Rockland, United States
315 S Main St
$$
+12075940015
N/A
Food service in the time of Covid is not easy, and yet Rustica wildly exceeded our expectations in our first visit there last night. We were greeted quickly and made to feel welcome immediately. My Caesar salad was the best I've ever had - Rustica's dressing is flavorful without being overpowering, and its use of crouton slivers instead of huge hunks of dried bread was incredible. Both of our entrees were outstanding takes on classics - the shrimp picatta was flavorful but not heavy - and the pasta was to die for. The saltimbocca was pure heaven - and it did not rely on pure cream richness for its flavor - it was rich alright, but it was somehow lighter than other saltimboccas we've had. A welcome change. But what made the evening particularly great was David, our server, at the bar where we ate. He was engaging, friendly, funny, and upbeat. The service was spot-on and second-to-none. And the price was more than reasonable. Rustica keeps it down to earth - no pretense and no snobbishness - while also providing outstanding quality ambiance, service and food. Covid may have hurt Rustica, but if it has, they've done a damned good job of keeping the pain hidden, and they're still cranking out amazing food and smiling while they do it. Bravo.
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Food was excellent. Recommend the Boca Negra for desert, that thing was killer!
Had a table right by the window,very friendly and attentive service. Got the shrimp and polenta for an app and the cavellitti saltimboca for the main entree ,OMG! best Italian food outside of Primo anywhere in the mid coast area. Do yourself a favor when visiting nearby Rockland make a reservation for Rustica you won't be disappointed.
Rustica always delivers a Great meal! Tastey and creative. We love this staple italian on the mid coast. Some dinners are massive and some are smaller. John offers a beautiful variety of choices. You will always get a great meal. The value is unsurpassed.
Omg, what can I say about this place beyond calling it absolutely fabulous. My husband and I wanted an adventure that neither of us experienced before and boy oh boy did we get such. We start with the bread rolls provided, which was a delight thanks mostly to Fiore olive oil. The flavor was unique and robust. To be honest I could have stayed all night just eating that, but it got even better. My husband is without a doubt a picky eater and so we stayed safe with chicken parmesan for him and by golly George did it not disappoint, the biggest and juiciest chicken with a super flavorful marinara sauce and spaghetti is what we got. If a human could have 6 thumbs up I'd give them all to this place. My Grilled bistro steak was bar non to say the least, cooked to perfection and balanced with gusto thanks to the mushroom risotto and marinara. Even had him try it and trust me it doesn't happen often because I know what he likes and mushrooms are super low on that list, he was blown away claiming he couldn't taste the mushrooms (an impossiblity considering how large the pieces were and the fact that I made sure to include a piece).
Sausage and crispy eggplant pasta is excellent. Just could've been a bit more al dente. Tomato soup also very tasty. Would skip the shrimp picatta.
I’m from northern New Jersey where there are numerous Italian restaurants. Rustica could EASILY AND SUCCESSFULLY thrive in that competitive environment. My wife and I have eaten there about once per month over the past 11 years. We’ve always been totally satisfied. It is our hope that in these uncertain times that Rustica can survive the pandemic. Godspeed to the owner and staff of this wonderful Italian restaurant....
Excellent pizza, excellent pasta, delicious salad. Very friendly service.
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