RUSTICA

05/24/2026

At Rustica, the menu is rooted in classic technique without ever feeling too formal. From rich bisques and perfectly roasted duck to handmade pastas and seasonal dishes, everything is meant to feel thoughtful and welcoming.
Whether it’s your first visit or your favorite table, there’s always something to settle into here.

05/17/2026

A perfect ending to your dinner! Pate Choux, served with chocolate cremeux, seasonal rhubarb, chantilly, ganache, and candied hazelnut.

05/14/2026

Voting ends tomorrow! revuewm.com/botw

Our motivation is doing things the right way, every single night. Every plate, every pour, every detail is about the experience at your table. Not awards. That said, it's an honor to be recognized as one of the best restaurants in our area. We are one of three finalist for the Best Restaurant in Kalamazoo/Portage, in the R***e West Michigan 2026 Best of the West Reader's Poll.

We are thankful for the support our community has given us over the last 17 years, and would appreciate your support in the final round of voting, open until May 15.
https://revuewm.com/botw

Downtown Kalamazoo Discover Kalamazoo

05/12/2026

FANTASTIC update on the parking situation downtown!

~ "On-street parking enforcement hours will end at 5 p.m. in all zones"

That means FREE street parking on Kalamazoo Mall, South Street, Farmers Alley, and all other streets when you dine at Rustica!

If you prefer to park in the ramp:

~"The first 90 minutes in the Epic Center and Kalamazoo Mall ramps will remain free"

Finally, coming downtown before 5:00pm?

~"The first 30 minutes at all paid on-street parking spaces will be free through fall 2027. To receive the free 30 minutes at paid on-street spaces, visitors will simply start a parking session using either the ParkMobile app or a payment kiosk by entering their license plate number. The system will automatically prompt that the first 30 minutes are free, with the option to add additional time if needed."
~"Maximum time limits at paid on-street spaces will increase from 90 minutes to 3 hours"

We are thankful that the City of Kalamazoo listened to the businesses downtown and made these common sense changes.

"These changes are expected to be fully implemented within approximately three weeks as signage, kiosks, and the ParkMobile system are updated"

05/10/2026

Our House-Made Ricotta Gnocchi is getting a Spring make-over, with local asparagus, cherry tomato, chevre, miso, pine nuts, and fried shallot.

05/03/2026

Asparagus season is here! Don't miss out on this West Michigan specialty!
Grilled Asparagus -- farm egg, pickled mustard, tarragon vinaigrette, parmesan, dill, marcona almond

04/26/2026

Our motivation is doing things the right way, every single night. Every plate, every pour, every detail is about the experience at your table. Not awards. That said, it's an honor to be recognized as one of the best restaurants in our area. We are one of three finalist for the Best Restaurant in Kalamazoo/Portage, in the R***e West Michigan 2026 Best of the West Reader's Poll.

We are thankful for the support our community has given us over the last 17 years, and would appreciate your support in the final round of voting, open until May 15.
https://revuewm.com/botw

Downtown Kalamazoo Discover Kalamazoo

04/21/2026

Earthy and bright. Our Beet Salad brings together roasted beets with herbed chèvre, local greens, and candied hazelnuts for that perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Beet Salad - herbed chèvre, local greens, candied hazelnut, duck fat, balsamic reduction

04/13/2026

Some nights you just have to go all in. Our New Zealand Lamb Shank is braised until perfectly tender, served with marinated gigante beans with roasted squash and tomato, and finished with crispy fried shallots and Marcona almonds for just the right amount of texture.

04/09/2026

Starter or dessert?
Artisan Cheese Board - house jam, local honey, spiced nuts, grilled bread

04/08/2026

The Epic Center Parking Ramp at 136 E South Street is the BEST place to park while dining at Rustica. It is within sight of the restaurant and only a few hundred feet away. More importantly the first 90 Minutes are FREE!

If you prefer to use the "pay at Kiosk" parking spots** on Kalamazoo Mall, South Street, and Farmer's Alley, please know that these spots are actively monitored and enforced until 8pm.