Everyone loves Italian food. Old and young, 70 percent of people say they eat Italian food as often as once a month.
Italian food is an iconic cuisine that is appetizing to people almost everyone. If you’re a fan of great authentic Italian food, you know the importance of staying up to date with the best places to go. Especially if you’re not on the east coast!
So, here’s a list of the best Italian restaurants in Olympia. Try not to let your mouth water while you read!
The Best Italian Restaurants in Olympia
Pasta, breadsticks, and meatballs; you name it, these restaurants have it.
1. Basilico
This Italian restaurant has one of the most inviting interiors you’ll see in the PNW. With a rustic feel to its food – and its decorating – you’ll feel like you’re sitting in old world Italy.
Their menu features a long list of fine red or white wines for anyone’s palate. They also feature many other drink selections. The food menu has a terrific selection of appetizers, entrees, and pasta plates. If you have trouble deciding on what you want, they also put together tasting menus. But you’ve got to try their homemade pasta.
Our recommendations are the pasta with ground pork and mushrooms in a cream sauce and the eggplant parmesan appetizers. Really quite spectacular dishes.
Some people sometimes feel left out at Italian restaurants because of a gluten intolerance. But that won’t be the case here, because Basilico’s also offers gluten-free options. This is very uncommon in the Italian restaurant world. #glutenfreeforme
2. Casa Mia
When a restaurant earns awards for their food, you know it’s going to be good. Some of the best Italian food comes with a heartfelt backstory, and Casa Mia has that. Recently they were awarded first prize in the “Pizza Across America” contest for their Chicken Pizza, and have twice won Pizza Today International Pizza Recipe Contest.
Our recommendations are the $8 lunch special with their house salad and homemade vinaigrette dressing and minestrone soup.
Between their pizza and pasta menu, your mouth will water reading the descriptions. They’re also able to accommodate a range of dietary needs.
3. Pizzeria La Gitana
If you’re looking for a unique environment with quality food, look no further. This restaurant boasts a kitchen full of imported, organic ingredients.
There are plenty of salads and appetizers on the menu. But the real star is their long, detailed list of pizza. This menu is full of white pizza, pesto pizza, and almost any other type of pizza you can imagine.
Our recommendations are the Italian Classic pizza and a pint of Peroni on tap.
And they even offer delivery for when you’re not feeling up for a night out and a very good gluten free crust.
4. The Mark
If fine dining is a little more your speed, welcome to The Mark. Its rustic, romantic setting is a great place for anniversaries and even birthdays. In fact, they also host other events such as weddings.
Their menu is extensive, offering the classics as well as some new takes. If you visit this restaurant, prepare to leave completely satisfied. Pasta’s, surf and turf, and more will keep you coming back.
Our recommendations are the vodka grapefruit with fresh squeezed organic ruby red grapefruit juice and a grass fed NY steak with green beans for dinner.
Don’t forget to leave room for dessert. Tiramisu and chocolate cake are only a few of the delicious, post-dinner items you should try.
Explore Olympia
There’s no doubt you’ll find some of the best Italian restaurants in Olympia. No matter what mood you’re in, there’s a restaurant that fits your pace. Make a list of some of these great places and try them all.
If you’re passing through or have lived in Olympia for a while, you may want to know what there is to do. Read “Top Things to Do in Olympia WA” for lots of great ideas!
