Seemor
Rimini RestaurantB+Worth Trying
3 Lake St, Kirkland, WA 98033
· Italian restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (501 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
High-energy Italian spot with live music, huge portions, and some standout pastas; great for celebrations, but loud, cramped, and pricey with occasional service and consistency hiccups.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Rimini Restaurant delivers exceptional hospitality and solid food quality that make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants, particularly for celebratory occasions. However, inconsistent execution on seafood and appetizers and tight physical space during peak hours prevent it from reaching higher territory. The lively atmosphere with live music and generous portions create a festive destination appeal for diners seeking hearty, traditional Italian fare.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with live music snaking between tables, staff who seem to know half the guests, and plates that land fast and generous. One diner summed it up: "They made space for us and treated us like longtime friends," even on a packed night. However, the vibe can tip into very loud, and space feels tight when the rush is on. The cooking leans elevated traditional rather than avant‑garde: rich red sauces, seafood pastas, and showpiece cacio e pepe spun in a cheese wheel on Tue–Thu. When it hits, it shines—Sunday sauce and chicken parm win lots of fans—but a few dishes (especially some seafood and a couple of starters) read heavy or uneven. It suits diners who enjoy hearty, celebratory plates over minimalist tasting menus. Families do well here thanks to familiar crowd‑pleasers like meatballs, pizza pie, chicken parm, and creamy pastas, and the portions are easy to share. There is no clear kids menu, and the noise level can overwhelm quieter kiddos, but if your crew enjoys a festive scene, this will feel like a victory dinner spot.
At a Glance
- Big-hearted hospitality with owner serenades and attentive servers
- Huge portions that make the high prices feel more justifiable
- Lively atmosphere with live music ideal for celebrations
- Noise levels are very high during peak hours, sometimes measured at concert-like levels
- Inconsistent execution on some seafood and appetizers
What Sets It Apart
- tableside_cheese_wheel_cacio_e_pepe
- live_serenades_by_owner
- oversized_sharable_portions
What People Love
- Feeling welcomed like family by the owners and staff
- Cheese-wheel cacio e pepe spectacle on weeknights
- Comforting red sauces and hearty pasta dishes
- The live accordion or guitar adding to the party mood
- Leaving with leftovers after a satisfying meal
Points of Concern
- Noise and crowding can be intense; front room especially loud during prime time
- Reservation handling via third-party platforms has caused confusion; direct booking advised
- A few reports of overcooked or mushy seafood and bland starters
- Temperature can feel warm during rush, and waiting area is small
- Review patterns show occasional polished marketing-style posts, though overall authenticity appears solid
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$72-96 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Share one appetizer and one main per two people to balance portions and cost
- Seafood pastas are popular but confirm doneness preference; ask for al dente pasta on request
- Vegetarians have solid options (risotto, pesto, cacio e pepe) though vegan choices are limited
Perfect For
- Birthday or anniversary dinners with music and fanfare
- Date nights where lively energy is part of the fun
- Group celebrations that appreciate large portions to share
- Locals hosting out-of-town guests for a festive Italian evening
Location Insights
Area: Lively waterfront downtown with boutiques, bars, and strollable lakefront; draws date nights and celebratory dinners.
Safety: Well-trafficked and generally safe, bright in evenings with steady foot traffic.
Nearby: Near Marina Park and Lake Washington waterfront; bars and dessert spots nearby for pre/post-dinner plans.
Downtown KirklandDowntown Kirkland offers a lively dining scene with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. The area is pedestrian-friendly, attracting locals and visitors who enjoy waterfront views and a community-oriented atmosphere. Dining here ranges from casual eateries to upscale options, reflecting the neighborhood's blend of relaxed and sophisticated vibes.
Kirkland WaterfrontThe Kirkland Waterfront micro-neighborhood centers around the lakefront parks and marina, featuring scenic dining spots and outdoor recreational activities. It has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a focus on casual dining and social gatherings by the water.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday16:00–22:00
Wednesday16:00–22:00
Thursday16:00–22:00
Friday16:00–22:00
Saturday16:00–22:00
Sunday16:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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