We visited this spot for dinner this weekend as walk ins. Upon entry, we were both charmed and confused by the owner's and server's over the top accents and bold personality, then unsettled as we were asked where we were from (I guess pioneer square is a touristy part of town). About 5 minutes after arriving we placed our wine order, 3 separate glasses of wines, and the server changed the order to a house chianti. As the bottle was being opened, the server told us it was $35. While the wine was good, I consider it incredibly presumptious to order patrons to change thier order to a totally different type of wine, and an expensive chianti at that. After pouring the wine, our menus were removed and we were told to trust the server for our food choices. We had a fair idea that perhaps this would result in a high bill at the end of the night, but for whatever reason decided to go along. We were served appetizer plates of fiori di zucchi, and then one plate of pasta with meat to share. While all of the food was fine (but doused in oil), we were charged about $50 a person at the end of the evening. From what we saw of the menu, a pasta dish and an appetizer with a glass of wine and americano after would have normally cost about $30. In seattle, $50 can go much further towards purchasing delicious italian that it did here. I don't think its ever appropriate to take the reins from a customer unless you are going to give them a deal or the customer offers the reins up. We were placed in an uncomfortable position and told to trust the server and owner, and regretted it.
Pros: Good italian ambience
Cons: Pushy service
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