Rustica - Rockland, ME
- Ali Farrell
- Jan 22
- 3 min read
A Taste of Italy in the Heart of Rockland:
We were very excited to head back to Rustica for some serious munchies, and we assembled an "all-star team" of friends to join us. After all, what better way to spend an evening than sharing what we believe is the best Italian spot we’ve found? After a short but productive group meeting on the frozen sidewalks of Rockland, we were ushered inside and seated at the best table in the house—right in the front windows. Perfect.
The Heart of the Kitchen: History & Ownership
While the restaurant is a Main Street staple, the soul of the operation lies in its leadership. Chef John Terriff originally opened Rustica in 2005, but it has been under the dedicated ownership of John Stowe since 2006. Stowe has maintained the restaurant’s reputation for consistency and quality for nearly two decades. His commitment to the "Cucina Italiana" style—rustic, soulful, and unpretentious—is exactly why the locals keep coming back year after year.
The Atmosphere & Drinks
The atmosphere at Rustica is casual and intentionally simple. It’s clear that the focus here is squarely on the plate. While there is a cute, small bar tucked in the back near the kitchen, this isn't the place for rowdy music and loud cocktails; it’s a place where the food does the talking.
As we perused the menu, we knew one thing: we were all going to take forever deciding because everything looked so good, and our memories confirmed that everything here is excellent. After a briefly confusing but ultimately decisive wine choice, we settled on the house Chianti to pair with the upcoming feast. For those not into wine, they also have a full cocktail bar and pour a classic list with impressive skill.
The "Bellwether" Standard: Chicken Parm
For us, the Chicken Parm is the bellwether—the standard offering a place needs to have, but they’d better do it right, or we aren't excited about what else they are cooking up. After today, it’s confirmed: this is one of the best I’ve had anywhere on my travels around the US. The "gravy" (sauce) was absolutely delicious and incredibly fresh. It was coupled with a hefty piece of chicken, perfectly breaded and plated the way nature intended: chicken, then sauce, then a full cheese blanket melted perfectly with just a few of those sear burns from time under the broiler. It is a 10 out of 10, which actually makes eating here slightly FOMO-inducing—because across the board, this place delivers. The steak, the bolognese, and the meatballs were all fantastic. You’re in good hands here.
Appetizers & Entrées
Rustica proudly serves FIORE Artisan Olive Oils and Vinegars with their complimentary bread (we love us some free bread!). If you’re planning a visit to Rustica, a quick stop at FIORE Artisan Olive Oils and Vinegars (just a few blocks away at 503 Main Street) is the perfect way to round out your foodie tour of Rockland- you get to try the products before you buy!
Our feast included some incredible standouts that remind us why we keep returning:
Smoked Provolone: This appetizer consisted of crispy chunks of breaded provolone over a bed of greens and chunky tomato sauce. It was delightfully gooey and cheesy—a perfect start.
Cavatelli Saltimbocca: House-made rolled pasta with marinated grilled chicken, crispy Prosciutto, fresh sage, and baby spinach in a rich cream sauce. The Prosciutto gave the sauce a nice smoky flavor. If I wasn’t in a public place, I would have licked the bowl!
Rigatoni with Pork Ragout: The pork shoulder was so tender it just fell apart, finished with a hearty tomato sauce and baby spinach.
The Chocolate Martini: Our friend, Dev, described this as "like drinking a chocolate cake."
A Sweet Finish
Normally, we aren’t "dessert people," but when you put a daily cannoli special on the menu, the Southern Westchester, New York boy in me can’t say anything but "bring me two of those."
The Black Cherry flavored cream filling in a flaky but structurally sound wrap was purely perfect. In fact, as of this writing, we have already gone back just to get these as takeout. Well done, Rustica!
The Verdict
Go here and go often. Just be prepared to spend some time with the menu—making a choice is the hardest part of the night!
Must Try: Chicken Parm & the Daily Cannoli
Hours: 5-9pm Mon-Sat
Location: 315 Main St, Rockland, ME
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