Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Rusticucina

    4.6 (1.6k reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Rusticucina Photos

    Business Info

    RUSTICUCINA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Rusticucina

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Fried Crispy Burrata
    Henry T.

    They know what they're doing and their client service was perfection. My older friend had a significant birthday this year with the passing of her husband nearly a year ago exactly, It was a special birthday considering her failing health and I gave the restaurant a heads up we would be celebrating. Nathan, Sabrina and Johan were a primo team and outstanding on all counts. They made extra sure my guest was comfortable and most importantly, appreciated. The fried burrata was a star as was their caprese salad. Their spinach ravioli was delicious and despite how full we were, it was gobbled up. Their pizza was great as well as their arancini. The New Zealand Sauvignon blanc was delicious with a spicy finish. We ordered two bottles. The vibe is very communal and it got lively around 7pm on a Saturday. It was quiet and intimate when we arrived around 4:45pm so come a little earlier if you typically would like a quieter meal with fabulous food. Again, can't thank Nathan. Sabrina and Johan enough. The entire team was fabulous and humored us with our questions in regard to Sicily. I will be back and will bring others: thanks again!

    Marissa C.

    Amazing service, but unfortunately the food didn't live up to the hype. Ossobuco: 5.5/10 I've had a lot of ossobuco over the years, and this was honestly my least favorite. The meat was fairly tender, but it lacked flavor almost entirely. The sauce didn't add much either, and the risotto underneath was just okay. Nothing was necessarily bad. it was just surprisingly bland. For a dish that's usually rich and comforting, this one felt forgettable. Pesto Pasta: 7/10 This was decent and definitely better than the ossobuco, but it wasn't anything I'd go out of my way to order again. The pesto was enjoyable, and I appreciated that it wasn't overly acidic. Beyond that, it didn't really stand out. The cocktails were good, the service was fantastic, and the complimentary limoncello cake was delicious. That said, when there are so many great Italian restaurants in the area, I don't see myself returning. I left feeling like the food was more hype than substance. Food: 5/10 Service: 10/10

    Marci T.

    We went last minute for our anniversary and got seated almost right away. We started with a bottle of Moscato and some bruschetta. The Moscato was nice and sweet, and the bruschetta was super tasty. I didn't get any pictures, but I had the lasagna and my husband got the half rigatoni. Seriously, that lasagna was probably one of the best I've ever had. So meaty, so hearty, just amazing. Everyone working there was so nice and helpful, and you could really tell they all worked well together as a team. We're definitely coming back!

    Calamari
    Curt T.

    The gnocchi was ok. I prefer it other places. It was more dense than others I've had and I prefer them more billowey. The flavor was good though. Service was great. The tiramisu was good and had a lot of coffee flavor. They build it in front of you. Calamari was good and crunchy. Was here for a friend's birthday. It was nice. The cake was delicious and not overly sweet.

    Burrata Arugola Caprese
    Luke R.

    A very mixed review. The appetizers were very good, the calamari was perfectly light and crispy, and the caprese salad with delicious pesto was a hit. But, both of our pastas were just average. They actually forgot the sausage on my pasta, and by the time a side of it came out 15 minutes later, it didn't taste very good anyway. The staff did make it right by removing the upcharge and giving us a free dessert (which was really appreciated). I wasn't a huge fan of the seating arrangements. The tables are so close together that the waiters constantly bumped our plates and forks just trying to squeeze past. Sadly, I don't think I'll be back.

    Garlic Bread
    Grace C.

    I really wanted to like this place, but overall it was a disappointing experience. The biggest red flag for me was seeing the cheese wheel being stored right next to the bathroom, covered with just a napkin. That alone raised serious concerns about cleanliness and food handling. And the server would place the pan of rigatoni on the bottom uncovered Service was actually good -- the staff was nice and attentive, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, the food didn't match. The meatballs tasted like frozen, pre-made ones, and the sauce was very basic and bland. The garlic bread and marinara were honestly not good -- the bread had a strange, off taste. The lobster ravioli with shrimp was just okay, nothing special. The "special" cheese wheel rigatoni with sausage was the biggest letdown. It wasn't served hot, and the pasta was overcooked and mushy -- definitely not what you expect from a dish that's supposed to be a highlight. The wine also tasted very basic and underwhelming. The only thing I genuinely enjoyed was the spicy margarita -- that was actually really good. Unfortunately, between the food quality and the cleanliness concerns, I won't be returning.

    Fettuccine Tartufo
    Michelle B.

    I came here on my birthday, it was a rainy night and the restaurant was empty but felt very homey and intimate. The staff is wonderful, kind and knowledgeable and gave great recommendations. The appetizers were DELICIOUS, both the calamari and the burrata are a must. The sauce on the burrata was so good i could eat it but the spoonful. The calamari was breaded and seasoned to perfection. The fettuccine Tartufo was so good and rich. The pasta special they had wasn't as good - it needed to be more balanced in taste. Over all very beautiful restaurant and a great place for Italian.

