Aroma

Delicious food and attentive service. We came here on a Sunday and enjoyed the sun on the covered patio. Prices are very reasonable. So lucky to have this restaurant in our community.

I've Been here two nights in a row I love the atmosphere, the food is amazing. Their menu changes Monday Tuesday: Mexican. Wednesday - Sunday Italian.

Aaron Mann

Wow best restaurant in this area for sure! What an inviting atmosphere and friendly staff. They really go above and beyond to make you feel at home. My Dad ordered the seafood linguine and he said it was the best he’s ever had! Ever 😮 Also I had the pesto chicken with GLUTEN FREE linguine. So happy they have gluten free pasta options and they are DELICIOUS sauces. Chicken was cooked to perfection and the seasoning was on point. As a starter appetizer we both had the house salad. Mine with balsamic dressing and my Dad’s was with ranch. We both thoroughly enjoyed the salads and they had lots of fresh ingredients! Can’t say enough good things about this restaurant. Will be back!

Greg Barker

We went there for the first time since it opened over 1 year ago. It was worth the wait. I called about an hour before and made a reservation to make sure we could be seated. Glad I did because if filled up quickly for dinner. The waitress was kind and attentive. Right away they brought fresh bread (two varieties, both delicious) with oil & vinegar with crushed garlic. Also, delicious! I ordered the ribeye with 2 Au Gratin potatoes instead of the veggies. They were excellent and the steak was aged and cooked perfectly. She had the salmon which was fantastic as well. We had a glass of wine each which paired perfect with our meal. The owner, Mario was sincere, personable and friendly. He came to our table a few times which was very nice. We were too full for dessert but will make an effort the next time we come here...for sure! I highly recommend Aroma's for the food, service, and ambiance. Definitely worth the time and $$$. Cheers!

Carol Stephen

We tried Aromas in Ben Lomond for the second time. It was a much smoother experience and everyone was very friendly. We sat inside this time. We ordered two new dishes: the flan and the paella. We ordered three dishes to share: the Chicken Adobo, the Garlic Aleppo Prawns, and the Wild Mushroom Rice. We also ordered two desserts to share: the Chocolate Temptation Cake, and the Lemon Blueberry Cheescake. Everything was excellent. We'll definitely be back to try more of this wonderful menu. So glad to have this restaurant in the SLV.

Roger Nolan

The setting in the redwoods cannot be beat. Plus, the food and service are absolutely excellent. We came for our anniversary and wanted a leisurely experience, which they were happy to accommodate. The waiters were super friendly and very helpful. The sommelier suggested an absolutely perfect pairing for the crème brûlée desert.

Shari Silva

Welcome to Ben Lomond’s yummy, new-ish spot! Friendly and attentive service from the moment we walked in until we left last night. It was also packed- a good sign! We enjoyed Irish Coffee & wine at the full bar, then sat, warm and cozy near the fire. Owner Mario spent a generous amount of time with us making sure we were happy with our meal, which we most definitely were! He also let us know Taco Tuesdays started up recently so we’ll be back for that! Tortilla soup, chowder were super yummy and fried artichokes app also delicious!! Looking forward to going back to experience the paella, desserts and more!

Lazarus Cobb

Excellent food, eclectic and well executed, flavors texture and ingredients choices all well curated. Chef owner was attentive, warm and welcoming. Live music was phenomenal. Great place for a date or special occasion. Not overpriced. Recommend early reservation, fills up fast.

Ryan Davidson

Great new place, all our food was great and were not waiting long for anything. They have some outdoor seating as well. When we went they had valet so make sure to have some cash to tip with. Staff were all friendly and helpful, excited to come back and try out some other dishes.

CC

I am so excited to have a restaurant like this in the SLV area! Absolutely superb! The moment we entered, we were happily greeted and allowed to pick our choice of seating. The entire service experience was top-notch, highly attentive, and kind, from the busboy to the owner that came and introduced himself. Without licking the plates clean, we got every morsel we could with delight. We had a seafood chowder, winter veggie soup, crab cakes, coconut prawns, a farm fresh heirloom tomato and fresh mozzarella spread appetizer, and creme brulee. Let's not forget the wonderful warm soft focaccia bread with pure olive oil and vinegar dipping sauce. We were so full we never made it to a main course, but we plan to return for that. We also lucked into some lovely live music on the patio while we ate. When I visit the area, this is now one of my new local favorites for sure.

sarah bohinski

I had the prawns. One of the best dinners I have ever had! Beautiful atmosphere. The drinks were strong even during happy hour. They do allow dogs on the patio.

