Cafe Rustica near Carmel Valley Village doesn't need a review from me for sure.. Outstanding food and service is a given at this quaint little cafe but yesterday was over the top good! Starting with our excellent server Lauren I knew a fab lunch was in store for us.. It was my birthday lunch from a dear friend.. After asking about the smoked salmon pizza I decided to order it!! I couldn't get over the amount of salmon chef put on it!.. literally covering every square centimeter of crust.. With red onions and capers and a nice thin smear of cream cheese.. This was delicious x 10!!! My friend had the fresh tomato salad special and with the 90 degree heat both were a perfect entree!! Even the ice tea was nice and fresh and strong!.. What can I say about Cafe Rustica??? FABULOUS!!! read more

Another amazing experience at Cafe Rustica. All thanks to our phenomenal server Jonathan. He was so kind, attentive, and wonderful. To say that he was the highlight of our night is an understatement. He went above and beyond to cater to our needs. I also have many dietary restrictions and he was more than accommodating. Highly suggest requesting him if you come in! Also amazing food and ambiance. read more

We had reservations, we showed up, and the restaurant was closed! It's the strangest thing! We called 3 hours prior and asked for a 6:30pm reservation and they said "we have a perfect table inside for you at 6:45". We showed up and the whole place was closed with no sign outside stating why and no phone call despite giving our contact information. So disappointing! We heard this is not the first time. Won't be back and will not recommend. read more

Wonderful restaurant in Carmel Valley. Stopped in for my birthday and the service and food was great! Loved the clams, I could drink the broth! The lamb and pizza was delicious as well. So good will visit again! read more

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What happened to Cafe Rustica? New owners? It is just terrible! The food is just awful. We went there a few years ago and it was delicious. We went back last night and it was just disgusting. The pasta had no flavor and they claim to make homemade pasta with homemade marinara sauce. My kids can make better pasta than this! The shrimp on top of the pasta were probably frozen and not fresh. We order the fish special as well and we couldn't tell what was fish and what was potato. Weird sauce on top and frozen broccoli on the side. Also, they gave us a table outside with heaters around but our feet were so cold that made the experience awful. I can't believe they sit old couples outside. I saw many old folks sitting there freezing. What a disgrace to be serving such bad food! Never again! read more

Ambiance is nice here, even with all of the customers and busyness. We sat outside with heating lamps. It was very nice although it was very hard to see our food. As you can tell by the pictures I posted, everything was red and there was no additional lighting added. The rose selection was not my favorite. I think the wine menu needs an update since the restaurant is surrounded by so many great wineries. I ordered the salmon dish. My salmon was over cooked and the sides were very bland. My BF ordered the steak and loved it. Although, he didn't touch his sides either. Portions were generous and I appreciated that. Service was great! A little on the slower side but I didn't mind. I think the pizzas are the ticket item here and if I'm back I will order that. read more

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This time of year Cafe Rustica so nice to seat outside and enjoy a glass of my favorite Silvestri Chardonnay The staff is so nice and the food is my very favorite A must to spend a summer evening outside surrounded by beauty and amazing food read more

I'm going to revisit this place every time I return to Carmel. I've been here twice (once for lunch, once for dinner) and the food has been a five star experience both times. Their chicken dinner is good. Their veggie salad is good. Their smoked salmon pizza is incredible. If you like bagels and lox, get this pizza. Think less bread and more salmon, capers and onions...you know...the good stuff. The portions are large and the location is perfect for enjoying a sunny day on the patio. It's also close to the wineries which is a plus if you're in the area for tastings. read more

Cafe Rustica - Smoked Salmon Pizza - think bagel and lox, but on a pizza crust! 5 Star Yummy! - French Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

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Food was simply awful. I had the roasted chicken which had no taste and the texture was like rubber. My dinner partner had the steak and they had nothing good to say about their entree. Even the mashed potatoes were awful. And the bread was like a supermarket loaf. This was by far the worst dining experience we have had in a long time. read more

Very consistent. The quality of food is good along with the service and ambiance. Their pizzas are great as well

We came for a birthday dinner, it was loud and we sat at a bistro table. We got bread delivered to the table and it tasted like something like they got at Safeway, not even heated, it was terrible. My friend ordered the salmon and she loved it. I ordered the Dynamite Pizza that came to the table luke warm, it was terrible. It might be a good place for lunch but not for dinner. read more

Love the inside dining, like the knotty pine. Did is great, and rustic. My partner had the sword fish, totally delicious. I had lamb filets, very tender. Over all, great food great location. 2nd dining experience, awesome again. read more

Cafe Rustica - Inside dining - French Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

This is a mixed review. The lamb tastes great. Service and ambiance are fantastic. But the steak is overcooked and the taste is not worth the hype. Besides, we had loose bowls after having the dinner here... I am not sure whether I should blame the steak though. read more

We always like Cafe Rustica as it is consistent, it always has great food and great service.

