Rustica isn't taking Malia's top spot anytime soon, but it's a pretty solid dinner spot! Not as trendy as Principle, but that's not a bad thing - just depends on what you're looking for. If you want no-fuss dishes that you probably know/have tried before with a bit of an older crowd, Rustica is a good pick. Because my friend & I weren't too hungry, we ordered from firsts only. We had the: *Roasted Bone Marrow (olive tapenade, house jam, grilled bread - $15): Kudos for serving Bone Marrow in Kalamazoo. Although it's not the best I've had (see: Purple Pig in Chicago), please keep it on the menu so folks can experience the goodness that is bone marrow. I was a little put off by how bloody it was, but still tasty. *Sautéed Bay Scallops (lemon-parsley risotto and brown butter - $12): I was surprised at how small the scallops were, but it is listed as "bay scallops" and not jumbo scallops. Perfectly seared scallops though! The risotto was also delicious. I was sitting right by the open kitchen so I saw that dollop of butter go in there, but it was so good that I'm not mad about it. *Heirloom Tomatoes (avocado, red onion, burrata, caper leaf, basil - $12): I loved this - was really fresh & light like a caprese but with mozzarella's cooler older sister (burrata). *Honey Graham Cake (torched marshmallow, ganache, feuilletine - $8): Rustica had me at torched marshmallow. It was like a delicious deconstructed s'more. It also came with some brown sugar cake that had the same porous, soft texture of a Chinese brown sugar prosperity cake..so I was a fan! I like that they have a call ahead option & I used it for our reservation. Per their website, this is how it works: *CALL ANYTIME AFTER 8AM ON THE SAME DAY YOU WISH TO DINE AT RUSTICA. *Follow the prompts on the voicemail and someone will call you back after 4 PM to confirm. *While this isn't a "reservation", we do our best to have you seated at, or very close to, your requested dining time. The wait, if any, for "call ahead" tables at Rustica is generally less than 30 minutes. read more

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Made an online reservation at 2:00 pm on a Tuesday. It was for 6:30. Showed up and was told, rather tersely, by Bill Weir that he had no record of a reservation. Wanted to see the email or text that I should of received after making the reservation on a PC. We are seniors and were told we could sit at the bar. I protested lightly and was told "Sorry". I've known Bill for many years. He was somewhat rude. I believe their personal Web site is defective. If you want to make an online reservation, I would use Yelp. I won't be back for some time. Principal (Next Door) has extremely good service and is less expensive. I've eaten at Rustica many times and the food is very good, especially for Kalamazoo but the prices are high. The variety is very good and the raw materials are very good. If you go there, put your thick skin armor on. read more

I just got back from my most recent visit tonight with my wife and her sister. We ended up here because a lot of our favorite places are closed on Sundays in Kalamazoo. However this is quickly becoming a favorite for us. We had a lovely night filled with cheese boards, steaks, pastas and cocktails and wine. It's definitely on the pricier side but the quality perfectly matches as well as the service. read more

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A better experience than last time. It's pretty good food. The staff is OK but hit or miss. The atmosphere is OK but a bit pretentious for what it is. I just feel that there are many other places in Kalamazoo where I can get as good or better food and feel more welcome and relaxed. It's a nice place and I'm happy to up my rating but It's not a place I will be coming craving to come back to. read more

Honestly I haven't reviewed a restaurant in years, but I was so upset after this dining experience I felt the need to write a review. Horrible service! Very disappointed. I ordered the Rustica Salad which the waitress told me was a great choice. When it came out, it was literally just a small mound of lettuce with little dressing and nothing else aside from a crostini. I was disappointed. I didn't eat the salad and voiced to the waitress I thought I thought I'd be getting an actual salad, not just lettuce. From a service standpoint, it was an easy fix. Acknowledge that the customer didn't like their order. Apologize. Offer to either comp the salad or bring a different salad free of charge. She did neither. Considering my family ordered 3 courses, you would think she would have at least not charged us for the salad. I work in the service industry myself and it's the small things that can make or break someone's experience. You want the customer to leave happy. Very disappointing. read more

good food, attentive service and nice ambiance. one of our favorite restaurants in Kalamazoo.

