5 stars $27.26 for a 2 "salad" lunch plus Spanish omelette. Grilled purple cabbage was warm, beautifully charred and seasoned. Potato and radish salad was light, flavorful and really focused on bringing out the ingredients flavors Spanish patata was a hell of a potato omelette creation. Is it a little expensive? Sure. But is every $ on the plate? Yes. read more

Tarocco - 2 salad lunch plate with Spanish omelette addition. - Mediterranean Near Me - Berkeley, California

Amazing food and staff are very welcoming! Love the change of menu weekly and the meals are always delicious and healthy!

Always delicious! Beautifully prepared Lovely space. I eat here at least monthly when I'm in the vicinity. Love it. read more

Fabulous, unusual food, gorgeous atmosphere. wonderful staff. I do wish they had a menu posted. Did not find it expensive, but other customers have. The open display of food means that this place is not for those very concerned about germs. But I don't imagine that the kitchen of restaurants is any cleaner read more

Food was very good, but also very pricey. No protein. Paid $90 for lunch for 3 of us. My credit card showed an extra $10 charge.

What a disappointment. Food is left out on the counter all day and was soggy (salad) and rubbery (eggs). Customer service is rude and snippy. The lady who runs this place, maybe Phoenix? Sequoia? - was brusque and dismissive with a superior attitude. Unclear how to order and prices are vague until you get to checkout, be prepared for a surprise. A basic soggy salad with a rubbery egg is almost $25 with tax. We trashed most of it. read more

The salads are fresh and flavorful, but there are serious concerns about food safety. Several salads sit behind a sneeze guard that's too low to be effective - customers can and do talk directly over the food to the server behind it. Even more concerning, meat, eggs, quiche, and desserts are displayed completely uncovered on the counter with no protection whatsoever. This leaves them exposed to airborne particles from customers talking, coughing, or sneezing in front of them. While I enjoyed the taste, the lack of proper food barriers makes me hesitant to return. read more

The food here is awesome! A large variety of mostly veggie-based dishes, but not the kind you can or will make at home. There's clearly a talented chef here. The dressings, sauces and combinations are top notch! Don't expect a bargain lunch, it's spendy but wonderful. I wish I'd asked about prices when ordering, but it was awkward without a menu and with a long line behind me. Therefore the bill surprised me and I'll save Tarocco for occasions. If you want to treat a vegetarian or healthy eater to a real Berkeley style meal, this is a great choice. read more

Highly recommend this place! My mom has celiac, so I'd been wanting to bring her here since it's 100% gluten-free. They're only open on weekdays, so it took us a while to find the right time--but we finally made it, and it was absolutely worth the wait! We arrived right at opening (11:00 a.m. on a Monday), and it was quiet at first, which made for a relaxed, peaceful experience. The owner was so kind and welcoming. The ambiance is beautiful--lots of windows, natural light, fresh flower arrangements, and even a selection of records in the corner. The interior design is thoughtful and inviting. The food was incredibly fresh and flavorful. We ordered the Spanish omelet and a plate with three selections from the lunch bar to share. It was the perfect amount of food and filled us up good. The omelet was great, but the lunch bar dishes were the real standout. We also tried the olive oil cake for dessert--it had a slightly doughy, mochi-like texture that was moist and absolutely delicious. I would love to come back!! read more

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The food was solid and thoughtfully prepared -- on food alone, this could have been a four-star rating. 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 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. Ultimately, this felt like chef-led American boutique dining -- a different model altogether from what the restaurant presents itself as. read more

Food. Service. Ambience. Located on the sun inch corner and a perfect place to meet friends over just to have some quiet food by yourself . read more

Fabulous! What a delightful surprise! Would definitely go back! The ambience is amazing. read more

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Tarocco has a delicious selection of very tasty dishes. The space is nice, but, as someone who follows ATDs (Aerosol Transmitted Diseases), like covid, and wants to avoid them, I am VERY grateful for the outside tables and large open windows. Again, the food selection is always wonderful. Be back soon. read more

Delicious lunch in a sunny space. I guess there are more options if you get here earlier but I still had a hard time deciding! read more

Tarocco - Absolutely delicious lunch in a sunny space. Apparently you have to get here early for more choices but I still had a hard time choosing! - Mediterranean Near Me - Berkeley, California

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. read more

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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. read more

Tarocco - Tortilla de patata, strawberry rhubarb agua fresca, 2 item plate with steak. Olive oil cake with strawberries and yogurt. - Mediterranean Near Me - Berkeley, California

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. read more

Delicious, fresh, creative and beautiful food. Beautiful space, and wonderful service, I go here whenever I'm in the neighborhood and always find it inspiring! read more

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. read more

Tarocco - Mediterranean breakfast - Mediterranean Near Me - Berkeley, California

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! read more

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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. read more

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This place is the best. Super fast, DELISH veggie food with protein add ons. Nice people working there / running the place, and also great coffee. Open and spacious. Really this place is so good. read more

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! read more

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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. read more

Tarocco - Tasty but very small portions - Mediterranean Near Me - Berkeley, California

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! read more

Tarocco - Mediterranean Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Incredibly disappointing. Their hours are extremely limited, only 11 AM to 2 PM, but they stop making fresh dishes of food around 1pm. This is a major problem because it means your SOL if you can't get there when they open. Their business model is as follows: they lay out five or six plates of food on the counter, and you put together a salad by selecting which plates you'd like to choose from. Your lunch isn't made fresh-to-order in the kitchen, but rather prepared in the morning and then left on the counter for customers to select. When we arrived around 1:15 PM, all of the plates were empty except for two: one plate of soggy, warm lettuce, and another plate with a few rubbery eggs. Ick. I would pay to NOT eat that for lunch. When I asked if they had any food left, any salads or items I could order, they said no. A business model like this only works if you serve your customers good food :( read more

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 !! read more

Tarocco - salad - Mediterranean Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Great food, great space. Nice to see the food before you order. Really health and delicious.

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. read more

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Excellent and fresh lunch. Apparently options change daily but everything looked excellent. Friendly team. Bright and airy venue. Will be back! read more

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. read more

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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! read more

Hear me out . I didn't actually try the food here because upon entering everything was already cooked and piled onto plates and there is a server scooping the items you want for you. The protein was another +$8.00 and it was almost all gone by the time I was there. It didn't look appetizing at all. Nothing is covered and the chicken wasn't heated or anything. It was just sitting on the counter in a baking dish. It was like a buffet set up with higher prices. I walked right back out. read more

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! read more

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! read more

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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. read more

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. read more

Tarocco - Mediterranean Near Me - Berkeley, California

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. read more

Tarocco - Mediterranean Near Me - Berkeley, California

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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. read more

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! read more

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