We went to Cafe Rustika recently on a Saturday night. We walked in just before 5pm and were told it would be about a 30 minute wait. They took our number and said they'd call when our table was ready, so we went around the corner to have some drinks while we waited. Our table was ready about an hour later. We were seated and placed our order pretty quickly. Our beers came shortly thereafter and we were brought some bread while we waited, and wait we did. It was another hour for our meals for 2 to come out. The pork schnitzel was crispy and the lemon and capers added a lot of flavor. The käsespätzle was very cheesy and flavorful. We grabbed a piece of black forest cake to go, which was also really good. The service was friendly with our waitress apologizing several times for how long our meal took to arrive. It's obvious that they're used to being so busy on the weekends and do the best they can. The restaurant is small but cozy. A good dinner, but make sure you have the time if you plan to go on a weekend, or go on a weeknight instead. read more

Cafe Rustika - Restaurant and bar area - German Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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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! read more

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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???!!!

Fantastic people and a fantastic atmosphere. What a refreshing place. People make you feel welcome and wonderful food read more

Cafe Rustika - The bar - German Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Fantastic. This was one of two favorite restaurants from this trip to Richmond. Schnitzel cordon bleu: Fried to perfection. Their schnitzel is so good. The cordon bleu was good, but I think I'd order a different kind of schnitzel next time. I don't think the ham really adds anything to the dish. We chose spatzle and sauerkraut as the sides. Both were DELICIOUS. Black Forest Cake: This cake is awesome. So many layers filled with oh-so-creamy cream. Very moist. Not too sweet. Service was fantastic. We did have to wait a long time (1 hr+) to get seated, as there really aren't many tables. Try to show up as early as you can, as they don't do reservations. read more

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! read more

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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! read more

Cafe Rustika - Rhamschnitzle with cucumber salad and sauerkraut. - German Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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!! read more

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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 read more

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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! read more

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Terribly long wait, after being told otherwise. Wanted to place an order for takeout and asked how long it would be because if it was too long, then we did not want to order. We expressed this to the person on the phone. It was told by the person on the phone that it would be 45 minutes to one hour. We waited one hour and 40 minutes. Will not be going back. It's not a problem for us that the place is busy. It's a problem that we are told one thing and then service is not delivered as promised. read more

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

Cafe Rustika - Schnitzel with rham sauce, essentially a lemon cream sauce. Excellent - German Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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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. read more

Cafe Rustika - Traditional Schnitzel - German Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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

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. read more

Cafe Rustika - Schnitzel - German Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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! read more

Cafe Rustika - Jaegerschnitzel (pork) and Cordon Bleu chicken schnitzel - German Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

OMG! Simply amazing food and service! And traditional German biers on draught! 10 STARS! read more

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! read more

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We went on a Friday night at5:00. Very Busy! We sat at the bar....only seats opened. I asked if we could get a table when one opened and the owner of the restaurant said....No, not for just two people. So we placed our order. 20 mins went by and the owner said we could take the table that opened behind us...bingo! Well.......our order was then given to the two people who took our seats.....and they started eating!! 1 hr into our visit I asked where our food is.......the owner said it was given to another couple......no sorry or apology. Well now we were now going to be late for our show! Our food showed up 1.25 mins after we ordered it! The owner gave me a free beer. This debacle put a damper on our dinner and the evening. Food was very good. I will give them another try but I will be cautious....waitress was very inexperienced. read more

Absolute worst dining experience of my life. Waited an hour for a table which is fine it was busy. But then when get seated wait 45 minutes and no one even takes our order so left. No apology from owner just one from nice bartender trying to do 3 jobs. Will never be back and advocate anyone I know to avoid. Had Indian friend with me and from the peoples orders they were taking seemed like a white only restaurant. read more

This place is busy and small but very lively! We came at 7 and waited about 15 minutes for a table. All tables were small fitting 4 ppl at most. The waitress is super friendly! The zwiebelfleisch was our favorite but you have to like onions and a tangy flavor. Kids loved the Mac n cheese with our oldest saying "the German's know how to do mac n cheese". I read other reviews saying the food needs more flavor and I can understand why some patrons say this but I felt the food was flavorful enough. read more

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Not dog friendly unless service animal. Unable to go to the restaurant. Only adding a review so others do not waste time as it is marked dog friendly by yelp. read more

This is one of my top go-to recommendations. This restaurant has got a great vibe to it and it's got something to offer for everyone. It's a very chill spot, yet can somehow make for a great date night... I need to try there other items on the menu, but I can't help but to keep ordering there lemon caper schnitzel, it's just that good! The service is always great and the drinks are simply delicious. All this and it's a great price too. Highly recommend read more