    Carbonara
    Crystal B.

    First time visiting. We started with the Burrata Caprese. It was light and refreshing, although I would have preferred more pesto and balsamic glaze. For the mains, we had the Pappardelle Al Brasato and Carbonara. Both dishes were good but not "wow." The pappardelle al brasato had a light beef flavor with a touch of some type of truffle seasoning (no mushrooms in the dish). The sauce had a description of "truffle cream sauce." The sauce wasn't creamy at all. I thought the sauce could have been a bit richer. Again, both dishes were still enjoyable. The cannoli was your average cannoli. Service was amazing! Very attentive and friendly. I loved the atmosphere - it had an elevated rustic farmhouse aesthetic. Overall, I still had a great time! I would def try a pizza if I ever return. I saw a table with what looked like a pepperoni pizza, and it looked really good!

    Paccheri Salsa Alla Vodka
    Allison P.

    **3.5 stars** It's an adorable Italian restaurant that justtt missed the mark for me. While everything we ordered was rather good, it just wasn't what I was expecting. I got the Mediterranea to start followed by the Paccheri Salsa Alla Vodka. The Mediterranea salad was one of the most beautiful salads I've ever seen! With heirloom tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, pickled red onions, capers, and arugula, the colors were beautiful. It also tasted just as good as it looked! Super refreshing and plentiful. Onto the Paccheri Salsa Alla Vodka... If vodka pasta is on the menu, I am almost always going to order it and unfortunately Rusticucina's just wasn't my favorite. It tasted more like a cheese pasta and I wasn't getting too much from the sauce. Maybe I need to come back and try a different pasta? Overall, it was a great dining experience! The service was friendly and attentive and the interior was very warm and inviting.

    Appetizer Calamari
    Raul M.

    If you are Visiting SD and looking for an Italian Restaurant that features a Cheese Wheel than Rusticucina is the place to Eat. My family and I decided to give this place a try and I felt like we won. Started off with some Delicious Calamari (great flavor, not greasy). I ordered the Classic Lasagna and it was very flavorful, you can tell it was made from scratch (I loved the sauce). My daughter ordered the Chicken Parm with Noodles (She rated it top 3 she's had in her young life). My wife went old school and ordered Chicken Alfredo. My other daughter ordered the star of the show...Fettuccine Tartufo which was made in the Cheese Wheel at our table. I tried it and fell in love. Rich, creamy, cheesy with mushrooms, truffle, and flavored sausage. It was DELICIOUS... I highly recommend this restaurant and strongly suggest you order what ever is on the menu for the Cheese Wheel The service was excellent. Very professional and constantly checked on our table refilling our drinks.

    Harry P.

    The evening began promisingly, with an appetizer that showed glimpses of care and balance. Unfortunately, the experience declined considerably once the main courses arrived. Both the pasta and pizza were excessively salty, to the point that finishing either dish became genuinely difficult and this observation comes from someone who generally enjoys assertive seasoning. Service, regrettably, lacked the attentiveness one would expect at this price point. I ordered a Coke yet was served a Sprite instead. The drink also took far too long to arrive because it had apparently been forgotten, and I had to follow up again to remind them. At this point it merely served as an attempt to counterbalance the overwhelming saltiness of the meal. To the restaurant's credit, the waiter later offered a complimentary dessert in an effort to recover the experience. However, the gesture ultimately misunderstood the issue at hand. The concern was never the cost of dessert, nor the price of the meal itself. Dining alone, my bill came to approximately $98 before tip, plus an additional $20 gratuity. The pricing felt appropriate for the establishment; what did not align with expectations was the execution, consistency, and overall hospitality. What disappointed me most was the absence of refinement in details that should have been carefully managed in a restaurant operating at this level. A memorable dining experience is built not only on quality ingredients but also on balance, precision, timing, and thoughtful service from beginning to end. Unfortunately, those elements were missing throughout the evening. As I prepared to leave, a woman dining nearby with her husband and child asked how the pizza was. I answered honestly: overwhelmingly salty. I ultimately boxed the leftovers, though they will likely remain untouched before eventually being discarded. That alone perhaps summarizes the experience best. In hindsight, I should have followed the recommendations from Yelp. Instead, I chose to try somewhere new in the spirit of spontaneity. Regrettably, that decision ended in disappointment, and it is not a restaurant I intend to revisit.

