Review of Cucina Rustica

During my visit to Blue Ridge, Georgia, my family wanted to visit a higher-end restaurant in the area. I wrote a few on Facebook and Lori from Cucina Rustica assured me that they take ALL food allergies and cross contamination very seriously. She even provided her personal cell number to call to ask further questions or to make a reservation.

Cucina Rustica is a reservation restaurant only that is only open on the weekends. The menu does not show what is gluten free although Lori went over that night special with me when I made the reservation. Please note that the specials do not have the prices published.

Before I get to the food, I want to write about our waiter. He wasn’t extremely knowledgeable about what was and wasn’t gluten free (he couldn’t answer if the gluten free noodles were cooked in the same water as regular noodles so please ask this if you want pasta) but every time I had a question that he didn’t know the answer, he was willing to find out to make sure my dining experience was safe. He never made me feel like my questions were a hassle.

The food was divine. Let me start with the freshly made, fire roasted, gluten free bread. I didn’t share. It was so good. Please note that if you have gluten eaters with you, they will bring separate, wrapped bread for them but the olive oil and balsamic mix is shared. My family was kind enough to let me eat first then they enjoyed the mix.

I also had a glass of Chardonnay along with my 16 ounce ribeye covered in mushrooms. Cooked to perfection, the Ribeye was in my top 3 steaks I have ever had in my life. Absolutely delicious.

My husband also had the smoked trout which he thought was amazing. He didn’t share either.

We were so grateful to have a dining experience at Cucina Rustica and hope to return. Please note that this is not an inexpensive meal but worth every penny.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Reservations recommended