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✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery
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Homemade pasta takes center stage at this casual yet stylish Italian spot with a cozy bar.
Hours
| Sunday | 4–9 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 189 Middlesex Turnpike, Chester, CT 06412
Phone: (860) 526-9021
Website: http://www.rusticact.com/
Menu Photos
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Reviews
David Rottblatt
Came on a wednesday for a 630 pm reservation for 7 people to a completely packed restaurant.
The restaurant had 1 waitress, two food runners and a bartender. No-one gave us our menus due to them obviously being understaffed so I grabbed some for our family.
Appetizers came 70 minutes after we ordered. Dinner 80 minutes after we ordered. The sole waitress really tried hard but she was new as was the staff. She explained the kitchen was really small so things would take longer. For our 7 and 9 year old boys, we ordered simple pasta with butter, and that also took 70 mins.
Its great to see a restaurant succeed, but an understaffed restaurant will make anyone frazzled. They also really pack in the tables, so its a tight squeeze.
Finally, while I enjoyed my linguini di mare, I was up sick all night and still the next day. We wont be back.
… moreThe restaurant had 1 waitress, two food runners and a bartender. No-one gave us our menus due to them obviously being understaffed so I grabbed some for our family.
Appetizers came 70 minutes after we ordered. Dinner 80 minutes after we ordered. The sole waitress really tried hard but she was new as was the staff. She explained the kitchen was really small so things would take longer. For our 7 and 9 year old boys, we ordered simple pasta with butter, and that also took 70 mins.
Its great to see a restaurant succeed, but an understaffed restaurant will make anyone frazzled. They also really pack in the tables, so its a tight squeeze.
Finally, while I enjoyed my linguini di mare, I was up sick all night and still the next day. We wont be back.
Shane Voss
Dinner at Rustica Ristorante – A Perfect Experience
From the moment we walked into Rustica Ristorante, we were welcomed like family. This multigenerational gem exudes warmth and hospitality, and the service is second to none.
Our server, Andres, was a true professional—attentive, knowledgeable, and gracious. His recommendations were spot on, and his thoughtful service made the evening even more memorable. It was a pleasure to meet his mom, dad, and aunt, who were just as warm and welcoming as the atmosphere they’ve helped create.
The meal itself was exquisite. We enjoyed the Lasagne Bolognese, rich and comforting with layers of perfectly seasoned meat and pasta, and the Halibut special, which was flawlessly cooked and elevated by a delicate orange cream sauce that brought a bright, citrusy balance to the dish.
For dessert, we indulged in the Budino al Formaggio (cheesecake) and a classic crème brûlée—both beautifully prepared and the perfect sweet finish to our evening.
Rustica is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience marked by genuine hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and the kind of heartfelt connection that keeps you coming back. We’ll absolutely be returning.
… moreFrom the moment we walked into Rustica Ristorante, we were welcomed like family. This multigenerational gem exudes warmth and hospitality, and the service is second to none.
Our server, Andres, was a true professional—attentive, knowledgeable, and gracious. His recommendations were spot on, and his thoughtful service made the evening even more memorable. It was a pleasure to meet his mom, dad, and aunt, who were just as warm and welcoming as the atmosphere they’ve helped create.
The meal itself was exquisite. We enjoyed the Lasagne Bolognese, rich and comforting with layers of perfectly seasoned meat and pasta, and the Halibut special, which was flawlessly cooked and elevated by a delicate orange cream sauce that brought a bright, citrusy balance to the dish.
For dessert, we indulged in the Budino al Formaggio (cheesecake) and a classic crème brûlée—both beautifully prepared and the perfect sweet finish to our evening.
Rustica is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience marked by genuine hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and the kind of heartfelt connection that keeps you coming back. We’ll absolutely be returning.
Red Rooster
Great place to enjoy fancy wine! Couldn’t stop eating bread with olive oil. The pasta dishes are freshly made with very tasty tomato sauce. So much better than Olive Garden pasta! Rich people go there. The only minus is the dishes are small, that’s why I couldn’t stop eating bread (which was only 4 tiny pieces). Try dessert menu, their cheesecake and fruit filled pastry is superb! Definitely a fancy shmancy place to have a nice date!
… morediv
We were around in Lyme, 45 miles away from our home, for some star gazing and accidentally halted at this restaurant. We decided to give it a shot and it sure was a nice experience. The staff were friendly and accommodating. The vibe was nice and so was the food. They offered to make a club soda + pineapple juice drink for my bf since he doesn’t drink alcohol. Apart from that, we ordered bruschetta, lasagna with marinara sauce, and the coconut cake.
… moreCay Freeman
This was my second time this year dining here with friends, and each time we were all thrilled with our dishes! Since I must eat gluten free, I was especially happy with the choices offered to me; this goes beyond just offering gluten free pasta! I highly recommend this restaurant if you are looking for delicious Italian food and drink, including wonderful cocktails!
… moreSusan Pecoraro
I can’t WAIT to go back to Rustica! First impressions are everything and they knocked it out of the park! Probably the best Fettuccine Carbonara I’ve ever had and the halibut I ordered was fabulous! Shout out to the owner Andrea who is warm and welcoming and our outstanding server Jordan who got ALL of our crazy orders right!
