La Rustica

La Rustica Review

Set in an old house, this popular family restaurant has outside covered areas that extend around a lovely garden with fountains. The weekend buffet (R195) is sumptuous, with meze-style starters like eggplant baked in a classic Italian Napoletana (tomato, onion, and garlic) sauce, Parma hams, salads, and calamari, followed by spit-braised meats including lamb and beef, and dessert items such as brandy snaps (a brittle, ginger-flavored, cone-shaped dessert often filled with cream), ice cream, crème brûlée, and cheesecake. During the week, dine from the à la carte menu. Try the tagliolini panna e salmone, thin ribbon noodles served with a smoked salmon and cream sauce, or the fegato alla Veneziana, calves' liver sautéed with caramelized onion, white wine, and sage, served with polenta. There's also a good wine list. Book early in the week for a table on the weekend.