Sunny summer evenings in Kirkland usually means crowds, traffic, more traffic, and long searches for parking spots. It’s a busy spot with the beach parks, lots of restaurant options, a marina, and a generally pedestrian friendly feel. The final stop on our tour of the trio of Italian restaurants in Kirkland will encourage Seattlites to associate summertime in Kirkland with a splurge on a really good dinner on the outdoor patio of Calabria.

Calabria marks the end of our tour that began at Mama Lucia’s and Ristorante Paradiso. Sporting the best outdoor dining option of the three Italian themed restaurants it provides an ideal atmosphere for a summer evening. The cavernous interior is rather dark and non-descript and we’d recommend requesting the patio seating. If you do want to sit inside, check out the lounge happy hour from 4:30 – 7:00 for $1 off most adult beverages.

Calabria excels at delivering the highest quality Italian food of the trio. The menu contains real deal authentic Italian fares from affogati to cioppino. We dined on ravioli in a white funghi sauceand the fusili caprese – and were more than satisfied with each dish.

Where Calabria falls just short of Lucia’s and Paradiso is in their service and warmth of the ambiance. While diners can appreciate a good recommendation the endless up-sell attempts get old pretty quickly here. The staff was efficient, but far from friendly and warm that you’d expect from a place with old country food this traditional.

If you are one to find yourselves easily lost on the eastside: Take the 520, exit Lake Washington Blvd toward Kirkland and cruise along the lake straight to Calabria before the summer sun sets.