try their lasagne, actually. My friend got it. I thought it was pretty yummy, but left my life unchanged. Not worth the price.

But I can see how someone else might really like it. Nice light taste.

[lisaf]

Not sure if I'd consider Cafe Lago "reasonably priced" as requested by the poster.

I like the fresh pasta from Pasta & Co. that you cook at home. Having never been to Italy I'm not sure if it's authentic, but it is good and affordable and way easier than making your own raviolis.

[Lauren]

Two words for you.....Cafe Lago.