The food is very expensive, the bolognese pasta is good, but they didn't put foil in the box and the grease ruined my pants. Personally not the greatest experience...
(3)
Katherine H.
Good service. Lovely atmosphere. We were all looking forward to my husband's beef wellington -- which turned out to be pot roast in crust. Beef Wellington is not something you mess with - it's a classic dish with ONE recipe. If you are going to reinterpret, explain, and call it something else. We were having a special family dinner with our teenagers and had a good time, but are not likely to return.
(3)
Kendra S.
Great, seasonal menu, fresh, delicious food... Beautiful, yet casual interior. Loved every aspect of this place. Worth every penny.
(5)
James M.
I had a fantastic meal. I started with the roasted bone marrow which was delicious and goes highly recommended. I then had one of the best lamb shanks ever. It was Greek-inspired and served with a panzanella and cucumber with yoghurt that accompanied the tender meat beautifully. I concluded with a heavenly Callehaut chocolate brownie served with gelato. I may go back again tonight!
(5)
Anon A.
As an Italian, I tend to judge based on a restaurant's Caesar Salad.... One of the best I've ever had including my time in Europe (London is still the best) and NYC. You're missing out if you haven't been here yet... They're on par with Cosmo's and, only rate less in my book because their genera of food is a little more limited. Otherwise, this is among the best K-zoo has to offer!
(4)
Gregory M.
Delicious food, quaint environment, a great experience. The staffing and service was first rate.
(4)
Christine H.
Me and my brother in law went here after he interviewed for a job in the city. It was really delicious. We started off our meal with a smoked salmon appetizer ($10) which was on special that night. It was amazing and a good portion in comparison to appetizers that I get to other similar restaurants. For lunch I had a poached fluke that was on special and my brother in law got a "seafood gumbo" dish. We were both really happy with our dishes and cleared every bite off our plates. It's a bit pricy, but this is a great restaurant for a special occasion! My brother is from New York, and he said that this food was up to par with the big city restaurants he was used to. The kitchen is right in the main dining area which is a cool experience! Also, a big perk was that the restaurant owner stopped by our table at the end of our meal to check to see how our experience was. Our waiter was very quick and really nice. Only complaint about this restaurant was that it was REALLY warm inside. We were sitting right near the kitchen so that may have played a factor. Overall amazing experience!
Outstanding food and service. Probably the best in Kalamazoo. I have been here several times now and have never been disappointed. I'm not really sure why I even bother looking at the menu because everything I ever have here is outstanding, including the deserts. You get what what you pay for so meal are never cheep.
(5)
T.L. S.
Loved this place. Great food and a wonderful wine list. A must if in Kalamazoo. I could go on, but there's not much more to say. If you're traveling between Detroit and Chicago along Interstate 94, it's worth stopping off for a meal. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Olivia F.
Food was pretty good but the service was lacking for the price. You think if they were going for more upscale, they would hire some better trained servers. They weren't busy, it was a Thursday night and we were on the priority waiting list or whatever, and there were better tables available but the hostess sat us in the back in a dark corner. The server did not seem friendly or happy, but disinterested and grumpy the whole time and looked a little disheveled. My mom told her it was my birthday dinner but they didn't even do anything. No free dessert and she didn't even put a candle in my dessert until my mom asked directly for a candle. She also didn't bring extra spoons to share the dessert, which is usually always a given at most places. There was a stain on the tablecloth right by me as well. Also when my relative called to make a reservation after 4pm the day-of and they said something about how they don't do reservations but have a waiting list, we were like umm what's the difference... Just sounded pretentious to us, just tell us if we can have a table at that time or not, we don't care what you call it. Zazios has much better service.
(3)
Stacie V.
Rustica is delicious! I came on a Saturday night and it was packed. I recommend making reservations ahead of time or coming after 9pm. The crowd started to die down around 930pm. Our server was on top of everything. As soon as we finished an appetizer, he'd bring in our next one within seconds. It's a little pricey considering their portions, but worth it. Great quality.
(5)
Jessica I.
We had an excellent meal here with very professional service. The ambiance is very nice, and the emphasis on regional food and beer added to the quality of the experience. It's a cozy place with lots of good choices on the menu.
(4)
Rachel L.
So with the reputation of being one of the best restaurants in kalamazoo I guess I was expecting more. The atmosphere is beautiful. Very inviting. You can see everything going on in the kitchen which was nice. The service was good, not great. When our server was present he was friendly. But he appeared to have a lady friend at the bar he was preoccupied with. A majority of his attention went to her. At this caliber of a restaurant I expect the waiter to be attentive. With us letting him know it was our first time he made no recommendations. We ordered the pork loin and rib eye. The pork loin had great flavors. I really enjoyed that dish. The rib eye was a huge disappointment. The steak was salty and potatoes were overcooked and flavorless. I enjoyed their take on a healthier version of creamed spinach. Had the carrot cake for dessert. It was good. Not sure I would return.
(3)
C W.
We went here for our anniversary & the food was excellent! One of the best restaurants I've ate at in years. We had steaks, salads & dessert. It was all great & the staff was attentive. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Michelle K.
I come here whenever I'm in town--definitely the best restaurant I've discovered in Kalamazoo. They also do a good job of managing availability: the system is that you call them after they open, leaving a message with a request for a reservation, and they call you back in the afternoon to confirm. It works well, and I've always been able to get a table, even when they're busy. The pork loin is amazing, and the farrotto too. Really, I've had nothing bad here.
(5)
Stefanie N.
Off topic but this is the second time I could have sworn I reviewed an establishment and it ended up dissapearing. I first reviewed them several years ago when they first opened and I would give it the same rating as I did then...5/5. Anyway, this is by far, my favorite place in town! I've been here numerous times and the food is excellent. Delicious menu and ingredients are fresh. One side note, all the times I've been here, the dishes seem to be a tad over salted.
(5)
Caleb Y.
Nice, quaint restaurant. Very warm feeling. Open kitchen makes for some during-dining entertainment! The food was prepared well. The service attentive. I was very happy with my meal and service!
(4)
Michael P.
We have been here several times and have always had a great meal. Rustica does not have an extensive menu but prepares every item well and uses high quality ingredients. The wait staff provides good advice on meals and wines.
(5)
Brian D.
My wife and I ate there for my birthday. Absolutely wonderful! Our meals were prepared perfectly and the flavors were to die for. We are impatiently waiting for our next visit.
(5)
Chelsea C.
This place has it all going on- from the food to the decor and service- top notch. We were in town for a "beer-cation" and were in need of a respite from the delicious hoppy beverages we had been consuming all day. We were so glad we stopped in here. We started out with the Artichoke Salad which was fresh and fantastic- for our main entree we had the Sirloin Cap Steak. It. Was. Amazeballs. It was in an incredible sauce, cooked perfectly, and one of those meals where you keep going MMMM to the person you are with (think scene from "What About Bob" at the dinner table). Ended our meal with the Amaretti Cake and Sorbet Trio- they were okay, this was the only part of our meal that wasn't great- good, just not great. Had wonderful service from Trevor, he suggested an amazing wine with our dinner, was attentive and personable. This place is wonderful- will DEFINITELY be back next time we are in K-Zoo!
(4)
Susanne V.
It's probably not fair to give it this low of a review because I never tasted the food but we were there on a very slow Monday night for our anniversary. We were so looking forward to it because we love foodie restaurants in Kalamazoo and hadn't had the chance to come here. We were seated by the open kitchen which sounds great but our view was just of the back of some equipment and a bunch of dirty rags. We asked if we could be seated toward the front instead (there were only two other tables seated in the whole place). With an audible grumble they moved us up to a table wedged by the server stand. After listening to the servers loudly talk about their wild nights and how bored they were to be there, we just couldn't stay any longer and left. It was really disappointing because we knew the food was supposed to be great but the atmosphere made us feel like we should be grateful they even allowed us to be there. But...we headed down to Zazios and were treated like royalty for our anniversary dinner!
(2)
David C.
Excellent ambiance, classic Euro look, very fresh ingredients. We walked in on a Thursday night and sat right by the look-in galley kitchen, best seats in the house. We split a Bibb and goat cheese salad, split the nightly special (beef tenderloin), waiter recommended a great French Red bottle (35 bucks). All the chefs/sous chefs seem to be Culinary Institute trained. Beautiful plating, über-competent waiter (Trevor) plus friendly. Very little if any pretentiousness; even talked with the chef as he was plating some beautiful gnocchi, great guy. Will eat here again next time we're in K'zoo, no doubt. Dessert (trio of the week) was in need of some more flavor pop but we didn't care, it was a first class meal! BTW, prices are reasonable for fine cuisine with a distinctive classic light European touch. Well done gentlemen.
(4)
Alicia K.
Bouillabaisse was out of this world delish! Dig the atmosphere.
(5)
John S.
Hi All, Took my girl out on a surprise date night. Had tickets to the State Theater....so looked up the area and found Rustica was near by. liked the menu on-line and decided to call and get a preferred seating list going. WOW.....was I so delighted with the food, service, and open kitchen. We just loved the experience. Would like to find another restaurant of this quality someday, somewhere. BRAVO RUSTICA.....BRAVO!
(5)
Meghan K.
Rustica would be right at home in any big city dining scene. The food is fresh and seasonal. For dinner last week, I started with gazpacho, which had a great kick to it. I had a New York strip steak special (at least I'm 90% sure that's what cut it was). Cooked perfectly. Dinner was a corn tart. Creative but not my favorite dessert of all time. Best part was... My parents were in town and paying, so we ordered off the stash wine list. Also excellent is the lamb shank and the baked fish. Truthfully, I've never had a bad or even mediocre meal at Rustica. It is by far my favorite restaurant in Kalamazoo.
(5)
Will A.
The downtown Kalamazoo Mall area is a fun and cool neighborhood. I was out there from LA, visting my family for the holidays. My brother and his family live in a loft across the street from this place. The restaurant itself is small, but very intimate. The food is Modern European fare. Very tasty, classy and sophisticated. Check out my pics. The also have an awesome wine list. We selected a Bordeaux red which they poured through an aerator and into a decanter. Nice touch. And the wine paired very nicely with my lamb dish. It was the perfect wine. Trevor was our waiter and he was awesome. Great service. Very attentive and down to earth. I really enjoyed my dinner experience and everytime I visit my family in Kalamazoo I will come back and eat here.
(5)
Max L.
Wow. This place was unreal. I started off with the house smoked salmon salad and I kid you not, one of the best salads I've ever had. Everything was fresh and it was the perfect portion. Now, for the life changer, I had the braised lamb shank. Honestly, it was cooked perfectly, and I could eat it everyday. If you haven't been here, come! Trust me. You'll thank me later!
(5)
TK S.
We went here on the recommendation of the host of the Kalamazoo House B&B while in Kalamazoo for Thanksgiving and checking out the local breweries. We arrived around 630pm without a reservation were seated immediately and were there about an hour. The restaurant was full and had a wait some of the time. They have two person tables and chairs, no booths and the tables are arranged in a European style of VERY close together if crowded and so close you can hear your neighbors every word is not your thing this is not your place. But perfect seating for the menu. LOVE the open kitchen-I like to see and smell my food being prepared. No secrets here. Everything is done right. They do have a coat check which helped in the close quarters. We had wine and beer and our server was very well informed and able to make educated recommendations and pairings with our dinner choices. The beet salad was sooo good. We also had the Angus steak which was perfect in all regards and lastly we had the evening special of white beans, duck, sausage, pork with savory vegs. So wonderful and delicious. Lastly, we had carrot cake for dessert - the vanilla ice cream was yummy but the carrot cake was to dense to eat we brought it home to our grandson and even he declined. The entire experience was amazing with spot on service. We would definitely eat here again and suggest it to others. A perfect date night place and nice for a family dinner with older children. The ambiance was classy, casual and super friendly (everyone smiled). The food was so delicious and flavorful we were in food heaven.
(5)
Adam A.
My favorite place to dine in Kalamazoo. Great michigan beer selection! I have not had anything I do not like from their menu except I do not think the bone marrow is well executed. I have tried it two times and watched someone else get frustrated and underwhelmed by their experience with them. That is my only criticism. Service, food (gnocchi are great), atmosphere are all great. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Jennifer D.
