La Rustica Reviews

What else can be said? This is probably the best hole in the wall restaurant in West Seattle. Who knew a previous mini mart could be transformed to look so beautiful and rustic at the same time? The only downside is the limited amount of tables and how cramped the restaurant can be. But the small feel gives an intimate and charming experience. My last visit was back in August, and I was able to sit outside and get a gorgeous view of the sound with Olympic mountains looming in the distance. Our server was great and wasn't too pushy on trying to over sell specials and drinks. I had the Carbonara, and my girlfriend had the Margarita pizza. They were both fantastic and I ate my leftovers the second I got home. The price was somewhat high but it was a good deal for the portion size we received. I will definitely be returning!

Based on the reviews from other Tripadvisor contributors, we thought this would be the perfect restaurant to take my Mom for her birthday. Since we had six in our party, we were able to make a reservation, which was great, since people were lined up outside, waiting to be seated. Our server appeared to have quite a few tables, and it was quite a long time before she even took a drink order. When asked to repeat the specials closer to my 84 year old Mother, she rolled her eyes. I was truly amazed at her surly attitude. The food was "ok" and definitely not exceptional. The lamb shank was tasty, albeit fatty, the halibut tough and a bit dry, and the tortellini with creamed tomato and peas probably the best dish of the evening. For five entrees, a bottle of wine, two glasses of wine and the 18% gratuity automatically added in, our bill was in excess of $260.00. Quite expensive for this dining experience!

I moved to Seattle 3 weeks ago, and last night I ate @ La Rustica for the 3rd time. I generally don't repeat so often, especially with a new city to explore, but this restaurant is exceptional. The first time I ate here was during restaurant week. The Ossobuco pork shank with risotto and roasted vegetables, house salad, appetizer and dessert was too much food too eat, but the stand out by far was the Ossobuco.....the presentation was more like home made food, but the flavor was exceptional... A week later, my wife and I went here and I had the lasagna....eggs and mushrooms in lasagna is not what I generally expect, but it's some of the best lasagna I've eaten.... The restaurant is small and cozy and the service has been very friendly and prompt each time, but the food is the real winner here... Highly recommended....

Not in the mainstream, however, wonderful authentic Italian dishes. It is very small, so you may need to wait. Only take reservations for six or more. Don't miss. Our family has been here several times and will return again,

On a whim we dropped in just as they opened. We were given a small 2 top and before you knew it the placed was packed. Our waiter was great. Prompt and very polite. This is Italian Home Cooking at its best. My Chapino was the best I every had. The home made just out of the oven was delicious. We will go back soon.

La Rustica has been around a long time and it shows. This is more in the classic American-Italian style. The quality is good and the portions are large. The service is very attentive. I had the Penne Puttanesca which was good. Desert was a classic Tiramisu, also good.

We had a delicious meal at this small, intimate and charming restaurant. You need reservations but WOW!

This is our hometown fave, here off the beaten path in West Seattle. I often wonder how the neighbors of this little gem can stand the delish aromas and bustle in the kitchen as the chef and team cook each dish separately--and to order. I can barely stand to ride my bike by without stopping in..the italian spices, the simmering sauces. And plus, the people who run the place are so wonderfully welcoming. Particularly lovely is a summer evening, sitting outside and walking along the waterfront afterwards. Divine!

La Rustica is an excellent Italian restaurant. I lived in Italy as a teenager and have visited often--I have high standards for Italian restaurants--and La Rustica meets them! It has lovely ambience, good service and great food. We had Italian chowder (the chef split a serving for us), I had a salmon, scallop pasta which was lovely, my husband had an amazing lamb shank. We splurged and had a flourless chocolate cake for dessert which was amazing. It was a lovely evening.

Utterly charming Italian dining in a lovely neighborhood. Enjoy the drive around Alki Beach and the views across Puget Sound to the Olympic Mountains before diving into delicious pasta or my favorite, occo bucco. Friendly staff knowledgeable and helpful in making your selection. Long wine list. A small outdoor eating area as well. Tables inside crowded together, so noise level can be loud, but we usually go with a group of six and get a perimeter table. Rather ho hum salad is included with the meal, but the entrees are wonderful.

We had a problem with our bill, which we saw when our Mastercard bill came. Our receipt total was not the same as our mastercard bill, which indicated we had paid a quite large tip, but we had left money on the table. The food was fine, but really quite overpriced. We have called 3 times now and there is no response back as to why our bill is higher than our receipts indicate. just called now, when it is indicated that the restaurant is open and the voice mail says the mailbox is full, goodbye. Not a way to do business.

This restaurant was recommended to us by my wife's client. We loved intimate atmosphere. The food was great and so was the service. We will definitely go back.

After reading several good reviews we decided to check out this place... and it was fantastic! Every dish exceeded our expectations, even their own (secret) salad dressing was exceptional (too bad they can't sell it). Small beer selection, but appropriately two very good Italian imports were available. The half-carafe of house wine is more like 3/4 carafe at other restaurants and the red was very good. Love the location, perfect for a romantic walk along the beach after the dinner. The dining room itself is small and very intimate, maybe too intimate for some, but very authentic by European standards. The service was quick, friendly and any empty dish was gone almost instantly making more room for the next course on our tiny table. Very efficient. I typically like to point out to at least one thing that could be improved, but the only imperfection is that their website doesn't work. Well no matter, we are coming back for sure.

On first arrival, before the restaurant opened, it was noted while waiting that the facility was well worn with some deferred maintenance. However, once inside and seated, it was the only negative of the evening and completely forgotten on departure. Everything about La Rustica is terrific. Great bar drinks, excellent Italian wine list, great menu and food to match, plus supurb service not often found most places. Just be aware that it is a small venue that takes no reservations. Regulars know this and arrive early. We will certainly return to this excellent restaurant.

This quaint restaurant is situated on a corner near the beach. There was a short wait so we went to, "the bar" a tiny room behind the kitchen to have a drink. The bartender came by every 15 minutes to take orders - a funny and friendly, unique experience. We met some nice people being so close to one another in such tight quarters. The dinner and service was excellent. I opted for pasta with pesto. It wasn't on the menu / but I was hungry for this dish. They did it just like I remember in Italy! Tartaglia with a creamy pesto sauced, finished with shaved parmigiana. My husband loved his shrimp scampi and daughter, her shrimp risotto. Garlic bread was yummy!

Wonderful food, from the appetizers to the main courses. A tasty array of bruschetta, main courses ranged from wild boar to Gorgonzola ravioli. All delicious. Small, close resteraunt, not ideal for a romantic evening, but great fun with groups. Two words of advice; it's very busy and thought to get a table, so plan ahead, summers are fine as waiting outside by the water a treat, winters less appealing. Reservations for larger groups, we had 6 and they got us in right on schedule. Second, they added a fixed gratuity on our tab, happy with service, so no issue that way, just surprised to see it for a table of 6. Double check your bill to not double tip. Can't wait to go back, a real gem in West Seattle.

I have been hearing about this place for years but I don't live in West Seattle and I had heard it was hard to get a table because they don't take reservations. Yesterday we were on our way home from the Vashon Ferry and decided to stop - it was a wet Sunday after a home football loss so we hoped we could get in. We did. The food was wonderful. We split a Carpaccio which is something I rarely find on menus these days. It was a slightly different presentation with less Parm and more spicing. Excellent. Then we had two pastas - the first Linguine di Mare - usual shell fish in a lovely light tomato sauce. Second was Gnocchi Alla Romana Con Pecora, Roman Gnocchi which were semolina and large rather than potato. "Con Pecora" was roasted lamb in a rich sauce - divine and came with veggies - broccoli, peppers, eggplant etc. We were much too full for dessert, we ended up taking home small boxes to have for lunch or dinner. Pastas came with side salads - nice spicing but overdressed and great hot focaccia. We'll be back.

My wife and I have been to La Rustica several times with friends from Seattle and Bainbridge Island. Every time has been a culinary delight. But this last time was out of this world -- from my wife's Lasagna to my Osso Buco made with wild boar, each of the diners had a meal to rave about. As usual the service was prompt, efficient and family friendly. The owner always makes one feel as if he or she is a long lost relative who he has just been waiting to arrive so he can entertain them.

