Rustica Cucina Italiana — Restaurant in Bali

I would never have thought that I would come to Bali and find such a wonderful Italian restaurant. I never even thought I'd fancy eating Italian when there's such lovely Indonesian food around. But one night I just fancied pizza! And I'm fussy about my pizza, being a long time visitor of Italy. I go to Italy every year so I know a thing or two about authenticity when it comes to my favourite food!

I can honestly say I was not disappointed. I don't know what other reviewers are complaining about, if they don't like the pizza here, they don't like Italian pizza at all! My pizza has to be stone baked in a wood fired oven, on a thin base, with mozzarella and just enough topping so you can taste everything. This is exactly what I got. The toppings were excellent, the base thin and crisped almost charred, the Italian sausage as good as you get in Italy! Pizza is easy to make, but hard to get right, these guys get it bang on the money.

With my partner we shared a very generous portion of very nicely made bruschetta. Also tried the gnocchi Gorgonzola, which was great too. The local wine they serve is lovely and the drinks in general very reasonable.

My only gripe is the staff. Some of the waitresses whilst really lovely and friendly don't speak good English, or English at all. And that's fine, I'm in their country after all, who am I to criticise? But if that's the case, don't pretend to speak English and then cause confusion. Unfortunately that's what happened on both visits. Well meaning staff pretended to understand us and got orders wrong. It might have been simple requests like "no ice" or "sparkling water" but it's the small details that make a big difference. And what's with the standing behind you staring at you or over your shoulder, I read that on another review and it happened to us too. A bad habit and I don't think they realise how it makes people feel.

The owner was there both nights. What a lovely woman she is. Visiting each table to make sure everything was OK. That's the Italian way, she cares about the food and her guests and that's how it should be.

So in short, fantastic Italian food. Very authentically made and presented. Reasonable prices and good drinks. But the well meaning staff need just a little...

I had the chance to visit Rustica recently and I’m confident in saying that I can’t wait to go back again and again. While travelling I often get cravings for a good home cooked meal and Rustica is certainly the place to be for so many different reasons. Especially in a very busy part of town, Rustica is such a beautiful spot to be. The exterior and interior of the restaurant are clean and the ambiance is warm and cozy. You are greeted by such wonderful smiling staff who make an effort to give you a great experience during your stay and their hospitality doesn’t go unnoticed. The energy is comforting and it makes the experience that much more pleasant, I felt the most at home at Rustica throughout my travels in Bali, all thanks to the people surrounding me. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu and the service is top tier in every way you could imagine. There’s so many options on the menu to choose from, if I had the time to try everything, I absolutely would have. There’s something for everyone to try! It’s easy for me to say that the food at Rustica was the most authentic and delicious Italian food that I’ve tried, I wish I could find somewhere that comes close to it in Canada but it makes coming to Bali that much more sweet. The food is consistent and you can taste the freshness in the ingredients when it comes to the table. Most importantly, if you have the opportunity to say hello to Mamma Luigina, definitely take the time to do so. She has a heart of gold, she is beautiful inside and out and ultimately just radiates sunshine. I feel so lucky to have been to meet and converse with her while also trying various things from the menu that she curated from scratch with her very own recipe’s, it doesn’t get better than that. I would wholeheartedly recommend Rustica to anyone without hesitation, not only for the impeccable food but the familial atmosphere as well. I can’t wait for the day I’m back at Rustica eating pasta, pizza and the best tiramisu until I physically can’t anymore. Sending love, hugs and my best wishes to all the family and staff...

Nestled in the heart of Bali, "Rustica Cucina Italiana" is a hidden gem that captures the essence of authentic Italian cuisine amidst the island's vibrant atmosphere. During my stay, I stumbled upon this delightful restaurant and found myself returning once more before departing.

The menu at Rustica is a testament to traditional Italian flavors executed with finesse. We indulged in a variety of dishes that left a lasting impression. The Aglio e Olio was perfectly balanced with garlic-infused olive oil, while the Arrabbiata offered a delightful kick of spice that complemented the freshness of the pasta. The ravioli was a standout, filled with rich cheese and bathed in a velvety cream and mushroom sauce.

For those craving something heartier, the Meat Lover Pizza satisfied with its generous toppings and crisp crust. The roasted and grilled pork dishes were tender and flavorful, showcasing the chef's skill in preparing meats to perfection.

To cap off our culinary journey, we savoured a Tiramisu that was light yet decadent, paired beautifully with their house-bottled wine. The evening was made even more special with a complimentary serving of limoncello, a gesture that underscored the warmth and hospitality of the staff.

Speaking of which, the service at Rustica was impeccable. The staff were not only knowledgeable about the menu but also exuded genuine friendliness, ensuring that every visit felt like dining among friends.

Prices at Rustica Cucina Italiana are reasonable considering the quality and portion sizes, making it a great value for money, especially in a locale where dining options can vary widely.

Overall, Rustica Cucina Italiana surpassed expectations with its delectable offerings, charming ambiance, and top-notch service. Whether you're a local resident or a traveler seeking an authentic taste of Italy in Bali, this restaurant is...