Rustic 21 Bistro

This place is so awesome that I'm disappointed I haven't been sooner, especially since I live just down the street. From now on Rustic 21 will absolutely be a staple for me! The interior of the restaurant is so pleasant and inviting. But the FOOD! Incredible! We tried the pork belly and cheese bread appetizers and both were perfect. I had the short rib and risotto dish - while the short rib was certainly the star (so flavorful and tender), the risotto was not just an afterthought, it was also delicious. For dessert we had the baked coconut dish topped with peach ice cream and it's one of my top 5 desserts in Jax (but I LOVE coconut and you must to fully enjoy this dessert). I also tried my friend's carrot cake with chocolate sauce and it was as comforting as a huge hug! Absolutely nothing missed the mark, it was all perfectly prepared and presented.

Here’s a honest review from a Brazilian: Forget the “Brazilian steakhouse” nonsense. This is the real deal!! As in full-of-flavor and grandma-accurate real deal. The appetizers were all excellent but make sure you try those Dadinhos de Tapioca. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. And the sauce gives that perfect sweet kick. The Feijoada??? Cooked to perfection and accompanied by everything you need. Rice, farofa, vinagrete, greens, yuca and more. A private northern Brazilian Sunday in a meal. To finish try the Bolinho de Cenoura (carrot cake). The cake is light and moist and they add a warm and balanced chocolate cover that makes you consider having it twice. Anyways, this place is a hidden gem and I hope more people get to experience it.

Amazing food with amazing and friendly service. My husband and I got “pastel” as appetizer, the rib with risotto and shrimp stew for main course. Everything tasted amazing. We were beyond satisfied and happy. 100% recommend this place and wish them the best of luck!

Rustic 21 Bistro is a hidden gem that offers a cozy, intimate dining experience. The small, inviting atmosphere makes you feel right at home as soon as you walk in. The highlight, of course, is the authentic Brazilian cuisine, which is absolutely delicious. Every dish is prepared with care, offering bold, flavorful combinations that stay true to traditional Brazilian recipes. From savory meats to mouthwatering sides, each bite is a testament to the quality and authenticity of the food. While the space is compact, it adds to the charm, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal with friends or a quiet dinner for two. The service is warm and attentive, further elevating the dining experience. If you're craving authentic Brazilian food in a cozy, welcoming setting, Rustic 21 Bistro is definitely worth a visit.

Wow! My husband and I had a terrific foodie experience here. It had spectacular reviews, and we were in the area for an appointment, so we had to try it out to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Rey was our attentive and friendly server. We started off with drinks (caipiroska for me, Coke and Pelegrino for my husband) and ordered pao de queijo (cheese bread), beef stroganoff (daily special), and well-done picanha top sirloin that my husband requested to be very lean. Everything was amazing - pao de queijo was soft, french fries were crunchy, and the meat was not fatty at all (just the way we like it!). We had the Bolinho de Cenoura (carrot cake) for dessert and it was delightful. The small portion was perfect for us since we were full from the meal. It was loaded with carrot flavor, and the chocolate tasted exactly like the chocolate from a lava cake. A definite must try for anyone that loves cake or cake pops. Total was about 105 (excluding tip). The location is on the cozy side with about 12 tables and a handful of bar seating. Restrooms are single occupancy and very clean. Entire location is well-kept but not built for large parties unless you have reservations. We were lucky to beat the late dinner crowd since we arrived around 6:30 pm, and reservations are required/recommended if you plan to dine at 8pm or later. Reservations are a must if you'd like to guarantee a seat during date night dinner Excellent service, cute location, free parking. We'd come back here again for a romantic Jax date.

So glad we stopped in. It was a fabulous meal and service was exceptional. We had the pork belly appetizer and we thoroughly enjoyed. The Mrs ordered the picana and she devoured it. One of the best steaks she has had. I had the fejiouda and it was perfection. We left satisfied and look forward to our next trip

Genuinely the best meal we’ve had in FL!! This spot is tucked into a strip mall and so deceiving from the outside. The ambiance and vibes are cozy and beautiful inside. The staff & servers were so kind and attentive. The FOOD! OMG. We got the crispy pork belly appetizer and each got the braised short ribs with parmesan risotto – so flavorful, so delicious. The best comfort meal! You have to check this spot out whether you’re with family or out for a nice date night. Will absolutely come back when we’re in Jacksonville again.

Hidden Gem! Some of the best food I’ve had in Jacksonville in a long time. Everything was absolutely excellent! Wish I could give more than five stars. Everything we had was exceptional but the short rib and risotto stood out among all the delicious plates! The service was great, and the chef/owner came to our table and talked to us at the end. 10 out of 10! If you’re not going here you’re miss out!