I read a bunch of the 1-star reviews. I read some of the 4-star reviews. I have to go with 5-star tho. OVERVIEW of 5 : Seated without reservation (*make one! We got lucky*) Server was amazing Food expediter was super nice Food was delicious Elegant, fine dining experience Music was my mountain playlist (and not too loud) View of mountains for me. View of architecture for my wife. PARKING: Parking can be difficult in the small lot, but there's parking along the street too. INSIDE: It was perfect weather. 68ºF at 6pm after a warm day. They have "indoor/patio" style seating which may be difficult for some to access by multiple steps. We were seated at the top, a table away from the music, along the window side. They have heat lamps - but temps were perfect (lots of people and hot food warmed everyone up). I wanted to walk around the restaurant. The tiered architecture is interesting. FOOD: High End Vegan! Yes - I'm guilty of wanting to give them 5 stars just looking at their vegan menu. (And omnivore selection) Yes - I appreciate the care that it takes to prepare a plate. BUT This food was just delicious by itself. Even in a cardboard box, this food would've been amazing. VEGAN "cheese" appetizer (great for 2-3 people) Nut cheese was warm and tangy. This is NOT just cashews and nooch in a blender. It is spiced with something that brings a little heat. *you will want to lick the bowl. PRO TIP: The welcome bread with ... oh shit.... WELCOME BREAD / Garlic Olive Oil This crusty bread served with microplaned garlic + olive oil is fantastic. Garlic Fiend? You're gonna love this. Not a fan of garlic? What's wrong with you?! I mean... just serve from the oil side. Save some bread for your vegan cheese.... VEGAN CHEESE (cont.) Order the gluten free bread (a little more like Uti's toasted dinner roll) with your vegan cheese app. Omnivores at your table will be surprised how well this vegan cheese and wine pair with each other. TROUT I think my wife got the trout. She loved it. Light and delicate. VEGAN KIMCHI TOFU I've had kimchi. I've had tofu. We all have. This was prepared on a bed of roasty veg that was a great match to the salty kimchi. I don't know if there was a marinade preparation (sesame paste?) with the tofu, or it was made locally, or both, but this firm tofu was excellent. Sweet. Nutty. Salty. Fresh tasting and filling. The vegan menu here isn't just an "alternate version" of an omnivore dish. It is its own thing. DESSERT MISTAKE = not getting it. We thought there would be dessert in town, but we got out late. Town had closed. MUSIC Tonight's music was a pair of musicians playing CS&N, Neil Young, Bob Seger... acoustic session: Guitar, Violin, Mandolin. Quiet & sentimental performance was a perfect accompaniment to a long hike day. THERE ARE 1-STAR REVIEWS of this place. They have their reasons. I've only been here once. But I experienced NONE of the things they've mentioned. Moreover, we experienced even better than what other 5-star reviews suggested. This is an elegant spot, framed by a perfect day in Idyllwild. If I come back to the town, I will want to try other restaurants, but I'll definitely come back here. Not *just* because of their vegan options, but definitely *for* their vegan options. read more

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This was my first time eating here I had a fettuccine dish with chicken It was good the pasta was a little to Al dente for me Music was nice students from the local arts school played very well read more

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We had a great time at Cafe Aroma! The parking lot got packed pretty quickly on a Saturday night but there was also space to park along the side of the road. The atmosphere was super cozy and the staff were all super friendly. We had a great table in a cozy nook! We ordered a bunch of different drinks and meals. The pasta was very good and filling, one of us got the soup of the day and loved it. Overall was a great dinner! read more

