1. TIRED OF THE “COOKIE CUTTER” CHAIN RESTAURANTS? I KNOW I AM!
I love Italian food… as a matter of fact, I love most types of ethnic food. And I love eating out. As much
as I like Italian food, when I go to the large chain “stores” they all
- look the same
- smell the same
- and the food all tastes the same
The decorations do not change from “store” to “store”; the menu and recipes are developed in a
corporate kitchen and are monitored by Quality Assurance teams who insure that each location’s food is
in sync with the rest of the company. In my life these restaurants have their place, but when I want true
Italian food I look for a spot where
- the chef is Italian and if I am lucky - also the owner
- the menu has extensive variety of authentic Italian food
- the wine list has choices for every taste and pocketbook
- the surroundings are similar to European Country Style
- and it is a local favorite to the community.
In Murrieta, California – nestled in the hills on the edge of Temecula Wine Country - where some of
the best California wines are produced - is the local restaurant
- Rustico-
Family owned and operated by Chef Francesco Cusimano, his wife Filippa and his brother Joe, for the
last 7 years Rustico has been a local favorite to Murrieta and surrounding areas such as Temecula and
Hemet. While Francesco runs the kitchen, Filippa manages the Dining Room and the business. The
décor is simple Italian Country and comfortable without being pretentiously elegant (in Italian Rustico
means rural or country); the wine list is filled with award winning wines from local Temecula vintners
with a splattering of imports from Italy. Several times a year Chef Francesco puts on wine and food
pairing events at Rustico featuring the best of the local wineries – many of which are the smaller
boutique labels.
When I walk into Rustico I am immediately hit with an enchanting mixture of sights, sounds and smells
that reach out and grab me saying “ you are going to love eating here tonight.”

2. “Great food and an authentic menu. Don’t let someone that thinks Olive Garden is good Italian sway
your decision.” Anton E.
The menu is filled with charmingly authentic Italian dishes to please even the most discriminating
palate. Every section of the menu - from the tapa’s to the desserts with salads, soups and entrée’s of
many tasty choices in between, you are guaranteed to have a meal that will make your taste buds stand
up and cheer. Each evening Francesco has specials to entice anyone who loves Italian food. My favorite
is Osso Buco paired with a hefty Sangiovisi. When I know it is going to be on the Special’s Menu my
mouth begins to water at the thought of the savory ultra tender braised veal - that can be cut with a
fork - almost melting on my tongue.
If you are searching for that ultimate dining experience and you love true Italian food that would make
Iron Chef Mario Bitali proud, then Rustico is the place. Easily reachable from anywhere in the Inland
Empire to North County San Diego you will find the ambiance, service, food and drink to be an absolute
relishing experience that you will want to repeat over and over again.. Wherever you are coming from,
it will be worth the drive for the dining encounter you will truly enjoy at Rustico. Bring your friends,
family and anyone else you can round up and come on down to Rustico in Murrieta for a meal that will
astound you beyond your expectations.
“Some of the best Italian food in Murrieta. I traveled to Rome earlier in the year and Rustico's lasagna is
better than the lasagna I had in the eternal city! Salve!” Alex A.
Rustico Ristorante and Pizzeria
29940 Hunter Rd, Ste 102
Murrieta, CA 92563
PH: (951) 698-5151
Open Seven Days:
Monday – Thursday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Friday – Saturday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Sunday – Noon to 9:00 pm
Restaurant.com coupons and certificates accepted
B ring this coupon - order off the
Chef’s Specials Menu and receive a
glass of wine from Cougar Winery
FREE!!!!!!
(Must be at least 21 years of age to
participate)