About
Welcome to Cucina Rustica, a hidden gem nestled at 555 Atwood Ave in Cranston, Rhode Island. This vibrant Italian restaurant is not merely a dining destination; it’s a celebration of traditional Italian cuisine executed with passion and creativity. With a commitment to fresh, homemade ingredients, Cucina Rustica embodies the essence of true Italian cooking, inviting guests to indulge in authentic flavors and inviting hospitality.
As you step inside, the warm, inviting atmosphere and open kitchen create a welcoming ambiance that transports you straight to Italy. Here, you can witness the art of pasta-making firsthand, as every dish is crafted with love and attention to detail. Customers rave about the quality and flavor of the offerings, which range from delectable Antipasti to hearty Primi dishes. Whether you're in the mood for the classic Marinara & Meatballs, featuring fresh, house-made meatballs nestled in a vibrant house red sauce, or the Bolognese Pasta with its rich ragu, you’ll find that every bite resonates with authenticity.
Salads like the Grilled Romaine Salad add a refreshing twist, while the Antipasto platter showcases a delightful array of Italian meats and cheeses. Diners have expressed their admiration for the warm and attentive service, with staff always ready to recommend favorites or customize dishes for dietary needs. Guests like Gianna Duggan have acknowledged the impressive selection of drinks, particularly praising mixologist Tori’s craft.
Cucina Rustica doesn't just cater to lunch or dinner; it’s a venue for life’s milestones. Customers like Anya Smirnov have shared incredible experiences, from weddings to casual gatherings, with the kitchen accommodating various dietary restrictions with ease and grace. The butterscotch bread pudding, a favorite in its own right, has received special accolades from newlyweds celebrating their union.
For those seeking value, the restaurant offers an enticing 3-course pre-fix dinner until 5 PM, allowing everyone to savor high-quality Italian cuisine without breaking the bank. At just $17.99, this deal includes a full entrée, soup or salad, and dessert, ensuring your dining experience is both fulfilling and budget-friendly. An impressive selection of martinis and house wines ensures that there’s something to please every palate.
Chef/owner Brian takes pride in every aspect of the restaurant, often checking in with guests to ensure perfect satisfaction. Cucina Rustica is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place for unforgettable experiences, where every meal is a doorway into the heart of Italian culture. With its combination of exceptional cuisine, unparalleled service, and a commitment to quality, Cucina Rustica promises that your visit will be nothing short of delightful.
“ Incredible food! The drinks were amazing! Best bartender hands down I believe she said tori was her name! Everything that’s was served at the shower I attended was so good! ”
“ Today was the first time we have visited this fine restaurant. Great service by Sabrina, and very fair prices as well. They even have an amazing 3 course pre-fix dinner until 5 o'clock every day. For 17.99 you get a full-sized entree, soup or salad, and dessert. They also have 5 martinis and house wines until 5:00! We started off with the Antipasto which was amazing and included four different types of Italian meats. The homemade chicken escarole soup was almost as good as what my mom and I make. ALL of their pastas are homemade as well, something somewhat unusual from my experiences. My mom ordered the Eggplant Parmesan, which was extremely thin, not very heavily breaded, and among the best eggplant dishes we have ever had out. The sauce was incredible, slightly sweet and no hint of acidity/bitterness. I had the Veal Parmesan, which was almost as good, and was fork tender (it perhaps could have been pounded a little bit more to add to the tenderness factor, however). My girlfriend had the Sole Francais and it was without a doubt one of the best fish dishes she had ever tasted. Amazing flavor, and very fresh sole. They even offer a complimentary after-dinner aperitif. Brian, the chef/owner, even comes around to make sure everything is perfect. We will be back soon! ”
“ The food was excellent. The service was amazing. Love the atmosphere . Love seeing an open kitchen! Couldn't ask for anything more! Karen Green ”
“ We had a collation lunch today and it was perfect. The food was delicious and the service was spectacular. Mike and Kelly were wonderful to work with. Part of our group stayed late, and although the restaurant was closed, they were so accommodating. They let us stay as long as we wanted and didn’t rush us at all. Such a professional staff. Would highly recommend. ”
“ We just had our wedding at Cucina & it was an amazing experience! Kelly was fantastic to work with & handled everything perfectly! The food was 10/10 as always & they were able to accommodate everyone’s allergies! And a special thank you to chef Brian for the butterscotch bread pudding. ”
“ When we got there, a bunch of kids were running around screaming. Not the atmosphere I wanted for this above average priced restaurant. The food was fantastic and the portions were huge. I got 3 meals out of my eggplant parmigiana. ”
“ Very good a jewel in Cranston! Wonderful food. Everyone knows your name. The sauce is incredible as is the homemade pasta. Wonderful rotation of specials. Owner and wife are good people who know food and hospitality. They are authentic. ”
“ We love Cucina Rustica. From the first time we came in for dinner, they have made us feel like family. We recently brought my dad in for Father's Day and had a lobster feast. We got baked stuffed lobsters and lobster macaroni and cheese. Both were so good. The baked stuffed lobsters were the best we have ever had. They were extremely flavorful and filled with shrimp and scallops and just absolutely delicious! They also handmake their pasta. Every meal we have had at Cucina Rustica has been delicious. It is a labor of love. You can tell the chef and team really care! ”