We were pleasantly surprised by the delicious food, and great servers. We are from New Jersey , but La Rustica's food matches a lot of celebrity Italian restaurant we've been to in NYC.

My family and I recently visited Seattle and decided to have a Sunday evening dinner at La Rustica. Our meals were fantastic. The food quality was excellent and all the ingredients seemed exceptionally fresh. The restaurant has about 10 tables and gives that romantic quaint Italian bistro vibe. The wait staff was friendly and very helpful. I was told that the owner had recently returned as the chef and boy are we glad he did. I would strongly recommend this restaurant for a romantic evening out in West Seattle.

Wow!!! Friends of ours said we should meet for dinner at La Rustica . What a treat. This restaurant in West Seattle in an old house has an unbelievable menu which usually scares me if they have so a many options, can they prepare all of them well? I can say this we had 4 different dishes and they were all wonderful. The service was great as was the ambience in this small restaurant. Be prepared for a wait, but know that it is worth it. I would have gone back again the next day which I seldom would say even if I really enjoyed it.

My wife and I have been dining at Guilio's place for many years and have never been disappointed. The calamari is to die for as well as the bread to soak up all of the squid yumminess. Good pasta dishes. The Boar is great

VERY hard to find but worth the search. Romantic and picturesque. Delicious northern Italian style cuisine served in comfortable surroundings by friendly, knowledgeable, highly professional servers. Everything was first rate…the best Caprese salad we have ever had, a fettuccine dish with pancetta and chicken livers (yes…chicken livers) that was superb (the best thing we had), GIANT prawn scampi, unusual but tasty lasagna, melt-in-your-mouth cannelloni, and so on. Even a wonderful crème brulee! We ate there on the strong recommendation of a friend (we are not from Seattle) and liked it so much we went back again just three days later. We met the owner, Julio, who is on hand every night to make sure all is as it should be. Even the garlicky breadsticks are perfect. We visit Seattle often, and we can’t wait to eat at La Rustica again. Julio, please save me that table for two near the far wall!

Beautiful setting, a secret hideaway with excellent food, great canneloni, love the simplicity of the location. Good job!

This is one of our favorite places in West Seattle. The food is fantastic, service is always great. Everything is delicious, I have never had a bad meal here. The atmosphere is wonderful. I definitely recommend a trip to La Rustica if you are in the Seattle area. It's worth the trip!

Great place quaint Italian my favourite place in Seattle had to go back before heading back to uk very friendly staff lovely refined place white linen tablecloths food Exellant perfect wine a great quaint little bar a true taste of Italy

Our son lives in West Seattle and we had already been to most of the restaurants along Alki Beach on previous visits and wanted to try some place new. The reviews convinced us to try La Rustica and we are so glad we did. No reservations taken for under 6 people so the four of us arrived at about 6:20 on a Sunday evening hoping for a table. It is a small restaurant and it was full with a 30 minute wait. We waited and were seated in less than the quoted 30 minutes. I had pizza which was delicious. My son had the chicken Parmesan which was the best any of us had ever tasted. Our other son ordered gnocchi with lamb which he loved and husband had another gnocchi dish with sausage that he loved as well. 4 for 4! The bread they serve first is fantastic and the salads are fresh and very good. Small family owned restaurants are our favorite and this one is well worth visiting. We had a great waiter too. Highly recommend this place.

Having lived in Italy for five years, I usually avoid Italian restaurants in this country but went as part of a birthday celebration for a friend. Pros: Decent ambiance although the the dining area is small, crowded, and noisy. Service was good. There is also outside dining for the summer months. Cons: Food was mixed. Chinghiale in an agrodolce sauce was tasty but the meat lean and dry. The pasta that came with it was a sweet soupy mix reminiscent of the canned spaghetti I had as a child. Bread was a gummy focaccia. The wine list started at $40+ for low end reds and a small flute of limoncello was $12! Reservations are not accepted except for parties of six or more so be prepared to wait on Saturday night.

This little restaurant was recommended to us &, entering, we though it would be perfect!. But, my Italian husband & I were not impressed. Our waitress was inattentive, she refused to split our check---a simple task that makes dining easier for guests. She failed to fully explain menu items, resulting in dinner choices we didn't like. We were really looking forward to a nice Italian meal, but we won't be going back.

Although La Rustica is just across the street from Elliot Bay, and you have a fine view of the water, somehow I was expecting or hoping it was right on the water. Oh well.....we enjoyed our al fresco experience on a slightly cool but beautiful Seattle evening. After waiting just about 10 minutes at 7 pm (weeknight) for an outside table, we were seated. It's kind of a tight sitting arrangement, but again the outside experience tends to have you overlook that kind of stuff. Our server was efficient in greeting us, providing a basket of the incredible bread sticks (could have eaten those all night long), and taking our drinks order. He provided excellent input on a bottle of wine selection. (We called in advance to find out their corkage fee, which is a very stiff $25, so we opted not to bring our own wine. For that price, you can order one of their bottles. But I view the corkage fee as a negative here.) Once we ordered, things seemed to slow down. The kitchen prepares the food very precisely, and thus it takes time for some of the pasta orders to be delivered. No matter because, again, it was a lovely, lovely outdoor experience. My pasta Carbonara was delicious, just loaded with creamy bacon in a not so heavy alfredo sauce and al dente noodles. The Gnocchi Romana did not get as high marks. We opted to skip dessert because the pasta portions are quite sufficient to fill you up. Overall, I would say that this restaurant is certainly one of the best outdoor Italian experiences in Seattle, but if you have to be indoors, there are better choices in downtown Seattle.

This is a small restaurant, actually a converted house, so it can feel a little crowded - casual and relaxing, but not a place to go for an intimate dinner because of the size of the place - nice views if you can get a table by a window - decent wine list, Very Good Service - Very Good Food!

I had talked to several people who have eaten here. They all highly recommend the place. So some friends and I decided to try this small Italian restaurant. We all loved it. Great food, the flavors were delicate and well placed. When you left, you knew that you had eaten wonderful, fine food. Reasonably priced.

What a great (and busy) little place. Welcoming, tasty, friendly and affordable Italian restaurant. Whatever you choose, you cannot go wrong. One note, they only open for Dinner, so be early as it fills in quite quickly

Solid four star experience. Lots of menu options and an extensive wine list. Check their website for more current menus and pricing. The menu on TripAdvisor is not current as of this review. Everyone seemed pleased with their meals. Service was adequate, not overly welcoming or helpful. As we had made reservations as a larger party, there was an automatic 20% gratuity. Parking can be challenging.

My friends/family live around the block from this restaurant. I was glad it was Italian. The gentleman that owns the place was there with us every step of the way. Extensive wine list, Appetizer, salad, dinner,dessert, and limoncello..... The whole thing was unbelievably incredible. Dessert was OUT OF THIS WORLD. Tiramisu and lemon tiramisu (home made by the wife) made from their house limoncello! The service was great. I can't wait to come back. Thank you for a beautiful experience!

Our special dining spot..with friends. Fair priced, large portions, pay attention to the specials. Staff very attentive.

I have eaten here several times with friends. It's a small, quaint restaurant with a good selection of pastas and entrees off the beaten path of Alki Beach in West Seattle. It's easy to find parking in the neighborhood, there is no a/c however. We usually get a carafe of the house wine with some appetizers to share and never been disappointed. The service is always low key and friendly. It's across the street from the beach so there is no view, but it's nice to take a walk after dinner.

This nice little Itallian restaurant looks to be a converted house. The food is good and the service is nice. You are really packed in, though. Pizza, pasta and main dishes, so you can get the full meal deal. Worth a visit if nearby.

La Rustica is located on a quiet street in a waterfront Alki neighborhood slightly off the beaten path. The exterior blends nicely into the neighborhood, and the interior is reminiscent of Italy. The staff is friendly and efficient and unobtrusively ke e p drinks filled and tables clean of used plates. A full bar provides guests with their preferred drinks, and the menu includes everything from pasta to pizza to specialty dishes, and everything is delicious. Our only negative observation is the noise level, which could easily be remedied with some good accustics. As it was, when the restaurant was full the noise level was almost deafening, which diminished our ability to interact with our friends.

Cozy, great food (actually I always eat the same thing--the lamb shank) and in the warmer months a great view of Puget Sound from the outside tables, as the sun goes down (note: it can get a little hot in the early evening, the sun is that strong). I live in the neighborhood and it is always a treat. Visitors love it.

