Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Cafe Rustica

    4.2 (674 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 8:00 PM

    Cafe Rustica Photos

    CAFE RUSTICA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Cafe Rustica

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Grace C.

    I've visited this place twice before with my husband, but this is the first time I'm leaving a review. While I don't remember exactly when the last couple of visits were--probably at least six years ago--it hasn't changed much. The cozy atmosphere remains, or as my husband would say, the feeling of being back home in France. The simple yet elegant cuisine continues to win us over. Overall, the customer service is great, and the menu makes you eager to come back.

    Entrance
    Lewis C.

    Six of us had dinner here on a Friday evening. It's a charming restaurant with a warm cozy feel inside. Service was friendly and helpful. Food was served promptly. We tried a wide variety of dishes. Everything was delicious. The only item that was mildly disappointing was the beef stroganoff. Overall we had a very enjoyable dinner experience.

    Kim B.

    We grabbed lunch at Cafe Rustica after spending the morning at the refugue. The service was ok. It took awhile for our orders to be taken and then filled. The server refilled our waters. I had a burger. They do not offer gluten-free bread so I just had it on lettuce. They serve butter lettuce so it actually could be used as a bun alternative. The burger was grilled and was cooked medium rare as I requested. It needed sauce for flavor. It was accompanied by a large helping of french fries. My daughter had the salmon sandwich. It came with a side salad. I thought the salad was very tasty. She enjoyed the sandwich.

    Renee S.

    Went on a weekend to have lunch to celebrate my Mom's birthday. My parents have gone here multiple times and love it! Great atmosphere & friendly staff. We sat outside as it was a lovely sunny day. I ordered the butternut squash ravioli, very flavorful & I enjoyed every bite! :) Well done chef! They even brought out a nice dessert for my Mom and sang Happy Birthday to her. Lovely staff & great food! My whole family was happy & enjoyed their meal. :)

    This was sold to us as one full pizza.

    BAIT AND SWITCH: We ordered three pizzas online to pick up for dinner for the family. The prices on the website were all between $13 to $15 for each 12-inch pizza. Sounds great! But when we paid at the restaurant the bill was over $70. It turns out we were charged $22, $22, and $23 for the pizzas. We showed the server the website on our phone clearly showing the prices we saw when we ordered from home. She said, "Oh, those prices online are way out of date. We haven't changed that website in forever." But there was no offer to make it right and charge us what was actually advertised to us. Just a surprise upcharge of over 50%. Oh, and one of the pizzas was clearly pieced together from multiple pies because two slices were far smaller. They pizzas were...okay, I guess. The whole experience was weird and off-putting. The next day we discovered that the website is suddenly updated with the prices that we were charged. It was poor service and unfair practice. We won't be coming back.

    Oven Roasted Pork Loin Medallions
    Benjamin B.

    Stopped by after wine tasting and live music. This place actually seems to be the most happening and packed spot in the area. No reservations but got here when they opened so we chose to sit outside. Greeted fast and nicely and seated to our choice. Great host. Immediately got a waiter to check in. He was pretty nice and awesome. We started with bread and butter which was great and a Cesar salad. The salad was almost perfect. House made croutons would have made it flawless. Got the dynamite with extra cheese and the pork medallions. The pizza was decent. Fresh ingredients and cheesy. Now if you follow me you know I rate a lot of pizza spots. So my nitpicks are the pizza had almost no sauce. So it was more like pizza bread. Considering how fast it came out. They could have done a little extra cook so that it came out gooey. But it was a lil cooler and hard. Other than that it's a good pie. Thin crispy. Good ingredients. Best in Carmel valley. Just not the best. Or near or. Pork medallions were delicious. The size portion flavor was good and the pile high of spinach was great as I love spin. Only issue. They advertised it with potatoes. But it was not mash potatoes. It was yams. To sweet for me. Either way. It's a great spot with good service and food. I wish I could give them a five if they adjusted some things

    Spinach salad & pizza Napolitano
    Laura E.

    We sat outside last night under the heat lamps, which kept us warm. I enjoyed the napolitano pizza and had the leftovers for lunch today. Dad's partner and I shared a spinach salad. She had Jose's pizza and dad had the pork chop. My dad also ordered the Tuscan white bean soup (one of the specials) but they forgot to bring it out. Waitress was friendly. Yesterday could have been an off night but we would still come back when we're in Carmel.

    Passion fruit sorbet
    Restaurant C.

    A hidden gem in the serene, pastoral village of Carmel Valley. Excellent dishes. The Hungarian goulash has red pepper. It is made with pot roast. I did not expect spinach soup; it was the highlight of my meal. It is to die for. It was not expensive for this special soup. The passion fruit sorbet and the latte were an excellent ending to my meal. Our waiter made some suggestions. He was friendly. It is a small restaurant. We had reservations, as it is very popular. There is plenty of outside seating. As it was a cool day, we sat inside. It was a long trip, but worth it.

    We ordered a pizza to go!
    Shy C.