… moreJohn L
I wanted to update my review (read below) because when a restaurant like Rustica Ristorante serves great food – not just amazing Italian, with fresh ingredients including homemade pasta you have to update!
For the last 10 months I’ve NEVER A BAD MEAL at Rustica! Since they added some seasonal food – along with their fantastic menu – I wanted to share more photos. Rustica is not just a great shoreline restaurant, its one of Connecticut’s best! Salute!
By the way, if you haven’t noticed COVID-19 killed the restaurant business so how about some understanding – staff’s are stretched thin so chill, sip your drink, relax and leave the rush outside, please.
Forgetaboutit… As I continue my move to the Essex area if someone told me I would find an Italian resturant like the ones I grew up in, I’d say you were crazy… and not just the food but how you are welcomed, treated and served; simply enough La mia famiglia. While I have had a variety of Rustica’s menu items here is all anyone needs to know about this Ristorante: FOOD – Homemade, Fresh, Authentic, Delicious/STAFF – Accommodating, Welcoming, Warm, Honest/DRINKS – Tasty, Balanced, Classic THE BEST ESPRESSO Martini.
PLEASE UNDERSTAND – freshly made food takes a little (just a little) longer so relax and enjoy the entire experience. Again I have not had a bad meal so here are just a few reactions – MEATBALLS made me cry as all I could do is think of my mom, addicting and outstanding. Grilled Calamari flavorful and tender. Antipasto simple & perfect. Ricotta Gnocchi… well FORGETABOUTIT! Fettuccini Putanesca (made dairy free) was so good the next day’s leftovers tasted as good as when it was served. Grilled Veal Chop melted in my mouth. Deserts – yes again – Homemade – Cannoli perfection and the Affogato ideal simple ending. COVID – Staff is masked, less tables, socially distanced AND plastic dividers bewteen every table in dinning room.
IMPORTANT: On my second visit I took my handicapped brother out for his 60th. Our timing was off (our fault) and the resturant was obviously getting ready to close – without hesitation the owners called us in with smiles. Within minutes we were seated and our family enjoyed one our best 60th birtihdays in years – my brother felt like a King!
How in God’s name this place isn’t packed every night, I have no idea… Really. While I would say better for me, but in the Age of COVID supporting small, local, family businesses is essential for every town.
… moreFor the last 10 months I’ve NEVER A BAD MEAL at Rustica! Since they added some seasonal food – along with their fantastic menu – I wanted to share more photos. Rustica is not just a great shoreline restaurant, its one of Connecticut’s best! Salute!
By the way, if you haven’t noticed COVID-19 killed the restaurant business so how about some understanding – staff’s are stretched thin so chill, sip your drink, relax and leave the rush outside, please.
Forgetaboutit… As I continue my move to the Essex area if someone told me I would find an Italian resturant like the ones I grew up in, I’d say you were crazy… and not just the food but how you are welcomed, treated and served; simply enough La mia famiglia. While I have had a variety of Rustica’s menu items here is all anyone needs to know about this Ristorante: FOOD – Homemade, Fresh, Authentic, Delicious/STAFF – Accommodating, Welcoming, Warm, Honest/DRINKS – Tasty, Balanced, Classic THE BEST ESPRESSO Martini.
PLEASE UNDERSTAND – freshly made food takes a little (just a little) longer so relax and enjoy the entire experience. Again I have not had a bad meal so here are just a few reactions – MEATBALLS made me cry as all I could do is think of my mom, addicting and outstanding. Grilled Calamari flavorful and tender. Antipasto simple & perfect. Ricotta Gnocchi… well FORGETABOUTIT! Fettuccini Putanesca (made dairy free) was so good the next day’s leftovers tasted as good as when it was served. Grilled Veal Chop melted in my mouth. Deserts – yes again – Homemade – Cannoli perfection and the Affogato ideal simple ending. COVID – Staff is masked, less tables, socially distanced AND plastic dividers bewteen every table in dinning room.
IMPORTANT: On my second visit I took my handicapped brother out for his 60th. Our timing was off (our fault) and the resturant was obviously getting ready to close – without hesitation the owners called us in with smiles. Within minutes we were seated and our family enjoyed one our best 60th birtihdays in years – my brother felt like a King!
How in God’s name this place isn’t packed every night, I have no idea… Really. While I would say better for me, but in the Age of COVID supporting small, local, family businesses is essential for every town.
Joe Guerra
Rustica is our go-to Italian restaurant where we want a nice intimate meal. This year was for our anniversary and they met and exceeded all our expectations. The wine list is exceptional and marked up very little. The specials are always fantastic and we ordered only from the specials menu. Service was fantastic and I can’t tell you how many different people came to our table because they either saw our water was getting low or wine needed reporting a fork needed replacing a bread plate needed replacing very attentive but not in your face. They just quietly took care of us. If you want an incredible authentic Italian meal in an exceptional restaurant this is the one for you.
… moreJ Steven
Service was inexperienced
Dinners over-priced for the quality= low value.
Decent atmosphere
Decent drinks
Would not recommend
… moreDinners over-priced for the quality= low value.
Decent atmosphere
Decent drinks
Would not recommend
Danny Strong
Dinner with mom before heading home. Was a great meal, fresher than most restaurants. Mom says their meatballs are just as good as hers (don’t tell I said that)
… more