It all started at the town of Castellana Grotte in Italy where Nunzio Patruno began his culinary education in the family farm blessed with a bountiful produce and fruits and vegetables. Subsequently his journey from Monaco to Monte Carlo Living Room in Philadelphia has been an eventful one, and his outpost at Haddon Avenue brings some delectable Italian fare to residents of Collingswood.

Drawing attention to rustic cooking are appetizers of sautéed shrimp with plum tomato, Gaeta olives and over-grilled eggplant, and steamed mussels with marinara sauce in garlic and white wine. Pastas and entrées are hugely satisfying as well; think pan-fried chicken cutlet topped with mozzarella cheese and fileto di pomodoro, and artisan linguini tossed with crabmeat, Roma tomatoes, garlic, fresh herbs and extra virgin olive oil. But save space for some indulgent desserts like tartufo affogato, vanilla and chocolate ice cream truffle dipped in espresso and sambuca, to complete the Nunzio Ristorante Rustico experience.