Arugula Bar e Ristorante

Welcome to Arugula Bar e Ristorante, the realization of our dream to create a simple, natural, and pleasurable dining experience in Boulder.  Arugula is elegant Italian dining with the warmth of home in a modern environment, infusing the best of Italian culinary tradition with our contemporary interpretations.  We pride ourselves on using ingredients grown based on traditional practices, helping to remind us of our connection to the land and the seasons.  We create balanced meals using meats that are naturally raised, in-season organic local produce, and fish and shellfish which is in accordance with Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guidelines for sustainability.  In addition to our regular menus, each evening we print a daily specials sheet of an additional 10 to 15 dishes.  This is our playground and often these dishes focus on in-season produce and fresh seafood.

Alec Schuler

Chef/Proprietor Alec Schuler was born and raised in New York by immigrant European parents. Extensive world travels have strongly influenced his outlook on world cuisines. Alec is a graduate of CU Boulder (1995) and Manhattan’s Natural Gourmet Institute (2001). Always mindful of the importance of a wholesome and healthy diet, his nutrition-oriented culinary training fits his lifestyle, and his restaurants – Arugula Bar e Ristorante, Amaro, and Tangerine.

About Arugula

Arugula (Eruca sativa) has been eaten in the Mediterranean basin since Roman times, and was only recently domesticated. Known as Rucola or Rughetta in Italian, its medicinal properties were highly regarded in ancient times, including those of an aphrodisiac. Arugula was repeatedly mentioned for its medicinal properties in Pliny the Elder’s Natural History, circa AD 77. The rich, zesty and slightly sweet flavor combined with its long history and healthy attributes symbolizes our restaurant.