Caffé Rustico

4.0 star rating
19 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Italian, Sandwiches  [Edit]

3136 Main St
Vancouver, BC V5T 3G7
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
(604) 872-3444
Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Take Away:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Alcohol:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Yelp Ad Scoozi's
4.0 star rating
48 reviews

arinn w. said: "this is not the kind of place i would typically frequent (awfully touristy and everything covered in cheese) but my friend and i checked it out, because it was open early enough for us to have breakfast before her flight home.   vegan…"   read more »

Review Highlights   

user photo
"Mario and staff are extremely friendly." (in 9 reviews)
user photo
"Friendly owner Mario makes this cafe a real pleasure to..." (in 3 reviews)
user photo
"Cafe Rustico has just become my favorite coffee shop." (in 8 reviews)
  Loading...
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites' | Facebook Friends'

19 reviews in English

  • Review from Simon G.

    •  
    • 45 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    12/28/2010 2 Check-ins Here

    Excellent place with a great and friendly owner (Mario), fabulous coffee and good authentic Italian food. The atmosphere is key, though - friendly, with many regulars and an opportunity to meet others from the neighbourhoods (or other places).

    And, as an extra bonus for the serious coffee lovers, Mario periodically makes free expressos for all. They are strong...

  • Review from vanessa G.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    7/9/2011

    Bella! Pronto! I was greeted immediately and loudly by i am guessing the owner of the cafe. I ordered the Boccinni Pomodoro Panini to go. He told me to not only eat the salad that is included because it's good, but also good for me. Before i could leave he left with me an expresso with whip cream on top (dopio?), which i forgot how amazing it tastes. The places smells of Italy, sounds of Italy, and tastes of Italy. and all on Main St!
    The other sweet treats looked amazing. I want to go back and try the vegetarian lasagna.

  • Review from Nikki W.

    •  
    • 18 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    1/2/2011

    Friendly owner Mario makes this cafe a real pleasure to visit. He's always in a good mood and ready to chat. I've heard the espresso is top notch here, but as a non-coffee drinker, I'm more interested in their wide selection of teas.

    Good paninis and biscotti too, and they have free wifi here. The decor is quaint (some might say somewhat lacking), but you come here for good food and drink, not impressive ambience.

  • Review from Adelina W.

    •  
    • 17 friends
    • 149 reviews

    Richmond, BC

    4.0 star rating
    2/13/2011 1 Check-in Here

    A quaint little place. I ordered their pasta carbonara and while it wasn't the most amazing pasta dish, it sure hit the spot and satisfied my pasta craving. There was such much bacon in the sauce - yum! I only wished the sauce was thicker. It was really runny.

    I didn't the the chance to meet Mario, but I definitely will be back. There were quite a number of people inside enjoying a late lunch. The desserts looked amazing too. Can't wait to try more of their offerings.

  • Review from Chicken Wing P.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 23 reviews

    New Westminster, BC

    4.0 star rating
    8/23/2010

    Cafe Rustico makes me happy.

    I've heard about Cafe Rustico and its friendly Italian owner Mario from a friend. This evening I finally have a chance to pay a visit. It has been a long day after many hours of classes and I desperately needed some pick-me-up.

    When I first entered, Mario, the owner, was behind the counter serving two customers. Mario saw me and greeted, "Signora." It reminded me of being in Italy right away! Mario then freely offers two espresso con panna, one for me and the other waiting customer each. It was just the pick-me-up I needed after a long, tiring day!

    I ordered their lasagna and an espresso. On the menu there are also other pasta and homemade pizza. Too bad I had (a horrible) pizza for lunch.

    The lasagna was not extraordinary but it tastes homemade. It was just the comfort food I was looking for. :-)

    As it wasn't too busy, Mario chatted with me briefly when I complimented him on their pizza. I smelled the pesto-tomato pizza as another customer walked away with a slice earlier. I told Mario that I'd come back for one another time. Moments later, Mario returns with half a slice of pesto pizza -- complimentary! I particularly enjoyed the crust. It was wheat flour. Very crunchy and tasty. A slice of pizza costs less than $3. It is the perfect snack when shopping on Main Street.

    Mario and I chatted more when I went up to pay. He shared freely about his philosophy of good food. I feel his passion towards food and about sharing his love of food with others. It's been awhile since I feel the passion from the chef/restaurant owner indirectly from the food they offer.

    Mario, the espresso, the lasagna and the half a slice of pesto-tomato pizza made me very happy. :)

  • Review from Tamarah P.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Burnaby, BC

    4.0 star rating
    7/9/2010

    Cafe Rustico represents one of the biggest reasons that I love eating locally.  Mario the owner takes pride and pleasure in sampling his wares, schmoozing his customers (with sincerity, I feel) and just generally creating an aire of welcoming warmth to this adorable and delicious spot.  Whether you can be considered a regular (as many have grown to be) or are popping in for the first time, the community created in this space is non-exclusive and contagious.  Besides that, the food is handmade (thin crust, fresh-topping pizza!), the espresso phenom, and I was perfectly content with dipping a cookie into my latte and watching the world go by.

    This Cafe is perfect for those who would like - even for an hour or two - to feel as though this big city is maybe not so big after all.