    Wow! What a great place...from the moment we walked in, we knew we found our kind of place. The inside is cozy and warm. The staff were amazing and so accommodating. And the food...outstanding! I highly recommend making reservations. We arrived at 5:00pm and they said they had two seats at the bar open, so we enjoyed a bottle of wine and the clam appetizer, then ordered a pizza to take back to the inn we were staying at.

    Kids Pasta with marinara sauce

    See all

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of I M.
    0
    85
    0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jason G.
    33
    34
    74

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Megan W.
    276
    67
    27

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    This five star rating was for their pizza, seriously delicious and fairly priced!! We look forward to going back.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Susan K.
    10
    11
    14

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Luz S.
    243
    67
    7

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brad M.
    27
    167
    59

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sue M.
    31
    42
    85

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Always good service and great food. Very consistent and always look forward to sharing what I have experienced at Cafe Rustica.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dean C.
    1146
    1602
    4576

    10 years ago

    Helpful 36
    Thanks 0
    Love this 31
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J R.
    302
    977
    1028

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Libby R.
    193
    51
    62

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Best beet salad ever! The dressing is amazing, I come here just for this often. Service is always great too!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Food is amazing, atmosphere is intimate, and the service is on point. Great place for a special night out. I recommend making reservations.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Service (specifically Derek) was amazing! Food and atmosphere were top-notch as well.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    good value, cramped setting, nice locale in the Carmel Valley.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dana R.
    245
    573
    4442

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joshua S.
    18
    42
    15

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    An absolute must when in the area. Especially on Friday for Sand Dabs. Thus placed never fails to come through from appetizer to desserts.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 5 of 17

    Cafe Rustica Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Cafe Rustica

    Do they take reservations?

    Yes this is my favorite place to eat

    Do they have parking?

    They do. Easily accessible

    What are the correct hours? It's Tuesday at lunchtime and you're closed?

    Rustica's posted open hours on Tuesday are from 5:00 pm until "Closing."

    View All 6 Questions

    You might also consider

    The Spotted Duck - Berries, chocolate and whipped cream

    The Spotted Duck

    4.8(176 reviews)
    14.1 mi
    $$$

    The Spotted Duck is a small restaurant with the dining area on the main floor, with a cozy bar…read morearea, a few tables as well as the kitchen upstairs. Upon entry, we were heartily greeted by the owner and staff. There were only a couple tables left on the main floor as there was a large party of fifteen people seated in most of the main dining area. It was extremely loud with voices reverberating because of the gregarious group. The owner invited us upstairs to see if a high-bar table would be suitable. The table was quite small even though it overlooked the entire first level, so we declined as another table by the front windows had become available. The Charcuterie + Cheese board was a wonderful start to the evening. It consisted of prosciutto di parma, sopressata, duck prosciutto, bella vitano, triple cream brie, chèvre, almonds, and fig jam served with sliced grilled sourdough. Delish. We enjoyed their Sauteed Rock Cod entrée which consisted of pan-fried cod served with potato puree, artichokes + capers in a Meyer lemon brown butter sauce. The portion was of moderate size, and the dish was excellently prepared and plated. In addition, we had the Drunken Skillet Seared Octopus, which was a nice portion of octopus in a preserved black-bean honey sauce, along with Chef Jerry's seasoning. I recommend this starter as an appetizer or as a main entrée for a light appetite. All was quite delicious. This is an intimate venue for wonderfully prepared meal. The atmosphere of the restaurant is a little lacking which could account for the bad acoustic issue. The service is outstanding as the staff was attentive and watchful without interrupting the customer's dining experience. A serious negative would be that the restrooms are not located on the main dining level, and could pose a problem for patrons who need assistance. Food 4.9 Atmosphere 3.7 Service 4.9

    Very nice meal. Nothing bad to say. Wine as great, food was good, service was good. If I had to…read morechange one thing it would be the lighting, it was very bright in here for dinner, felt like a lunch spot. We ordered the duck confit fries and the octopus, both were very nice. For entrées we shared the scallops and the braised lamb shoulder. Both were cooked perfectly. The best thing I ate here were the Brussels sprouts as a side and it was perfect. I don't know if I'd come back, but I had a nice time and the service was speedy.

    Photos
    The Spotted Duck - Upstairs area

    Upstairs area

    The Spotted Duck - Duck Liver Pate

    Duck Liver Pate

    The Spotted Duck - Saké |$12

    See all

    Saké |$12

    Running Iron - Fried artichoke hearts

    Running Iron

    3.4(206 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    RUNNING IRON: GOOD BURGERS & A LITTLE OLD-WEST CHARM…read more The Running Iron in Carmel Valley is a fun, casual saloon with a great old-Western atmosphere. It's casual, comfortable and exactly the kind of place where you can sit back and enjoy a burger without taking things too seriously. We stopped in for burgers. Portions were generous, the burgers were satisfying, and the fries were tasty. The patty melt was the standout--really well done. The onion rings, unfortunately, were disappointing, and the coleslaw was nothing special. Service was excellent--pleasant, attentive and readily available. One minor annoyance: an extra charge for a small side of Thousand Island dressing seemed a little like nickel-and-diming. The Tommy B Restaurant Scale of A = Outstanding or F = Forgettable - a "solid" B+. A solid choice for a casual burger and a good patty melt. I'd go back.

