Itto's Tapas — Restaurant in Seattle

Update: Ittos' owner responded thoughtfully and sincerely to this message, so I'm changing the rating to 4 instead of 3. Thank you so much for following-up. I really did love this spot, aside from two instances.

Original post: This has been one of my favorite restaurants for the past few years I've been living in Seattle. Unfortunately, my most recent visit left a bad taste in my mouth.

I went with a couple of my friends who have joined me there several times before. We asked if we could sit in a booth, and the waiter said they would ask the manager since they usually reserve those for parties of 4 or more. That was understandable, but then a few minutes later, another party of 3 was immediately seated at one of the two available booths.

The waiter never followed-up with us, and we asked another member of the staff if we could be moved to the other vacant booth, considering that we requested it before the other party was seated there. The manager eventually came over, and said that they seated the other group there because of space constraints (though there were a couple of other tables the same size as the one they sat us at that were available).

We ordered $200 worth of food, and it was difficult to fit all of it on our small table. Also, we had to flag down the staff for water refills and to order more food, and the tables weren't manicured regularly, further limiting the space for food. Also, I periodically kept getting bumped by the waiter when they were delivering food to the table next to us. They could've delivered food from the other side of that table since no one was seated there, but it is what it is.

I expected the other party to have a fourth person join them, but that never occurred, and they left significantly before we did. All the while, the other booth was left empty for a potential larger group.

Part of me wonders if this was an instance of discrimination since we are a group of minorities and the other party was not, but regardless, it left a bad impression. I still really love the food at Itto's, but this was such a disappointing experience, and I was surprised that they didn't at least move us to the other booth, especially when our order was so large. I'm divided; all of my other experiences there, aside from one other, have been wonderful, but today was a letdown.

I definitely recommend this for a party of 2, but the exclusive booth thing and double-standard was a disappointment. I think more is lost than gained when the experience of actual customers is limited for...

They want a tip, but I can’t even hold a menu. People value a true social experience. One where they can hold a menu and talk about it with each other and that just doesn’t happen when we’re staring at our phones. This place still forces QR codes like the pandemic is going on. Apparently they didn’t get the memo from the restaurant association that QR codes actually, reduce revenue. If you’re going to cheap out, so am I. Food is good. Consistent. They only give you two. pieces of zalook instead of of three like they used to for the same price. I guess they think we don’t notice these things. If you’re going to cut back on the portions, but still charge us the same amount of money and more at least give us a menu. I don’t want to hold my phone when I’m out to dinner because I don’t want to see work texting me and emailing me. I put it away for a reason when I get to a restaurant. Also, Martika773 I was ridiculous. This is a tapas restaurant and she gave them less than five stars because they couldn’t accommodate children. That’s not what this restaurant is about. What a dumb reason to take away stars. I think my reason is far more valid because it’s a reasonable expectation that you can get a menu to look at at a restaurant. People with vision impairment, or who are forced to use their phone for work have a legitimate reason to be irritated with this place. Not people who want to bring their kids who end up standing in the way of the staff. I see it all the time. Put your kids in a seat if you’re gonna bring them to a restaurant. The staff deserved to be safe and not tripping over children. I love seeing children when the parents do their job. It is well documented that paper menus increase revenue, and that means that the servers are making better tips so the management should be...

This place is great! And for all the right reasons. It's a dark, cozy bar, with no TV, and a decent selection of liquor. I sat down at the bar and immediately felt welcome. Due to the small size you cannot but help but feel like the center of attention.

The lack of television is important, as it inspires conversation. I entered alone, and left having met three new people, and I thought I knew everyone in West Seattle.... Tapas is great. It may as well be happy hour (for food) open to close. The portions are phenomenal for the cost, and with every bite I had, I became more excited that this establishment is in my neighborhood.

While I have only tried a small portion of the menu, I am under the impression that you cannot go wrong. There appears to be several gluten-free options as well as vegetarian options. But if you ask me (and if you eat meat), do not. I repeat. Do. Not. Ignore the lamb dishes. The lamb skewers were cooked to perfection, the fatty bits melt in your mouth in all its delicious glory! The Berbere Burger was spectacular. The caramelized onion tasted like sweet butter candy, and the thin, almost English muffin like bun was chewy, yet crispy... and fresh baked daily!

I have no criticism of this establishment. The drinks are pricy, but no more than anywhere else in Seattle or West Seattle, and the price of food is more than reasonable for the quality and flavor u I u get. I urge anyone reading this, to give this place a try. It might just become your new local hangout. I know you'll see me there again...