The June Hit List: La Medusa, Marmite, The Harvest Vine, and More

Bruce and Sara Naftaly, fixtures on the Seattle dining scene for more than three decades, bring French comfort food — and a diehard lunchtime crowd — to their charming Chophouse Row spot. Naftaly is best-known for his rich broths, sauces, and seasonal soups; a recent beetroot and purple carrot soup with nettle broth tastes like pure spring. Feeling decadent? Order the crêpes filled with Dungeness crab, spot prawns, Gruyère, Parmesan, and béchamel. As if they weren’t luscious enough, they’re deep-fried and slathered in a luxe lemon verbena beurre blanc.

Since 2012, owners Gordon Wishard and Meredith Molli have been serving a diehard clientele Sicilian-inspired dishes at their snug Columbia City trattoria. Start with Columbia City Bakery bread — located a few doors down; it’s among the best loaves in Seattle. Don’t miss the briny spaghetti con le sarde studded with sardines, raisins, pine nuts, and olives — it’s a staple on the chalkboard menu. Same for Grandma’s Greens, original owner Julie Andres’ grandmother’s recipe for flavorful wilted greens.

Call 206-723-2192 for reservations.

Communal, family-style dining is the focus at The Corson Building, though diners won’t be disappointed with chef Emily Crawford Dann’s thoughtful à la carte and prix fixe menus. A recent dish of olive oil-poached albacore tuna bathed in leek vinaigrette, olive tapenade, and caper aioli was meaty and mild-tasting. Another seasonal standout is the duck leg confit with spinach, morels, flageolet beans, bacon, and sorrel cream. Wine pairings and buttermilk panna cotta with poached apricots round out the experience.

Tucked into the quiet Madrona neighborhood, the patio at Henri Schock and Soni Davè-Schock’s craftsman house-turned-wine bar is a dreamy spot to sip rosé (or whatever refresher you desire). The carefully curated wine list is packed with lesser-known varieties; the staff will guide you to your ideal glass or custom flight. For non-oenophiles, there’s cider, microbrews, and cocktails on tap. Pair your sip with a small plate, such as pickled eggs, housemade pickles, or a cheese and charcuterie board handpicked by the resident cheesemonger.

Walk-ins only. Find more information here.

Situated on the shores of Lake Union in Seattle, Little Water Cantina offers a front-row seat to a constant hum of boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and seaplanes. Diners can nosh on elote, queso dip, or a wild boar burrito from the outdoor patio deck while sipping a fresh-squeezed, seasonal fruit margarita and watching the sunset over Gas Works Park.

Walk-ins only. Find more information here.

There’s nothing better than Apertivo Hour on a warm summer evening at one of Oddfellow’s sidewalk patio tables or seated by the large front window. Helmed by owner Linda Derschang, the hip, century-old building oozes casual cool. In the morning, people commune with laptops, baked eggs with ham, leeks, spinach, and cheese, and mugs of Caffe Vita coffee. Settle in later in the day for simple comfort fare, like spring pea crostini with mint-whipped goat cheese and a hearty braised lamb shoulder with peas, carrots, and fingerling potatoes. Oddfellows takes its cocktail program seriously (but not too seriously). From its NSFW, a delightful mix of house-infused cucumber gin, Aperol, and lime, to the Toki highball, there’s no shortage of refreshing ways to cool down on a warm Seattle day.

This woman-owned Madison Valley staple has become a neighborhood go-to for all things Basque. Think everything from Ibérico de bellota to bleu de Basque. Although the secret back patio is a lovely date spot, it’s the famed 11 seats at the copper-topped bar that are most coveted. (As always, seats at the counter are first come, first served.) For a taste of Spain, order the Galician-style octopus with red potato, pimenton, and arbequina oil. Or find comfort in a fluffy tortilla española. A glass of verdejo makes for a refreshing aperitivo.

Sophie and Eric Banh’s Main Street spot remains a favorite for a variety of fresh Vietnamese takes beyond pho. Start with the crispy imperial rolls, filled with shrimp and Carlton Farms pork. Next, the Idaho catfish claybowl is a menu staple, served in a thick savory and caramelized sugar sauce with shallots, ngo òm, morning glory stems, and sliced jalapeño. Team it with spicy green beans or simple yet surprisingly delicious steamed rice. Then, for more spice, sip a White Lion, made with Thai chile-infused Tequila, jicama, and fresh lime.

Inspired by the cuisine and culture of South Central China, Plenty of Clouds serves up family-style dishes with no shortage of fiery heat. Stop by for their seasonal take on dishes, like tender steamed eggplant tossed with fresh ginger, garlic, bird’s eye chiles, sawtooth herb, and mint, or Mala dry pot, which is served vegan, but available with lamb or pork belly. A flight of baijiu, an imported spirit made by fermenting and distilling cooked sorghum, is the perfect way to ring in summer. It’s refreshing and similar to Korean soju.

It’s no secret that Seattleites love brunch. The same goes for comfort food. Harry’s Fine Foods strikes a mighty fine balance, serving The Barber at brunch, two poached eggs with heirloom polenta, braised greens, harissa, and avocado, and a highly flavorful wagyu bavette with bone marrow and bordelaise at dinner. Harry’s Hamburger, with American cheese and Mel’s secret sauce, is also a legit pick. Relax with a refreshing Sweet Release, dark rum, dry curacao, grapefruit, and tonic, or pick up a bottle of natural wine from the bottle shop. Or, hole up on the lush, leafy patio for happy hour, 4 to 6 p.m. daily.

Next time you’re in Columbia City, stop by Persephone, the new sibling to neighborhood darling La Medusa. You can linger over a glass of bubbly and small bites at this breezy little bar-meets-bottle shop or grab a bottle and some locally made items to take to nearby Columbia Park.

Find more information here.