Authentic Italian? Don't look any further. If you appreciate great pasta with a mix of tradition and innovation, Rustichella is the place for you. This restaurant gets you as close as it gets to the prosperous lands of Emilia and Romagna, home to excellences such as Prosciutto, Parmigiano Reggiano, egg pasta, ragù and many others. In my recent visit I was lucky enough to try their rocket tagliatelle with lemon and prosciutto. They were the highlight of a spectacular lunch; in fact, although I was skeptical at first, if their other dishes maintain the same standard, you can't go wrong.
As an entrée, the Crescentine are phenomenal. Some might know them as "gnocco fritto", or "tigelle", but don't be fooled. They are something else and they are fantastic.
The dessert made me regret not having a second stomach. I went for the traditional panna cotta, with no added jelly, but with a consistency somewhere between a flan and a cheese cake. It was the chocolate one, but the fruit version looked even better. On a different note, the tiramisù sent all the right messages... Definitely something to try next time.
Coming to the wine and coffee, Roberto suggested a Pinot noir that accompagned the food splendidly, but next time it will have to be Lambrusco (if you know, you know); as for the coffee, illy never disappoints.
About the prices, they are pretty honest if you think about the time, produce and application that goes into offering great food often sourced from overseas, it ended up being around $50 per person.
To sum up, I'm glad to have found this place and I wish them all the best, as it will be most likely on my map for a while.
Edit: Went back a few times and the place never ceases to amaze. The boar tagliatelle are sublime, and this time we tried the "Torta Cenacchi": Named after Paolo's family, this almond and amaretto cake is topped with fresh pasta. As all real domestic recipes, it can be hard to describe, however, it's definitely...
Read moreRustichella is an exquisite gem in the realm of Italian fine dining. Having dined here multiple times, I can confidently say that each visit has been a transcendent experience, surpassing all expectations. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance envelops you in warmth and sophistication, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey.
The service at Rustichella is nothing short of impeccable. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about providing an extraordinary dining experience. They strike the perfect balance between professionalism and warmth, making every guest feel like a cherished part of the Rustichella family.
But it’s the food that truly steals the show. Each dish is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients and a deep respect for traditional Italian flavors. The menu offers a delightful array of options, from delicate pasta dishes to succulent meats, each bite a harmonious blend of taste and texture. The chef’s talent and dedication shine through in every course, making it impossible to choose a favorite.
A highlight of dining at Rustichella is their exceptional wine program. The sommelier not only curates a superb selection of wines but also brings them to life with captivating stories of their origins and winemaking processes. This storytelling elevates the dining experience, creating a profound connection between the wine and the food.
Rustichella is more than just a restaurant; it's a journey through the heart of Italy, where every meal is a celebration of flavor and tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a memorable night out, Rustichella is the place to be. I could not recommend them more highly – it's an experience that lingers long after the last...
Read moreEmilia Romagna in Bologna Italy is the region for fresh homemade pasta ,last night I was taken there in the form of culinary perfection from start to finish .. The two lovely owners Chef Paolo and Roberto have hit the ground running with this one I started with the Crescentie traditional fried dough with: mortadella and Parmesan (3 pieces ,just light enough for me to Enjoy the main (and it was a tough choice as every pasta looked amazing I finally settled on the Ricotta & parsley Tortelloni Burro e Salvia – with butter and sage a good choice I literally sighed at such light and delicate goodness ,I am sure I have never tasted Pasta where every flavour was so evident and you are not left feeling laden down ,I did notice that for other pasta dishes with sauce there are vegan options The mains are not too huge but you don’t need anything more ,It was enough There is also an extensive wine list,including wines from the Emilio Romagna region I hoped to have room to Enjoy one of the desserts Budino al cioccolato ? Tiramisu ? affogato Cantucci & Vin Santo but next time ,next time .. it gets booked up and Andree the engaging headwaiter helpfully informed us that Friday and sat are very busy and almost apologetically assured me that Sunday’s and mid week he would be able to be a lot more attentive 😊 so beautifully Italian Nundah and the northern suburbs have needed a truly great restaurant for a long time and Rustichella this unpretentious cozy eatery in Aspinsll St is such I will be back ..
Vegan and gluten free options...
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