Wandered in on a whim Saturday night after reading reviews (Yelp & others)and talking to friends about this place. Reminds me a lot of any one of the smaller locals only places around Firenze. Food... More

Wandered in on a whim Saturday night after reading reviews (Yelp & others)and talking to friends about this place. Reminds me a lot of any one of the smaller locals only places around Firenze. Food was stellar, the Chingale in agro Dolce con polente was the star of the 6 dishes that came to the table...though the venison osso bucco was narrowly second. The wine list could use some more depth, though they did have my favorite Vernaccia on the list, and fairly priced to boot(had to have one then right?). Our server felt a bit rushed, did not really engage with the table, and seemed to be resigned to the whole experience. Julian the owner is a gem of a man, and goes out of his way to accommodate his guests. The only gripe I have about the place is that there are no ADA bathrooms, and the one bathroom that is there is up a series of twisty stairs and in need of some love. Cheers! Scott Pros: Great game dishes Cons: Minor
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I am allergic to garlic... but I would risk my future health eating here. The breadsticks are the best... and you can get extras to go, pollo saltimboca is a must, you should order that your first... More

I am allergic to garlic... but I would risk my future health eating here. The breadsticks are the best... and you can get extras to go, pollo saltimboca is a must, you should order that your first time.
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This cozy, intimate setting offers incredible Alki views with affordable and great tasting food. It is a great spot for dinner and tucked away for a neighborhood feel. The bread is amazing!

This cozy, intimate setting offers incredible Alki views with affordable and great tasting food. It is a great spot for dinner and tucked away for a neighborhood feel. The bread is amazing!
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This is a very small and lovely little resturant. They don't take reservations but it is worth the wait or just get there for an early dinner. They have great staff and you can go take a nice walk... More

This is a very small and lovely little resturant. They don't take reservations but it is worth the wait or just get there for an early dinner. They have great staff and you can go take a nice walk after dinner
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If you want the flavor of an authentic European restaruant, this is the place. The decor is inviting, takes you back to another time and place. In this inviting atmosphere, you have the most... More

If you want the flavor of an authentic European restaruant, this is the place. The decor is inviting, takes you back to another time and place. In this inviting atmosphere, you have the most wonderful food items offered. The menu offers unusual, unique food choices, very tasty and delightfully presented. Service is excellent, catering to your questions and needs. The only draw back is because of the location, tucked away on a small side street, parking is very hard to come by. However it is worth a short walk to dine here, would truly recommend La Rustica for a fun and delightful experience.
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I've been frequenting La Rustica for a few years now and both my wife and I highly recommend it to all of our friends. The service is excellent, but the food is the reason to come back. For years... More

I've been frequenting La Rustica for a few years now and both my wife and I highly recommend it to all of our friends. The service is excellent, but the food is the reason to come back. For years i was sold on their house speciality, Lamb Shank, but recently have been taking advantage of the fish of the day. Last visit i had a mouth watering black cod (not to mention a good portion) that was cooked to perfection. My wife, as always, order the riccotta gnocchi with house made sausage. The newly added wild boar dish is also a reason to stop in. Judging by the reviews, it seems most would agree with us, with the exception of the salt critics. However, last summer while my wife and i were seated by the window overlooking the water, i noticed they had removed the salt and pepper shakers off the tables. I asked the waitress if they had forgotten to set them out...she laughed and said, "no, we removed them off, and haven't had a complaint about the food ever since". Keep up the good work La Rustica, we can not wait till summer when the deck opens up! Pros: The food! Cons: noisy during peak hours
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This is the cutest little Italian restaurant! We went there for the first time last Sunday, and when I say "little" I mean LITTLE!!! Make sure that you go right when they open or later at around... More

This is the cutest little Italian restaurant! We went there for the first time last Sunday, and when I say "little" I mean LITTLE!!! Make sure that you go right when they open or later at around 9:00 or you most likely won't get a seat for awhile! ( But it would be definitely worth the wait!) Definitely try the gnocchi, and save room for the chocolate creme brule!!!! I have never had a dessert so delicious in my life! And the cappuccino is almost as good as they serve in Italy! I can't wait to go back again and again!!! Pros: chocolate creme brule!!! cappuccino's, owner very friendly! good service! Cons: street parking only, no reservations for parties under 6 people.
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Yes, this is a very romantic spot unless you're seated at the table by the door. Upon arrival we were told the wait was 30 minutes or less, but ended up waiting in the charming bar/cave for an hour.... More

Yes, this is a very romantic spot unless you're seated at the table by the door. Upon arrival we were told the wait was 30 minutes or less, but ended up waiting in the charming bar/cave for an hour. I didn't mind however, because I had one of the best cocktails of my life- the Pink Lemon Drop. The bartender was a sweetheart, and very helpful. The wine list was pricey and the affordable wines were blah. The complimentary bread was outstanding, as expected. Perfectly warm, salty, and crusty on the outside. The salad was simple, yet fresh. I ordered the halibut special and it was fine, but not amazing. My date ordered the filet and it perfectly cooked. The chocolate creme brule was unforgettable. Creamy, with a perfect layer of burnt sugar, it was one of the best desserts I've ever had in Seattle. The service was okay, but I can see how some customers would get irritated. Pros: cocktails, romantic, bread Cons: cramped, pricey
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this was a great date spot. the seating is a little tight but we found it charming. For some reason it seems to be full of really nice patrons. Everyone seemed to be happy to just be there. watching... More

this was a great date spot. the seating is a little tight but we found it charming. For some reason it seems to be full of really nice patrons. Everyone seemed to be happy to just be there. watching the waitstaff and support crew break down and reset tables was a show in its self. we had a calamari dish that i would be happy if it was the only thing i had to eat for the rest of my life. the smolina gnocchi was outstanding just a bit more firm then thier potato gnocchi (the way they should be). we also had the lamb shank which was O.K. it was a bit dry. maybe a reheat? it was also served with pasta on the plate. Authentic? this doesnt happen in Italy this is a East coast thing. I will ask for polenta next time. keep up the good work! Pros: good food, impressive wine list, lots of hustle bustle Cons: so succesful its hard to get in
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This is no doubt absolutely one of the best restaurants in the pacific northwest. They have great authentic Italian food, just like taking a mini trip to southern Italy. The owner (who is from... More

This is no doubt absolutely one of the best restaurants in the pacific northwest. They have great authentic Italian food, just like taking a mini trip to southern Italy. The owner (who is from Italy) brings homeland recipes to Seattle. Those in the past who claim to be "Italian" and don't recognize La Rustica food must have been born in America and never actually visited Italy, because this food is excellent and is representative of true Italian cuisine. On the downside, it is a very small place and not easy to get into. However, if you're lucky enough to get in and get a table you're in for a real treat. Save room for the "bread" that comes complementary with dinner, this stuff is fantastic and was created by Julio one day long ago when the fresh bread didn't show up in time. He improvised and made his own bread, with a recipe that is faintly like crunchy pizza dough with chewy insides. Every customer ranted and raved how good it was, so it became a standard for every diner...it is worth going to this unique restaurant for the bread alone. Make sure to save some to complement the outstanding pastas. However, leave the small noisy children at home. This is NOT "buca de beppo" or the "spaghetti factory", it is NOT a family style restaurant, it is NOT for loud noisy customers. It IS a small romantic hidaway, it IS for folks who like great food, it IS for anybody who likes quiet cozy dining. Pros: Great true Italian cuisine, very romantic, unique European small family bistro Cons: small, hard to get into
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