A place where you are immediately at home and can relax without feeling hurried is my experience at Sostanza's. The downstairs is small, with a fireplace and open kitchen the two main open components of the room. The wine list is extensive, but glasses of wine are available for a reasonable price (ranging from $5.75 - $9). The waitstaff is friendly without being annoying or overbearing.
The food is the centerpiece of the restaurant. Simple, fresh, and good. These are the hallmarks of the various dishes. Although the restaurant specializes in Italian, fresh fish is also readily available and integrated with the food. The creme brulee, in my opinion, is exquisite. Crunchy on top with a custard middle; not runny like so many other places serve.
There is also a full-service bar as well as the wine list. Additionally, in the summer, there is some outside seating that allows you a view of Lake Washington. If it is chilly, the staff will bring you blankets to take off some of the chill (suggested you ask for the outside seating when you make a reservation). The restaurant closes down between Christmas and New Year's.