A Fresh Authentic Taste of Italy
For a family gathering, a date, a work event or just because you love Italian food…
A deposit will be taken for bookings over 6 people or more
Service charge is not included but parties of ten or more a 10% service charge will be added
Service charge is not included but parties of ten or more a 10% service charge will be added
Main Menu
View our main menu served between 4pm - 9.30pm
Lunch Menu
View our lunch menu served between 12pm - 4pm
Specials Menus
See what we have on offer from our specials menus
Book A Table
Request a table booking now for 1 - 30 diners
RUSTICO WAKEFIELD - EST. 2007
Traditional Italian Restaurant Wakefield
Established in 2007 and based in the centre of Wakefield, Rustico Restaurant is an independent family run restaurant.
Serving an impressive variety of authentic Italian favourites, Rustico’s well priced-menu, bustling atmosphere and unmistakably delicious food have made it a firm favorite within Wakefield. We serve authentic Italian food in a cheerful and friendly atmosphere; we have an array of pizzas, pasta dishes, fresh salads and quality meat and fish. Our menu is diverse and offers a range of vegetarian dishes. We use fresh and local ingredients wherever possible and provide a setting where diners can relax and feel well looked after.
Why Choose Rustico
- Authentic Food
- Traditionally Cooked
- Italian Owned & Operated
- Family Friendly
EAT IN OR OUT
High Quality Italian Food in a Great Atmosphere
At Rustico, we believe in keeping our food simple but naturally flavourful, in true Italian style. Our fresh pizzas and pastas are made daily using only the best ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
If you are looking for tasty freshly cooked food then we also offer home dining which you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
- If you have any special requests or would like any advice, we will be very happy to assist you. Buon Appetito!
AWARDS WON
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Called in for lunch on a whim. Great friendly service, fantastic food and a lovely selection of beers and wine, the Peroni gran riserva is a must have! Finished our meal with an espresso with grappa. 5 stars all the way!
Fabulous food with friendly service. We don't bother going to other Italians now. They could never ever be as good!
They really look after you here. Very nice complimentary bread and dip while you read the menu, and prices are very competitive. A family could spend half as much compared to going to somewhere like Pizza Express. One point I did think was strange, though: the two course Sunday lunch set menu was £16.95 which is very reasonable, but the main courses only cost around £8. So it was cheaper to get two mains than a starter and a main course.
Unplanned visit for dinner. The food was fantastic and the staff friendly and attentive.Edit...have just had a fantastic festive family meal. Wonderful food, brilliant service to quote Freddie (12) "it's the best, absolutely exquisite"!
Hi my name is audrey me and my daughter and friend go to rustico a few times a year we booked a table for 1-30 on Thursday 11 -12 2024 had a good time till got the bill it was just over 70 pounds but my meal was off the special board price which said £6-95 0n the bill it was at 16-95 they had chardge me so we complained about it they said you don't think you get belly pork mash potatoes and veg for that so we said yes that's on the board I said wood be paying that for a stake 16 -95 not belly pork all the staff were laughing which got me more made then they got a pice off chalk. And put the 1 on to the price to make it 16-95 so please make sure what the price is before you order they made £1o po unds out off me which I am not very happy a bout don't think I will be going in.again
Feb 2025 update.Still excellent value for money and great tasting.First time dining here today.We didn't book a table and came here around 2.30pm on a Sunday.Menu is very value for money and I got a little confused with the bill if i'm honest.We got seated straight away, and from here to getting served the service was slow. We could see they were busy and waited patiently. When we caught the attention of the staff twice... They said they'll get someone to take our order.We ordered one set lunch... I did ask for it with the pizza and prawn cocktail combo, a carbonara from the lunch menu, mussels and the over from the specials... The reason being this combo worked out the cheapest... Never the less the end bill was very cheap!Carbonara... Very good!Salami pizza very good, they use a high quality salami which you can definitely taste the difference.Prawn cocktail, again very good.Mussels, cooked nicely.Liver, I'm not sure what I expected... I expected pan fried liver served with veg...I got exactly that... But I had a sauce that came on top which I didnt expect... My fault for not asking in detail... But this is why it's a 4* and not a 5* review.Whilst we had our meal we were checked on a few times.Overall a excellent value for money restaurant.I would come back and I do recommend
Lovely food, cosy rustic vibe inside. The staff are attentive with good service. Good value for money for a meal out.