Love this restaurant and have been many times. Almost everything we have eaten there has been great, except the bread could be a lot better. If is good when you order and pay extra for the olive oil, but then it is five times more oil that would be needed for the bread. We will still keep going.

This is a small restaurant on Alki. (away from all the business of the beach) If you go on a weekend or nice day there can be a wait. But it's worth it. The service is very good. I enjoyed the Caprese di Bufala and my pasta. And they do offer gluten free pasta. It is a good choice if you're looking for delicious Italian food.

This place is really charming; it's a lovely place to spend the evening in a warm and friendly setting. The staff are really friendly as well. But the food is ho-hum Italian; absolutely nothing special by any stretch. My daughter's pasta was heavy and drab. She's an adventurous eater but only picked at this. The antipasto is not particularly exciting. The prawns wrapped in pancetta were very salty and nothing special. My wife's pasta was also quite heavy. And with the bill topping out at 180 dollars for four-two kids, two adults, wine for each adult--I had expected something more.

Found this restaurant through tripadvisor while staying in Seattle over the 4th of July. Truly the best evening on our trip. Why? because this restaurant has it all, wonderful service, amazing food (cannelloni best ever had), quaint, romantic ambiance. As stated from someone else, old world charm like in the heart of Italy. Highly recommend it. We were even greeted and escorted to our table by the owner himself. Oh and the prices are so reasonable. Not very often do you find a place this great all around. I love to try new places when on vacation but would have gone back here again and again if time allowed.

This place is so cute. The food was good, small place... be prepared to wait. The garlic bread was delicious, the pasta was good. The cannoli was amazing! Looking forward to coming back to try something else.

This place is my favorite Italian restaurant. Me, my wife and kids have been here many times over last 8 years. It is situated in a very nice spot in west Seattle and in summer the place is blooming with flowers. We are vegetarians and there isn't much option. However, the options they have are very good. I always stick to my options with alfredo sauce. I wish they brought back the Arrabiata on the menu, it was awesome and I have no idea why they dropped it. We will keep visiting it this summer. We love this place, had it not been for the 30 mile drive we would visit it very often.

This restaurant is a special place. I took my wife here for our first date, I ate here for my bachelor party, and I took my wife back for her 30th birthday in August of 2010. The food is consistently very good, and the atmosphere is great. There is not much of a view of Elliott Bay or the Sound, but there's no need. The service is also very good, and everyone is friendly. The only downside really is the tiny little bathroom with the door that a big guy like me (6'3" and 250lbs) can barely fit through...

We must have passed by this place a half dozen times during a weeklong trip to Seattle before discovering its true identity. It looks like a general store on the outside and couldn’t be more unassuming. I couldn’t imagine this was a restaurant at first glance, and nothing could have prepared me for the deliciousness inside. We made same day reservations for 8 people on a Friday night! We found parking around the corner and walked into the small dining room that looks like an old Italian villa with views across the sound to the Olympics. The service was prompt and courteous; the menu, extensive. A limoncello/bourbon cocktail got things started with a strong kick, followed by a house salad and fresh focaccia. Dinner entree highlights from our party included boar cheeks over pappardelle, rigatoni with ricotta and pancetta, and the linguine with clams in lemon garlic sauce. No room for dessert, which may have been a mistake after eyeing what other tables were getting! I would gladly return in a heartbeat.

My wife and I stumbled on this intimate Italian Restaurant by accident. Read Trip Advisor and we were so close to the place we gave it a try. It is smallish, and I don't think it accepts reservations unless you are a party of 6 or more, but as it was only a few minutes after opening time, we got lucky and were immediately seated at a delightful table for two. The whole ambiance was pleasing, spotless white linens, charming "rustic" setting, delightful greeting at the door and very prompt service. We were introduced to our server Chris who was apparently paying her way through Law School and Moonlighting as a server. We are glad she was. She turned out to have that combination of skills we love to see in a server: prompt, attentive, knowledgeable, pleasant and courteous to the perfect degree. And what was really very refreshing on the odd occasion when she was tied up with other diners, there was always another server ready and happy to jump in to satisfy our needs. Management has trained its staff very well. So what about the food and drink? Better than we expected. The wine by the glass choices were varied and very reasonable based on the quality of the two reds we sampled. I would have liked more but I was the driver of the day! Chris described the special offerings and happily advised us on what to expect without over elaborating. My wife,who is something of an aficionado of Lasagna was well pleased with her choice, and commented how refreshingly unique it was. When I heard that there was Wild Boar on the menu my choice was a given. It came Osso Buco style, effused with flavor and it was almost unnecessary to use a knife to separate it from the bone. The vegetables and risotto accompaniments were just right. Never thought I would get through the huge dish, but I couldn't stop, & wishing near the end that I hadn't been quite so greedy with the focaccia style bread that was laid on the table within a minute of being seated and the very tasty salad that soon followed the bread. There was no chance either my wife or I could manage even one of the deserts that looked scrumptious as they occasionally passed our table on the way to more prudent diners. We will know better next time. And there will be a next time as there is much on the menu we want to sample. And why not? So we will take the ferry over from the Gig Harbor side of the Sound for another visit With this level of service, value for money, quality of food and beverages, it would be almost unforgivable not to return. I trust, if this review tempts you to try La Rustica, your visit will be as enjoyable as our first.

My latest visit here was very disappointing. Two of us had the seafood special. We had to send one plate back as the entree was swimming in fluid. The fish was wooden, overcooked and fishy.. I should have asked if it was fresh or frozen but didnt think for 30.00,I should have too. It was inedible. They were observant enough to take one entrees off the bill without asking. The lava cake was good. The bread was good. The gentlemen who seated us was unfriendly. I have been here before and had wonderful meals with pleasant fun waitstaff. This was not one of those times.. Another reviewer suggested that when they are overwhelmed things go awry., It was very busy, slammed, and a large party. It is very small and quaint and I may go back for the caprese plate, which was excellent. Maybe my fault for ordering seafood at an Italian restaurant.

My favourite place to eat when I am in Seattle food is Exellant and family run great homemade Italian food hot bread my favourite Italian

Tucked away in West Seattle, this family owned Italian resturant is great. The location can be hard to find but worth the drive. Great specials. Not cheap but not overpriced. It's just right. I often go for a special event.

Great pasta dishes.

This is a special cozy restaurant, tucked away on the back side of Alki. I lived a block away for three years, and on warm summer evenings the eager diners would be lined up along the sidewalk, waiting for their turn to savor the excellent cuisine. Our small party last week enjoyed wild boar, seafood linguine, risotto and a cod dish. They have a "full bar" as we were told, but we went with the wine, which was excellent. We sampled all the desserts as well, ordering all four and passing them around the table. All equally pleasing.

The cuisine is classic, not innovative. Dark seating indoors, nice patio on the side patio, can see the beach. Good lamb shank, salmon with pasta. Nice drinks, wine is decently priced. My Sicilian sister in law approved!

La Rustica is a gem in Seattle and the go-to Italian place for West Seattleites. Charming, romantic, and excellent food and wine. Can be a bit noisy and crowded on weekend nights. They don't take reservations, so be prepared to wait, especially in summer.

We had no problems getting a table when we got there about 10 minutes after they had opened, but by the time we left, folks were waiting for a table, so go early if you can. We had a wonderful dinner with the best lamb shank that was so tender it fell off the bone. Husband had a delicious prawn dish. We shared the chocolate cake which was very good. Service was excellent.

All three of us in our party had fantastic meals. There was a nice variety of items to choose from on the menu. We sat outside and had a beautiful view of the Puget sound. Service was excellent. What more could you ask for?

La Rustica is the best kept secret in West Seattle. Small, classic and authentic, Italian restaurant. Perfect ambiance for couples, friends or families. Has a view of the water, plays classic Italian music and everything youbised is delicious. You will not be disappointed in anything you get here!

What an adorable little, and I do mean little, neighborhood restaurant in West Seattle! We were visiting friends who live in the neighborhood, and they took us to this treasure. We tried to get in on a Saturday night but there was quite a wait, so we tried again on Sunday. Each of our party of four ordered something different and sampled all. All four dishes were divine. The risotto was nothing short of spectacular. This would be a nice little intimate date place. This is not a great place for bigger groups because it's so tiny - I think I counted 16 tables. My only disappointment was that we were all too full to try any of their desserts - I have no doubt they would have been to die for!

