Lombardi's Neighborhood Italian of Ballard

its good

Fabulous food, very attentive serivce and a great value. I'm a flight attendante and I've traveled a lot in Italy and I know Lombardi's has truly outstanding Italian food. Great local ownership who gives back to the community. It's on top of my list for great Italian food.

Pros: Great value, great wine selection, great food, and very friendly service
Cons: I would like it to be nearer where I live

I've been to Lombardi's five times and have never been disappointed. Twice I was with a large group for lunch and was pleasantly surprised by their service (I know serving a large group can be challenging). The other three times were for dinner, with one or two other guests. The baked ravioli is one of the best dishes I've ever had, as is the chicken parmesan. Their pizzas are good -- filling, good toppings, and a good value. I'd give their Caesar salad a B+. I also have to echo the thumbs-up on the $14 wine offerings. Parking is a bear, but it's downtown Ballard, so it's kind-of expected. It's on major bus routes, so that is always an option (especially with those $14 bottles of wine!). Lombardi's is a standard on our list for affordable Italian food with a nice atmosphere.

Pros: Good food, good price, good atmosphere
Cons: Parking, of course

Being in the neighborhood I have had several opportunities to give Lombardi's several chances. The food was OK each time but the service went from questionable to unforgivable. Perhaps the entire staff can not be criticized but I won't go back to see if my luck improves. The first few times some younger waiters were unfamiliar with the menu's offerings. Once an older gentleman really scored with a wine suggestion. However the LAST time I was there, a middle-aged balding man was extremely rude to me and my date when we asked to be seated in a pleasant area instead of the congested areas he had suggested. When we overheard him from the kitchen talking of those difficult customers (us), we decided to boycott this place for life.

Pros: It's in Ballard
Cons: Some staff is the downfall

I have been to both Ballard and Issaquah - Live in Issaquah - have to echo everything that was said about the Ballard location but I want folks to know that I would, and have, taken a date to Issaquah - it is a little more intimate - nice lighting - nice decor and, while I am continually impressed with the menu, I have seen the service improve tremendously over the last year. It used to be a place we would go once in a while - now its our weekly date night. The staff and managers always seem to remember us, what we like, what table we like and we are treated like part of the family!

If you are on the east side it is definitely well worth the visit - Both stores have basically the same menu and the quality is equal! Check it out

Pros: Ambience, Service, Food, Great Neighborhood Happy Hour too
Cons: They have become so busy on the weekends you have to wait if you don't have reservations