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By jkashou Community Blogger Author bio | report 
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Published June 23, 2008 at 6:26 p.m.Category: Dining
Tags: pizza, riverwalk, third ward, zarletti
The only thing better than a picturesque summer night on Milwaukee's riverfront is enjoying a delicious, authentic, Italian pizza while sitting on the riverwalk.
Since it was a warm Friday night, a few friends and I visited the new restaurant Rustico, that replaced Riverwalk Bistro on Water Street in the Third Ward. The interior had been renovated beautifully to have a rustic, Italian feel (consistent with the namesake). Not to overlook the spacious and unique interior, but the riverwalk is prime real estate for those three warm months we get in Milwaukee so we snatched up the last remaining outdoor table.
We ordered the quattro-stagioni pizza with artichoke, mushroom, olive and red peppers (substituted for anchovies) and the house salad. The salad consisted only of mixed greens coated in a balsamic vinaigrette, but the balsamic had such an amazing, distinct flavor, additional ingredients would have littered the plate. The pizza was thin crust and non-greasy, which is always a plus. It was very good, but not the best I have ever had. Maybe I was just disenchanted because our server was not very friendly or attentive. It's alright, I understand that everyone has a bad night.
The menu is small, so if you are not in the mood for their signature menu item, I'd suggest go elsewhere. They offer a few paninis and pasta dishes, but its obvious that pizza is what they've opted to perfect.
Aside from the potate pizza (sliced potato, rosemary and proscuitto), they didn't offer anything exceptionally different. Fried calamari, meatballs and Muffolatas are standard fare at any Italian restaurant.
They offer a happy hour Monday through Friday with complimentary antipasto and $1 off wines and tap beer. I recommend checking it out if only for the ambiance.
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Recent Talkbacks ...
Posted by printman on Aug. 30, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (report)
overrated
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Posted by confused on Aug. 5, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (report)
After way to many positive reviews for the media fav Zarletti, it was amazing to see an honest review. My wife and I tried it, didnt think it was worth the time. We have also been forced several times to try Zarlettis, clients occasionaly want to try it. The vibe is so phony, and ego driven I cant beleive it.
For great pizza, try pizzeria piccolo. for great italian food, take your pick of dozens of better places.
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Posted by JJM on July 13, 2008 at 1:03 a.m. (report)
My friend and I went there right after they opened. We walked into a empty restaurant - no server or waitress to be seen. Eventually a server appeared - spotted us, and then disappeared without even speaking to us. We left as did the couple waiting behind us.
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Posted by DowntownRed on June 30, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (report)
I had the same reaction to the place. Not bad. Not great.
Having had so many great dinners at Zarletti's downtown, I was so hoping to be just as impressed with Rustico. The staff seemed disinterested and bored and the food was good but nothing exceptional. They need to expand their menu and take more risks.
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