La Rustica

Making a Valentine's Day Memory -- Start with Hot Cocoa. Is it just me... or has the cynicism surrounding Valentine's Day gotten a little out of hand? We get it... blah blah blah, it's all about commercialism and unrealistic expecations -- but why choose to feel crappy when you can embrace the meaning of the holiday at the basic level. Share some love this Feb. 14th -- ring in the New Year (Chinese, that is...) with a little tenderness for each other -- yourself, your family, your friends, your neighbor. And if you're lucky, with your sweetheart.

There is no better way to celebrate life and love than by sharing a meal and a bottle of wine at La Rustica. Hands down, the best Italian food in Seattle. The menu and entree specials will make your dining decision challenging but rest assured that your meal will be fantastic. Let the warm, cozy environment envelop you and get lost in the eyes of your dearest dear.

Without reservations, there may likely be a wait. Just pack some hot cocoa and a picnic blanket... together hands clasped, cross the street with your Valentine to the small pebbly stretch to watch the sun set. Your patience will be richly rewarded.

Normally reservations are only taken for parties of 4 or more... however on Valentine's Day, you won't have to wait -- make your reservation now! For 2 or 4 or more... spread the word, share the love.…

Could be just outside Firenze. 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…

One of Seattle's Best!. 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!…