Taste Cafe & Bistro

Friendly and unpretentious little bistro, serving imaginative dishes from a chef with a flair for wonderful flavors. Our selections were butternut squash agnolotti and the sea bass special, and we could not have been more pleased.

Stopped by for the first time today for some coffee and pastries and was delighted by the quality of the food, the beautiful and comfortable atmosphere, and most of all the warm and welcoming hospitality. The zaatar manaeesh, almond croissant, and Karaki Latte were all fantastic. I highly recommend!

Even as this Lebanese family-run establishment is running shorthanded, as their daughter has left for medical school, they still succeed deliciously in catering to your taste for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern sweets and exotic cuisine, with their super welcoming, warm, and engaging personalities. Bravo! Do visit, if you haven't yet. 🍰 🧆 👨‍👩‍👧

We eat at Taste Cafe regularly and absolutely love every aspect of it. We've been getting take-out every week during shelter-in-place and look forward to it every time. My wife highly recommends the Tuesday night sea bass special!

The lamb is always cooked to perfection. The service is superb. There is even a chance the owner herself will serve you. A neighborhood favorite as well as a place worth traveling to.

Honestly they had the best tortellini I’ve ever had, the staff was super friendly and helpful, and I can’t wait to go back to try more of their dishes 😁

My friends took me out for my birthday last night, and Susan the owner was so welcoming, we felt like we were at her house eating dinner with her, sharing stories, laughing, delighted with everything she brought us (sea bass special, filet mignon, eggplant sandwich, all really delicious) As we sat closest to the door, we saw people come in, Susan greeting many by their name, saying goodbye with warm hugs. She surprised me with a candle lit dessert, everyone at the restaurant singing happy birthday. She even gave me a hug. I was so touched by her lovely gesture. At the end of the evening, each of us were planing for another night at Taste with our family members. We all hope to become Taste regulars!! Thank you!!

This quiet nook of a place has all the hallmarks of a family run European bistro; a handful of tables with wooden seats, comfortable stone painted with images of food and family echoed by pictures on the "Wall of Fame" of celebrities, friends and neighbors.. and food that reminds you of home cooking. If your home has a fantastic chef in the kitchen! We went for dinner and the food was beautiful. Simple, made with great ingredients, well executed, with small details that accentuated the presentation and flavor profiles of each dish. We had the Grilled Eggplant Napoleon which was a success of sweet cheese, roasted eggplant and toast brightened by caramelized red onion and balsamic like something out of your Italian grandmother's kitchen. The entrees were similar in their excellent flavors and presentation. And then the desserts looked so good we had apple gallette AND chocolate torte. If the meal was a family affair, dessert was aimed at high cuisine. Flavors and textures balanced, sauces complimenting the plate and adding to every bite with richness and contrast. I'd like to have a standing order of both for breakfast to start my day off right. Our waitress was a young woman by the name of Noor who provided a gentle guiding light through our courses and helped make our evening something wonderful. I'd happily take any friend or family member to visit and I'm already planning a return trip!

Absolutely exquisite food and flavors. The service was kind and helpful, and the food was amazing. Cannot recommend the desserts enough as well, so save room! We will be back for sure. The butternut squash agnolotti was out of this world.

The food was really excellent. We felt really welcome, with a real sense of hospitality. Mme Suzanne really took care of all our needs. Highly recommended!

My wife and I had the most delicious meal at Taste Cafe! The pasta was AMAZING, the desserts delicious, and service was fantastic! We are definitely going back again and were already planning our next visit as we ate our meal! Highly recommend.

My sisters and I met in Monterey for a “sisters” trip and happened upon this gem of a restaurant. The outside does not look like much, however, the second you enter into the restaurant you know you have made a great choice! The food owner/chef is a wonderful woman who gave us her undivided attention and a few good laughs as well! The food was absolutely outstanding from start to finish (homemade butterscotch pudding - YES PLEASE!). The entire experience was perfect!

