Tarocco

What a gem this place is. First, there is ample seating, with a lot of bright natural light coming through so the atmosphere is both warm, clean, and modern. The food was DELICIOUS!!! It was light, fresh, and everything could be described as having bright bold flavor. I left totally full, but not heavy. I will definitely be back for a healthy lunch soon!

Splendid place filled with natural light and great design. Greeted by friendly and fun staff. Beautiful dishes that taste even better than what they look, with fresh, healthy and hearty ingredients prepared to perfection in creative ways. Perfect for either a quick lunch or a special occasion. Don’t skip this place if you’re in the area and make sure to plan a visit!

I took a look inside while walking down the street. I saw a Gal dancing when she got her food . She look pleased, I ask if the food was good , she said she thinks it’s the best food in Berkeley. What ! It’s that good ? But I’m not hungry. I walked a little bit to work my appetite, and ordered a small plate. I usually don’t eat rice and asked for just a little bit , big mistake, the rice was so good and crunchy, the flavors and texture with fresh mint and vegetables were new , it was like going on an adventure to a new beautiful City. It was topped with greens and yogurt sauce

We had the sweetest baby shower over the weekend, and we’re so grateful to everyone who made it special! We wanted an intimate, bright space with amazing food, and Tarocco was perfect—thank you for hosting us!

Came in just before the lunch rush on a weekday and the woman working was incredibly kind and helpful!!! I got two dishes and they were both so fresh and tasty and the atmosphere was lovely, bright and comfy. I enjoyed my lunch date with myself and my baby and would absolutely come back!

Massimo Costetti

Splendid place filled with natural light and great design. Greeted by friendly and fun staff. Beautiful dishes that taste even better than what they look, with fresh, healthy and hearty ingredients prepared to perfection in creative ways. Perfect for either a quick lunch or a special occasion. Don’t skip this place if you’re in the area and make sure to plan a visit!

Azia Branson

Came in just before the lunch rush on a weekday and the woman working was incredibly kind and helpful!!! I got two dishes and they were both so fresh and tasty and the atmosphere was lovely, bright and comfy. I enjoyed my lunch date with myself and my baby and would absolutely come back!

allan kober

I took a look inside while walking down the street. I saw a Gal dancing when she got her food . She look pleased, I ask if the food was good , she said she thinks it’s the best food in Berkeley. What ! It’s that good ? But I’m not hungry. I walked a little bit to work my appetite, and ordered a small plate. I usually don’t eat rice and asked for just a little bit , big mistake, the rice was so good and crunchy, the flavors and texture with fresh mint and vegetables were new , it was like going on an adventure to a new beautiful City. It was topped with greens and yogurt sauce

Greg S

Friendly and cheerful service sets the stage for the fresh and vibrant food. Chose from the five selections for our pair of two-dish platters, which also came with bright yellow, saffron basmati rice. Added boiled eggs and skirt steak for extra protein (already partly eaten before I thought to take a photo), although one of the available dish choices was white beans. The charred broccolini and charred cabbage with tahini sauce were perfectly cooked and seasoned so as not to taste burnt. The lemon vinaigrette salad had lovely greens, radish, beets, and sunflower seeds. A great preview meal for our daughter's upcoming wedding reception! Update: new photos from the dishes served at my daughter's reception...more yummy goodness from Tarocco!

Dannah Tennant

We had the sweetest baby shower over the weekend, and we’re so grateful to everyone who made it special! We wanted an intimate, bright space with amazing food, and Tarocco was perfect—thank you for hosting us!

Van Gogh Design

Barcalona meets Berkeley! I love the food here so much. Third visit today and I can’t get enough! Everything is homemade, organic, beautiful, colorful and delicious. A total gem 💎 if you have not eaten here, definitely go for lunch and you will be impressed and satiated. I love the way they present the food so you can see everything and make your choices.

Yahshimabet Sellassie

Tarocco is a gem of a café — full of sunlight, warmth, and intention. Every detail feels thoughtful, from the atmosphere to the people. Sequoia is incredibly kind and talented, and you can tell the entire team of chefs pours so much care into every dish. The chickpea stew with rice was really flavorful, and satisfying. I especially love with the rotating salads — always super fresh and vibrant. The roasted broccolini with parmesan, lemon and chili flakes was nice and crunchy, and seasoned. The new potato salad, tossed with fresh herbs, was so flavorful, and melt in your mouth. I got agua fresca that was refreshing and not too sweet! Truly, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Whether you're grabbing lunch or sipping a latte, Tarocco offers a beautiful, nourishing experience. Definitely worth a visit!

stephanie trotter zacharia

Wow! We were in town for a special event and didn't know where to eat. Happened upon this place and were absolutely thrilled with the fresh menu, wine list, great owner/server and clean, comfortable seating options! We shared a Winter salad with chicken and Avocado toast. I need to come back here soon.

