Café Rustica Menu

Café Rustica in Carmel Valley offers a thoughtfully crafted menu that celebrates American and seafood cuisine with a rustic, elegant touch. Highlights include fresh steamed clams and escargots a la Bourguignonne, showcasing the kitchen’s mastery over classic, flavorful seafood dishes. The wood oven-baked rigatoni with beef bolognese and Parmesan is a rich, comforting choice, balanced by lighter options like grilled salmon and wild mushroom cheese tortellini. Starters such as crispy calamari with chili aioli and grilled eggplant napoleon impress with bold, fresh flavors. The pizza selection, including the smoky salmon atop creme fraiche and the Alsatian-inspired Flammekueche, reveals an artisanal flair. Desserts like butterscotch pudding and flourless chocolate torte provide a perfect, indulgent finale. Each dish reflects a harmony of hearty ingredients and refined technique. Sitting on the terrace, surrounded by citrus trees, the atmosphere blends comfort and charm seamlessly, making every bite a memorable experience rooted in the bounty of local flavors.