"Nathan Lockwood's Italian-Northwest tasting since 2011 — book Altura on Capitol Hill for madrona-smoked mussels and a wild-boar ragu."
About Altura
Altura opened in 2011 at 617 Broadway E on Capitol Hill, the work of chef Nathan Lockwood and his wife Rebecca. Lockwood, classically trained and rooted in Italian cooking, builds a weekly-changing tasting menu on hyper-seasonal produce drawn from farmers, foragers, the restaurant's garden and the sea. More than a decade on, it remains one of Seattle's reference tasting rooms.
It sits among the city's leading Italian tables. Compare the hand-rolled pasta of Spinasse, the daily-pasta room Il Corvo and the landmark Canlis, or browse the wider Italian picks.
The Kitchen
The format is a single, multi-course tasting menu that turns over with the week. The signatures recur for good reason — Salt Spring Island mussels smoked over madrona bark, shaved matsutake in a spicy Dungeness crab brodo, and a long-cooked ragu of wild boar — with Italian technique meeting Northwest produce throughout. Expect a procession of small, precise courses rather than a menu to order from.
This is a top-tier Seattle spend: the tasting menu runs from around $175 a head plus service, with wine pairings adding from there, served dinner only.
The Room
The dining room is small, warm and unshowy — soft light, an open kitchen at one end — built for an evening that unfolds slowly. Service is attentive and well-paced for a tasting menu. The mood is grown-up and romantic, suited to a milestone dinner rather than a quick or casual meal. Booking ahead is essential, especially at weekends.
Best for a special-occasion dinner in Seattle
Altura suits a milestone meal — the tasting menu and the intimate room make it a memorable anniversary or proposal, and a polished place to host a guest in Seattle. For more of the city's tables, see Canlis or browse the full Seattle dining guide.
Not for
Not for a quick, casual or budget meal, or anyone wanting to order à la carte — Altura is a tasting-only room from around $175 a head, built for an unhurried dinner.
Frequently Asked
What is Altura known for?
It is chef Nathan Lockwood's Italian-Northwest tasting-menu restaurant on Capitol Hill, open since 2011, known for a weekly-changing menu and signatures like madrona-smoked mussels and a wild-boar ragu.
Who is the chef at Altura?
Chef Nathan Lockwood, who opened Altura in 2011 with his wife Rebecca; he is classically trained and cooks seasonal Italian-Northwest food.
How much does Altura cost?
It is a top-tier spend: the multi-course tasting menu runs from around $175 a head plus service, with wine pairings extra, dinner only.
Does Altura have a tasting menu?
Yes — Altura serves a single, weekly-changing multi-course tasting menu rather than an à la carte list, built on hyper-seasonal produce.
Where is Altura?
At 617 Broadway E, in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood of Seattle.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Altura
Book ahead via the restaurant or Tock; the tasting menu is the only format, and weekend tables go first.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address617 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102
NeighbourhoodOn Broadway E in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood of Seattle
CuisineItalian
PriceA multi-course tasting menu from around $175 a head, plus service; wine pairings extra, dinner only
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingA small dining room with an open kitchen; tasting menu only, booking essential
ReservationBooking essential; tasting menu only, dinner