I went with my husband for the first time in November, and we just kept coming back. We enjoyed the food so much but the server Alexandra made our night with her lovely personality! She also gave us great wine recommendations - the wine list is really extensive. It's a small cozy restaurant, you can't make a reservation so we always come in a bit earlier around 6:30. Lovely experience altogether!

There was a 45 minute wait when we got to the door. It's definitely worth the wait. It gave us the opportunity to walk along Alki at sunset. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and the food was exceptional. It was my first experience at this restaurant and I look forward to coming back.

La Rustica is truly a labor of love. The Pellegrini family has created a true gem in the heart of West Seattle. Situated on Beach Drive SW, overlooking the water to the west, you will truly make memories in this lovely restaurant. But be patient, some nights can be very busy, but well worth the wait. Try the lamb shank, osso bucco or the best chicken parm in Seattle. Then for dessert, the Limoncello Tiramisu is the best. Charming atmosphere, a great wine list, awesome food and view...Salute!

As many before me have stated, if we lived closer, we would eat here weekly! Though small, great atmosphere & if you time your visit right, you can enjoy a walk along the water & catch a beautiful sunset. I tried their Risotto con Salsiccia e Funghi, housemade sausage and porcini mushrooms in a creamy risotto, rich but awesome. My husband tried the Vitello Scampi, Large prawns wrapped in veal and sauteed in marsala wine, lemon and garlic (of the 4 of us in the party, this was voted the hands down winner). For dessert, all 4 of us shared an amazing chocolate ganache cake (sorry, don't recall the name of it), perfect ending to a wonderful meal. Don't miss dinner at this wonderful spot...worth finding!

Nice and relaxing family dinner. We ate outside as the sun was setting. Delicious bread. We ordered the branzino, lamb shank, pasta di mare, and pasta fasui for 2 adults and 3 young children. Attentive and friendly wait staff. Would definitely recommend!

I’ve been to La Rustica multiple times over the past 15 or so years. It’s good but I’m always hoping for better. The service is always pleasant and the setting & ambience are very nice

This small, rustic place is romantic and yummy.

In the middle of a residential area, we experienced some interesting Italian/Mediterranean fares. The place is not fancy, the bathroom even scary, but the food was really compensating. Wine was good for a reasonably priced sélection.

Found this restaurant on trip advisor and after reading some reviews thought we would give it a try. The restaurant itself is very cute and all of the servers were wonderful. The food though was sub par at best. The starter bread while warm was nice but a little thick and dry once it cooled down. Some oil and vinegar could have made it wonderful The cappuccino I got to start with gave me high hopes. Was wonderful. We got the porchetta bruschetta to start and the toast it was served on was basically slices of Texas toast baked to a rock. Couldn’t sink our teeth into it. So we took the pork belly off of the toast… extremely dry and just as tough as the toast. If you’re going to serve toasted bread for bruschetta it needs to be thin enough to bite into. Otherwise it’s inedible and too difficult to eat in a restaurant setting. My husband actually lost his fork trying to get through a piece in a quiet manner in a small restaurant. The sauce it was served with was absolutely wonderful though. Sweet, savoury.. the taste of the white wine really came through. The margarita pizza we had was also a disappointment. The dough was so thick that it wasn’t cooked throughly and it left the pizza wet to the touch. The pizza dough was clearly the same dough as the starter bread and not the type of dough I would use to make a pizza with. It wasn’t a traditional margarita so if that’s what you’re hoping for that’s not what you’re going to get. Had the food been good the prices would have been fair. The service was wonderful thou and the gal filling our water was on top of it! The view was great and the area of town was adorable. If I’m in town again I would come back but probably just order a cappuccino and dessert.

This is a wonderful Italian Restaurant. It is reasonably priced, very good food, delicious drinks, and pleasant ambiance. We were there on a Wed. night, and it was full by 6:30pm. I would highly recommend it.

I have eaten here many times over the years, ordering all over the menu, and have never been disappointed. The waitstaff is always professional yet friendly and the owner has rewarded my multiple visits with unexpected extras. Although perhaps a small perk, it is very nice that a salad comes with the meal as so many places offer everything à la carte these days. It may be small, making a table difficult to get at popular times, but I like the intimate atmosphere.

A very hard to find place, but nonetheless it is unique, outstanding food (and large portions) and a very interesting wine selection. Owner run, so it is pretty much a family run place. Very romantic.

During a recent visit to my sister-in-law, we went to La Rustica. This was our 2nd visit to the restaurant. It is a relatively small restaurant and although we were the only people on the list arriving at 6:20 pm we waited 45 minutes. We had the lasagna cannenoli eggplant pasta tiramisu and rum cake. All were delicious including the bread and house salad. Without a doubt a gorgeous view of the sunset. Very good service also.

La Rustica is a celebrated neighborhood restaurant tucked away along Beach Drive in West Seattle. They specialize in authentic Italian food. During this time of the COVID-19 virus they are available for take out. Their food is delicious and comforting. Please continue to support this local family business during this time. We highly recommend their risotto and cannelloni dishes! They take orders by phone between 4-8 Tuesday - Sunday. It might take a few tries to get through on the phone so be please be patient. From my observation, the whole family is at work trying to deliver fresh hot food through the front window! They are dillegent about honoring social distancing and appropriate sanitizing sensibilities.

Read about this restaurant in the Alaska Airline travel magazine recently and decided to try it out when we came up to Seattle. So many wonderful items to choose from. Appetizers - we selected the oysters which was like a rockafeller , and the Caprese salad with the buffalo mozzarella. Main courses were salmon, chicken and chipino. Finished the evening with terimaisu and limoncello desserts. Wonderful! Would do it again and not change a thing! Wonderful staff, great food, quaint atmosphere . An evening with good wine (we brought) great dinner, atmosphere. Perfect

The atmosphere was lacking, considering the price point, I would make the restaurant a bit more appealing. Service was mediocre, they could have been either more friendly, professional or personable. Food was pretty good. Over all experience is just.. good.

This place is all about the food and the professional staff will see to it that your are as happy/satifies as possible!! I've eaten Italian all over the world and La Rustica wins my pallet and soul. I take clients, family, friends, visitors to Pike Place and La Rustica when meeting in Seattle. All have been very impressed with NO negatives! BRAVO!!!!! Do not change a thing!! Thank you for my exemplary experience each and everytime I visit.

This small, cozy Italian bistro is located near Puget Sound in West Seattle. We have eaten there on several occasions in the past, some excellent experiences and some not so good. The staff is hit or miss in service -- last night was fabulous; the previous visit was less so as our server was either annoyed, tired, or just having one of those days. The food is general very good -- our meal last night was tasty, but lacking in some regards. The carrot was raw, cold and added nothing. The pasta was covered with sauce and all was crammed onto a plate that included a lamb shank. The lamb was excellent -- the presentation wasn't. The wine list is great for Italian, but needs a better selection of local Washington, or Northwest wines.

We've been going there for many years, coming from Vashon and have never had even a mediocre meal---it's always plentiful and outstanding. The plate is worth taking a picture so it can be savored for a long time. Great wait staff both inside and outside.

After reading reviews of top Seattle restuarants, our daughter took us to La Rustica and we were impressed. It's located in West Seattle which is a beautiful destination in of itself as you can see the Seattle skyline on your way over and back. We enjoyed the calimari, bruchetta, saugage pizza, oso bucco lamb, saltimboca, lamb shank, pasta de mar with tastes of the sea and great Italian wines. We would rate this restuarant as one of the top if not top Italian restuarants in the Seattle area and well worth the trip to West Seattle. Service by the wait staff was also excelllent in all respects. The menu is varied and very Italian and we also enjoyed the hand crafted Manhattans as well. Cao!