Michele Scott

The chill vibe started before I walked inside. Tarocco is nestled in Berkeley with plenty of parking which is always a plus. Featuring incredibly delicious food that is seasonal fresh and mega healthy.

Samara

First time visiting Tarocco, beautiful space! Have very fond memories of this space when it used to be Westside Bakery and Cafe, many years ago. Great location, great space, thrilled that Tarocco is here to stay. 🌞 Took a friend for lunch to celebrate her birthday. She really needed to eat somewhere that is aware and acknowledges food sensitivities and allergies, for her it is gluten and alliums(garlic/onions). I called a few days before and happened to get the owner on the phone, who assured me that they can absolutely feed someone with any food intolerances, safely. Everything the minute we walked in, was wonderful. The space is light, bright, airy, and the food is perfect. The staff is engaging, funny, and present for any questions, and suggestions. Food is presented beautifully, vibrant colors, fresh produce, ample portions, the list goes on and on. Normally not a flavored coffee drink fan, but the Cardamom Rose Latte, sooo good!!! Get the Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookie🍪! My friend ordered the Tarocco Rice Bowl, perfect! Also had the soup of the day and avocado toast, sat outside, no rush, no waiting, attentive and caring staff. Very much looking forward to returning soon! 🥳

Selina Traylor Perera

Updated: I wrote my initial review early on in my Tarocco days. Now I am a regular. It’s one of my favorite restaurants of all time (and I identify as a foodie, for what it’s worth). It’s exciting because the menu changes daily, and although some favorites do return, I appreciate the variety and new-ness every time I come in. I am also a personal trainer and nutrition coach and I am constantly referring clients here to enjoy a healthy and energizing meal. The quality of the food (always fresh, farm-to-table, new and exciting dishes daily) speaks for itself, but I also have deep appreciation for the warmth and kindness I receive from the amazing and talented staff. It’s an inclusive space that values the diversity of Berkeley. I even spent my last birthday lunch there as it is also great for a group (people pay separately at the counter). Tarocco, you have my heart! Original review for reference: Delicious and fresh. Great atmosphere.

Sarah Donovan

Super cute spot! Perfect for pre-dinner drink, a light dinner, an afternoon snack & drink etc etc! The interior is gorgeous and feels very European (from a European). Delish natural wines! Can’t wait to bring friends back!

Nicole Heaney

I came in on a whim and was welcoming by the friendly attentive staff. I had a latte, veggie quiche, kale salad topped with tuna salad (with dill and arugula) it was very flavorful. The ambiance is airy and welcoming. I’m happy I came in! 👍great job!

Christopher Beaty

Tarocco is one of my favorite East Bay Brunch/Lunch spots. A wonderful seasonal menu where everything is fresh, delicious, and nutritious. You can grab a coffee, beer, wine, or other, and post up for hours in this thoughtfully designed space filled with natural light. Whether grabbing lunch to go, or dining in, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

My favorite lunch spot in Berkeley, hands down. It’s delicious, healthy and full of love. Rotating selection of amazing and seasonal salads, proteins (usually jammy eggs, tortilla español, and chicken or steak), and 1-2 desserts. Konbucha, tea, wine. Don’t pass it up!

Recently celebrated my moms 80th birthday with a party here, we rented out the space for the event and they provided a wonderful meal. Cant say enough good things about the food quality, lovely environment, and working with their team- Sequoia was such a help! Thank you all.

Tarocco’s food is freshly made and utterly delicious!! All GLUTEN FREE restaurant. They make you feel like part of the family while you are there. :)

Lindsay Schneider

My favorite lunch spot in Berkeley, hands down. It’s delicious, healthy and full of love. Rotating selection of amazing and seasonal salads, proteins (usually jammy eggs, tortilla español, and chicken or steak), and 1-2 desserts. Konbucha, tea, wine. Don’t pass it up!