    Being local, I always want to support and root for the success of local businesses. Unfortunately…read morethe kitchen at the Running Iron let my wife and I down yesterday for lunch. We both ordered burgers. I ordered the patty melt (2/5) and my wife ordered a spicy Mexi burger (2/5). Our friendly server (5/5) asked what temperature we wanted our burgers cooked. We both ordered 'medium'. My philosophy at all restaurants is...'If they ask you what temperature you want your grilled meat prepared, the kitchen should be able to cook to that request'. Unfortunately, both burgers came out well done and totally hammered. The restaurant was not busy so there's no excuse. The Running Iron needs a new cook. We will wait a year or so before going back so hopefully this bad cook will be out of the kitchen by then. The only reason I didn't give 2 stars was the fun and friendly service. Enough said!

    Photos
    Running Iron - Bar area

    Bar area

    Running Iron - Grilled cheese with onion rings

    Grilled cheese with onion rings

    Running Iron

    See all

    Sur at The Barnyard - Garlic cheese bread

    Sur at The Barnyard

    4.4(2.1k reviews)
    10.5 mi
    $$$

    After multiple failed attempts to find somewhere to eat with our dogs in tow, we arrived at Sur at…read morethe Barnyard hungry, tired, and a little defeated. What a wonderful surprise. It was just me, my two girls, and our two dogs, and from the moment we arrived, we were met with genuinely excellent service. The staff was kind, attentive, and welcoming. The food was absolutely fantastic, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. Sometimes a meal is more than just a meal. After a long day of searching for a place that would work for our little crew, Sur felt like exactly where we were meant to end up. We left happy, full, and already looking forward to coming back. Highly recommend.

    We dropped in to SUR today after hiking a bit. We hadn't been there before, and since Scratch was…read moreclosed and this place a great reviews, we decided to check it out - and I'll chalk this up to anther time Yelp did us wrong. TLDR:: Meh.. I wanted something to drink that wasn't sweet, so I tried their raspberry ice tea. They used a sugary syrup to flavor the tea, and that was a strike out. It was sweeter than a soda, so it went back and I swapped it out for a plain unsweetened ice tea. Then we tried the cheesy garlic bread, which we were really looking forward to. Welp, it came out with mozzarella cheese and a ton of corn. No butter. No garlic. We all looked at each other when we tried it. Ok, let's try their brussel sprouts. Those are hard to mess up - but sure enough, they managed to. They deep fried them to the point they were black and charred. There wasn't anything left of the brussel sprout itself, it was mostly crunchy charcoal. At this point, we all ordered something we assumed would be safe for our main. I got the sliders and a side salad. I had the salad but only of the sliders. The cheese on it was queso, like you use to dip chips, so it was ran all over the place and the burger was a grease ball. I won't even get into what everyone else had, but they had similar experiences. Overall, it was pretty disappointing. Maybe there are other things or other times where this place is better, but it was a swing and a miss for us.

    Photos
    Sur at The Barnyard - Inside

    Inside

    Sur at The Barnyard - Signature Beet Salad and Fried Artichokes

    Signature Beet Salad and Fried Artichokes

    Sur at The Barnyard - Chocolates

    See all

    Chocolates

    Brophy's Tavern - @lilybubbletea

    Brophy's Tavern

    4.3(829 reviews)
    11.8 mi
    $$

    Stopped in on a whim while passing through Carmel and so glad we did. The ambience is fantastic,…read moredimly lit with great music and TVs everywhere, the kind of place I'd love to come back to and watch a game. Service was excellent. Our waitress Rachel was great and took good care of us. We ordered the French dip (added Swiss, onions, and mushrooms) solid sandwich, though it could've used a touch more salt. The real star though, was the fish and chips. Genuinely some of the best I've ever had. Lightly battered, flaky, perfectly cooked. The vibe lands in that sweet spot of upscale casual without crossing into fine dining, comfortable but elevated. Highly recommend if you're passing through Carmel. We'll definitely be back.

    Lunch after a beach walk was just what we were looking for. Walk in and find a seat. Music and…read moreambiance brought a nice vibe the whole time we were here. Food is tops. The fish and chips is the ultimate meal. The burger was savory, soft and creamy just he right amount. It perfectly paired with the Talbott pinot noir they recommended. The only comment is make is the amount of French fries that were served with the burger. The plate was a lot larger looking because a sparse amount of fries was served alongside. Maybe add a little more next time just to balance it off. The servers/bartenders knew their stuff. They provided what they could in terms of what was popular and well liked. They said both items we ordered were the most popular. The fish and chips have won best fish and chips 3 years in a row. I would agree with this since I usually am not wowed with this dish. I couldn't resist ordering a dessert. The applied tart with vanilla ice cream was so satisfying. Overall service, food quality and experience was very good. If return over and over again for this same food and experience. If I could give 10 stars I would. Carmel and Brody's is a new destination.

    Photos
    Brophy's Tavern
    Brophy's Tavern
    Brophy's Tavern - @feedmeimei

    See all

    @feedmeimei

    Cafe Rustica - french - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...