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German cuisine is our favorite. Cafe Rustika's food is delicious. We visited Germany last year and the food at Cafe Rusticka far exceeds what we ate in Germany. It is always good to arrive prior to 4:00 p.m. - stand in line for the cafe to open promptly at 4:00. The restaurant is small so if you snatch the first round of seats you don't have to wait. The kitchen appears to be small, so go and enjoy time together as it might take a little while to get your meal but trust me the wait is worth it. The servers are always great - enjoy the German beer. If we lived in Richmond we would show up at least once a week - we live about 45 minutes away. read more

The place is very small and doesn't take reservations but who cares just get there early. Sat at the bar and had a nice German beer. No tvs which kind of stinks but you are there for the food which was outstanding. I had the jagerscnitzel which was covered in red wine sauce and mushrooms. Could have used a little more sauce but still good. For sides I had the sauerkraut which was excellent and the potato salad with bacon which was also excellent. Definitely a hidden gem in Richmond. Would definitely go back when I am in town. read more

Cafe Rustika - Jagerschnitzel, sauerkraut, potato salad. - German Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

The food smelled delicious, but the flavor was minimal. Not sure why most of central and southern VA doesn't use salt or seasonings while cooking. Waitstaff forgot to inform us that their casing person quit, so the house 'bratwurst' was more like a hamburger. 'German' potato salad was cold and had more mayo than vinegar. Sauerbraten was not sweet and sour. Still searching for a decent German Restaurant. read more

Walked in and gave my name to be put on the list. Old dude at the bar says 25 min wait and said he'll call me. Didn't call so went back after a beer and checked to see what the deal was and said it should be any minute now. Ended up waiting for an hour only to be seated at the end of the bar on a stool --not a seat-- but a stool. The only two stools at the bar and he had plenty of seats with back support available, along with a booth. Also, white guy who walked in without putting his name down got seated at the bar immediately. I guess they don't like colored Asian people. Gave us total racist vibes. This was all the while their AC was broken and it was hot af in the restaurant. We figured it was going to be worth the wait but turned out to be completely wrong. read more

No line to get in, open table. Was told to sit at the bar or wait :45 minutes. Food was delicious in spite of service. Schnitzel with special sauce of the day- can't remember what it was but it was amazing. Sauerbraten with potatoes and sauerkraut were good as well. read more

The service was incredible. The people are so nice. The restaurant is very small and expect to wait for a table. They take your number and they call you when the table is ready they had a wide variety of schnitzel prepared and you could have a Lotta different kinds of proteins, I think maybe I ordered the wrong proteins because I found it a little chewy. I have the veal the sauce wasn't really really good and the sides were incredible. I do think maybe our waitress was a little experience and wasn't very much help. I would definitely go again, and if you have a schnitzel craving, this is definitely the place to go. Incredible beers selection from Germany from dark to light I think the sides and the dessert were my highlights. read more

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If you're in a rush, get there by 4. Tiny location but no one does German food better in the area. Well, they're the only one within 100 plus miles. Expect 45 minutes to an hour wait in Saturday nights. Once you're in, you're in for a treat. Come hungry, leave happy. I had the Rahm schnitzel and my darling had the Jaeger schnitzel. Black Forest cake ended our night and we were very happy. read more

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About two months ago I was diagnosed with Leukemia so all restaurant meals had come to a halt. Or so I thought. But while staying at VCU, my husband and I discovered this gem! Their food is amazing and it is comfort at its best. They aren't on door dash or any other delivery so we pick up the takeout. Last night I had the Zwiebelfleisch over spetzel. Just amazing. The flavors are developed and has the sourness that's prevalent in German cuisine. I had a side of the red cabbage (Blaukraut). This is delicious fermented red cabbage that's a perfect side to the tenderloin. My husband had the Bratwurst with Kraut, and a side of the potatoes (which are so simply made and so so good). They serve each meal with a wonderful focaccia. I can't rate the ambiance or service. When we order takeout the staff is always helpful and it's "plated" well enough in takeout containers. As long as my doctors keep me in a normal diet we will order from here!! So so much better than hospital food. And so authentic! read more

This place is great! It's your typical small hole in the wall restaurant/bar in downtown RVA but adds in a fun German theme. Coming here during Oktoberfest made it even better. We got the Oktoberfest beer on special, and had two servings of the bread - our favorite part of the night. For meals we got the Käsespätzle and the Schnitzel with sides. The Schnitzel was on special with a delicious dill sauce, but once it's off special I'll probably get the lemon sauce. After a filling meal, we took the black forest cake to go and enjoyed it later that night. There's a reason why there was a slice at almost every table, it was amazing! Not too heavy, was moist, and provided the perfect sweet treat to split. Can't wait to come back, Prost! read more

