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For our anniversary, Bethany and I went to dinner at Pasta Bella, in Ballard.  Hiding in plain sight, the restaurant is located on 15th Avenue NW and 59th.  We missed it the first time we went there (for her birthday), and nearly missed it this time.

The restaurant is divided into three sections.  The first section is for employees only, being how it’s the kitchen.  The second and third sections are for customer seating (third second for larger parties).  It is a rather small restaurant with 50 seats max.

Both times we have been to PBR, there are been only 2 other parties in the restaurant.  Our waiter sat us in the section that didn’t have air conditioning (on the second hottest day in Seattle, ever).  Our waiter, who had a french accent, told us the specials and gave us our menus.  Bethany ordered a glass of Chianti wine, water for me.  He returned with our drinks and vanished.  It took him over 10 minutes before he came back to see what we want to order.  He didn’t mention anything like, “oh sorry, I was stuck at the other table,” or lie and say “Anglo was slammed the kitchen with orders, and I had to help.”  We were pretty hungry, so as soon as we saw him we ordered as fast as we could.

Cooking time was about right.  It wasn’t to long after we ordered that I had my spaghetti and meat balls in front of me.  It was a very large dish, and plenty of noodles.  The spaghetti sauce was okay, however, I’m not much of an onions fan – this was full of onions.

We made good time, however, only being there for just over an hour.  We could have been out of there sooner, if we didn’t get slow service at first.  That was the most frustrating part, especially, since the last time we were here, it was just as slow.

Atmosphere:  Quiet, peaceful. Italian style artwork and decorations on walls.  Uncomfortable chairs.  Low lighting.

Crowd:  Only one other group in our section.  Age range of 40-50.  Don’t see myself playing Wii bowling with them.

Music:  None.  Only noise was from the cars racing by on 15th ave.

Prices:  Decent.  Wouldn’t have mind if it was $1-2 cheaper.  $12.99 for spaghetti and meatballs, left-over sized.

Overall, I’d go again.

/juice