I visited Rustica on a weeknight while in town on work travel. I was solo and did not have a reservation. The restaurant was packed but I was able to be seated immediately at the bar. The bar had a nice beer and wine selection. I enjoyed a Belgian wheat. I ordered the potato gnocchi as my entree. It was delicious! One of my favorite pasta dishes I've had to date. It had a light sauce and was accompanied by asparagus and a soft cheese. I would order it again in a heartbeat. I ordered the tiramisu for dessert. I would not recommend if you enjoy a traditional tiramisu. The ladyfingers were soaked in an orange liquor and the top was coated with a thick layer of chocolate chips. It had nice flavors but left something to be desired if you were hoping for some of the usual tiramisu flavors. The service was great. The bartender at the back bar was very attentive to those sitting in the stools while also keeping up with the drink demand at the well station. I would definitely visit this restaurant if I found myself in Kalamazoo again.
(4)
Jon K.
Absolutely delicious, I haven't even finished my meal and im posting this. I had the marrow and duck.
(5)
Kellee K.
Eric and I went for dinner around 6 PM. Longer than it is wide, Rustica has the feel of a downtown restaurant. I love the concept of a menu that changes with the seasons. Varied decor - we spotted Asian art, Roman pillars, etc. Brown paper on the tables, European feel. Open kitchen on the right side, you can see the entrees lined up. It was pretty busy for a Thursday night, we got the last table right by the door. They need some noise panels or something, because everything echoed off the hard walls and floor. Started with some bread that was a little dry - was it old? Served with normal EVOO. Eric got an appetizer, the bone marrow with a fig jam (no bacon), bread, and the tiny bone marrow spoon. It was definitely Western style, and Eric said he preferred Asian bone marrow (but of course he is biased). He loved the flavors of the jam with the bone marrow. I got the salmon entree, with a ramps pesto, plus tomatos, artichokes, and more ramps. Despite hating onions, I didn't mind the ramps for their slightly garlic flavor. Salmon was very well cooked and buttery, pesto was too salty for my liking. Bottom line: All in all, for the price, Rustica is A-OK. The food in Europe is probably better. Mind over matter, food over mind.
(3)
John A.
Can't say enough good things about this place... Definitely on the pricey side but the food is... Wow. That's all my wife and I can say.... WOW.
(5)
Matthew A.
Nice atmosphere but the main dishes were disappointing. I had the steak and it was cooked correctly and had ok flavor but sides were very disappointing. Best thing was the wine and dessert...brownie dish was very good.
(3)
Suz W.
Great flavorful everything. Beet salad- grilled romaine, salmon,duck breast, banana walnut cake. Start to finish superb! Server and chefs-- hats off to you. Big city restaurant for sure.
(5)
Lydia R.
After a few negative experiences with seafood in Michigan, I've learned that perhaps Michigan just doesn't have good seafood, which may be obvious to some. However, I love seafood and I give second chances, so I decided to give the mussels a chance here. I was quite disappointed. They smelled fishy in a bad way and tasted really old. The restaurant was also quite crowded and hot when I visited for dinner.
(1)
Joe L.
Rustica is classy yet comfortable. It's small and cozy but has an artsy, big city feel to it. I love how the menu is only 1 page and is seasonal. The chefs only have to focus on a few key dishes and they do them very well. Great wine selection also. They have many wines that are unusual and hard to find and they use some local beers as well as European beers. After finishing your fantastic meal you can get a succulent dessert with some locally brewed coffee. Rustica is a great example for other Kalamazoo restaurants to follow.
(5)
Lynn J.
There are several really good restaurants in Kalamazoo. However, there are only a few that are as good to Rustica. Four of us ate at Rustica Thursday evening. We all had different entrees and they were all excellent. The lamb shank was wonderful, one of the best I have ever had as was the salmon and pasta with chicken dish. I highly recommend this quaint European style restaurant.
(5)
Larry Z.
Food was excellent, I had the lamb and cassoulet, the lamb was perfect - fell apart when the fork touched it, amazing flavor. The cassoulet in the bowl was perfectly seasoned, with a slight crunch to each bite. - amazing
(5)
Atreya B.
Nice
(5)
Karol C.
A top-notch restaurant in Kzoo. Fantastic service and even better food. We've dined here a few times and have never been disappointed. I also enjoy dining at the tables next to the chefs. It's entertaining to watch them cook and made it easy to give them compliments as we enjoyed our meals.
(5)
Terry B.
I've got to admit, I am seriously impressed. I visited based on yelp reviews and they did not disappoint. I ordered a crabcake and the lamb shank; one of the best meals I've ever had, seriously! They tastefully integrated basil into both courses, the lamb was tender and flavorful, the side dish (tomato salad) was a delightful surprise. I can't speak highly enough of this place.
(5)
Steve R.
Best restaurant in Southwest Michigan! Food is always fresh, creatively prepared, and visually appealing. They have some fantastic chefs from CIA. Some of my favorites are the grilled asparagus, grilled romaine salad, the fresh fish, and the bouillabaisse. I have never been disappointed in anything I've ordered- you cannot go wrong! Fantastic wine list (ask Saad for a suggestion). French-press after dinner with dessert is always a treat. The restaurant is small but to me that adds to its charm. Bill and Saad are always very welcoming. Very friendly, attentive staff. Most have been there for years. It can be quite busy so either call ahead (they do not take reservations) or plan on waiting at the bar. We are very fortunate to have such a place in Kalamazoo!
(5)
Esther C.
Oh, their Braised Lamb Shank and Roasted Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast is to die for!!!
(5)
Celine S.
Kalamazoo can finally boast about an exquisite restaurant. I've eaten at Rustica nearly a dozen times and have never been disappointed with my choices. The lamb shank is superb-one of my favorites although I try to order something different each time I visit. Rustica's wine selection is simplistic and satisfying . The ambiance is dimly lit, but not so much that you can't see your food. I'm really a fan of the decor. It truly encompasses quaintness and class of a small French Bistro. The only draw back to eating at a place like Rustica is it's difficult to find a comparable restaurant in Kalamazoo. A caveat concerning attire: Although they casual is ok, I would not recommended wearing jeans or super casual clothing there . It's a bit more formal than the average restaurant in the zoo.
(4)
James R.
Rustica is a nicely decorated space in a classic, down-at-the-heels sort of way I am quite fond of (see also: Maude's Liquor Bar). We were seated promptly on a Wednesday night at about 6:30 and Rustica was busy. I sat across from a friend facing the windows and near the front of the restaurant, so I did not get much of a look at the facility. The dining room is long and narrow, with brick walls that reflect sound. Light tans and taupe with undertones of grey are the primary colors -- this I like, because the focus is visually on the food rather than the decor, and it works well here. To start, we were served bread and olive oil and I had a bowl of the crab bisque. The bread was good and the oil flavorful with a green taste that was slightly and pleasantly bitter. The bisque was attractively presented in a shallow bowl, garnished with finely chopped celery and studded with a few lumps of crab meat. While the crab meat was good (and free of any grit or shell, I might add), I found the bisque far too tomato-ey for my liking. I do not think I would order it again. For a main I went stereotypical male and ordered the hanger steak with asparagus, crimini, and a chevre and spinach tartlet. I asked for medium rare and it came medium rare. It was presented wonderfully, the lightly-charred and perfectly medium rare slices evenly fanned on one side and pivoting about the tartlet's puff pastry. On the other side were the mushrooms and asparagus. The meat was dressed in bordelaise sauce that was quite thick. Alas, my high hopes were sort of dashed as far as the meat went. The bordelaise was strong and practically overpowered the meat. I was really looking forward to the strong, beefy flavor of the onglet with an accent of bordelaise but instead found it fairly pedestrian. Vegetables were great with the tartlet was all pastry and little chevre or spinach, which was a real let down. My friend had the orechiette with crab, shrimp, chorizo and peppers. I did not try her meal, but it looked like a large portion and it came very hot, with buckets of steam coming off the plate. She found it good, but neither raved nor complained about it. Service was fair; pleasant but somewhat inattentive, but then again they were busy. A warning is that this place is quite loud, one of the loudest true restaurants (as opposed to a bar and restaurant) I have been to. I had to ask my friend to repeater herself several times as there was a boisterous group of three couples immediately to our right. I'm not wholly sure why Rustica has the rating it does based on my experience there. It was ok. Nothing special in my opinion but perhaps I just didn't order right or went on a bad night. Still, given the experience and quality I had at Zazios a block or so away, if you were looking for a great meal I would go there first.
(3)
Amy W.
Great experience. Went here solo on a biz trip. Well done in all parts, from decor to service to food. The grilled romaine salad with white sardines was sublime. Perhaps I ate here at an ideal time of year, because my salmon entree was loaded with local veggies. Great beer menu too.
I've eaten here a couple times and everytime the experience has been great. The ambience is nice and cozy and the open kitchen atmosphere is always nice. I have tried a couple different things here, pork tenderloin, a pasta and a fish dish and all of them were flavorful and had a great presentation. The wine list is great and the pear tart for dessert was delicious.
(4)
Justin O.
Our meal last night was fantastic. Argyle Pinot Reserva --- half off bottles before 6pm. Scallops in Brown Butter over Lemon Parsley Risotto Salmon and Pastrami Salad (Number one thing we tried) - we wanted more! Lamb Shank (to die for) - Taste like grandma Tuscan cooked it herself all DAY! Fresh Pressed Coffee. All these items were five stars and plus! The grilled ceazer salad was overdressed and small for ten bucks, but still delicious, and the bouillibase of seafood was not OMG, but still really delicious! You start to be really critical of the food here, because the last bite you had so was damn amazing! The chefs know how to use subtle ingredients to capture and deliver on big infusuion and flavor. We loved it! The service was great, the table and atmosphere were great! We really had one of the best times we have had in awhile thanks to the quiet and confident service and atmosphere Rustica provided Sunday evening! A perfect place for a romantic date or a nice dress up dinner with friends and family! Highly recommend this place! Thank you once again to Darren, the chefs and everyone over at Rustica! Your Crew is Great!
(5)
Per J.
Wonderful menu. Wonderful staff. Delicious food. And cozy to boot. Rustica would thrive in Chicago...and is an unexpected thrill in Kakamazoo!
(5)
Cullen S.
QUICK TIP: The name of the restaurant is pronounced "roos-TEAK-uh". Overheard one of the owners say it. Finally tried this place for dinner on a Wednesday night. Overall impressed and honestly nothing to mark it down, I just don't give out five stars for one meal. The food was very good although not mind-blowing. I had the potato gnocchi and my friend had the duck, and both were very good. The waitress was friendly and efficient, had our water out immediately, and then our beer and bread basket in short succession. Entrees came only 10-13 minutes after we ordered. Definitely has the potential to be one of the best places in town. The bill was $64 for two entrees, two salads, and two beers. Open for dinner only.
(4)
AJ H.
This is a classy, upscale restaurant. The menu changes seasonally and the servers are knowledgable. I have been here several times and each time have found the food excellent. The wine list is extensive and desserts are fantastic. Highly recommend!
(5)
Dee V.
Rustica is our destination to celebrate family events. The atmosphere is great and the food is fabulous. Last night we enjoyed the salmon, the steak caps and the lamb shank. All were delicious. The pork was disappointing. Very tough but still better than the rice accompaniment. After many visits we had one bad dish. I still consider this one of my favorite kalamazoo restaurants.
(4)
Kevin H.
Really good food. I had the Chicken and my wife had the pork loin both were juicy and tender. We were even their after they closed and we never felt rushed by the waitstaff who was waiting patiently to go home.
(5)
Gary S.
An owner of this business sent me a message that I would characterize as a long-winded argument "proving" that my review was somehow wrong and making an attempt to induce me to "take down" my review of my very disappointing experience at his restaurant. He expressed concern that my review lessened his Yelp rating. He in no way convinced me to return.
(1)
Angelina T.
