We’ve always been big fans of Leo Varchetta’s swanky Barolo Ristorante on Westlake Avenue near the Westin Hotel in downtown Seattle. We were also big fans of The Apartment, a narrow bar and eatery in Belltown in the same block as Flying Fish and Umi Sake House.

So we were sorry when The Apartment closed, but were happy when Leo reopened the space as The List. On The WIne List (get it?!?!) in the red by-the-glass category you’ll find 11 options, including two Spanish Garnachas (Grenaches), along with a Chianti, Firesteed (CA) Pinot Noir and Hedges “Three Vineyards. 

The whites by the glass include a California and Italian Pinot Grigio, a California and Washington (Chateau Ste. Michelle) Sauv Blanc, one Chard and a Chard Blend (Hedges CMS). Bottles range from $24 (for a bottle of Italian Pinot Grigio) to $350 (for a bottle of Cristal) and run the gamut around the world. 

As you’d expect, the ambience is pure romance and very red. Here’s a short clip of the bar scene. Making The List in Belltown

The Cocktail List features the Belltown Orange (Stoli orange, lime, chambord), an Italian Lemondrop, and the X-Rated Tini (Passion fruit, mango, Finlandia grapefruit vodka).

On The Food List you’ll discover some of the luxurious sorts of dishes we’ve come to know and love at Barolo: Gnocchi with Black Truffle Cream, Grilled Sea Bass with a Port-Wine Reduction, and White Wine Clams. 

Happy Hour takes place daily 4-6:30 p.m. and Sunday-Thursday 10-midnight, with all food items half off; bottle of red or white wine $14; glass of red or white $3.75; and beer $2.95.