Tarocco

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!

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.

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

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

Beautiful, sun-drenched cafe/restaurant offering high quality espresso, brewed tea, and plant-based Barcelona-inspired/Mediterranean-inspired foods. Airy, spacious interior: So pretty. Lots of windows and seating. Good coffee + sunlight + a book or a good conversation = unmatched. Lots of plants to add that "nature-y" feel. I also love the little touches of decor -- tastefully placed books, couches, pillows, etc. Espresso: Good coffee but a little pricey :( I think I paid like $7-8 for an oat milk latte. My latte was smooth and I have no complaints re: taste, but I wish they offered larger drink volume options. I think I was also a little disappointed I had to pay extra for plant-based milk, considering their menu seems to focus on healthy/light eating. Tea: Didn't get a chance to try their tea but they offer loose-leaf tea in a kettle that you can sit down with. Plant-based Barcelona/Mediterranean-inspired foods: They do a-la-carte so you pay for how many sides/dishes you want. For example, 2 sides is $X while 3 sides is $Y + $Z for your choice of protein. They do offer animal proteins (e.g. eggs, chicken, salmon) but you'll predominantly find plant-based dishes here. Lots of salads, grains, root vegetables, and leafy greens. Since I was only there for coffee, I didn't have a chance to try their food but I'll def be back for it. I saw tons of people coming in and dining for lunch. Staff were super friendly. Tarocco def stands out more as a restaurant than a cafe. I liked my latte but would come here more for the atmosphere and food than for the coffee.

Okay wow, this place is incredible! I frequent a lot of restaurants in West Berkeley but it's taken me a second to discover Tarocco. The reviews are absolutely true--this restaurant has delicious food and impeccable vibes. A bonus is that there's plenty of free parking, too! We ordered the Mediterranean Breakfast, Tarocco Rice Bowl, Cardamom Rose Latte, and Flowerhead Chai. You know how some people love a fresh and locally sourced grain bowl or salad? I've never been that kind of person, but for some reason, I couldn't get over the vegetables and flavors in the dishes. The colors and spices were incredible. Also, the space itself is modern, clean, and very spacious. There's plenty of indoor seating with an option to sit outdoors as well. It's the kind of place where you want to spend an entire afternoon chatting with friends. Honestly, this might be my favorite restaurant in Berkeley in 2023. Come to Tarocco!

Delicious fresh food and an excellent experience. Love coming here when I can--seems like an especially great place for people who work nearby. I came around noon on a Friday and it was bustling! Parking was pretty easy, there's a lot of parking nearby but usually full on the weekdays. Counter service is quick and very friendly. Great spot for a casual lunch with really exceptional and high quality eats.

5 stars for the beautiful light filled spot. Definitely go here for coffee or wine with a friend. Every table can be filled, and you can still have a comfortable, unhurried conversation. The food used to be a good draw. It is a little pricey but tasty with good quality ingredients. Options are mainly vegetarian, mostly gluten free and plenty of vegan options. On the most recent visit, the food selection had changed. Now everything has been sitting out, room temperature, under seasoned, including rice that seemed a little crunchy in addition to not being warm. It feels more like a deli or cafeteria style, but with small portions and no sneeze guard. I was still hungry when I got home. I am giving this a 4 because it is a lovely place with potentially good food. I hope that it will return to the previous menu format.

Tasty but the portions are extremely small. The 2-item combo was $14 which was a tiny 1/3cup scoop of chickpea salad and one small slice of polenta. Added on a slice of tortilla for $8. They do include a little rice and greens which is nice because otherwise the plate would look empty. See pic . Total w tax and tip was $25.

Just ate lunch here today. Love the good, the space and the vibe. might not be for everyone. Limited menu but fresh interesting salada in a bright sunny location. Can't wait to to come back.

This place is so good and fresh! Some of the best lunch vibes to be found in the East Bay. Grab a coffee and a seat in a gorgeously designed space, draped in natural light. You will leave here feeling fantastic, no matter what you order.

This place is just magical, the best food in the most beautiful setting that also manages to be completely comfortable and inviting. My husband and I have become Friday regulars coming from Richmond to shop at the Bowl and stopping in after for lunch. Everything-- everything-- is gorgeously served and delicious Sequoia is completely masterful at making everyone feel welcome and at home. THANK YOU!

Tasty, healthy food with nice ambiance! Conveniently near Berkeley Bowl west. They also have espresso drinks as well as food. Limited hours (Mon-Fri, 11:00-2:30) and weekends by reservation but worth a visit!

