Question 1

What’s the best way to book/get in contact?

Accepted Answer

For tables of 12 and under book online by pressing the “Book Now” button on our webpage (above). For more than 12 you’ll have to do that through one of our friendly staff. We can be contacted preferably via email (eat@rustica.com.au) or via phone (4929 3333) please leave a detailed message with your best contact number and we’ll get back to you as soon as we are able.*Please note we also silent our phones during our service hours, this is to better focus on our diners to optimise their Rustica experience. We are closed on Sundays.
Tables of 8 or more have a 10% service fee added to the total bill.
Our booking system is open 3 months in advance. Christmas bookings can be made beginning from September.

Question 2

Are you open on Public Holidays?

Accepted Answer

We choose not to operate most Public Holidays as it gives our staff a well-deserved break to spend with friends and family. We do however open on “special occasion” days such as Mother’s Day. We close for Christmas Day/Boxing Day each year (other dates around this to vary see website closer to December). Check our website/social media around these dates for more information. Public Holiday surcharge is 15% on the total bill.

Question 3

Do you supply cakes, or can I bring one in?

Accepted Answer

We do not supply cakes, but you are more than welcome to bring your own in. Please only drop off cakes on the day of your reservation. We charge a $6 a head cakeage fee, our friendly staff will present your cake (please supply your own candles) we will then take it to the kitchen to be cut and served with some vanilla ice cream.

Question 4

Do you have any halal options?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in fact all our meat/seafood is halal certified.*please note some dishes may be cooked using wine, please advise waitstaff of any dietary requirements.

Question 5

Can we split the bill or pay for drinks as we go?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we are not equipped to offer these kinds of services. Our bar area is in use for our staff and we offer full table service. All food and drinks ordered from your table will go on the one bill. The bill is itemised.

Question 6

What about beverages?

Accepted Answer

We have an extensive wine, spirits and cocktail list. We are fully licensed. We don't post our beverage menu on our website as it is updated regularly. We will email this to you if you send us a request which will be the current list at that time.

Question 7

Can I book a window seat?

Accepted Answer

We try our best to accommodate every request our patrons make, however having only limited tables along the window, to avoid potential disappointment for our guests we decided to not guarantee window seats and have our online booking system automatically allocates the window tables to the first booked. We appreciate that you might be booking for a special occasion, but we do ask that you are understanding of this policy and we can guarantee you will have a lovely meal matched with wonderful service no matter where you’re seated!

Question 8

Large group? How many people can I book for?

Accepted Answer

The maximum booking we take in the restaurant is approx. 35 people.  We don't have a separate dining space/private room. The maximum amount of people we can seat on one table is 12, reservations larger than this will be split onto multiple tables, you may request a table configuration and we will try our best to organise this. Sundays are a possible option for exclusive use.

Question 9

Do you take bookings for private use / functions?

Accepted Answer

We operate almost always as a restaurant so we can look at requests individually for private/exclusive use. Please email with as much detail as possible including : preferred date(s) and time of day; maximum number of guests; reason for event; budget per head including food and beverages. Mid-week exclusive use is $1500 and Sunday is $2500 (plus food and drinks). We will consider exclusive use for 55+ guests with a maximum of 100 guests. We do not have AV equipment and live entertainment is approved on request.

Question 10

Why do I have to fill out a pre-authorisation? Is this a deposit?

Accepted Answer

No it is not a deposit; it is just a ‘holding fee’ of $25 per person (for tables of 12 and under). This amount will be held from when you book and will then be released automatically to you 12 hours after your booking. This payment will only be charged if you cancel within 8 hours of your booking or do not show for your booking. Tables of more than 12 are required to pay a deposit to secure the booking of $25pp. This is our booking policy which you will be asked to agree to upon booking.

Question 11

Do you have parking available? Where is the best place to park?

Accepted Answer

We do not have a car park for our guests, there is only on street parking. You can park either on Shortland Esplanade or on King Street (near the Novotel Hotel) and walk up the stairs to us. There is also an elevator close to the outside stair area that our guests may use. The elevator is not maintained by us - it belongs to the hotel. We advise to be dropped off or seek a park on Shortland Esplanade as this route does not have any stairs if this is your concern. Please allow time to find a park. Our restaurant is wheelchair friendly.

Question 12

Why do we have such great staff?

Accepted Answer

We do! We are picky when it comes to the talent that represents our business. We value our staff and ask that you do the same. We do not keep great staff if they experience harassment or bad behaviour towards them from guests. We ask that you treat our staff with respect and remember they are doing a great, challenging (at times) but rewarding job in hospitality.