Cucina Rusticana – a hidden treasure in the heart of Makati

 

 

Located at the corner of Akle St. and Kamagong St. in Makati lies a one month old casual rustic restaurant that serves authentic Italian dishes, leaving guests in awe.

 

 

 

It was a hot day when we arrived at Cucina Rusticana but the restaurant’s special drinks were refreshingly good! Watch out for the summer special drink that Cucina Rusticana’s preparing – a delicate blend of lemon juice and basil leaves – sounds even more invigorating.

 

 

Cucina Rusticana’s Filipino-Italian Corporate Chef, JJ Viel, revealed that his most favorite dishes among the restaurant’s food selection was the Chicken Parmigiana and Osso Buco. (That’s what we will be trying)

 

Spinacci Al Formaggio (Php 285)

spinach and capsicum cheese dipserved with toasted baguette

 

What a way to start our meal – Cucina Rusticana’s spinach and cheese dip has flavors that will take you to places. The garlic and red bell peppers hinted with a splash of lemon juice playfully tickled our taste buds. Mmmm.. This is a must try!!!

 

Gallina Alla Parmigiana (Php 395 – sharing portion)

stuffed chicken breasts seared and simmered in rich white wine cream and grated parmesan cheese 

 

The long wait was finally over – Cucina Rusticana’s best-selling chicken parmigiana has arrived on our table!

 

 

Look at that carefully cooked stuffed chicken breasts!!! I took my first bite and wow -heavenly fusion of flavors. Cucina Rusticana uses oil infused with garlic and rosemary in cooking all their dishes that required browning. No wonder it was so tasty and yummy. The  sweet and tangy tomato sauce mixed with the creamy white sauce was the best complement for a perfectly cooked chicken breast. When dining at Cucina Rusticana, let Chef JJ take you to Italy by having this super yummy chicken parmigiana.

 

Parmesan Potato Mash (Php 85)

 

Most people prefer to have rice with the meat dishes but you might want to try Cucina Rusticana’s special mashed potato – real mashed potatoes infused with olive oil, garlic, rosemary and parmesan cheese. It was really good!

 

Osso Buco (Php 690 – sharing portion)

Tuscan style braised beef shanks slow cooked for 3 hours in roasted Italian tomato sauce

 

My heart was pumping with excitement when I saw how generous the serving was! Cucina Rusticana’s sharing portion was more like  sharing with the whole barangay! The photo didn’t do much justice but it was really big! Incredibly, the meat was oh so tender as it easily separates from the bone.

 

 

Watch out for your cholesterol levels because you won’t be able to resist Cucina Rusticana’s super yummy bone marrows from the osso buco – it literally melts in your mouth. Mmmm… Someone need to stop me from slurping all the bone marrows.

 

Chocolate Rhum Panna Cotta (Php 90)

the “cooked cream” favorite Italian dessert served with a shot of melted chocolate rhum

 

Tiramisu (Php 130)

Savoiardi sponge cookies soaked in a coffee-Italian liquor layered with heavy cream

 

After all the amazing entrees and desserts, I am now officially in love with Cucina Rusticana. I promise to come back soon!

 

 

WHEN IN MANILA, and looking for an authentic Italian dining experience, book a table at Cucina Rusticana. Not just a date place, but Cucina Rusticana is also an ideal place for group meetings or get-togethers – especially since the restaurant provides generous servings of food.

 

Cucina Rusticana

9531 Akle St. Cor. Kamagong St.

San Antonio Village, Makati City, Philippines

 

Menu: Cucina Rusticana Menu

 

Store Hours:

CLOSED on Sunday

Lunch: 11 am – 3pm

Dinner: 6 pm – 10 pm

 

For Reservations, please call: 

478-3493; 579-4654; 0922-471-3311

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cucinarusticana

 

WhenInManila photos by JoTan23

 

Cucina Rusticana – a hidden treasure in the heart of Makati