09/13/09

Could be just outside Firenze

by versingetrix

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

04/28/08

One of Seattle's Best!

by Seattle00

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

04/16/08

real italian food, best in seattle!

by jbarr78

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.