I went somewhat out of my way to check this place out because of the awesome yelp reviews.. and came right back to yelp eager to add mine to the chorus. (It's that thing where you almost DON'T want to tell people about, lest it start to draw crazy crowds.. but really you do want to tell, because this is the kind of business that should flourish and stay around always!) The sandwiches are fabulous--simply, quality ingredients, delicious crusty bread, and generous portions. The lattes are wonderful. (I have yet to try the baked goods--while I was there, another customer asked if they make them in house and they said yes.) The atmosphere is lovely, with outdoor seating both in front and in back, plus a row of tables inside. What is more, the staff/owners are super friendly, warm, and colorful characters. I can't wait to come back! read more

Cafe Rustica has everything going for it - Unmetered street parking - Good prices - Very good coffee AND espresso drinks - Good pastries, excellent sandwiches - Super nice staff!!!! - a bathroom! - a back patio... yes! With trees and a little lawn. It's like having coffee your cousin's house; very familial feeling. No complaints, none at all. read more

This is my favorite place to stroll over by to get coffee on a weekend morning. The guys that work there are super, super nice and friendly, and may I say, very amenable to requests for four-legged friends tied up outside (such as a bowl of water or an extra scrap of prosciutto...). The food is great, and I recommend bringing your appetite with you. The sandwiches come on a variety of delicious vessels, but I strongly recommend the baguette (I think it's Iggy's bread... if so, it's the best Iggy's bread I've ever had, and if not, my apologies to the baker.) Wherever it comes from, it's basically an unfortunate carb-lover's version of catnip... soooooo goood. On the lighter side, they have italian-style tuna salad (mmmmmm... no mayo..... just seasoning and olive oil.... yum!) and a greek salad that was great. The place has such a neighborhood feel that even if you're only out for coffee, it's totally worth going a block or two out of the way. read more

I can't believe that this place isn't more crowded. It, in fact, blows my mind. I went here with my roommate one Sunday morning. When you go to brunch on a Sunday at 11:30am, it is the assumption there will be an obscenely long line. When we walked in, there was only one couple in front of us. THAT'S IT! Meaning, for a delicious breakfast at 11:30am on a Sunday, there was a 5 minute wait to order. BLOWS MY MIND. Of course, in my head, there is this mental panic that the food must be terrible if no one wants to come here on a Sunday. There is no AC, and it is a little warm on this particular June day, so I ordered a Rustica Special (tomato, mozzarella, pesto panini) and an iced coffee. I look around for a seat and disappointedly realize that there aren't any by the windows, and it is just too hot to sit at the inner tables. I am disappointed, that is, until I look towards the back of the restaurant and realize there is an adorable back patio. When I say adorable, I mean little cafe in Europe adorable. There are 4 or 5 tables on the stone patio that is surrounded by trees in what looks like a neighborhood backyard. ADORABLE. So after we order, the sweet gentleman that took our order (and made us our iced coffees--the best man I met all day) told us to sit down, and he would bring us our food. After admiring the cooler (temperature-wise) patio for about 10 minutes, out come our sandwiches. My roommate lived in Florence, I have also spent an appreciable amount of time eating in Europe (because what else are you going to do, watch the Patriots game?). Usually when someone says "fresh mozzarella", they mean something that isn't terrible, but we all know it isn't really fresh. When Cafe Rustica told me "Fresh Mozzarella", they meant it. Be still my heart. I would write poetry to this sandwich if I had any writing ability at all. De. Lish. Us. Delicioso. Bellisimo! True European charm and reasonable prices. read more

Before I grew up and got married I lived in a crappy little apartment just down the street from Rustica. They had just opened (about 7 years ago?), I was trying to get my act together, and I ate a lot of their sandwiches for lunch in the process. As it has been noted here, the guys who run this place might be the nicest cafe owners in the history of owning cafes. And I am giving them five stars on the merits of their tuna with roasted peppers alone. I am not as picking about my coffee as some other people, and it sounds, from these reviews, like maybe that is a good thing. But I am VERY picky about my sandwiches, and I really do love this one. I don't live over there anymore, but I'll still make the trip to get one... when I have time! read more

