27 Years Of Family, Flavor, Love Continues At Basking Ridge Cafe Rustica

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernardsville husband and wife duo Giovanni and Theresa Giornalista opened Cafe Rustica in 1998 in Basking Ridge. Now 27 years later, the rustic Italian restaurant and bar continues to bring the community together through delicious food.

Opening the restaurant at 3188 Valley Road came naturally to Giovanni, who grew up in the restaurant business.

"I grew up in the business. My parents, both were Italian immigrants, were in the pizzeria business, and I just followed in their footsteps because I enjoyed cooking and I tried to advance myself by becoming a chef," said Giovanni.

Giovanni recalls his siblings and himself being brought into his parents' pizzeria to help make pizza boxes since they were both working after school.

"My whole family, my siblings, we all grew up working and helping out," said Giovanni.

Now, Giovanni has his own spot with Theresa where he enjoys creating the menu with weekly specials.

The menu includes appetizers, soup, salad, pizza, and al forno, pasta, chicken, fish, and meat dishes. A favorite among customers is the Shrimp & Scallops Malafemina. It includes jumbo shrimp and scallops sautéed in a white wine, tomato basil cream sauce served over basil fettuccine.

Over the years, the couple has gotten to know many of their customers and watched as they grew up or their families grew.

"It's kind of crazy, because some of the kids that used to come in here so many years ago, now they're grown. They have their own families," said Theresa. "We have lots of regulars through the years. And so those people who originally came now have their families come."

Theresa added that the family atmosphere, the people, the community, and seeing customers enjoying their food are highlights

Now 27 years later, the couple continues to pursue their passion for food, comfort, and family.

"It's a great accomplishment," said Giovanni. "It's not as easy as everybody thinks it is, but you know, I'm very fortunate that I get to work with my wife, and we get along great."

Cafe Rustica offers dine-in, take-out, and catering. They are open for lunch from Tuesday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and dinner from Tuesday to Thursday, 4:30 to 9 p.m., Friday, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., Saturday, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

For more information, visit caferusticanj.com or follow instagram.com/caferusticanj or facebook.com/Caferustica.

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