We came here for a family meal on a Sunday lunchtime and really enjoyed the experience. The staff are friendly and welcoming and accommodating to families. The restaurant decor has a charming rustic appeal. We ordered pizzas, and spaghetti with meatballs. The food was delicious, and generous portions and very good value for money. We will definitely go again! Thank you 🙏😊
A good solid Italian, the type that everyone needs in there lives. You also get the typical warm and friendly Italian welcome. It's a cracking spot for a quick tasty lunch.
Had a meal here last night off the special set menu.we had creamed mushrooms which were gorgeous then ribeye steak and veg plus salad, absolutely delicious then I had cheesecake and hubby ice-cream.think it was £23 for 3 courses which was a very good price, plenty of food.lovely staff and we had a great time dining there.will definitely go back.highly recommended.
Authentic food that tastes delicious. The lemon cheesecake is AMAZING 😋😋
High Street independent Italian. Locally managed and staffed. Friendly staff, comfortable surroundings, good menu, great service and excellent value. Particularly appreciated the complimentary bread and dip, and a generous complimentary portion of chips. Food delicious and well presented. Prompt service which will be good for people on a timed lunch break. Brilliant.
A superb family restaurant for all ages. Staff 10/10, food always to perfection. Been numerous times and will continue to support my favourite authentic Italian cuisine. Great prices and always a great atmosphere
Great food great staff great atmosphere. Well priced too. £18 for 2 courses only £3.45 for coke.
1st time at the weekend. The food was delicious. The service was spot on, and a great atmosphere. Will be returning very soon
Really great place to eat. The food was excellent, the staff were really friendly and welcoming and the prices are really reasonable too.We had a table of 10 with a mix of sharing platters and meals. All came at the same time, all of a consistent high quality too.Would really highly recommend.
I have never seen place with such a rude Staff - me, my Friend with Daughter order some drinks , and desert- we were told off that this is restaurant and we must order food and if we want to order drinks we should go to cocktail bar - pathetic 2 Staff Members treated us like trash , I don't recommend this place to anyone. I could also see 2 young Staff Members were not unhappy how they treat them at work and also Customers. STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE - didn't deserve to have Clients!
Again another brilliant evening fabulous food great service as always staff really make you feel welcome as soon as you walk in thank you Martin and Michelle
Everyone commented that the food was not the best and that by far the best thing we ate here was the free complementary bread at the start. The pizza was cold when it came to me, the tomato soup tasted like mascarpone out the jar, and the pasta was just ok. Such a shame, I wonder if it was an off day, but the restaurant wasn’t busy, so I’m unsure as to why the food was cold.
Always warm & welcoming. Great service. Excellent menu & food. Highly recommend.
Function room upstairs booked for a 60th birthday party really well catered for they really do know how to offer the best family hospitality in Wakefield absolutely over the moon thank you
Booked a last minute table got there 5 mins late because taxi turned up late and refused to take any orders, when we was stood outside looking where to go next, waiter came out and said why not go next door there still serving, and i replied if i wanted next door i would of booked there, why say yes to our booking and not giving us 5 minutes leeway absolutely diabolical will never book there again not helpful at all.
Food good but put into the most smallest place in the restaurant there was six of us so the tables were not big enough for the food and drinks if anybody goes there for a meal make sure for six people make sure you have three tables together as there table are only big enough for two people
The food was good, i’ll give them that. However, I have never felt so judged in a restaurant before. We arrived barely 10 minutes late to our reservation due to unforeseen traffic delays which resulted in me and my partner receiving what felt like a lecture from a member of staff (potentially manager?). It felt as if we had shown up late for work and got into trouble by our boss- they even questioned us on the traffic!! I was already extremely uncomfortable being in this restaurant when I noticed the same member of staff rolling his eyes at my husband for being on his phone for literally 2 minutes (he was waiting on an extremely important email), which I gather they won’t have known, but still extremely rude and not at all subtle. It felt as though we were at school again being watched intensely by teachers and provided an extremely uncomfortable atmosphere- will not be returning.
Went here with my 2 friends for a last meal with them before I left the UK to move to the states. I'm a vegetarian and I ordered a mushroom dish. The waiter came up to me and asked about 5 mins after we ordered if I would like the meat one instead? This really annoyed me because 1. If I choose a vegetarian option then I want the damb vegetarian dish I don't want meat.