It was my birthday and we reserved on Yelp was seated immediately for the time we reserved had a nice cozy table. As small as the place was it was perfectly seated and not loud due to sound dampening which is nice. The food was impeccable. We were a party of 5 and Carol was our waitress and she knew the menu which is also nice. All in all a great meal and will definitely will be back. read more

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I have been here twice in the past few months and many times over the years. And the lack of recent reviews should change The place is great. First the covid protocols are spelled out and everyone follows. Tables are spaced and servers behave. They even spell it out on paper The food is very good to excellent. It's upscale American with twists. Takes on things like salmon and steak and chicken. Everything has a distinct taste rhat shows some thought whet into it. Even if kne isn't perfect it's good. After a dozen visits I have never had a bad meal and many have been great. Kalamazoo has some good places this was one of the first of the food changes and has stayed great. Worth the slight extra money (it's not unreasonable at all). When you want something a step above come here read more

Reliable dinner spot in Kalamazoo that delivers an elevated quality and ambiance. Have been coming here with my family for 10+ years and we've never left disappointed. Scallops are delicious and they make a great aperol spritz! read more

Great food. Needs more vegetarian options. Wonderful, almost romantic, atmosphere, staff are unfailingly good.

Probably the best restaurant in Kalamazoo. Outstanding chef. Deep wine list. Excellent service. Predictably good food, albeit not the most adventurous menu. read more

Service was excellent. Steak was perfect. Drinks were tasty But the apps were only so-so. read more

Never been disappointed.Even in these times the service is good and the food is still outstanding. Do yourself a favor and have a relaxed evening. read more

1000% our go to spot in Kalamazoo. same owner and Chef for the past several years. Menu is fabulous. Well appointed dining room in the heart of downtown. All entrees cooked to perfection. A must try. Try any of the fish dishes baked in parchment paper. If you're from the area - you'll get the symbolism. read more

Rustica - Lamb Shank - Modern European Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

Excellent place to get a fine meal and bottle of wine. I hope they bring back the hanger steak as it was excellent.

Everything was perfect. We had a great attentive server. Andrea was very informative and was very helpful with our orders. The Rustica salad had a toasted bread with goat cheese and olive tapenade. I could have eaten an entire plate of this alone. The Kobe Black Flank Steak was perfectly cooked and so flavorful. The coconut cake was a great end to a great dinner. read more

Rustica - Kobe Black Flank Steak - Modern European Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

It was a busy Saturday night so I was sat at the bar.Friendly and helpful staff, well executed bolognese and a really light tiramisu. Nice little place read more

Rustica - Rigatoni bolognese - Modern European Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

A wonderful little restaurant in the heart of the Kalamazoo Mall! A perfect place to enjoy a amazing meal and to people watch! This is a unique restaurant that anyone visiting Kalamazoo should check out! read more

Unexpected valentines dinner treat turned out to be an amazing experience. Our server Mary Ann was such an absolute gem! Even though we peeked at the menu before arriving she mentioned some specials they had that easily persuaded us with her incredible detailed descriptions of every beautiful flavored combined pallet. From beginning to end an amazing experience read more

Rustica - Their valentines special filet served to perfection - Modern European Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

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We have been here a few times, and Rustica has great service and wonderful atmosphere. However, their food is not at the level you would expect for the price point. Our most recent dinner my husband ordered a "Kobe" steak which we asked the server about as it seemed inexpensive for Kobe steak. After confirmation from our server, we order the steak assuming it was just be a smaller serving given the $50 price. What ended up being served was a low quality cut with minimal if any marbling. On this occasion I had ordered the lamb which was not bad, but also not great. Their appetizer have all been very good, each time we went. And they do a good job with their pastas, but their entrees for the price point are disappointing. read more

Pricey but good. Found the bake bone marrow dish very unique. Lamb chops were good too read more

the food was good but the management was terrible. we had a reservation but was told over and over that we had a 2 hour limit and then had to leave. Ive never had this type of experience in a restaurant. The way we were talked to and treated was terrible. I'll never go back. read more

This place is definitely out of this world. The service is great. The food is just wonderful. Outstanding can't do better than that we will definitely make a trip there again read more

Been living in Kalamazoo area for over a year and finally made it to Rustica..and they did not disappoint!!!! Service was impeccable! Great wine and the food was outstanding!! I highly recommend the seafood pasta amatriciana..absolutely to die for! Gnocchi melted in your mouth, duck with blueberry reduction was amazing. We will be back read more

Wow!!!!! How does the food just keep getting better? Going into Rustica is a complete dining experience every single time!!!! The staff are inviting and attentive, the food is out of this world, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. I would recommend the seafood!!! Always fresh, and prepared to perfection! Not a seafood lover? It's okay. I have never met a meal I didn't like that is prepared by Chef Kidd. Hands down, the best overall dining experience that Kalamazoo has to offer! Thank you Chef Kidd and staff for always providing excellence every single time! read more

