Nothing is better than finishing off a winning session at poker than with a good meal. An internet search during the last round at Fortune Poker for good Italian food landed Flynn & Ollie at Marianna Ristorante.

We called an hour in advance on a Saturday night for a reservation, not knowing if they would be slammed or not. No problem to get a prime time spot, so the jury was still out. (If a place is booked, then it’s gotta be good, right?).

Not critters that usually hang out in Renton, the area was new to us. The restaurant is in a little downtown area, with several other restaurants that came up on our web search earlier in the evening. We enjoyed the ‘hood. Parking was not a problem (1 block away).

The interior was also a pleasant surprise, with a diverse group of diners. Families, couples, singles (in the bar) were all there. It was not quiet, so if you are with others who have hearing issues, you may want to take that into consideration. It is an urban atmosphere.

All the staff that we encountered spoke with a quasi-Italian accent. Not sure how many were real, but it was still fun. Our waiter had on a coat and tie, which was awesome. Not all waiters were so attired, but all were neat and tidy.

The good: the food and ambiance were great. Ollie had a chantrelle pappardelle with prawns on the special board (a little pricey, but delicious). Flynn had linguine with clams on the regular menu. Also delicious. Very happy with our pasta choices. We split a pear/gorgonzola salad pre-dinner, and the meal was served with a heavily garlic-ed olive oil, balsamic, and rustic soft bread. Would seriously consider these choices again, but maybe something new so as to not get into a rut.

Could-be-improved: While Ollie had a very good glass of shiraz, the cocktail service was not up to par for an urban/metropolitan bar. Flynn ordered a lemon-drop,which is fairly standard fare. The first one came out with a (cheap) well vodka that burned. Flynn asked for an upgrade in vodka, and the waiter ended up making this drink himself, which was.. well, likely Sky vodka. There might have been simple syrup and lemon waved around the outside of the glass, but not really evidence of such. Not that Flynn minds 3 shots of Sky vodka with sugar around the rim, but he does prefer his cocktails to be cocktails, not shots. Yes, he did drink it this time – he is a lush, after-all. And, Flynn is a lot more fun when he is drunk (which he is most of the time).

Another beverage improvement needed: Cappuccino was ordered with a dessert, and, frankly, not up to par for a ‘real’ Italian ristorante. No depth to the coffee, just flat all the way around. It’s okay though, the food made up for it.

Dessert was a pistachio ice-cream thing that was yummy (F & O always split dessert, if they get any). It was such a perfect end to the meal, they were almost tempted to order a second one… course, that might have been the vodka talking.

We will be back. If we win at poker. Or, maybe even if we don’t. No regrets.

Walk Softly