Trattoria Rustica

We ate here on Saturday night (June 24 2006) and the food was absolutely fantastic, and a great bargain.

The service was friendly, if a bit scattershot, but this is a new place that is working out some kinks, so definitely go there before it becomes the latest rage and you have to wait forever for a seat. The owners came over and talked to us, and the atmosphere was very warm and welcoming, and the decor added to that feeling. It looks like they already have some dedicated regulars, as well.

I had the linguine with a crab in a vodka sauce, and so many restaurants act like they make a good vodka sauce, but few actually do. This one exceeded the mark. Yum!

Anybody know when this place will be re-opened again? Tryed stopping by a couple weeks ago. A sign appeared on the door that they are remodeling and closed until further notice.

I don't think they were inspected by the health department, which is the thing that really concerns me.

I hope they are never allowed to open. The owner of this restaurant may have put the public heath at risk.

And how do you know this?
Is this a fact?
Because when I peeked threw the window, it looked like they are re-modeling the place.

There is no way a place can open its door's before they are even inspected by the health department, so what your saying is not true and your wrong.

Danc,

Is English your second language?

I don't know if they were inspected or not, but you most certainly CAN open without a health department inspecton. You're not suppossed to, but nobody is really going to stop you. The Montclair Health Department does, in my opnion, a very good job. (I've worked in three restaurants in Montclair) But there is only two or three inspectors and they have over 120 food establishments in Montclair alone (and last I checked they inspect all Verona establishments also)so they have enough difficultly inspecting the existing places. You could open a restaurant (especially one that was a retaurant before you took over, like Tina's Pizzeria where this place is) and operate for weeks or months before anyone from the town notices. And when they do, they may make you close for a day until they inspect. If everything is in order, you're open the next day without even a fine in most cases. That being said, it looks like they are remodeling the dining room so I don't think their closing had anything to do with inspections.

Trattoria Rustica reopened this week, I believe on Tuesday and I had the opportunity to stop in there for dinner last night. I must say, I was extremely impressed. The decor and ambiance really fit the name of the restaurant, and the music was impressive as they didn't just play the same music as every run of the mill italian restaurant. The service was excellent as was the food. I was also really impressed with the menu...its been awhile since ive seen stuffed artichokes on a restaurants appetizer list, and having tripe on the entree menu really piqued my interest. All in all, I will be going back to Trattoria Rustica often.

Three of us dined there friday evening. The food was excellent..especially the scallops..they were perfect...Service was fine..waiters were all nice and responsive to our requests...

Overall 7/10.

Quick: Food was inconsistent. Some plates excellent some bland. Service was mediocre and slow. Atmosphere was comfortable.

Had dinner there Friday night. We made an 8:30 reservation, but were not seated until 9:15.

The table opened up, but I did not see the typical frantic movements of the staff to hurry us to our seats. Instead they set the table pretty slowly, and then when finished came to us, standing in the front vestibule and said, "you can take your seats now," pointing to our table. So much for the walk to the table.

Once we were seated, we waited for too long for some bread, or for the wine to be opened. Once opened, I needed to ask for a ice bucket for our now warm chard.

The menu was very appetizing, ranging from the standard penne in a vodka sauce to wonderful pumpkin ravioli.

The penne/vodka was bland. The waiter couldn't figure out the hand-held cheese grater, and there was no salt on the table to spice it up, so I just ate it as is.

On the other hand, many of the other plates were quite delicious. Luck of the draw I guess.

We ordered the molten chocolate cake (which they nicely prepared as a birthday cake without asking... and they even sang). The cake was likely delicious when it was originally baked, but this was definately out of the microwave and spongy.

As far as the place, the owner was a very nice guy, although completely underdressed to be welcoming customers to his new restaurant. Not to mention his family was sitting nearby with cellphones ringing throughout dinner.

When it was check time, the price was right, but the 2 waiters were obviously too distracted by the hords of ladies heading to Cheetahs for KTU night to realize that we were waiting to give them their money.

Growing pains was what I chalked this up to. I believe that given the right maitre'd and some help that is attentive and really wanting to build the best customer experience this restaurant can do well in a highly demanding area like Montclair.

I really wish them the best of luck, because I think Trattoria Rustica is worth the shot.

