Rustico — Restaurant in Oak Park

I almost never review businesses or products but I'm hoping this might be useful and lead to some retraining of the front of house staff. This was my first and probably last visit. And I'm sorry to be specific about a particular employee but the experience did not start well: the host literally drummed his fingers on the lectern while I was trying to sort out confusing parking information with my husband before checking in. He stopped when I looked at him directly as he was doing it. It would be sensible if host staff informed themselves about parking on the street directly opposite their restaurant, but I understand if not, maybe a new employee. Yet this person was not busy, there was no one waiting behind us, and if it were me I would have bestirred myself to try to help find out the information for the customer. Or he could have been welcoming to my idea of us being seated and my husband choosing a drink before having to deal with the car. Hosts are supposed to make you feel welcome and this felt more like being at the airport then being in a place of hospitality. I get that someone can have a bad day (and I've done my share of waiting tables and cashier duty and know how customers can get to you) but I've never experienced that level of sheer disinterest, the sense given that he was actively annoyed by us, not helped by the extremely fake "happy birthday" and smile after he read the reservation note. I don't want the guy fired but it would be good if he got feedback about the point of his job being more than corralling people efficiently to tables.

The restaurant itself was pleasant and not too loud or busy on a Wednesday night. The server (we had to figure out who this was as it wasn't made clear and a different person took my drink order) was friendly and quite attentive, bringing wine at the exact right time, which was appreciated.

The salumi plate was excellent (although some of the prosciutto was dry and it would have been nice if it weren't refrigerator temperature - but I have no idea how to fix that one! :) - and more bread had been offered). Spouse said some of the pizza bread on the table was stale. Short ribs were delicious but the short rib gnocchi ragu was very unpleasantly over seasoned, like too many stock cubes/too concentrated-- and I really like salt!! But the wine the server recommended was delicious. No one asked how our entrees were. The host was talking with customers up front when we left and did not bother to say goodbye. So all in all it was...

The rustic ambiance with dim beautiful lighting attracted me right away. Tables are set apart nicely (except in the back where there are more 2 seater. For a bigger girl I was nervous about this seating arrangement when more people came to sit by us).

Water was filled instantly and bread was given. We ordered the Apple Salad (not pictured) that was so delicious! A nice amount of mixed greens with fruits and a very delicious Champagne Vinaigrette dressing!

I ordered the Costilla and the amount of food was great! The flavors mixed so well together. I was impressed with only needing a fork to cut the beef and how the crispy onions gave the meal that extra salty goodness. I would definitely get this again!

My friend was conflicted on what to ordered but decided on the Pork Tenderloin because the table next to us got it and it looked way too good not to get. It was a perfect choice. The tenderloin was a little over cooked for him, but it was so tender and juicy, even with the char on the outside. He said he was surprised at how delicious the BNS was and how the BS needed a bit more seasoning. Overall he said he would get this again with different veggies.

Our desserts - he got a fried banana with vanilla gelato and I ordered the tiramisu. The Tiramisu was good, the menu didn’t say it came with gelato, with the waiter asked if coconut gelato was a good choice but that’s ok, so when it arrived and I tried it I was not happy because I DISLIKE coconut. To me it’s as bad as people who taste soap when they eat cilantro - NO THANK YOU!

I would go again and try something different only because I do love options, but who am I kidding…. I’ll end up with the...

Hello Foodzies, tonight we went Mediterranean it was a Spanish-Italian restaurant. We went to Rustico’s at 150 n Oak Park ave In Oak Park. The interior is rustic and decorated with reclaimed wood and metal. It has a wood fire oven and an open concept throughout. Our Host Eloy who I know from another restaurant was warm and inviting. The restaurant had vaulted ceilings even with an almost full house was surprisingly quiet allowing you to have a comfortable conversation and enjoy the music which was a mixture of old time crooners and Spanish music.our waiter Ricky was very friendly and personal. Our meal began with hot sliced bread add olive oil and parmigiana cheese and I’m in heaven. The focaccia was awesome also. We started with grilled calamari and shrimp served on a bed of arugula and cherry tomatoes drizzled with a light balsamic. The calamari and shrimp were seasoned and grilled perfectly. Next was a bowl of lobster bisque soup. It was flavorful and perfectly seasoned and had bits of lobster. We then enjoy a seafood paella this is a rice dish filled with onions. Green and red peppers, shrimp, cod, calamari, clams and mussels cooked in a wood fired oven. There’s a couple draw backs to cooking paella in a wood fire oven, the mussel shells become brittle and tend to crumble into the meat of the mussel, also there’s no pegau (the tasty hard slightly over cooked rice on the bottom of the pan) my favorite. We finished the meal with pistachio cheesecake it was surrounded with berries and crushed pistachios. It was awesome. We had a great meal. I give this restaurant 5 stars. Try it out and let me know what you think. Ciao...