An intimate atmosphere, even when it's completely full (though it can get a little loud -- if you can, try to get a seat by the window). There seems to be less of of a wait than other equally crowded restaurants (*cough* Fandango) and a better food selection than similarly themed restaurants (like Epic). The gnocchi is always cooked to perfection and they combine favors in original ways. There is an excellent selection of wines and beer. For those with a more adventurous palate, they have dishes such as bone marrow and stuffed squash blossoms. They generally change their menu with the seasons, introducing new dishes, all stocked from locally owned farms or certified organic. Whenever we aim to impress or simply to have a great meal, we take our guests to this restaurant. Kalamazoo is lucky to count Rustica amongst its fine downtown establishments.
(5)
Jon-Paul B.
Excellent. I have eaten here a lot and admittedly am acquainted with the owners and chefs but the consistency and creativity of Rustica stand out. First off, the staff are excellent. They are well trained, kind and generally have a point of view on what they like and don't. It's nice to get actual direction on what's good that night vs the old 'I like everything on the menu' adage. Second, the seasonal menu always reflects the best ingredients that are available at that time of year. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see nary a dish with basil in it in January. Thank God. Finally, the design of the menu is really geared toward the Italian format of primo, secondo and terzo which allows one to have three great dishes in one meal. Quality and refinement are placed above jaw dropping portion size and philistine styles of eating. My favs: the chicken, hangar steak, any ravioli chef makes is delicious, pot pie (yes I said pot pie), short rib and duck. Go and order what you usually like and trust that it will be elevated. Buon appetito!
(5)
Jelly S.
Best place to eat in KZoo. Very fun atmosphere, great menu and wine/beer list. Service was fantastic. Can get busy and you may have to wait but it's worth it.
(5)
John S.
Rustica is absolutely first class in design and execution. The wine list is deep and rich; prices are reasonable. I am in Kalamazoo for a week and will eat there whenever I have a choice. I own a restaurant in Miami so know what I am talking about. BTW, you would be paying $10+ more a plate there.
(5)
Philip T.
Food was good and ambiance nice. Small restaurant with fine food. Fish okay (not as good as Bonefish Grill in Grand Rapids), steak good and Duck, so so (Aries was best and now the Four Roses in Plainwell excellent). Other choices okay. Went to Rustica to celebrate Wife's birthday but staff and restaurant were non-receptive. Disappointed! Service satisfactory but lacking enthusiasm and fun. If you are looking to celebrate something special, another place may be more accommodating. If you want a pleasant meal in a small but nice environment, good place to go.
(3)
Andrew R.
Rustica is one of the better restaurants in the Kalamazoo area. It is a small space, but they provide for the American personal sphere so there aren't as many tables as they could support. Unfortunately there is an open kitchen which further reduces the dining space available. Rustica attempts to use local produce and meats whenever possible. This is a plus. They should be commended for supporting the community and starting with quality building blocks rather than tasteless corporate foodstuffs. Overall, I would describe the menu as tame. I suspect this is a reflection of Kalamazoo's palate more than anything. However, it's disappointing there's nothing overly challenging, new, or unexpected on the menu. Tame menu aside, everything I have tried at Rustica is very good. Well prepared, well presented, and well proportioned. Although I only rate Rustica three stars ("A-OK"), compared to other Kalamazoo eateries, Rustica satisfies the definition of five stars on Yelp ("Woohoo! As good as it gets!"). Adding some excitement to the menu could easily make Rustica a four star establishment. I am sure I will return and I would recommend Rustica.
(3)
Judy S.
Wait, am I still in Kalamazoo? This restaurant is amazing. My boyfriend and I was there on Friday night to celebrate our one-year anniversary. We had a glass of Barbera, the bayside scallop, the gnocchi and the lamb shank. Everything was excellent, except the scallop dish was alright, we could use a few more scallops since they were tiny. The Lamb Shank was the most memorable for both of us. The Barbera was rather young with a little tannin. Definitely going back when I save up enough money. Everything we had were in good portion; one person portion 3-course meal with one glass of wine, tax and tip = $64. We were full after sharing the food and splitting the bill with $32 a piece. I say that was a pretty good deal. I wouldn't be able to have this kind of quantity and quality anywhere else, like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago,...
(5)
Larry P.
If you're a serious foodie, this is the place to go in Kalamazoo. Interesting flavors, nice presentation. The grilled romaine salad was particularly noteworthy. Interesting Belgian ales on tap. The only downside is they ran out of bread. How does a restaurant run out of bread?
(4)
Rodrigo R.
It is always a great place for dinner! One of my favorite restaurants in the world! Great food and amazing wine list.
(5)
Susan C.
Finally, a good restaurant in Kalamazoo! My husband and I have dined here a few times and have enjoyed our meals. I recently had the pork and it was scrumptious. It is more than a little "tight" in terms of personal space, and the bar is lacking space, but it's a cool place overall. The wait staff is somewhat slow, but that's probably b/c the place is packed all the time! They have a great wine list and knowledgeable servers.
(4)
Kelsey K.
I'm really glad that Kzoo is getting some really enjoyable places to eat. In a lot of smaller communities it's hard to find places where the chef really puts their heart and soul into the dishes and thinks them through all the way before putting them on the menu. They know that they're still better than Applebee's so they'll still get business either way but this is one of the places where they didn't slack just because they could. They actually gave it 100% and they put out a great menu that is really enjoyable and I can't wait to go back. They had a great wine menu and their food menu was extensive enough to have something for everybody but it was far from overwhelming. Way to go Rustica!!
(5)
Sarah L.
Love it. I go every time I'm in the greater Kzoo area. I doubt I can add anything that isn't already here! The one thing I do want to clarify is that it's not on Mall Drive, it's on the Kalamazoo Mall, downtown. The address is right; the map is wrong. Enjoy!!
What a great find in Kalamazoo! The atmosphere was charming and the service was friendly. The grilled romaine salad was very unique and tasty and our entrees were delicious. There was a great wine selection but the lemoncello tiramisu was out of this world! This is a great date night place!
(5)
Nicole D.
Rustica describes its fare as peasant food from Italy, France, and Spain. From the wintry windy alley-like streets in downtown Kzoo, enter a warmly lit room, narrow, with an open kitchen and highly attentive servers. The place is crowded and lively. You are whisked to your table as if an old treasured friend. I went last night with five others which is a perfect set up for tasting many dishes and being able to give good review (usually I like to go somewhere three or four times before I'll write about it). Upon seating, a hand appears from nowhere and pours my wine glass with some excellent Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley. I sip and peruse the wine list, which is fantastic. I could live in the wine cellar and know that on any given day, I had at my fingertips some of the most carefully curated picks from small scale producers worldwide. Only several Michigan wines, however, from the Old Mission Peninsula (near Traverse City - you should go. Rustica supports the Bowers Harbor ( bowersharbor.com ) winery and offers Riesling "Semi-Dry" and Pinot Noir "Dijon". A group of six can safely order the entire suite of "Firsts" and I think ours came close. We had the Antipasti: a selection of house made pickles (think pickled parsnips, cauliflower, celery) with grilled veg, Nicoise olives, nuts, and some fig confit. Of all the "Firsts" if you try nothing else, please do yourself the favor and the gift of trying the Maple Leaf Farms Duck Confit. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, with the fragrance of fennel infused, it's served with some unnecessary gold potato hash and apple-celery chutney. Give me the duck and I will quake (not quack) with pleasure. Cauliflower gratin with amish cheddar is total comfort food and line-caught Yellowfin crudo with winter citrus and arugula blends umami, sweet, spicy in a balanced way. I wasn't crazy about the Prince Edward Island Mussels. But that may be a symptom of going deep into the duck and antipasti. Moving along, Rustica offers the usual roasted beet, arugula, goat cheese salad and a grilled romaine salad with anchovies and caesar dressing. I tasted both and greatly prefer the latter. The flavor profile was savory, smoky, slightly sweet, and the texture was barely charred but enough to add to the crunch and satisfy. Rustica offers house-made pasta and a selection of grains. The winter mushroom farrotto with porcini, morel, oyster, and crimini mushrooms was applauded by those who tried it. But the Bucatini pasta alla Carbonara (a dish part of my regular repertoire - some of the best comfort food) was declared the winner of the pasta/grain category. House cured pancetta, farm eggs from Otto's poultry, and a nice balance of parmesan and black pepper combined nicely and I think if possible to do it without clients present, that bowl would have been licked clean. Mains chosen by our group included market fish in parchment. I believe it was mahi mahi and was considered light and well prepared. I am on a steak kick lately and ordered the grilled hanger steak with mashed cauliflower, crispy shallots and roasted garlic jus. Delicious, perfectly prepared medium-rare and enough to share or take home to hungry homebeasts. Kenya AA Coffee from local Water St. Coffee Joint is served in press pots and clearly Rustica knows from coffee--low acid, solid body, smooth winey taste and notes of fragrant florals. They surely paid attention to the water temp and used fresh beans. Stuffed but intrigued by the dessert menu, we all sampled the Michigan Apple Crisp and the Lemon Polenta Cake. Go for the latter. It is made with almonds, vicksburg honey, and whipped cream. Can anything be wrong with fresh whipped cream? I think not. A special lagniappe was a dish of Palazzolo artisan mango sorbeto. It cleared the palate and concluded the feast. Rustica's chef, Adam Watts, comes from Boulder's The Kitchen (which explains a lot about the menu and the exquisite touches and quality). Eric, our server, was attentive and observant. He noted one of our group's nut allergies and prepared her a separate version of the antipasti that didn't have nuts. All in all, five stars for ambiance, taste, wine list, service, quality and execution. If this is peasant food, I want everyone to become a peasant. The fare here satisfies on a deep soul level. Enjoy!
(5)
Emily K.
I was down in KZoo for my WMU graduation in May. We picked Rustica for my graduation dinner, and it was a winner! I cannot even remember what I ordered since it's been so long, but I do know everything was SUPERB! The atmosphere is intimate, yet relaxed enough that you can talk and carry on with friends and family. My family is a tad rowdy once we order a couple bottles of wine :) We sat right by the door--which was chilly, even for May. But the tables were put together for us and the service was outstanding! Our waitress was very good, and so friendly. Someone I would consider befriending even. She was prompt and so educated and honest about all our menu selections. We all tried something new and shared our plates--this is okay here. Everyone was in heaven while eating. The ambiance is reason enough to visit Rustica. It's great for a date night or a family dinner. The wines are excellent---order bottles to save $. I will be visiting this place again the next time I go to Kalamazoo.
(5)
Kev D.
At the recommendation of our Inn Keeper (at Stuart St Inn) we decided to check out Rustica. It was later-ish on a Friday night when we arrived with no reservation. The place was packed but we were promised only a 5 minute wait. We stood at the bar (no cocktail list, but a full compliment of libations) for only as long as it took the bar tender to pour our two drinks and we were shown to our table. Possibly the best seat in the house, we sat in clear view of the 'Kitchen' grill station and were able to enjoy watching the Chefs as they worked their magic. First course was bay scallops on risotto. These were cooked to perfection and melted in the mouth. We used the table bred to clean the plate. Main course I had the duck, cooked perfectly rare-mid rare and she had the salmon served with a poached egg on a bed of wilted spinach. Both were fantastic. Desert, we challenged Chef Scott to make a recommendation and he sent out a chocolate brownie that blew our minds. We enjoyed our final course as we watched them prep a whole pig (donated to a recent march of dimes charity auction). We frequent the A2 and Detroit restaurant weeks and Rustica exceeded all expectations. Without a doubt we can't wait to go back.
(5)
Jill S.
Yum! Try the fish for sure. Best I have ever had.
(5)
Sarah W.
AMAZING!!! Great Food, Great Wine!!!!
(5)
Rana F.
After waiting for over an hour for a table we were told would take 45 minutes, we approached the owner to ask how much longer it would be. He rushed to inquire and never came back. After waiting another 45 minutes, and watching everyone come and go, we approached the hostess only to find a long list of names after our arrival crossed out and seated. We asked why it was we were not seated. Her response was, " I know, it's going to be another 20 minutes." We are all former servers and found it appalling that not only the hostess but the owner didn't seem to care whether we actually ate dinner or not. We decided the amazing food was not worth the terrible service, so we left and enjoyed dinner at Fandango.
(1)
Sarah T.
We went to Rustica on a Saturday night, and had no wait time. Great service and atmosphere. We ordered the duck crepes app ($10) which where excellent and the cheese plate. I would give it five stars, however, the cheese plate app ($10) came with "toasted" bagettes, which where burned. I requested additonal bagettes, that weren't quite so done, and promptly recieved several toasted ones. Overall, I highly recommend. Also, we thought pricing was great for quality of food. You would pay twice this in Chicagoland!