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If you have something special to celebrate or someone special to celebrate, rustica is the place to go. Singular in terms of exquisite food great wine list impeccable staff and clearly owned by people who are passionate about what they do. read more

Not sure how it's possible that I've never written a review for Rustica. This is hands-down the best restaurant in Kalamazoo. But tonight was the best meal I've had, yet. Hub and I shared the charcuterie board to start... what a treat! Just the right size for two, and a fabulous melange of flavors. For entrees, Hub chose the jerk chicken special, and I had the duck breast. The duck is currently being served with a mushroom pudding, that was much like a bread pudding, and omg the flavors were amaaaaazing. Roasted butternut squash, cranberry and sage rounded out the platter. I cannot express how wonderful this was. The flavors were equal parts savory and crisp, spiced and balanced. Perfection. Dessert was a chèvre cheesecake with blueberries. I admit I was skeptical, but it was fantastic, light and creamy, with a faint zing (lemon? or was that the chèvre?) and a perfect graham crust. Of course we also had some wine from their fabulous wine list. If you're unsure of what will be a good pairing, just ask for a recommendation. read more

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Can't pick a better location for outdoor dining. My Mr surprised me w/dinner reservations on a Friday night for our anniversary. Our server was outstanding, attentive & informative. The owner/manager engaged in conversation w/us discussing craft beer & local drive by vintage car enthusiasts. The food was great (Wagu steak for Mr & Rigatoni for me). Be prepared to spend some money but it's worth every penny. read more

A great, romantic ambiance on the interior w very attentive staff. Our reservation was at 8:30, we arrived at 8:20 and were sat immediately. The food was immaculate! The wagyu was cooked perfectly to our request and delicious. We searched everywhere for a wagyu in the Kalamazoo area and they delivered. We will be back! read more

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Excellent food and service! Great for date night or any special occasion. We will definitely be back . The waygu was awsome fyi .

Went to dinner here last night. I had heard it was the best in Kalamazoo. I would hate to see the worst. I specifically said NO cocktails yet the server insisted on pushing the cocktails to my family (who should not be drinking). The cheese plate was ordered and again the waiter tried to upscale to the meat and cheese platter. I refused The tomato salad was delicious !!!! we received complimentary bread with no butter. Only plain oil. No herbs or cheese. Very bland I ordered the lasagna. It came on a dish with tomato sauce on the bottom. No seasons again. So bland. The waiter then attempted dessert which I shoved back at him and said NO DESSERT. horribly bland and over $220 for four people with one glass of wine. read more

I am starting to really like the Kzoo restaurant scene. This is my favorite so far. My daughter goes to WMU so I'm in Kzoo 2-3 times a year. Atmosphere: comfortable and a tiny bit upscale European bistro. Small but not tight. Open kitchen so you see everything. Nice feel for romantic dates, but I was equally comfortable with my wife and daughter after moving her to school. Service: all highly trained and professional. My sever was also handling what appeared to be a large VIP party, so could have been a bit more attentive. But maybe it was because it was late, we were tired and hungry, and just wanted to get on the road for a 2 hour drive home. This place is meant for an un-rushed dining experience. Wine list: nice and varied by the glass selection. Primary European wines. Very fair prices. Menu/food: impressive menu. Nice seasonal specials. Great food overall. Everything that came out of the kitchen was fantastic and properly cooked. I suspect that is the case with each menu item, so I won't bore you with what I ate. True passion and creativity went into creating this menu. Coffee is French press, so if in a hurry... Front of house: I have never broken out front of house as a separate category, but this place deserves it. Everything was perfectly handled, but in a very unobtrusive and unpretentious manner. Everything from their phone manners when I called inquiring about availability on a busy Saturday, to walking in, to walking out, left a warm and friendly impression. (I suspect he had at least some ownership interest, because only someone truly vested in their business shows this much reserved pride) I almost can't wait to come back to Kzoo just to dine here again. read more

My husband made reservations here for our anniversary weekend. It's conveniently located just a block away from a spacious parking structure, a true blessing in freezing January! We dined on a busy Saturday evening, and though the place was clearly packed, it didn't feel overly loud or uncomfortable. We were seated right away and impressed with the professionality and experience of the wait staff. The cheeseboard and shrimp bisque were delightful, and my husband enjoyed the bone marrow (a dish which I can't stand, but he said was done very well!). In hindsight we really shouldn't have ordered 3 appetizers, because in addition to their fresh baked bread, I was nearly full before the entrees came out! My sirloin and potatoes were great (even as leftovers the next day), and his chicken was equally delectable. We selected a french press coffee and African Chai tea as after-dinner drinks, perfect to relax and warm up before braving the cold! Throughout the course of the evening, we enjoyed observing how efficient the restaurant was run, and how well the staff and (we assumed) owner/manager communicated to ensure timely and thoughtful service to each guest. Expect a pretty pricey tab, but well-merited by the food selection, presentation, execution, and exceptional service! read more

