Rustico — Restaurant in Sydney

Just picked up my daughter, who was asked to leave this restaurant after 1 hour (they need the table cause it’s busy, see picture). Booked for 6, seated by 6:10, asked to leave at 7.

It was a table of 6 x 15 year old girls, celebrating my daughter’s birthday.

It’s dark Its 5 degrees in Katoomba Middle of winter They had a 1.5 hour booking, made two weeks ago Parents were asked to pick up at 7:30

Dinner was $142.50

We ate a few doors down, as per daughter’s request. When I arrived early to pick up at 7:10, I found the kids on the street, shivering. Staff from other restaurants had noticed the kids and asked if they’d like to wait inside.

I am shocked and furious.

Owner takes no responsibility, completely unapologetic, even claiming not his fault cause he didn’t know how old they are.

Yeah right.

However, he knows precisely how old they are, which is why he could take their money and insist time was up after one hour, cause, any grown adult given this ultimatum would think he was joking……. But young girls; they won’t argue

Essentially, it is this TAKING ADVANTAGE OF KIDS with no regard for their safety that I found very disconcerting, even a bit mean.

I called to discuss He said I should come and speak to him personally So I did. However, he still did not apologise, asked me to leave and reaffirmed his belief that he had no idea that putting them on the street, in the dark, was a problem.

Did not own his wrong at all, nor was he regretful. Defensive and no humility whatsoever.

I left, upset and embarrassed, as the restaurant was packed. He followed me out, as if to speak outside, but then just got on his phone. Think he was calling police to report what??? A complaint’???

Lesson learnt. This was my daughters first ‘big girls night out’ and thought leaving her at a pizza joint for 90minutes was safe.

So, won’t review the food. But the attitude absolutely stinks.

Owner can respond however he wants, but, this is a honest account of the experience and best answer would be to explain why he thinks...

Forza Napoli!!! 💙

Our family had a fantastic dinner at Rústico in Katoomba, and we can't recommend it highly enough! Despite not having a booking, the team was incredibly kind and accommodating, finding us a table and making us feel immediately welcome. The food was absolutely lovely – a real taste of traditional Italian cuisine. Each dish was clearly made with care and quality ingredients, and we thoroughly enjoyed every bite. Beyond the delicious food, the vibe of Rústico is just perfect. It's cozy and inviting, with a charmingly traditional Italian feel that made for a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. A special mention must go to Yury and the entire staff. Their warmth and attentiveness truly elevated our experience. They were all so friendly and efficient, making sure we had everything we needed throughout the evening. Thanks to the wonderful food, the cozy ambiance, and the exceptional service from Yury and the team, we had a truly lovely night at Rústico. We'll definitely be returning on our next visit to the Blue Mountains, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic and heartwarming Italian...

Female Italian waiter and chef are really nice, however as evident from our own experience and the experiences of others, the owner has ego issues, detracting from what could be a great restaurant.

Upon arriving without a booking, our details were taken and we were told we'd receive a call in around 15 minutes. We waited outside of the restaurant, in the cold for an 30 extra minutes, hungrily expecting a call when a table was available. We watched a couple arrive and immediately be given a table, so we went inside to ask if a table was free yet. We were told, "You're late. Wait five minutes and we should be able to get you a table". We stated that we never received a call. He stated that he said he'd only call us if a table was freed sooner, however he did not say that. Hunger and not wanting to cause a scene made us not argue, however I will not be returning as there are better options within Sydney, and the food was less enjoyable due to being lied to rather than apologised to. His responses to other reviews makes it apparent that he cannot act with professionalism...