Monday - Thursday: 12pm–9pm
Friday - Saturday: 11am-9pm
Could it be that two friends who met working in a restaurant in Rimini, Italy would one day own and operate an Italian restaurant in downtown Larkspur? That day has arrived. In partnership with Davide Solmaz who operates the Roma Antica Restaurant Group in San Francisco, co-owner Andi Tari, Tari’s brother Silvio, and chef Simone Fazzolari (L’oro di Napoli) have turned The Rustic space into an Italian trattoria.
Fazzolari, who grew up in a family of Calabrian fishermen, has turned the kitchen into a pasta laboratory, working on techniques to shift flavors and presentation to feature California’s best ingredients in Italian style. All Italian ingredients on Neapolitan style pizza Roman style pinsa will be baked at 550F in the Cuppone oven. (Margherita is the classic.)
Risotto is always made with carnaroli aquarello, a rice varietal renowned for texture. House made pappardelle with six-hour braised Oxtail Ragù, Tonnarelli alle Vongole, and Mediterranean sea bass served simply dressed to experience the freshness of the fish, are just a few of the dishes that are resonating with customers. “We don’t cover the fish with sauce, but feature it,” Fazzolari says. “The less you touch, the better.”
While Fazzolari continues to develop new menu items, brunch will continue to feature Avocado Toast and a Fried Chicken Sandwich. A Breakfast Pizza comes with speck and mushrooms, “our way to be Italian” says Tari, who recommends trying the pizza with a Sbagliato Negroni or an Italian espresso. His favorite brunch drink? A Venetian Spritz with Aperol and Ribolla Gialla. There’s a few vermouths and sherries available by the glass. Tari assures all who ask that the Wine Spectator-recognized wine list will remain.
Tari is working on a permit for a sidewalk seating. Until then, the back patio with redwoods views seats 25 and the front, covered patio can seat 32 with an additional 34 inside.