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Cafe Aroma is one of the best restaurants to dine at in Idyllwild. I visit this town often and always make it a point to come here. The vibe leans rustic-chic with a romantic, European café feel with dim lighting, greenery all around, and a cozy ambiance that feels intimate without being stuffy. They also have a very extensive (and pricey) wine menu, which my bf definitely appreciates. For this visit, we had Kendall as our server, who was very friendly and attentive. We ordered the following: Blue Mussels - Very tasty! The yellow curry sauce was super flavorful and of course the ciabatta was perfect for soaking up all that goodness. Duck a l'Orange - My bf's order. He said he liked it even though it wasn't very traditional. Typically, it's served as duck breast with crispy skin, but here it was on the bone and the skin wasn't crispy. Still tasted good overall he gave it a 4/5. Creamy Pesto Penne - My order. I'm not usually a pasta person, but this dish was vibrant, rich, and packed with flavor without feeling too heavy. It came with three nicely grilled jumbo shrimp and had that perfect balance of creamy and herbaceous. I'm still butt hurt about it because I only had a few bites with every intention of boxing it up for later but my bf left the box on the table. Ugh!!! Chocolate Torte - It was just okay. Per my bf, not too memorable. Cafe Aroma remains one of Idyllwild's most popular restaurants known for its cozy wooded patio, gallery like indoor space, and its long standing connection to the local arts scene. read more

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It's the day after Valentine's Day and I made reservations to take my +1 to Cafe Aroma. In the evening the interior was lit up with warm glowing lights and chandelier of what looked like elk horns. A warm fire our drink order and comfy tables strewn about gave the place a local homey feel. We were seated quickly upon entering and the server was quick to take our drink orders and review the menu. The server was very friendly and described every detail of the dishes we were considering. He recommended the Valentine's special which was a lobster and crab pasta dish with a vanilla bean white sauce. It sounded remarkable so I ordered it. The server brought out bread and our meals came out to the table after a short wait. The bowl of pasta was a good helpings of pasta with big hunks of lobster and crab. The dish was delicious with its white sauce with a hint of the vanilla. It was a sauce I had never experienced before and I'm glad that I decided to try something new. With a comfy upscale vibe, Cafe Aroma is the perfect place to try when you want something different. read more

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We came here to celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary; it couldn't have been more perfect. It was beautiful, cozy, music in the background, wonderful customer service and the food delicious. I only got a picture of my plate but both were delicious. The hubby had the fettuccini Alfredo and stated it was creamy like he likes it. We had a great time and enjoyed the music and the atmosphere so much that we really wish we had this closer! But I guess it being up in the mountains is what makes it so special. read more

Cafe Aroma - I concur - Italian Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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A Hidden Gem in Idyllwild - A Romantic Escape Cafe Aroma is truly a treasure nestled in the heart of Idyllwild. The ambiance is beautiful, serene, and romantic--perfect for a quiet escape. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and relaxed. Stephen, our waiter, was friendly, attentive, and genuinely helpful throughout the evening. The menu offered so many tempting options, it was honestly hard to choose! I went with the Cacio E Pepe, while my husband ordered the chef's special, the Kurobuta pork. We also shared the escargot, Caesar salad, and tiramisu. Every single dish was thoughtfully prepared and absolutely exquisite. You could truly taste the love in every bite. Presentation was photo worthy as well. We took our time, enjoying each course from 7 to 9 PM on a Saturday evening, and never once felt rushed. I had made a reservation (thankfully, since it was quite busy), and we were seated outdoors where the lighting and atmosphere were just dreamy. Prices are a bit on the higher side, but completely justified by the quality of the food, service, and overall experience. Highly recommend for a special night out! read more

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Great food and vibes and Aroma. We had 4 adults and two babies and they sat us in the middle of the beautiful dining room, but we asked for somewhere more private in case babies cried and Aroma was very accommodating and gave us the private room. Food was excellent with a lot of French options, including escargot. Soup of the day was clam chowder, and we also had the clams and trout. Pastas were very good although I could've gone more al dente. The Star of the show was the duck, which wasn't the typical sliced duck breast entree at other restaurants. They give the whole leg/thigh piece, tender with crispy skin, and it came with carrots and potatoes. For dessert we had the NY cheesecake and the creme brûlée, both delicious. Service was great and they were very nice about our two little ones and made sure we were settled throughout the night. We will have to come back to try the other foods and dine in their main or outdoor patio area. read more