    Fiori Di Zucca

    Rusticucina was one of the highlights of my San Diego trip. I ordered the Paccheri Salsa Alla Vodka and the Fiori di Zucca, and both were excellent. The vodka sauce was rich, creamy, and full of flavor, coating the paccheri perfectly. The portions were generous, making the meal feel like a great value. The Fiori di Zucca was light and crispy, with a delicate flavor that made for a great start to the meal. The restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere, and the service was friendly and attentive. I'd definitely come back the next time I'm in San Diego.

    Creme Brullee
    Marco A.

    1/23/26: When you don't want the night to end with your donna bellissima, your ADHD kicks in, and you remember the Cheese Wheel Tik Tok you sent her the night before! My cute co-pilot maps the spot. It's on the way home! Il destino! And as luck would have it, we find parking in front of the restaurant 3 minutes prior to free parking! Molto Bene! The Drinks - a chardonnay for my darling diva & a Spice Up Your Life for me. Keeping the tequila theme going from our prior adventure. Fantastico! The Food - we started off with the truffle fries while we waited for the main event! Cheese Wheel! Our server went over the specials & we decided on the gluten free Fusilli Pesto with chicken. Just as our drinks are half done & we plate watch (like people watching, but with food), the Cheese Wheel makes its entrance! All hail the Cheese Wheel!!! Our wheel man began to whip out a little torch & slice off pieces of cheese like an artist. Presentation points for thee, signore! As he dropped in the pasta & chicken, we gave him the "More cheese!" look that we desire artery clogging quantities of parmigiano! We were not disappointed. Deliziosa! The Dessert - My confectionary cutie chose the dessert, Crème Brûlée. It was almost as delicious as my date. And why not have a French dessert at an Italian restaurant! This is San Diego! But yes, definitely a hit! Bello! The Staff - I cannot say enough about these lovely people. From our hostess who said "15 minute wait" & sat us in 10, with last minute reservation, on a Friday night. To the servers & wait staff who practically anticipated our next move. I don't think I ever saw my water glass empty. Bravissimo! TL:DR Good things happen when you are with good company.

    Inside

    See all

    Photo of Jeanne A.
    497
    12
    9

    12 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    20 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    20 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 days ago

    Fantastic service! Alvin was our server and he was great and so fun! Would absolutely recommend!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Shelly M.
    0
    274
    203

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    14 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Drinks and food were good. The bathroom should really be updated though, the lock wasnt working so someone came in while I was in there.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sarina L.
    174
    35
    37

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Everything was incredible. Def recommend!! Staff was wonderful, and the ambiance was beautiful

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Delicious food and great espresso martinis. Our server Nathan was amazing and took such good care of us!! 10/10

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Went with a girlfriend for her birthday dinner. Lobster ravioli was yummy service was good nice ambience. Drinks were also yummy.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 41

    Rusticucina Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Rusticucina

    How is parking for normal size trucks and SUV's? Is there valet?

    There's 2 lots close by. Plenty of street parking. No valet.

    Hi, how can we make a reservation for a party of 8-10, the website says the reservation page doesn't exist?

    I don't know:(! Sorry Maybe you can call and ask them!

    Is this restaurant kid friendly?

    Yes it is.

    What's the price range for the cheese wheel pasta?

    I think it depends on how many people. The menu has market price. We were 6 people and just wanted to try it as an appetizer. I believe it was $40.

    Do the restaurant have air conditioning?

    Yes

    Is there a corkage fee if we bring our own wine?

    Hi Stephanie, Yes there is $10 corkage fee per bottle

    When is happy hour?

    Yes we do. Monday to Thursday 4-6 pm

    Are they serving the cheese wheel plate again?

    Yes we are

    Is the cheese wheel pasta only select pastas or how does it work?

    Hi, Yes we sell the cheese will pasta, only for dining in. Thank you

    View All 11 Questions

    You might also consider

    Botanica Art & Cocktails

    Botanica Art & Cocktails

    4.4
    (318 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Immediately fell in love with this quaint and chicly decorated speakeasy lounge. The staff was…read moreincredibly personable and helpful. The vibe was relaxed and unassuming. When I made the reservation, it was noted that there is a 1.5 hour limit on the table. Thankfully, Botanica isn't incredibly stringent about this rule as it gave us more time to eat, drink and be merry. My friend and I split the bill and I paid $87.49 with tip included. Here's what we had: Blistered shishito peppers - mild spice but flavorful New York strip yakitori - ordered two of these because they were that good! The steak was tender and the sauce rendered an umami flavor Botanika roll - tasted fine, but it ate one note. You can taste the citrusy parts but not much else. Mochi dessert - you can only get dessert if you order the pre fixe chef menu, but since our waitress didn't know this, she put the order in and gave it to us! We were incredibly grateful because it was the perfect end to a good meal For cocktails we ordered Spirited Away, Dragon of the West, Kyoko Sakura & Heads will Roll. All of the cocktails were beautifully presented and quite tasty.

