Taste Cafe & Bistro

Name: Taste Cafe & Bistro
Address: 1199 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove, CA, United States, 93950
Telephone: (831) 655-0324
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

221 Reviews

$30 and under

European

Top Tags:

Welcome to Taste Cafe & Bistro a cozy European style restaurant where guests can view chef/owner Bill Karaki prepare each dish from scratch. Our European influence menu features items such as herb-roasted chicken, grilled rabbit, escargots, pastas, organic salads, exceptional soups and Au gratin potatoes. The marvelous fresh made brioche bread pudding,apple galette and hazelnut chocolate torte should not be missed. Come join us, for a great meal in a slice of Europe, in the heart of lovely Pacific Grove and enjoy our fabulous cuisine in a wonderful atmosphere!

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(831) 655-0324

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
European
Hours of operation

Dinner: Sun, Tues-Sat 5:00pm-9:00pm
Closed Mondays
Phone number
(831) 655-0324
Website
http://www.tastecafebistro.com/
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Bill Karaki
Private party contact
Bill Karaki: (831) 655-0324

Location
1199 Forest Ave. Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Neighborhood
Pacific Grove
Cross street
Prescott Lane
Parking details
Private lot / street parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Grilled Eggplant Napoleon$9.25
grilled eggplant topped with roasted red pepper, Warmed fresh mozzarella cheese on a large brioche crouton, caramelized Red onion, pesto, balsamic vinaigrette
Grilled Shrimp Skewer$9.95
served on a white beans salad, fresh cilantro and roasted sweet red peppers
Crispy Calamari$7.95
lightly floured, served with lemon-basil aioli
Steamed Mussels$9.75
in a light tomato-garlic broth, julienne of leeks, carrots, celery and herb-parmesan crouton
Mediterranean Dungeness Crabcake$11.25
roasted red pepper aioli, frisee and caramelized onions
House Cured Salmon Carpaccio$9.75
with a mustard-dill dressing, red onion, capers and warm brioche toast
Classic Escargots Bourguignonne$9.25
baked in garlic herb butter
Mushroom Bourguignonne$8.75
baked in garlic herb butter and pine nut

Salads

Soup Of The Day$6.75
Valley Greens$7.25
champagne vinaigrette, and assorted vegetable garnishes
Caesar Salad$8.25
classic dressing, brioche croutons, grana cheese
Organic Red Oak Leaf Salad$8.95
with crumbled blue cheese, balsamic dressing, Sliced pears and glazed pecans

Entrees

Our Daily Special
please ask your server
Grilled Chicken Breasts Salad$15.50
on valley greens, champagne vinaigrette, roasted red peppers and au gratin potatoes
Roasted Half Chicken$17.50
marinated in extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, with mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables, tomatoes and a light jus
Grilled Marinated Rabbit$21.25
with braised red cabbage, au gratin potatoes, juniper berry sauce
New York Steak$23.95
12oz. grilled, topped with crispy onions, horseradish, pommes frites, and light natural jus
Chicken Apple Sausages$17.75
grilled, braised red cabbage, au gratin potatoes and red onion marmalade
Fresh Salmon Filet$20.25
on a bed of spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, Kalamata olives, zucchini, artichokes, baked in parchment paper, served with a basil beurre blanc
Grilled Veal Medallions$23.25
with mashed potatoes topped with crispy onions, Grilled squash and mushroom marsala sauce
Lean Pork Medallions$20.25
grilled, with sautéed Napa cabbage, onions, celery, and apples served mashed potatoes and light natural jus
Marinated Lamb Filets$23.75
grilled, in a cabernet shallot sauce with sauteed spinash, red peppers, pine nuts, and au gratin potatoes
Beef Filet Mignon$25.75
with mashed potatoes, sauteed fresh spinach, and green peppercorn sauce.
- Add Wiyh Sauteed Shrimp$6.75
Chicken Dijionaise$16.95
grilled herb marinated chicken breast, served with sautéed mushroom , Dijon cream sauce and au gratin potato.
Tortellini Florentine$18.25
with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, artichokes, fresh basil, in a garlic cream sauce with pine nuts, grana cheese
Butternut Squash Agnolotti$17.25
in a house-made marinara sauce, grana cheese & fresh tomato garnish
Bistro Vegetable Torta$15.25
layers of assorted vegetables & fresh mozzarella cheese, surrounded by housemade marinara sauce, & Kalamata olives
Capellini Pasta & Grilled Shrimp$18.25
in a house-made marinara sauce, grana cheese
Penne Pasta$15.25
served with our house-made bolognese sauce, grana cheese