Window seat during sunset. While the view is a natural draw, the food matches the panorama. Baked oysters are amazing. Use the garlic bread sticks to clean up the sauce! Special: wild boar osso bucco ...very good. Tender and flavorful with the slightest gaminess to tell you it's boar. The veal wrapped prawns in the Marsala sauce were a novel delight, although the sauce was a tad sweet. Food: 4 Drink: 4 Service: 3.5 Atmosphere: 5 Value: 3.5

We were there on a recommendation, for a special anniversary. We were told we could not make reservations, and to get there early for a seating. We arrived early and waited for them to open. As we went in, we mentioned why we were there. Because we were the first ones waiting, we expected a good table. We were lead to the back in a dark area, next to the bathroom! (No view). The waitress was very helpful with decisions about food choices. We found that food was okay, but over priced. The restaurant is small, and the best thing about it is the view of the water....that is if you aren’t seated next to the bathroom!

It was Sunday night, our last night in Seattle, and our airBnB hosts had suggested La Rustica as a spot for dinner. A short 10 minutes drive brought us to a very quaint corner restaurant, across from the beach. We waited for less than 15 minutes without a reservation and had a fabulous meal. The owner was present and visited our table as well as engaging in conversation while we were waiting. Everyone else seemed to be having a great time as it was a tad noisy but just reflected the fun....Everyone in our party four enjoyed their meal - branzino with pasta, chicken parmigiana, and 2 orders of linguini with seafood. Good wine list, great service........highly recommended.

We didn’t know west Seattle that well, kinda got lost and found this place by accident. It's really a small place with some ocean view, but the food was OMG soo good. Service was not so warm but adequate. I visited Italy quite a few times, I will have to say the food here came close to authentica!

We had read all of the excellent reviews of La Rustica and decided to make it our last dinner in Seattle before returning home. Our vacation had been very seafood heavy so an Italian dinner was appealing. We arrived at 7:30 PM and were promptly seated by the owner in the small but pretty dining room. I cannot say enough about the quality, presentation and preparation of the food. Each of our meals was delicious. The owner, who was present at the entrance, kept a sharp eye on the dining room and outdoor patio much as you see in the family run restaurants in Italy. At the end of the meal he stopped at the table and we had a nice conversation with him about the food, service and his background in the food industry. We concluded the meal with two shared desserts which were every bit as good as the rest of the meal. This was on of the best meals of our 10 day trip to the Northwest and a wonderful way to conclude our trip!. Oh, at the end of the meal the sunset across the water form the restaurant was spectacular as the building is right across from the shore with no obstructions between. Molto molto bene!!

Family-run La Rustica near Alki Beach in Seattle is famous for its homely atmosphere and excellent classic Italian food. With no reservations accepted, diners are asked to show up early before long lines form across the street. But the wait is amply rewarded:. Once inside the rather small, cozy place, its decor measures up to the name:a deliberately rustic ambience and a carafe of red house wine sets the mood. The pasta menu is impressive and my dish of cannelloni was delicious. My wife went for the vitello scampi. large prawns wrapped in veal and sauteed in marsala wine. The usual Italian desserts should not be ignored. Service was friendly and prompt. In our dozen years in Seattle, we had never dined here before but this is a place to return to for an authentic Italian experience no matter the wait.

Tucked into West Seattle beach area, this little restaurant served authentic Italian food. It was great food, reasonably priced. Lovely cozy atmosphere with a great wine list! Would definitely eat here again!

We arrived about 6pm and were greeted by a very rude waitstaff who told us that we could wait in the car, or go home (an hours drive) or sit realllly close to the fireplace outside which she said did not work. The wait, she said would be 20-30 minutes. She was rudeness personified. This restaurant had been highly recommended but I agree with the others that it needs a total rehab....there were lots of open tables inside and they do not take reservations for less than six people. We finally got a text message an hour later stating that they could take us at that point. We found another restaurant that was charming and inviting in the meantime. We did not eat here needless to say so cannot comment on the food/drink etc

Have been targeting this place for a couple of years, finally got the chance to go. Setting is gorgeous, ate outside (warning it can get hot sitting in the sun, even in seattle, around 6). Appetizers and bread were great and drink selection interesting. Service was good - if not great - but the main entrees really fell short - failed to stick the landing. The sauces were a bit sweet and bland, lacking the flavors I come to expect from the better restaurants. Maybe it was just an off day, but should have stopped at the salmon bruschetta, which was outstanding.

We used to enjoy this restaurant when my mother was alive seven years ago and it is still wonderful. The food is good, the atmospher is nice, and the view of the beach is refreshing.

We have dined there three times in the last two years. Very different meals and all of them great. (Try the lamb) Good service and good coaching on the wine selection.

We go here every year when we visit West Seattle and are never disappointed. We had the pasta with filet and the linguine di mare. Both were cooked perfectly and the meat and seafood were tasty. The starting salad is good and the bread is excellent. Very nice house cabernet sauvignon. Service friendly and helpful. Parking is a bit of a challenge.

This is a very small venue with tables close together. Food is fresh made, and the menu offers the usual Italian dishes with specials every night. The warm "garlicky" bread sticks are addictive. Wine is offered by the glass, or you can opt for several house wines by the carafe or hlf carafe.

Made reservations for Valentines Day dinner the second week of January. We choose the 5:15pm seating and an inside table. Arrived at 5:05pm, we were told we were late and that our table on the OUTSIDE PATIO was ready. Outside table on a 39 degree, damp Seattle evening??? We let the hostess know of the discrepancies with the reservation and she told us there was NOTHING she could do. That if we wanted an inside table we would have to wait behind the long line of people outside who had not made reservations. No apologies, just the most ENTITLED, RUDE, THOUGHTLESS, DISMISSIVE attitude we’ve ever encountered. So we left and had an AMAZING dinner ELSEWHERE. Reputation is earned, but not from long time customers who you treat no better than what’s on the bottom of your shoe. The one star rating is one star too many. The hostess should be ashamed of herself.

I enjoy a lot the risotto I eat. Good ambient in the terrace in summer. Very elegant inside also. You will enjoy your meal.

Visiting friends in Seattle and they suggested we eat at La Rustica. It was a charming little restaurant with a view of the water. My wife had the linguini with prawns and I had the special which was rock fish with linguini and vegetables. Both came with a salad. Our friends had risotto dish and a gluten free pasta which she had had before and was very good. We were all very pleased with the dishes, service and atmosphere. The rock fish was particularly delicious and had some kick to it. One could have been in Italy. The salads and vegetables were very fresh and it was a memorable meal with good friends. If we lived in Seattle, we would certainly return and hope to one day eat again at La Rustica.

Everything from the food to the service to the atmosphere was excellent! Very charming little place...I will return!

10 of us had dinner this past weekend at La Rustica. It was very busy so reservations are a must. We were seated exactly on time. Several of us shared a meal which added $7.50 to the cost but you got two salads with the share. We had the wild boar shank and it was really quite good. Fall of the bone tender and in a wonderful sauce. It was served with rice and a few veggies that were okay. One other dish on the table that was excellent was the lamb and gnocchi. You will question the gnocchi though because it looks like polenta. We were told it gnocchi in the Roman style. Hmmm. If you can sit outside do it. The view of the water and Olympic Mtns is gorgeous. The table bus service could be a little more subdued. They are definitely efficient though.

we had dinner on a Sunday night; La Rustica is comfortable, cozy, cocktails were solid and our server recommended both an excellent special and a wine by the glass that complimented it nicely. Everything was excellent, save that our server (who had up to that point been excellent) dropped the check and never came back after delivering our dessert, which was a somewhat disappointing tiramisu (seemed not much more than a plate of whipped cream with chocolate sauce); had he returned to check on us, we would have sent it back. As it was, we left it unfinished on the plate. A bit of a disappointing finish to an otherwise very good meal.

Excellent food, beautiful location, great service. Reasonable prices. What more can I say? I would return often if I lived in the area.

The food is very very good as is the wine list. My biggest complaint is that, if you are early, there is a dinky little bar and no one there to help you. Not a great start to a very nice meal

We came here for my birthday dinner, our first time back to this restaurant in four years, having been living away from Seattle for a while. We arrived about 6:15 pm, the place was filling up, and half way through our meal there were no tables left. It’s a small space, inside and out, and the tables are spaced too close together for my personal space bubble comfort. Also, it was so noisy that having a conversation with my husband without both of us leaning in was impossible. Our waitress was straightforward with us, said she had a lot of tables to cover and we would have to be patient. I think our timing was good though. Other than her momentarily forgetting my husband’s beer, we had excellent service and it did not take very long to get any of the items we ordered. Good selection of house wines by glass, 1/2 carafe and full carafe, as well as a huge selection of bottled wines. Our food was delicious. Polenta with a mushroom/tomatoes sauce, a vegetable penne pasta dish and cannelloni. Great flavors, ample portions—ended up taking home leftovers. Entrees came with warm focaccia bread and a tasty house salad. A memorable meal despite a few drawbacks.

