Formerly Sirens, and before that, Pardon Our French, 3797 Park Boulevard has seen its fair share of restaurant purveyors vying to make their mark on the desirable neighborhood space, while Hillcrest dwellers have been aching for something to finally stick. Rusticucina, a restaurant with a purpose, aims to be the one to prevail – now open and serving American-Italian cuisine.
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Named to reflect the merging of their own American and Sicilian cultures, Rusticucina invites locals and visitors to experience a farm-to-neighborhood restaurant unlike any other. Owner/executive chef Marco Provino and co-partners, Vincenzo Loverso , Nino Cusimano, Mario Liga have a working relationship with different successful restaurants- including Osteria Panevio, Farmer’s Table, Greystone, Osetra and Butcher’s Cut. All four hail from the same small Sicilian town and have joined forces to bring the 92103 zip code a restaurant where locally sourced ingredients, seasonal dishes and a warm ambiance reign supreme.
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Aperitivo, a traditional Italian-style happy hour, leads the way—think sensational small bites, cocktails inspired by Aperol, Negronis and Limoncello. They also offer a full bar and carefully curated craft cocktails, along with an impressive beer and wine list. Their food menu, designed by acclaimed Executive Chef, Marco Provino, boasts hearty, rustic cuisine, with pasta made in-house, from scratch, as well palate-pleasing entrees and a slate of pizzas and flat breads. Their tableside service offers guests either a Cheese Wheel Pasta or Chef’s Charcuterie Board experience, and their outdoor space is the perfect landing spot for dog lovers and sun worshipers. They even offer a pet menu for furry guests.
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Designed by the three partners, the 3000 square-foot space seats 100 patrons comfortably and features a spacious outdoor patio, easily welcoming an additional 60 people. Strategically placed Edison bulbs, along with a 32’ft long chandelier and Italian-inspired décor highlight the interior space, while eye-catching live greenery cascades down sunlit overhangs and tabletops, showcasing a fresh and inviting vibe.
Rusticucina, located at 3797 Park Boulevard in Hillcrest and is open 365 days a year for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. For more info, visit rusticucina.com or call, (619) 310-5291.