12/28/07

Great Rizzoto and great live music

by mimibm

I love the Rustico because it is a friendly and international place. The owner is a very eclectic man who had a restaurant with live music in LA. He has a lot of genuine and incredible stories about worl famous stars to share with friendly customers.

There is often live music and everybody is very friendly and fun to listen and talk to during the breaks.

What I really appreciate about Rustico is the audience. I always found other customers, music lovers who shared with me the delight of the music.

Rustico is not just a place to eat, there is way more to it if you take the time to look around, listen around and talk around. I am French, and I go there to get the "European touch" of culture that Rustico exports with warmth and mastery.

Mimi

• Pros: Music, setting, fireplace, original paintings on the walls

10/27/07

Terrible service. Bartender needs an attitude check.

by veronica415

"After trying a few restaurants (all of which were very crowded) we decided to eat at an almost empty Rustico's. This should have tipped us off. After waiting 15 minutes for a waiter to appear, we ordered a glass of merlot and two of the most expensive items on the menu. The waiter showed up with our wine and apologetically shrugged as he handed us a glass that was a half-pour. We asked that he please fill the glasses with more wine. The bartendar came to the table with a very small wine glass and filled it to the top. He slammed it on the table, almost wanting to pick a fight. At this point, we got up and left.

We believe the bartendar is probably the owner, and have never been more insulted in a restaurant situation. Needless to say, we will never go there again -- as the bartendar has emotional tourettes. In case he doesn't get it -- service is what the restaurant business is all about. With this kind of attitude, I give this place a few months."

05/04/07

I love this place

by missmiarules

Rustico is one of my favorite places since I moved to Sausalito. The owner and staff are exceptionally nice and so generous, and the food is wonderful! The Tuna Carpaccio is simply amazing. I love it. They have a great outdoor patio, and the place has so much room. I highly recommend it.

04/18/07

Authentic Roman cuisine, warmth, tolerance, and uncommon generosity of spirit

by lsugarman

Antonio Ruggieri is one of the kindest and most authentic people I've ever met. The two visible homeless in Sausalito, Bo and Ann, know that they will be Antonio's guests whee they are graciously served a delicious, multi-course dinner every night at a table w/ cloth napkins and full service. Antonio is a bigger-than-life Roman with multiple degrees, e.g. engineering whose joie de vivre is something that so many self-righteous and uninformed Sausalito residents unfortunately can't appreciate.

Those of us who do know Antonio appreciate the authentic Roman cuisine that, most times, he prepares himself to order. Just last night I had an exquisite penne dish w/th duck breast, greens, mushrooms, vegetables in a subtle prune sauce, a Medieval treatment preceded by a beautiful mesclun salad w/ gorgonzola, currants, etc.

Due to some recent challenges to retaining his lease, there might be some things on the menu that are not currently available. But, rest assured, if you just put yourself in the hands of this chef-owner who's had restaurants in Berkeley, New York, and elsewhere, you will not be disappointed.

The camaraderie of the dedicated customers who come at least weekly attests to what a gathering place Rustico's is for lovers of great cuisine (I think it's the best in Marin, at the very least!) and a wonderful welcoming, generous host.

This restaurant is well-worth the trip to Sausalito, just like the group of 20-something online media executives who were visiting from San Francisco last night!

As for those horrible, false accusations...it's always dangerous to make assumptions and judgements based on observations made from a distance. If the person was so insulted and such an "enlightened" person, he should have engaged Antonio and Bo in a conversation where he'd have learned that they kid each other using "that word" for each other all the time.

• Pros: Outstanding, special food. Incredible host. Warm fireplace. Great service. Convenient on-street parking.
• Cons: None.

04/16/07

The Culinary Gem of Sausalito

by llcoolh

I was surprised to read the negative remarks in the previous review. If anyone who knows Rustico or its owner, Antonio, you would know that the remarks are ridiculous! Upon entering Rustico, you are entering a special place whereby you are family! Antonio is a kind-hearted, fun-loving and AUTHENTIC Italian! The regulars are often spoiled at Rustico's! It's not about being served... it's about being a part of the experience! Rustico accomodates all dietery needs or restrictions and Antonio will personally prepare a scrumptious meal for those who prefer vegan or raw. The full bar, exquisite wine selection and multi-lingual staff adds to the ambience. The live music is exceptional, the local patrons wonderful and the Italian accents delightful! I highly recommend Rustico for those who want to impress out-of-town guests, great for business meetings, the perfect venue for special events... and more importantly, a taste of Sausalito which is truly a dynamic and international village on the Bay.

• Pros: Exquisite menu that changes daily and with the seasons! Great Staff!
• Cons: Can't think of a thing!

02/06/06

Excellent find!

by charlenex3

Now THIS is the kind of place you always hope to find. It's tucked into a wall of eateries on Caledonia in Sausalito, beautiful decor, excellent food, and the music is fantastic. I've been here 3x already... and wish I lived close enough to frequent the place. All visits were good with a great ethnic mix as well as singles and, did I mention the music ~ always unbelievably great jazz with interesting well known people showing up to sit in.

Put it on your list. The only thing lacking a little is possibly the service, they need to hire a few extra bodies for the weekend rush.

• Pros: Music, People, Decor
• Cons: Slow beverages

House-made pasta lures noodle lovers to this Sausalito eatery.

by Joanna Currier

In Short
Ribbons of handmade pappardelle, fettuccini and plump tortellini can be found among many fresh pasta selections at this family-style Italian restaurant. The large space accommodates 60, with a separate "stage" for smaller groups, and is decorated in a mish-mash of dark browns, greens, jungle-print cushions and rotating local art. Meatier entrees span the Italian range from chicken Parmigian to cacciatore--but in-the-know locals favor the pasta.