This is by far my favorite restaurant. I could have the fish special everyday. The staff is always friendly and the service is excellent.

Always good food. Usually crowded but good service. Chef/owner usually comes out to check on each table. A nice touch. Best restaurant in Carmel Valley Village. read more

Best place in Carmel valley. Lots of history, consistently great food. Locals tend to go here for upper end food or Trailside or more everyday food. Can't really go wrong in the valley, but a lot to like here. read more

Our hotel recommended Cafe Rustica and we loved the food. The salad was very simple, fresh, and tasty. The salmon was flavorful. Friendly staff and cute outdoor area. read more

4.5 stars Our local friends did not steer us wrong with their Cafe Rustica recommendation. Heating lamps chased away the evening chill on the patio & candlelight provided the most beautiful ambiance. The dishes here are a delicious mix of French, Italian, & Californian. I ordered both a pasta, the familiar & comforting Butternut Squash Ravioli ($19), & Lorraine ($16), a thin crust wood fired pizza which I shared with a couple of my dinner mates. So appreciate that the bacon was not overpowering, as bacon-topped pizza tends to be. My bf ordered the 14oz. Cattleman's Rib Eye ($37) -- better than average, but doesn't place in his top few steaks. Desserts were priced in the $8-$9 range, reasonable like the rest of their offerings. My creme brûlée pick was classic but made well. The guys ordered butterscotch pudding & chocolate croissant bread pudding, both of which I hear were middling. Aside from service which made dinner more time consuming than we would've liked, no complaints about this solid Carmel Valley eatery. I don't often eat at the same place twice when I travel, but I'd come here again, & if that isn't the best compliment, I don't know what is. read more

Cafe Rustica - French Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

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In for lunch on a Saturday. It's been some time since my last visit. Highlights from our visit were the mushroom soup and the (special) bread pudding...with ice cream. This was very good. read more

Cafe Rustica - Cafe Rustica front - French Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

4 stars Capellini with shrimp: above average Neapolitan pizza with sardines Salmon with mashed potatoes- average Shrimp skewers with beans All tasty. Not great but good. Kind of pricey. read more

Very friendly and helpful staff. The made us feel welcomed and relaxed. Restaurant had a rustic ambiance, but was clean and well decorated with fresh flowers and small antiques. It is well lit by large windows looking out to flowers and flowery bushes. The down was the limited tight parking area and if you're handicapped, you're better off being dropped off. Oh! And the food is very delicious. Try the fish tacos or the beef stew. Wow!!! read more

Just a beautiful lunch here in Carmel Valley. We drove down for the day from the Bay Area, toured 17 Mile Drive, and then turned east to tour one of our favorite places to cycle as well as explore by car. Fortunately for us there were many wonderful places to choose and we chose Cafe Rustica. It was really relaxing sitting outside on their patio, chatting with other couples enjoying their lunches and wine, and then our food came. Just delicious beet salad with fresh veggies, pine nuts, and so many other great items drizzled with vinaigrette. Mmmmm. We shared the salmon 'burger' which was cooked perfectly and perfectly yummy! We'll definitely be returning. read more

Solid 4-star restaurant! The red leaf lettuce salad was one of the best salads I have ever eaten. We went back for dinner a second time during our stay in Carmel Valley because it was that good! The lemon pudding cake was my favorite dessert. I'd skip the bread pudding in favor of one of the other desserts. read more

Cafe Rustica did not disappoint !!! We hadn't had a meal there in a very long time! I had a good memory of a past meal there! We came early on the Sun holiday morning at 1100am It's not the brunch menu you get but a regular lunch menu. Everything was so reasonably priced ...that in itself was a wonderful surprise! We did have a reservation and on weekends it's a MUST! We also had a lovely sweet waiter who really enhanced our experience! I had an incredible salon fillet sandwich which was cooked impeccably! The butter lettuce salad that came with it melted in my mouth. My husband had the burger and the fries were exactly how you love them.... Crunchy and delicious! Hats off to the Chef!! We will be back.... Thank you for the start of a beautiful day!! read more

A rare 5 Star...I have to say this was a very enjoyable experience the staff was very prompt and helpful. The menu was easy to navigate through and not cluttered with unnecessary items. (some menus read like a dictionary) By chance I talked to Johnny and asked his opinion about what a first timer should have...I thought the Rustic burger might be the thing but he said "you can get a hamburger anywhere, try something different" so I took his advice and ordered the Tri-Tip Salad, it was a wonderful suggestion. For dessert I had the apple gelette (I heard them talking about it) coupled with a cup of coffee my meal was complete. I will make it a point to return and explore and enjoy other facets of this Gem of a restaurant, maybe I'll see you there. Enjoy read more

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Amazing, fabulous, great! Awesome, friendly staff, great food and nice ambiance! I highly recommend! The halibut was to die for! My hubs had the Dynamite Pizza and ate the entire thing! It was that good! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

