REVIEWED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAThere are more than a few Italian restaurants on Kennedy Street, but this one is always packed to the rafters and noisy with laughter and clicking glasses. A traditional Italian restaurant, La Rustica has been run for the last 15 years by a family from the Calabrian coastline of Mare Ionico. On any given night you can find Maria and Katrina behind the bar, Peter at the coffee machine, Tony at the pizza oven and Pepe in the kitchen. La Rustica is also family-friendly; its loud, busy, fun atmosphere conducive to birthdays and other celebrations. The menu has plenty of simple pizza and pasta options to keep the children happy, and the wine list is extensive enough to pacify everyone else.
For a traditional taste of Italy, start with the veal carpaccio marinated in lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil and capers topped with fresh peppery rocket and pungent shaved parmesan. There are 13 different pizza options, each in three sizes; however the toppings are minimal to maximise the taste of the ingredients. Try the Gorgonzola - a simple tomato base with crumbled blue vein cheese and lashings of chilli and extra virgin olive oil. If you have space for dessert, relax with a profiterole and a macchiato. La Rustica is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner seven days.
Sarah Theeboom, November 2006