Undici Taverna Rustica

A nice thing about dining in Rumson this time of year is that you can enjoy a stroll over the nearby Oceanic Bridge after dinner and enjoy a view of the Navesink River. Its almost like being on vacation. 

Here's this week's restaurant pick: Undici Taverna Rustica

Overview:  Undici is Rumson's newest "Old World" Italian restaurant. Situated on Rumson's scenic River Road, Undici boasts homemade pasta, an incredible wine list and real Italian atmosphere.

Decor:  When you walk into Undici, you feel as though you are walking into owner Victor Rallo's Tuscan farm house.  The ceiling is planked with weathered wood beams and the walls are a subtle washed stucco. Fromoggi (cheese) hang from the ceiling around the bar and piles of fresh tomatoes sit on top of the bar.  The interior is dimly lit with thick candles on every rustic table. Chairs are burnished with the restaurant's name on their backs. 

The Drinks:  The wine list is not a list at all, but a worn leather notebook containing hundreds of wines from Italy priced from $30 to $1,000 for a 1.5 litre bottle. Fortunately for the wine novice, the book comes with a tutorial in the back. We were there on a Thursday -- which also happens to be half-priced wine-by-the-glass night. This was a nice treat as we were able to sample three different wines for about $7 per glass with our meal. Undici does offer other beverages besides wine and includes a great list of Grappa, Prosecco, Port and Beers.

Appetizers: Undici is known for its wood-burning oven. Hand-tossed pizza is their thing. There are also several Antipasti appetizers and salads. We opted to split the Pomodoro Grigliato, fresh tomatoes and mozzerella ($15).  The tomatoes were lightly grilled and served warm over the fresh mozzeralla.

Entrees: Old world, traditional Italian fare is what you'll find on the menu, including handmade pasta, lamb, veal and fish.  The menu changes frequently and the homemade ravioli changes daily. The fusilli ($27) was a fresh pasta with chopped shrimp and artichokes and had a hint of red pepper. The halibut ($34) came in a bowl of succulent saffron broth with clams. Sunday is known as "Sunday Sauce" ($25) where just by reading the menu, I envision Rallo in the kitchen overseeing the sauce and homemade rigatoni.

Sides: Patate al Forno, rosemary potatoes ($9) are a part of the sides, as are Brussel sprouts. For those who love a little spice, sauteed Pepperoni Peppercini ($9).

Desserts: An Italian meal here would not be complete without a Cappuccino ($6) served with a delicious homemade anise-flavored biscotti.  The Apple Cake ($9) was served warm with whipped cream and cinnamon ice cream. And the Chocolate Polenta Torte was warm and had a soft polenta crust ($9).

Service: The staff was very attentive.  Our table was ready as soon as we walked in and the manager and wait staff checked on us frequently.

Signature Dish: "Sunday Sauce" ($25) a slow cooked bracciole, Italian sausage and pork rib sauce over house rigatoni.

Undici Taverna Rustica  

 11 West River Road, Rumson, NJ 07760

(732) 842-3880