Sandwiches

Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich$12.25
on toasted foccacia, with lemon-basil aioli, smoked gouda cheese, roasted red pepper, caramelized onion, au gratin potatoes.
Grilled Eggplant Sandwich$11.25
on toasted foccacia, with Kalamata aioli, smoked gouda cheese, roasted red pepper, caramelized onion, au gratin potatoes
Grilled Half Lb. Lean Burger$12.25
on toasted foccacia, Dijio, Mayonnaise, butter luttuce, tomato, onion and french fries

What 221 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.6Service
4.3Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Quiet

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Filters

N
Norm
Central Coast
36 reviews
vip
4.0
36 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2017
overall4food5service3ambience3
Food was great, people pleasant but couldn't understand why there was no heat and space heaters were placed around. Had to wear coat to warm up. Otherwise, a wonderful experience.
R
Rusty
Central Coast
54 reviews
vip
4.0
54 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience4
This neighborhood gem consistently delivers good value. The menu has a wide range, and the wine list is modestly priced. We have become regulars.
JN
JandNMonterey
San Francisco
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a fantastic experience. The food was exceptional, the best we've had for a long time, and the service was first-rate. Very creative items on the menu, executed perfectly.
KK
KellyK
San Francisco
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience3
Visited Taste Cafe for Valentine's Day. Food was great, nice bottle of wine, overall a very good experience. It was crowded, but that's to be expected dining out on Feb. 14!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and able to provide pretty much anything gluten free. Very, very pleasant experience. Even though it was packed, noise level was great and conversations could be easily heard!! Love this place!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and service
JB
JanetB
San Francisco
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2017
overall4food5service4ambience4
Great food! Wish there was more choice on wines. Friendly service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Taste has become a favorite destination for my wife and me whenever we visit the Monterey Peninsula. It is a family run restaurant and the owners take special care of all their customers, remembering what they enjoyed from prior visits, and making any adjustments to the entrees to accommodate food allergies or preferences. Nice wine list and excellent French Bistro-style menu featuring local fresh ingredients. Always a pleasure and a great value.
DM
DonaldM
Central Coast
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always the food is delicious and the service warm and friendly!
p
patandmaryjo
Portland
29 reviews
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on February 3, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always feel so welcome at this restaurant, and we always enjoy a meal we talk about for days afterwards. Everything is really good, and the Chicken Dijonaise is amazing! Although they are a bit out of the mainstream above Pacific Grove's village, they are worth finding and making returning to many times to try their many delicious offerings.
MP
MikeP
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
AN EXCELLEN MENU AND GRET SERVICE. WE HVE NEVER HAD A BAD MEAL HERE. I WOULD RECOMMEND TASTE TO ANYONE.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 2, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, delicious food and wonderful ambiance!!!
r
retired
Central Coast
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent dinner. The paper-wrapped Salmon was exceptional. Simple grilled Shrimp as appetizer/entree just right. Desert (apple galette) was also exceptional. (light flaky crust).
OT
OpenTable Diner
Western NC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 26, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been going to The Taste Cafe on our trips to the coast for over 20 years. The food has always been exceptional, the service outstanding, and the friendly, comfortable atmosphere perfect for a relaxing night out.
M
Moby
Central Coast
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were a family of 4 and had 4 different entrees. Everyone was very pleased with their selections. Friendly service and comfortable atmosphere.
C
Chaz
San Francisco
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience4
One of our favorites when we are in Pebble Beach from January til may!
SJ
SJNC
Western NC
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 4, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience4
A great little place that we went to on a lark... and glad we did. The house cured salmon carpaccio was very good, as were the "Red Oak Leaf" salads we ordered. Then, there were the marinated lamb filets... absolutely sublime! We are still talking about that dish, and will definitely have to return to Taste Cafe (from North Carolina) for it.
TH
ToddH
Central Coast
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
My local relatives recommended this restaurant to us. We went to dinner on a weeknight. It was outstanding. The food was superior - it would get a thumbs up from any foodie. The service was casually impeccable - relaxed but very attentive. Super nice. I cannot over emphasize the value: Foodie quality at a very, very good price. If this restaurant was located in a prime downtown Monterey spot, it would be the preeminent restaurant and probably clean your wallet. But it is a neighborhood restaurant located on Forest Hill in PG, so it is more relaxed with good prices. Parking in front is barely adequate, but you can park across the street in the Safeway lot (shsh) and safely cross the street with the light. I really liked the ambiance. Excellent decorating taste. I liked how they snazzed up the lights. My wife had the salmon in parchment paper. I had the roasted half chicken. Both were great. My chicken came with mashed potatoes and small portions of three different veggies - grilled eggplant, grilled zucchini and sautéed spinach. BTW, the bread was great, too.
BS
BarbaraS
Central Coast
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner. He had lamb and I had pork medallions. Food was delicious, and service was outstanding. We will be back.
M
Marcus
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2016
overall3food4service2ambience3
Food was good , some breakdown in service...We ordered multiple small plates which the waitress wanted ordered all at once & some came at once ...Waitress seemed annoyed with us taking our time....More than once we did not receive new plates and/or utensils ...Shrimp skewers with some bean ....Shrimp was very good,beans under cooked(hard)
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious fresh food with a fabulous wine list!
s
sewlady
San Francisco
19 reviews
3.0
19 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2016
overall3food5service3ambience1
