Cancel

Open app

Search

Cafe Rustika

4.3 (315 reviews)
ModerateGerman, Cafes, Diners
Closed Closed
Updated over 3 months ago

Cafe Rustika Photos

Business Info

CAFE RUSTIKA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating
Dogs allowed

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Cafe Rustika

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Stephen M.

Authentic German food is in Virginia and this place holds the crown ! It tastes as good as it did in Germany . Home made, made to order, and fresh doesn't describe how fantastically fresh this food is. A friend and fellow Foodie put me on to this place and I owe him because it's top tier. The location is very small, around 5 tables and a bar, and it is always full - like ALWAYS full. So you should expect a wait but it's worth it! The beer menu is as awesome as the food menu with authenticity from top to bottom on tap. And for all of my purists- they actually make DIESEL!! (IYKYK) if you haven't had it order it!! Our party of three waited around 15 mins for a table and by the first bite it didn't matter. This place is officially a mandatory stop anytime I'm in Richmond and if you swing through come on back to this review and thank me later!

Käsespätzle
Tori S.

This may be one of my favorite restaurants in Richmond. It's a small, rustic (hence the name) restaurant with delicious and authentic German food. We had the käsespätzle, which was massive, savory and hearty. We also had the pork schnitzel which was cooked to perfection. Everyone working there was extremely kind. Just a note, due to the size of this restaurant it's unlikely that they are able to take a party bigger than 6 so I would call in advance if you're looking to bring a big group!

Rhamschnitzle with cucumber salad and sauerkraut.
Jeremy M.

Love Cafe Rustica. It's a small restaurant downtown with a bar/bar seating and ~10 tables. A great spot for a date or small party. Atmosphere is fun, with tin plate ceiling, old booths and a bar. Service has been consistently good and staff have always been friendly. Cafe Rustica specializes in German cuisine you cannot go wrong here if you like any kind of schnitzel, brats, and other German food, all made from scratch in the restaurant. Truly unique and authentic food and really, really good. (Emphasis on really good). Big, full plates of food. You will not go hungry and presented beautifully. A variety of sauces available for the schnitzel, it's made to a just right thickness and texture, fried to crispy perfection with protein options of chicken, pork and veal. I recommend the pork. German Mac and cheese, available with a brat, is unlike any Mac you have had before. From the noodles to the cheese and sauce it's an original take. Sides include homemade sauerkraut- best I have had anywhere- spaetzle noodles, a variety of German salads (I think the cucumber salad is worth the trip alone) and other options to accompany your entree. There are a variety of German and Belgian beers on tap, as well as a short list of wines. Desserts are available and I've only had enough room on one occasion to try the German chocolate cake which was spot on. Rich and moist - a nice note to end your meal on. This is a popular restaurant and they do not take reservations. On weekends you can generally expect a wait to be seated unless you arrive early. Weekdays are still busy but you may be able to grab a seat without a wait. This is happy eating. I highly recommend it- I'll see you there sometime!

Shirley S.

The food here was delicious! The portions are big! My husband ordered Beef tenderloin tips smothered in a tangy onion gravy, served with Spätzle. And I ordered pork breaded schnitzel with egg and potato Salad w/bacon and house salad. All delicious! Food came out super hot. Service was very good. Great atmosphere. Fun little place. Would definitely return!!

Schnitzel Cordon Bleu with spätzle (ego noodle) and Gurkensalat
Naomi G.

Was pleasantly surprised and impressed! We were seated promptly (party of 2). The inside decor is homey and rustic. I am no schnitzel expert but their schnitzel was crispy and delicious! So many different options for sides as well. Server was very attentive. I often try to avoid restaurants in downtown due to parking but I highly recommend that you go to this restaurant! Truly a German gem of a restaurant in RVA!

Bobbi H.

