There’s just something extraordinary about authentic Italian cuisine — its quality, simplicity and, of course, its endless variety of tastes and textures. Each dish is a celebration of love on a plate.
That sentiment is exactly what longtime restaurateurs Rossella Ruggeri-Harris and Stefano Sala had in mind when they opened their Italian- and Mediterranean-style restaurant, aptly named Cafe Med, in December 2022. Located in south Eugene, this small eatery is dedicated to producing traditional Italian flavor, one meal at a time.
“We focus on the basics such as pasta, tomatoes, salads, and good bread, which is baked in-house,” Ruggeri-Harris says. She and Sala were both raised in Milan, where their families were well acquainted, and that northern region of Italy is strongly reflected in their extensive menu. “We use simple ingredients that are cooked to a minimum and have great flavor,” she says. “Everything is made with passion and love. Our customers can appreciate what we offer: bringing the whole concept of the Mediterranean to the people.”
Ruggeri-Harris says Cafe Med’s more popular creations include pasta. Lots of pasta. Everything from penne vodka with prawns, tomato sauce, and cream, to chitarra limone, with parmigiano and lemon and lime zest, to pappardelle funghi misti, with mixed mushrooms and a touch of cream. Tortelloni features ricotta, spinach, butter and sage. Orecchiette pugliesi is a pasta shaped like “little ears” mixed with spicy Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, and sun-dried tomatoes. Scaloppine di Maiale is a thin pork cutlet with marsala and wild mushroom cream sauce, spinach, and roasted potatoes.
Other menu standouts include tasty appetizers such as polpettine — fried meatballs, tomato, and chimichurri sauce — and involtini bresaola, which is thinly sliced cured beef, parmigiano, arugula, and lemon dressing. There’s pinsa Romano, which is a light and airy dough, much like flatbread pizza, served with a selection of toppings. There’s also a comprehensive wine and cocktail list, as well as many dessert offerings. Gluten-free pasta and vegan options are available upon request.
Ruggeri-Harris’s personal favorite dishes are pasta with different sauces, particularly a spicy tomato sauce. She also enjoys tiramisu, the traditional cake-like confection of espresso, cocoa, sugar, and soft sweet mascarpone cheese. “Tiramisu is one thing we really love here; it’s always on the menu,” she adds.
For Sala, his top pick is tagliatelle Bolognese, the sauce made with beef, tomato, bay leaves, and spices. “I really like the Bolognese,” he says. “And I love to cook, and I give my input to the chef.”
That’s Chef Maria, also from Italy, who has worked in numerous kitchens throughout the world. “Maria directs the kitchen and she’s the one that brings the dishes to life,” Ruggeri-Harris says. “She brings the beauty of it.”
At just a little over 700 square feet, Cafe Med makes the most of every inch. The Mediterranean décor creates a warm and inviting ambiance that allows patrons to enjoy their dining experience in an intimate setting. “I love this area of town,” Ruggeri-Harris says. “I knew when we first saw this place that this was it. It has much more of a neighborhood vibe. It’s casual and comfortable, and I like that it creates a sense of family.”
Cafe Med is indeed a family affair, according to Ruggeri-Harris. While she and her husband, Toby Harris, cover the front of the house, Sala works the back of the house, tending to the kitchen activities, while his son-in-law is the bartender. Together, they ensure that every aspect of the restaurant runs smoothly.
“It’s all about the connection of people for me,” Ruggeri-Harris says. “Some people tell me that it’s like I’m going to my other living room, and it really is.”
Sala concurs. “It was always my dream to have a small place like this. To make something nice that’s of high quality,” he says. “I like pleasing the customers. If they’re happy, that makes us happy.”
Cafe Med, 3443 Hilyard St., 541/653-9507, cafemedeugene.com
