Bucatini — Restaurant in Edmonds

We went here for date night based on the great reviews. I cannot fathom how this place has such good reviews. We were one of two tables in the place. We got sat near the other couple (why do I need to be on top of someone in an empty restaurant?) in the corner back by the bar. The waitress seemed really flighty and out of it, did not listen well. We both ordered different dishes and both were accurate. However when asked if we wanted plain bread or garlic assuming BOTH were complimentary, we were then charged $7 for the garlic bread instead of free regular bread. she did not mention it was not complimentary! Garlic must be pricey! The food was just really weird. The garlic bread was so hard it scratched the roof of my mouth badly. I had the Gorgonzola chicken. The cheese was way too rich not in a good way. They put beets and potatoes and carrots in the sauce and it was just a really strange combination. It was not good, in fact it was almost nauseating and I just couldn’t finish. My husband had the manicotti and it was very very bland. We did not realize we had been charged for the bread until I did the math and realized the bill was way too high. So I called them and they said oh yeah the bread isn’t free sorry thought we told you that. I asked for a refund and they said their credit card machine doesn’t allow that (how convenient) and I could have a free meal there when returning as if I would ever go back…. They also don’t accept visa gift cards when other restaurants do. Whatever. Waitress really couldn’t care less about the service. I had to go seek her out to get the bill after about 30 minutes of being obviously done. It was also very cold that day but the cooks must have been hot because the door was wide open the entire time. I was freezing even sitting in the back of the restaurant but I’m glad the cooks could be comfortable at the customers’ expense. I just wanted to get out of there as fast as I could. Worst Italian food, worst treatment, uncomfortable temperatures. It’s not just the mistakes nor the bad food it’s how they reacted to it when I asked for a refund of $7. I spoke to the waitress on the phone and she was very oh well not my problem approach. I do not treat service industry workers badly as I have been one my whole working life; however, I was shaking over how she spoke to me. They ended up taking just gratuity off the check so that was the only partial positive solution for a horrible experience. Treat customers better. Don’t fall for the good reviews. You will be disappointed if in nothing else, definitely the food. I wouldn’t eat a free meal here, I wouldn’t even eat here again if I was...

Joined friends here tonight for the first time. I was apprehensive at first because I have not had good luck at Italian restaurants in the past so they are not my favorite. But this place has changed my opinion. The service was friendly and warm. The food definitely exceeded my expectations. I had the Bucatini with Meatball and sausage. It was delicious and the meatball was so good I would order just a meatball for lunch with bread for a smaller portion. My spouse had the ravioli and it was amazing. The pork lent a smoky flavor to it and it was well balanced. Everything was seasoned to perfection. The pasta was the perfect texture on both dishes. The garlic bread serving was crunchy and full of flavor with fresh garlic. The portions are huge, you will be taking home boxes. Let’s talk about dessert. Something I rarely ever order while dining out but I couldn’t resist the Limoncello cake and a cappuccino. My friend ordered the tiramisu. The limoncello cake is the lightest cake I’ve ever had. It was heaven and the perfect finish to a heavier meal. The tiramisu was also extremely light and well balanced. I highly suggest trying both. The cappuccino had a deep flavor and the milk was foamed perfectly. Heads up, this is a true cappuccino serving not a giant wide cup like some coffee shops serve. The atmosphere is welcoming, with dimmer lighting but not too dim, it would be perfect for a date night. Heads up, it is very crowded and very loud, not the fault of the restaurant, it just means they are doing well, but if you or someone in your party have sensory issues, you may want to bring headphones. Parking is available out front but you can also part at the bank on the other side of Ivars when it’s closed. I cannot wait to go back and I never thought I would say that about an Italian restaurant. This place...

Where to start.... you walk in, off a reasonably busy street into what amounts to a restaurant on the end of a strip mall. Immediately you feel like you're in a classy yet laid back Italian joint that could be anywhere in the world if you didn't know better. From decor/design to the ambiance set by the music, the atmosphere is exactly what you want when sitting down to a meal that should take a good chunk of your evening to fully enjoy. Impossible to find fault with our service. Our waitress timed every friendly visit perfectly, and at no point did we feel rushed or neglected, despite the evening rush picking up to a crescendo soon after we sat down. We started with caprese and Caesar salads, both were lovely starts to what would turn out to be a brain-melting eating experience. Fearing full stomachs prior to our entrees, we stuck with some garlic bread. The bread and the garlic level were both ideal in every aspect. The pasta won the show, for sure. We both ended up getting dishes that used their Bucatini pasta; the Vongole with traditional sauce was simple yet utterly delicious, and the prosciutto/pea/Alfredo with added meatballs left me sad that my stomach wasn't larger. Portions here will blow you away, and if you leave without leftovers you should probably consider competitive eating as a hobby. I'm usually pleased with each new eating experience in the greater Seattle area, but this one left me disappointed, because now I don't think I'll get to try any other Italian restaurants. I fear I would end up regretting not giving myself a chance to try another item on Bucatini's menu. Final note: someone needs to call Heaven and see if they're missing some Limoncello Cake, because I'm certain Bucatini's makes daily trips to replenish...