We love Cafe Rustika, as do A LOT of people so we often cant get in without a wait....tonight was our lucky night, no wait! This is a quaint spot featuring true German comfort food. The schnitzel is ALWAYS on point! Great friendly service and generous portions. Bar seating, 2 high tops and a row of booths. Street parking - free after 6 What we ate: *Schnitzel À La Holstein- veal Schnitzel with lemon, capers and fried *Spätzle-housemade egg noodles sautéed in butter *Blaukraut- red cabbage braised in stock, vinegar and spices *Schnitzel special - mustard dill sauce *Blackforest cake ( to go) My rating rationale +1 Service +1 Food~Taste/flavor/quality +1 Presentation +.5 Atmosphere/vibe +1 Value

Schnitzel with rham sauce, essentially a lemon cream sauce. Excellent
Kate K.

Authentic excellent schnitzel. Smaller restaurant with beer, German food & good service. Beer & Wine served

Traditional Schnitzel
Kyle G.

Finally got around to eating here after years of thinking about it. It's a small spot but the owner works the bar and he's very friendly. The menu is simple which makes things easy. We got the traditional schnitzel and it was amazing. Perfectly crispy and flavorful. The spätzle is perfect too. They've got a great beer selection you won't find at other spots around town. All in all a great place and something we will definitely come back to.

Schnitzel
Tom C.

The food and beers are amazing!!! The staff is exceptionally friendly, helpful, and quick. Highly recommend for some great German food and a comfortable atmosphere. Cafe Rustika will be a MUST when we visit Richmond.

Jaegerschnitzel (pork) and Cordon Bleu chicken schnitzel
Robert M.

This place is phenomenal. We loved the cozy ambiance! It's not an elegant place, but it feels welcoming and the perfect vibe we wanted. The food was incredible. I spent 5 years living in Frankfurt, Germany and this restaurant nailed the flavor and cooking style. The staff was super friendly and seated us right away on a Friday night. Highly recommend if you love German food!

Black Forest
Pat C.

Cafe Rustika serves authentic German comfort food. They do not accept reservations. Got here around 7pm and had to wait for a little bit before I was seated. The schnitzel cordon bleu was pork (could be chicken or veal) schnitzel topped with thinly sliced ham ang gruyere cheese. This was very good. My sides of spatzle and sauerkraut were great. Nordsee Frikadellen was crab cake (shrimp/scallop) that were pan fried and topped with lemon dill sauce. This was yummy! Black Forest was heavenly. Soo good. Though the place was a little small, the food is awesome and very affordable. Would highly recommend!

Schnitzel Cordon Bleu

See all

Photo of Mark M.
74
16
7

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

22 hours ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

15 days ago

It said open on yelp and we paid to uber here in the rain only to find it closed for maintenance on a Saturday night. What the heck???!!!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 day ago

Great food, service, and feel. I don't even live in Richmond but stop here pretty much any time I end up visiting.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Tori S.
3
33
53

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 2
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1
Photo of Kate K.
44
114
168

9 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Tom C.
183
8
1

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 1
Photo of Robert M.
139
10
5

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Suzie L.
1
142
45

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Tammi C.
63
68
24

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of J M.
69
59
3

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 2

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 8

Ask the Community - Cafe Rustika

Is there any tables there for a party of 6 adults?

No, they have two tables that seat two and several booths that might fit up to four.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for German 371 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Blanchard's Coffee - Summer special: Ube Coconut Latte

Blanchard's Coffee

(141 reviews)

$$

Museum District

I came here with a friend on a hot afternoon looking for a cool drink. I spotted a latte special…read morewith Ube and coconut and wanted to try it. I was a bit disappointed that they only offer whole or oat milk, as I was used to having more milk options (like low fat or nonfat). I can't drink whole milk and I'm not a big fan of oat milk. The barista recommended that I try the oat milk and said if I didn't like the drink, they would make me something else. I asked for light oak milk and hoped for the best. My latte was served in layers, so I got a big blast of oat milk in my first sip, but after I mixed my latte, it tasted so much better. The coconut flavor really came through and offset the oat milk flavor. I was really happy with my drink and with the super helpful barista. I'll for sure be coming back!

