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 that is like a slice of Europe in the heart of lovely Pacific Grove and enjoy our fabulous cuisine in a wonderful atmosphere!
Inviting chef-owned establishment offering a European-inspired menu, full bar & wine list.
Drew Clinkenbeard
Back again. Now with pictures. The Eggplant Napoleon (sp?) starter eas best in show. Everything else would have taken that spot anywhere else. Didn’t get a picture of the main (chicken apple sausages) because I ate it too fast. We had the mouse for dessert. Next time I’m getting the chocolate torte again and the creme brulee… Because why not?
Best meal I’ve had in memory. Food isn’t 0 sum so you can have multiple favorites but this is S tier. The food is beautifully prepared and presented and tastes even better. The service feels like you’re at home only without the guilt and obligation.
The prices are fair to low for what you’re getting.
My new favorite restaurant.
… moreGreer Oliver
Wonderful little find in Monterey. The food was delicious and well presented. We actually ate at a 5 star restaurant the night before and felt like this was the better meal. We were seated by the wall with all of the family photos and it was cool to see those same faces making the food and engaging with patrons. While we didn’t speak to the owners specifically, our waitress was very sweet and attentive. Would highly recommend trying this place out if you’re looking for a high quality meal that’s more modestly priced.
… moreTongalag Liu
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.
… moreKit Pierce
I came here with family on a vacation, and I could not be more jealous of the locals. The food here is incredible, the food lovingly prepared and beautifully plated (i couldnt help myself and took a couple bites before i remembered to take a photo. and then did the same with dessert.). I had the butternut squash pasta and the dark and white chocolate mousse with a cappuccino. im typically a light eater, but i couldnt help but finish everything. everything is house made, flavors are stand on their own and textures were phenomenal. absolutely 10/10, i hope they stay in business for a very long time.
… moreSAMUEL ACKLEY
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
… moreRenee Miller
If I could give this phenomenal restaurant more stars, I would! The food is extraordinary — not just once— but every time, every dish. The food is fresh, seasonal, meticulously presented, and by far the best tasting on the Monterey Peninsula. It’s a family-owned business and each member of the family is welcoming and extremely skilled. You feel like you’re a family member yourself, while at the same time, you’re eating in a Michelin quality establishment. You miss the cuisine of Monterey, if you miss a meal at this incredible restaurant.
… moreDoris Apt
A wonderful family owned restaurant off the beaten track, where everything was perfect from start to finish: the atmosphere with a nice family touch by the personal decorations and pictures, the menu choices, the quality of the Prosecco and red wine we had and all the dishes. The artichoke lentil soup was just perfect, we enjoyed three vegetarian pasta dishes that were all quite different and very tasty, and the chocolate mousse finish was excellent. Will become our first choice when visiting the Monterey Bay again.
… moreLisa Canning
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!
… moreSunroof W
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.
… moreLisa Bernardi
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.
… more