Rustico [edit]
223 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 220-9933

Description [edit]

Rustico, operated by Brian Zarletti, is a casual pizzeria serving a smattering of sandwiches, salads and pastas.

It is the fourth restaurant to open in this location in recent years. After Onyx closed its doors in the early 2000's, Borrego's and Riverwalk Bistro occupied the space before Zarletti opened his third restaurant in spring.

Diners can expect the interior to
remain sedate and quiet as it was with the bistro, and both tiers of the Riverwalk patio are still available for scenic dining.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Recent articles about Rustico

Wenhardt paints serenity in the Third Ward

By Maureen Post - March 19, 2009
Watercolor's complexity and challenge sustains Wenhardt's interest in the medium … Read more...

One space, two radically different dining experiences 

By Andy Tarnoff - Jan. 27, 2009
The last time I set foot inside the building that now houses Rustico was during … Read more...

Ambience, view outshine Rustico's food and service

By Amy L. Schubert - July 14, 2008
Brian Zarletti's casual pizzeria could be a hit in what has been a difficult … Read more...

3 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by magicman669 on March 30, 2010 at 10:38 p.m. (report)

This was my 2nd time here and the pizza was much better this time (the first time about a year ago it was very bland). It has a nice atmosphere and a deck that should be good in the summer. The only down side was they would not allow us to use our Restaurant.com gift certificate as it was Happy Hour and that was considered a "special event". The only way we could use it was to pay full price for the drinks even though the gift cert required us to spend $35 on food only (no drinks) which we did. As the drinks didn't factor into the requirements of the gift cert, we did not like the fact this tactic was used to make us pay full price for drinks...

Posted by mujackie on April 23, 2009 at 2:36 p.m. (report)

I was there the other night for drinks and dinner with friends. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. It was a perfect place to feel social, but still able to hold a conversation and not battle blasting music. I would recommend it for a group or couples night out. The food is great too - unique authentic pizza combinations. As usually, the best restaurants are chef owned and operated.

Posted by riverwalklover on Oct. 7, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (report)

Eaten there about 5 or 6 times. Excellent pizza, which is the only thing I've had there. Authentic Italian thin crispy crust and a generous amount of fresh toppings. Wait staff is friendly and helpful, and prices are certainly reasonable. I highly recommend a visit.