We were horribly disappointed in this place! We were seated right in front of the door & we were freezing. Even though the food was great, we were way too cold to enjoy it. It was also so loud we couldn't really talk, so we pretty much just sitting there shivering waiting to get our food. It was a miserable way to spend Christmas Eve!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love this place! We come here any time we are in the Pacific Grove area. The food is consistently delicious and the owner and wait staff go out of their way to make your dining experience wonderful. I had mentioned it was my husband's 64th birthday on Open Table, and Taste surprised us with a special Happy Birthday ! Loved it!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 17, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience4
Taste is a hidden gem in Pacific Grove, a town known for a lot of great restaurants. This is one of the very best: warm, inviting, family-owned with terrific food and attentive service.
F
Foodiewife
Central Coast
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
The last time I ate her (many years ago) was when a previous owner ran the place. Since then, it has been expanded in a good way. There is now a full-bar and more room to move. I drive by here every day, and why I've skipped eating here is something I need to remedy. We were warmly greeted. The Red Oak Salad with fresh pears and candied pecans with a balsamic vinaigrette got us off to a great start! I had the Fillet mignon, cooked to perfection. My husband got the Salmon in Papillote, that he loved. For dessert we split the brioche bread pudding with a vanilla sauce and apricot coulis sauce. It was exquisite! The prices here are less than eating in Carmel, but certainly are as good as any place in Carmel. We will be back very soon. Excellent place!
SR
SusanR
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our new favorite in the Monterey area, Taste Cafe and Bistro!
E
Elizabeth
Central Coast
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
The meals are always delightfully served and delicious. This restaurant is one of my absolute favorites.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2016
overall4food4service5ambience4
We were traveling in the Monterey/Pacific Grove area and decided to dine here. It was like walking into a different country when we entered the restaurant, which sits in a modern smallish strip mall. We were immediately greeted and asked where we wanted to sit. It was early, so we were the first to arrive, but it didn't take long for many parties to follow. I liked that the proprietors seemed to know everyone that entered. It told me that the locals know a good place when they find one. After a perfect Lemon Drop Martini, I enjoyed the Red Leaf Lettuce salad followed by a Carrot-Ginger soup and the Crab Cake appetizer. Boyfriend enjoyed the wonderful bread, a mixed greens salad, and the daily pasta special: angel hair pasta with chicken and artichokes in a light tomato sauce. Everything was very tasty and well done. My only comment is that I didn't detect much ginger in the soup, and it seemed to need some acid to brighten it up. The lemon that came with the crab cake came in handy. We will visit here again the next time we are in Pacific Grove.
DW
DWhip
Central Coast
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my second trip to Taste in 8 days! Yes, it's that good and the owners, Bill and Sue, make you feel like family.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2016
overall5food4service5ambience4
We ate at this restaurant for the first time and found it to be a good find. The Italian food was good, and they were flexible about creating a vegetarian meal to our satisfaction. The service was impeccable, and generally we had a lovely meal and will certainly return.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience4
Bill and Sue and daughters do a fantastic job of preparing and serving to create a great dining experience...
F
Foodie
Central Coast
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always enjoy dining at Taste Cafe & Bistro. The food is excellent and the owners always make us feel like we are valued customers. We think that the food is always prepared to order and with creativity. We highly recommend this restaurant to our friends and family and they have never been disappointed.
T
Tricia
Central Coast
35 reviews
vip
4.0
35 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2016
overall4food5service5ambience4
We loved the food! Creative and yet not too daring. We each found something we could enjoy and the chef made special modifications for our friend's special diet requirements. Only slight hindrance was that the noice level was a little energetic. It helped when particularly loud birthday celebrants finished and left - then we could again enjoy conversation across the table. We would definitely go back!
t
tanner
Salt Lake City
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2016
overall4food4service5ambience4
Taste Bistro is our go-to restaurant in Pacific Grove. The owners are delightful & remember you. Sand Dabs and salmon are our favorites.
CN
ChicagoNat
Chicago
30 reviews
vip
3.0
30 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2016
overall3food3service5ambience4
We were disappointed. Service was lovely but food was mediocre. I had the filet mignon. The meat was not very good. The Caesar salad was nothing special. My husband had the roast chicke, which he liked. It just wasn't worth $80 all in all. Waitress was extremely nice.
b
beachlover
Denver
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a large (11) group and were treated exceptionally well. The service was excellent, the neighborhood ambience attractive, and mom and pop feel permeated a happy crowd.
E
Elizabeth
Central Coast
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
This wonderful restaurant never disappoints. There are always a number of delicious menu choices. The food is beautifully prepared and elegantly served. The owners, Bill and Sue Karaki, make all the guests feel welcomed, giving personalized service. From appetizers to delicious house made desserts, this restaurant is a jewel.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tahoe
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
From Entry to Departure, every guest is treated as SPECIAL. The atmosphere is inviting, the hosts are exceptional & the food ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS. The owners, Bill & Sue, are amazingly gracious. We manage to travel to Pacific Grove at least three times a year to relax and dine at Taste Bistro.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Yummy escargot! Great dinner with my folks. I had rabbit as well. Definitely for foodies.
CH
CramelHighlands
Central Coast
69 reviews
5.0
69 reviews
Dined on October 1, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience4
Love every visit to this local family owned and run Bistro. The food is always prepared perfectly, specials are well explained and the service attentive without being overbearing. All soups are made without cream or chicken broth so the flavor of the ingredients are pure. The menu is varied from is varied from organic salads and Grilled Eggplant Napoleon starters to fresh fish, chicken, steak, and rabbit. But don't forget to save room for one of the delicious deserts.