On Friday night, we actually tried to go to Fino up the road, but they were fully booked up, and they recommended us to come here. So we walked down and gave it a go.On arrival, they had no tables available, but they gave us their word they'd get a table within 5 minutes, and true it was.It was extremely busy. The service was surprisingly quick.I ordered the Mozzarella in Carrozza and the Calzone. (See Pictures)Prior to the food arriving, we were again pleasantly surprised, given complimentary bread, butter, and a tomato based dip that set the mood nicely.The food itself was a decent portion, reasonably priced and tasty!I didn't give it 5 stars because I've had better Calzone's, but it was still decent, and for what you get, you can't go wrong.You could tell this restaurant gets its regular attenders and for a reputation to have that loyal customer base it shows the service and commitment the staff give to make it a great experience 👏I would recommend giving this place a go, and on the bonus side, it won't burn a hole in your pocket.
Food was delicious, waiting staff very efficient. The service was good despite the restaurant being busy. Can recommend it and certainly deserves 5 stars.
The food here is absolutely amazing I had the Salmon with lobster sauce it tasted so good that I wanted to lick the plate afterwards being an ex chef I would highly recommend this restaurant best Italian food I've ever had in Wakefield will be coming back again had such a good time here.
Add this restaurant onto your 'must-go' list!What a gorgeous little restaurant Rustico's is. I have been twice now and both times have been great!Firstly, the restaurant itself gives off such a cute, warm, cozy vibe! Italian art and decor, it's just lovely! The staff make you feel so welcome. They hold such a professional and yet friendly demeanor, making each one of us feel comfortable and at home.Secondly, the food! What can I say! My boyfriend and I had the garlic bread, where our couple friends had the muscles. Everyone loved their dishes! We all had pizza for main and it was to die for! The food came out quickly and was definitely authentic. Made with care and pride.Overall, this restaurant has definitely reached my top 5 restaurants in Leeds and that's without mentioning how great the wine was! I will definitely be heading back for my third meal there soon! Blooming Fantastico!
First class food, wine, service and atmosphere all at a fair price. Set meal extremely good value. Faultless and would highly recommend.
Our favourite restaurant only problem word is getting round and sometimes busy at lunchtime
You can't go wrong with 3 courses for £19.95 where you can get steak as a main!The value for money at rustico always shocks me. The portions are massive, and the food is always delicious 😋Pictured are their ribeye steak and crab ravioli (from the specials menu), as well as their creamy mushrooms starter and tiramisu dessert 😍All of the food was amazing, and I definitely left with a full belly 🤣I'd definitely recommend this restaurant for good authentic Italian food with a rustic feel and a lovely atmosphere. It's a great place for a meet-up with friends, a family vibe, or even a date night!I honestly can't rave enough about this place... If you're in Wakefield, you need to check this place out if you haven't alreadyCheck out more of my reviews on Facebook and Instagram - @mallya.food
Didn't go in myself but others told me it was good. Never heard anyone complain.
A lovely family run Italian, everything was spot on, couldn't fault it at all.
Lovely evenings meal with family at Rustico, great atmosphere and connected staff made it a superb experience. We had a filet steak, a risotto and a paella and all were flavourful and filling.Thanks do much to the whole team for looking after us, and the finishing amaretti’s were delish 👍
Went here on a Monday evening without a booking and we were lucky to get a table. The restaurant was warm and clean. Staff were busy but still welcoming. Had a lasagne which was standard food done really well, piping hot and very good value. Would like to go again and try something else.
What a lovely restaurant with a great atmosphere. The food really is excellent and the daytime menu offers exceptional value for money. The staff are lovely, they are attentive and they are helpful and if you are lucky enough they'll even sing you happy birthday 😁.
Lovely place to eat.celebrate birthday s.staff all good n helpful.would go again for sure.
Went for a meal as it was a family birthday. A very enjoyable evening had by all. Everything was what we expected. Thank you 😊
As always, absolutely amazing traditional food! It still amazes me that this restraunt has managed to keep the same quality, service and reasonable prices up for so many years.
someone please tell me what the sauce is that they serve with the bread i beg
Our family’s favourite restaurant. For so many reasons! The food is absolutely outstanding and amazing value for money. The staff are wonderful. We just love everything about Rusticos. But the Carbonara? the Carbonara Oh my word, The Carbonara. There is nowhere on earth that can make a better Carbonara!!! It’s heaven on a plate! THE best Italian in Wakefield, in fact, in West Yorkshire!
