Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Issaquah

I have been going to Montalcino during the holiday season for around 7 years now, even during COVID when they set up a tent in the outside parking lot. Clearly, it has always been very good and that is why I keep returning. However, tonight the experience rose to "superb." The special assorted appetizer was beautifully arranged and tasted as good as it looked. My saffron lobster go-to dish was perfect. The other dishes--lamb shank, waygu meatballs and pasta in a Marsala sauce, and short rib raviolis in Marsala sauce also made the other guests very pleased! For dessert, the cannoli, pistachio cheesecake, Italian sundae, and Limoncello gelato were all excellent for topping off a memorable meal. Our waitress was very attentive and the atmosphere was so casually and comfortably elegant that the entire experience was top notch. Will not be able to wait until next year's holiday season to return again! Thank you, Montalcino!

Superb, as usual. The carrot sformato was an unusual find and quite delicious. The addition of olives to the blood orange and fennel salad hit just the right acid note, Mama’s meatballs were pure beef with a strong dash of anise seed, and the accompanying marinara had been simmering for ages to pick up that deep complexity of flavors and great balance between sweet and slightly acid.

Great food! I recommend the Miso Black Cod, and had a great Mezcal drink. They were very sweet and the staff made our Christmas Eve dinner fantastic!

Thanks, Jak’s for a Merry Christmas! Our daughter completely believed Santa treated us to a nice family meal. You all rock.

We ordered the green bean appetizer and it was light but very tasty. For the main course I ordered a pesto based shrimp pasta and it was delicious. They are always on point with their pasta dishes.