Wow. There's really a lot to like about this little Italian-flavored place off of Porter Square. Great coffee selection at super-reasonable prices and a yummy selection of baked goods make this a mandatory stop for me when I'm in Cambridge or Somerville in the morning. They serve Seattle's Best as their house coffee and that merits a star on its own. Definately as good, or better than any other coffeehouse around. Late for breakfast? There's a menu of sandwiches, highlighted by the Rustica Special, the Italian tuna salad (made with olive oil, not mayo), and more traditional deli sandwiches. Diners should finish their meal with Rustica's bread pudding, a unique creation tha looks like it came right out of my family's kitchen. I want to know how they stole the recipe! Rustica's size is the only thing that takes away from what's a very solid retaurant; however it makes up for a lack of seating inside with a cute patio in the back. Good food, very reasonable prices and a friendly atmosphere makes Rustica one of the nicest for breakfast or lunch in Cambridge or Somerville. read more

I love the Seattle's best coffee they serve, so this wins points. The bagels and croissants are quite good, though, I'm fairly sure they are store (or bakery bought bought, as this place is far too small to bake their own things. Sandwiches look really tempting. I'll have to try one next time I'm there. The staff are very friendly, and seem to know most of the clientele there on weekends. Very comfortable environment. A nice selection of Italian beverages is present. edit: Wow, one of the guys there remembered my order. They are too nice not to bump this up to 5 stars. read more

As soon as I walked in the door, I calmed down and felt like I was in Old World Europe. A gentleman in a baseball cap greeted me like a friend even though he was busy taking boxes out to the back. The man at the cashier didn't rush me. After I made up my mind, he started talking with me, but then interrupted himself to make sure no one sitting in his cafe owned the Pathfinder that was currently getting ticketed by the parking police (evil). When another customer came in and was waited behind me, another employee immediately appeared to assist him. The sandwich, which was made quickly, but with care and some amazing ingredients, was one of the best I've had in a long time. I paid (it's cash only), took a seat, and enjoyed my magazine and a truly comforting local find. I'll definitely be back here. read more

I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said. Their coffee isn't top notch, but their sandwiches and friendliness more than make up for it. In fact, based on those two points alone, I think that this cafe is the best in Somerville! I usually eat either the traditional tuna salad sandwich or tomato, mozzarella, and cheese special on French bread - it takes them about 2 minutes to prepare, unless their chatting with the clients (each of whom they seem to personally know). The only downfall is that they don't accept credit cards, but they have been known to keep a tab for people who aren't in the know! Check it out - I promise you'll be overwhelmed by their friendliness and tasty sandwiches! read more

Rustica is what cafes should be. It's a cozy space filled with good music and the very friendly chatter of the owners. This is the kind of place where if you go in three or four times, the owners will remember you. They'll say "hey, do you want a turkey sandwich no mayo?" They'll know what you like, and they'll make an effort to chat with you. Other perks: in the summer, there's a nice patio in the back. The sandwiches are delicious, fresh, and very reasonably priced (you can get a breakfast bagel with two eggs, mushrooms, and onions for under $4; other delicious options include the mozzarella/tomato/basil sandwich and the turkey/provolone/roasted peppers sandwich). They also have oatmeal, a variety of pre-made salads, coffee drinks, and tea. Oh, and they do have a bathroom- it's in the basement (watch your head!) and you have to ask to use it. And, there's a laundromat next door. So you can bring your dirty undies and t-shirts, throw 'em in a machine, and then have some good grub while you wait. read more

I sort of can't believe I haven't written a review of Cafe Rustica yet. This is sort of astonishing, because they make some of the best, simplest sandwiches I have ever eaten. No joke. Ok, downsides first: it is very small, and if it's the high lunch hour, you may or may not find seating. Secondly, they have no public restroom, which sort of ruins the desire to hang out there and drink their really excellent coffee all afternoon. Good things: the sandwiches are phenomenal. I really didn't think a turkey sandwich on a baguette could be so good, but these really and truly are. I don't know if it's the bread (which is obviously fresh), the veggies, the pickles, or the deli turkey, but it's excellent. My partner in crime thinks similarly amazing things about their ham and cheese, and we have another friend that insists the mozzarella and prosciutto is the best sandwich of all time. I'm not sure who is right, but you can't go wrong with any of those options. Or the chicken salad, which is not overwhelmingly mayo-y and is absolutely delicious. Or the Italian tuna salad, which is fresh and maybe a close second to the turkey. They will half most, but not all sandwiches, which is nice since they are fairly large. I should try the salads, but I'm too obsessed with the sammies (obviously). The service is also great, and they're incredibly friendly and generous. (Take for example, the fact that prior to accepting credit cards, which they now do, they had a list of names and amounts for regular customers- on credit. Who does that? These guys do.) They clearly enjoy their jobs, and joke around. You order at the counter, but no one makes you pay until the end, which seems generous and kind. These sandwiches are what make flights across the country good- it's a great excuse to have to have a whole one, all to my little lonesome. read more

