Bites Nearby: Rustic Oven

The secret is out. The Rustic Oven- an Italian trattoria nearly hidden from view in the King’s View Village Shopping Center in Germantown - could not keep its delicious, authentic pizza and Italian cuisine a secret forever. 

For nine years, The Rustic Oven was a family-owned and operated business.  Fifteen months ago, new management took the helm while staying true to the restaurant’s Italian roots and traditional recipes. 

It is no secret that Rustic Oven’s pizza is “numero uno”.  The pizza connoisseur could not pass up the Quattro Stagione -  pizza with fresh mozzarella, artichokes, roasted red peppers, prosciutto and mushrooms. Pizza di Mamma, billed as “Mamma’s Favorite,” is topped with pepperoni, mushrooms and black olives. Or build your own favorite with the assortment of toppings. The crust is, by all standards, “perfecto.”

Rustic Oven’s menu does not overwhelm the guest with too many choices, but rather gets right to the good stuff. Before the entrée, sample the homemade cheese focaccia or enjoy an antipasto, soup or salad. Traditional Piccata, Parmigiana and Marsala dishes are offered.

And there is pasta-a-plenty: Spaghetti a Polpetti (spaghetti with meatballs) featuring their secret unforgettable spaghetti sauce, several Linguini seafood entrees including Linguini Frutti di Mare (linguini with shrimp, mussels and clams in white wine sauce), Ravioli, Manicotti, Lasagna and Shrimp or Chicken Fettuccine in a superb, light Alfredo sauce.

Whether you enjoy a quiet dinner out, entertain a group of friends or just order pizza for carryout - this delightful, informal Italian trattoria is no longer the best kept secret in town.

Rustic Oven is located at 18301 Leaman Farm Road, Germantown,  240-686-2030. Open: Tue. - Thur. 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sun. 4  -  9 p.m.