(4)
Angela R.
Had dinner there a while back. I am certainly due for another visit. Great menu and bar selections paired with an intimate atmosphere makes this place a winner.
(5)
Rebecca W.
A romantic little restaurant in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo. The food is delicious and paired with an equally fantastic wine list.
(4)
Brian M.
Great Food. Great Service. Great Wine list. This place is an A+.
(5)
Tom S.
Legendary. I can't believe it's in Kalamazoo. We are lucky.
(5)
Cherry K.
MY FAV PLACE IN KALAMAZOO!!!!! For Kalamazoo, I have to give it 5 stars!!!! Original menu that occasionally changes as the Chef tries new things. . Good wine list by the bottle-both economical and pricey selections. Small intimate setting with sleek and comfortable decor. I would go back again and again.
(5)
Diana S.
Great wine, great food, great service! Great job Bill!
(5)
Bob B.
We live in Chicago and think of ourselves as foodies. With that in mind, the bouillabaisse and braised lamb shanks were as good as we've ever had! Service and ambience were also excellent. Prices are better than fair. No reservations, but call ahead for wait-list. Parking is a pain.
(5)
Scott E.
My wife and I went to Rustica for the first time this week. We were very pleased with the options on the menu and the wine list. The ambiance was very urban with interesting diners and decor. Our server was great and knew just when to appear. All of this was great but when our meal arrived it just went up 10 points. The food was amazing. We definitely will be going back.
(5)
Matt E.
Amazing atmosphere, food was amazing and friends were great, I would recommend to anyone I know
(5)
Laura F.
We were visiting from the San Francisco area and told this was a great place. It did not disappoint. We went with a few friends and had a delicious and memorable meal. Our server could not have been more helpful and professional. She gave great tips on the menu and terrific service. Food was very well prepared -- and we are fairly picky about our meals. I would highly recommend this restaurant and look forward to returning.
(5)
Chuck N.
The wife and I went there a couple of weeks ago, we had a great meal. The wine list was nice, but they could have offered a bit more by the glass options. The appetizers were nice, I really liked the cauliflower gretan. They had a good pasta selection with a couple of nice vegetarian options. The pasta was pretty reasonably priced. The entrees seemed to be a bit pricier, but if they were executed with the same amount of skill and care as what we ate, I can imagine that they are well worth the price.
(4)
Jennifer R.
This place has some of the best food in Kalamazoo and has reasonable prices for an upscale restaurant. Why didn't I give it a 5 star rating? Because I HATE, HATE, HATE that they don't take reservations. It's pretty rediculous that a place this busy wouldn't. We've had to wait at least an hour each time we've gone. Unless it's a special occassion, not worth the waiting. Rustica, if you are worried about no-show-reservations, take a credit card number and charge a fee for no shows.
(3)
Don M.
We phoned ahead for table even though it was a Tuesday. Seated on arrival at a small table between two tables with six or more each. Had to ask server repeatedly to talk louder as I couldn't hear her over the LOUD conversations from the tables next to us. We nearly had to shout to carry on our own conversation. All though we didn't ask to be reseated there were small tables available away from what they should have already known were noisy patrons that two people could have been seated at. Food was good but ambiance and experience was lousy for the price. Server should have known better. Might try again but experiance in Kalamazoo Resturants has been that going back even after commenting to the staff or managers has rarely improved anything. It's no wonder so many go under each year! We have stopped frequenting eleven resturants in the past few years due to declining service and food quality. More than half of them downtown Kalamazoo.
(2)
Anna J.
Made us wait two more hours, even after call ahead! Had heard about the new restaurant Rustica and wanted to give it a try. I called around 6 pm on a Saturday to make reservations and I was told they only do 'call ahead'. So I had my name put down on the wait list and I was told that there is a 45 minute wait but we will be seated for sure by 7 pm. We got there by 6:45 pm to be told that there is another 45 minute wait. I mentioned the call ahead and the conversation I had on the phone but the hostess was simply rude and told me the call ahead does not mean much! We waited and waited outside until 8:30 pm! Unbelieveable!!! In the mean time, they had seated several groups who came after us and when we asked about that, they kept telling us "you are next". Finally, around 8:30 we went in again and asked to be seated right away. They scrambled and we were seated in 5 minutes. That was ridiculous. The restaurant is small with tightly packed tables. The wine selection is good. No cocktail menu, though. The waiter was nice and did his job well. The food was ok, nothing to write home about. Overall, it was an unpleasant experience having to deal with the long, unfair wait and impolite hostess. Will not waste my time again on this restaurant, instead will go back to one of our favorite restaurants - Fandango - right across the street.
(1)
Bob S.
My favorite restaurant in Kalamazoo. This night we went with friends from out of town and had one of our best meals yet. I started off with the grilled romaine with anchovies, which was absolutely fantastic. For a main dish I tried the seafood cappellini, which is medley shellfish and pasta. For dessert the best choice was the Lemoncello tiramisu. So in addition to my choices a wonderful meal.
(5)
Julie C.
Gluten free eaters in Kalamazoo need look no further than Rustica. I feasted here last night and it was fabulous. For starters, my group of three tried the grilled asparagus and the spring greens salad. The salad had a light vinaigrette that perfectly complemented the assorted baby greens and sliced press pods of the salad. The grilled asparagus was the only item we had that I thought was less successful; I was expecting a warm dish. Instead, the asparagus was pretty hard and cool and the soft-boiled egg, broken to reveal its deliciously runny yolk, was ice cold. Maybe that was as it was intended, but I believe it would work better as a warm dish. My entree was the GF pasta carbonara. Although the menu does not say it, they do serve gluten free pasta. The owner delivered our dinners, which looked spectacular, but I did have to ask for confirmation that I was getting the GF pasta. The pasta was delicious and perfectly al dente, which is hard to do with GF pasta so kudos to the chef! The sauce itself was outstanding, light and full of flavor, but the star was the bacon: so many large chunks of cured smokiness that I could have a bite with each forkful of pasta. Gluten-free friends, there is more. In season, they have a gluten-free strawberry cake that is simply AMAZING (for three people, we ordered two, which turned out to be just right.) It consists of a small, round, individually baked cake--I'm not sure if it was vanilla originally--that has been completely soaked in strawberry juice or puree. The edges of the cake are slightly crunchy due to the caramelization of sugar while baking, adding another layer of complexity and heavenly yumminess to this extraordinary dessert. I have never had anything like it. I will definitely be eating here again the next time I am in Kalamazoo!
(5)
Jason L.
UPDATE. My wife went to this place a couple of night ago, wanting a table at 9:20. The kitchen closes at 10, ostensibly. But, SORRY! the kitchen closed already! Don't go to this rotten place. Overpriced, uninteresting food, and FAR too pretentious for their mediocre performance.
(1)
Gar B.
This place is so good, I ate here three nights last week! I was in Kalamazoo on business and Rustica was recommended to me - the best recommendation of the trip. The first night I had the salmon and couscous which was delicious and got me hooked. The second night, I had the heirloom salad, the baked wellington and finished it with a cup of coffee and possibly the greatest brownie I have ever eaten. One my third visit, I had the mussels to start followed by the lamb shank and a cup of coffee. Delicious. The coffee is from the Water Street Coffee Joint, and I cannot describe how amazing it is - you have to try it! There's a great selection of craft beers and wine(extensive). You must visit Rustica if you're in Kalamazoo.
(5)
Nicole V.
Mr. MVP and I decided to try Rustica tonight for our eleventh anniversary. As usual I had to research the menu and all the reviews before we even set foot into the place, so I sort of knew what we were getting into. It is Friday and we arrived at 7:30 p.m., so we anticipated a wait. I had read about their call ahead policy, but I was more confused by this system and we decided not to use it. When we walked in, we were told the wait was over thirty minutes, but we could be seated at the bar immediately. We took it. A tip - if you are a party of two and the place is packed, sit at the bar because it is much quieter. The only time we had trouble hearing was when there was a large group at the bar waiting to be seated at a table. Keep in mind however, I do have hearing troubles and noise sensitivities. The service was excellent. Team VP does not drink alcohol and because we are of drinking age some establishments give us the side eye when we ask for club soda. Rustica handled our request with grace. Mr. MVP had the Rustica salad for a starter, which he throughly enjoyed. He said the dressing was perfect. As a salad I did notice that it was simply large leaves of butter lettuce, dressed. Pretty, but simple. I had the special, which was brussels sprouts, sweet potato mash and steak. I had my steak cooked well done, which most likely was an insult to the kitchen, but it was perfectly cooked for me and the entire meal was amazing. The sprouts were tender and the mash was sweet and tangy. There was also blue cheese on top of the steak that added an amazing flavor. Mr. MVP had the bouillabaisse and he ate every drop. He said that the broth was perfect and said it reminded him of his favorite cioppino. The shrimps were huge and the artichoke was a tasty addition. For dessert we shared the brownie and the walnut banana cake. The brownie was incredibly rich. It was so rich that between the two of us we could not finish half of it. It was almost a molten brownie lava cake. Good, but so ridiculously rich. The banana walnut cake was the favorite. Mr. MVP finished that off himself. With the combination of the gelato it was simply the best. It was not too sweet and the banana was not overpowering. Rustica was a little loud at times, but it was good loud. There were people enjoying excellent food and company. Team VP had the best seats to watch the whole show and enjoy our meals.
(5)
Megan C.
Great find! I was traveling out of town so sat at the bar and it was a nice atmosphere. I tried the fish of the day which was cod with leeks, capers and potatoes in parchment. Flavorful and light, exactly what I wanted.
(5)
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Address :236 South Kalamazoo Mall
Kalamazoo, MI, 49007
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Garage, Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Very Loud Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Caitlin S.
The food is very expensive, the bolognese pasta is good, but they didn't put foil in the box and the grease ruined my pants. Personally not the greatest experience...
(3)Katherine H.
Good service. Lovely atmosphere. We were all looking forward to my husband's beef wellington -- which turned out to be pot roast in crust. Beef Wellington is not something you mess with - it's a classic dish with ONE recipe. If you are going to reinterpret, explain, and call it something else. We were having a special family dinner with our teenagers and had a good time, but are not likely to return.
(3)Kendra S.
Great, seasonal menu, fresh, delicious food... Beautiful, yet casual interior. Loved every aspect of this place. Worth every penny.
(5)James M.
I had a fantastic meal. I started with the roasted bone marrow which was delicious and goes highly recommended. I then had one of the best lamb shanks ever. It was Greek-inspired and served with a panzanella and cucumber with yoghurt that accompanied the tender meat beautifully. I concluded with a heavenly Callehaut chocolate brownie served with gelato. I may go back again tonight!
(5)Anon A.
As an Italian, I tend to judge based on a restaurant's Caesar Salad.... One of the best I've ever had including my time in Europe (London is still the best) and NYC. You're missing out if you haven't been here yet... They're on par with Cosmo's and, only rate less in my book because their genera of food is a little more limited. Otherwise, this is among the best K-zoo has to offer!
(4)Gregory M.
Delicious food, quaint environment, a great experience. The staffing and service was first rate.
(4)Christine H.
Me and my brother in law went here after he interviewed for a job in the city. It was really delicious. We started off our meal with a smoked salmon appetizer ($10) which was on special that night. It was amazing and a good portion in comparison to appetizers that I get to other similar restaurants. For lunch I had a poached fluke that was on special and my brother in law got a "seafood gumbo" dish. We were both really happy with our dishes and cleared every bite off our plates. It's a bit pricy, but this is a great restaurant for a special occasion! My brother is from New York, and he said that this food was up to par with the big city restaurants he was used to. The kitchen is right in the main dining area which is a cool experience! Also, a big perk was that the restaurant owner stopped by our table at the end of our meal to check to see how our experience was. Our waiter was very quick and really nice. Only complaint about this restaurant was that it was REALLY warm inside. We were sitting right near the kitchen so that may have played a factor. Overall amazing experience!
(5)Rachael G.