Cafe Aroma - Escargo - Italian Near Me - Idyllwild, California

A friend recommended this spot, so we made reservations for our last night in town--and it turned out to be the perfect choice. I was a little hesitant when I heard there would be live music, worried it might be too loud for conversation, but it was just right. We sat inside, around the corner from the musician, and the sound created a lovely atmosphere without being overwhelming. The service was outstanding. Our server was warm, attentive, and genuinely engaging, making us feel well cared for throughout the evening. The food was excellent--beautifully prepared and full of flavor. The trout was a standout, cooked to perfection and paired with just the right accompaniments, truly melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I tried a vegan dish that was flavorful with a nice kick of spice; it leaned a little on the simple side, but still very enjoyable. The setting itself is incredibly charming--romantic and rustic, tucked away in the woods of Idyllwild. It felt like a hidden gem and made for a wonderful, memorable evening. read more

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Came to Idylwild for a bachelorette and was recommended this place and it was so good! We made a reservation for 5 and we were running a little late and they were very accommodating! The service was amazing as they put us in a separate room and they were extremely friendly! I was shocked at how good their Italian food was! And the cocktails had something for everyone from gin, tequila, vodka, etc. Highly recommmebd for good Italian food and cocktails if you are in the area! read more

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I think I've found my favorite restaurant in idyllwild! First of all, the restaurant is adorable- I love the cute pet friendly patio with the market lights. All of the staff is friendly and this feels like a local fav. All around us, staff were greeting tables like they were their neighbors. They gave us house made ciabatta and olive oil to start. That infused oil is absolutely delicious. I had the house soup which was cauliflower soup for the day and the crème brûlée. Both were very flavorful and I highly recommend. read more

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We popped into Cafe Aroma during our last trip to Idyllwild and we loved it! We didn't have a reservation, so we were seated at the bar which had very comfortable seating. I had the Chef's Martini which is my ideal dirty martini, it was so savory, well balanced and delicious. My husband also enjoyed his Campfire Old Fashioned. For dinner I had the Rojo Dragon, I was concerned about the spice level and the bartender said it was about a 3 which was an accurate description. This was such a flavorful dish, the sauce was so creamy and I loved the crispy tofu. My husband Stew's Ragu which was so tasty too! read more

Horrible customer service and zero respect for patrons. My group was unable to attend our 7pm reservation due to a family emergency. We received a text at 7:14pm asking to text back 1 or 2 if we could still attend. We replied with 2, the "no" option. It could have ended there, but someone at Cafe Aroma decided to respond, "Thank you for letting us know, so rude". Not the worst thing you could say to a potential customer, and, judging by other reviews here Cafe Aroma has said (shouted) much worse to paying customers. But when we're already dealing with a scary, sudden, uncertain situation, it was a gut punch to receive that RUDE, callous response from a "professional" business. I regret not doing more research into this place before we booked. We dodged a bullet. If you are visiting the area, BEWARE! You deserve better. I apologize that we notified the restaurant so late, but there are some things that you can't plan for. I hope that if any the employees ever have a medical emergency, they receive a lot more sympathy and grace than we did. Check out my screenshot and some of the other reviews here to build a complete picture of the kind of Aroma you should expect at this Cafe. Disgusting people. *UPDATE 8/31/2025 IN RESPONSE TO BUSINESS OWNER'S REPLY* Doubling down is insane. I would never talk to my customers like that regardless of the circumstances. Though to be fair, it's clear that you are comfortable ensuring that we never spend money here again. You have every right to be upset and label our group as disrespectful, callous a-holes in private. But you just don't say that to people and disrespect them in turn. That's not good customer service. That's just "rude." Empathy should not be this hard. I apologize for the inconvenience we caused as a result of our emergency. Truly. It's not who I am or anyone in my party is, but regrettably it happened. I wish that didn't happen and I wish a lot of things didn't happen last night. That's the funny thing about emergencies. We were overwhelmed, scared, we hadn't eaten, etc, but I know you don't care. Please take a moment to recognize that we responded immediately to your text. We didn't have to, but we were trying to be as courteous as we could be given our initial communication failure. I am not a difficult person. You can check my Yelp history. This was the first negative review (let alone the first non-five star review) I've ever left for a restaurant. If I have a bad experience somewhere, I usually just move on and leave them be. But I've never had a business owner act this way towards me. Dear readers forgive me as well, my emotions are high given everything else that we are dealing with after last night's incident. If, God forbid, one of your employees has a car accident on the way to work, I hope your first response isn't, "okay, but the restaurant was really counting on you to be here today. That's no excuse to be rude and not tell us until the exact minute we asked you about it." I pity you and your staff. Feel free to respond, but I'm done. If you are incapable of having a shred of compassion or self-reflection, then we have nothing left to discuss. Do better. I just hope other people read this and have enough self-respect to stay far, far away from Cafe Aroma and its owners. read more