I absolutely love La Rustica's menu! They have a large variety of dining options and everything I've ever had there was delicious. Their pasta sauces are perfect and their lamb shank falls off the bone perfect. The only downside is it is a tiny place, with only about 20 2-3 person tables. So if you want to get in, you have to get there early!

My husband and I went on a romantic date night to this little gem. It's small and cozy and the food was excellent. I could see that several others made the same error as we did and ate too much of the warm and freshly baked garlic bread they place on your table... how can you not when it's divine?... but so is the other food, and now you're too full to eat up. Expect something different than from the big chain restaurants that are everywhere. This is a small momma/poppa place and you feel it with the attention to details. Like the couple next to us who had an excellent view off the sunset, but the guy was squeezing his eyes because of the sun, and then the owner discreetly placed a pair of sunglasses on the table and walked on. That was nicely done. You can sit outside or inside, both are small and intimate areas. It's a forty minutes drive for us, but we are definitely coming back soon.

Recently went here for a birthday dinner celebration and had a most excellent meal. The restaurant has a great view of the water across the street and a small courtyard so you can dine al fresco. The two appetizers we had and all three entrees were very good. The only thing that could be improved was the dinner salad that comes with every entree, it was very one-dimensional. It was basically a pile of lettuce with a tomato slice on top. The only other slight hiccup was with our service, we had a very new waiter who obviously was still learning the ropes. All in all though an excellent experience and I will definitely go back.

This is the place I take my clients when we close a transaction to celebrate. Never had a bad meal there & the ambiance is so inviting. My favorite is the Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola cream sauce and the Gorgonzola Ravioli.....can you tell I love Gorgonzola? Great place for birthday or anniversary too! Arrive early and get your name in, very busy place.

the food is excellent very tasty and delicious. the servers hustle in the tiny, intimate converted house restaurant. Seating of approximately 15 tables,most 2 or 4 person, is tight. The decor is old IItalian villa style, tasteful not staid. Located on the back side of Alki Beach in a quiet neighborhood with scarce parking. The food is wonderful with generous portions served with a salad, grilled fresh veggies and spaghetti marinara or polenta. i had the chicken breast stuffed with ricotta, spinach and garlic wraped with proscuitto, delicious! A wonderful preparation for chicken breasts. Wild Boar was tasty and very Hardy cooked perfectly fall of the bone perfection. The bread and desert were delicious.. Lemon chello tiramasu with whipped heavy cream. Capriccio starter was fresh, i did not like the beef tenderloins, as they were raw and tasteless to me, however my friend loved this large $16.95 appetizer. Service was very good once you were able to get your server's attention. Water could have been pored more frequently. This is a fairly expensive dining experience $125.00 for two with a half carafe of house wine; one starter; two dinners and one desert with coffee and tea but well worth the expense! Delicious!!!

6 of us. Some at the table were okay with their food. My chicken parm was terrible! Just like one of the other reviewers said it was like eating at Olive Garden. I was ill from it all night. ALSO, BE VERY CAREFUL! They conveniently forgot to mention that 20% gratuity is added to the bill with parties of 6 or more. So, they ended up getting a 40% tip from our party. Very disppointed in their credibility and food.

If you can't make it to Italy for dinner La Rustica is a good second choice! La Rustica is one of the more authentic Italian restaurants in the area and the dinners there do not disappoint.

This place is one of mine and my finances favorite date night spots. Amazing authentic pastas and desserts. Not good for large groups though. The restaurant is small. We ranted and raved about this place to my finances family and when we took them the service was horrible (party of 6)! The food was rushed, we even found plastic wrap in one dish. When they are good they are great. If they are the slightest bit overwhelmed, it is very inconsistent. Worth a try!

I've had a love/hate relationship with this restaurant for the last ten years. It was only after my own food pallet begin to mature did I begin to really love this place. My wife and I recently had a fantastic meal here reminding me, why have we waited so long in between visits. Tucked away in West Seattle this little gem is a must. We'll surely be back soon.

Best Italian in WS by far.

Ok so I researched where to eat and since our family all love Italian food we decided to go away from the city in search of great food and views! Oh boy were we NOT disappointed! The most gorgeous summer evening we got seated in the shade straight away at the time we had reservations. The building looks like nothing special but a lot of the times that is what happens when people concentrate on food and service and dining ambience in general instead of wowing with interior design which is not to be frowned upon for sure. Everything has its time a place right? Our 3 boys ordered literally every appetizer on the menu and esp loved our standard Caprese du Bufala and also the Oysters Al Forno (those boys are not inexpensive to take to dinner 😱) they also loved the mussels and squid. The Bruschetta didn’t let us down either. Between our amazingly delish main courses we had Arugula Pizza (delightful) wild Boar (also delish according to my culinary adventurous middle son) filet was cooked to perfection and the Gorgonzola was an added perfect touch. All in all when we go back to Seattle we will def stop back by for a meal.

La Rustica is the perfect "small, local, family run Italian restaurant" in the West Seattle. It is reasonably priced. The wine list is impressive, but the house wines are really excellent if you're not in to ordering a bottle. The staff is great. Everything is cooked to perfection. My husband had their lamb shank special and it was outstanding. This is a fairly small restaurant where everyone is treated like a neighbor, and even though the place was full when we were there it was not at all noisy. Oh, I guess I should mention that after dinner you can walk across the street for a walk along the beach.

Friends from Seattle brought us here. Only street parking. We sat outside and had a view of the ocean. I don't consider myself a food critic..as such I ordered the special a salmon pasta plate was excellent. Beer selection could be improved but we came there to eat. Service was excellent water glasses were always full. Make sure you are not on a budget 4 of us 3 bottles of wine with our meal was $265.00 not including tip...great food and we paid for what we got...no complaints here the portions were very adequate. Great food and great service...you will not be disappointed.

Other than the fact that you might have to wait for a table since they don't take reservations, this delightful Italian place in West Seattle is a great "find." I have visited Seattle many times over the years but did not know of this place -- went with friends and understood why they like it so much: the food is terrific. I had a pasta dish that measured up to my expectations and, I would note, that their special bread is just delicious!

Authentic and delicious Italian in West Seattle! Great outdoor seating on a sunny day, across from Puget Sound.

Was staying in West Seattle and wanted a local place to eat dinner. This place came up on my phone and turned out to be a gem. Went for dinner on a Thursday night with my husband and sat outside. The view and ambiance was wonderful and the food was amazing. Everything was fresh and well prepared. I would highly recommend the Al Salmonaccio Bruschetta, it was amazing. Be prepared to eat baskets of bread because it is delicious and fresh baked. Everything was so delicious I continued to eat well after I was full. After eating we walked a little way to a park to enjoy the sun set. It was a great evening. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a nice quiet place to enjoy local seafood.

This is a lovely and friendly family run restaurant in West Seattle by the ocean. We had seafood pastas and they were delicious. Very good bread that arrived quickly. Nice wine selection. Excellent Tiramisu

Yes and no. Courteous owner, pleasant waitstaff, average food but the decor inside and out is tired and doesn't feel clean or cared for. It was a pleasant night so we ate outside. Every where you looked it was in need of paint, to be hosed down, plants repotted and planters needing fresh plants. Depressing! The inside is small which is fine but it too needs deep cleaning and painting. The food is pretty good but the appearance of the restaurant changes the dining experience.

Best Italian in Seattle

This place came recommended by some locals during our latest trip to Seattle in March 2014. We swung in just after 5pm on Sunday night and was surprised to find plenty of seating. It was nice to see locals hanging out and someone pop-in just to tell the staff there was a bald eagle across the street. Only in Seattle, right? The menu is a diverse selection of traditional italian fare. The portions are substantial and the service was spot on. The restaurant's food & decor is exactly what they say it is going to be: rustic. This is not Italian food reinvented or noveau, it's old-school. So, be prepared to leave full and satisfied without the wondering. Try some of the local wines on the first page of the wine list. The Zinfandel was fantastic. For the foodies out there, the fettuccine with chicken livers was divine and not over sauced. Perfetto!