My fiancée and I decided to have a "day-after-my-birthday" dinner here based on a recommendation from my parents. After confirming the choice with Yelp, of course, we came for a later dinner on a Wednesday night. I called ahead to get our names on their waiting list; I'm not sure if it was because of the holidays or if it's usually packed, but we were told we'd be better off coming after 8. The restaurant itself felt very cozy, warm and busy, perfect for a freezing cold winter night. The place was packed and we had to wait about 10 minutes for a table but the man seating guest was very prompt and worked quickly to get us a table. I had a glass of champers while we waited so I was a happy camper. Once sat, we were greeted quickly and ordered the mussels as an appetizer. Very tasty, though my fiancée thought he had one that tasted a bit off. I thought they were great. For dinner, I ordered a seafood pasta. Delicious! I just wish there had been a gluttonous helping of the pasta, I love my carbs. The fiancée got the halibut, and though I didn't try it, he seemed to love it. My only regret of the whole meal was not having room for dessert. I'd most definitely come back for a nice romantic dinner the next time we are in the area.
(4)P Yelp N.
Outstanding food and service. Probably the best in Kalamazoo. I have been here several times now and have never been disappointed. I'm not really sure why I even bother looking at the menu because everything I ever have here is outstanding, including the deserts. You get what what you pay for so meal are never cheep.
(5)T.L. S.
Loved this place. Great food and a wonderful wine list. A must if in Kalamazoo. I could go on, but there's not much more to say. If you're traveling between Detroit and Chicago along Interstate 94, it's worth stopping off for a meal. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Olivia F.
Food was pretty good but the service was lacking for the price. You think if they were going for more upscale, they would hire some better trained servers. They weren't busy, it was a Thursday night and we were on the priority waiting list or whatever, and there were better tables available but the hostess sat us in the back in a dark corner. The server did not seem friendly or happy, but disinterested and grumpy the whole time and looked a little disheveled. My mom told her it was my birthday dinner but they didn't even do anything. No free dessert and she didn't even put a candle in my dessert until my mom asked directly for a candle. She also didn't bring extra spoons to share the dessert, which is usually always a given at most places. There was a stain on the tablecloth right by me as well. Also when my relative called to make a reservation after 4pm the day-of and they said something about how they don't do reservations but have a waiting list, we were like umm what's the difference... Just sounded pretentious to us, just tell us if we can have a table at that time or not, we don't care what you call it. Zazios has much better service.
(3)Stacie V.
Rustica is delicious! I came on a Saturday night and it was packed. I recommend making reservations ahead of time or coming after 9pm. The crowd started to die down around 930pm. Our server was on top of everything. As soon as we finished an appetizer, he'd bring in our next one within seconds. It's a little pricey considering their portions, but worth it. Great quality.
(5)Jessica I.
We had an excellent meal here with very professional service. The ambiance is very nice, and the emphasis on regional food and beer added to the quality of the experience. It's a cozy place with lots of good choices on the menu.
(4)Rachel L.
So with the reputation of being one of the best restaurants in kalamazoo I guess I was expecting more. The atmosphere is beautiful. Very inviting. You can see everything going on in the kitchen which was nice. The service was good, not great. When our server was present he was friendly. But he appeared to have a lady friend at the bar he was preoccupied with. A majority of his attention went to her. At this caliber of a restaurant I expect the waiter to be attentive. With us letting him know it was our first time he made no recommendations. We ordered the pork loin and rib eye. The pork loin had great flavors. I really enjoyed that dish. The rib eye was a huge disappointment. The steak was salty and potatoes were overcooked and flavorless. I enjoyed their take on a healthier version of creamed spinach. Had the carrot cake for dessert. It was good. Not sure I would return.
(3)C W.
We went here for our anniversary & the food was excellent! One of the best restaurants I've ate at in years. We had steaks, salads & dessert. It was all great & the staff was attentive. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Michelle K.
I come here whenever I'm in town--definitely the best restaurant I've discovered in Kalamazoo. They also do a good job of managing availability: the system is that you call them after they open, leaving a message with a request for a reservation, and they call you back in the afternoon to confirm. It works well, and I've always been able to get a table, even when they're busy. The pork loin is amazing, and the farrotto too. Really, I've had nothing bad here.
(5)Stefanie N.
Off topic but this is the second time I could have sworn I reviewed an establishment and it ended up dissapearing. I first reviewed them several years ago when they first opened and I would give it the same rating as I did then...5/5. Anyway, this is by far, my favorite place in town! I've been here numerous times and the food is excellent. Delicious menu and ingredients are fresh. One side note, all the times I've been here, the dishes seem to be a tad over salted.
(5)Caleb Y.
Nice, quaint restaurant. Very warm feeling. Open kitchen makes for some during-dining entertainment! The food was prepared well. The service attentive. I was very happy with my meal and service!
(4)Michael P.
We have been here several times and have always had a great meal. Rustica does not have an extensive menu but prepares every item well and uses high quality ingredients. The wait staff provides good advice on meals and wines.
(5)Brian D.
My wife and I ate there for my birthday. Absolutely wonderful! Our meals were prepared perfectly and the flavors were to die for. We are impatiently waiting for our next visit.
(5)Chelsea C.
This place has it all going on- from the food to the decor and service- top notch. We were in town for a "beer-cation" and were in need of a respite from the delicious hoppy beverages we had been consuming all day. We were so glad we stopped in here. We started out with the Artichoke Salad which was fresh and fantastic- for our main entree we had the Sirloin Cap Steak. It. Was. Amazeballs. It was in an incredible sauce, cooked perfectly, and one of those meals where you keep going MMMM to the person you are with (think scene from "What About Bob" at the dinner table). Ended our meal with the Amaretti Cake and Sorbet Trio- they were okay, this was the only part of our meal that wasn't great- good, just not great. Had wonderful service from Trevor, he suggested an amazing wine with our dinner, was attentive and personable. This place is wonderful- will DEFINITELY be back next time we are in K-Zoo!
(4)Susanne V.
It's probably not fair to give it this low of a review because I never tasted the food but we were there on a very slow Monday night for our anniversary. We were so looking forward to it because we love foodie restaurants in Kalamazoo and hadn't had the chance to come here. We were seated by the open kitchen which sounds great but our view was just of the back of some equipment and a bunch of dirty rags. We asked if we could be seated toward the front instead (there were only two other tables seated in the whole place). With an audible grumble they moved us up to a table wedged by the server stand. After listening to the servers loudly talk about their wild nights and how bored they were to be there, we just couldn't stay any longer and left. It was really disappointing because we knew the food was supposed to be great but the atmosphere made us feel like we should be grateful they even allowed us to be there. But...we headed down to Zazios and were treated like royalty for our anniversary dinner!
(2)David C.
Excellent ambiance, classic Euro look, very fresh ingredients. We walked in on a Thursday night and sat right by the look-in galley kitchen, best seats in the house. We split a Bibb and goat cheese salad, split the nightly special (beef tenderloin), waiter recommended a great French Red bottle (35 bucks). All the chefs/sous chefs seem to be Culinary Institute trained. Beautiful plating, über-competent waiter (Trevor) plus friendly. Very little if any pretentiousness; even talked with the chef as he was plating some beautiful gnocchi, great guy. Will eat here again next time we're in K'zoo, no doubt. Dessert (trio of the week) was in need of some more flavor pop but we didn't care, it was a first class meal! BTW, prices are reasonable for fine cuisine with a distinctive classic light European touch. Well done gentlemen.
(4)Alicia K.
Bouillabaisse was out of this world delish! Dig the atmosphere.
(5)John S.
Hi All, Took my girl out on a surprise date night. Had tickets to the State Theater....so looked up the area and found Rustica was near by. liked the menu on-line and decided to call and get a preferred seating list going. WOW.....was I so delighted with the food, service, and open kitchen. We just loved the experience. Would like to find another restaurant of this quality someday, somewhere. BRAVO RUSTICA.....BRAVO!
(5)Meghan K.
Rustica would be right at home in any big city dining scene. The food is fresh and seasonal. For dinner last week, I started with gazpacho, which had a great kick to it. I had a New York strip steak special (at least I'm 90% sure that's what cut it was). Cooked perfectly. Dinner was a corn tart. Creative but not my favorite dessert of all time. Best part was... My parents were in town and paying, so we ordered off the stash wine list. Also excellent is the lamb shank and the baked fish. Truthfully, I've never had a bad or even mediocre meal at Rustica. It is by far my favorite restaurant in Kalamazoo.
(5)Will A.
The downtown Kalamazoo Mall area is a fun and cool neighborhood. I was out there from LA, visting my family for the holidays. My brother and his family live in a loft across the street from this place. The restaurant itself is small, but very intimate. The food is Modern European fare. Very tasty, classy and sophisticated. Check out my pics. The also have an awesome wine list. We selected a Bordeaux red which they poured through an aerator and into a decanter. Nice touch. And the wine paired very nicely with my lamb dish. It was the perfect wine. Trevor was our waiter and he was awesome. Great service. Very attentive and down to earth. I really enjoyed my dinner experience and everytime I visit my family in Kalamazoo I will come back and eat here.
(5)Max L.
Wow. This place was unreal. I started off with the house smoked salmon salad and I kid you not, one of the best salads I've ever had. Everything was fresh and it was the perfect portion. Now, for the life changer, I had the braised lamb shank. Honestly, it was cooked perfectly, and I could eat it everyday. If you haven't been here, come! Trust me. You'll thank me later!
(5)TK S.
We went here on the recommendation of the host of the Kalamazoo House B&B while in Kalamazoo for Thanksgiving and checking out the local breweries. We arrived around 630pm without a reservation were seated immediately and were there about an hour. The restaurant was full and had a wait some of the time. They have two person tables and chairs, no booths and the tables are arranged in a European style of VERY close together if crowded and so close you can hear your neighbors every word is not your thing this is not your place. But perfect seating for the menu. LOVE the open kitchen-I like to see and smell my food being prepared. No secrets here. Everything is done right. They do have a coat check which helped in the close quarters. We had wine and beer and our server was very well informed and able to make educated recommendations and pairings with our dinner choices. The beet salad was sooo good. We also had the Angus steak which was perfect in all regards and lastly we had the evening special of white beans, duck, sausage, pork with savory vegs. So wonderful and delicious. Lastly, we had carrot cake for dessert - the vanilla ice cream was yummy but the carrot cake was to dense to eat we brought it home to our grandson and even he declined. The entire experience was amazing with spot on service. We would definitely eat here again and suggest it to others. A perfect date night place and nice for a family dinner with older children. The ambiance was classy, casual and super friendly (everyone smiled). The food was so delicious and flavorful we were in food heaven.
(5)Adam A.
My favorite place to dine in Kalamazoo. Great michigan beer selection! I have not had anything I do not like from their menu except I do not think the bone marrow is well executed. I have tried it two times and watched someone else get frustrated and underwhelmed by their experience with them. That is my only criticism. Service, food (gnocchi are great), atmosphere are all great. I highly recommend this place.
(5)Jennifer D.
I visited Rustica on a weeknight while in town on work travel. I was solo and did not have a reservation. The restaurant was packed but I was able to be seated immediately at the bar. The bar had a nice beer and wine selection. I enjoyed a Belgian wheat. I ordered the potato gnocchi as my entree. It was delicious! One of my favorite pasta dishes I've had to date. It had a light sauce and was accompanied by asparagus and a soft cheese. I would order it again in a heartbeat. I ordered the tiramisu for dessert. I would not recommend if you enjoy a traditional tiramisu. The ladyfingers were soaked in an orange liquor and the top was coated with a thick layer of chocolate chips. It had nice flavors but left something to be desired if you were hoping for some of the usual tiramisu flavors. The service was great. The bartender at the back bar was very attentive to those sitting in the stools while also keeping up with the drink demand at the well station. I would definitely visit this restaurant if I found myself in Kalamazoo again.
(4)Jon K.
Absolutely delicious, I haven't even finished my meal and im posting this. I had the marrow and duck.
(5)Kellee K.
