I came by here on a whim one Sunday morning and had a really pleasant experience. The cafe was full, even early, but a table opened within minutes. My mom and I had the ciabatta bread with eggs, bacon, and mushrooms. A wonderful breakfast though it could've used a bit more salt. The coffee was also quite good. What really made it a good experience was the people working there. They were so friendly, full of smiles, and jokes. They seemed to know all the locals and carried on conversations with people. All in all, a wonderful neighborhood cafe. read more

Really enjoyed lunch at Cafe Rustica this past weekend. They have a good selection of sandwiches with a variety of bread choices. The staff is very nice. It gets pretty crowded so we were lucky to grab a table. I didn't try any coffee, but it looked like a great place to get one. Coffee prices were good and they had an assortment of baked goods and breakfast sandwiches. read more

Awesome little cafe lunch spot. Really nice baked goods, and the sandwiches I've had are all fresh and very tasty -- and healthy! Staff is very friendly, pretty welcoming place. The space is pretty small inside, but they have a few small tables on the sidewalk side as well as a nice little garden space in the backyard read more

I live across the street from Cafe Rustica, and the day I moved in, I went over to try it. The first word that comes to mind when I enter this place is "authentic". It feels like I stepped off the street in Somerville and entered a little cafe in Europe. I love the atmosphere... It's cozy and beautiful inside. The staff is very friendly and made me feel welcome in a new neighborhood. I don't love their coffee, so this restaurant loses a star for that. It's ok, but not great. As for the rest of the food, it's great. I've had several of their sandwiches and they are always made with the freshest ingredients. read more

Roast beef and brie is great with lots of flavor. The prosciutto and provolone is so so but might be because I don't like roasted red peppers. Ice coffee was yum and not bitter at all. Local cafe vibe. 10/10 in my book. read more

The best damn cafe in Boston. The food and coffee are incredible but the real stars of the show are the people who work there. They are the kindest, most hard working and welcoming people I have ever met. Every experience at Rustica has been an 11/10, highly recommend. read more

Cute small place (not a lot of seating), but they do have outdoor seating in nice weather - which is a plus. The tuna salad was quite tasty - felt like I was eating at a European cafe. Friendly staff and reasonable prices will keep me coming back. read more

I LOVE this place! their sandwiches and salads are delicious! The service is friendly and the atmosphere is great. We used to come here more often before I found out I have a wheat allergy =( Parking can be tough, but it's close to public transportation and is in an easy walking neighborhood!!! They offer some outside seating in the front and the back too! read more

What a great idea it was to come here! The service is warm and friendly, and the Rustica special alone is something I could see myself coming back here time and time again for. Go ahead and walk the few extra blocks from Porter Square - you'll be glad you did! read more

Café Rustica - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

These guys are great! So fun just to chill in here. But no internet and the bread is hard. So hopefully you can get the croissants before they go. Also they make anything you want. I like two fried eggs with cheese on a croissant, my friend likes ciabatta and tomatoes and smoked salmon. Cash only also, and they let you pay at the end of your day. So order what you want and just remember it. read more

I think their sandwiches are legitimately the best I've ever had. Friendly family business and they clearly care and use great ingredients and pack A LOT in to the subs. They have Tazo chai if you are a curious chai lover like me. ;) read more

Best chicken salad sandwich ever!! Great vibes and people ~

Yes, I know, lots of great ratings but it can't be all that. Well I've just finished a second visit and I can say the hype is well earned. Friendly service, a modest but clean and well maintained interior, couple of sidewalk tables and food described by a compatriot as "worthy of the South End." We had the breakfast egg sandwich on baguette (generous and an amazing bargain) and the three-bean salad was, well, not just better than any I've had before but actually great, with a nice light dressing and fresh Romaine. Espresso drinks were quite good as well. All told amazing value for your breakfast/brunch dollar. My favorite weekend breakfast spot near Harvard Square. read more

Great small cafe tucked away on the edge of Cambridge. The staff are very nice and the food is greatness. The tomato basil pesto sandwich and the chicken salad sandwich were both great. If you're in the area and need a bite definitely stop by this cafe. It's worth it! read more

Café Rustica - Split a Tomato Basil Pesto and a Chicken Salad Sandwich with a friend. Portions are a good size. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Great place. Very friendly staff. I got the tuna salad with olive oil and it was delicious. Some of the better tuna I have had in a long while. I also got an almond chai and it was good not great. The outside seating is really nice. Would definitely be a local if I lived in the area. read more

Café Rustica - Outdoor seating area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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Quite the simply the best. The best food, the best people, the best atmosphere. Been going weekly for 15+ years. May never leave Somerville because I couldn't survive without it. Get the Rustica Special with prosciutto. Maybe the finest sandwich ever created. read more