Dianna Brownell

Tarocco’s food is freshly made and utterly delicious!! All GLUTEN FREE restaurant. They make you feel like part of the family while you are there. :)

Russell Cowan

Recently celebrated my moms 80th birthday with a party here, we rented out the space for the event and they provided a wonderful meal. Cant say enough good things about the food quality, lovely environment, and working with their team- Sequoia was such a help! Thank you all.

A G

Hidden gem for new parents. This place is awesome for lunch. They have a few dishes eat day and they change it up frequently. I’ve never gone and not wanted what I’ve seen - and I’m picky. Great place to meet up on maternity leave.

Stopped at Tarrocco for lunch, and had a delicious & fresh lunch. The prices were affordable, but I wish the portion size was just a little more generous/satiating so knocking a star. Service was great, and this is a really wonderful place to come grab lunch with a friend or even a larger party. Will definitely be back!

Myrtille Genot

Stopped at Tarrocco for lunch, and had a delicious & fresh lunch. The prices were affordable, but I wish the portion size was just a little more generous/satiating so knocking a star. Service was great, and this is a really wonderful place to come grab lunch with a friend or even a larger party. Will definitely be back!

The food was solid and thoughtfully prepared — on food alone, this could have been a three-star review. However, front-of-house execution significantly undermined the visit. Counter service was confusing: pricing and menu explanations were inconsistent, guidance shifted between what to follow and what to ignore, and the interaction felt rushed and at times dismissive when I asked normal clarifying questions. I didn’t have a clear sense of what was included or what the total would be until checkout, which resulted in sticker shock. I nearly walked down the street to Juan’s — the service there may be a bit over the top and the décor kitschy — but as someone born in the Bay and raised in Berkeley, that kind of familiar nostalgia can actually feel grounding when another space feels opaque. The restaurant speaks eloquently online about hospitality, value, community, and “European-style dining,” but first-time guests are not well oriented. Pricing, menu structure, and service expectations felt insider-coded, leading to confusion and discomfort at the register — particularly around tipping, with owners working the counter and no clear signage or explanation of whether gratuity is expected or included. True European-style service, in my experience, prioritizes calm clarity: questions are welcomed, pricing is transparent, and guests are never made to feel rushed or out of place. That contrast stood out here. I ultimately landed at two over all stars because while the food was good, front-of-house fundamentals matter. Any chef with experience in a Michelin-level French kitchen knows how critical FOH is to the overall experience. As a recovering bartender/server who delivered five-star service for years — and as someone who genuinely loves design and hospitality — this felt like a missed opportunity. If there had been a check instead of a rushed counter transaction, I would have happily added a tip “do better next time”. I’d consider returning for the food, but only if pricing transparency, ordering flow, explicit tip policy, and warmer counter service are addressed.

Liza besso

The food was solid and thoughtfully prepared — on food alone, this could have been a three-star review. However, front-of-house execution significantly undermined the visit. Counter service was confusing: pricing and menu explanations were inconsistent, guidance shifted between what to follow and what to ignore, and the interaction felt rushed and at times dismissive when I asked normal clarifying questions. I didn’t have a clear sense of what was included or what the total would be until checkout, which resulted in sticker shock. I nearly walked down the street to Juan’s — the service there may be a bit over the top and the décor kitschy — but as someone born in the Bay and raised in Berkeley, that kind of familiar nostalgia can actually feel grounding when another space feels opaque. The restaurant speaks eloquently online about hospitality, value, community, and “European-style dining,” but first-time guests are not well oriented. Pricing, menu structure, and service expectations felt insider-coded, leading to confusion and discomfort at the register — particularly around tipping, with owners working the counter and no clear signage or explanation of whether gratuity is expected or included. True European-style service, in my experience, prioritizes calm clarity: questions are welcomed, pricing is transparent, and guests are never made to feel rushed or out of place. That contrast stood out here. I ultimately landed at two over all stars because while the food was good, front-of-house fundamentals matter. Any chef with experience in a Michelin-level French kitchen knows how critical FOH is to the overall experience. As a recovering bartender/server who delivered five-star service for years — and as someone who genuinely loves design and hospitality — this felt like a missed opportunity. If there had been a check instead of a rushed counter transaction, I would have happily added a tip “do better next time”. I’d consider returning for the food, but only if pricing transparency, ordering flow, explicit tip policy, and warmer counter service are addressed.