Café Rustica | New Jersey — Restaurant in Bernards Township

I am not one to usually write reviews but I believe I need to for this experience. I found this restaurant through a friend and wanted to take my wife for a Valentine’s Day dinner. We didn’t have a reservation and as expected there was a wait to get a table.

When we finally got seated we had to wait 15 minutes just for our drinks to arrive. Again, we expected it to be busy but drinks are typically the first items to arrive at the table. I ordered the Lamb Shank special and my wife ordered the Chicken Parm dinner. There was a taste of freezer burn in my wife’s chicken which was really disappointing given how expensive the food is. She tried to just finish her meal as best as she could but ultimately had our waitress toss the rest.

They advertise that the place is owned by the head chef and his wife. My wife and I unfortunately had to witness firsthand, the owners wife, drinking a glass of wine while standing near the host stand and bar area while the bartender had a full glass of beer. I can understand having a stressful day but drinking on the job is just very unprofessional. We really did try to give this place the benefit of the doubt but after cold food, an awfully smelling restroom, and seeing the health risks by the owner herself, we ultimately will not...

09.29.23 once again had another exceptional meal at Rustica. Had the Mozzarella Frittata appetizer, and Chicken Parm dinner. Both were spectacular! That Mozzarella Frittata is to die for! I only wish it was on the regular menu, not just an infrequent special!

Rustica is the best!

03.05.22 Rustica is nothing if not consistent. Food is reliably good. Staff is exceptional.

01/30/2020 Food is just OK. Certainly overpriced! On top of the pricey menu, they even nickel and dime you with charging for soda refills, after charging $2.99 for the soda to begin with. Expect to spend $60/person without alcohol, dessert or tip. Staff is friendly, food isn't anything special. I have been coming here since 1985 or so. Just keeps going downhill. Was much better as the Carriage Inn. -- Prior review -- Mediocre Italian fare. Pizza is the last thing I would order here. Casual attire. 2/28/17 prices seem to have gone up recently. Still just so - so Italian. Overpriced for quality. Closed Mondays. Much better options close by, check out Sienna's or Ridge Pizzeria...

Today I stopped in there for an order for pickup... I sat there at the bar for 15 minutes while my order was being prepared... The wife of the owner was at the podium... There was a blonde haired waitress who was standing there greeting people as they walked in for their pickup orders... And that's when I noticed... She was standing there picking her nose and sniffling using the back of her hand. Never once did she go to the ladies room to wash her hands.. as customers walked in she went in the back and brought out order after order after order... I brought this to the attention of the owner and she shrugged it off.. I picked up my $98 order brought it home and threw it in the garbage... My own fault because I should have rejected my order and walked out then and there.. However I did not want to cause a scene as there were customers seated at tables and also customers waiting for pickup orders. I'm so disappointed because this place came highly recommended. In closing, I will never go back again.. totally...