Rustico — Restaurant in Thousand Oaks

I have lived in this area my whole life (minus college) and had only eaten here a couple times years ago. I was lucky enough to have friends who frequent it and suggested we go last night. I'm so glad we did, because in an area where there are VERY FEW great restaurants, this is my top pick!!

From the moment we entered the restaurant and were greeted by the kind and attentive hostess, I had a good feeling. The warm bread was delivered and the deal was sealed for me - seriously the most amazing flavor and the softest texture.

We ordered salad and shrimp cocktail - both delicious. My husband ordered the short ribs; full of flavor and fall-apart delectable, and I had the gnocchi, which was the best i've ever had - and I've eaten it in Italy! They were soft pillows of amazingness with a generous portion of meat sauce that was the perfect balance and depth of flavor that kept me eating way past when I should have. The portions on all the dishes were generous without be gluttonous. The couple we were with had the Branzino and the chicken parmesan; both of which they enjoyed as well.

Nobody had room for dessert, but I will be back to sample that next time.

One final thought: the wait staff as a whole is first class. First off, our waitress was attentive, without being intrusive; knowing exactly when to appear to cater to our every need. The list of specials was almost as extensive as the regular menu - yet she told us, in detail, every item without hesitation or notes. The food expediters, busing staff and other floor staff worked in perfect concert so that never wanted for anything. The restaurant was very full, but we felt like the only ones there because of the amazing service. The water glasses were always full and no detail was overlooked. You can tell this is a well managed establishment with employees who are taken care of and who take pride in their work.

I look forward to my next meal there and highly recommend Rustico to anyone looking for an elevated...

We heard this place was good so booked for a date night out. We were seated by the hostess and told we had a time limit on our dinner due to a large party coming in later. We were kind of in shock because it’s an upscale place. We mentioned to our waitress we thought this was unorthodox and she said the large party booked before us and because we booked today we have to leave to accommodate then. I think that response was even worse than being given the time limit. Why book the small table then? Just plain greedy to sacrifice someone’s night out for an extra table. We are just thankful we were not celebrating anything important like an anniversary. We made the best of it, but frankly I kept checking my watch to see how much time we have left. Took the relaxation and the enjoyment out of the evening for sure! Then we could not get a refill on our bar drinks for about 10 minutes. We asked the bus lady for a refill on bar drinks because we could not find our waitress and she said sure, and came back and refilled our water. At that point it just became comical and we started laughing. In fairness the food was decent and they did comp us for one round of drinks for the time restriction, but it just does not make up for the rest. We had a good laugh at how horrible it was so it want not a total loss. We...

From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The staff greeted us with genuine smiles and made us feel right at home. The interior was clean, stylish, and thoughtfully designed, creating a cozy yet modern dining experience. The attention to detail in both service and ambiance really set the tone for a fantastic evening.

The food was nothing short of outstanding. Every dish we ordered was beautifully presented and full of flavor. You can truly taste the quality of the ingredients and the care that went into preparing each plate. Whether you're in the mood for something classic or looking to try something new, the menu offers a great variety with options for everyone. My personal favorite was the [insert favorite dish], which was absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked.

What stood out most to me was the service. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, always ready with recommendations or to check in at just the right moments. It’s clear that customer satisfaction is a top priority here. This place is a true gem, and I will definitely be returning — and recommending it to all my friends and family. A wonderful experience from...