Eric and I went for dinner around 6 PM. Longer than it is wide, Rustica has the feel of a downtown restaurant. I love the concept of a menu that changes with the seasons. Varied decor - we spotted Asian art, Roman pillars, etc. Brown paper on the tables, European feel. Open kitchen on the right side, you can see the entrees lined up. It was pretty busy for a Thursday night, we got the last table right by the door. They need some noise panels or something, because everything echoed off the hard walls and floor. Started with some bread that was a little dry - was it old? Served with normal EVOO. Eric got an appetizer, the bone marrow with a fig jam (no bacon), bread, and the tiny bone marrow spoon. It was definitely Western style, and Eric said he preferred Asian bone marrow (but of course he is biased). He loved the flavors of the jam with the bone marrow. I got the salmon entree, with a ramps pesto, plus tomatos, artichokes, and more ramps. Despite hating onions, I didn't mind the ramps for their slightly garlic flavor. Salmon was very well cooked and buttery, pesto was too salty for my liking. Bottom line: All in all, for the price, Rustica is A-OK. The food in Europe is probably better. Mind over matter, food over mind.
(3)John A.
Can't say enough good things about this place... Definitely on the pricey side but the food is... Wow. That's all my wife and I can say.... WOW.
(5)Matthew A.
Nice atmosphere but the main dishes were disappointing. I had the steak and it was cooked correctly and had ok flavor but sides were very disappointing. Best thing was the wine and dessert...brownie dish was very good.
(3)Suz W.
Great flavorful everything. Beet salad- grilled romaine, salmon,duck breast, banana walnut cake. Start to finish superb! Server and chefs-- hats off to you. Big city restaurant for sure.
(5)Lydia R.
After a few negative experiences with seafood in Michigan, I've learned that perhaps Michigan just doesn't have good seafood, which may be obvious to some. However, I love seafood and I give second chances, so I decided to give the mussels a chance here. I was quite disappointed. They smelled fishy in a bad way and tasted really old. The restaurant was also quite crowded and hot when I visited for dinner.
(1)Joe L.
Rustica is classy yet comfortable. It's small and cozy but has an artsy, big city feel to it. I love how the menu is only 1 page and is seasonal. The chefs only have to focus on a few key dishes and they do them very well. Great wine selection also. They have many wines that are unusual and hard to find and they use some local beers as well as European beers. After finishing your fantastic meal you can get a succulent dessert with some locally brewed coffee. Rustica is a great example for other Kalamazoo restaurants to follow.
(5)Lynn J.
There are several really good restaurants in Kalamazoo. However, there are only a few that are as good to Rustica. Four of us ate at Rustica Thursday evening. We all had different entrees and they were all excellent. The lamb shank was wonderful, one of the best I have ever had as was the salmon and pasta with chicken dish. I highly recommend this quaint European style restaurant.
(5)Larry Z.
Food was excellent, I had the lamb and cassoulet, the lamb was perfect - fell apart when the fork touched it, amazing flavor. The cassoulet in the bowl was perfectly seasoned, with a slight crunch to each bite. - amazing
(5)Atreya B.
Nice
(5)Karol C.
A top-notch restaurant in Kzoo. Fantastic service and even better food. We've dined here a few times and have never been disappointed. I also enjoy dining at the tables next to the chefs. It's entertaining to watch them cook and made it easy to give them compliments as we enjoyed our meals.
(5)Terry B.
I've got to admit, I am seriously impressed. I visited based on yelp reviews and they did not disappoint. I ordered a crabcake and the lamb shank; one of the best meals I've ever had, seriously! They tastefully integrated basil into both courses, the lamb was tender and flavorful, the side dish (tomato salad) was a delightful surprise. I can't speak highly enough of this place.
(5)Steve R.
Best restaurant in Southwest Michigan! Food is always fresh, creatively prepared, and visually appealing. They have some fantastic chefs from CIA. Some of my favorites are the grilled asparagus, grilled romaine salad, the fresh fish, and the bouillabaisse. I have never been disappointed in anything I've ordered- you cannot go wrong! Fantastic wine list (ask Saad for a suggestion). French-press after dinner with dessert is always a treat. The restaurant is small but to me that adds to its charm. Bill and Saad are always very welcoming. Very friendly, attentive staff. Most have been there for years. It can be quite busy so either call ahead (they do not take reservations) or plan on waiting at the bar. We are very fortunate to have such a place in Kalamazoo!
(5)Esther C.
Oh, their Braised Lamb Shank and Roasted Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast is to die for!!!
(5)Celine S.
Kalamazoo can finally boast about an exquisite restaurant. I've eaten at Rustica nearly a dozen times and have never been disappointed with my choices. The lamb shank is superb-one of my favorites although I try to order something different each time I visit. Rustica's wine selection is simplistic and satisfying . The ambiance is dimly lit, but not so much that you can't see your food. I'm really a fan of the decor. It truly encompasses quaintness and class of a small French Bistro. The only draw back to eating at a place like Rustica is it's difficult to find a comparable restaurant in Kalamazoo. A caveat concerning attire: Although they casual is ok, I would not recommended wearing jeans or super casual clothing there . It's a bit more formal than the average restaurant in the zoo.
(4)James R.
Rustica is a nicely decorated space in a classic, down-at-the-heels sort of way I am quite fond of (see also: Maude's Liquor Bar). We were seated promptly on a Wednesday night at about 6:30 and Rustica was busy. I sat across from a friend facing the windows and near the front of the restaurant, so I did not get much of a look at the facility. The dining room is long and narrow, with brick walls that reflect sound. Light tans and taupe with undertones of grey are the primary colors -- this I like, because the focus is visually on the food rather than the decor, and it works well here. To start, we were served bread and olive oil and I had a bowl of the crab bisque. The bread was good and the oil flavorful with a green taste that was slightly and pleasantly bitter. The bisque was attractively presented in a shallow bowl, garnished with finely chopped celery and studded with a few lumps of crab meat. While the crab meat was good (and free of any grit or shell, I might add), I found the bisque far too tomato-ey for my liking. I do not think I would order it again. For a main I went stereotypical male and ordered the hanger steak with asparagus, crimini, and a chevre and spinach tartlet. I asked for medium rare and it came medium rare. It was presented wonderfully, the lightly-charred and perfectly medium rare slices evenly fanned on one side and pivoting about the tartlet's puff pastry. On the other side were the mushrooms and asparagus. The meat was dressed in bordelaise sauce that was quite thick. Alas, my high hopes were sort of dashed as far as the meat went. The bordelaise was strong and practically overpowered the meat. I was really looking forward to the strong, beefy flavor of the onglet with an accent of bordelaise but instead found it fairly pedestrian. Vegetables were great with the tartlet was all pastry and little chevre or spinach, which was a real let down. My friend had the orechiette with crab, shrimp, chorizo and peppers. I did not try her meal, but it looked like a large portion and it came very hot, with buckets of steam coming off the plate. She found it good, but neither raved nor complained about it. Service was fair; pleasant but somewhat inattentive, but then again they were busy. A warning is that this place is quite loud, one of the loudest true restaurants (as opposed to a bar and restaurant) I have been to. I had to ask my friend to repeater herself several times as there was a boisterous group of three couples immediately to our right. I'm not wholly sure why Rustica has the rating it does based on my experience there. It was ok. Nothing special in my opinion but perhaps I just didn't order right or went on a bad night. Still, given the experience and quality I had at Zazios a block or so away, if you were looking for a great meal I would go there first.
(3)Amy W.
Great experience. Went here solo on a biz trip. Well done in all parts, from decor to service to food. The grilled romaine salad with white sardines was sublime. Perhaps I ate here at an ideal time of year, because my salmon entree was loaded with local veggies. Great beer menu too.
(5)Michael G.
My most recent meal at Rustica was last night; I have eaten there on three prior occasions. My dining companion last night lives in New York and routinely eats at top world restaurants and I have eaten my way through a couple dozen Michelin stars. It was a no-brainer to take him to Rustica because it is the most consistently great eating establishment in Kalamazoo. Yes the restaurant can be loud and the lack of reservations means I avoid Rustica on weekend nights. Service was only satisfactory (our waitress was slow with a couple things and set the knives / forks on the wrong side of the plates when we got new utensils). But oh, the food! Following are my thoughts on each of the dishes we had: Grilled Romaine Salad amish cheddar, garlic croutons, white anchovies, and caesar dressing $8 ---My least favorite dish; you don't get much and everyone does this dish. But it was the best Caesar salad I have ever had with nice nuances to the flavor. Prince Edward Island Mussels steamed with roasted garlic, white wine, herbs, and grilled bread $13 --Again, a classic dish. Prepared well and enjoyable. Cold Crab Salad baby greens, candied fennel, dill, cilantro vinaigrette $9 --This was not available, but we shared a similar dish that was a special that had a tempura soft-shelled crab with some sort of picked vegetable among fresh dandelion greens with an aioli sauce on the side. This was exquisite and a perfect pairing of the different flavors in the dish. Sautéed Bay Scallops lemon-parsley risotto, and brown butter $10 -- The risotto was well prepared and its flavor contrasted well with the buttery scallops. Grilled Pork Loin confit fingerling potatoes, swiss chard, golden raisins, chorizo, house-made mustard $19 --This was amazing, melt-in-your-mouth meat and the pairing of various flavors in this dish was new to me and quite tasty. Baked Market Fresh Fish in parchment paper with olives, capers, leeks, seasonal potatoes, and lemon herb butter $19 --I think it was Pacific Cod. Anyway, nicely done and the leeks and olives helped it stand out from the standard 'fresh fish en papillote'. But it wasn't really special. Tagliatelle smoked chicken, snap peas, arugula, sweet chilies, parmesan $17 -- Perfectly cooked pasta (slightly al dente) with excellent flavors. On previous visits I have had their Rosemary bone marrow (something every meat-eater without a cholesterol problem should have) and some small bird and likely their roast duck. I have never had anything at Rustica that was not at least very good. The best things I have had were the less common things. The same goes for desserts: I have only had dessert a few times at Rustica but each one that I have tried has been at least very good; the best ones were the more unique things that can't be easily found elsewhere. Rustica remains my favorite spot in Kalamazoo for good food and its prices are lower than other nice restaurants in Kalamazoo.
(5)Meghan M.
I've eaten here a couple times and everytime the experience has been great. The ambience is nice and cozy and the open kitchen atmosphere is always nice. I have tried a couple different things here, pork tenderloin, a pasta and a fish dish and all of them were flavorful and had a great presentation. The wine list is great and the pear tart for dessert was delicious.
(4)Justin O.
Our meal last night was fantastic. Argyle Pinot Reserva --- half off bottles before 6pm. Scallops in Brown Butter over Lemon Parsley Risotto Salmon and Pastrami Salad (Number one thing we tried) - we wanted more! Lamb Shank (to die for) - Taste like grandma Tuscan cooked it herself all DAY! Fresh Pressed Coffee. All these items were five stars and plus! The grilled ceazer salad was overdressed and small for ten bucks, but still delicious, and the bouillibase of seafood was not OMG, but still really delicious! You start to be really critical of the food here, because the last bite you had so was damn amazing! The chefs know how to use subtle ingredients to capture and deliver on big infusuion and flavor. We loved it! The service was great, the table and atmosphere were great! We really had one of the best times we have had in awhile thanks to the quiet and confident service and atmosphere Rustica provided Sunday evening! A perfect place for a romantic date or a nice dress up dinner with friends and family! Highly recommend this place! Thank you once again to Darren, the chefs and everyone over at Rustica! Your Crew is Great!
(5)Per J.
Wonderful menu. Wonderful staff. Delicious food. And cozy to boot. Rustica would thrive in Chicago...and is an unexpected thrill in Kakamazoo!
(5)Cullen S.
QUICK TIP: The name of the restaurant is pronounced "roos-TEAK-uh". Overheard one of the owners say it. Finally tried this place for dinner on a Wednesday night. Overall impressed and honestly nothing to mark it down, I just don't give out five stars for one meal. The food was very good although not mind-blowing. I had the potato gnocchi and my friend had the duck, and both were very good. The waitress was friendly and efficient, had our water out immediately, and then our beer and bread basket in short succession. Entrees came only 10-13 minutes after we ordered. Definitely has the potential to be one of the best places in town. The bill was $64 for two entrees, two salads, and two beers. Open for dinner only.
(4)AJ H.
This is a classy, upscale restaurant. The menu changes seasonally and the servers are knowledgable. I have been here several times and each time have found the food excellent. The wine list is extensive and desserts are fantastic. Highly recommend!