Food selection small but excellent. Nice ambience and good service. Will definitely be back.

I was disappointed and left feeling hungry after spending $20+ on their new lunch format. No menu anymore, just choose 2 or 3 items from their bulk serving platters. I'm a small person and the serving sizes were pretty skimpy I was still hungry. I ordered the two item plus a jammy egg. I noticed other people had larger servings which was annoying. Veggies were fresh. That's about it.

I've been here on two occasions. The first time was on beautiful warm afternoon to have a few glasses of wine in the outdoor seating out front. The server recommended some tasty natural wine that really fit the vibe. On my second location, I swung by on a rainy day for lunch. I was looking for something quick. I was greeted by a lovely spread of vegetable forward dishes. The display looked so gorgeous and bountiful; just lovely! I got two "3 selections" (boxes? Bowls? Not sure what to call them) to go. As I scooted towards the cash register and saw the tasty steak, I opted to add steak to both orders. Everything tasted as good as it looked. So fresh and the Mediterranean flare was well executed. The only things keeping this from 5 stars... Two different people helped serve up my order. One box was noticeably lighter than the other. Some consistency would be appreciated so customers can expect the same each time and no matter who is helping them. Second, $8 for four slice of (albeit tasty) steak was a bit hard to justify. Maybe get a slightly cheaper (but still lunch appropriate) cut, like flank, so customers get more value.

Tarocco was such a find! Boyfie and I came here after a candlemaking class at Jia. Things I love: initimate and sunlit space, friendly customer service, ample seating, and delicious food! I loved the open-face tuna sandwich I ordered, and I have never seen my boyfriend as happy as he was with his salami sandwich. 5 stars all around!

Obsessed with this spot! I typically order a Mediterranean bowl, which changes seasonally, however they have switched up their menu this month to a fun a la carte style. It was so delicious and the steak was out of this world. I hope to see the bowl back soon but until then, I will look forward to trying the rest of these yummy options.

Love this place! I normally get the iced cardamom latte with the Mediterranean Bowl and an egg on top. The bowl is delicious. I believe the cardamom is house made and I get it lightly sweetened and it's just perfect. It will wake you up!

I savored every bite. So delicious, healthy, fun to eat. (Mediterranean breakfast + chicken) I've been hunting for a good salad place in the area and this is it !!

My mom and I went here for Mother's Day, it's right up the street from her art studio so we walked over. The building in rather unsuspecting from the outside, but inside it's beautiful. Very modern, lots of plants, lots of black and white accents and super clean. Food wise I loved that their menu. It's simple yet there is something for everyone. Their portions are generous. I feel given the ingredients and portion sizes it's incredibly affordable. I ordered the Mediterranean Breakfast with Smoked Salmon. It was so good, so fresh, I love the opportunity to try a bunch of different things so this was a perfect choice for me. One of the elements was a chickpea mash that was sooooooo good. My mom ordered the Veggie Quiche which was served on a bed of arugula. The dressing was light and delicious. The quiche was perfectly cooked. We sat by one of the many big windows that wrap around the space. The light was beautiful and though it was busy it wasn't too loud and we could easily talk. It made for a special Mother's Day lunch. Looking forward to returning.

This place is so cute and the menu is small but very well curated. The staff was amazing it was so busy but everyone seemed very happy. I had my dog with me so after ordering I let the staff know I would be outside. The inside of the shop is super clean and cute with lots of different seating options. The chai was absolutely amazing and perfectly prepared. I loved the salad and it was a perfect meal after a long hike. We got hibiscus tea to go since we were so full from food but saw everyone else's and had a little FOMO. I also appreciate that the staff brought our food and drinks out to us. After eating we took our dishes back inside and headed out. Other notes: parking was easy- we were able to find free parking near the restaurant.

The perfect lunch place doesn't exi- Tarocco floored us with hospitality and delicious, nourishing food in a beautiful space. It felt like a breath of fresh air and a warm hug all at once. Loved the simple menu and beautifully presented food. We had polenta with chicken, caramelized sweet potato and eggplant. Also tried a glass of orange wine and a cardamom rose latte. Finished our meal with the cherry almond cake. Everything was delicious and fresh and came out quickly. You order and pay at the counter and everything is brought to your table. Ample seating inside and several cafe tables outside as well. Parking was a little tough to find on a Thursday afternoon but there is free street parking. Service was kind and gracious. Would definitely recommend and will return!

