Rustico – Bringing Nonna’s Recipes to Life in Sussex and Beyond

Nonna’s Neapolitan ways have found their path towards the UK region of Sussex, from Naples. Their authenticity and drive aim to persuade those in this county that the classic methods of creating simple yet hearty Italian dishes never die.

These methods made their way from Naples to the East Sussex town of Hastings in 2015 as a small street food restaurant. As it does to this day, Rustico welcomes diners from any profile and demographic to their eateries. While doing this, it is expected to follow the profile of local customers in locations beyond Sussex, the most recent location being Pontypridd in South Wales.

Their successful expansion begs the question: Has Rustico's successful expansion made Nonna proud? A trip to Rustico's Eastbourne branch helps me find this out.

My entrance to the restaurant reveals that it is a cosy eatery with a few tables for up to eight diners per table. An open fridge displays all soft drinks available for customers wanting chilled beverages. I am pointed towards a vacant table close to the restaurant’s entrance, where I sit and examine the food and drinks menu.

The menu reveals a deal that diners can consider should they dine for lunch at Rustico’s. Items on this menu include Italian-inspired sandwiches and the Italian classic rigatoni pasta. A selection of drinks and desserts is also available on this menu, which is included in the overall £8.95 price. All main courses are valued at £6.50 should diners wish only to sample a main course.

In addition, the main menu advertises all items, from light bites to Rusticotti signature pizzas and Nonna’s unique pasta options. A collection pizza deal is also available and consists of the same pizzas as the main menu; however, the price is £9.50 per pizza. Lastly, there is the all-important drinks and dessert menu, where I turn to begin my Rustico experience.

I turn to the cocktails and notice a Campari Spritz valued at £7.50. At first glance, it sounds like a more upbeat version of an Aperol Spritz. I therefore decide to order this drink, along with a starter of Bruschetta Ciro. I also go for the main course of the Calzone Vulcano, which, as the menu implies, is the hottest item on the Pizze Speciali section of this menu.

A bright red glass is placed on my table. It is decorated with a slice of orange and accompanied by a straw for easy drinking. The first sip confirms its almighty strength, thanks to the Campari. The bitterness also slightly comes through, even though it thoroughly dies down with the prosecco and soda water. Given its strength, I take care not to overindulge in this cocktail.

The Campari Spritz I sampled at Rustico

Bearing this in mind, my starter and main course arrive at my table simultaneously. The Bruschetta Ciro is displayed on a starter plate, and the Calzone Vulcano is presented with a garnish of fresh, sliced green and red chillies. At this point, it already shows promise of providing plenty of heat for my palette.

I decided to consume the Bruschetta as a warm-up for the immense heat that the calzone could provide. The presentation is relatively basic but very colourful and covers all the colours of the traditional Italian flag. A couple of slices of vine tomato are visible on the bread base of this dish, with lashings of basil oil, a touch of artichokes, and a topping of pecorino cheese.

The bread base for this Bruschetta is quite doughy. However, the oil and artichokes' flavour enhance this flavour delightfully and distract me from the heaviness. The dish itself is very mild and relieving, given that the Calzone could be the one thing filled with intense heat. The basic oil comes through well, as does the flavour of the pecorino cheese.

The Bruschetta Ciro I sampled at Rustico

With this Bruschetta completed, I focus on Rustico’s Calzone Vulcano and prepare for my palate to experience a decent kick. The first bite of this calzone already has the power to ensure that its heat makes itself known. The freshness of the red & green chillies and the honey drizzle make for an exciting burst of flavour for my palate.

As I cut further into the Calzone, I discover the meat tucked inside. The cured sausage, meatball, and N’duja combine to simultaneously create extreme meatiness and satisfaction. The spicy tomato sauce adds to the fire of the ingredients in the Calzone. The mozzarella and pecorino cheeses are stringy yet flavoursome, partly thanks to the spicy tomato sauce.

The Calzone Vulcano I sampled at Rustico

After finishing my calzone, I drink the remainder of my Campari Spritz until the glass is empty. I am filled with enduring such a doughy yet hearty Italian meal, which is confirmed to align with Nonna’s original Neapolitan ways. I request the bill from my waiter, who then kindly places this on my table. With my bill paid, I leave Rustico’s with my original question answered. It is clear that Rustico’s expansion was well-deserved, and Nonna continues to be proud of how precisely her original ways are being followed.

Rustico Neopolitan, 53 South St, Eastbourne, BN21 4UT

Food Prices

• Lunch Offer - £6.50-£8.95

• Collection Pizza Deal - £9.50 (Applies every day from 12:00-21:00)

• Light Bites - £3.95-£8.95

• Nonna's Kitchen - £8.95-£12.95

• Insalata - £9.95-£10.50

• Pizzeria - £7.95-£13.50

• Pizze Speciali - £13.50-£14.95

• Rusticotti - £8.95 per dish

• Build Your Own Pizza - £0.00-£2.50 (Price per topping)

• Sides & Dips - £1.00-£8.95

• Bambini Menu - £1.95-£4.95

• Desserts - £1.50-£6.50

Drink Prices

• Aperitivo (Cocktails) - £4.50-£7.95

• Bibite (Soft Drinks) - £1.90-£4.50

• Beer & Cider - £3.95-£6.95

• Vino - £5.60-£24.95

• Liqueurs (Spirits) - £1.50-£3.50

• Coffees - £1.85-£6.50