(5)Dee V.
Rustica is our destination to celebrate family events. The atmosphere is great and the food is fabulous. Last night we enjoyed the salmon, the steak caps and the lamb shank. All were delicious. The pork was disappointing. Very tough but still better than the rice accompaniment. After many visits we had one bad dish. I still consider this one of my favorite kalamazoo restaurants.
(4)Kevin H.
Really good food. I had the Chicken and my wife had the pork loin both were juicy and tender. We were even their after they closed and we never felt rushed by the waitstaff who was waiting patiently to go home.
(5)Gary S.
An owner of this business sent me a message that I would characterize as a long-winded argument "proving" that my review was somehow wrong and making an attempt to induce me to "take down" my review of my very disappointing experience at his restaurant. He expressed concern that my review lessened his Yelp rating. He in no way convinced me to return.
(1)Angelina T.
An intimate atmosphere, even when it's completely full (though it can get a little loud -- if you can, try to get a seat by the window). There seems to be less of of a wait than other equally crowded restaurants (*cough* Fandango) and a better food selection than similarly themed restaurants (like Epic). The gnocchi is always cooked to perfection and they combine favors in original ways. There is an excellent selection of wines and beer. For those with a more adventurous palate, they have dishes such as bone marrow and stuffed squash blossoms. They generally change their menu with the seasons, introducing new dishes, all stocked from locally owned farms or certified organic. Whenever we aim to impress or simply to have a great meal, we take our guests to this restaurant. Kalamazoo is lucky to count Rustica amongst its fine downtown establishments.
(5)Jon-Paul B.
Excellent. I have eaten here a lot and admittedly am acquainted with the owners and chefs but the consistency and creativity of Rustica stand out. First off, the staff are excellent. They are well trained, kind and generally have a point of view on what they like and don't. It's nice to get actual direction on what's good that night vs the old 'I like everything on the menu' adage. Second, the seasonal menu always reflects the best ingredients that are available at that time of year. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see nary a dish with basil in it in January. Thank God. Finally, the design of the menu is really geared toward the Italian format of primo, secondo and terzo which allows one to have three great dishes in one meal. Quality and refinement are placed above jaw dropping portion size and philistine styles of eating. My favs: the chicken, hangar steak, any ravioli chef makes is delicious, pot pie (yes I said pot pie), short rib and duck. Go and order what you usually like and trust that it will be elevated. Buon appetito!
(5)Jelly S.
Best place to eat in KZoo. Very fun atmosphere, great menu and wine/beer list. Service was fantastic. Can get busy and you may have to wait but it's worth it.
(5)John S.
Rustica is absolutely first class in design and execution. The wine list is deep and rich; prices are reasonable. I am in Kalamazoo for a week and will eat there whenever I have a choice. I own a restaurant in Miami so know what I am talking about. BTW, you would be paying $10+ more a plate there.
(5)Philip T.
Food was good and ambiance nice. Small restaurant with fine food. Fish okay (not as good as Bonefish Grill in Grand Rapids), steak good and Duck, so so (Aries was best and now the Four Roses in Plainwell excellent). Other choices okay. Went to Rustica to celebrate Wife's birthday but staff and restaurant were non-receptive. Disappointed! Service satisfactory but lacking enthusiasm and fun. If you are looking to celebrate something special, another place may be more accommodating. If you want a pleasant meal in a small but nice environment, good place to go.
(3)Andrew R.
Rustica is one of the better restaurants in the Kalamazoo area. It is a small space, but they provide for the American personal sphere so there aren't as many tables as they could support. Unfortunately there is an open kitchen which further reduces the dining space available. Rustica attempts to use local produce and meats whenever possible. This is a plus. They should be commended for supporting the community and starting with quality building blocks rather than tasteless corporate foodstuffs. Overall, I would describe the menu as tame. I suspect this is a reflection of Kalamazoo's palate more than anything. However, it's disappointing there's nothing overly challenging, new, or unexpected on the menu. Tame menu aside, everything I have tried at Rustica is very good. Well prepared, well presented, and well proportioned. Although I only rate Rustica three stars ("A-OK"), compared to other Kalamazoo eateries, Rustica satisfies the definition of five stars on Yelp ("Woohoo! As good as it gets!"). Adding some excitement to the menu could easily make Rustica a four star establishment. I am sure I will return and I would recommend Rustica.
(3)Judy S.
Wait, am I still in Kalamazoo? This restaurant is amazing. My boyfriend and I was there on Friday night to celebrate our one-year anniversary. We had a glass of Barbera, the bayside scallop, the gnocchi and the lamb shank. Everything was excellent, except the scallop dish was alright, we could use a few more scallops since they were tiny. The Lamb Shank was the most memorable for both of us. The Barbera was rather young with a little tannin. Definitely going back when I save up enough money. Everything we had were in good portion; one person portion 3-course meal with one glass of wine, tax and tip = $64. We were full after sharing the food and splitting the bill with $32 a piece. I say that was a pretty good deal. I wouldn't be able to have this kind of quantity and quality anywhere else, like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago,...
(5)Larry P.
If you're a serious foodie, this is the place to go in Kalamazoo. Interesting flavors, nice presentation. The grilled romaine salad was particularly noteworthy. Interesting Belgian ales on tap. The only downside is they ran out of bread. How does a restaurant run out of bread?
(4)Rodrigo R.
It is always a great place for dinner! One of my favorite restaurants in the world! Great food and amazing wine list.
(5)Susan C.
Finally, a good restaurant in Kalamazoo! My husband and I have dined here a few times and have enjoyed our meals. I recently had the pork and it was scrumptious. It is more than a little "tight" in terms of personal space, and the bar is lacking space, but it's a cool place overall. The wait staff is somewhat slow, but that's probably b/c the place is packed all the time! They have a great wine list and knowledgeable servers.
(4)Kelsey K.
I'm really glad that Kzoo is getting some really enjoyable places to eat. In a lot of smaller communities it's hard to find places where the chef really puts their heart and soul into the dishes and thinks them through all the way before putting them on the menu. They know that they're still better than Applebee's so they'll still get business either way but this is one of the places where they didn't slack just because they could. They actually gave it 100% and they put out a great menu that is really enjoyable and I can't wait to go back. They had a great wine menu and their food menu was extensive enough to have something for everybody but it was far from overwhelming. Way to go Rustica!!
(5)Sarah L.
Love it. I go every time I'm in the greater Kzoo area. I doubt I can add anything that isn't already here! The one thing I do want to clarify is that it's not on Mall Drive, it's on the Kalamazoo Mall, downtown. The address is right; the map is wrong. Enjoy!!
(5)o m.
Excited and happy with authentic new culinary challenge in downtown Kalamazoo! Rustic is a new very beautiful restaurant. It is at the same location "Sprouts" used to be. Yes it is small and crowded, which is OK with us. Place were filled with full of delicious smell, when we were waiting our table it all looked very promising. And we did enjoyed all full course meal! All the ingredients were mostly local and excellent. We had Craft Cheese Plate. Wow! Don't miss, I do not even like cheese much.... Sautéed Bay Scallops with lemon-parsley risotto and brown butter. Was ok, I would try something else. Mushroom Farrotto: porcini, oyster and crimini mushrooms with garlic, thyme and marsala. Flavorful, but would be great to have more complexity with different kinds of mushroom, e.g. morel, truffle. Bouillabaisse: Alaskan halibut, shrimp, mussels, and scallops simmered in a tomato-fennel broth. Excellent! (if you are from the sea, remember how far we are away from....) Tiramisu .....it was not too sweet delicate, very flavorful, fluffy and had a bit hint of brandy, enjoyed it very much. They have Kenya AA French Press coffee! (One order is enough for more than 2 cups). And great beer and wine selections. I would give 5 stars as Kalamazoo, Rustic have a potentials to be the hottest best restaurant in town, and two for about $85 is not bad at all for the kind of food & the quality, yet I do not feel like 5 somehow... maybe next time.
(4)Kelli L.
What a great find in Kalamazoo! The atmosphere was charming and the service was friendly. The grilled romaine salad was very unique and tasty and our entrees were delicious. There was a great wine selection but the lemoncello tiramisu was out of this world! This is a great date night place!
(5)Nicole D.
Rustica describes its fare as peasant food from Italy, France, and Spain. From the wintry windy alley-like streets in downtown Kzoo, enter a warmly lit room, narrow, with an open kitchen and highly attentive servers. The place is crowded and lively. You are whisked to your table as if an old treasured friend. I went last night with five others which is a perfect set up for tasting many dishes and being able to give good review (usually I like to go somewhere three or four times before I'll write about it). Upon seating, a hand appears from nowhere and pours my wine glass with some excellent Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley. I sip and peruse the wine list, which is fantastic. I could live in the wine cellar and know that on any given day, I had at my fingertips some of the most carefully curated picks from small scale producers worldwide. Only several Michigan wines, however, from the Old Mission Peninsula (near Traverse City - you should go. Rustica supports the Bowers Harbor ( bowersharbor.com ) winery and offers Riesling "Semi-Dry" and Pinot Noir "Dijon". A group of six can safely order the entire suite of "Firsts" and I think ours came close. We had the Antipasti: a selection of house made pickles (think pickled parsnips, cauliflower, celery) with grilled veg, Nicoise olives, nuts, and some fig confit. Of all the "Firsts" if you try nothing else, please do yourself the favor and the gift of trying the Maple Leaf Farms Duck Confit. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, with the fragrance of fennel infused, it's served with some unnecessary gold potato hash and apple-celery chutney. Give me the duck and I will quake (not quack) with pleasure. Cauliflower gratin with amish cheddar is total comfort food and line-caught Yellowfin crudo with winter citrus and arugula blends umami, sweet, spicy in a balanced way. I wasn't crazy about the Prince Edward Island Mussels. But that may be a symptom of going deep into the duck and antipasti. Moving along, Rustica offers the usual roasted beet, arugula, goat cheese salad and a grilled romaine salad with anchovies and caesar dressing. I tasted both and greatly prefer the latter. The flavor profile was savory, smoky, slightly sweet, and the texture was barely charred but enough to add to the crunch and satisfy. Rustica offers house-made pasta and a selection of grains. The winter mushroom farrotto with porcini, morel, oyster, and crimini mushrooms was applauded by those who tried it. But the Bucatini pasta alla Carbonara (a dish part of my regular repertoire - some of the best comfort food) was declared the winner of the pasta/grain category. House cured pancetta, farm eggs from Otto's poultry, and a nice balance of parmesan and black pepper combined nicely and I think if possible to do it without clients present, that bowl would have been licked clean. Mains chosen by our group included market fish in parchment. I believe it was mahi mahi and was considered light and well prepared. I am on a steak kick lately and ordered the grilled hanger steak with mashed cauliflower, crispy shallots and roasted garlic jus. Delicious, perfectly prepared medium-rare and enough to share or take home to hungry homebeasts. Kenya AA Coffee from local Water St. Coffee Joint is served in press pots and clearly Rustica knows from coffee--low acid, solid body, smooth winey taste and notes of fragrant florals. They surely paid attention to the water temp and used fresh beans. Stuffed but intrigued by the dessert menu, we all sampled the Michigan Apple Crisp and the Lemon Polenta Cake. Go for the latter. It is made with almonds, vicksburg honey, and whipped cream. Can anything be wrong with fresh whipped cream? I think not. A special lagniappe was a dish of Palazzolo artisan mango sorbeto. It cleared the palate and concluded the feast. Rustica's chef, Adam Watts, comes from Boulder's The Kitchen (which explains a lot about the menu and the exquisite touches and quality). Eric, our server, was attentive and observant. He noted one of our group's nut allergies and prepared her a separate version of the antipasti that didn't have nuts. All in all, five stars for ambiance, taste, wine list, service, quality and execution. If this is peasant food, I want everyone to become a peasant. The fare here satisfies on a deep soul level. Enjoy!
(5)Emily K.