Cafe Rustica - Halibut, fresh vegetables, au gratin potatoes - French Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

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Had a great dinner. Sea bass special and maple leaf duck special were outstanding. The orange croissant bread pudding is spectacular, one of the best desserts I've had. Not to be missed Service staff very attentive and connected to the customer. Great local restaurant. read more

Cafe Rustica - Sea bass special - French Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

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My wife and I came here for dinner during a long weekend getaway in Carmel Valley. Very rustic and laid back building. Started with the butter lettuce salad, I had the pork medallions, she had the lamb filets. Overall the food was fine nothing spectacular. Sautéed spinach was the star for both of our dishes. Her lamb filets were a bit bland with a sauce that reminded me of A1 steak sauce, and potatoes were great. My pork medallions were good and tender but the sweet potato mash was too sweet reminiscent of Thanksgiving candied sweet potatoes. I think in general one would be better served to drive to Carmel for better dining options. read more

Fantastic take out. Don't let the sit down menu fool you. Some of the best au gratin potatoes you will eat from a styrofoam container.

Have been to this lovely restaurant two times and have been impressed with every meal ordered. First time, ordered smoked salmon pizza and mushroom soup (both delicious) and the last time ordered the mushroom pizza and Caesar salad. They have indoor and outdoor seating, reservations highly recommend as it is usually busy. The service is always top notch. read more

My favorite restaurant so far in the Carmel/Pacific Grove area. This restaurant is an absolute gem. Service is impeccable and everything tastes perfect. It's also nestled in a prime location, surrounded by tasting rooms for an after-lunch drink or two. We LOVE the salmon pizza - it has smoked salmon, a white cream sauce, capers, and onions, and is just incredible. The pizza crust reminds me of the type of pizza I have only had in Italy - it tastes very so delicious yet simple, like there are no additives and they're using the highest-quality ingredients possible. We've had a couple of the salads and calamari as well, and they've all been delicious! My only gripe was that the breading on the calamari was a little soggy and fell off from the meat pretty quickly, but the seasoning and quality were still great. Highly recommend this place for anyone visiting the Carmel Valley area. read more

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Lights out! What a delightful, flavorful and relaxing lunch we enjoyed at Cafe Rustica! Whomever is running this joint really "gets it". We felt welcomed, appreciated and well cared for. From our greeting, seating and meal, it was obvious the staff know what hospitality is all about! My wife and I have both been in hospitality management for quite a few years and we truly recognize and appreciate when we see and feel someone performing their craft well. We enjoyed their steamers (amazing broth!) , calamari(light, clean and flavorful) , and 2 amazing wood-fired flatbread pizzas( the Lorraine and of course the smoked salmon). So many other items on the menu we will try next time. The patio's vibe was relaxed even those they had a couple larger parties sat near us. We never felt neglected, forgotten or rushed. Hats off to the entire staff!!! We live a couple hours away but we will see you soon!!! read more

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It's really cozy and outdoor dog friendly. We had the butter lettuce salad $9, calamari $11 and baked rigatoni $19. It was a little pricey for what you get. Nothing was bad but nothing stood out. All that said, one of the better options in the area. read more

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Excellent go to place in the valley. Food is superb along with service. Staff is very friendly so make a reservation.

Best service and dishes in Carmel Valley. Sand Dabs are my favorite and the pizzas are delicious. Every salad slaps and their desserts are amazing. Wonderful place to enjoy and always 5star. read more

Amazing food and service. Had the sand dab special for lunch and never ate again all day long. Served with warm German potato salad and butter lettuce salad. I would definitely order this again. read more

The red leaf salad is an amazing meal. Everything on the menu has been delicious *except* the bread. Skip it and your taste buds will thank you. read more

"We'd like to order a bottle of wine with dinner, so can I please get a sip of these two bottles you have by the glass so we can choose the bottle we'd prefer?" "No. We don't offer tastes." Never, ever, have I had this experience and it set the tone for dinner. Felt very off-putting. Food and service were fine. But given the experience - Instead of ordering a nice bottle of wine, appetizers, entrees and dessert, we ordered a glass of wine and entrées and left. Won't be back. read more

FOOD: in general the menu is nicely varied, creative and well prepared. There is a tendency to overcook several dishes, especially delicate seafood like halibut or sole. On a couple of occasions the petrale sole I ordered arrived way overcooked and dried out.. SERVICE: Always courteous ,attentive and willing to make helpful recommendations. AMBIANCE: This is the restaurant's weak point. The inside dining room is incredibly overpacked, noisy, and open to the kitchen, so you are subjected to noises and smells which distract from having a relaxed dining experience. The outdoor dining is fine on a warm evening, but - at all cost - refuse to be seated in the "tunnel of death" , a narrow passage between the restaurant and its neighbor illuminated by garish hyper- orange gas heaters. Considering the popularity of the restaurant, they should seriously consider a move to a larger, rustic facility. read more