Rusco and Brusco — Restaurant in Adelaide

What happened?

This was a warm and buzzing fine food restaurant run by authentic first and second Gen Italians. Sadly the restaurant changed hands a few years ago and it’s so disappointing to see this warm buzzy Italian vibe is now gone.

The tables and chairs are tacky to touch, toilets are old and not maintained. Bins full of rubbish, hand basin and toilet grotty. Italian background music is now replaced by 80’s rock - hardly fit for a regional Italian restaurant. Barely a soul in this restaurant.

We came here for lunch and there were only three other people at a table. I think that speaks volumes for itself.

Tigelle came out lukewarm with inferior ingredients. Spinach tigelle were very salty.

The burrata salad was ok but again the produce tasted ordinary rather than organically grown as was in the past.

We decided to stay for a coffee so we ordered two cappuccino’s which were ok (very mild brew) but there wasn’t an Italian cake or biscuit in sight and what was there looked old and dried from having sat there so long.

Attention to detail has gone. What a shame. With some TLC and attention to detail this restaurant can...

I am very disappointed to say that this place has gone downhill. I have been customer since this business was first established. I had quite a hiatus from this place during covid. I took my fiancé here remembering the amazing pasta that I had here with excellent service by the Italian couple that I presumed were the owners.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t met by them and the pasta was not fresh and I suspect not made in house.

We came on one of the public holidays. The vibe was very different to before…

The ravioli was disgusting - probably store bought and cold in the middle, the sauce was very tart - like tomato paste. The seafood on the seafood pasta was not fresh and quite chewy… the spaghetti over cooked - not al Dante…

Cancelled the tiramisu we ordered as I was too scared to think what may come out :(

The mezelune is no longer on the menu - this was one of my favourite things at this place!! I have no idea how the reviews seem to be consistently good, definitely not deserving of a 4.6/5 rating?!?! I suspect the management has changed…

A very disappointing meal and a true loss… You’ve...

Just returned here and very disappointed, gone way down hill. From 5 star to at most a 3 star. Pitty, see original review below. Really Authentic atmosphere, reminiscent of our holiday in Sicily. The offerings are plentiful and nicely priced. My wife and I shared 3 Tigelle to start with and a bottle of Italian Rose, Followed up with mains. I had the Taglia di manzo ai funghi porcini e cavolo, yes a mouth full. What I got was a chargrilled (so,so tasty and jucy) sliced eye fillet with mushrooms and asparagus, a fresh salad and the best tastiest sliced potato. This steak is slightly aged, dark and almost crispy on the outside and your tongue could break down the meat on the inside, Oh heaven on a plate. The staff and owners really appreciate their customers and that shows. Keep up the excellent work guys and we Will see you...