My wife had the Spinach & Cheese Ravioli which she loved, but I want to talk about what I had because it was divine. Called "Fresh Pacific Salmon Filet" it's served on a bed of spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, Kalamata olives, zucchini, artichokes, baked in parchment paper and served with a fantastic basil beurre blanc. I want to call it something more appropriate so I shall hereafter refer to it as "Salmon Beurre Blanc by Bill". Bon Appetit

The salmon steamed in parchment was both simple and complex. Țhe blend of mushrooms, spinach, zucchini and onions added earthiness to the rich salmon and lemon sauce. The presentation was lovely. The staff was warm and attentive. Many of the customers appeared to be regulars and were welcomed as if into their home.

I am Italian or part so personally I am fond of this restaurant and enjoy the service, aesthetic, the food and personal relationship with the owner! She’s very nice and her husband is hard working too! 🇮🇹 Bon appetite!

Taste is a hidden gem, loved by locals. This family run restaurant serves excellent traditional French food with friendly service.

What a terrific place! Very popular with the locals. Highly recommend this family owned and run gem of a restaurant!

Taste is excellent. Mainly local clientele but the chef and his wife present a classy menu with attentive service. The lamb filet and the salmon starter are superb. Highly recommended.

I've eaten here a few times, each time a treat. Most recently I ordered lamb. Unbelievable! The lamb was merely delicious, the sauce was a gastronomic masterpiece! Perfectly balanced and simmered to perfection. I can't remember a more satisfying meal on ANY continent!

Dear Sue and Bill, was such a pleasant surprise for me and my husband to be treated as your guests on Friday night! We just happened to look for a cosy place to have our dinner, on our way to Asilomar. And we took the chance of trying European cuisine at your place in Pacific Grove. We are originally from Europe and were very curious if you could make us feel like home! The food was delicious and light, the bread with rosemary garlic plive oil to dye for! Thank you for your hospitality! We will be back soon! Liana & Dan

Do not miss this restaurant in Pacific Grove. Such amazing service...Sue welcomes you like you are family. They offer such an amazing menu that you may want to go with several people so you can try multiple options! Their prices are reasonable, too! Enjoy your dinner and don't miss dessert 😋

My husband and I stopped in for dinner tonight and had the most wonderful experience. From the butternut squash soup and Caesar salad, to the rabbit entree, which was spectacular, to the full-flavored butterscotch pudding, the incredible pairing of ingredients and perfectly cooked food made for a wonderful dining experience. And... I cannot leave out the warmth and attentiveness of the owners and staff. Can't wait to make our way back to Pacific Grove for another incredible dining experience!

Great family run restaurant. Went there a few years ago and then again, last week. Still just as delicious even after a few years. The artichoke soup was creamy and delicious. The rabbit entree is really good. We also had the meatball special, even the tomato sauce on it's own was very flavorful and the whole dish was great. Definitely worth going to!

We happened across this family-run gem by accident. Everything was delicious. The food was fresh, cooked to perfection, and lovely presentation. We had the roasted chicken, spaghetti special, pasta with shrimp, and vegetable torte. The pasta was so fresh and delicious we ordered an extra side to share. The owner, Sue, was warm and welcoming. We will definitely be back!

Taste and Bistro Café is hands-down one of the best places in town! The food is always fresh, flavorful, and beautifully made — you can really taste the love and care that goes into every dish. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the staff make you feel right at home from the moment you walk in! It’s the perfect spot to relax, catch up with friends, or enjoy a nice meal with family. Definitely a five-star experience — can’t wait to come back! Sam Ackley

It is a great treat to dine here with our local friends when we visit. Great food, friendly family-run business, relaxing atmosphere and reasonable prices! We highly recommend!

I recently had dinner at Taste for the first time. It was incredible. The lovely owner made us feel so comfortable and valued. The food was delicious (I had the Tortellini), the service was great, and the restaurant was beautiful. The salad was so fresh, the bread was yummy, etc. It is a family run business and I love to support that. My only "complaint" is the limited parking, which is not the fault of the restaurant. I only mention it so customers can be aware! Delightful experience.

