I googled 'best restaurant Newcastle' and this place came up number one organic ranking. So on my recent visit to Newcastle I made a booking. Let me tell you this place exceeded my expectations, from the views to the ambience and the meticulous detailed Interior design. Both the service and the food were excellent. Elsa took care of us and was very polite and hospitable. The star here was the food though hats off to the chefs for producing some of the tastiest vegetarian dishes I've ever had.

I had a fabulous experience at Rustica, with delicious food and great service. Entrees were the focaccia and arancini balls, followed by mains of pork belly and gnocchi. Both were full of flavour and were cooked to perfection. Stunning views of Newcastle beach and a meal to remember- Highly recommend!

Went to this restaurant for my birthday and it was incredible. Not only was the server attentive, she was also funny and personable (I asked for her name, but I didn't write it down and forgot). My husband and I enjoyed everything we ordered, the herb bread entree, I had the pork belly for a main and my husband had the market fish (the pepperonata was divine), and we both had the chocolate fondant dessert. They made it extra special by writing "happy birthday" with the dessert. The view was beautiful, watching the sunset over the beach, and it was overall just such a wonderful experience.

Disappointing dining experience for various reasons. Firstly, the price tag. At $150 for 2 people, one would expect good food. It was unfortunately very average. Secondly, the choice of ingredients. Fish dish was fine, except could have used Barramundi or Salmon (Ling was served..). The pasta was supposed to feature “king prawns”. This was far from it, as you can see from the picture. Prawn pieces were smaller than an inch. Misleading menu? Thirdly, the dessert was a total let-down. It was supposed to be a tiramisu inspired dish; it was simply a sponge cake served with some raspberry coulis. Very disappointing considering the price tag and how tasty a tiramisu dessert would usually be (not to mention the generous serve, which was not the case here). Restaurant requires a deposit when booking (non refundable if cancelled with less than 24 hours notice). Parking quite difficult to find at dinner time. Overall: Food 2/5. Location 3/5 (views of the road, and water). Service and atmosphere 3.5/5 given how busy it was and staff trying their best. Decor 4/5.

Great location. Good menu for food and wine selection although they don’t seem to update their online menu often enough so it wasn’t what we expected). Had the banquet adding the prawns. Seafood (scallop & prawns) both tasty but slightly overcooked. Every dish was nice enough but not enough to be a standout and want to return. Lamb is tender as, just not overly flavourful, potatoes looked crispy but were not and overly sugared candied walnuts overpowering with sweetness. Twice, the same waitress delivered dishes to our table where we had empty wine glasses and didn’t ask if we’d like another drink. First time, I had to get up and ask a waitress, the second I caught her as she tried to walk way. Wines were all very nice as we tried a Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sangiovese & a Cabernet Sauvignon. Overall I’d say it’s a 3.8/5.