Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica

By Caroline Kelleher

Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica presents an Italian fine-dining experience in a classy-but-casual atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo at 849 Monterey St., the restaurant’s atmosphere invites you and your appetite to sit down at a booth or table and pursue the wide variety of delicious and authentic Italian dishes available. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and dinner hours are 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (extended to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings). Regardless of the time you visit, the alluring scent of fresh pasta and tomato sauce is ever present throughout the establishment.

The menu includes a variety of pizzas, pastas and sandwiches, complimented by a serving of fresh bread with an olive oil and parmesan dip. Additionally, Giuseppe’s large glass display cases show off the available items to order at the kitchen counter and to take with you. These include pizzas, bread rolls and an extensive range of gelato flavors.

Cal Poly’s “Learn-by-Doing” spirit is embodied within Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica. In 1988, student Giuseppe DiFronzo established the original location in Pismo Beach as his senior project, soon opening a second location in downtown San Luis Obispo. Integrating home-grown produce like tomatoes and grapes from their 12-acre Edna Valley farm into their dishes is just one of the ways a farm-to-fork mentality is modeled in their kitchen. Seasonal dishes rotate often and are based on specialties from certain regions of Italy. Giuseppe’s also boasts a lengthy wine menu, primarily consisting of Italian and Californian blends with a number of wines locally sourced from Paso Robles and Giuseppe’s DiFronzo vineyards.

Fair pricing makes Giuseppe’s popular with locals, tourists and students alike. The excellent quality of both food and customer service keeps everyone coming back. Giuseppe’s gluten-free and/or vegetarian options make meal choices accessible for all patrons.

It is no surprise this staple has earned its place as the best Italian restaurant SLO has to offer.