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  5. Hillcrest
RustiCucina, San Diego, CA

RustiCucina

4.7
4.7
889 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary Italian
Welcome to Rusticucina, where locally sourced ingredients, seasonal dishes and a warm ambiance reign supreme. We are named to reflect the merging of two cultures; American and Sicilian, since our owners are straight out of a small town in Sicily. We invite neighborhood dwellers and visitors to experience our farm-to-neighborhood restaurant unlike any other. Aperitivo, a traditional Italian-style happy hour, leads the way—think sensational small bites, Aperol Spritzes, Negronis and Limoncello. We also offer a full bar and carefully curated craft cocktails, along with an impressive beer and wine list. Our food menu, boasts hearty, rustic cuisine, with pasta made in-house, from scratch, as well palate-pleasing entrees and a slate of pizzas and flat breads. Our tableside service offers a one-of-a-kind, dedicated experience, and their outdoor space is the perfect landing spot for dog lovers and sun worshipers. We even offer a pet menu for furry guests.

Make a reservation

2 people

8:30 PM


Booked 32 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Italian, Californian
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (619) 310-5291
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Marco Provino
  • Private party facilities
    RustiCucina welcomes the opportunity to host or cater your special and corporate events. Please give us a call at 619-310-5291 or email us at ocean@rusticucina.com to host your next event!
  • Neighborhood
    Hillcrest
  • Cross street
    Essex
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 889 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

889 Reviews
  1. BboopRNOB

    Palm Springs

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Had a reservation but dining room was full so we were seated in the outdoor area. We were the only couple outside while dining which was quiet but felt kind of odd. Enjoyed the date night special, food was delicious & our server was very informative in helping us make our choices. Would definitely return if in the area again.

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  2. AnnS

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful decor, great food, fun vibe. A little loud but can be expected by a bustling Hillcrest restaurant.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    First server was great and attentive. He did come to let us know he was going home so another server took over and she never came to our table. Otherwise food was great, host and busser were on it!

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best server, staff and food. Such a cute location with THE BEST pasta ever.

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  5. PeterE

    Los Angeles

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food quality is exceptional - fresh ingredients and amazing depth of flavor. We started with lightly toasted focaccia bread and an olive oil/balsamic vinegar for dipping. Be careful with these delectables, you need to save room for the main course! We then imbibed in the lavender mojito, which was amazing. We split a Caesar salad, which was a good decision because it's a big portion. Finally, we enjoyed the Chef's Cheese Wheel Pasta. Over the top delicious and flavors I haven't previously experienced. A hint of toast from the flame used to melt the cheese offered a wonderful flavor to the profile. We had no room for dessert, which was disappointing because the menu looks awesome. This was our first time at RustiCucina, and we look forward to returned the next time we're in San Diego.

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  6. RachelFoodie

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A beloved neighborhood gem in Hillcrest. A must-visit for Italian Cuisine lovers...without the craziness of Little Italy.

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  7. parisl

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Delicious meal. The pasta is fresh made and we found it delicious. Highly recommend the fried cheese appetizer. Good service. Table was a bit small and made it difficult for sharing.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 28, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    We had a larger group dine here. The restaurant was extremely pushy about only doing one check or not being able to split them, they made a point to walk out to the tables saying they will not be able to do more than 4 checks. Unfortunately this was not disclosed while making the reservation and we would have chosen somewhere else if it was. We explained to the manager this and they eventually let us walk up to the register after our meal one by one and pay. Many of our drinks were forgotten and came out with the food or later than the food. The server was very vague on the food descriptions when asked and made it clear the kitchen will not be happy about substituting anything or cooking your steak another way other than “how it comes medium” then gave you a dirty look when asked to be cooked another way. I ordered the cheese wheel pasta, it was very good overall and a fun thing to see them mix the pasta! The ambience is great and noise level is low so I would suggest this for date night, also they may be nicer and not forget your order if 1-2 people. This isn’t the place for a larger group, I probably would not come here with more than 4 people in the party in the future but will recommend it and say it’s a must try for the food, drinks and ambience.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 27, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Cute decor. Great food! Service was lacking but everything else was great.

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  10. MarkH

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was first time there and the food was delicious! A great location and place to go to. I will be back there again.

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  11. JoshC

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Amazing food! Easily one of the very best if not the best Italian food restaurants in all of San Diego! We highly recommend and you won’t be disappointed, the pasta is amazing and the drinks are delicious!

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great cute place! Food was amazing.

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  13. SDDiner

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We ate here for Thanksgiving and found the food, service and value excellent. The place was hopping and so the noise level was a bit high. They appeared to have a very large number of wait staff and we were pleased to have them frequently checking with us. We each ordered different appetizers: a large order of fried calamari, a generous order of artichokes and a smaller bruschetta. Two of us had a butter-soft brasato di manzo (braised beef) and the other had a tasty salmon. The limoncella cake was delicious and the pumpkin and apple pie slices had good crust. For three courses, it was $55, a reasonable deal these days.

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  14. Miker

    San Diego

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ashley our server was very sweet. The calamari was excellent. Large portions. There for Thanksgiving and would definitely return to try their pasta dishes.

