Altura Restaurant brings the seasonal emphasis of Italian cooking to the bounty of the Northwest with artisan technique. Guests enjoy the elegance of the freshest ingredients, simply prepared and perfectly presented. Chef Lockwood crafts his weekly-changing menu to celebrate the best, most seasonal products available, highlighting Northwest produce and foraged items where appropriate, as well as specialty Italian ingredients. Similarly, the 80-bottle wine list strives to combine highlights from the Northwest with Old World selections from small producers in a range of styles. Wine Director Guy Kugel has hand-selected each label, and will pair wine flights, glasses, or bottles to suit the desires of each guest. Altura encourages its guests to dine in the Italian style by providing a "3-4-5" coursed dinner format, whereby the guest chooses selections from three, four, or five course sections, but guests are also welcome to dine a la carte.
"A truly memorable experience - I have never before written a review - this is the place for diners who want the full experience food, wine, and service. I will return for my next special occasion."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"My wife and I found this restaurant on Open Table on a week long trip to Seattle. We received very personable attention while dining here, without even asking they had me taste test a couple of wines that I wasn't familiar with, and offer great suggestions for a fantastic dining experience."
Dined on 6/12/2013
2005
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"My husband and I celebrated his birthday at Altura this year and it was a great experience. We had the 7 course tasting menu and 5 of the 7 dishes were outstanding. This is my second time to the restaurant and both times the food has been very good. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to others. The service drink service was a little slow which seemed a little odd."
Dined on 6/11/2013
2013
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"Having just returned from Italy and eating some fantastic meals, the bar was set high for Altura. It did not disappoint. The pastas were as good as any we sampled in Italy. We appreciated that we were not rushed through the courses and could savor each delicious bite. The wait staff was courteous, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. Altura remains at the top of our favorite Seattle restaurants!
SJO"
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"My husband and I celebrated our anniversary with a dinner here. This place never disappoints. We ordered the chef's tasting menu. What a treat! Great food with ingredients I would never have tasted. Great wine, too. Our only disappointment was a lamb dish. The lamb tasted muttony, and we didn't care for it. This is the first time that has happened, and I consider it a fluke. Be sure to ask for seating at the "viewing area", a fancy word for counter. Sit there and you'll be able to watch the amazing chefs work their magic."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"Our entire dining experience was fabulous. The staff was outstanding throughout and we never felt rushed- we were able to savor every bite! In particular, Nancy (our main server) was a delight."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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"Altura is that restaurant you leave and immediately start thinking about what to try on your next visit. If you are a party of two consider sitting at the counter. There is a food ballet going on behind the counter that is incredible. Impeccable service."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"This was our third time at Altura, and this visit was as good as our previous ones. We love the ambience, the chef's artistry, the little open kitchen, the attention to detail paid to all the dishes, the uniqueness of the ordering system, the friendly yet stellar service, the fresh delicious bread served while we wait for our meal, and the always-welcome complimentary pre-dinner amuse-bouche conjured up by the 'magician' owner & head chef (Nathan Lockwood). We will be back again, and again, and again...need I say more? :-)"
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"I love the chef's tasting menu and the idea of customizing that by choosing my own courses. The wine pairings were impeccable. Food was inventive, delicious and beautifully presented. I'd love love love to go back!"
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"This was our first visit to Altura, but be sure, we will be back! The food was excellent, from the seasonal green salad to the lamb cheeks and rum vanilla panna cotta with fruit. It is noisy, particularly if you are sitting at the counter watching the cooking! But what fun. And you can ask questions as well. The food may be the best we've had in some time, including in New York. The portions are not large, but you don't go away hungry! We had room for the dessert without feeling like we had overeaten. The wine list is not large, but some very good wines to choose from."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"The food and wine was exceptional at Altura. They have a set course (7 course dinner) or a make your own course (3, 4, 5 course dinner). Every dish was delicious! The plates were also beautifully presented. Cozy ambience. The service was attentive but not overwhelming."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot, special occasion
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"The appetizers and entrees were both creative and delicious, however we were very disappointed by the pasta dishes. They both just tasted like smoky, salty meat (was listed as a garnish). Service was also excellent. Great place for a special occasion."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Firstbvisit tonSeattle and we chose Altura from various food reports. We were mot disappointed. Had the tasting menu. Was exceptional. We opted for the wine course as well and unlike many of these, this was excellent with very interesting selection of Italian wines."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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"With all due respect to the coffee company of the same name, this Emerald City gem is really the finest. Delicious and beautiful food, terrific service and a breath-taking wine list pair nicely with impeccable service for the perfect Northwest dining experience."
