Seattle | Enjoying Sicilian Acid Soup Squid in This Courtyard 😋

Last outdoor dining before the rainy season! Gathered with friends to explore this low-key Italian restaurant, Picolinos, in the Ballard neighborhood. Absolutely loving it! 🌿 I have to say, their courtyard is amazing! A glance around and you’re surrounded by bamboo, grapevines, and various otherUnnamed plants and flowers. With sculptures and a small stone pond, it feels like a hidden paradise deep in the mountains. Highly recommended for those who enjoy this kind of dining experience! 🏞️ Tried three dishes; the complimentary bread slices before the meal might just be the chewiest on the outside and softest inside I’ve ever had at a restaurant. Dipped in their special herb olive oil, it’s irresistible… How can bread and dipping sauce be so good? I wanted to ask the waiter for another plate, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. 🥐 Sicilian Acid Soup Squid: Served hot, it contains tender squid, tangy cherry tomatoes, rich purple olives, garlic, and a hint of spiciness. As an appetizer, it’s very appetizing. The tomato soup is thick and rich, and one sip really does make you feel the sunshine of Sicily… Highly recommended! 🌶️🍅 Mushroom Artichoke Ham Pizza: I couldn’t resist stopping when I saw wood fire pizza. I probably miss the charcoal-grilled pizza from Italy too much. Ordered this one, and it’s huge with a thin crust, but the crust isn’t as fluffy and thick as I’d like, making the bottom a bit damp. However, rolling it up to eat is still good, isn’t that the most authentic way to eat it? The taste is nice. 🍕 Marinated Ham Cheese + Roasted Vegetable Cold Platter: Perfect for pairing with wine or for slow eating and chatting. It’s all cold, with the vegetables having a strong roasted aroma with a hint of acidity; the meat is fresh, and there are three types of cheese to try. The olives are super delicious! 🥙 Lastly, I want to compliment their waitstaff. They all look like Italians, handsome and with very efficient service. 💁‍♂️ #HiddenGemRestaurant #FoodExploration #SeattleFood #SeattleFoodExploration #FoodDiary #ItalianRestaurant #CharcoalGrilledPizza #SicilianCuisine #ColdMeatCheesePlatter #SeattleWeekend