Caffe Rustico

The friendliest cafe in Vancouver? It's pretty rare you are remembered by name on your second visit. This was a favourite lunch spot when we lived closer to the area. We visited again recently and it was still like being welcomed home. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed with regulars. It's common to see people working on their laptops here. 

In the past I've had their carbonara and alfredo pasta, but had their caprese panini with prosciutto and pesto last time. I like how they include a piece of garlic toast or mini pasta salad. My husband had their pizza and it looked so good. He finished it before I got to ask for a bite...

If you are gluten free, you can substitute pasta for rice. There are plenty of vegetarian options as well.

It's a wonderful spot with character for a relaxing lunch. I wish there were more places like it.

A second home. This is a homely cafe among busy streets, yet no matter how busy it gets, Mario never hesitated to strike up a conversation with anyone who walks in. He serves a variety of quality coffees and diverse (not to mention delicious sandwiches, pizza and pizza).

Recently, Mario had partnered up with local artist to display their works at his cafe. This does nothing less than improve the atmosphere and decor.

This place is like a second home.

Go here for the owner!. The Italian food at Café Rustico is not bad. I like the panini better at Trilussa a few blocks south on Main Street because of the tasty sauce they put on the bread, but Rustico's house special panino (cold cuts, cheese, lettuce/tomato and a LOT of pepperoncini, which is OK by me because I like it hot) was nice. It came on quality foccacia, grilled just enough.

I had a slice of pizza, too, because I was hungry after a workout at the gym and riding my bike through the slush and rain on some errands. Rustico's style of pizza is different. The crust seems to be a foccacia sliced horizontally, with a decently spicy red sauce. Only instead of a layer of cheese with your toppings sprinkled on it, the TOPPINGS are layered on thickly, with a light dusting of mozzarella over them. So my pepperoni slice was solid salumi over the crust, and some "snow on the rooftop" cheese. Always interesting to see a novel take on pizza making.

The real reason to go, though, is Mario, the owner. He's a gregarious gent, the stereotypical jolly Italian shop owner who greets everyone with a hearty "Buongiorno!" when they walk in the door. I haven't encountered anyone that happy on multiple trips to Italy itself. He gave me a chance to practice my pidgin Italiano, and I marvelled at how he did things like whipping out a bottle of aloe vera lotion because he saw a couple female patrons rubbing their cold-dried hands. Super-friendly restaurant owners aren't for everyone (see the reviews criticizing the owner of the Cambie Vietnamese Restaurant up Main Street for greeting his customers as "My brother!") but if you want a totally personable host, this is your place.

We love the pizza and the owner! Great little place

Cozy little cafe with amazing pizza.

This is the only coffee shop in Vancouver that I regularly go to. The atmosphere is awesome, very Italian :) Soft Italian music playing in the background, and the place is usually quite warm. The owner, Mario, is very hospitable and often offers complimen