Hmmm . . . How About
From the time I opened the door, everything was on a steady downhill slide. The first thing I noticed was the musky "old building" smell, which should have been a clue that not much must have been going on in the kitchen. The second clue was the waiter's attire, blue jeans and a blue plaid shirt, which looked like he had just gotten off of work at the phone company and come in as a last-minute fill-in for the real wait staff. The third clue was the prices on the menu. Moderately overpriced for the area, to say the least. Ignoring all of these clues, I prodded right along, determined to give this restaurant a fair shake and experience the food. My dish was extremely salty; my wife's dish was bland. The waiter did not return for nearly 15 minutes after serving to inquire about the taste of the food. When he finally came over to ask about the food, I told him that we were struggling over the saltiness of my dish. Amazingly, instead of trying to correct the problem, he embarked into excuses as to why the dish was salty and showed no concern for addressing or correcting the problem. I was amazed at his lack of concern for his customer's satisfaction. I think at this point, he wanted to punish me for making the comment, because he left the table and did not return for nearly another 10 minutes; all the while, both of our drink glasses had been empty since his previous visit, and he never offered to give us a refill. After we sat and stared at our half-eaten dishes, the waiter finally returned and cleared the table. Five minutes later, he brought the bill. Fortunately, I had enough cash in my wallet to cover the bill and leave a 37 cent tip. Awful. Just awful. Places like this really need to go out of business.    [25 Aug 2008 21:36:44]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Don't bother, stay away.

     ­critic4cuisine   

The Best Steak We've EVER Had
When Rusticana, in Lake Elsinore's historic area on Main Street, closed a while back, my husband and I were very disappointed, though our hearts went out to the family as we read the notice that the core of the restaurant -- the chef, their mother -- had passed away. We checked periodically to see if or when it would reopen. Then FINALLY after over a year we see an "opening soon" sign. We had our fingers crossed that it would be the same owners who had always welcomed us graciously. So we went down the very next day for dinner and were so pleased to see Joe, the original owner, there to greet us. We had a great dinner, I had a great wine that Joe recommended, and we couldn't wait to come back again. The very next week we were back and were greeted by a very nice Italian waitress who completely sold us on her description of one of their nightly specials. We both ordered the filet and were blown away!! Again, we couldn't wait to come back again for more (at this point this was becoming a weekly tradition). Once again, greeted by Joe and our lovely Italian waitress, we are seated and talk small talk with Joe. We don't even need to look at the menu; we order the steak, and Joe recommends another fantastic wine. This time we can barely contain ourselves while eating and completely wipe our plates clean with total satisfaction. We ask to speak with the chef to tell him how truly wonderful our meal was and that "This was the best steak we've EVER had!" I can't say it enough, but please, just order the steak!    [29 Sep 2008 21:30:20]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: The steak

     ­Anonymous   

Authentic Italian Cuisine with Heart
Most importantly the food. Amazing antipasto for two and chicken Parmesan. Server from Italy was authentic and there for our every need. Had a great chat with the owner, Joe. He has a ton of family experience in the restaurant business. He was very humble; could tell he had passion for food. Next time, will try some of the tapas.    [09 Nov 2008 01:17:02]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Antipasto for two, chicken parmesan.

     ­Todd   

Best Food Around!
The food is so tasty! It's the best food around. Whenever my wife and I can get a night alone, this is where we go. Not only is the food great, but the service is great, as well. Joe (the owner) is such a nice person . . . he makes recommendations, and they are always sooooo good. You can tell he takes great pride in his food.    [08 Jan 2009 18:17:19]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Everything

     ­Anonymous   

Excellent Carpaccio
Rustica has some very good dishes. We stumbled upon the restaurant located on Main Street in Lake Elsinore and the inside decor is very nice and has an open kitchen area that allows the wonderful aroma of the great food to circle the restaurant. We started with a dish rarely found on menus (Beef Carpaccio) and it was just excellent. I haven't had carpaccio that good since eating at Tutto Pasta in Miami. The beef tenderloin was excellent and served with risotto that is cooked to perfection. The only thing we did not like was the lobster bisque which was a bit salty and the chicken picatta is drizzled with a touch of balsamic vinaigrette that distracts the wonderful flavor of the picatta sauce. The service was okay and the second time we went it was better. Highly recommend it.    [14 Mar 2009 22:54:47]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Beef Carpaccio

     ­DAW, Lake Elsinore