Attempted to book a table over the phone and was told there was no need to book and just to turn up. We then arrived 10 minutes after the call to be informed there had been a technical issue and they could not let us in with the staff stating “let me put it this way, you won’t be coming in”. Yet they failed to advise what the issue was. Poor customer service and wouldn’t waste my time here.
I used to love Rustico, great food...but my last 3-4 visits have been a letdown due to poor management.Last visit was the most disappointing and I'd probably never go to Rustico because of this. Despite calling an hour in advance and being told no booking was necessary, when I arrived, I was hit with a story about a kitchen "technical issue" preventing bookings, and the regulations won't allow this either. Strangely, the restaurant was packed with people who according to the manager, booked weeks ago (so the regulations don't affect you if you book 2-3 weeks ahead of your visit).Honestly, I'd appreciate a simple "fully booked" over the absurd excuse I got, especially after having to drive 30 minutes to the restaurant. It's disappointing when a once-good place starts pulling unnecessary stunts and spinning unconvincing tales.
The place was freezing cold. We were sat by the door and a gale blew through whenever anyone came in or out. I repeatedly asked the waiter to close the door but he mostly ignored me. The waiter (older guy with glasses) was rude and short with us. The food was average. Won’t be back!
This has to be the worst experience in my entire life. Where to start?Would I go again? Never. Would I recommend family or friends? No. I wouldn't send people I don't like.We arrived at 4pm, to a grumpy, unhelpful member of staff,(wrong job mate), and received this treatment from all of the staff for the rest of the evening.Our drinks arrived nearly an hour later, our food arrived 1 hour 45 minutes later. Again served by the most miserable, unfriendly bunch of people I have ever met in my seventy years on this mortal coil. We sat,(the five of us), at a table designed for 4 people, so no room, and paid double the price because its Xmas.There is so much more negatively to add, but I find this is making me feel awful.So I intend to block this evening from my memory as quickly as I can.Goodnight.😡
First time eating here and loved it! Thank you for finding us a spot after another restaurant cancelled our reservation!! We will most definitely be back , lovely food , great price and great people. Thank you so much
Love this restaurant. All the staff are friendly, the atmosphere is great and the food is tasty and well presented. The only negative is don't let them seat you near the door if it's cold outside.
My favourite place to eat but so disappointed today. Felt rushed . The waiter neither smiled nor said hello or thank you. Very miserable. Food was OK but very bland today... not it's usual tasty self. Really put off now from my favourite place
Chef mic is the hardest working employee in the kitchen, not the best Italian in Wakefield by any stretch
We go to rusticos at least once a month the food is fantastic and so reasonably priced. The service is great and we always feel so welcome here. The kids absolutely love it too.
This is well worth a visit. The staff are friendly and helpful, the food is excellent and very reasonably priced. Can't fault the place.
Very good restaurant and nice service. Food is always delicious. I tried many times salads, mussels in tomato sauce, scollops, prawns in tomato sauce, pizzas, pastas, mushrooms in cream, lobster and seafood soup, and more. Staff is amazing and you can feel here like at home.
Delicious pizzas and pasta..great value and excellent service. It's always busy, so I suggest you book in advance!
My lasagne was great, very reasonably priced and filling. Our table's server was also very welcoming and cheerful.
Its a regular Saturday dinner time for us now. Food is really good, service is always friendly and we keep going back
Visited here with our family 10 of us including 4 children. A very busy Saturday night with a great atmosphere. Food was delicious very tasty tomato soup and thin and crispy pizzas. All dishes were excellent. Only one drawback was them only selling beer in bottles. Would definitely recommend and will return
Wonderful evening out. The food was delicious and well priced. The service was fantastic. Everyone was friendly, polite, and really engaging with kids. Would definitely recommend it, and I will be visiting again.
Been coming here for 15 years food is absolutely gorgeous staff are lovely, the restaurant is very Italian which I love!
My husband & I celebrated our wedding anniversary at Rustico the other day. We went at lunch time and shared a spaghetti carbonara & a quatro stagione pizza; they were delicious! The staff were nice, but seemed to take a long time to come back to our table to take our order (we'd folded and put the menus on the side of our table as a sign that we knew what we wanted) so much so that I went to the counter and the same happened for the payment. It was a shame really, but I would still go back for the food - it was delicious. It brought us back to Napoli.