Cafe Aroma - Direct, rude, condescending text from the restaurant. - Italian Near Me - Idyllwild, California

Not sure why this restaurant doesn't have at least 4.5 stars! I came here for my birthday in 2024 and Valentines Day 2025 and was impressed both times. Ambience: The ambience is warm and cozy with a mountain feel. The patio seating is covered and heated so you can still eat here during winter months. Parking was easy, they had a lot + plenty of street parking. Service: Service was exceptional, we had Stephen I believe. He was so personable and knowledgeable on all their menu items. Food: I had the Steak Argentina which was 10/10. My bf had the Duck a l'Orange which impressed us both, it was cooked perfectly and the sauce was made from fresh oranges/orange zest. We got the Chicken Alfredo to split and hear me out, it's the BEST you'll have anywhere. We had 2 speciality drinks, I believe it was their own twist on a French 75 with mulberries. The food was so good, my bf and I essentially split our own entrees bc we wanted a little bit of everything. I love the thank you card they provide at the end, I have one from last year and this year that I keep as souvenirs. read more

Cafe Aroma - Steak Argentina (front), Duck à l'Orange (back), Chicken Alfredo (side) - Italian Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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My family and I have come to Cafe Aroma every time we're in Idyllwild for decades. We just encountered a situation with the owner tonight that makes us never want to come back. After spending $200+ the night before we came back again to order an espresso to go. The owner was extremely rude and snapped "We don't do coffees to go, if you dont like it don't come back!" He was also extremely nasty to his servers. I have never experienced such rudeness and lack of concern for customers from an owner. We are so upset. The business manager Adrienne did not address my concern about the rudeness of the owner. And interestingly we were there almost at closing and the restaurant was just about empty so it wasn't a matter of busyness serving others. I even said I would sit down to enjoy my coffee there. The real issue is the complete lack of respect for a customer and the overall lack of kindness with his words "if you don't like it don't come back" and then hung up on us!! Never in my 69 years of life have I experienced such a horrible interaction with a business owner. read more

We were seated a few minutes before our Saturday, 6:30pm reservation, and were greeted immediately. Caesar salad was perfect, and for entrees the creamy pesto penne and the tofu entree were delectable. Highly recommend the chocolate cake for dessert. Our server, Steffen, and the young men who assisted were phenomenal. Highly recommend. read more

We celebrated my boyfriend's birthday here last week and it was a lovely evening. The ambiance, drinks, and food were amazing. I got a n/a cocktail and he had an old-fashioned. We shared an appetizer and dessert (the burrata plate was delicious). Both of our entrees were tasty and the presentation was beautiful. Highly recommend. read more

Great, cozy yet formal ambiance that's perfect for a nice dinner date! Food is typical upscale American and is above average. We enjoyed the trout entree the most. Service is friendly and inviting! read more

The best restaurant in Idyllwild, well worth a trip up the mountain. As soon as we walked in, the owner greeted us and welcomed us in. The space itself is wonderful with fantastic ambience. The service is top notch, with friendly and attentive servers. The food...oh my goodness, the food. I got the ribeye and the meat was so flavorful and tender, just melted in my mouth. Adding just the right touch to the perfect vibe of the night was the live music. What a wonderful dinner and experience. Will be coming back again and again. read more