I ate at Rustica prior to their closing and re-opening. The service was horrible! The whole family was there, too. They were loud and the children were running all over the place with ice cream cones. They parked their SUV out front in the no-parking zone so we enjoyed the presence of Montclair's finest telling them they couldn't park on the street there for the duration of their meal- even though they had their flashers on.
My dinner, baked eggplant/ziti parm, was half cold and half too hot to touch, but my boyfriend’s pesto gnocchi was amazing!
The wait-staff just didn’t seem too interested in us or our enjoyment of the meal. It took forever to pay the check after having to wait a pretty long time to get it!
Maybe we'll try it again, but we left very unsatisfied.

My husband and I had dinner on Saturday October 21st. I had the broccoli rabe/potato/sausage appetizer and a plate of the special pasta bolognese, my husband had the fried calamari/ and lobster ravioloi as his main meal. For dessert I had the chocolate molten cake.

With the exception of the cake, everything was absolutely exceptional. The appetizers, the entrees, the service. The food was some of the best I've ever had.

My husband and I had dinner here Saturday night. We had the Broccoli Rabe/Sausage/Potato appetizer which was delicious!. The grilled shrimp risotto was fabulous! We will definately be back!

There is something very comforting about this place. Maybe it is just my fond memories of Italy. The murals invoke a feeling of dining in a small Tuscan village.

The dinner, I was on guard, after mixed reviews, yet perhaps since it was a quiet Sunday night, was delicious.

Beet salad with a delicate pistachio vinaigrette, very nice. Eggplant caponata bruschetta, served warm, very tasty.

We had two specials. Swordfish over perfect spinach and a sweet potato mash, surround by a delicate lemon butter sauce and unusually topped with a strawberry something new.

According to our waiter very popular the night before.

Tuna, grilled in chunks, with tomatoes, capers and olives, with garlic over penne. Surprisingly good.

Service, unrefined, simple, but adequate.

The DieVole Chianti a perfect accompaniment to the meal.

Made reservations for 2 at 7pm last night. I was anticipating to try this place since it re-opened. And I was definetly not let down at ALL.
For appetizer we had the Calamari Fritte and a bowl of Pasta Fagiole. The calamari melted in my mouth, they had the perfect amount of bread crums and an abundance amount of calamari to have.
I must say, they were the best calamari I have ever had.

The Pasta Fagiole soup was amazing, the steam when the waitress placed the bowl down gave this incredible delicious aroma. I couldnt wait to try it.
The pasta in the broth was al dente, and the broth just had a hint of tomato added to it, so it wasnt over powering. It was incredibly hot from beginning to end, nothing beats a satsifying bowl of pasta fagiole on an outside dreary day in November.

My entree I had the Pork chops. The pork was cooked so well and had such a grilled taste to it. Topped with sliced potatos with this delicious glaze on them. Also, long sliced green peppers that sat perfectly under the sliced potatos, on top of the pork chops.

By this time I was getting stuffed but it was time to try out my girlfriends "Pasta Bolognese". The pasta I believe was "Papardelle". Home-made and cooked al dente. The bolognese sauce was to die for and again I mention our food was HOT from beginning to end. Even before we started eating our appetizers and entree's we just smelled the invigorating aroma's of our food. It was really a treat this place.
Service was nice, our hostess at the door was also our waitress and she was very friendly and comforting. Also a gentleman came over to our table to ask how everything is and he was very hospitable as well. We gave our hats off to the chef and let our hostess know what we enjoyed specifically by plate.

We had tryed several Italian eateries in the Montclair area, all of which we enjoyed BUT, nothing has been more delicious and comforting than Rustica.

The decor was incredibly WARM. The lighting was perfect. I loved the brick along the walls and gold pots and pans hanging along the back wall.

Rustica is definetly a must try and this is just the beginning of many good things to come out of Rustica.

Had dinner for Dad's bday tonight for 5 people. Although the service was a "tad" slow, not terrible, they were attentive and accomodating.
Had the scallop/risotta special which was superb. As a self-named scallop snob, I was very pleased. Other dishes were the ravioli special, veal scallopine special, and the gemelli pasta. Everyone enjoyed their meals, especially Dad who is very critical. Nice touch that all food came out steaming and fragrant.
Owner was friendly and came to see/talk with us a few times.
A little loud with some children, but that's the parents fault, not the restuarant! Worth a trip back.