Went for the first time yesterday and loved it! The space is cute and airy, and the food was fresh and delicious. We split an egg salad sandwich and a steak sandwich and everything was perfectly cooked with high quality ingredients. I also had a great strawberry lemonade. Will definitely be going back. It's especially convenient if you go to Kaiser Berkeley.

Food was delectable! Ambiance warm and inviting. It was great talking to Sequoia, she is exceptionally friendly and I love what appears to be Mediterranean food and a Californian vision. A neighborhood gem.

Tarocco is a lovely cafe that has a limited but really delicious menu. I met a friend for lunch on a weekday, and the restaurant was mostly full. Customers order at the counter before sitting, and the order is brought out to your table. Indoors, there are a few large tables (that can seat 5-7people) and 6-8 small tables for parties of two. There are also 4-5 small tables outdoors. I had debated between the rice bowl and the salad, but I went with the rice bowl because I wanted something warm. The rice bowl was so delicious - turmeric rice with braised kale, marinated chickpeas, roasted cauliflower and roasted butternut squash. It sounds so simple but it was so delicious and satisfying. Based on their website, it says that they focus on anti-inflammatory foods so while the food tastes indulgent, you're doing something good for yourself. I'm looking forward to trying another item on the menu the next time I'm there!

My favorite cafe in Berkeley! The food, coffee, and space are bright, fresh, and beautiful. Woman owned, staff is nice, and prices are reasonable. What more could you want? 10/10

Absolutely fantastic ambience and lunch! We will definitely be back to enjoy the wonderful food.

The food was fresh, intentionally placed on the dish, with a beautiful presentation, and delicious to the pallet! The service was friendly, quick, with a great ambiance.

Super cute space. Friendly and welcoming staff. Fresh and bright dishes. Great portions. Not at all pretentious so don't be intimidated by the modern hipster look. All in all lovely spot to grab a bite or a coffee (or hey hey, an adult beverage) and catch up with your bestie, read a book, or think your thoughts.

Great addition to Berkeley. A nice little natural wine list with some simple seasonal bites. Their chicken liver pate was to die for. I'd like to come back and check out lunch and was promised that their food menu would be constantly changing which seems fun.

Soooo good. Great, kind, generous service. Beautiful, colorful presentation. All the veg was bursting with freshness and flavor. Walked in fatigued and low blood sugar, emerged healed and nourished--elevated and not at all heavy. I chowed down on the grilled polenta with pesto, onions, avo, fennel, salmon--the perfect amount of olive oil to pull all the flavors together. Blistered cherry tomatoes provided sweet acidic accents. Personally not crazy about arugula alone so other greens or herbs to break up the salad would be nice, but it had just the right amount of dressing. My favorite of the 2 dishes we ordered. Partner had the Mediterranean breakfast, also delicious, delightful blend of different textures. While full of good flavor, be prepared for a cold chickpea hash. Makes sense if you think of it like a different variety of hummus. Delicious labneh. Bright explosions of sweet tomatoey goodness in the zaatar topped roasted tomatoes. Braised kale had some lemony goodness to not take itself too seriously. No decaf roasts yet, so will have to wait on the cardamon rose latte until then. Kindness and generosity rules here: I was low blood sugar and relayed that to the server who kindly brought me a plate of melon to tie me over until our dishes arrived. Definitely coming back to try their charcuterie hour later in the day!

So adorable and the food is awesome!! Came here on a whim for a coffee, and stayed for a couple of hours to work. Everyone was so lovely!! Lots of gluten free and fresh options!

Good, simple Mediterranean-inspired food. We stopped in for lunch and ordered a host of items from the "buffet." Everything was great.

The food and ambiance were beautiful!!! I highly recommend! Would definitely be worth going back for to try other seasonal dishes. They also had gluten free options!

Amazing new and HEALTHY breakfast/brunch spot on the weekend. (Open for lunch during the weeks as well). Plus they have delicious coffee, which in this area, is a must have. Really love the dining room/experience too. It's open for everyone, super welcoming, and a great place to work for an hour or so while enjoying a cappuccino from Red Bay Coffee. The flavor of the food is really what stands out. It's healthy but clearly made with love and the chef knows how to combine spices for maximum taste Bud happiness. Can't recommend this place enough.

Literally this is my local favorite clean eats feel good inside out. I absolutely love the spacious ambience. The staffs were all so nicely. I love that the owner Sequoia opened up something like this. It feels like I walked into a LA SoCal vibe. The food was ultra clean and so refreshing. I love how there's salt and pepper bottles if you wanted to add to your dish. I love how they kept their ingredients very wholesome. I can and will probably end up eating/meal to go at least 4 times a week. Now and days I don't have time to meal prep or cook because I work so much and always on the go. I am beyond relief there's something like Tarocco I can come and grab and go something healthy.

