By Jenn

Between the madness at work and helping with my friend’s big move across town, I had zero time or energy to cook anything substantial this past week. I pretty much survived off bananas, oatmeal and wine – interesting combo, huh? So I was super excited to have dinner at La Spiga for the first time with a group of friends on Saturday evening after all the chaos died down.

Located in the hip and trendy Capitol Hill neighborhood, La Spiga offers authentic Northeast Italian fare made from fresh local ingredients. The space is beautiful, adorned with dark wood and large windows lending a view of the city skyline. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, a stark contrast from the torrential cold rain we had just walked in from. While we waited for our table, we enjoyed cocktails in a nice open lounge across from the bar – yay for delicious lavender lemon drops and people-watching!

The one minor setback to the experience was how ridiculously close our table was to those next to us – I could barely hear myself think among all the loud conversations going on only inches away. Anyway, we started with an appetizer of fried gnocco fritto bread, prosciutto, Robiola Fresca cheese and pickeled vegetables. The bread was out of this world – crisp on the outside and soft and delicate on the inside.

I had a hard time deciding between a pasta dish or meat entrée, but when our waiter informed us that there were only 6 pork entrées left, I figured that would be a good choice given how popular it was. Ummm, it was a GREAT choice! The pork tenderloin was so juicy and tender, and the pancetta wrapped on top added a nice crunch and salty bite. It paired perfectly with the sweetness and tang of both the butternut squash puree and balsamic braised cipollini onions that were served alongside. Mmmm mmmm! My friends had the red wine braised oxtail w/ rosemary roasted potatoes, and the beef tenderloin w/ white truffle oil and mashed potatoes. Aside from one of the beef dishes being overcooked, everyone else was also pleased with their meals.  We washed everything down with a bottle of 2007 Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba.

The great atmosphere and excellent food (at a reasonable price, might I add) at La Spiga made for a very pleasant first-time experience.  I will definitely be coming back again – next time I shall try a pasta dish and actually save room for dessert.

Osteria La Spiga

1429 12th Ave (between Pike St & Union St)
Seattle, WA 98122

(206) 323-8881

www.laspiga.com