  • Review from Marc D.

    •  
    • 1073 friends
    • 1024 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    5/8/2009

    Free wifi, comfy surroundings, friendly service, and pastries from Calabria bakery (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...) - a nice combination.  

    I just wish they would also carry the sfogliatelle from Calabria!!!!!!  For that it seems I still have to make the trek out to Victoria Drive at the source!

  • Review from Tara T.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 148 reviews

    BC

    3.0 star rating
    12/2/2008

    Just a small café located at Main and 16th, Café Rustico is owned by a boisterous man who can sometimes be a little chatty. If you don't mind the chitter chat, come here for delicious lattes and americanos. Be careful if you're having a take-away though, as the coffee comes to you boiling hot. A little too hot for my liking but the smooth and subtle flavour makes waiting for it to cool worthwhile.
    You can also come here to surf the Internet or do a bit of work on your laptop as they offer free wireless. I've never come here to work, but I might try it out. However it's not the cosiest place, so I'm not sure how long I'd stay. I like something a little warmer and homier, but the service is friendly and the Italian sweet treats look delicious.

  • Review from Heidi H.

    •  
    • 31 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    10/13/2008

    I love this place!  It is my home away from home.

    "Ciao Bella!  Ciao Bello!"  Is the greeting we all get as we happen to peek our heads into this warm and inviting coffee shop.  The selection of paninis is overwhelmingly good, the pizzas are tasty, but the best part about this shop are the drinks!

    Mario and his wonderful and thoughtful crew do great work behind the counter and if you get a chance try one of Mario's con pannas (sp?).  Oh my ...  soooooo good!

    This became my local hangout when I was without internet (they have free wireless) and will be one of my favorites for my time in Vancouver.  It is that perfect rainy day escape - warm, safe, friendly, delicious drinks and fantastic people!

    Thank you Cafe Rustico for making this newbie feel welcomed and at home!

  • Review from Daniella F.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    11/24/2009

    Cafe Rustico has just become my favorite coffee shop.

    Mario goes out of his way to make his cafe feel like home-away-from-home. Free wifi, copious amounts of espresso and whipped cream, excellent tea and coffee, hearty soups, homemade food... it's all you can really ask for. Everyone is incredibly friendly and nice, and they don't mind if you stick around for a bit to people watch through their big window or get some work done.

    I can't wait until it's nice enough to sit on the porch and watch Main St go by.

  • Review from Stephan W.

    Langley, BC

    4.0 star rating
    4/5/2011 1 photo

    Just stopped in for a late lunch today. Laid back, friendly vibe. Hand written menu boards, book exchange corner, kids toys area, this place is mellow and friendly. I got a single slice of hawaiian pizza, it was pretty good. Focaccia bread style dough. It was counter service but the girl brought my slice out out with a glass of water, a nice touch! Always fun to have a brouse at Urban Source next door too, I'll be back.

  • Review from Timothy M.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    1/25/2011

    One of my favorite cafes....unpretentious (I'm lookin' at you Gene), cozy and the owner's a gem. The coffee's decent and the pastries/pizza are yummy so when you're looking for an alternative to the "Alternative" or cookie cutter corporate coffee (phew) head over to Rustico...you might get treated to a doppio con panna.

  • Review from Robert S.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    4/15/2010

    Miglior Caffe intorno...

    Mario and staff are extremely friendly. Paninis are awesome! Mario has been in the coffee industry for years. His beans are roasted to his specifications in Vancouver.

    Ciao

  • Review from Tinella T.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 52 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    9/24/2010

    Pleasant place with nice coffee and friendly staff. Love Italian music they play there :) Big choice of biscotti and other foods.

  • Review from Jay D.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    7/24/2011

    Really good authentic Italian food - ordered the spicy sausage past and Boccini Pesto Tomato Pizza - both were excellent and yummy. Definitely homemade and frest. Also tried the desserts - Dee-licious.  Will definitely go back again.

  • Review from J T.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 15 reviews

    New York, NY

    USA
    4.0 star rating
    6/18/2010

    This place is great - the staff is so friendly and the food is good. We had pizza, which wasn't the best pizza I've ever had in my life but was certainly enjoyable and very reasonably priced. The biscotti was also good but not amazing.
    Cafe Rustico has a warm and inviting feel to it, and the outdoor seating made for a relaxing meal. Definitely check it out if you're in the neighborhood.

  • Review from Michael C.

    •  
    • 63 friends
    • 187 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    11/1/2009 1 Check-in Here

    I love the owner there especially when he makes my latte he really has a passion for it and I get to learn some Italian while I am there. I really like the Biscotti as well goes well with the flavorful coffee. This place sinks Starbucks taste wise. I go there when I am in the area.

  • Review from Julie L.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    1/29/2011

    This place is terrific:  food (pizzas, lasagne), amazing desserts (cookies, pastries), good wifi, and very friendly staff. I bet the coffee is good too, although I did not have any myself.

  • Review from Aaron Z.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    5/23/2009

    I like Cafe Rustico because the atmosphere is very tranquil and Mario and his staff are warm and friendly.  I have taken many people into this cafe, some of whom are going through a very difficult time in their lives and they have all found this place to be a soothing and comfortable environment to be in.

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...