We were so Charmed by tastes elegant and congenial atmosphere and healthy exquisitely prepared food that we returned for a second night during our short stay in Pacific Grove. The service was friendly and professional and the owner lavished personal attention on us. The diverse menu included refreshingly healthy offerings at modest prices. Taste would be our first choice for fine dining during any future visit to Pacific Grove

This is truly a fine restaurant, with a classy ambiance. The food is exquisite, and can't be compared to the typical fish and chips you generally find everywhere. You will love this cuisine, and the exceptional service and atmosphere. Really deserves 10 stars.

Amazing fresh food, really nice and friendly service- very easy 5 stars!

The food and atmosphere were great, but the food took a while even though we were the first ones there. Of course, the quality of the food made the wait not matter. I got the Penne Pesto, and highly recommend it.

Came here on a whim and was very pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food and presentation. All three of us polished off our plates and were in agreement that the food was very tasty. Service was great and the chefs came out to say hello and to check on the meal - very nice touch. Will be back!

Pretty good! Had the half chicken and the butternut squash ravioli. The chicken was absolutely perfect, well seasoned, tender and juicy, sides were great. The butternut ravioli was underwhelming at first but the more I ate it the better it tasted. Maybe just too hot when it came out and needed to cool more before I started. The family that runs the place is so sweet! Dad, mom, kids run just about everything and they're both personable and pleasant.

Food was exquisite!! I could tell by the preparations and presentations of my group of three's entrees that this place really wanted us to enjoy our dining experience!! Our young server was charming and professional! The atmosphere is perfect other than it being a little cold. Coming out of the mid December evening into a restaurant I want to feel cozy but had to put my jacket back on after 15 minutes. If not for that I'd give 5 stars all day!!

Stopped here during our recent day outing to Pacific Grove CA. 5 star for service and hospitality, but dishes we tried out were a hit or miss. Bread served had a perfect mix of crunchy shell and flaky soft interior. The Eggplant Neapolitan appetizer (with the caramelized onions) was amazing, but fried calamari’s batter was unbearably salty. Will recommend Escargot appetizer, but would prefer them in their shell for the eating experience. Tortellini Florentine had refreshing freshness and didn’t feel heavy despite the creamy sauce. Grilled rabbit was a disappointment only because of the lack of tenderness of the meat (yes, I know it takes efforts to get rabbit meat to be tender 😁). The sauce was delicious and the portion size generous. Will recommend this place, because based on their hospitality I believe that they will improve dishes where they missed the mark.

Food was good, not great. We all ordered vegetarian pastas and they all ran $20-25 per plate. The eggplant appetizer was nothing to write home about, very bland. Soups and salads were nothing special either. I'm not sure what the appeal is here. Maybe the meat based dishes were better. I can definitely find better pasta at a better price with soup or salad included in the price.

We recently dined at Taste Cafe & Bistro as a group of nine, on the recommendation of a friend who has been coming here for decades. It’s clear why this family-run restaurant has such loyal patrons—the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the service truly makes you feel at home. I especially enjoyed their selection of district 7 point noir and the cozy, inviting setting. My friends all loved the food, and overall the dishes were well prepared and nicely presented. Personally, I wasn’t as fond of the lamb chops and the evening’s special sea bass, as the texture didn’t quite suit my taste. That said, the experience as a whole was delightful, and I can see why this place has been cherished for so many years.

I absolutely regret dining here. The restaurant was clearly understaffed, leading to slow and inattentive service, but what made it worse was the outright rudeness of the staff. If I hadn’t been too hungry and short on options, I would have left immediately. The environment is very average—nothing special—and the crowd mainly consists of elderly patrons. This is a regular, no-frills spot, not a fine dining experience by any means. If you’re looking for a smooth and enjoyable meal, this place will likely leave you frustrated. Definitely not worth the visit.

First time the food in person was fantastic and even though the service felt a bit strange and slow we wanted to definitely go again. Second time service was better but after eating the dinner caused severe stomach issues for spouse and I. Also did not taste nearly as good. Sadly not coming back despite outstanding food the first time. Maybe it was because of different hours... First time ate at close to 4pm

Rude server. Didn’t greet us at the door a chef literally had to seat. Then took forever to take our order even though it wasn’t busy. Then when we asked if a certain part of a dish could be substituted she rudely said there is nothing possible. Unreal probably just a racist. They also chased us down to pay when we did so through their app. Not even an apology never coming again.