Janessa Link

Our first trip to Aroma was lovely! The update to the patio had both heaters and plenty of quiet space among the redwoods. Service was incredibly quick (great for weeknight dinner) and we also got a visit and chat from the owner Mario and a taste of his Mezcal slung around his neck in a leather sling. We split a salad to start, then had the quail and morel risotto (and vegan !?! nice!). The quail was nuts- completely de-boned except for the legs and stuffed with veggies. Also cheesecake for dessert. Was happy with some old familiar beers from San Diego on tap (Ballast Point Sculpin), plus local ciders. Will be back, thanks for such a diverse menu! (next time, KBBQ) Edit: We've been back twice more- one lunch, one dinner. Lunch: Rib burger, crab cakes. Minor drinks. Dinner: split ahi tuna appetizer to share, spitzel for one main, asparagus salad appetizer with Kalbi ribs for second. Paper Plane is lovely. Plus live classical guitar, Thursday night

david spalding

Delicious food and attentive service. We came here on a Sunday and enjoyed the sun on the covered patio. Prices are very reasonable. So lucky to have this restaurant in our community.

I usually love Aroma - the vibe is eclectic, the staff is warm, welcoming and knowledgeable. This time, I got the Osso Bucco and it had a lot of garlic - lots of beautiful roasted garlic cloves that blended in color with the polenta, served on the side. If you like garlic, and i do, this is great but probably better if you LOVE garlic! It was very good - fall off the bone, tender. Went there with our book group and they, DRUM ROLL, PLEASE, had zero issues with giving all 10 of us separate checks! We always ask and many places won't do this, and we totally understand but it's a nice treat when they do allow for separate checks! Btw, the building that houses Aroma is such an old local favorite dining spot. It used to be Tyroleon, a German restaurant and very much a destination dining spot in the Bay area for German food, in its heyday. When Tyroleon closed and Aroma took this location, they kept the schnitzel on the menu as an homage. Much appreciated! This place has a fabulous bar, outdoor seating and a lovely menu. It's one of our favorite dinner spots in Santa Cruz County. Drive up! The area is gorgeous! Try and time your arrival so that you can pop over to La Placa for some cookies and pastries to take home! It's a lovely bakery across the street from Aroma with house made authentic Italian baked goods. The whole area is an experience - great for a date night or lunch with friends.

Fantastic spot for a nice dinner! Service was fast and very friendly! Our server Matteo was attentive, helpful, and fun! The bread and olive oil they brought before our meal was amazing and refilled, the artichoke hearts and bruschetta were delicious. We both got chicken parmigiana, as high quality as the rest of our meal, and dessert was an excellent tiramisu. Very satisfied with our experience and if we find ourselves in the area again we’ll be back. If you’re on vacation or a local that hasn’t tried it yet I’d recommend planning on it!

Compliments to the Chef! I've been here a few times after hiking and hungry. The food is fresh and Delicious!!! Rustic and welcoming place.

Excellent food! Creative. Excellent, friendly service with cozy indoor cabin-like atmosphere or heated outside patio.

Gretchen Bronstein

Compliments to the Chef! I've been here a few times after hiking and hungry. The food is fresh and Delicious!!! Rustic and welcoming place.

Leukocyte Meadows

Fantastic spot for a nice dinner! Service was fast and very friendly! Our server Matteo was attentive, helpful, and fun! The bread and olive oil they brought before our meal was amazing and refilled, the artichoke hearts and bruschetta were delicious. We both got chicken parmigiana, as high quality as the rest of our meal, and dessert was an excellent tiramisu. Very satisfied with our experience and if we find ourselves in the area again we’ll be back. If you’re on vacation or a local that hasn’t tried it yet I’d recommend planning on it!

Mica J

Aroma is located in Ben Lomond off Hwy 9 and is one those places you drive by if you do not live in town. However, if you do stop, you'll be most pleased as the food, atmosphere and customer service are worth it. They have music certain evenings and both inside/outside areas are great to sit. Their appetizers are very good, especially the coconut shrimp with curry dipping and chili glazed Brussels sprouts. I love their olive tapenade, which they serve with fresh bread and their mocktails/cocktails delight as well. While the staff was attentive, they also gave space to enjoy our meal. Tiramasu was a delightful ending split between my husband and myself. We will definitely be back to support our local business.

Jennifer Seamons

What a fantastic place to get fed! The food and service is terrific!! Cloth napkins, chilled water bottle, upscale menu, delightful mocktail menu and heavenly desert make this a place we will make a point of returning to. It also sets a new standard for us as far as "Best meal I ever had" while on vacation. Thank you, Aroma!!

Joseph Larsen

This place is a major provider for delivering a great meal with some earthy Santa Cruz region style. The atmosphere is lively and seating options are good (indoor and outdoor options are both desirable). Plan to spend a coin or two... but, you're not going to be disappointed in the fare. Happy hour does not skimp on the drinks like many places tend to do. The service was personable and charming. Adequate parking (although, we chose to walk to and from our hotel). It's a great place for a casual date night out. Highly recommend it.

Cute restaurant. We went for lunch. Cloth table covers and napkins. The water they brought to the table tasted like lake water. I ordered the Caesar salad with steak. Very good. My husband had their chicken sandwich with a side salad and enjoyed it. The bread they brought to the table before we got our food was a little stale. We’d go again.

First time we went service was ultra slow but food was great. Second time, both was spot-on, nice jazz band was playing and the patio was really lovely.

Fun, elegant for Bolder Creek. Good food.

