5 responses so far ↓

• 1 CJ // Jun 23, 2008 at 5:25 pm

  I have to warn all the potential future victims of Il Giardino–Don’t eat there! I went for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner with my boyfriend, and we were really disappointed. Not only did they not serve the full menu that night, the few choices left were unappetizing and didn’t resemble any Italian food I have ever had. On top of that, they had an awkward musical duo performing in the cramped space, and all the patrons over 80 years old were singing along to “That’s Amore.” Gross food, weird atmosphere, all together, bad.

• 2 lauram // Jun 23, 2008 at 8:56 pm

  I would LOVE these guys to succeed. They’re really nice, the place is cute, we need a nice restaurant in this area, BUT the food is not very good. The sauces seem to be the main problem. We ordered calamari in a spicy sauce, but the sauce was not spicy and it was very bland and looked and tasted like it came out of a bottle. The salad was also very run-of-the-mill. Please Il Giardino - get a different chef or have your current chef spend more time on sprucing up the menu.

• 3 Mr. Fantastic // Jun 27, 2008 at 2:27 pm

  Have to agree with lauram, I really really want to like this place and it is walking distance, but after a couple tries, I’ll hoof it the extra way to Pasta Bella or drive up the hill to the Swingside.

• 4 tracy // Aug 16, 2008 at 9:26 am

  Went to Il Giardino last night for the first time and it was outstanding. Caprese appetizer was one of the best we’ve ever had — excellent balance of flavors and super fresh tomatoes. I had a chicken parmigiana special, husband had linguine with prawns, clams and mussels. His shellfish was all perfectly cooked, and my chicken was so tender I could cut it with a fork. Our server was very nice and the place has a lovely ambience. Even with so many Italian options in Ballard, we’ll definitely be back to this one.

• 5 CM // Aug 17, 2008 at 12:18 am

  Interior is a little too clinical. Staff, although taking care of us, were not terribly warm.

  Terrible coffee.

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