Giuseppe's Cucina Rustica – Italian

Sun-drenched coastal charm meets the soulful warmth of an Italian farmhouse at this bustling eatery, where the air is thick with the scent of simmering brodo and golden, savory panzarotti. Guests gather over steaming bowls of creamy Pismo-style clam chowder and tender polpette, savoring a menu that honors family traditions through vibrant, rustic flavors. From the crisp snap of calamari fritti to the comforting layers of eggplant parmigiana, every plate captures the heart of a home-cooked feast shared among friends.

849, Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, 93401 https://www.giuseppesrestaurant.com/

Cuisine: Italian

Price range: $$

Dietary options: vegetarian, nut-free, high-protein, dairy-free, keto, low-carb, vegan, gluten-free, mediterranean, pescatarian, sugar-free, low-fat, whole30, paleo, diabetic, heart-healthy, plant-based, high-fiber, anti-inflammatory, atkins, south-beach, weight-watchers, clean-eating, low-cholesterol, gerd, volumetrics, tlc, detox, alkaline, carnivore, aip, low-fodmap, zone, raw-food, mayo-clinic, slow-carb, pegan, candida, lectin-free, sirtfood

Currently open

Hours

Monday - Sunday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Bruschetta - $8: vine ripe local tomato, basil, mozzarella Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, Mayo-Clinic
Pismo Style Clam Chowder - $11: creamy clam chowder, little neck clams, X-V-O-O Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Mama's Chicken Soup - $11: chicken thighs, spinach tortellini, root vegetables Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Volumetrics
Brodo con Verdure - $10: bone broth, butternut squash, root vegetables, parmigiana Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Diabetic, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
Eggplant Parmigiana - $12: baked eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Mayo-Clinic
Polpette - $10: wagyu beef meatballs Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Cheese Panzarotti - $12: flash fried calzone stuffed with mozzarella & house marinara Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Sausage Panzarotti - $14: flash fried calzone stuffed with house made sausage, mozzarella & house marinara Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Roasted Brussels Sprouts - $14: honey-dijon vinaigrette, candied pecans, goat cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Mayo-Clinic
Calamari Fritti - $16: Monterey calamari steak strips, tubes & tentacles, flash fried Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Proscuitto & Burrata Platter - $19: 30-month aged sliced prosciutto, Pugliese buttered-cream burrata mozzarella Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Lectin-Free

Insalata

Locally sourced or home-grown heirloom varietal produce

Caesar - $10: romaine hearts, croutons, anchovy dressing Dietary tags: Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
Roasted Beet - $13: arugula, strawberry, candied walnuts, goat cheese, strawberry vinaigrette, balsamic reduction Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
Giuseppe - $14: butter lettuce, avocado, garbanzo, red onion, cucumber, tomato, parmigiana dressing Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Atkins, South-Beach, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
Tricolore "The Detox" - $11: raddicchio, endive, arugula, lemon vinaigrette, shaved parmesan Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Lectin-Free
Americano "Wedge" - $13: iceberg, crispy pancetta, gorgonzola, tomato, deviled egg, red wine vinaigrette Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins
Chop Chop - $17: Chicken, shrimp, sopressata, provolone, tomato, pepperoncini, avocado, garbanzos, radicchio Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic

Pasta

All sauces can be served with gluten-free artisan pasta. Pastas are made in-house.

