Much as we might like to give the impression we're omniscient, it's impossible for us to cover every part of town, so we're always grateful when a Hot Dinners reader emails in on a place they think will be of interest. Which is what happened when Harriet got in touch to sing the praises of Rustico in Stockwell.
"Stockwell's mostly fried chicken/kebab shops and 24 hour newsagents," she told us, which is why she was so pleased when a small family run Italian restaurant called Rustico opened opposite the station last month. "It's the first of its kind in Stockwell, and I want to do all that I can to help make it the success that it deserves to be," she told us.
Turns out the venture was pulled together by people who have worked together before, friends, family on a budget of £4000 in 20 days and is based on the Italian mentality of dining together at one giant table. The design is fun too - with loads of bottles suspended from the ceiling. "Their idea is to make you feel at home. They're all local to the area, it was their little step to help transform Stockwell."
Dishes are classic Italian and range from Saltimbocca for £10.90 and Branzino Alla Puttanesca - seabass fillets in tomato sauce with olives, capers anchovies, chilly and garlic at £13.90. There's a wide range of pizzas from £6-£9 and pasta from £5.50 to £9.
Rustico is at 271 Clapham Road, SW9 9BQ. They're currently open for brunch, lunch and supper Monday – Sunday. They don’t have a fixed closing time, but the kitchen is open from 08.00-22.00.