I just love this place!!! they make the best Risotto you could have!!! they have a great selection of wines and very nice menu with lots to choose from. Unfortunately the service is hit and miss.... sometimes is great, and sometimes the waiters are just ok...

Lamb Shank special was a little stiff and did not fall apart when poked with fork. Carpaccio was excellent. Osso Bucco was a better alternative.

Loved the food at this friendly family run restaurant. We had multi courses just like Italy. We will make a point of going back.

Great neighborhood place. Food was wonderful. Great wine selection. Tiramisu was incrediblly yummy Felt elbow to elbow with next table But it was easy to see the other meals

Wonderful gluten free selections on the menu. That was a big plus for us. You can sit outside and catch a small view of the bay from across the street. The interior has been decorated to resemble an ornate Italian home or country inn. There are a number of stair steps throughout the restaurant so be aware if any of your guests have trouble getting around or are in a wheel chair. Salads were included with your entrée which was nice. They serve this chewy garlic bread that I couldn't get enough of. I recommend this place for excellent Italian meals.

Are you looking for a great meal, incredible breadsticks, wonderful wine then La Rustica is a place to go. It's a small place, but it's comfortable, the salad is simple but is included in the meal, the entree is delicious. I've never been disappointed.

Overall I was pleased with everything up to getting my entry. I ordered the lamb shank and it seemed over cooked, a bit chewy and had a very gamie test to it. I think it was mutton and not lamb. I've never had lamb that tested that gamie which was a bit of a disappointment for the price we paid. I would go back but definitely would not order that again. Not sure if they just got a lamb shank that was a bit older but everything else including the service was good. Would love to get their thoughts on this. David Dyoungjw@gmail.com

We had heard good things about this restaurant, and finally got the chance to go. The building isn't especially impressive upon your approach, but the food! Holy Cow! This is now in a tie for my favorite Italian dining in Seattle! I had the pasta special, which was wonderful, and my wife had a dish with prawns and scallops. All we could do was smile! I had a cannoli for dessert, and it was the best I have had outside of New Yorks Little Italy area! We overheard a waitress mention that they are known for their lamb dishes. Next time, the Lamb special! There is no doubt we will be back!

Very tasty & great service. Gotta love the feeling of pergatory in their adjoining waiting room.

Great authentic Italian restaurant in a local neighborhood in West Seattle. Feels like you’re eating at an Italian relatives house. Great charm & character. Great spot for a date. Pasta dishes were al fresco! Good wine selection. Definitely would go back.

My husband and I wanted to have a nice dinner before my impending surgery date so we chose La Rustica for our "last nice dinner out for a while". Besides being treated to a beautiful sunset over the Olympic Mountains looking West from Alki Drive over Puget Sound, our dinner was excellent. I had the Farfalle e Capesante. The scallops were perfectly done. The paring was amazing. My husband loves penne pasta so he had the Mostaccioli al Forno con Salsiccia. Their homemade sausage is to die for. We totally enjoyed our meal.

We used to eat here a lot before Covid and then thought the restaurant was closing as the original owners were retiring. Luckily it was purchased by Kat and she is keeping the tradition going. They have such a unique type of entrees that it is so hard to pick what I want. I got the Salmon filet with pesto, and my husband got Filetto al Gorgonzola. Both were so tasty, I almost didn't want to share mine, but he wore me down. Due to lack of servers, they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in September - and have a limited menu during this time. BUT, it is only temporary, don't let that scare you away. The food is worth waiting for.

Oh, La Rustica. Where do I begin to describe this wonderful find? First there's the location, a sweet old house in a quiet residential neighborhood of West Seattle across from a park with an expansive view of Puget Sound. Then there's the service, which is friendly, knowledgable and attentive without a hint of stuffiness. The wine list is excellent, highlighting local wines from the chef's home (north of Rome). And lastly there's the food, oh the food! Every dish is simple and superb-we've tried many in our 10 plus years of coming here and each meal has been memorable and worth savoring. While I do love trying new restaurants I find myself returning to La Rustica again and again, and I think I always will. It's perfect.

We LOVE West Seattle and if it weren't for my husband's job, we'd move out there in a heartbeat. There's the Alki Beach side of the peninsula and there's my favorite side - I'm not sure what this side is called. It's the less beachy, more isolated and quieter side. The views are PHENOMENAL out here. Standing along the edge of the water or even the street and looking out at the horizon, you feel very far away from everything. It's so peaceful. Whether in the dead of Winter or middle of Summer, this is my very favorite area. So it was based on this location alone that made us want to check out La Rustica. We passed and noticed it about a year ago and my first comment was, "Woah, that would be the best place to eat dinner at sunset. What a view." For whatever reasons, we hadn't made it out there for dinner until a good year or more since putting it on my radar. I'd heard mixed reviews - mostly that it was just ok, food wise. I grew up outside of Philadelphia and used to regularly dine in some of the greats in South Philly/Italian Market area. I have high standards for Italian food. Good Italian food is scarce out here in the Pacific Northwest. But this evening I had a craving for Italian. Not some sort of Italian "fusion" or anything fancy and gourmet. Just hearty, rustic Italian. There is another place we enjoy but since it's the weekend and we had plenty of time to catch the sunset, we thought, "Hey! Let's FINALLY check out La Rustica!" They only take reservations for parties of 6 or more and we were only 3 (myself, husband, and 5 year old son.) I was nervous about being able to get a table but we arrived shortly after they opened and strangely (but lucky for us because I wanted to watch the sunset!) all the outdoor tables were free. Throughout our entire dinner, we were the only people eating outside. Baffling because - THE VIEW! Sure there are windows but the view from inside the restaurant is mostly obscured by an apartment building. Also, it was a little chilly but really not unbearable at all and we found the sun really helped to warm us up. I sat facing the sun/water and had to keep my sunglasses on the entire time. Sitting outside on this lovely, early Spring evening watching the sunset over the water was truly wonderful. I would have forgiven them subpar food for the ambience and atmosphere. Was it the greatest Italian food I've ever had? No, but it was delicious and I have absolutely no complaints. I will gladly return here again and again. The bread was warm, soft, lightly garlicky, and buttery. The house red wine was great. My capellini with prawns was delicious - I was full after the burrata and tomato appetizer plus salad - but I couldn't stop eating. My son got the gnocchi with sausage in cherry tomato sauce - yum! And my husband got something I forget the name of but had tagliatelle and scallops. (He'd been waffling between that and another dish but was so glad that he went with the scallops.) I wish we'd had room for dessert but it's a good reason to go back soon! The staff and our waitress were friendly and efficient without being overbearing. And afterwards, we walked across the street to the little mini strip of rocky beach to climb over driftwood and watch the sun some more. (You could also just go for a short walk up the street for more beach, benches, and views galore.) This is the perfect spot for a romantic night out, a big (or small) family dinner, a relaxing meal after a day along the beach, or an off the beaten path place for visitors who want to avoid the usual tourist filled places. (Bonus: In December, walk or drive up a short way to check out the decorations & lights at the Menashe House!)

La Rustica near the Alki neighborhood of West Seattle is know for the quality of its Italian fare. For many, many years this has been he restaurant with the wait line to get it. And over the years, that line has not shrunk. And for good reason. The live up to the billing attracting a large percentage of repair diners to the out-of-the-way location. Expect your favorite dish and region to be represented. Expect you'll love it. It's a wonderful, warm, and hospitable experience. Prepare yourself to be pleased!

If you like Italian, this is the place to come in West Seattle. If you want a seat, line up early for the 5 PM opening and you will be sure to get a table. On the Friday we visited, there was a line and it was worth it. They have super appetizers and so much variety on the menu that you will not go away disappointed or hungry. The waiters are courteous and efficient. Everyone seems to be a pat of the family. The cafe itself is akin to entering a little slice of Italy.

The restaurant is located in West Seattle right on the walks next to the ocean. it has a real Italian look and feel - both of which are reflected in the menu. We had seafood pastas (the Di Mare and the Ling Capesan) and both were rich and tasty with the seafood cooked just right. The garlic bread to start and the house salads were very good. Staff is friendly and efficient - and know the menu.