I'm a coffee lover extraordinaire. I was excited to go to this place because it was highly…read morerecommended by a friend. As anyone can see by my other reviews, I give a lot of 4 and 5-star ones, and am generally not a complainer. When I rate something low, there's really a reason. There was nothing for me to like about this place. First, there was no signage to speak of. It wasn't real easy to find. I didn't even know I had found the right place until I saw the name of the place on the bags of coffee. When I came in, it was a cold feeling, not a friendly one. Every person I dealt with behind the counter wasn't warm or inviting. I got the feeling that they felt I "should have known" where to order, and "should have known" where to wait, or to pick up my coffee. I got a takeout hot coffee but had to interrupt and kindly ask for a lid. And when I did I got a vibe like I was an irritation or something. I went out to the car with my coffee and told my husband I hoped it was really outstanding coffee with what I had to go through to get it. And you know what, it wasn't all that great. It's not worth going back for. I don't get why people like or recommend this place.

Abi's Books & Brews - Up All Night Cherry pastry, Lavender Lit Latte

Abi's Books & Brews

(31 reviews)

The Fan

Abi's Books and Brews is the perfect combination of coffee,books and records. If I miss anything…read moreit's because I was fixated on the books. Upon entering, the books are found along the wall, there are tables and chairs to sit and the coffee is ordered at a counter right in the center of the store. Towards the back, they have a section just for kids and young adults. Also, there are plenty of parking outside. They have new and old books available at decent prices. One of the best things I have ever seen is they have a dedicated turning bookcase for BANNED books of Hanover county. It is a lending library. You choose a book, open it and scan the QR code inside and check off the book you picked. Then, you return it when you're done. No time limit on it. That easy. I am so proud that they are supporting these books and making it easy for anyone to have access to them. On this visit, I borrowed Jodi Picoult's book, Nineteen Minutes. I recommend you come visit and support this coffee/book shop in the VCU area. I definitely recommend it and plan to visit often.

Richmond is so lucky to have Abi's Books & Brews! It's the perfect combo of a cozy bookstore and a…read moredelicious coffee shop--what more could you ask for? The best part is how Abi's brings everyone together and fosters a sense of community, which is something we really need these days. They truly go the extra mile to support local folks and make a positive impact. I cannot say enough great things about them. Definitely stop by and grab yourself a coffee and a good book!

Black Lodge - Chicago dog

Black Lodge

(29 reviews)

Scott's Addition

This was my second time visiting Black Lodge & I now have added it to my list as one of my absolute…read morefavorite bars/cafes in the Richmond area. For a Saturday night, the atmosphere was lively but not overwhelmingly so. It is a small space so I was very happy that there were still side tables available to sit at & enjoy our food & conversation. The staff were very welcoming, helpful & courteous. & although my husband were probably the most aged patrons in the place, we never felt out of place & I sincerely appreciated that we were able to go there & feel comfortable being a part of the Saturday night community. IYKYK As for the food. The Fried mushrooms were absolutely yummy. They were crunchy on the outside with a light & fluffy texture to the mushrooms inside. We ordered the Chicago Dog & the Sloppy Joe Dog & Black Lodge has the BEST hot dogs I have ever tasted! & believe me I have eaten a lot of hotdogs in my lifetime. Their hotdogs are juicy & full of flavor. My husband is still talking about their hotdogs a day later & how we have to go back again[this was his first visit]. For drinks we had the Jager-Rita, Miller High Life Pony & Green Tea shot. They all were great & complimented our food perfectly. The Green tea shot was so smooth, I definitely recommend trying it If shots are your forte & even if they are not. I am not a shot person but I really enjoyed this particular drink. I definitely recommend Black Lodge if you enjoy a very casual, laid back bar/cafe type of restaurant that has food & drinks that are very upscale but reasonably priced. Also, the atmosphere is very bright & bubbly. A perfect Saturday night hang out type of vibe. So once again I definitely highly recommend giving this establishment a try!

Ok I am so pumped that I finally got to try the hot dogs here. It's been my Roman Empire for a year…read morenow after a failed attempt (kitchen was closed) last year during their holiday pop up. Their Chicago style hot dogs is what dreams are made of, I'm happy to say. Paired it with their frozen eggnog (another must not miss during the holidays) and I was truly in heaven.

Cafe Rustika - german - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...