We were staying in a cabin just up the road so we walked here for dinner one night. There were six of us; we got our own semi private room with a big round table. It was a very fun and cozy dining experience! The rest of the restaurant seemed nice as well. Our waiter was great; she was super friendly, answered all our questions well, and had quick recommendations. I love when a server has quick, real suggestions, instead of when they have to think and just remember what's on the current menu. Her wine recommendation on a bottle for the table was a great choice. So service and ambiance were great, but I still have to go with only four stars because the food fell short of expectations for the price point. Nothing was bad or wrong, but it wasn't amazing. If I were rating purely based on my wife's and my dishes, I would have gone three stars but the other four folks in the group enjoyed their dishes quite a bit, so I am giving four. For appetizers, our group got the beets, some burrata, and bruschetta. The bruschetta was the favorite; it had the most and best flavors. The burrata was decent, and paired well with the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. But the beets were disappointing; there was only goat cheese on the first three or four bites, so 90% of it was just plain beets. For mains, my wife and I got the soup of the day, with big meatballs, as well as the Stew's Ragu. The soup broth was good, but the meatballs were a bit plain. The steak on the ragu was a bit chewy, and the ragu sauce/pasta felt and tasted just like a pretty regular bolognese on pappardelle. Multiple other folks got the Penne Ala Vodka (they're vegetarian so had limited options to begin with, but this was recommended as the best meat free option). They very much enjoyed their dishes. One order was the pasta as is, and one got seared tofu added. Neither was more or less impressed than the other. The last main was a Rojo Dragon, with chicken added. I tried a bit of that and I thought it was better than my ragu, but not sure if I liked it enough to order it again if I were to come back. Lastly, one person in our group got a Bananas Foster cocktail at the end. It smelled like a candle and tasted almost chemical-y... So overall we enjoyed our experience but felt the food fell short of expectations for the price point. read more

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Guys. What a wonderful dining experience. Everyone told us the best place to eat was Cafe Aroma in idyllwild and that's absolutely true. Definitely get a reservation! I messed up and put a reservation for a Saturday even though I meant to for Friday. We got SUPER lucky and got two spots at the bar but otherwise this place gets packed. We started off with their bread. Very yummy. We got their cacio e pepe (added chicken) and their ragú. Both were absolutely phenomenal. Ended the night with the crème brûlée! Highly recommend! Charming little house turned restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. There's some parking but a lot of people parked on the street too. Wonderful service from the start to end! Also it was fantastic seeing them say hello to all the locals who frequent this place often. A must-go restaurant for Idyllwild for sure. read more

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Was in Palm Springs this past Saturday and the temps were well over 108 degrees at noon... I decided to high tail my arse to the Mountains where I thought (and hoped) it would be cooler. It was a nice 65 degree day up there with scattered showers. Cafe Aroma has been on my bucket list since I had seen someone on Instagram feature a dish they served. Their reservations can only be made through 'Touch Bistro' and I choose not to go that route as it wanted to consent to sign up for emails. I took my chances and BOY, am I glad I did! Service was exceptional, I walked up to the podium right when they opened and asked if I was able to dine at the bar (as I was flying solo) and I am mindful of turning tables for couples and larger parties. The owners were running the podium outside and warmly greeting all guest who came in. Daniel was my bartender and he took such great care of me at the Bar that I spent literally the rest of my day there LOL I started out with my customary French Martini which was delightful but I was driving down that mountain in the dark so I stopped at one. My Strawberry Fields Salad was a 1/2 order and just enough to prelude my Trout entrée. I wanted to keep things relatively light since I was determined to save room for the Bananas Foster Dessert. Such a romantic spot from the lovely indoor/outdoor unique interior to the wonderful menu offerings. I found myself making plans for another visit to check out the other dishes like their version of a Chicken Marsala. I'm hoping my next visit will be before it snows perhaps in October hmmm... Respectfully Reviewed read more

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There are certainly much better options in town than Cafe Aroma. Please support them and do not waste your time here. The interior is comical and in a major need of a renovation. Additionally, the restaurant was completely empty. I suspect people are catching on. *in response to the owners response: yes, we came to your establishment. Thank you for showcasing how consumers should expect to be treated. Cheers. read more