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WONDERFUL! I almost hesitate to write a review I feel this is a "best kept secret". Small venue, not for those who l like rowdy, loud, TV blaring places. Quiet, very casual and VERY friendly staff. Food is out of this world good! read more

If you love schnitzel, this is the place to go. As we were looking for a restaurant, I noticed that there was a German restaurant available in Richmond. So I thought we would give it a whirl. It's right downtown near the water and was very close to our hotel may be about 1 mile away. So we ended up there. The seating is limited so if you want to go to this restaurant, go early or be prepared to perhaps wait a little bit because it is a long narrow restaurant with the seating mainly up and down in front of the bar so there isn't extensive seating available. Remember these are older buildings. At any rate they have every schnitzel you could imagine under the sun. And there are host of side dishes. Of course I had to have spaetzle and sauerkraut. Their sauerkraut was just divine they put little bits of ham or bacon in it to season it and it was really scrumptious. I also had the roasted potatoes. These were perfectly done. I believe they cooked the potatoes ahead of time: they used a baking potato and then they sautéed them giving them a crispy crust. Just exquisite and well seasoned. The schnitzel well, it was enough to feed two people. It was so good I had the veal and my companion had chicken. Both were extremely well done. Great flavor, great gravy or sauce. Staff were very pleasant and effective service was fantastic. For dessert I had the chocolate pastry cake with an almond crust and boy was that scrumptious. I ended up taking that to go because there was just so much food! And of course there's beer and ale and all kinds of delicious things to drink. It is very rustic. The seating is on wooden benches but it gives it a very homey warm and intimate feeling for dining in. Just spot on German food. I wish I could've ordered the sauerbraten as well but you can't eat everything. read more

Cafe Rustika - Shot from inside looking toward window - German Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Friendly servers knowledgeable about the menu and the menu has great German drinks and food options. Ambience is a little divey but totally negligible because the food was DELICIOUS!! Crispy fried outer edges to my schnitzel with extra thin and tender veal inside, with dijon cream sauce and a hearty squirt of lemon...heavenly. The creamy cucumber salad was fresh and surprisingly light for a sour cream base. The carrot soup did not taste like straight purées carrot, but instead a creamy balanced side dish I really enjoyed with the dill. Sauerkraut was tasty and tangy. The buttered spatzle were extra buttery and soft, but my friend said they tasted better with the gravy in the beef tips dish. Definitely an excellent meal! read more

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Great German food. Seating very uncomfortable especially for older folks. Understaffed! read more

I went here on a Thursday evening. There was a small wait for tables, but a much longer wait for the food. I think it might've been because a guy placed a large to go order before we ordered, but my goodness an extra piece of bread or something would've been appreciated as it was an hour before we got our food. The food itself was good though & was a large portion. The potatoes don't have any seasoning on it which was disappointing, but the Wiener schnitzel was tasty & tender. I also got the German chocolate cake which was delicious. read more

Cafe Rustika - German Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

What a find! I'm always on the lookout for a good German restaurant, and I found Cafe Rustika by chance while exploring downtown Richmond. The outside doesn't look like much, so be sure to make it past the uninspiring front door--a gem awaits inside. While seating is limited, I'd suggest going on a weekday. The best southern German cuisine awaits! read more

My husband and I recently visited Cafe Rustika for a quick trip to Richmond. We were very impressed with the food and the service. Within five minutes on what looked like a busy night, we were seated and served delicious bread. My husband ordered the Sauerbraten with potato salad and cabbage. The beef and Gingersnap gravy was sublime. I ordered the Pork Schnitzel with a delicious salad and Spätzle which was equally delicious. If you enjoy authentic German cuisine with friendly service, stop by the Cafe Rustika. I guarantee you will enjoy the experience immensely. read more

If schnitzel and German food are your jam, look no further. We've eaten here several times, and have never been disappointed. First, a few caveats. This is a small, owner-run establishment. They don't take reservations, and they fill up quickly. Go early, preferably on a weekday. If you go on a weekend, be prepared to wait an hour or more. There is very little room to stand while waiting, but they take your phone #, and there are several fun places very nearby to go have a drink while you wait. Also, the menu is small. No fancy appetizers, no substitutions, and vegans might want to steer clear. That said, OH, the food! Veal, pork, or chicken schnitzel cooked perfectly with a variety of sauces from which to choose. Sauerbraten so tender you could eat it with a spoon. Traditional old-school sides. The spaetzle makes me cry with happiness, and the red cabbage, potato salad, and sauerkraut are also quite good. We've never tried dessert, but based on the moans from the guy next to me at the bar this week, the Black Forest cake is yummy. I may have to get a slice to go next time we visit. We are thrilled to find such an authentic German restaurant in RVA. read more