Had dinner for Dad's bday tonight for 5 people. Although the service was a "tad" slow, not terrible, they were attentive and accomodating.
Had the scallop/risotta special which was superb. As a self-named scallop snob, I was very pleased. Other dishes were the ravioli special, veal scallopine special, and the gemelli pasta. Everyone enjoyed their meals, especially Dad who is very critical. Nice touch that all food came out steaming and fragrant.
Owner was friendly and came to see/talk with us a few times.
A little loud with some children, but that's the parents fault, not the restuarant! Worth a trip back.

Ate here tonight with my boyfriend. We LOVED it and will be back! Tasty food, nice atmosphere, attentive staff, highly recommend this restaurant to ALL of you!

wonderful wonderful wonderful

Last night I dined at Rustica and I have to say it was a good time. Pat suggested one of the specials, which happens to be one of my favortie comfort foods (Osso Bucco)Prepared exactly as I would expect. Large portions (im 6'4", 220, and I took a doggie bag home!) Calamari was excellent, and my date had some pasta special which was al dente. I enjoyed picking at her dish as much as my own. I would recommend this place to anyone who is not pretentious and enjoys a quiet evening on bloomfield ave

Bring back Tina's, ya bastards!!!

I ate there with a friend this past weekend (Jan 20) and the food was excellent. I think it's probably one of the better restaurants in Montclair. Service was also great.

LIVE JAZZ EVERY WED.

JOIN US FOR DINNER OR DESSERT,COFFEE
7:00 TO 10:00

You guys want to know the truth about Rustica? The food doesn't suck but everything else does since the owner doesn't know what he's doing.

I worked there as a hostess. He allegedly owned a bunch of other restaurants, which is funny, because he definitely wasn't organized... there would be nites when it wasn't even busy and he would run out of simple things like soda. He sent me down to the French place next door with a HUGE bucket for ice in the middle of winter with my high heels.

The service doesn't suck because of the waiters. It sucks because of Pat (the owner.) He has a reservation book, where he scribbles names, but no times or phone numbers to call people back. Even when there are reservations in the book, he will seat anyone who comes in, so the reservations are pretty much useless.

Don't believe me, it's fine, but if you come in just look out for him- he's usually at a table drinking wine and yelling belligerantly at his staff- which rotates every month. He's had about 20 or so staff (waiters, hostesses, cooks, bus boys, dishwashers) rotate in the past 4 months. He says that its the "norm" in the restaurant business... but trust me, it's not- I've worked at other places before and putting yourself before everyone else does not make happy employees or happy customers.

So all in all, the food there is pretty good, the service is okay if you catch them on a slow nite and Pat is not out blaming the fact that he has no supplies on others, and if you don't have his whole entourage and their kids running a muck around the place.

Ate @ Rustica . Excellent food & service. Definitely the atmosphere of a NY establishment. Unique food w/a classy crowd.

Nice place excellent food, but careful of who u hiring as waiter , my advice good luck, keep it that way ( M..E ) keep an eye on

Not worth the effort. Too many other choices in the area. Sauce tastes like it's out of a jar.

Went on wednesday with wife and friends. The live jazz was hip. That was a really nice touch. The placement of the band was a little weird though--behind this glass wal type thing.

On the service...the waiters were accomidating and polite, but they did screwy things like bring meals for some people twenty-five minutes later than others. Good etiquite suggests that you shouldn't start eating until everyone has food, so bring the dishes together.

We all exchanged bites of each-other's dishes and they were good for the most part. Overall - ambiance was great, food was good, service was pretty lousy.

Second posting. Had dinner there on Sat night at 7:30 w/no reservation, seated immediately at one of the last tables (2 of us). Had calif salad and ggrilled eggplant app-excellent. boyfriend had the penne vodka and licked the plate clean..I had the risotto parmesan with shrimps-amazing. Service was efficient and friendly. Adult clientele, so the atmosphere was hushed by jovial. Plan to return again.

food was ok. terrible service. never saw our waiter after he took order. chef owner very nasty. seems to not understand he is in a service oriented business. waited 2 hours for our meal. please do not go.

I found the comment, that you should avoid this restaurant, very unfair. You will be missing out on one of Montclair's best restaurants. I eat out all the time,and I can tell you that, Saturday nights in a good restaurant, where food is freshly prepared is not rushed. The whole point of dining out is to relax and enjoy yourself.

Additionally, I have eaten at this restaurant numerous times, food is consistently delicious.

