Rustica Bakery & Cafe

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota residents seeking a high-quality, artisan culinary experience, Rustica Bakery & Cafe stands out as a premier destination in the Edina area. Located conveniently within the bustling Southdale Center, Rustica is much more than a typical shopping mall stop; it is a full-fledged culinary hub specializing in European-style breads, delectable pastries, rich desserts, and a top-tier coffee program. Since its founding in 2004, Rustica has carved out a reputation in the Twin Cities for its commitment to craft, quality ingredients, and beloved signature items, such as its famous bittersweet chocolate cookies, which were conceived by a James Beard Award semifinalist founder.

The Edina location operates as a versatile hybrid space, encompassing a Bakery, Coffee shop, Dessert shop, and a full Lunch restaurant. This unique blend ensures that whether you're starting your day with a pastry and a latte, meeting a friend for a full lunch, or simply grabbing a fresh loaf of artisan bread and a specialty dessert for home, Rustica can satisfy your needs. It offers a warm, inviting, and modern atmosphere—perfect for a focused work session utilizing the free Wi-Fi, a casual catch-up, or a satisfying meal, making it a true neighborhood craft bakery for the Southwest Metro community.

Location and Accessibility

Rustica Bakery & Cafe is ideally situated in a high-traffic area, offering great convenience for shoppers and local residents in Edina and neighboring communities like Bloomington, Richfield, and St. Louis Park. Its specific location is:

200 Southdale Ctr, Edina, MN 55435, USA

Being part of the Southdale Center provides immediate advantages, particularly in terms of parking and ease of access. For the convenience of all Minnesota guests, the location offers robust accessibility features:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance: The cafe features a smooth and accommodating entrance for all visitors.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot: Ample, designated accessible parking is available within the Southdale Center complex, including a free parking lot.
• Wheelchair accessible restroom: The public restroom facilities are designed to be accessible.

Furthermore, parking is remarkably easy, a significant benefit in the Twin Cities metro area. Customers can utilize the free parking lot adjacent to the center or take advantage of free street parking where available. The entire experience is also classified for a “Quick visit,” meaning patrons can easily dash in for a fast coffee or pastry without a lengthy detour.

Services Offered

The comprehensive service model at Rustica Bakery & Cafe ensures it meets a wide array of dining and take-home needs for the Minnesota clientele. Services available include:

• Full Dining Experience: Customers have the option for traditional Dine-in service, perfect for enjoying breakfast or lunch in the bright, modern cafe atmosphere.
• Grab-and-Go Convenience: For those on the move, both Takeout and In-store pickup are available, allowing for quick retrieval of pre-ordered items or spontaneous purchases.
• All-Day Meal Options: Offers a dedicated Breakfast menu, featuring items like breakfast paninis, steel-cut oats, and the highly-regarded avocado toast, as well as an extensive Lunch restaurant menu with fresh salads (such as Asian Chicken and Mediterranean options) and house-made sandwiches (including Turkey Club and Grilled Tuna Melt).
• Artisan Baking Program: Specializes in a wide variety of European-style breads, including the classic Levain and Miche sourdough loaves, Challah, Multigrain bread, and fresh baguettes.
• Specialty Coffee Program: Functions as a full-service coffee shop, offering high-quality espresso beverages, lattes, cappuccinos, cold brew, and a selection of teas and non-coffee drinks, all prepared by experienced baristas.
• Onsite Services: The availability of Onsite services and In-store shopping ensures a seamless and personal customer experience, supported by staff members who are noted for their helpfulness and attention to detail.

Features / Highlights

Rustica Bakery & Cafe in Edina is a standout choice in the Twin Cities’ competitive bakery scene, defined by a host of impressive features:

• Nationally Recognized Quality: The bakery's heritage includes a James Beard Award semifinalist founder, cementing its status as a leader in artisan bread and pastry quality. The quality of baked goods is considered a benchmark in the region.
• The Signature Bittersweet Chocolate Cookie: This is a cult-favorite item, widely regarded as a must-try dessert in the Twin Cities—rich, decadent, and a true testament to the bakery’s commitment to premium ingredients.
• Seasonal Dog-Friendly Patio: A highly appreciated feature, especially during Minnesota's warmer months. The seasonal outdoor patio seating allows guests to relax and enjoy their coffee and pastries with their dogs, often receiving excellent, attentive service from the staff, including complimentary water and treats for their pets.
• Cozy and Productive Environment: The cafe features a modern, natural-light-filled interior with free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating, making it a highly desirable location for students, remote workers, and anyone looking for a pleasant spot to read or chat.
• Extensive Gluten-Free Options: Rustica is noted for including gluten-free (GF) alternatives, such as the Bouchon dessert (a rich, fudgy chocolate treat) and GF scones, making it an inclusive choice for those with dietary preferences or restrictions.
• Dedicated Customer Service: Real-world reviews highlight the staff’s commitment to service, with exceptional examples of team members going "all out" to ensure a perfect customer experience, including warming pastries and toasting bread upon request.

Contact Information

For Minnesota residents looking to connect with the Edina location of Rustica Bakery & Cafe, please use the following contact details for general inquiries, placing orders, or confirming hours:

Address: 200 Southdale Ctr, Edina, MN 55435, USA

Phone: (952) 417-6199

Mobile Phone: +1 952-417-6199

What is Worth Choosing

Rustica Bakery & Cafe is definitively worth choosing for Minnesota customers who prioritize genuine quality, excellent coffee, and a relaxed, full-service cafe environment. If you are a discerning patron of artisan food, the dedication to European baking standards and the use of high-quality ingredients will resonate deeply. The legendary bittersweet chocolate cookies and the flaky, buttery croissants alone justify a visit.

However, what truly elevates Rustica above a simple bakery is the comprehensive offering: you can enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared breakfast or lunch, work remotely with free Wi-Fi, and purchase a loaf of world-class bread for dinner—all in one accessible location with free parking. For dog owners in the Twin Cities, the seasonal dog-friendly patio and the highly personalized, friendly staff (as highlighted by enthusiastic local reviews) make this a standout, community-focused choice. For an accessible, satisfying, and high-caliber culinary experience in the Edina area, Rustica offers the perfect blend of local charm and artisan excellence.

Rustica Bakery & Cafe

200 Southdale Ctr, Edina, MN 55435, USA