Café Rustica New Jersey - Bernards

The food was excellent and beautifully presented, with generous portion sizes. However, the drinks took a long time to arrive, despite it not being a busy night. There was an issue with the water and ice; I had to send it back two or three times because it had black specks in it. The first time, there was also a dead fly, and the second time, a dead spider. My cousin, who has worked in restaurants, strongly recommended that they clean their ice machine. Overall, I would rate the food a 5, the service a 3, and the atmosphere a 3.

I dined in for lunch and had an exceptional experience, with a total cost of around $50–100 per person. The food was outstanding, earning a solid 5/5 rating. The service matched the food in quality, also receiving a perfect score of 5/5. The atmosphere of the restaurant was inviting and pleasant, making it a great place to enjoy a meal, which is why it also received a 5/5. I highly recommend trying the Salad, Fried Calamari with Marinara Sauce, Linguine with Clam Sauce, Fettuccine Carbonara, and the Caesar Salad. Each dish was delicious and contributed to a memorable dining experience.

Now, let's discuss the food—the primary reason we go out to eat. The menu items taste as if they've come straight from a grandmother's kitchen, featuring authentic Italian classics. The presentation of each dish is impressive, and the portion sizes are quite generous! My personal favorite is the Veal Saltimbocca; it's one of the best I've ever had in the area, and I truly mean that! Every plate that leaves the kitchen looks enticing, adding to the welcoming atmosphere and encouraging conversations between tables. When it's time to settle up, I'm always pleasantly surprised by how reasonable the prices are! At Café Rustica, you'll enjoy delicious food, fair prices, a clean environment, and a friendly staff and clientele. I highly recommend trying it out, but do make reservations, as it fills up quickly for good reason. I absolutely love this place!

My husband had the Pollo Rustica, which we ended up sharing. It was fine, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The demi-glace tasted like something from a frozen meal, and the chicken didn't seem “Parmesan crusted” at all. It appeared to be lightly floured and pan-seared, but the breading was very soggy. On the plus side, the chicken was cooked well. However, the pile of onions on top felt unnecessary, and the spinach gnocchi didn’t really pair well with the sauce. In summary, it wasn’t our best takeout experience, but it wasn’t the worst either. Service: Takeout Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $20–30 Food: 2/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5

I had an exceptional lunch at this restaurant! The food was outstanding—everything I tried was delicious and beautifully presented, earning a perfect score of 5. The service was equally impressive; the staff was attentive and friendly, making my dining experience enjoyable. The atmosphere was inviting and pleasant, creating a perfect setting for a meal. Overall, I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a fantastic lunch experience!