Teresa Silva

Cute restaurant. We went for lunch. Cloth table covers and napkins. The water they brought to the table tasted like lake water. I ordered the Caesar salad with steak. Very good. My husband had their chicken sandwich with a side salad and enjoyed it. The bread they brought to the table before we got our food was a little stale. We’d go again.

Anna Soeiro

First time we went service was ultra slow but food was great. Second time, both was spot-on, nice jazz band was playing and the patio was really lovely.

Andrew Ratermann

Fun, elegant for Bolder Creek. Good food.

Last night, my bf and I went to Aroma in Ben Lomond for dinner. I have mixed reviews on the experience. When we arrived, it was difficult to determine where to enter the restaurant. Once inside, it still was unclear as there was another door where it felt we were entering incorrectly into the dining room. We waited for about two minutes at one point making eye contact with a bus boy who walked by and did not wave us in. At the point we walked in, we stayed by the door feeling intrusive as there was a party of 3 diners seated within 3 feet. We waited for approximately two more minutes before the same employee walked past us, again making eye contact, but not acknowledging us. On his return trip to the kitchen, I asked, “Excuse me, do we seat ourselves”? He then ran to the bar, checked our reservation and seated us. The dining room is quite small with tables fairly close to one another which made for a loud dining experience. The outside area looked to have ample space, it was just a bit too chilly for us to sit outside. Our waitress was very sweet and welcomed us with a friendly greeting. We received our beverages quickly and another employee was right behind with the bread. We ordered the artichoke heart appetizer which was delicious and arrived hot. My only recommendations would be to provide more than a tablespoon of dipping sauce and make it a four piece serving rather than three. We cut the third piece in half to share and it made quite a mess of the beautifully crafted artichoke. I ordered the swordfish which was accompanied by a side of couscous. The swordfish was wonderful. However, I wasn’t able to eat more than a couple bites of the couscous because it was so heavily seasoned. My bf had the filet with a side of scalloped potatoes and broccoli. The filet was delivered medium rather than medium rare like he ordered but still, enjoyable. The scalloped potatoes were fabulous. Possibly the best we have ever had. Unfortunately, the broccoli was inedible. We each had one bite and something with a sand like texture was present and stayed in our teeth after the bite was gone. We did let our friendly waitress know and she happily replaced them with another side. We each ordered dessert, my bf with an americano and mine with a regular coffee. Two americanos were delivered to our table with the chocolate cake and lemon blueberry cheesecake. The chocolate cake was tasty and not too heavy. The cheesecake was very flavorful but a bit too dry and crumbly for my taste. Overall, we enjoyed the meal. The restaurant has only recently opened so I’m sure they will work out the kinks with time. At this point, we probably won’t go back for awhile. But it’s certainly not a “will not return” establishment.

Cheryl Noon

Last night, my bf and I went to Aroma in Ben Lomond for dinner. I have mixed reviews on the experience. When we arrived, it was difficult to determine where to enter the restaurant. Once inside, it still was unclear as there was another door where it felt we were entering incorrectly into the dining room. We waited for about two minutes at one point making eye contact with a bus boy who walked by and did not wave us in. At the point we walked in, we stayed by the door feeling intrusive as there was a party of 3 diners seated within 3 feet. We waited for approximately two more minutes before the same employee walked past us, again making eye contact, but not acknowledging us. On his return trip to the kitchen, I asked, “Excuse me, do we seat ourselves”? He then ran to the bar, checked our reservation and seated us. The dining room is quite small with tables fairly close to one another which made for a loud dining experience. The outside area looked to have ample space, it was just a bit too chilly for us to sit outside. Our waitress was very sweet and welcomed us with a friendly greeting. We received our beverages quickly and another employee was right behind with the bread. We ordered the artichoke heart appetizer which was delicious and arrived hot. My only recommendations would be to provide more than a tablespoon of dipping sauce and make it a four piece serving rather than three. We cut the third piece in half to share and it made quite a mess of the beautifully crafted artichoke. I ordered the swordfish which was accompanied by a side of couscous. The swordfish was wonderful. However, I wasn’t able to eat more than a couple bites of the couscous because it was so heavily seasoned. My bf had the filet with a side of scalloped potatoes and broccoli. The filet was delivered medium rather than medium rare like he ordered but still, enjoyable. The scalloped potatoes were fabulous. Possibly the best we have ever had. Unfortunately, the broccoli was inedible. We each had one bite and something with a sand like texture was present and stayed in our teeth after the bite was gone. We did let our friendly waitress know and she happily replaced them with another side. We each ordered dessert, my bf with an americano and mine with a regular coffee. Two americanos were delivered to our table with the chocolate cake and lemon blueberry cheesecake. The chocolate cake was tasty and not too heavy. The cheesecake was very flavorful but a bit too dry and crumbly for my taste. Overall, we enjoyed the meal. The restaurant has only recently opened so I’m sure they will work out the kinks with time. At this point, we probably won’t go back for awhile. But it’s certainly not a “will not return” establishment.