What’s the best way to book/get in contact?
For tables of 12 and under you can easily book online by pressing the “Book Now” button on our webpage, for more than 12 you can contact one of our friendly staff.
Preferably we can be contacted via email (eat@rustica.com.au) or via phone (4929 3333) please leave a detailed voicemail 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 and we are closed on Sundays.
Our booking system is available 3 months in advance.
There is a 10% service fee for groups of 8 or more on the total bill.
How many people can I book for?
The maximum group booking we take in the restaurant is 35 people. You may be on multiple tables depending on your group size. For groups larger than 35, Sundays are a possible option. This is an exclusive use of the restaurant and has a venue hire cost.
Functions?
As we operate almost always as a restaurant and not a functions venue we do not have function packages. In the event you have a large group (we open for a minimum of 55 guests for exclusive use) that secures exclusive use the menu can be designed to your catering needs. The food would always follow our Mediterranean theme and our banquet is a great example. Any extras (for example canapes etc) can also be catered for. Maximum group size is approx. 90 guests.
What Libations do you have on offer?
We have curated a list that includes an extensive beer, wine (local HV, Regional and International) and specialty cocktail/mocktail offerings as well as both standard and premium spirits. There is truly something for everyone and is a great complement to our cuisine. We are fully licenced and not a BYO venue.
We are consistent and regular in updating our list with new items and therefore don't include it on our website but will happily email the most current list if requested.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Absolutely we can and do! It is something we would encounter every service and we are known to do this really well. You may offer this information when booking yourself in the notes section and the staff will always ask on arrival as well. Food preferences are a different thing however, and menu items cannot be swapped out due to personal preferences.
Are you open on Public Holidays?
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. Check our website/social media around these dates for more information. WE ARE CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS 2024 : Sunday 22nd December - Sunday 29th December (inclusive).
Do you supply cakes, or can I bring one in?
We do not supply cakes, but you are 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.
Can I bring in my own decorations?
Due to the nature of our sharing menu there is little room for anything other than the dining experience on the table tops.
Any decorations would need to be discussed before your booking for approval.
Do you have any halal options?
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.
Can we split the bill or pay for drinks as we go?
Unfortunately we are not equipped to offer split bills to the point of itemising and calculating costs per individual. This detracts from the service that can be offered to all diners in the restaurant. The bill is itemised if you wish to divide and pay the total as a group. We are complete table service, all food and drinks ordered from your table will go on the one bill. The staff may use their discretion at times to what is possible and will do their best to meet your needs.
Can I book a window seat?
We try our best to accommodate every request our patrons make, however we cannot guarantee that you will be seated on the window. 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! Please refrain from contacting the restaurant with this request...you can make this request in the notes section of your booking.
Why do I have to fill out a pre-authorisation?
For tables of 12 and under it is not a deposit. It is a pre-authorisation. 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 for no-show.
Tables of more than 12 are required to pay a $25 deposit per guest to secure the booking. This amount will be deducted from your bill at time of visit.
We are unable to long-hold tentative bookings without a pre-authorisation or deposit re: above. Receiving the booking link is for the details needed to secure the table(s). Without this we are unable to hold space in the restaurant.
If you need to cancel a request must be submitted in writing via email or advised over the phone to one of our staff (or a voicemail) and must be outside of the notice period to not incur a fee. Cancellations or changes to the numbers within the notice period will result in a $25 per person charge made to the credit card on file. Should a cancellation request be submitted to us with sufficient notice given, we can transfer the booking to an alternate date or cancel the reservation without penalty.
This is our booking policy that you are required to agree to upon booking.
Do you have parking available? Where is the best place to park?
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.
How do you source and retain such amazing staff members?
We are extremely picky when it comes to the talent that will represent our business. Hospitality is both challenging and rewarding. We are quick to spot those that are established in their hospitality careers as well as those that are motivated and keen to enter the industry. We also value dedication and the fact that not everyone will get it right or perfect every time. With this in mind we ask that all our guests respect their humanity and refrain from unacceptable behaviour towards our highly valued team.