Pizza Rustica: User Reviews

Best pizza!
By AHM from Lakeview, May 26, 2008

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I used to live near this restaurant, and still go back to have the tropical pizza, saffron ravioli and the tiramisu! It's all soooo good. Great place, and byob!

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Great Gnochhi, Even Better Prices!
By Christy from Chicago from Lincoln Park, April 7, 2008

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I went to Pizza Rustica with three girlfriends recently. Armed with a few bottles of cheap wine, we expericenced some of the best gnocchi in the city and a bill that shocked us (in a good way!). We split the gnocci (recommended by our waitress and house made), slathered in Alfredo sauce. It was cooked perfectly and the sauce was rich and creamy. We also split the margherita pizza and pollo chicken sandwich, both of which were light and fresh tasting. To top it off, between the 4 of us our bill was only $11 each, included a corking fee per person! I highly recommend this place for those looking for non-greasy, authentic Italian food and great service for a wonderful price!

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Perfect neighborhood Italian eatery; could go every day!
By Dan from Wrigleyville, March 30, 2008

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Great pizza (potato rosemary sounds weird but is awesome), and even better pasta (go for the salsa rosa sauce). Excellent BYOB restaurant in Lakeview. The owner and staff make special effort to make you feel at home and the prices are very reasonable.

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Best Lakeview Pizza
By Gourmand with Bike from Lakeview, November 10, 2007

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The pizza is wonderful! Quite reminiscent of the European pizzerias in Spain and France (I have never been to Italy so I can't claim any authenticity, but this is definitely more European than any other restraurant in Lakeview). I don't know what Venetian style means, but I would say the crust is very unique, and quite similar to a sea-salt foccacia. I love the bready, briny taste but other friends have been less enthusiastic. It is a little too buttery for my liking (why do they not use more olive oil?) but the freshness makes up for that.

You should probably avoid takeout. This pizza should have a 60 minute pocketwatch attached: Within an hour it is already stale. I actually prefer this, as it is probably a sign that this is authentic baked goods without preservatives and crap. Again, very similar to foccacia, so enjoy when it hits your table, and do be warned the pizza is quite terrible as leftovers.

Atmosphere is European but lacking in romance. There is too much foot traffic and the service is slow. But hey, this is Europe

Also I do love the BYO feature, but.... it does kill a romantic evening. Reason is, it often draws some obnoxious fratty types from the nearby cheap rents. You can't have it all, but this is a great value for a European style evening in Chicago.

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Lovely
By ang10220 from Lakeview, October 25, 2007

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After traveling in Italy and having to come back to the states, this is the next best thing. I could sit there all day drinking cappuccinos, eating their AMAZING pizza and listen to the workers talking in Italian. It's service is just like how it's done in Italy, not over the top like in the states. It's authentic, tasty, cozy, and affordable....what's not to love?!?!?

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While the pizza is tasty,...
By christina from Chicago, IL, September 2, 2007

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While the pizza is tasty, the poor service negates any value! We live in the neighborhood and have tried Rustica numerous times. Without a doubt, this experience will be our last. The arrogance of the staff is par for the course. Service is slow and the head female waitress/hostess treats every request as an imposition. When requesting a table near the window (in an empty restaurant at 5:30PM on a week night!) we were refused. Their response seemed reasonable since they replied that the window tables were already reserved and they expected to be very busy. By the time we left the restaurant at 7PM not one of those tables (or any others)were occupied! Spend a few extra dollars and enjoy your experience next door at Rick's Cafe.

Great Thin Pizza.One of the...
By M from Chicago, Il, August 13, 2007

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Great Thin Pizza.One of the better pizza spots in the city.

A friend of mine introduced...
By Sharna Marcus from Chicago, IL, July 22, 2007

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A friend of mine introduced me to this place and I was so impressed that I went back two days later. The food tastes amazing. If you go as a pair, order a salad, a pasta and a small pizza to get a taste of their best dishes.

We're with you Hannah! ...
By Chris from Chicago, IL, May 31, 2007

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We're with you Hannah! This place is by far one of the best. We've gone to many places in the city and easily dropped a hundred bucks and haven't had food half as good! The prices are beyond reasonable and the food is truly authentic. I too have seen the owner/chef do everything - it's just a small 'mom and pop' place. The service has always been excellent - we too tell everyone we know!