
Snug, casual Italian trattoria with an open kitchen, chalkboard menu & Sicilian-inspired food.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 4857 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
Phone: (206) 723-2192
Website: http://lamedusaseattle.com/
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La Medusa Restaurant Columbia City
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Reviews
I went for the second time after many months, and did not have the same experience that I did over the summer. The people themselves were incredibly nice as always, but the quality of food just felt different. The appetizers of arancino, grandma’s greens, and the olives were all pretty good. However, they brought them out individually one by one and each at least 10 to 15 minutes apart. Given that our reservation was on the later side and app portions are small , we were pretty hungry for the first hour due to the pace of the meal. After the appetizers, it took quite a bit for the main course to come out. We ordered three pastas, the malfadine, the spaghetti, and the Campanelle. They were pretty good, but not nearly the quality that they were when I came here over the summer. They also did not come out until almost 9 PM (our reservation was 730 )The sauces did not feel like they had as much depth as before, although still yummy.
I hope that this is a one off experience, because I really liked it the first time. But for the price and distance to get there from the city, I will put more thought into my decision next time.
ORIGINAL REVIEW: This is one of new favorite restaurants in seattle! I have tried several Italian spots in the city and this is certainly one of my top five! (Other notable spots I love are Il Nido, Spinasse, Machiavelli, tavolata )
First off, the service was incredible. Our waitress was so sweet and knowledgeable of the menu. We got grandmas greens, the croquette, bread, and mafaldine pasta with braised beef shank. Everything was stellar!! Particularly the croquette. They have a rotating menu and all the other dishes I saw also looked good. I need to come back and try everything!
The ambience is quaint and definitely has a local feel. I loved it. I felt like I was in Italy. There are no bells and whistles, just good food, good service, and warm energy. A true neighborhood gem.
For $30/plate we got about 3 mouths full of food. It was very well executed. The pasta is of perfect consistency, got a nice chew and nice structure. They the sauce was tomato sauce with some olives and capers with a hint of anchovies. Slightly too salty and acidic but again, a well executed plate. It’s about three mouth fulls with of food. Luckily we weren’t too hungry but man was it expensive. It was absolutely not worth the money IMO. Add that to the poor loud environment, I just did not have that great of a time there. Would not come back given the price. Keep in mind they also charge 18% service by default. Don’t feel pressured to tip more.
If you happen to be in Columbia City and are hungry it would be fine to stop here, but don’t expect amazing Italian fare!
They were able to accommodate GF – though not sure that it would be celiac safe – a lot of the starters are GF and two of the desserts were.
Call to make a reservation and/or have a drink next door at Persephone while you wait, you can bring it with you when your table is ready as they’re owned by the same people.
Service is usually extremely friendly and great.
Food is great.
It’s a small place. Make sure you call them first for the reservation
La Medusa is pure Sicilian soul in Columbia City—and I’ve gone back more than five times because it never misses.
The squid ink pasta is a masterpiece: briny, silky black strands layered with fresh herbs and ocean depth. The grilled sardines appetizer is delicate, citrus-kissed, and simply unforgettable. Add the salt cod fritters—crispy, golden, and rich—and you’ve got a lineup that’s world-class.
Yes, the tables are close—but that’s part of the charm. Look around and you’ll see nothing but good vibes, smiles, and laughter echoing through the room. The wine list is stunning, and the staff serve with pride, warmth, and guidance that makes you feel like family.
Columbia City is full of energy, but this spot is its heart. Take the 7 on Rainier, step into La Medusa, and you’ll see why locals and visitors call it the best Sicilian food in Washington.
This isn’t just dinner—it’s a memory worth repeating.