Amazing lunch! Fresh tasty options. So good! Multiple salad options. Friendly service, nice atmosphere. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating options.

Fresh vegetables and salads with inventive dressings and the sweetest owners. And if you love ceramics and pottery you are in for a visual treat as well.

Obsessed, the food is incredible,great staff, cool vibe!! No need to say more...oh wait...GO!

The best food ever. Love everything about this place.service is great as well as ambience.

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.

Food was nasty and not to mention 24$ for a little bowl of nasty food never again will I try this place not recommend it to someone!

If you're looking for a reliably tasty, healthy lunch in a beautiful, light and plant filled space- Tarocco is for you! I love the system, any 2 or 3 servings of yummy salads, veggies and/or proteins like frittata, tuna salad, etc. I also feel like I was kind to my body and fulfilled after dining here. Fits any diet and reasonably priced. Highest quality ingredients. Haven't tried the brunch yet, but will be soon. The owner is hands on and clearly pays attention to detail and is a delightful person.

Stopped by on a Friday around lunch time. Was super excited to try a salad but all they had available was sandwiches, which was a bummer. I got a ham and cheese baguette sandwich. It was okay but nothing crazy.

Really pretty, bright space. Earth toned and welcoming. Love the aesthetic and the drink menu on the wall behind the counter is such a nice touch. Came to meet a gf for brunch and it' was the ideal location for such a meetup. Food was pretty and delicious and the drink selection was amazing. Had the orange spritz and cardamom rose latte and a tuna salad. Everything was perfect! I would say it's my new fav place for a tuna salad!!

Nina and I had lunch here today. There were several things on the menu that tempted us both, but we narrowed it down to the salad bar. You can choose two of their salads for $14 or three for $18. The California Salad or the Griddled Polenta also called us both, but the salad bar it was. The salads change daily. I chose the baby spinach and strawberry salad along w/ the broccoli and grape salad. I forget what the dressings were, but they were good. Nina chose the broccoli and grape salad and the Spanish Tortilla de Patata. I'm not sure what the cost was for that combination. I saw deviled eggs on the back counter and asked about them. The woman helping us asked Sequoia and they gave us each one (half), which was very generous and the most perfect amount. I ordered a cardamom rose latte again and it was delicious, though not as sweet as I remember. They do have black tea now. Nina drank water. Lunch was delicious. I loved both salads and the deviled egg was yummy. Nina took home leftovers. I didn't because this was my first meal of the day. Plus my parents brought me up to clean my plate. It was just enough food, a lovely, light, healthy lunch in very good company and I was happy to introduce Nina to Tarocco.

Beautiful event space. I booked this restaurant for my baby shower and everything was tailored to perfection with the help of tarocco and earth and events staff as well. Parking was easy, venue very clean, modern, and spacious

Amazing food and warm friendly vibe. Love, love love the format. Everything's displayed in front and you just pick what you want like s deli. Very generous portions, and reasonable prices. Can't wait to go back!

Dining room was nice, but the food didn't taste as good as it looked. It is served from platters at the counter, which means it was lukewarm. The different dishes are put all on a single plate or bowl, so the flavors are mixed together, which was disappointing. I encountered some sand grains or similar foreign hard material in one of the dishes. Very off-putting. I'm told the rose latte was very sweet, fyi. My lunch partner said they would return, but I don't think I will.

I sooo appreciate a place where eating the food both tastes good and makes me feel well after eating it (instead of overly full and sluggish). Beautiful presentation and venue! The chai was sweet and spicy! They also have a weekly meal program that I'm going to check out. It's also right across the street from the new Berkeley kaiser so go get your check up and then have a nice lunch :)

Delicious, healthy, and hearty. Choose 2 or 3 salad bases (including more filling options like quinoa, chick peas, beans...), say yes when offered herbed yogurt sauce, and then choose from optional adders like egg, smoked salmon, chicken, avocado, etc. So many incredible flavors packed into these Mediterranean-inspired bowls. Drinks are tasty too (they obliged us by making an Arnold Palmer from their rhubarb lemonade and house iced tea - so pretty and tasty!). Only open Wednesday through Friday from 11-2 at the moment, but really hoping they expand to weekends soon!

Im confused. I just paid $29 for a small plate of cold food that has been sitting out? Pretty incredible ripoff, the sort of place that'll make you want to jump off a bridge.