First let me preface this by saying : no one is more qualified to write a review on Rustic than myself 🤣. I’ve been a day one customer from the Lincoln Avenue opening to this very day. I’ve ordered almost every pie and appetizer over the years. Let’s dissect this place.

First off the new location which took over the beloved Hillside Market location on Richmond Road, tough shows to fill. Instead of the Island-wide Chinese takeover grabbing up the vacant business, we were lucky enough for it to facilitate the Rustic expansion! The lot, while cramped, provides enough space for several vehicles. The interior is unrecognizable from the previous tenant. It doesn’t take its self too seriously, featuring tomato cans for lighting fixtures and sheet metal siding. Booths are way more comfortable than they look. It’s obvious this place didn’t copy any existing competitors like Deninos or Campana etc. Nice to finally see some originality on Staten Island for a change.

I ordered both Stuffed Mushrooms and Truffle Rice Balls for appetizers. Both were prepared to perfection. The mushrooms sat in a zesty, citrusy, brown broth which didn’t make them soggy and was perfect to spoon on top of the crusty breading. They were excellent. Among the best on the Island. Next were the riceballs which were exceptional. Crusty on the outside with steamy, cheesy rice within. While the truffle flavor wasn’t very detectable, they were delicious. The only riceballs I’ve had that can compare are Novelli’s famous Prosciutto riceballs on Amboy and Clarke. Both appetizers knocked it out of the park. In my humble opinion, appetizer preparation has always been a weak point of Rustic’s delivery. I’ve ordered the Italian Egg Rolls multiple times only to have them delivered very underprepared. The outside pale and doughy and the sausage looking pinkish and undercooked. Having ordered delivery and had dine-in today, they seem to have maybe corrected this problem since the move. I didn’t have the guts to order the IERs since the last botched order but I know these two apps were scrumptious today. Let’s judge on the present. I ordered both a Malibu Bay Breeze and “Pepsi”. The Malibu was prepared to absolute perfection. I am a snob for my summertime fave and the bartender absolutely nailed it. It was adorned with a perfectly cut, fresh, glistening orange circle. As a pizza aficionado, I am shocked when a ‘ria only offers Pepsi. Coca Cola is the standard accompaniment with a fine pizza. This is all beside the point because the “Pepsi” couldn’t have possibly been Pepsi but rather a Tropical Fantasy or other cheap tap alternative. I’m EXTREMELY picky for soda quality and taste but this was completely awful. I’m glad that otherworldly Malibu Bay Breeze was able to make the save. Please consider nice bubbly, effervescent Coca Cola alternative.

On to the pie. The one offering that has always made Rustic special to me is the incredible Lobster & Shrimp pie. Made from a base of their equally delicious Lobster & Shrimp Bisque. The first thing you’ll notice is the generous amount of lobster meat, both claw and lump. The meat alone is buttery and savory. If you’re a lobster fan you will be blown away by the quality of the flavor. There’s just enough cheese to keep it structurally-sound and formidable. The crust was WAY BETTER in-person than delivery. Something just is lost in the quality of delivering any pizza, that’s universal, not Rustic’s fault. The crust was perfectly flaky and light within. It also should be mentioned that the pie is served on a hot stone that maintains the temperature of the pizza. This reminded me of the season of Curb Your Enthusiasm when Larry was opening the restaurant. Any owner that pays attention to details like this is a blessing to food service. Anywhoozle back to the pie. The shrimp is often not fully cooked as it’s usually within a bisque. It’s not undercooked but I would like to see more color on it. A slight dichotomy between the lobster and shrimp preparation. Again this is severe nitpicking.

I highly recommend this rare gem 💎