Like the “Jewel of India”:http://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/travel-product/restaurant/159936-jewel-of-india, Rustica is also part of the Cape Royale Hotel.
On arrival we found a large Jewish group gathering for what turned out to be their New Year buffet celebration. We were offered a choice of tables and chose one near the door and away from the group as we suspected it could be a noisy affair.
The Pierre Joubert wine I ordered was unavailable and the manager recommended another from what he described as a ‘special’ wine list. Normally when this happens, the alternative offered is more expensive and I was psyching myself up to complain only to find the wine being recommended was cheaper than the one I’d selected (SAR95 instead of 135). Apparently the supplier is trying to get their wine on to Rustica’s list.
The menu is varied and extensive with the usual Italian pasta and pizzas but also with good meat and seafood sections (e.g. braised beef bolo and linefish prosciutto).
We shared a Sicilian pizza and what was described as a ‘deconstructed’ lasagne opting for the traditional beef version rather than the chicken and bacon. Both were excellent with the pizza having a really thin crust. The lasagne looked pretty normal and was only deconstructed when attacked with my fork. Portions were large and despite our best intentions, we couldn’t finish either. Therefore on the premise that we’d not finished our mains, puddings were not allowed!
The service was good and the group not too loud even when they said prayers (the waitress apologised in advance for the disruption).
Our bill with tip came to SAR340 (a very reasonable £17).
