Rustic Root

We found Rustic Root by accident. The asparagus risotto with red pepper remoulade & scallops was probably one of the tastiest dishes I've ever had. It was a party in my mouth. Fatima our server was an absolute delight. Restaurant quaint. Coffee cake bread pudding also to die for. I can't wait to go back.

First time visit based on reviews. Service is great, food is outstanding. Comfortable atmosphere. Had the chicken burger and salad, and my friend had the French dip and fries. On the pricey side. Will be back.

My wife and I had a really nice dinner at Rustic Roots. The food was fresh and well prepared, and we left feeling satisfied without feeling overly full. The rice balls were good, crispy on the outside and creamy inside. The sauce it comes with it is a perfect fit. The branzino was cooked perfectly, and the teriyaki wings had great flavor. Even the mocktails were refreshing and well made. Our waitress, a tall, slim blonde, was very friendly and attentive, which made the experience even better. The service was good, and the atmosphere was welcoming. I’d definitely come back and would recommend it to others!

We went for an early dinner. We didn't have a reservation but I suggest making one if you will be going after 6 on a weekend. Also good to know if they stop serving for an hour in-between lunch and dinner service. The cocktails were delicious. Plenty of good choices for appetizers. The pumpkin balls were great. The cornbread with the butter is so good. Food is fresh and delicious. The menu is planned around in season ingredients. The staff is very attentive. The restaurant is tastefully decorated and has a warm comfortable vibe. The shopping center where the restaurant is located is great. Plenty of boutiques and also a mini Italian specialty store. I'll be back!

Visiting from the city and stopped by Rustic Root for brunch. The space is spacious and cozy with cute rustic decor, and service was attentive and friendly. Mediterranean salad vinaigrette and yogurt dressing were both solid, but the mix felt unbalanced. There was way too much romaine compared to the small amount of cucumber, tomato, and feta. The pita on the side was too bland; maybe some crunchy pita chips or even lightly oiled bread would’ve worked better. The avocado toast came with an avocado purée rather than slices, which was okay, but I think fresh sliced avocado would’ve been more satisfying. Overall, the vibe and service were lovely, and maybe it’s good for once in a while if you’re in the area, but food-wise, it didn’t fully land for me.

I was on vacation for a week and ended up eating at Rustic Root three times—it’s that good. I had the salmon every visit and it was consistently excellent. The appetizers are a must—don’t skip the artichokes and the beets. As for drinks, I stuck with the smoked old fashioned (multiple times), and it never disappointed. The rest of the cocktail menu looked amazing too—my wife gave her approval! The staff is fantastic, and the atmosphere is perfect for catching up with friends and family. I highly recommend bringing a group and making a night of it. I’m already looking forward to coming back the next time I’m in town.

I really wanted to love Rustic Root — but overall, it missed the mark for me. I was visiting my sister and brother-in-law on Long Island, and we landed on Rustic Root based on his recommendation. It’s tucked into a strip mall (parking was easy, which is always a plus), and the interior is actually quite charming. I especially loved the rolling pin dividers — such a fun design touch. That said, the vibe felt a little off. The lighting was a bit too bright for a dinner setting, and since it wasn’t very busy, the space lacked energy. Service was friendly and cordial, but definitely inconsistent. There were long stretches where we felt forgotten — not a huge issue when you're catching up with family, but still something you notice. Now for the food, which was the biggest letdown of the evening. We started with the Crispy Artichokes — lemon & Calabrian chili aioli — and these were easily the highlight of the meal. The breading was light and crisp, and the aioli had just the right kick. I’d absolutely order those again. We also shared the Cornbread with maple syrup and Amagansett sea salt. I’ve spent a fair amount of time in the South, so I’ve become a bit of a cornbread snob. This version leaned dry and cakey, and I didn’t get much maple flavor from the butter. Just okay. My sister went with the Crispy Organic Chicken Milanese with burrata, cherry tomatoes, arugula, and aged balsamic. It looked good on paper but was underwhelming in execution. The chicken was a little dry, and while her expectations were shaped by another local favorite where she regularly orders this dish, she gave it a fair shot — and still wasn’t a fan. Now, my entree — the Roasted Local Cauliflower — was a real miss. I genuinely love vegetables and am a big fan of well-executed vegetarian and vegan dishes, so I had high hopes. The dish came with mushrooms, farro, and a maple sherry reduction. The farro and mushrooms had solid flavor (though I’d have loved a better mix of mushrooms). But the cauliflower itself was a letdown. It arrived as one large chunk — maybe even a full head — and didn’t seem truly roasted. The interior was wet and soft, while the exterior had minimal browning, except for a burned patch. It honestly felt like it had been boiled and then tossed in the oven for a quick char. I would have preferred it cut into smaller florets for a proper roast — or even better, served as a cauliflower steak for more even cooking and better texture. On the bright side, my cocktail — the Lust for Life (tequila, mezcal, passionfruit, lime, and a Tajín rim) — was another standout. Balanced, refreshing, and creative. I enjoyed it, though not quite enough to order a second round or return just for the drinks. All in all, Rustic Root has style and potential, but the food and service didn’t quite come together. I really hoped this would be a hit — but for me, it fell short.