I was down in KZoo for my WMU graduation in May. We picked Rustica for my graduation dinner, and it was a winner! I cannot even remember what I ordered since it's been so long, but I do know everything was SUPERB! The atmosphere is intimate, yet relaxed enough that you can talk and carry on with friends and family. My family is a tad rowdy once we order a couple bottles of wine :) We sat right by the door--which was chilly, even for May. But the tables were put together for us and the service was outstanding! Our waitress was very good, and so friendly. Someone I would consider befriending even. She was prompt and so educated and honest about all our menu selections. We all tried something new and shared our plates--this is okay here. Everyone was in heaven while eating. The ambiance is reason enough to visit Rustica. It's great for a date night or a family dinner. The wines are excellent---order bottles to save $. I will be visiting this place again the next time I go to Kalamazoo.
(5)Kev D.
At the recommendation of our Inn Keeper (at Stuart St Inn) we decided to check out Rustica. It was later-ish on a Friday night when we arrived with no reservation. The place was packed but we were promised only a 5 minute wait. We stood at the bar (no cocktail list, but a full compliment of libations) for only as long as it took the bar tender to pour our two drinks and we were shown to our table. Possibly the best seat in the house, we sat in clear view of the 'Kitchen' grill station and were able to enjoy watching the Chefs as they worked their magic. First course was bay scallops on risotto. These were cooked to perfection and melted in the mouth. We used the table bred to clean the plate. Main course I had the duck, cooked perfectly rare-mid rare and she had the salmon served with a poached egg on a bed of wilted spinach. Both were fantastic. Desert, we challenged Chef Scott to make a recommendation and he sent out a chocolate brownie that blew our minds. We enjoyed our final course as we watched them prep a whole pig (donated to a recent march of dimes charity auction). We frequent the A2 and Detroit restaurant weeks and Rustica exceeded all expectations. Without a doubt we can't wait to go back.
(5)Jill S.
Yum! Try the fish for sure. Best I have ever had.
(5)Sarah W.
AMAZING!!! Great Food, Great Wine!!!!
(5)Rana F.
After waiting for over an hour for a table we were told would take 45 minutes, we approached the owner to ask how much longer it would be. He rushed to inquire and never came back. After waiting another 45 minutes, and watching everyone come and go, we approached the hostess only to find a long list of names after our arrival crossed out and seated. We asked why it was we were not seated. Her response was, " I know, it's going to be another 20 minutes." We are all former servers and found it appalling that not only the hostess but the owner didn't seem to care whether we actually ate dinner or not. We decided the amazing food was not worth the terrible service, so we left and enjoyed dinner at Fandango.
(1)Sarah T.
We went to Rustica on a Saturday night, and had no wait time. Great service and atmosphere. We ordered the duck crepes app ($10) which where excellent and the cheese plate. I would give it five stars, however, the cheese plate app ($10) came with "toasted" bagettes, which where burned. I requested additonal bagettes, that weren't quite so done, and promptly recieved several toasted ones. Overall, I highly recommend. Also, we thought pricing was great for quality of food. You would pay twice this in Chicagoland!
(4)Angela R.
Had dinner there a while back. I am certainly due for another visit. Great menu and bar selections paired with an intimate atmosphere makes this place a winner.
(5)Rebecca W.
A romantic little restaurant in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo. The food is delicious and paired with an equally fantastic wine list.
(4)Brian M.
Great Food. Great Service. Great Wine list. This place is an A+.
(5)Tom S.
Legendary. I can't believe it's in Kalamazoo. We are lucky.
(5)Cherry K.
MY FAV PLACE IN KALAMAZOO!!!!! For Kalamazoo, I have to give it 5 stars!!!! Original menu that occasionally changes as the Chef tries new things. . Good wine list by the bottle-both economical and pricey selections. Small intimate setting with sleek and comfortable decor. I would go back again and again.
(5)Diana S.
Great wine, great food, great service! Great job Bill!
(5)Bob B.
We live in Chicago and think of ourselves as foodies. With that in mind, the bouillabaisse and braised lamb shanks were as good as we've ever had! Service and ambience were also excellent. Prices are better than fair. No reservations, but call ahead for wait-list. Parking is a pain.
(5)Scott E.
My wife and I went to Rustica for the first time this week. We were very pleased with the options on the menu and the wine list. The ambiance was very urban with interesting diners and decor. Our server was great and knew just when to appear. All of this was great but when our meal arrived it just went up 10 points. The food was amazing. We definitely will be going back.
(5)Matt E.
Amazing atmosphere, food was amazing and friends were great, I would recommend to anyone I know
(5)Laura F.
We were visiting from the San Francisco area and told this was a great place. It did not disappoint. We went with a few friends and had a delicious and memorable meal. Our server could not have been more helpful and professional. She gave great tips on the menu and terrific service. Food was very well prepared -- and we are fairly picky about our meals. I would highly recommend this restaurant and look forward to returning.
(5)Chuck N.
The wife and I went there a couple of weeks ago, we had a great meal. The wine list was nice, but they could have offered a bit more by the glass options. The appetizers were nice, I really liked the cauliflower gretan. They had a good pasta selection with a couple of nice vegetarian options. The pasta was pretty reasonably priced. The entrees seemed to be a bit pricier, but if they were executed with the same amount of skill and care as what we ate, I can imagine that they are well worth the price.
(4)Jennifer R.
This place has some of the best food in Kalamazoo and has reasonable prices for an upscale restaurant. Why didn't I give it a 5 star rating? Because I HATE, HATE, HATE that they don't take reservations. It's pretty rediculous that a place this busy wouldn't. We've had to wait at least an hour each time we've gone. Unless it's a special occassion, not worth the waiting. Rustica, if you are worried about no-show-reservations, take a credit card number and charge a fee for no shows.
(3)Don M.
We phoned ahead for table even though it was a Tuesday. Seated on arrival at a small table between two tables with six or more each. Had to ask server repeatedly to talk louder as I couldn't hear her over the LOUD conversations from the tables next to us. We nearly had to shout to carry on our own conversation. All though we didn't ask to be reseated there were small tables available away from what they should have already known were noisy patrons that two people could have been seated at. Food was good but ambiance and experience was lousy for the price. Server should have known better. Might try again but experiance in Kalamazoo Resturants has been that going back even after commenting to the staff or managers has rarely improved anything. It's no wonder so many go under each year! We have stopped frequenting eleven resturants in the past few years due to declining service and food quality. More than half of them downtown Kalamazoo.
(2)Anna J.
Made us wait two more hours, even after call ahead! Had heard about the new restaurant Rustica and wanted to give it a try. I called around 6 pm on a Saturday to make reservations and I was told they only do 'call ahead'. So I had my name put down on the wait list and I was told that there is a 45 minute wait but we will be seated for sure by 7 pm. We got there by 6:45 pm to be told that there is another 45 minute wait. I mentioned the call ahead and the conversation I had on the phone but the hostess was simply rude and told me the call ahead does not mean much! We waited and waited outside until 8:30 pm! Unbelieveable!!! In the mean time, they had seated several groups who came after us and when we asked about that, they kept telling us "you are next". Finally, around 8:30 we went in again and asked to be seated right away. They scrambled and we were seated in 5 minutes. That was ridiculous. The restaurant is small with tightly packed tables. The wine selection is good. No cocktail menu, though. The waiter was nice and did his job well. The food was ok, nothing to write home about. Overall, it was an unpleasant experience having to deal with the long, unfair wait and impolite hostess. Will not waste my time again on this restaurant, instead will go back to one of our favorite restaurants - Fandango - right across the street.
(1)Bob S.
My favorite restaurant in Kalamazoo. This night we went with friends from out of town and had one of our best meals yet. I started off with the grilled romaine with anchovies, which was absolutely fantastic. For a main dish I tried the seafood cappellini, which is medley shellfish and pasta. For dessert the best choice was the Lemoncello tiramisu. So in addition to my choices a wonderful meal.
(5)Julie C.
Gluten free eaters in Kalamazoo need look no further than Rustica. I feasted here last night and it was fabulous. For starters, my group of three tried the grilled asparagus and the spring greens salad. The salad had a light vinaigrette that perfectly complemented the assorted baby greens and sliced press pods of the salad. The grilled asparagus was the only item we had that I thought was less successful; I was expecting a warm dish. Instead, the asparagus was pretty hard and cool and the soft-boiled egg, broken to reveal its deliciously runny yolk, was ice cold. Maybe that was as it was intended, but I believe it would work better as a warm dish. My entree was the GF pasta carbonara. Although the menu does not say it, they do serve gluten free pasta. The owner delivered our dinners, which looked spectacular, but I did have to ask for confirmation that I was getting the GF pasta. The pasta was delicious and perfectly al dente, which is hard to do with GF pasta so kudos to the chef! The sauce itself was outstanding, light and full of flavor, but the star was the bacon: so many large chunks of cured smokiness that I could have a bite with each forkful of pasta. Gluten-free friends, there is more. In season, they have a gluten-free strawberry cake that is simply AMAZING (for three people, we ordered two, which turned out to be just right.) It consists of a small, round, individually baked cake--I'm not sure if it was vanilla originally--that has been completely soaked in strawberry juice or puree. The edges of the cake are slightly crunchy due to the caramelization of sugar while baking, adding another layer of complexity and heavenly yumminess to this extraordinary dessert. I have never had anything like it. I will definitely be eating here again the next time I am in Kalamazoo!
(5)Jason L.
UPDATE. My wife went to this place a couple of night ago, wanting a table at 9:20. The kitchen closes at 10, ostensibly. But, SORRY! the kitchen closed already! Don't go to this rotten place. Overpriced, uninteresting food, and FAR too pretentious for their mediocre performance.
(1)Gar B.
This place is so good, I ate here three nights last week! I was in Kalamazoo on business and Rustica was recommended to me - the best recommendation of the trip. The first night I had the salmon and couscous which was delicious and got me hooked. The second night, I had the heirloom salad, the baked wellington and finished it with a cup of coffee and possibly the greatest brownie I have ever eaten. One my third visit, I had the mussels to start followed by the lamb shank and a cup of coffee. Delicious. The coffee is from the Water Street Coffee Joint, and I cannot describe how amazing it is - you have to try it! There's a great selection of craft beers and wine(extensive). You must visit Rustica if you're in Kalamazoo.
(5)Nicole V.
Mr. MVP and I decided to try Rustica tonight for our eleventh anniversary. As usual I had to research the menu and all the reviews before we even set foot into the place, so I sort of knew what we were getting into. It is Friday and we arrived at 7:30 p.m., so we anticipated a wait. I had read about their call ahead policy, but I was more confused by this system and we decided not to use it. When we walked in, we were told the wait was over thirty minutes, but we could be seated at the bar immediately. We took it. A tip - if you are a party of two and the place is packed, sit at the bar because it is much quieter. The only time we had trouble hearing was when there was a large group at the bar waiting to be seated at a table. Keep in mind however, I do have hearing troubles and noise sensitivities. The service was excellent. Team VP does not drink alcohol and because we are of drinking age some establishments give us the side eye when we ask for club soda. Rustica handled our request with grace. Mr. MVP had the Rustica salad for a starter, which he throughly enjoyed. He said the dressing was perfect. As a salad I did notice that it was simply large leaves of butter lettuce, dressed. Pretty, but simple. I had the special, which was brussels sprouts, sweet potato mash and steak. I had my steak cooked well done, which most likely was an insult to the kitchen, but it was perfectly cooked for me and the entire meal was amazing. The sprouts were tender and the mash was sweet and tangy. There was also blue cheese on top of the steak that added an amazing flavor. Mr. MVP had the bouillabaisse and he ate every drop. He said that the broth was perfect and said it reminded him of his favorite cioppino. The shrimps were huge and the artichoke was a tasty addition. For dessert we shared the brownie and the walnut banana cake. The brownie was incredibly rich. It was so rich that between the two of us we could not finish half of it. It was almost a molten brownie lava cake. Good, but so ridiculously rich. The banana walnut cake was the favorite. Mr. MVP finished that off himself. With the combination of the gelato it was simply the best. It was not too sweet and the banana was not overpowering. Rustica was a little loud at times, but it was good loud. There were people enjoying excellent food and company. Team VP had the best seats to watch the whole show and enjoy our meals.
(5)Megan C.
Great find! I was traveling out of town so sat at the bar and it was a nice atmosphere. I tried the fish of the day which was cod with leeks, capers and potatoes in parchment. Flavorful and light, exactly what I wanted.
(5)