Sometimes we have to wait in life, and especially if we know we will happy with the results.

barbara giegrich,you were their with six people arrived after seven waited for the rest of your party. member of party was rude from the start and your were out by 9:15,two hours is not long on a saturday nite for a six top. it,s not my fualt that you were not having a good with your guest, life is to short so be nice .

Delivery is now available and you can view their take-out menu and or place your order online at http://www.myofo.com

Went for dinner last night with some friends...had an amazing meal for a very good price. The bruschetta was great, along with the two different specials we tried-one chicken and one seafood pasta dish. Our server was so on top of things and friendly-I will definately make Trat. Rustica a monthly dining experience.

Went for dinner last night with some friends...had an amazing meal for a very good price. The bruschetta was great, along with the two different specials we tried-one chicken and one seafood pasta dish. Our server was so on top of things and friendly-I will definately make Trat. Rustica a monthly dining experience.

We dine out frequently in Montclair and can always count on having a delicious meal at Trattoria Rustica. Last night we ate Veal Milanase and Chicken Bruschetta,Arugala salad and the Beet salad, everthing was delicious, as always. We also enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant, warm and cozy. Keep up the good work Pat, see ya real soon.

Mark C

I ate at Tratorria Rustica being my first time in the Berkshires and it was marvelous the service was excellent, prompt and very friendly. I ordered the Antipasta for an appetizer it was delicious but I couldn't finish I was saving room for the main course which was the Pork Chops...let me just tell you first off I am not a meat eater but they were out of this would. I tried to get the recipe but it is one I would keep secret as well. I recomend anyone to this restaurant. The dessert as well was very sinful and the wine recommendation complimented my meal very well I had seconds. I am sad I do not live close enough or I would probably go once a week. Keep up with the great service. Bellissimo!!

Anyone know where I can find a menu for this place?

Ate here twice. First time was good, but nothing special. This was right after they opened. Second time was terrible, we actually walked out of the restaurant (which we have never done) after waiting 1.5 hours for food. Glad we brought a bottle of wine...
Obviously, we do not recommend this place.

PETE AND REPEAT
I THINK YOUR FULL OF IT.

PETE AND REPEAT
I THINK YOUR FULL OF IT.

Dined here for the first time about a week ago. We found the food to be very good, but the service could definitely use some improvement. The busboys were very prompt, but the waiter sure took his time and certainly wasn’t overly friendly (not that he was rude either). I would probably give it another shot, though, as we enjoyed our meal.

Trattoria Rustica recently got a new chef, so anyone who didn't like it before I think will like it now. There has been some changes to the menu and some dishes were revamped. They now serve pizzette (small pizzas) We ordered mushroom & truffle pie & one with broccoli rabe & sausage. They were both Great! We topped our diner off with a piece of cannoli cake that made me cry it so good. We will most definetly go back!

Ate here tonight and the food was delicious and the waitress was great.

Fabulous salad from them - has walnuts and gorgonzola cheese. YUM. And an unusual fruit they put in - which I cannot name. Friendly people and GREAT food.

We really like this restaurant and have been at least 4 times over the last year or two. Like the friendly owner who says hello every time, good service, cozy atmosphere, can often eat here w/out a reservation, and always delicious reliable food.

The food was excellent! The best vodka sauce we have ever tried. Highly recommended. Service was excellent!

The food was excellent! The best vodka sauce we have ever tried. Highly recommended. Service was excellent!

We ate there and the food was exceptional. I loved the atmosphere, felt very much like Italy. Look forward to going back this week.

went the other night for the first time in a couple of months and boy were we surprised. The portions got so much smaller and the prices much higher. Everything as still as delicious as ever and the owner is as nice as could be. When we commented about the portions he first tried to cover up but then did everything he could - including sending over some free dessert - to make up for it. I would go back but be careful what I ordered.

Ummm...Me and my wife have eaten at Trattoria many times and we haven't found their prices to be that expensive, but I guess it depends what you are comparing it with.


Few days ago, we had their Tilapia and Butternut Squash Ravioli, we shared a cannoli cheesecake and the bill came up to $48


Here is a cool tip:
They have a new website where if you sign into their newsletter, they will email you a $10 voucher you can use Tue-Thu & Sun. Click:Trattoria Rustica to visit their site!

We had dinner at Rustica Friday night. Best meal we've had in a long time!!!!!