Cafe Rustica - Carmel Valley

I dined at Cafe Rustica this weekend and ordered the Wood Oven Baked Rigatoni with mushrooms, beef bolognese sauce, and parmesan cheese. Unfortunately, after just a few bites, I found it to be quite unappetizing. The dish was covered with a layer of dried-out, baked parmesan cheese, and the sauce had congealed. The meat and mushroom pieces were tiny and resembled more of a gravy than a proper bolognese sauce. Additionally, the pasta was overcooked. I can't see myself returning or recommending this place to anyone.

I visited Cafe Rustica this weekend and ordered the wood oven-baked rigatoni with mushrooms, beef sauce, and parmesan cheese. Unfortunately, after a few bites, I found the dish to be quite unappetizing. It had a crust of dried, baked parmesan cheese and a thick, congealed sauce. The pieces of meat and mushrooms were so small they could barely be seen, and it certainly didn’t resemble a proper Bolognese sauce. The pasta was also overcooked. I would not return to this restaurant or recommend it to anyone.