    This place is calm, creative, and has the right low lighting without feeling too dark to see. The…read moredrinks are pricy, but very unique, and they have a special emphasis on aesthetic. The bartenders are nice and give good recommendations. It is attached to an art gallery and is supposed to have art displays in the bar area, but unfortunately they were all turned off when we were there.

    Photos
    Japanese Gin for the win!
    Japanese Gin for the win!
    Polenta and Wild Mushrooms
    Polenta and Wild Mushrooms
    The Dream

    See all

    The Dream
    Finca

    Finca

    4.1
    (166 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    I was in the mood for a new spot that had a casual, but unique vibe. My husband and I really enjoy…read morethe hunt, and I'm so glad I found Finca on Yelp! I made a reservation (just in case) because on a weekend you never know. Luckily, though, we arrived and there was plenty of available seating. My husband and I had our 10 and 5 year old with us and they easily accommodated us. It's a straightforward, but lovely menu that has a little bit for everyone. We enjoyed sharing a few plates and fresh oysters on the half shell. They do not have a kids menu, which was alright with us. Our daughter, who loves a good steak at 5 years old, enjoyed their pub steak and fries and shared a Mexican Coke with her brother. For my husband and I, we enjoyed sharing their beef tartare and to finish it off, a banana split. What we found so whimsical about Finca is their presentation. My husband and I really enjoyed exploring their menu and leaving room for a return visit soon. I couldn't recommend Finca more for anyone looking for a fun and casual dining experience with a lovely staff and unique take on traditional favorites.

    Had dinner celebrating my brother-in-law's retirement, and it was nothing short of magical. The…read morefood, the atmosphere, and the incredible staff made for a truly perfect evening. I think we ordered just about everything on the left side of the menu, but the standouts were the beef tartare, the lamb osso buco, and the hamachi. Honestly, there wasn't a single bad bite all night. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, with some unique Spanish selections that were a pleasant surprise. This may have just become my new regular haunt. It's a fantastic neighborhood gem that deserves a place on any foodie's must-visit list. Absolutely love this place!

    Photos
    The dining room
    The dining room
    Italian Dumplings
    Italian Dumplings
    Chicken and caviar

    See all

    Chicken and caviar
    Good News Bar

    Good News Bar

    4.8
    (61 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    I had this place bookmarked for my trip to San Diego from New York after doing a search for…read morenon-alcoholic drinks. This place came up as a completely alcohol free bar and I was so excited to try it out. The bartenders were friendly, the vibe in here is so awesome. Cool things to look at on the walls, an entire shelf of non-alcoholic wines and beers, merch from the owner herself, it was a very unique and hip place. I really couldn't believe I had the bar to myself on a Tuesday night around 6. The message this place stands by is what makes it amazing to me. Check out their website, you'll see what I mean. In the mornings they have functional coffee drinks and by night they have functional cocktails. There were delicious options to choose from, some with Kava, some with CBD. I ended up going with the drink called the weekend, which was watermelon, coconut, peach, cherry sour and lemon. It was garnished with a sour patch watermelon candy and that's exactly what it tasted like. I just had one drink and closed out and my bill came to $21 and I was like eeeeeek. I love the idea of this place, being sober myself and still someone who loves a bar and the social atmosphere I think this place is amazing and needed in every city but I wouldn't stay here and hang out because of the drink prices. I understand the price for an alcoholic drink, not for a spirit free cocktail. It's just not doable, for me. Don't let that deter you, check it out, very cool experience. And again, an amazing message.

    Absolutely love the concept and the decor of this place. It feels like not quite a bar, not quite a…read morecoffee shop... very unique for San Diego, and good for any time of day. I really like the growing NA trend, and even though I drink, it's great to have an alternative, safer-feeling, and more inclusive nightlife option. I came with a couple friends on a Sunday night, about a week ago. We all drink alcohol, but we've all been drinking less lately. The place was almost empty around 8pm, which we found concerning for its prospective longevity. We also thought the prices were pretty steep -- maybe I'm biased as someone who drinks alcohol, but if I'm getting a mocktail or other NA drink, I'd like to pay less than $15+ for it. Still, I ordered the Ave Maria and thought it was one of the best mocktails I've ever had. One of my friends got the Malibu (he liked it but did complain about the price), and I don't remember what my other friend got. We sat for a while and played Connect4 using the fanciest set I'd ever seen. Some more people came in, so it didn't feel nearly as empty by the time I left. I'd probably come back, but only if I was with someone who doesn't drink and/or really wanted to try this bar. I hope they make it!

    Photos
    Cool main bar with the best BARTENDERS!
    Cool main bar with the best BARTENDERS!
    They have merch here. My friend loved it so much she bought a sweater.
    They have merch here. My friend loved it so much she bought a sweater.
    Bar area

    See all

    Bar area

    Rusticucina - italian - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...