How to Get a Table at Rustica Pizza Vino: Insider Tips From Our Team
Trying to get a reservation at Rustica?
We've got a few tricks up our sleeves to help you find a table!
First, can we just say how incredibly grateful we are that we there is a need for this blog? Especially in this economy. For real, thank YOU so much.
The fact that so many people want to come through our doors, share a meal, celebrate something special, or simply spend an evening with us is a HUGE compliment.
We have so many wonderful regulars who have become part of the Rustica fam over the years, and we absolutely love welcoming strangers, too.
We appreciate every single person who walks through our door. 'They say' a restaurant being open over a decade is a bit of a miracle, and we wouldn't be able to be here without all of you filling the room.
But we know that sometimes getting a table can be a little tricky, especially on a busy Friday or Saturday night.
So, here are a few insider tips straight from our team to help you land a table at Rustica Pizza Vino in beautiful downtown Orillia.
1. Book Online (...up to 21 days in advance)
The easiest way to get a table at Rustica is through our online reservation system.
Our reservations open **21 days in advance**, so if you have a special date in mind, that's your best place to start.
Planning a Friday or Saturday date night? We'd recommend looking a couple of weeks ahead, especially for tables of up to four people.
If you're hoping to bring a larger group, you'll want to book as close to that 21-day opening as possible.
Weekdays can be a little easier to book closer to your preferred date, although our most popular dining times do tend to fill up quickly as well.
And here's another little tip: if you're planning something more than 21 days away, you can always call or email us directly. We can help with reservations further in advance and for larger parties than online.
*Our little tip:** If you already know when you'd like to visit, don't wait! You can always plan your next pizza night a little early and cancel as the date approaches if things don't fall in line for your group.
2. Can't Find a Table Online? Don't Give Up!
Here's something a lot of people don't know.
**Just because our online reservation system says we're fully booked doesn't necessarily mean we can't try and help in real life.**
We might (big might) be able to shuffle some things around to create some magic, but the closer the day, the more likely we may have already done this so also please accept if we've given it our all and still can't make it work.
We can't promise we'll always find a spot, but we are on your team and this team wants to get you a table.
Sometimes a little conversation goes a long way!
3. The 24-Hour Reservation Trick
This might be our greatest reso-finding hack.
If the date you're hoping for is completely booked, **check our online reservations again about 24 hours before you'd like to visit.**
Why?
Around that time, our confirmation texts go out to all the reservations in the books. That's often when people realize their plans have changed and cancel their tables, releasing their table online first.
So if you've been dreaming about a Saturday night at Rustica and couldn't get a reservation weeks ago, don't lose hope.
Check again the night before. Fingers crossed!
4. Yes, We Save Tables for Walk-Ins!
Surprise! Not every table at Rustica is available to reserve online.
**We hold two tables for walk-in guests every single night.**
These tables can accommodate groups of up to four people, so even if you haven't planned ahead, there's still a chance to join us.
We start our walk-in list on the day of service (from 3pm), not before.
You can give us a call that day or simply stop by the restaurant to see about getting on the list.
Of course, availability depends on how busy the evening is, but we love being able to welcome spontaneous visitors too.
We know that sometimes the best nights out are the ones you didn't plan!
5. Planning Something Special? We have a (very fun) person for that!
Birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings, weddings, or just an excuse to get all your favourite people together, we love a celebration.
If you're looking to book more than eight guests, email or call in during service. If you're looking to host a special event with us, visit our events page for more info and say hi to Michael, our awesome Event Coordinator, who can help you plan all the little details.
We host everything from birthdays and anniversaries to celebrations of life and weddings.
In fact, we host about four weddings (ceremony and reception) each year, and are obsessed with them.
There's something pretty special about being part of someone's love story.
6. Want to Stay a Little Longer? Just Ask!
Our standard reservation time is two hours.
This helps us make sure we can welcome as many guests as possible throughout the evening without making the experience feel rushed.
But we also know that some evenings deserve a little extra time.
Maybe you're catching up with friends you haven't seen in ages. Maybe it's an anniversary dinner. Or maybe the conversation is just too good to end.
If you think you'll need longer than two hours, **please let us know when you're booking.**
We'll do our best to work with our reservations and extend your dining experience wherever possible, especially if you're nice. :P
7. No Table? No Problem. There's Always Takeout!
Sometimes, despite everyone's best efforts, we just can't make it happen.
But that doesn't mean you have to miss out on Rustica!
If you're craving your fav pizza or something delicious from our kitchen, **takeout is always worth considering.**
We'd still love to cook for you!
Reservation Mix-Ups: It Happens to the Best of Us (Including Us!)
Okay, we have to share a few things here because, well, they're too good not to.
