About Us

A Capitol Hill tradition since 1988
After many years of working in restaurants in San Francisco, Tom and Linda McElroy dreamed of opening their own shop. In 1988 they decided to move to Seattle, with their two young children in tow, to make it happen. They found a sweet little corner spot in Capitol Hill and created Ristorante Machiavelli. A lot has changed around here since then, but the Machiavelli mission has never wavered: A warm, welcoming dining room for the neighborhood, with delicious food and reasonable prices.

In two decades as a Capitol Hill favorite, Machiavelli has earned a reputation for bringing people together and making them feel like family. Under Tom and Linda's steady guidance, the restaurant has nurtured devoted and loyal customers as well as a devoted and loyal staff. Upon celebrating Machiavelli's 20-year anniversary in August 2008, Tom and Linda have brought on two longtime staff members as partners so they can relax and enjoy life just a bit more. Suzette Jarding has been with Machiavelli for 10 years, serving customers in every imaginable position at the front of the house. Javier Arevalo has been the backbone of the kitchen and Linda's right-hand man in preparing consistent and dependable dishes night after night.

"Machiavelli: When you're here, you're family, or about to be" *
All of us at Machiavelli have enjoyed the good fortune of serving a fantastic clientele for 20 years. As an expression of appreciation for our customers, the restaurant is currently displaying a photo exhibit showcasing "The Regulars." These charming photographs were taken by Dean Zulich (a regular, of course) at Machiavelli's 20th anniversary party. If you'd like to know when the next "regulars" photo shoot will take place, please contact us.

* (Seattle Weekly, April 24, 2002)