The owners are truly nice...as all these reviews mention. Any italian place that has Chinotto on the menu is pretty authentic in my book. I just had a sandwich on Croissant...pretty tasty. Wish they had a bit more warm Italian eats though. Seems like a good place if you're in the mood for a cappuccino and a sandwich. read more

Like the nearby Ox, this place closes at 4, before the Brits have started in on tea and crumpets but after Rev. Gomes has started on his. It's lively - chatter behind the bar if not out front, It's very personal - jokes about who gets what first, an interest in what sort of bread you have in mind; you can't enter or leave without a decent greeting. It's hard to find a better sandwich. [somehow I managed not to finish mine last visit, but it burned a hole in my pocket and was eaten within half an hour] It is also a small place, with limited selection of delicacies. No chocolate-covered cherries in a tin. No vegan rice krispie treats. It feels like dropping in on a distant cousin who doesn't want to see you go hungry (and doesn't mind if you leave him the cost of his shopping). read more

Amazing, somewhat hidden gem. Had their breakfast egg sandwich (on a bagel) with mushrooms, red peppers, and provolone. It was great great great. Service was also very nice. The atmosphere was very warm, friendly. And it's cheap! The sandwich plus a double latté came to about $6.25. read more

I recently arrived in the neighbourhood from the UK, and this is my local cafe. The guys that work here are a great laugh and we had a hilarious chat about the Queen locking Trump in the Tower when he visits UK. Anyway, service was excellent and super quick, the breakfast bagel with eggs & cheese was wholesome, substantial stick in yer ribs grub, it kept us going all day til teatime and was great value for money. My capaccino was topped with a mount Everest of light airy foam.. Will definitely return to try the rest of the menu. This place has personality and I was made to feel very welcome. read more

It took a while to write this review - Cafe Rustica remained stashed away in my bookmarks. As such, i don't remember what i ordered, i don't remember any of the specifics on how it tasted. (i know - awesome start to a review - but hang in there with me.) What i do remember is that the cafe was warm (this was during winter - warm is exactly what you're looking for). It was crowded, but the two guys working the counter were unbelievably friendly and seemed to be on a first name basis with about half of the patrons (it was crowded). I also remember the bread - top 5 bread all time. All this adds up to a solid four stars. read more

I noticed this little cafe on my way home from work the other day. I made it a point to stop this morning for coffee. The customer service here is excellent!! The man who helped me was so friendly and had a great sense of humor. It's so refreshing to meet people like this and it helped set my morning off on the right foot. The coffee was good as well. Five stars for customer service and coffee. I plan to return very soon and try the food. Once I do I will be sure to update my review. So happy I discovered this little place. read more

I came out here for the Yelp meet people event. The service was excellent (the one employee was on top of everything and great to deal with), and I love the patio. The vibe I got was one of a nice, backyard type place, with the ability to sit outside and check out the area foliage. On top of all of this, the food/drinks are decently priced, much better than most coffee places. The hours aren't usually conducive to my schedule, but it seems like a really nice day place to go and read a book and grab a coffee. Very cool place. read more

I can't believe that I missed the Yelp event that was hosted here. Must of been one of those extremely busy work days. The hubby and I were trying by this morning, stopped and turned the car around just so that we could try this place out. One of my previous coworkers had always mentioned this place since she lived right next door. Cafe Rustica really has that local friendly feel. The two brothers? owners? seemed to know everyone's name that came in and had all of their orders practically memorized. We had breakfast sandwiches - mine with egg, swiss, and bacon on a plain bagel. I believe that the entire sandwich was around $4. Where can you find that price in Boston? I do have to admit that it was anything fantastic nor was it creative, but it certainly did the job. Cafe Rustica is not anything fancy, but it is just simple good food. read more

Great prices, tasty breakfast treats, good coffee, and friendly service! One note: from reading the other Yelp reviews, I thought this was more of a sit-down breakfast joint. Instead, it's closer to a walk-in cafe with some extra seating. Still not bad, but not what I was expecting. read more

Friendly neighborhood spot. Had 2 eggs on a bagel with cheddar. Nothing fancy -- fluffy grocery bagel, orange deli slices of cheese. Double cappuccino was ok. Few tables outside. Not super memorable but if I lived i close by Id be happy to give em my business. read more