Every now and then, a guest arrives at Rustica absolutely certain they have a reservation, only for us to discover a tiny hiccup.
And before anyone feels embarrassed, trust us, **we've made some pretty spectacular reservation mistakes ourselves.**
Here are a few things worth double-checking before heading out.
The Calendar Date
Our online booking system may show you the next available date when the day you originally wanted is fully booked.
So, you might be thinking you're booking Saturday night, but you've actually reserved a table for Tuesday.
We've had guests arrive dressed and ready for their Saturday night out, only to discover their reservation is for a completely different day.
**Our tip?** Give that confirmation a quick glance before heading out. Double-check the date, time, and whether your booking is for the patio or inside. That last one catches people more often than you'd think!
Our patio is available for reservations during the summer months, but from October onward, patio reservations are no longer available.
A few seconds of double-checking can save a little confusion when you arrive.
The Other Rustica
There is a restaurant called Pizza Rustica in Toronto, which is **not affiliated with our restaurant**.
And yes, we've had guests arrive at our restaurant in Orillia with a perfectly legitimate reservation confirmation.
... but for Toronto.
So before heading out, make sure you've booked **Rustica Pizza Vino in Orillia, Ontario**, and not the similarly named (but completely unrelated) Toronto joint.
Our Own Greatest Hits...
Before you think we're pointing fingers, allow us to share a couple of our own memorable moments.
Like the time we accidentally made a reservation for **7:30 a.m. instead of 7:30 p.m.**
We love pizza but aren't ready to start the fire up for breaky.
Or the time we had a beautiful wedding booked at the restaurant and somehow forgot to block off the date in our reservation system.
Which meant, two weeks before the event (that had been booked a year in advance) making eight slightly awkward phone calls to eight incredibly understanding groups of guests to rearrange their dinner plans.
In order for their to be hospitality, there must be humans and where there are humans, there are inevitably mistakes. We try our best and certainly, won't make that mistake again.
So, if you've ever booked the wrong date, the wrong time, the wrong seating area, or even the wrong restaurant, don't feel silly. I think technology will always keep us humble.
If something doesn't look right, give us a call. We're happy to help try and sort it out.
One Last Thing About the Rustica Experience
Rustica is a great place for date night, but we wouldn't necessarily describe ourselves as a quiet restaurant (sometimes requested in reservation notes).
And that's something we love about it.
The laughter, conversations, celebrations, familiar faces in this small town are what make Rustica feel like Rustica.
Without our guests, we're really just an empty room. It's the people who bring the restaurant to life.
So if you're having trouble finding a reservation, have a special request, need a little extra time, or simply aren't sure what your best option is, please reach out.
We are real people on the other end of that phone or email, and we'd genuinely love to try and help.
Because at the end of the day, we're really lucky you want to spend your time with us.
With love and massive appreciation,
The Rustica Team
Ready to give it a shot?
Frequently Asked Questions About Reservations at Rustica Pizza Vino
How far in advance can I book a table at Rustica?
Our online reservation system opens 21 days in advance. If you'd like to plan further ahead, you can contact us directly by phone or email.
Can I walk into Rustica without a reservation?
Absolutely! We hold a couple of tables for walk-in guests every night, accommodating groups of up to four. Our walk-in list starts on the day of service.
What if Rustica is fully booked online?
Give us a call or send an email so we can go through your options. You can also check online about 24 hours before your preferred date, when cancellations often appear. (Or book at our sister restaurant across the road).
How long can I keep my table?
Our standard dining time is two hours. If you'd like longer, please let us know ahead of time and we'll try to accommodate your request.
Can I book a large group at Rustica?
Yes! For groups larger than eight (up to a max of fourteen) send us an email or give us a call, or for special larger groups and special events, visit our Special Events page to connect with our Event Coordinator.
When is the best time to book a weekend table?
For Friday and Saturday evenings, we recommend booking a couple of weeks ahead for groups of up to four. Larger groups should plan closer to the 21-day reservation opening or contact us earlier. This may change seasonally but these are the recommendations for off-season.
Can I reserve a table on Rustica's patio?
Yes, patio reservations are available during the summer months (June-September). From October onward, patio reservations are not available (the seating becomes weather dependent and walk-in only). Always check your reservation confirmation to make sure you've selected your preferred seating area.
Can I order takeout if there are no tables available?
Yes! If you can't get a reservation but you're craving Rustica, takeout is a great alternative. Check our takeout menu for your options.
What should I double-check before arriving for my reservation?
Make sure your confirmation shows the correct date, time, seating area, and restaurant location. You're looking for Rustica Pizza Vino in Orillia, Ontario. If anything looks incorrect, please contact our team before your visit.
Again, thank you so much. It is our pleasure to be trusted to take care of you.
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