Cafe Rustica

10 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley

(831) 659-4444, caferusticacv.com

Cafe Rustica is just that, as rustic as a weathered village cafe somewhere in Europe. Indeed, one can imagine Cézanne sitting at one of the tables, using the space as a backdrop for his The Card Players paintings. Sit indoors or out and enjoy simple pleasures, such as herb-roasted half chicken, rigatoni baked in a wood-fired oven, pizza margherita or escargot baked in garlic. It’s as if you have been transported to the Old World and all its charms.