Café Rustica — Restaurant in Monterey

This was my first time here. I've heard very nice things about the restaurant. I dined with a friend. When we arrived, we were told there was no seating inside but that we could find outside next to a heater. No problem. (About halfway through our meal, the hostess came over and apologized and said that she could seat us inside since some reservations were canceled. We politely declined since that would mean moving ourselves and our food).

We started by splitting the Red Leaf Lettuce salad. It was delicious. Just the right amount of dressing and crunch.

My friend ordered the Butternut Squash ravioli and shared a bit with me. It was okay...very sweet. We both agreed we probably won't order that next time.

I ordered the rib eye. I asked for medium well because when I order medium ANYWHERE, it's always undercooked for my taste. I noticed immediately it wasn't medium well, but where I was cutting, it was cooked enough that I could deal with it. The sauce was delicious. As I got further into the steak, it was medium rare. I just couldn't. The server took it back without an issue. When she brought it back, the outside of the steak was charred and the inside was still bloody. I was not going to send it back, so I ate the green beans and the potatoes, which were both delicious and perfectly cooked. The server came by and asked if the steak was better, and I showed her that it was not. I told her to bring me a box and I would cook it at home to my liking but that everything else was yummy.

When she brought the bill, she also brought out a bread pudding and said she felt bad about the steak.

I usually speak up more, but I let it go--it wasn't her fault. For $47, though, the steak should have been cooked perfectly. Cafe Rustica has a better reputation than this, and I was disappointed for my first time.

I gave four stars because the servers, bussers, and hostess were very nice, and the flavors were delicious. The outside area had enough heaters that I wasn't cold and our food didn't get cold. They just need to make sure to cook the...

What is wrong with the diners of Carmel Valley? All the positive ratings for a rundown restaurant with terrible service and unsanitary practices just don't make sense.

First, the staff are almost entirely outfitted in dirty, dingy, worn-out white shirts that look gray from the grime on them. Our water glasses were sat down on the table by their rims, eeww! Our server, "Randy," did not greet us and just abruptly asked what we were drinking. I ordered a beer, and my significant other ordered ice tea. They were never refilled, and we were never asked if we'd like more. Our empty glasses just sat there all dinner.

Next, I ordered soup as an appetizer, and it never came. The bread might as well have been a loaf of Wonder Bread. It was as plain as could be.

The NY Steak I ordered came out as a Ribeye. It was ok, but not for the price. It was very small and not cooked as ordered. The sides of scalloped potatoes and green beans were very good, so there's that at least.

The restaurant is very small and very noisy. This primarily due to the open kitchen 3 feet away. Outside seating is offered, but there's no ambiance. Just tables on a paved patio.

It really isn't worth the drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea when there are dozens of fine dining places there with a lot more to offer.

As for Rustica Cafe, just because you've been around for years doesn't make you a great restaurant... average at best with...

During our first visit to Carmel Valley, we dined at Café Rustica and immediately understood why this charming, cozy spot is a local favorite. From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel incredibly welcome. One of the unique highlights is the open kitchen—watching the chefs at work adds a memorable, personal touch to the experience.

The food is exceptional. Portions are generous, and every dish we’ve tried has been rich in flavor and beautifully presented. My personal favorites are the lamb and duck—some of the best I’ve ever had. But what truly stands out is the service. We once introduced close family friends to Café Rustica, and they loved it so much they planned to celebrate their anniversary there. Wanting to surprise them, I called ahead to reserve a table and arrange a bottle of champagne. Despite the distance and short notice, the staff made it happen seamlessly, even processing the payment over the phone.

That thoughtful gesture made their evening unforgettable—and cemented our loyalty to this gem. Now, every time we’re in the area, a dinner at Café Rustica is a must. It’s not just the food—it’s the care and hospitality that keep...