Reviewing Como: Lombardian-inspired food with beautiful views of Lake Washington in Kirkland, WA.

This was my first-time dining at Como, and it surpassed all of my expectations. Como is located in Carillion Point on the Kirkland waterfront, which contributes to the Mediterranean-themed dining room and menus. I visited Como for a birthday celebration, and this was the perfect spot because of its festive, lively, and inviting interior. The dining room is lined with windows that offer breathtaking views of Lake Washington. Depending on the time of evening visited you may be lucky enough to have a great sunset view as well. The seating area is open, but there are turns and alcoves that still allow for the quiet, private dining experience. The interior feels sophisticated and clean but still has a coastal, laid-back ambiance.  

 My party had requested outdoor seating because they have great, open-air dining on their vast patio, however, when we arrived at the restaurant, they moved us to a different table because of a private event that occupied the entire outdoor section. What we got was even better though: they put us in their private dining room! Located in the back of the restaurant, there is a long  table that could comfortably seat 10 with a wall of wine bottles behind it. It is closed off from the main dining room with sliding glass doors that allow for an intimate feel, separate from the rest of the bustling restaurant. The best part was that we had the whole room for just six of us! 

Now for the food: everyone in my party ordered a pasta or pizza, and they were all delectable! Every single dish was satisfying and filling but did not make you feel sluggish.

My favorite dish was the one that I ordered (no surprises there)! It was a perfectly al dente, tagliatelle pasta with creamy white sauce, snap peas, and pancetta; everything I look for in a great pasta dish. The gnocchetti was a close second because I loved trying the mini sized gnocchi. The smaller size meant they were able to pick up so much more tasty sauce.

I have been trying the burrata appetizers at various Italian restaurants.  Como’s burrata was unlike any other I had tried up until this point. I was accustomed to burrata being served with crusty, toasted bread and some items to use as toppings. This appetizer did not come with bread and was served with a variety of melons. The burrata was very creamy, but I did not love the combination of it with fruit, especially without having any bread to go under it. It may not be my favorite burrata dish but it was definitely fun to try and I enjoyed experiencing this different style of burrata. 

Due to fact that we are all under 21, we ordered mocktails! They had fun names; I ordered the “Miss Behave” and others ordered the “Almost Tini”. What enticed me the most about the “Miss Behave” was the smoked agave and lime. The drink was very refreshing and served beautifully with an orange slice. The “Almost Tini” was also excellent and a little more juice-like because of the raspberry liqueur flavor. 

Overall, this was a very fun experience because of the charming, Lake Como-esque ambience and wonderful food. Como’s menus change regularly, which allows them to have a great spread of dishes with the freshest ingredients that match the season. I am looking forward to coming back again to see what they have in store for other seasons.