FAQs

Taste Cafe & Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (831) 655-0324.

Taste Cafe & Bistro is rated 4.4 stars by 221 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(831) 655-0324

Additional information

Cross street
Prescott Lane
Neighborhood
Pacific Grove
Hours of operation

Dinner: Sun, Tues-Sat 5:00pm-9:00pm
Closed Mondays
Cuisines
European
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private lot / street parking
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Bill Karaki
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.tastecafebistro.com/
Phone number
(831) 655-0324
Private party contact
Bill Karaki: (831) 655-0324

Taste Cafe & Bistro

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Starters

Grilled Eggplant Napoleon$9.25

Grilled Shrimp Skewer$9.95

Crispy Calamari$7.95

Steamed Mussels$9.75

Mediterranean Dungeness Crabcake$11.25

House Cured Salmon Carpaccio$9.75

Classic Escargots Bourguignonne$9.25

Mushroom Bourguignonne$8.75

Salads

Soup Of The Day$6.75

Valley Greens$7.25

Caesar Salad$8.25

Organic Red Oak Leaf Salad$8.95

Entrees

Our Daily Special

Grilled Chicken Breasts Salad$15.50

Roasted Half Chicken$17.50

Grilled Marinated Rabbit$21.25

New York Steak$23.95

Chicken Apple Sausages$17.75

Fresh Salmon Filet$20.25

Grilled Veal Medallions$23.25

Lean Pork Medallions$20.25

Marinated Lamb Filets$23.75

Beef Filet Mignon$25.75

Chicken Dijionaise$16.95

Tortellini Florentine$18.25

Butternut Squash Agnolotti$17.25

Bistro Vegetable Torta$15.25

Capellini Pasta & Grilled Shrimp$18.25

Penne Pasta$15.25

Sandwiches

Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich$12.25

Grilled Eggplant Sandwich$11.25

Grilled Half Lb. Lean Burger$12.25

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Does Taste Cafe & Bistro offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Taste Cafe & Bistro restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information