Rustica: Where Every Bite Tells a Story

What started out as a catering service specializing in customized and personalized food provider for weddings, private parties and corporate events way back in 2017, has just opened its doors to a brand-new restaurant, bringing its unique flavors to the Ilonggo community.

Located along Commission Civil Street, Rustica Restaurant is the newest culinary gem in the heart of Jaro, offering an upscale dining experience with innovative dishes, personalized service, and comforting classics.

With its signature catering flavors that have delighted Ilonggos at countless celebrations, Rustica now brings its signature taste to the table, fresh daily.

Under the culinary expertise of Chef Miguel Cordova, a pioneer in Ilonggo dining (think of Afrique's, Esca's, and Dova), Rustica's journey began in 2012 as the catering arm of Afrique's, focusing on bespoke events.

As its passion for creating unforgettable culinary experiences flourished, Rustica soon evolved into a standalone catering company, bringing its unique flavors to the forefront. And finally just three months ago, it’s very own restaurant.

With its warm and inviting ambiance, this charming restaurant is a haven for savoring delicious meals with family and friends, whether it's a casual lunch, coffee break, or intimate dinner. It reflects the modern and chic vibe of DoVa, the delightful familiarity of Afrique’s and the comforting homeyness of Esca’s.

Rustica's menu is a flavorful tribute to Italian cuisine, crafted with love and featuring the freshest ingredients. It's ideal for satisfying everyday cravings or making special moments even more memorable.

To start our culinary journey, we enjoyed the Cashew Praline Salad, featuring a fresh apple, strawberry and peach with walnuts on a bed of lettuce and drizzled sweet strawberry balsamic dressing. This alone already made our visit worth and a perfect appetite starter.

Next was the indulgent Carbonara, crafted with tender spaghetti, savory guanciale (cured fatty pork), a velvety egg sauce and Roman-style with Pecorino. It’s pure comfort WITHOUT the cream-letting the quality of its authentic ingredients shine through in every delicious bite.

Slow-cooked to perfection and served in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, the Lengua bursts with earthy flavors and aromas. The savory sauce coats the tender lengua with baked potatoes, black and green olives cherry tomato on the side with fried garlic bits toppings. Perfect with rice or slices of sourdough bread.

To start of dessert journey we had the timeless Italian favorite - a decadent Tiramisu Cake. It features layers of velvety mascarpone, espresso-soaked savoiardi (ladyfingers), and generous cocoa - balance of bold coffee flavors and sweet creaminess, sure to delight your taste buds.

Ending our all-delicious dinner was sweet-tart taste of artisanal berries gelato crafted with a medley of fresh, juicy berries that burst with flavor and freshness. You could really taste the “homemade” quality in every bite of this creamy dessert.

From the very beginning, it was always Rustica Catering Studio’s dream to open a quaint restaurant — a cozy space where everybody, anybody could enjoy the flavors and warmth that defined it’s core business.

Now, that dream ultimately came true.

Thank you Sir Eugene Jamerlan (center) for introducing us to the delicious flavors of Rustica.

Rustica Restaurant / Catering Studio

Swan Rose Building (former DOLE),

Commission Civil Street, Jaro, Iloilo City

Open daily from 10AM to 9PM

(0992) 219 0764. (0992) 911 6794.

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