I would give Cafe Rustica four stars if I got to sit at a table more often. Of the three times I've been here, all on Saturday or Sunday mornings before 10am, I've only been able to sit inside once. Both other mornings every seat was taken and no one was even close to moving on. (I think the same group of 5-6 women have been there each time I've gone, and they take up two tables and probably chat for hours before leaving.) I really love the oatmeal with baked apple. They will even add more apple free of charge if you ask nicely! The latte I had this morning was lovely and the bite of breakfast sandwich I stole from my boyfriend was pretty good. There are definitely places you can get a better sandwich from, but his was perfectly enjoyable. I can see myself enjoying Cafe Rustica in the summer when there are seats both inside and out. read more

Consistently great sandwiches, whether for just me or with friends. The staff is friendly and lovely. Fast for pick up to go, but they also have a cute little patio in the back if dining in. My favorite is the pastrami (I get it with everything). The chocolate chip cookies are also tasty. read more

Definitely a hidden gem. Not only is the food really, really good, but the guys who run the shop are extremely nice. We all know it's not exactly the most fun to be catering to hungry people (I mean, would you ever like waiting on yourself?) but they manage to be super friendly and treat you to anything you need without complaint. They have indoor seating as well as a nice little garden-ish area in the back of the cafe. Super home-y. I definitely suggest stopping by even for a latte. read more

Delicious, friendly and cozy. Great for breakfast or lunch. Chicken salad is the best! (Written in July 2010 but better late than never. Stupid iPhone app doesn't let you submit reviews). read more

Very friendly, courteous staff. The food was fresh and delicious. The place is kind of small, but it's cozy. Al fresco seating out back is very cool. read more

I live right around the corner from this place and I absolutely love it! I probably eat way too many of their "rustica specials" but I'm ok with that. It's a simple item, basically a caprese sandwich, but it's divine. It's a perfect lunch and a great hangover meal (trust me). Plus the service there is impeccable, if not a little slow (worth the wait though). Just the other day I popped in for a coffee and forgot that I couldn't use my card for such a small purchase, I only had $1 in cash but the guy at the register said that was fine! Anywhere else would make me order a meal just to reach the card limit rather than undercharge me. These guys run a good shop, I'll keep coming back for the foreseeable future. Side note: I'm not a big coffee drinker and only drink it black, but theirs is better than any other nearby options. read more

The place is an unsung gem of the neighborhood! Faruq and Omar are the friendliest people to serve you that you would find anywhere. One is always ready with a smile and a joke, the one one is somewhat introspecting but super polite almost to the point of formality. It is a place of eclectic conversations between a local handyman and a director of world-acclaimed documentaries. You can discuss the latest news and politics, or just quietly sit and contemplate life as goes outside of the large window that faces Beacon street and leads over the Longfellow Bridge to the Beacon Hill. And yes, their coffee are the best and are served with the warmth and good wishes! read more

Excellent place for coffee on a lazy Sunday morning. The egg-and-bagel sandwiches are good, and while there aren't a lot of tables, its a cozy little place. If I didn't live on the other side of the river, I would come here all the time. read more

Every time I come in, they address people by name. Unassuming, understated, casual, easygoing, super friendly neighborhood cafe. The guys in here are unbelievably friendly. The sandwiches are much better than their quotidian ingredients would suggest. How good can a ham and egg croissant sandwich be? I have no idea how they get the eggs so fluffy. Prices are good. just the kind of place at which I want to be a regular. read more

Excellent service, delicious food, the freshest ingredients, great prices, friendly staff. Their turkey and provolone is one amazing sandwich. I don't know how they do it but it's exceptional. read more

The sandwiches are SOLID. I was walking by this place on my way to Panera and thought "hmmm" As I stood in line I did what I always do, open up the Yelp app and do a quick background check. I got really excited that a lot of people raved about it and after I ate I was super happy that I did not end up at Panera. I got the Rustica special + proscuitto on focaccia and it was awesome. It was like mozzarella steaks with proscuitto piled on top. The focaccia was the right amount of crunchy without it being too abrasive giving me a thousand microcuts on the roof of my mouth because you know that happens sometimes. I would definitely come back here. Very yum! Also, in the back they have a little patio with some tables and chairs surrounded by huge trees. It was such a quaint little backyard-forest-y dining experience. Very happy to have discovered this place! read more