I stopped in to Cafe Rustica this afternoon to get some lunch, not expecting that much of it to be honest. I wasn't very adventurous at all and just went for the chicken salad sandwich, which was very good, and a mochaccino. Food: It's a chicken salad sandwich. You can't go wrong with it really, but you can tell the ingredients were fresh. The mochaccino was DELICIOUS and I would absolutely come back here for the coffee alone. ...but then there was the service. I have never seen two people so friendly and servicing as the guys behind the counter were. They knew customer's names and their orders as soon as they walked in the door, even to the smallest detail. Although the space is small, I sat down to eat and while I was eating and enjoying my not-so-classy issue of Allure magazine, one of the guys came out with a plate of fresh pineapple on the house for me! I was so blown away I didn't know how to respond, and I really wanted them to know how thankful I was. It was delicious, and totally amazing of them to do that. Basically, I'm telling all of my friends about this place and definitely am going to be a regular from now on. I felt like a family member here right away, and there's few places like this anymore, especially in Boston. read more

Quick and not too clean at the back little outdoor seating under a willow tree. However the cafe is great, and the sandwiches freshly made and truly natural tasting! So 4 stars for the quick, efficient service and the friendly people! read more

Café Rustica - Outdoor seating at the back! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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This is probably my favorite café in Somerville. I've lived here for two years and this is a spot that I keep coming back to you. Everyone who works here is incredibly nice and remembers my favorite order. The vibe and music reminds me of being in a European café. They even have a back area that is beautiful in the summer to sit outside and read a book, hang out with friends, or work on your laptop. The only thing I would make a note of is that it's fairly small so don't plan to bring work with you during busy times like lunch as there won't be a space. The food and coffee is incredible and they definitely serve the best breakfast sandwiches in town. read more

First a question. Where have you been all my life? No need to respond, I know the answer to my question. It wasn't your fault. Our disconnect was my fault, and mine alone. I walked by you for years without ever realizing what I was missing, well no more. You and I will have a long relationship together. Of course, I'm talking about my recent love affair with Café Rustica. This unassuming café in Somerville has been a dream come true for me. I went once out of curiosity and I've been coming back two or three times a week for the past several weeks. One reason is the guys behind the counter. They are friendly, and treat you like family. You may come in a stranger, but you will leave feeling like your family was just extended. The coffee is simply some of the best in the area. They have a wonderful assortment of breakfast sandwiches on the menu, along with daily soups, sandwiches and salads, all made behind the counter and made when you order it. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is perfect for getting in a few hours of writing, or reading your favorite book. And best of all, they don't mind. On my last visit I ordered a large iced tea (amazing by the way) and after forty-five minutes I got up to order a salad and they were thrilled that I wasn't getting it to go. Honestly, I could go on and on about this place. I love it here, and will became a permanent fixture. I have finally found my café to write, and write I will. Thank you guys for making me feel so welcome. With love from my dog bowl to yours...happy eating. Shata read more

Rustica is one of the most outstanding, authentic cafes in the area, with fantastic staff, delicious food and coffee, and an ambience that makes you want to stay all day. I have to suggest the lattes and Rustica special (on Rosemary Foccacia!)... the special is out of this world. While the food is great and the coffee strong, the staff is the reason I go back again and again. Everyone is genuine and friendly and remember your "usual" within a few visits. Farouk (the chatty one) is my favorite. There isn't very much seating, but in season try the garden out back-- so nice and quiet. Beacon Street has plenty of non-resident parking or it's a short walk (less than half a mile) from the Porter Square T station. Cash only. read more

This is a cute, small neighborhood cafe. I went with two of my girlfriends. If you don't pay attention, you can easily miss the place. There was two guys behind the counter - one who was making the sandwiches and the other was making the drinks. They were really nice. We all ordered this different sandwiches. The guy was nice enough to cut it into 1/3 so that we could all try each of the sandwiches. We got the following sandwiches: - Rustica special: the pesto fragrant on the sauce was subtle but just strong enough to bring out the sandwich - Roast beef: the roast beef was really yummy with the fresh red peppers and all the other fresh veggie - Chicken Salad: the chicken salad was light and not heavy at all - there's wasn't too much mayo Overall, we all agreed that this place had really yummy sandwiches and we would definitely come back. It's a cute, quaint place to drink coffee or read a book. read more

Amazingly good, yet inexpensive Italian sandwiches. What else could you want? The ingredients are high quality and the sandwiches are generously sized; I don't know how they make money selling a sandwich loaded with high-quality proscuitto for only $7 or so, but it's a great deal. Pair your sandwich with a delicious San Pellegrino Chinotto (a kind of bitter citrus) soda--I haven't seen these many places in the US, and they are very tasty. read more

This is as good as your friendly neighborhood cafe gets. The owners are always super friendly and recognized me immediately the second time I went there. The coffee is cheap and good, and tea is available but not your artisan variety. However, where this place shines is the sandwiches. The bread is always fresh and *tastes* amazing. Especially the focaccia and ciabatta. The innards are sliced fresh, including the veggies and the meat. Portions are generous. The breakfast sandwiches are also ridiculously huge and tasty, for cheap. The inside is nice but if you get a chance sit in the backyard, in the shadow of a giant tree. Great place to converse if you're with friends or sit and think if you're alone. Other than maybe when I bother to spend upwards of an hour on making great breakfast, nothing makes a late lazy summer "morning" better than Rustica. read more