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Remarkable service from all staff, especially the hostess, she really felt like she was “hosting” us by checking in to make sure everything was ok, during and after the meal, and this was on a busy Saturday night at 7pm. The waiter was fantastic, because it was a little noisy, there was a small mic up with me asking for a White Zin and being offered a replacement wine, but he thought I meant beer, but that was easily fixed, and after we had dinner, I ordered an espresso (which was the best I ever had but also know I don’t have many elsewhere), and he even gave it to me on the house. This is just the service side, the ambience itself was VERY IMPRESSIVE. Like they hired a professional decorator, and if it wasn’t professionally done, it just sure seemed that way regardless. The only bad thing about this place is the parking. If you can’t find street parking from a block away, you’ll have to park in the Krav Maga place close by which charges per hour. We were in and out within an hour and a half (including desert) ordering for 3 people.

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  16. GayleH

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good date night, we will be back. Everything including the service was wonderful. You can tell everyone enjoys working there which is so nice to feel and see. Yummy food too!

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best Italian food in San Diego im definitely coming back

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  18. ElizabethG

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, service, and atmosphere. Will definitely go again.

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  19. SteveP

    Orange County

    47 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    As always the food and service was excellent. We both had the cheese wheel special which was delicious. The romaine Caesar is also very good. It was a little noisy due to a couple of loud tables.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience3
    Food and drinks were amazing. This was my second time here. First time is what made me come back, because the service was great. This second time around, I made reservations. It was three of us, to be honest, it seemed like they were well staffed and it wasn’t as busy, as it normally is. The wait time to get our food was insane (mind you, there was a party of 2 who came after/sat after us and was served and food came quick for them). Us on the other hand, waited about 30mins for our main course, we did put in two appetizers and those were brought out relatively fast. When I asked our waiter on an update on our food, it seemed like she was bothered I asked, she responded with “the cheese wheel is right behind you, it should be a couples of minutes” no apology for having had waited that long, like I said, it was not busy, in which case, I would have completely understood.

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  21. FelipeG

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good service, offer gluten free pasta. Not all dishes are GF so limited but the dish I did have was good.

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  22. BrianD

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Absolutely stellar will be back!! Get the Creme brûlée!

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome experience food and service was amazing highly recommend

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  24. DRMA

    Greater Boston

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Our waiter was not friendly and took a long time to check in our table. Food was average

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  25. Aloanbyanna

    San Diego

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was great and all of the food we tried was delicious! The fried burrata, zucchini blossoms & short rib pappardelle were all phenomenal! Definitely going back asap!

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Undoubtedly the best pesto I’ve had to date. Garlic bread? Fire. Drink selection? Superb. The establishment is on the smaller side which adds to the more intimate ambiance and overall ability to appreciate the decor, other patrons’ ensembles and first bite facial expressions. Our cuisine expert, Ocean, was PHENOMENAL- pleasant, knowledgeable and patient. 100/10 recommend.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience4
    The food was good. Just didn’t like being rushed to finish with multiple waiters stopping to ask if my table was done eating, when clearly we weren’t. Other than that, it’s a nice place, food was really good (left full and sleepy), and the decor was inviting.

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  28. GuillermoZ

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was excellent and so was the service. Have yet to find a restaurant where patrons are not loud.

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  29. AnjanetteU

    San Diego

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The most authentic Italian food in San Diego. The atmosphere and service are exceptional! Whatever dish you order you will enjoy.

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  30. YADIRAA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I ordered the cheese wheel platter and it was delicious! But, wish my food temperature was hotter, it was more on the warm side. I was with a group of seven and we all ordered different plates. Everything was delicious. The place and ambiance was nice and comfortable. Service was good and pleasant. Will definitely come back to try new items and wine.

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  31. Drew

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The dinner and appetizers were good. Price was a bit higher than expected. Some items were not a great value. Good decor. Quite lively on a Saturday evening.

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  32. MaureenT

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good but too much food! Parmesan cheese wheel was excellent.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing atmosphere and even more amazing food and service! Definitely a go to on our list again! Food was so delish!!

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  34. CarlosS

    Palm Springs

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter was beyond great. So patient with my 90 year old Mother. Thx you? The food is always great. Thx you

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  35. Rick

    San Diego

    114 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    114 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The food was above average and our server did everything in his power to keep us entertained and happy including comping our desert. The kitchen however was a total wreck that turned our dinner with reservations into a two hour ordeal. The food, once it showed up, was hot and tasted good but the wait time from Order Taken until delivery was totally unacceptable.

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing date here last night. We just got engaged, and our service was phenomenal. The pasta was delicious. We chose wisely to celebrate our engagement here!

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  37. Bren

    San Diego

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing Happy Hour from 4-6, Sun-Thurs. Such great savings, excellent food and drink options. Pet friendly patio is also great. Will be adding this to our monthly rotation of Happy Hour venues for sure!

    1 person found this helpful

  38. CarlosS

    Palm Springs

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Very nice server. I love this place.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exceptional staff and amazing food. One of the best italian restaurants in San Diego.

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So amazing!! Had the nicest waitress and had an amazing meal! The ambiance was amazing! Would go back!! (The garlic bread was my fav)

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from RustiCucina using the Order Online button. RustiCucina also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 310-5291.

RustiCucina is rated 4.7 stars by 889 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

8:30 PM


Booked 32 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for RustiCucina

3797 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Essex
  • Neighborhood
    Hillcrest
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Italian, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Marco Provino
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (619) 310-5291
  • Private party facilities
    RustiCucina welcomes the opportunity to host or cater your special and corporate events. Please give us a call at 619-310-5291 or email us at ocean@rusticucina.com to host your next event!
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