Okay, I'm a huge foodie but I can no longer go to Rustica because the owner/ general manager, Bill Weier, seems to be a blatant misogynist. He was belligerent and repeatedly called me and my group of five, "f**king b*tches". I'm a mild person and went to dinner with my girlfriends and we got the pepper dish as an appetizer and one bite made my friend spit it up in her napkin. There wasn't a mess. She was discreet and very embarrassed. Tristan our server then alerted the owner/GM and he came over and called us "conniving b*tches" and told us to leave immediately, (we hadn't eaten our appetizers, had already ordered food, and two people ordered glasses of wine that they had no chance to drink; but we were still expected to pay for the food we did not consume.) He screamed at us. We sat there completely confused, startled and terrified and got called "b*tches" over and over. We were also were told to "f**k off". I tried to rationalize and calmly explain the situation, but Bill kept spewing misogynistic rhetoric at us. I paid for items that we didn't get a chance to consume and right after my card went through he again called us "trashy b*tches", and said that his establishment was "classy" and wouldn't tolerate people like 'us'. We were all Hispanic with the exception of one of us. No person and certainly no restaurant owner has ever spoken to me like that. I was frozen and afraid of the man yelling at us, who kept spewing profanity. I thought that the waiter, Tristan, was unaware of the owner's treatment of us,so I tipped him generously (wasn't his fault that the owner was hostile-- so I thought). However, it turned out he was very aware of our terrible treatment by the owner and encouraged said treatment. Very disappointing. I then tried to get a refund for the food that we didn't get a chance to eat, after that, we were again cussed at by Bill Weier. I was in disbelief. No one has yelled "f**k off trashy b*tch" to me over and over like that. A panic attack ensued for me. I thought he was going to get violent with us, so we walked away. Not a great way to treat customers. They have to right to refuse service, but there was no need for screaming, nor hate speech toward reasonable people. If you hate misogyny, please don't give them your business. The food is not worth enabling someone who treats people like garbage. I've seen many similar reviews of Bill Weier being a problem. I think the other owners should reconsider Bill as a co-owner, and buy him out. read more

We had the most special and wonderful meal last Saturday night. It started with the coldest and refreshing soup. It was the perfect way to start. Then the chop salad continued to excite. Very interesting and delicious. Moved on to the gnocchi and it was great. The meal stopped at the lamb. It was so perfect and amazing. I have never tasted anything like it. It was like Christmas and summer all together. No one at the table could stop eating it and trying to figure out what was the spice. It tasted different to each of us but it was so amazing and pleasant and like nothing we had ever tasted. The pickles were delicious and home made. The corn underneath was full Michael sweet corn. They make the spice themselves so you will never be able to copy it. We also had the bouillabaisse. It was creamy spicy dream. We dipped the lamb in the broth and the combo was super. Can't wait till we are back in kzoo. This is where you should eat read more

Me, my wife, our pregnant friend, and our two best friends came to eat here. We ordered food and were waiting for it. Our pregnant friend got sick (as women with babies do). The owner came and kicked us out. We were understanding because of course that's inappropriate at a restaurant. Since our food hadn't come out we asked if we could be refunded. They answered no, and told us to "get the fuck out" multiple times. We paid for it, left, and are still unsure of why the OWNER would be the way he was. read more

Very disappointing. Me and my friends were excited to enjoy dinner here. Our friend (that is pregnant) was not feeling well, and the owner accused her of being drunk and asked us to leave. She ran out in tears, and after explaining to Bill- the manager (and\ or owner?) the situation, he told my friend and I to F*** off repeatedly. I asked for him to refund our credit card for the items we didn't receive and he refused and called trashy B******. The little food we did try was gross and the experience over all was awful. read more

The food was great as was the service. I wasn't a fans of how close the tables were together. I could definitely hear the conversations of everyone around us but the the food and wine overall was amazing. read more

Rustica - The Roasted Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast - Modern European Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

The food there was delicious! It's the perfect place for a date. I would highly recommend this place.

Can't say enough about our evening at Rustica on 10/23. From start to finish, everything was superb. The French onion soup, the yellowtail ceviche special, the cod, and the pumpkin cheesecake were our favorites of the evening! The ambiance is dark and romantic for a perfect date night spot. Can't wait to come back again soon! read more