This place is absolutely the best. Great sandwiches, amazing focaccia bread. Get the Mochaccino The staff is so friendly and adorable. The prices are great, and the atmosphere makes you feel like your in an italian cafe. Faves: Rustica Special, Turkey, Red roasted pepers and cheese anything on focaccia bread, but all their breads are amazing read more

Hands down my favorite cafe in the entire Greater Boston area. Order anything: two eggs, provolone on a coissant for breakfast, or chicken salad sandwich for lunch, or Rustica special, it always taste delicious. It has a consistent satifying yumminess that warms you from inside. Trust me, there is no better way to start a day with than having something at Cafe Rustica, catching up with the friendly owners, and carrying a latte with you as you go (be it to the library or home). In fact, it's the kind of neighborhood cafe that makes itself a second home to you. I've seen people short on cash, and the staff just waved, smiling, "next time, don't worry about it." Love this place! read more

Good food, good coffee and a nice atmosphere. How can you not have a working bathroom (for over a week in their own words)? I thought you had to close your doors if you are a sit-down restaurant without a bathroom. read more

This little cafe is the perfect place to grab a cup of coffee and a sandwich on a lazy Sunday morning or for an afternoon pick-me-up while you are doing laundry next door. I only wish the place was a little bigger. I went here on a weekend afternoon to study and for a sandwich and coffee. After finishing my sandwich and coffee, I headed home instead of staying to study as planned. Customers kept coming in and there were no more tables, so I felt guilty about taking up a spot. read more

The sandwiches here are incredible! If the weather is nice, make sure to sit out back! read more

Authentic, delicious, Italian breakfast, salad and sandwich. And that's pretty much it. read more

Café Rustica - Amazing sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I had coffee and a croissant breakfast sandwich. I don't think to egg is real, I suspect it's Egg Beaters which I personally don't find appealing. the sausage on it was a link cut in half. also not appealing. the coffee was rather bitter and you can't put your own milk/cream in which may seem silly but if you like a lot of cream or just a tiny amount its a big inconvenience. I will def not be back for breakfast. read more

Cafe Rustica is exactly the kind of place you'd want as your neighborhood cafe; I know because I'm lucky enough to live a stone's throw away. Simple, fresh and delicious food and coffee, served by genuinely nice people who put care into their work and service. This place is fantastic for sandwiches: the Rustica Special is a beautiful caprese sandwich of fresh mozzarella, sliced tomato and basil, with a touch of evoo (and imported prosciutto, if you'd like). Also recommend the Italian tuna, seasoned with evoo and cracked pepper and your choice of toppings. The salads are also all excellent. As for the coffee, go for an espresso drink over the standard cup of drip coffee. The atmosphere is buzzing with activity on weekends, so you may wait a bit but never too long. But this place's biggest draw is its friendly, cozy atmosphere; it's like a home away from home. read more

The best! There are less and less places like Cafe Rustica these days, which is a real shame. Great food and drinks and even better service. I love these guys! read more

Really nice neighborhood cafe to work from when you need to work from home and need some motivation. Now, you might get into a FOMA because of the giant chocolate chip cookies but its soooo worth it! -S read more

A neighborhood treasure. Wonderful breakfast and lunch sandwiches, excellent coffee, exceptionally nice, friendly people and, for when sit-down meals are again possible, a charming atmosphere, even a few outdoor tables in front and back. They don't seem to be doing a lot of business these days, so please go back if you've been before or try it for the first time. read more

I live in the neighborhood and don't really have many options for morning coffee/food (Simon's, Oxford Spa, Cafe Rustica, Petsi Pies). This place has a great espresso machine....good shots = great Americanos; the espresso is a tad less bitter than Simon's. Not a huge food selections but consists of Italian-style sandwiches on decent rolls, breakfast sandwiches, salads, sweet baked goods and some espresso drinks. The cafe is small but warm and inviting. It's run by some Italian men who seemed to care about their food and who were genuinely nice. Definitely will be back! read more

Very charming staff, everything I ordered was very good. The bathroom is in the basement with 5 foot ceiling so best to avoid that if you can. Pressed mozzarella and pesto sandwich was very good as was the barley vegetable soup and carrot cake. Recommended. read more

Café Rustica - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Such a cute little cafe. Outdoor seating in the back is also very cute. Good sandwiches and beverages. Perfect neighborhood spot!

The most friendly and best sandwich shop I Somerville. Everything here is very fresh, great bread and delicious soups! The cappuccino is really a good call. They also have a great breakfast menu. Love the backyard that's a kinda of secret garden. I highly recommend it! read more

I just moved back to Cambridge and discovered Cafe Rustica. This is the most wonderful cafe run by the loveliest people! The roast beef and brie sandwich is incredible with the freshest meat and bread. I may have to come here everyday! read more