Best Italian food in Seattle

Everything here was great - ambience, service, quality of food. The staff were most accommodating when some of our party were running late, and kept the rest of us well looked after while we waited. All six of us really enjoyed our main dishes from the fabulous menu, and dessert was yummy, too. This restaurant was recommended by a local as being the best Italian in West Seattle, and we were not disappointed. We will definitely seek this place out again next time we are in the area.

Everything was delicious. We had calamari, lamb shank, and pasta carbonara; would recommend all. Bread and salad were wonderful too. Definitely busy, we were told there would be a half hour wait (Friday night at 715) but they had a table ready for us in less than ten minutes. Highly recommend to anyone who appreciates good food.

This is a very popular place, and with good reason. The menu is extensive, the food is very good, and the prices are reasonable. We were lucky to get in with only a short wait without a reservation on a Thursday night. Tables are close together and the crowd was boisterous that night so it was a bit loud. I don't know if it's always that way. Service was low key and efficient. We asked for a couple of modifications to items, since the menu has lots of items with procuitto and other meats and we had some dietary restrictions in our group. These mods were made cheerfully, which is a big plus in my book! All in all a fun place that's worth a visit!

'Definitely the best I've experienced so far! From the intimate seating to the attentiveness of the wait staff, the experience is great. As for the food, my Bronx-born Italian family members were knocked out...'need I say more?

Don't blink as you're driving along the backside of Alki because this place can be easily missed. Located in the bottom and all the cheap apartment building, this place is up from the best Italian in the city. A mom-and-pop operation that's been going since about 1996. They're cannelloni and manicotti are absolutely outstanding. The cannelloni especially is amazing with either red or white sauce or even both side by side. I usually order one cannelloni one manicotti with both sauces ladled perpendicularly. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Do you like Italian food don't miss this place

We went to this delightful small restaurant on the recomendation of a family member. We had wonderful italian food, great service in a beach front restaurant. They don’t take reservations so we went early. Thankfully we got the last four top table.

Although there are some positives about our experience here, we will not return. Pros: Our server, Nadia, was very personable and helpful. The antipasto mista plate was huge. Good vairety of meats, but only one kind of cheese. Setting is very nice Cons: The noise level is not conducive to a pleasant experience. I used my phone to check the decibel level and it was pretty steady at 80 db with times up to 87 db. Not fun! While the wait staff was pleasant there were apparently not enough of them as there was a lot of waiting for water, etc. The food was underwhelming. In particular, the carbonara was dry to the point of having very little flavor. I am a carbonara fan and I don't want it to be soaking in sauce, but there was almost no sauce at all on this dish. Parking is difficult to find during the dinner hour.

Tucked away in West Seattle, GPS is helpful, the drive fun, and the food excellent. Wife and I wanted a quiet, casual evening with excellent food. We wanted to dine and visit. We got all that and more. Food was excellent, garlic bread superb, service efficient, friendly, and not intrusive. We are anxious to go back.

We were celebrating a graduation in the family and went there to eat. The bread brought out early on was delicious! We had calamari for and appetizer and it was delicious! Some of the dishes our group had was wild boar, scallops in a cream sauce with nutmeg and mushroom and suasage risotto. WONDERFUL! While we had to wait for our dinner, the owner was gracious and the staff made sure we were aware of the time we would have to wait. We did not mind since the surroundings are attractive and we enjoyed talking with our party and the staff.

Our go to place for something a little special. A little gem on beach drive in West Seattle. You might drive right by it the first time you go looking for it as it really does not look like much from the outside but once inside you know you are in for someplace special.

We had dinner last night at La Rusitica. The menu was pure Italian. We shared an appetizer of grilled calamari and the special wild boar. Our server was helpful and gracious, the food was very good. BUT, the restaurant was very noisy. There was a woman by the door who had either been overserved or came in impaired. No matter, she ruined the evening for us and, my guess, for many others in the small restaurant.

Best Italian in Seattle, period. Fantastic ragout, pasta, desserts, wine, service - anything less is wasting time.

This is a favorite place to celebrate birthdays, Saturdays, sunshine and dinner. The food is rich, abundant and tasty. I have ordered mostly a variety of pasta dishes over the years. Chicken Marsala is a favorite. Wine is good and the service is great. Definitely recommend!

Service was very good. Waiter explained specials and offered advice on menu foods. We enjoyed an Italian merlot, two appetizers and various main courses. Canolies and lemon cake for desert. Neapolitan love songs playing in the background. Very small with limited seating located across the street from Elliot Bay.

Somewhere I have long wanted to visit, finally did with 5 other women so we could get a reservation. The service was fine, the restaurant very busy on a Friday night, so I made an allowance for that. I had the seafood spaghetti which was okay, the squid ink pasta was much better, and the risotto with shrimp was outstanding. The starter salad was good and the focaccia bread also. All entrees were more than we could eat, and the take home boxes were great. We shared the tiramisu thank goodness because it was a large serving and yummy. I will go back to try something new, because it all sounds wonderful.

The spot was pretty good with the previous owner. But, ever since COVID, the service had been slightly lax or rushed. I had to re-ask for ice with water, along with correcting my order. Although, it still is a good spot in West Seattle.

La Rustica offers excellent Italian food and wine and equally excellent service. The atmosphere is intimate, yet casual. Very expensive, so save for a special occasion.

This darling Italian style restaurant was a great find in the neighborhood. Small in space big on flavor and service. If you are in SW Seattle don’t miss this one. Wine list allows by the glass for grape wine types making your own pairings with each meal at the table not only a budget possibility but allows for taste trading both meals and wines. Daily specials of lamb and boar were delicious the side of oyster was great too. Will be back when back in the neighborhood

We had a wonderful dinner at this restaurant. There were 4 of us and we loved everything we ordered. Would highly recommend.

The drive on Beach Drive to Alki Beach in West Seattle is scenic. The food at La Rustica does not disappoint. There's a nice dining patio, but we sat inside. The dining room's decor has Old World charm. We had veal wrapped prawns and pancetta wrapped prawns. They were delicious!

Firstly, we found it a little hard to locate the place and then parking near it. There were 2 of us and we chose to sit inside rather than outside (due to the no-rain weather this time of year :P) We sat near a heater so we got a little hot by the end of dinner, but the waitress turned it off as soon as we told her. We ordered the bruschetta, the special that night- lamb shank and gorgonzola pasta, a bottle of Moscato and the lava cake for dinner. The food was tasty and the presentation was good. The lamb shank came with a side of pasta and roasted veggies and the gorgonzola pasta came with walnuts and a butter garlic sauce. Both the entrees included a green leafy salad which was brought before the entree itself. Price wise it was in the medium range but the portion sizes were pretty big so it was worth it. The chocolate lava cake was our favorite of the night as it was spectacular. The rest of the food was good, nothing out of this world which is perfectly fine unless that's what you're looking for. Would love to visit this place on a summer day to experience the outside seating with a view of the water. The ambience inside was very old school homely and dining room like rather than grand or modern or showy. And its pretty cozy so if there're any parties with excited people nearby, chances are you'll be hearing it. Overall, its a good restaurant with good food :)

This family owned Italian restaurant is hidden around the corner from the busy part of Alki Beach. Great food, excellent service, crowded in a good way. Prepare to wait, they don't take resos.

La Rustica has quickly become my wife and my favorite Italian restaurant. Love the location, setting, atmosphere and service. But, what keeps us going back is their great menu. La Rustica offers a menu full of so many great items it's nearly impossible to decide on only one. On our last visit, my wife ordered the Tortellini alla Papalina; Cheese tortellini tossed with cream, cherry tomatoes, peas, egg and prosciutto. I ordered Linguine di Mare; Mussels, clams, calamari and prawns tossed in tomato sauce. Both were fabulous. But there were a half a dozen other menu items I was equally anxious to try. Can't wait to go back and try something else. Then again, I might go with the same item as it was so delicious.

High recommend. Great atmosphere, amazing view of Puget Sound and excellent authentic Italian food. Service was terrific, too. Also a good selection of Italian wines.

Thoughtful service, delicious food, good wine selection, homemade soft breadsticks, cozy, intimate, and did I mention ... delicious food? It requires a drive across the lake to go, but it's always worth the trip. Wish we had one on the eastside ...