Pomodoro - $16: pressed organic san marzano tomato sauce, basil, extra virgin olive oil, pecorino cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, Mayo-Clinic
Carbonara - $16: pancetta, egg-cream, pecorino Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
Bucatini Amatriciana - $17: pancetta, organic san marzano tomato, chili, red onion, parsley Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
Lasagna - $18: beef & vande rose duroc pork ragu, bechamel, mozzarella, romano Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
Tortellini Giuseppe - $21: bloomsdale spinach & ricotta-stuffed, peas, mushroom, pancetta, tomato sugo Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Nonna's Meatballs - $19: housemade pasta, nona's recipe wagyu meatballs, marinara, parmesan Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Ravioli di Zucca - $20: butternut squash-stuffed pasta, sage, parmesan cream sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Bolognese - $19: tagliatelle egg pasta, slow-cooked beef, pork, lamb ragu Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Cima di Rapa - $22: broccoli rabe, caramelized onions Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Sirtfood
Spaghetti Scampi - $26: wild gulf prawns, meyer lemon, house made spaghetti Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Linguine Vongole - $23: Littleneck clams, garlic, lemon, parsley, white wine Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Frutta di Mare - $28: prawns, scallops, calamari, clams, Saltspring mussels, sand dabs, salmon, spicy tomato broth Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Capesante e Gamberi con Spaghettini - $27: wild gulf prawns, scallops, pancetta, vodka cream sauce, house-made spaghettini Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Sugar-Free
House Made Burrata Raviolo - $19: House Made ravioli stuffed with artisan burrata, home grown cherry tomato pomodoro sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian
Fettuccine Alfredo - $17: fresh pasta, cream, parmigiana Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo - $22: fresh pasta, cream, parmigiana, chicken breast Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free

Wood Fire Pizza

Brick-oven fired, 12 inch thin crust

Margherita - $16: fresh mozzarella, torn basil, san marzano tomato purée Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian
Popeye - $16: spinach, buratta, pesto Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pescatarian
Pepperoni - $17: artisan handmade pepperoni, red sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Diavolo - $17: artisan pepperoni, olives, spicy peppers, red sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Gorgonzola - $16: creamy gorgonzola dolce, carmelized onion, no sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Salsiccia - $17: housemade sausage, red onion, crimini mushroom, red sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Principessa - $21: 30-month aged Parma proscuitto, artisan Pugliese Burrata mozzarella, red sauce, basil, arugula Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean
Cheese Pizza - $15: mozzarella, red sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
California - $17: Chicken, corn, cilantro, avocado, bianca sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free

Secondi

Entrée dishes, with and without pasta

Lamb Lollipops - $22: Grilled lamb lollipops, Oven roasted potatoes Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating
Pollo alla Parmigiana - $24: parmesan crusted free-range organic chicken breast, melted mozzarella, tomato sauce, rigatoni pasta, veggies Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Pollo alla Piccata - $24: free-range organic Chicken Breast, lemon caper white wine sauce, spaghettini, sauteed vegetables Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Sugar-Free, Mayo-Clinic
Pollo Basilico - $24: Free-Range organic Chicken breast, house-made pesto cream sauce, tortellini Dietary tags: High-Protein, Sugar-Free
Morro Bay Sand Dabs - $23: Delicate breaded white fish, picatta style (lemon, white wine, caper sauce), veggies, cous cous Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Half Free Range Chicken - $24: yukon gold potatoes, meyer lemon Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Paleo, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Candida
Certified Prime Rib-Eye - $44: 20 oz. rib eye, potatoes, arugula, tomato endive salad, aged balsamic reduction Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Fritto Misto - $26: Monterey calamari steak strips, prawns, sand dabs, scallops, potatoes, flash fried Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Lover's Plate - $28: pancetta wrapped prawns, butternut squash raviolis Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free

Dessert

House made desserts, family recipes

Meyer Lemon Cheesecake - $9: shortbread crust, strawberry drizzle Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Tiramisu - $9: whipped sugar, egg & mascarpone with espresso-dipped ladyfingers Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Cannoli - $9: orange scented sweet ricotta ricotta-stuffed, pistachio dust Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
Carrot Cake - $9: ultra-moist mascarpone-frosted, walnuts and pistachios Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
Tahitian Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee - $9: baked vanilla custard, caramelized sugar crust Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Lectin-Free
Artisan Gelato (Pint) - $9: Assorted flavors Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian

Sides

Sautéed Garlic Spinach - $8: spinach, garlic Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida, Lectin-Free
Caccio e Pepe - $9: house-made spaghettini, parmesan, fresh pecorino, black pepper Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Grilled Free Range Chicken Breast - $9: chicken breast Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, Zone, TLC, Detox, AIP, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
Mashed Potatoes - $6: potatoes Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Local King Salmon - $11: salmon Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, Detox, AIP, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
Sauteed Wild Shrimp - $10: shrimp Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Carnivore, TLC, Detox, AIP, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free