Rustic 21 Bistro — Restaurant in Jacksonville

Third time trying this place. It has potential, but there is definitely room for a lot of improvement.

The caipiroska cocktails: All 3 times we ordered them, they lacked flavor and strength. Mine was strawberry and it tasted like water with the fruit, not even having the sweetness of the sugar (the base of every caipirinha/caipiroska). My husband ordered lime and the limes weren’t even crushed as they should be. (I wish I had a picture).

The top sirloin steak that my husband ordered was small, overcooked, and lacking flavor.

The service: This is where they can improve the most in my opinion. Brazilian restaurants are known for the hospitality, especially when it’s a place that is a little bit on the “pricey” side. The servers gave the impression that they didn’t want to be there.

I enjoyed my shrimp stew but there’s nothing too special about it, maybe we’ll try this restaurant again in while and see if things have improved.

UPDATE : Dropping another star because of the reply that I got. I did not like the way the restaurant answered me, you can notice some sarcasm. Now I’m definitely not returning. By clicking on the 1 star reviews I noticed that I’m not the only one not satisfied with the service, and by the restaurant reply to me it seems like they’re not interested on improving. Replying to the restaurant now: I understand that the place was busy, and that’s one of the reasons why I didn’t want to make the servers life harder by complaining to them. Maybe I should’ve, as you’re apparently proposing, but that’s not the point. What you expect me to say? “Improve your attitude”? We were already having a good time prior to arriving to the restaurant, and while there, having long conversations. It is not a bad drink and service that would make us go out of our way to complain. On top of that, my husband would’ve had to wait extra 30 minutes for another steak, so since he was very hungry he ate that one. I leave reviews in the next day for a lot of places that I visit, good or bad reviews, but mostly good. I didn’t find 3 stars offensive to receive this sarcastic reply. It is not because we didn’t complain at the same moment, that our honest review in what could improve shouldn’t count. Your answer didn’t express any interest on improving, but rather said that other people had a “great experience” and I’m the “only one” unsatisfied. Very...

My wife and I were searching through yelp, as one does, trying to find a well reviewed new place for us to eat. We stumbled across Rustic 21. At five stars with nearly 80 reviews, it peaked our curiosity. It is a Brazilian bistro located on southside Boulevard near Hogan Road off of the service road. Upon arrival, William, both server, host, and bartender promptly greeted us and guided us to a table. At the time that we arrived, there weren’t very many people in the restaurant, but the smells were amazing. We opened with traditional Brazilian cheese, bread, and crispy pork belly. Folks, when I tell you, this food was to die for, I mean it. The Brazilian cheese bread was light and cheesy, with a delightful cheese pull when tearing it apart. The crispy pork belly was, as advertised very crispy and fatty and delicious. It came with a delightful guava sauce that paired well with the saltiness with the pork belly. There, we moved into. My wife had the risotto of the week, which happened to be a beet and goat cheese, risotto. She loved it, let me try a bite, and I was instantly in love. The natural sweetness of the beats complemented by the tanginess of the go and the creaminess of the overall dish were a welcome treat. I chose the Picanha sirloin. It was served with a Brazilian style, fried rice, and yuca fries. The steak was cooked to perfection, and absolutely melted in your mouth. The yuca fries were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside and the fried rice wasn’t absolute delight. I wrapped up the evening with a Brazilian carrot cake topped with chocolate ganache. Do not go into it thinking that you were going to have a normal American carrot cake with raisins and nuts, etc. This is completely different, it is a delicate sponge and utilizes the sweetness of the carrots for its flavor. The chocolate ganache was Rich and decadent. The size was small, but the portion was perfect. A few of the pictures, admittedly, are taken off of their website. I can confirm that all the dishes look identical to the pictures that were on their site. The service was 10 out of 10. William was attentive, but not overly chatty. He spent enough time with us to let us know that we were valued customers, but left us alone to enjoy our meal. My wife and I will absolutely be back. I can’t recommend this...

First off, the atmosphere when you walk in is just what you want when you here the word "Bistro" with a touch of Class without being overly Fancy. Enough lighting to enjoy a meal, but not too bright to be uncomfortable to the eyes. The seating arrangements were eclectic and thankfully also Big Man Friendly with their bench wall on the left side of the restaurant.

The staff are very attentive and helpful with Suggestions. Even though their menu isn't that complicated, it's nice to have some insight on items you may not be familiar with.

I had already stalked their IG Page and I had to try the Torresmo (crispy pork belly) as a Starter with their house made Guava Sauce which paired perfectly for a savory/sweet blend of flavors.

Next on my Radar was originally the Brazilian Schnitzel that i seen on IG, but my server suggested the "Costela Bovina" (Brazilian braised short ribs with Madeira sauce served over truffle italian polenta) to really try something different and he was absolutely right, the Beef was tender and delicious and normally I'm not the biggest fan of truffle oil, but it was used sparingly as to not over power the rest of the meal.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Chef Rodrigo and his wife Samira who were so welcoming and appreciative to everyone that came in (not just me) and I couldn't leave without trying the Cocada de forno (Coconut custard oven baked served with peach ice cream). This is definitely a different dessert that is not overly sweet and has a texture more of a warm bread pudding due to the baking part and the peach ice cream was a refreshing addition with great taste and real ripe peach slices inside.

Please do yourselves a favor and get out of your routine and give New places like Rustic 21 Bistro a try. After speaking with everyone, I can tell you that Chef Rodrigo and his staff are literally putting thier passion on a plate and inviting you to enjoy.

Let them know...