Lovely quiet place, the food is outrageously good, and very well-priced, especially on the lunch menu. I wish I’d taken a photo of my food, but I ate it too quickly. Lovely fresh seafood, outstanding sauces, not over seasoned. The pasta is lovely and fresh. I’ll be back!
Staff was touching my partners bum whistling at her. They was very Noncy men would not recommend
We often come here for the lunch menu which is extensive and excellent value. The atmosphere and service is good too.
Great quality food, served quickly. Responsive staff service, warm and friendly. Great value too.
Loved the pizza. Visible distain when my partner said she was vegan. Its 2023 guys. They walk among us
Went for a meal here and had a good time. The food choices were wide and varied. Food itself was good. Service was ok. Just had a couple of issues, one being that we got a portion of chips that we didn't order and the waitress said we could have them anyway but we were still charged for them. The fish platter wasn't the best I've had but was ok. The other meals were very tasty though. It was, admittedly very busy, not one table empty.
It’s a decent place! But I wouldn’t go back again due to personal reasons which has nothing to do with the food but was hurtful otherwise.Tried their pizza and pastas.
Had a brilliant meal out here celebrating my partners 72nd birthday with family. Staff great helping me with wheelchair to table. All three courses food excellent and plenty of choices as one of party Vegan. Nothing too much trouble for the staff who were friendly. My partner was delighted when they brought his dessert with candle and sang happy birthday. Would highly recommend Rustico to friends and family. A day to remember thank you.
Been going here for 20 odd years and it's never not been good.My Grandma and Grandad used to always take our entire family here for any meal out and no one ever complained. They have amazing staff, amazing food and all they need to do is keep up the good work. Wish they could make a sister restaurant down south as it feels like they could easily expand.Only issue is it can get a little tight in there as it's a small place but it's always packed which is why it is that way. Perhaps a bigger premises in the future.
Nice food, good value, and really friendly staff only down side is when busy everything goes down a notch .
My Wife took me here as a surprise and oh my I wasn’t disappointed. The food is delicious and very authentic and the prices are very reasonable.
First visit on a busy Saturday evening. 19.00 booked online.Place was very busy. Entered on time and was placed at table no issues. Drinks orders placed,pleasant enough waiter and not much of a wait(very busy) Really enjoyed the fillet steak it was probably best I've ever had. 3 starters,2 mains 2 desserts and drinks just over £80 so I thought it was decent value.Would visit again. Recommended.😋
Very delicious italian restaurant, with lovely staff and reasonable prices. My wife said it's the first time she liked pasta here in the UK more than in Japan! 😂❤️
Lovely food and reasonably priced if you want a treat but are on a budget.2 mains, garlic bread and 2 drinks £29!The menu has lots of choice and lovely staff. We will be visiting again!
The starters were excellent. I had prawn cocktail & my friend has smoked salmon & prawns. I had massive food envy. The smoked salmon was perfect! There was a really tasty dressing on the salad which really made the dish for me!I had risotto which was lovely. The lasagne looked really small but it was incredibly filling (according to my friend!). The staff were lovely & we had a perfectly great time
Lovely authentic Italian restaurant. Great choice on the menu for every course. We had pizza and pasta, both of which were delicious. Would definitely recommend a visit!
Food was good and well priced but atmosphere was ruined due to an unreasonably loud group close to us. Asked too move and we did but still couldn’t even think with how loud they were being.
The food was absolutely amazing, and the staff were really friendly - I would definitely recommend!!
Came here Saturday night for our second wedding anniversary. First time me and my wife have ever visited rusticos but we definitely weren’t disappointed. We both ordered our usual starters we get when visiting other Italians in the area and both ordered pasta dishes they were absolutely delicious and couldn’t fault any of the food. Was that full from the starter and main we couldn’t fit our sides in or even look at the pudding menu. Will definitely be back and definitely having a pudding as well.
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Whether you’re just looking for a meal out for two, a family gathering or a special event, we can cater for almost any size.
A deposit will be taken for bookings over 6 people or more
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Celebrate at Rustico
Based in the centre of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, we serve a wide range of authentic Italian cuisine that is sure to appeal to all tastes. Please take a look at our extensive menu. We will do our best to ensure you experience the best authentic Italian food and service ever. If you have any special requests or would like any advice, we will be very happy to assist you. Buon Appetito!
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