The hardest thing about writing this review is knowing where to start. The food? Wonderful. From bagels, to sandwiches, to soup, to oatmeal, to muffins, to cookies, it's all tasty and fresh. The drinks? Delicious. From lattes, to iced coffees, to teas, it's all top notch. The decor, the service, and the prices are great, too. But what really sets this place apart is the people. The owners are friendly, funny, and make you feel welcome every time you step in the door. After only a couple visits, they started asking about our dog and making my wife's favorite drink (skim latte) before we even said hello. In short, this is everything a neighborhood coffee shop should be. read more

Beyond the rustic feel and serene, almost monk-like quality, the place also has a humongous tree in the patio. I felt like I was in France when I came here, and maybe I was...that's the sort of magic spell these sorts of places weave. However, the chai came super hot despite the gentleman at the bar agreeing to make it not so. The croissant sandwich had cold ham mixed in with piping hot eggs; the 'wich tasted good once I got past the wavering temperature. The ambience here is much better than the service or the food; thus I give the place 4 stars instead of 3 or 5. read more

This is my favorite cafe in all the world. That is not hyperbole. I lived next to Rustica for 3 years and spent an embarrassing amount of time there. The food, decor, and coffee are all excellent, but I can't stress enough that what makes this place so magical and special are Ahmed, Farouk, Amar, and the other folks working there. They are warm, hilarious, generous, and lovely people--I can't say enough. And they happen to also make delicious food and espresso drinks. I've sadly been away for the past few years, but this is--literally--the first place I head when I get back in to Boston for a visit. It's worth finding, worth your slight detour from Porter or Harvard Square, worth staying for awhile in order to sample multiple times from that menu, worth going back again the next day. Favorites include: the Rustica Special (tomato, mozz, and pesto deliciousness), the three bean salad, cream cheese and tomato on a toasted everything bagel (so covered in everything you can't even see the bagel! Those seeds don't fall off! Unreal!), egg and cheese on a croissant, double lattes, Boston sports chats with Ahmed. Much, much love to this place. read more

Cafe Rustica makes a damn good cappuccino, and with excellent service to boot. There are just some places where you can't go wrong, and this is definitely one of them. There's nothing I love more than watching a barista make me a cappuccino right before my eyes. Ah, the frothing of the milk, the whistle of steam from the espresso maker, the smell of the beans! It's like heaven on Earth for a coffee-lover like me. And the space itself is perfect for sippin' on some coffee and reading a good book. I could waste my whole day away here. Haven't had the chance to try much of the food yet, but after reading everyone else's Yelp reviews it looks like I'm missin' out! I know what to put on my to-do list for this week... read more

good sandwiches. mediocre baked goods. ok coffee. rustic ambiance. there's something about this place that makes me hang out in there with a coffee. i got an espresso with a croissant one day. the espresso was alright... and overflowing because the guy was trying to make it at the same time as another cafe au lait or something. and the taste was a bit off. the croissant is a normal soggy-ish american croissant. but overall experience was ok. i was here for lunch twice because it's just steps from my place. the sandwiches are good and reasonably priced. eat it in the backyard when the weather is nice, which is .. you know new england weather. the food and coffee drinks are ok. but the ambiance is great. read more

Café Rustica - just a reminder. we are not in Paris. don't expect too much. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I came here for my first Yelp event, and I now I want to go back there ASAP! Sitting outside on the patio was like sitting in someone's backyard, along with 40 of your coolest friends. I didn't try the coffee, but the drinks I saw others having looked soooo yummy. The little sandwich I had was heavenly, as was the cannoli. The gentleman (owner?) who was working was working his butt of making beverages, and he still served with a smile. I can't wait to go back to Cafe Rustica, and I can't wait for another Yelp event! read more

Only been here a few times but it's always a good choice in the morning. Scrambled egg & provolone on croissant is one of the best breakfast sandwiches I've had in Boston. They could use some more options in the fridge besides soda and orangina. Would like to see some OJ at the very least. Coffee and lattes have been good not great. Muffins are pretty good. If you're hungry in the morning, try a breakfast sandwich here. You'll be spoiled to any other place in the area. read more

This is one of the coolest sandwich places Ive found! Reminds me of a cafe/bistro in Prague that was my favorite place to eat when I visited. It's so unexpected given the location, but its like city-high-quality food! And on top of that, it's a wonderful atmosphere, and the staff are really friendly . Try the daily specials - even the ones you usually would not consider at another place are surprisingly good here! BEST PLACE I EVER ATE IN SOMERVILLE! HIGHLY recommend! read more