Rustica Fresh Italian Kitchen

The service was great. I loved the cold-weather specials—especially those pumpkin raviolis. I like the bar program too — some god NA choices but really nice cocktail and wine list.

Everything was fantastic. From the moment we stepped in and were greeted to paying our bill, all the staff was friendly and helpful. Phenomenal pasta selection and the staff is very knowledgeable about the menu! Can't wait to go back soon.

While the staff tried very hard to make our visit pleasurable I was disappointed by the quality of the food. I had tagliatelle and the pasta itself was gummy and there was not enough sauce on it compared to the amount of pasta. My Caprese salad with tasty but the tomatoes were overripe. My husband was also disappointed with the lasagna. The cost was very reasonable but comparable to Olive Garden pricing wise and the food at Olive Garden is much better. I don't know if they had an off night but I would say there is a lot of Italian restaurant competition in Santa Fe and they need to step up their game if they want to stay in business. We took out of town guests there and all in all it was a disappointment

We have now been to Piazza Cafe 5 times and while we found that there have been some stumbles, last evening was a lovely experience! We were told that the new chef has been around for some weeks - and if the rich tastes on the menu were the doing of this new person, please keep this chef! The pesto pasta was full of what I hope for - a lot of flavor - and the additions of haricot verts and small cubes of potato were spot on! The pumpkin ravioli was done with a nice texture of the pasta and a smooth creaminess to the filling. Our shared broccolini surprised with it's perfectly done firmness AND the grilled smokiness that contrasted well. We were so very happy to experience was seems like a "coming of age" evening at this really welcoming neighborhood space. Hurrah!

The food is usually very good but last night the special pumpkin ravioli was swimming in garlic oil. They knew I was allergic to garlic and the chef told the waiter there was no garlic on the ravioli but in fact there was. I got sick that night from only eating a few of the raviolis.

Our server was extremely welcoming and professional. She had a great attitude and was attentive to our needs. The entrees we ordered were well prepared and left us with the impression that the cook has been preparing Italian food for some time.

Food and service were excellent. They were able to accommodate special dietary needs. Relaxed atmosphere, made us feel welcome and appreciated.

We would love for this place to succeed. The owner is friendly and attentive but the menu needs some major "tweeking". There should be specials and also, there should be more variety of regional Italian food. This was our fourth time back and we were once-again underwhelmed by the food. Such a shame.

We loved the ambience and the service was fine but we are not used to Italian food prepared "the way it is in Italy " according to the owner. He was so nice wish I had liked the food. The breadsticks were outstanding!

From the moment we entered Piazza, we felt right at home with the warm, smiling faces and gracious greetings of the owners, hosts, and wait staff. The ambience felt intentional and elegant but not sterile or stuffy. We sampled many items from the menu including the meatballs, caprese salad, pea and prosciutto salad, crispy polenta with gorgonzola, rigatoni, two pizzas, eggplant parmesan, pesto pasta, pork milanese and the flourless chocolate cake and tiramisu. Flavors, colors, textures and presentation combined to offer a completely satisfying, sensual experience. We loved every moment, every bite. We will for sure be back to this gem of a dining experience on the south side, a culinary home away from home. THANK YOU Piazza Cafe! Love, Christie, Olivia, Jude and Tim

Our favorite Italian food in Santa Fe. Highly recommend the fresh, lightly dressed salads, black cod & eggplant Parmesan. Very pleasant service & a nice selection of Italian wines. Save room for a gelato—we loved the hazelnut.

Best pizza I've had in Santa Fe. Others food was very gold, nice wine choices, and despite a staff shortage, out service was excellent.

Wonderful experience! Staff very attentive and the homemade pasta and dessert were delicious! Whole dinner was perfect! Recio our waiter from Belize was very kind and attentive... A +++++ Experience!

Really good drinks, salads, and pastas. Very nice wait staff. Pleasant ambience on the back patio despite the industrial/mall setting. I would absolutely come back here for a nice Italian meal.

Our two dinners ( Tuscan Rigatoni and Cod Livornese) were excellent and very reasonably priced. The service however was another matter. We were seated in the bar area, which was nearly empty, and waited and waited for a server. Finally I hailed the receptionist who found someone to take our drink orders and bring menus. Our order for a shared appetizer never materialized and an order for refills of two glasses of wine was left standing on the bar until a passing waiter (not ours) found it. It's a shame that a restaurant that serves such good food in an attractive setting can't find more professional help.