Before we get to the food it’s important to recognise how nice a restaurant Rustico is both inside and out. Well, it’s all out, really, as Rustico is about al fresco dining in the fresh Sydney air, so expect tables and chairs that are placed pleasingly around the patio area of a charming old dentist surgery on Five Dock’s Great North Road. As we said, Rustico is owned by an Italian couple meaning great thought has gone into the layout and atmosphere. The result is a very relaxing meal indeed.

Rustico is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and for any of these meals you’re assured of authentic flavours of the Italian kitchen. Early birds can enjoy homemade muffins, banana and blueberry bread or apple and coconut porridge with their coffee, while heartier options include eggs benedict, smashed avo or the signature Rustico breakfast. For lunch think antipasti, salads, burgers and some divine homemade pasta, while the dinner menu is where the Rustico wood fired pizzas come out to play – famous across Five Dock and certainly a draw for diners even further afield in Sydney. For proper Italian dining, Rustico is a super safe bet.