Dined on 8/08/2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"Would have given the food five stars but for an entree (the short rib ravioli) that wasn't very hot (kind of a pet peeve of mine). Otherwise, the food, wine and service was outstanding."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Amazing, as always. If possible, our dinner Saturday was even better than our last few visits. The chef's tasting menu is a tour de force from start to finish. We'll be back as soon as we are able!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Altura is a rare and unique dining experience for the sophisticated diner. My family and friends feel that Nathan Lockwood is an exceptionally talented chef and we are thrilled to meet up and dine in this charming small restaurant. We try for after work reservations as they are hard to come by on the weekends. Thank you Altura for wonderful culinary memories!"
Dined on 04/11/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Too noisy too carry on a conversation at a table for 2 once it filled up - hence only 4 stars. Possibly still the second best restaurant to our taste in Seattle."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
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"Had a fantastic dinner at Altura at the chef's counter. Bravo for imaginative, beautifully prepared food. Service was friendly and well informed. Overall 5* dinner."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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"Love this place. Some of the best tasting food in Seattle. Unpretentious and hip. Wine list is reasonably priced. The staff worked around my wife's lactose intolerance. Totally fun night!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"This is my first open table review. I am from the SF Bay Area (Sacramento) and booked Altura while visiting Seattle. My partner and I sat at the bar, that overlooks the kitchen- this added to the experience by making it unique and if you love food it may inspire you as you watch each plate become a piece of art. We each ordered the 4 course tasting menu wine wine pairing- each dish stood on its own and the wine pairing was outstanding with the wines provided being from limited vinards from around the world. The welcomed surprise was when the chief (owner) had a dish we didn't order delivered to us- pappardelle with tripe and oxtail(a must try that was outstanding- I was too scared to order tripe). The staff made the night! Outstanding!"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Altura is one of the great restaurants in this country. Everything that you ever dreamed about can be found at this restaurant: unbelievable food, beautiful presentation, impeccable service, wonderful ambience, tasty wine, interesting menu. Nothing fell below a five-star rating."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"We had not been to Altura for several months. Frankly, we were disappointed. The food was good, but not outstanding as in previous visits. The combination of foods was interesting, and the presentation was lovely. Many dishes were quite salty; there was not a green salad to be found."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"The best dining experience I have had in a very long time. Service was flawless and you knew there was love in the food with each bite. Conversations is easy since it is cozy and quiet. Perfect for a special occasion."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Have eaten here 3 times and each time has been outstanding. Eating at the counter can be a bit noisy and there aren't a lot of smaller tables, but overall it's a great find."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Very pricey, but a foodies dream to try all sorts of creative fair. Rabbit cooked 5 ways? Oyster soup? Smoked tuna salad? Had to ask what half the menu meant. Very high quality"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Great service, and food was all over the place. The pork and beef entrees were delicious, as was the rissotto and gnocchi, but the octopus was chewy and the desserts just didn't come together for me."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"One of Seattle's top restaurants, without question and equals top places in many other and larger cities. Well chosen wine list.Will recommend to friends."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Best restaurant in the Pacific Northwest. Every course was a revelation of flavor and beauty. This is dining for the sophisticated palate. Delicious vegetarian courses were created for an out of town guest. Try for counter seats in order to watch this very talented chef."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"very high end high price delicious food. no somewhere i'd eat all the time but great for a special occassion. every morsel was mouth watering. take the time to eat slowly and savor every bite."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Creative exciting food. Medley of flavors, fresh rich, seductive. Fun place to eat. Service great, warm friendly. What can I say, it was a wonderful meal and evening."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Very good service (our coats were taken at the door, we were ushered to our table, brought a gift from the chef and it felt like the staff sincerely cared about your experience). The food itself was magnificent - both in taste and presentation. We enjoyed a 3 course meal, and were very satisfied. Highly recommend Altura!"
Dined on 02/26/2013
2009
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Altura has a very different menu style and food choices. The menu is updated on a weekly basis and includes unusual combinations of food that are very rich and flavorful. While the restaurant is considered Italian it is not your traditional Italian food. Review the menu carefully before dining to make sure you are willing to try something new. It is worth the experience."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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"Watching the staff work is like watching perfectly coreographed dance. They are almost silent, fluid, yet their communication is spot on. It is a model for any kind of team or professional collaboration. They respect each other, they repect the food, they respect the diners. Service is generous, prompt and informative without a note of unctuousness. Food is fabulous, clean and inventive putting virtually every dish in the category of exceptional. This was our fifth visit and we brought French friends who happen to be in the catering business. They were sputtering with delight. Nathan Lockwood has created a total experience where the art of dining has been so scrupulously considered it could be used as a pattern for any endeavor."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"The service was impeccable! Food was amazing, I especially love how flexible the restaurant was to customize to my dietary restrictions last minute. I highly recommend all of the pasta dishes! and I tried both the ling cod and salmon - they were both perfect. I didn't enjoy or get the mascarpone ice-cream, especially when it costs an extra $17 supplement charge!"
Dined on 02/26/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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