Café Aroma - Idyllwild, CA Nestled in a cozy mountain cabin, Café Aroma is more than just a restaurant--it's a full-on experience. From the moment you step onto their dog-friendly patio, you're greeted with the aroma of fresh herbs, forest pine, and something divine coming from the kitchen. We sat outside for an alfresco lunch, serenaded by blue jays and squirrels dancing in the oak trees. I ordered the filet mignon, which arrived perfectly rare, delicately tender, and beautifully plated over creamy mashed potatoes. I actually wondered if they used sous vide--it was that tender! My sister and I shared the Strawberry Spring Salad--fresh greens, tart apples, candied pecans, strawberries, and a creamy strawberry vinaigrette that was perfectly sweet. She also ordered the Alexander Chicken, a rich, creamy pasta dish with juicy grilled chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, and cherry tomatoes. Generous portions and delicious flavors all around. Though I rarely order dessert, I couldn't resist the Pecan Praline with vanilla ice cream--a clear nod to the owners' New Orleans roots. Sweet, caramelized, nutty, and nostalgic. A perfect ending. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, decorated with local art and glowing with the heart of the town. Service was kind and attentive. Their wine list is impressive, thanks to the sommelier-owner, and it's earned 2025 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award recognition two years in a row! They also offer gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options--plus water bowls for your furry friend. Great food Wonderful service Magical mountain setting I'll definitely be back! Café Aroma 54750 N. Circle Dr, Idyllwild, CA (951) 659-5212 cafearoma.idyllwild@gmail.com read more

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They were kind enough to go let us in at closing time! Love the atmosphere and ambiance, so cozy and just plain beautiful! It was past dinner time and we needed to eat before running a 100 mile the next day. Food was incredibly tasty! Service was fast and wish we could've hang out more to enjoy the place! Definitely recommend this place! read more

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My girlfriend and I had a fantastic existence at Cafe Aroma. A couple reviews on here complain about wait times but we were seated and served very promptly. Drinks were great, good was better than other places we tried during our stay in Idyllwild. We had a special Cajun carbonara that was excellent, and we had the chicken Alfredo. I didn't think an Alfredo could really stand out all that much, but I'm telling you it was better than any I've had in LA where we live. We will definitely be coming back next time we visit. read more

If you find yourself up in Idyllwild check this place out. It's worth a special trip also. Tonight we had a fabulous evening being dined and entertained at Cafe Aroma. The atmosphere was quaint and sexy all at the same time. They had a two man jazz group performing while Chef Eric cooked right beside them preparing the Special of the evening. Adrienne has done an outstanding job decorating the place with vintage lamps and artwork dispersed throughout while still maintaining its rustic charm. Our server, Stefan was great, he did a fabulous tour of the menu and was very knowledgeable. Just the right amounts of table touches. He was very attentive and had a great presence, excellent job! Here is what we had, delicious!! Escargot Garlic butter & crostini Cacio e Pepe with black truffle oil and pappardelle Pan seared sea scallops Pea and cauliflower rice, pomegranate buerre blanc and baby watercress Pan fried Rainbow Trout, roasted potatoes and baby carrots with lemon butter and capers And for dessert homemade sour orange pie with an animal cracker crust read more

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THIS IS A MUST STOP!! The food was FANTASTIC!! We had the Filet Jacob and Chef Eric's special Pork Chop with Sweet Potato. We also had his special dessert of Glazed Pecan's & Ice Cream along with the Chocolate Torte Cake. All of it was amazing! They have a fantastic wine selection that range from $25 to $3,500 for any palate or pocket book!! The owners Eric & Adrienne are very welcoming and professional. They both have a background in New Orleans fine restaurants. The ambiance of all the different room's you can dine in is wonderful. They also have a very lively bar with fantastic cocktails and a wonderful mixologist behind the bar!! Definitely a 5 Star Experience in a casual atmosphere! read more

Cafe Aroma - This is the Filet Jacob cooked perfectly to Medium Rare! - Italian Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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My bf made Valentines dinner reservations for us and they did not disappoint. The ambience was amazing with a live two person band sing a variety of songs. Our dinner and server went above and beyond. We even had rose pedals place on our table by the very friendly hostess. I want to revisit soon. Ps order the mussels! read more

Cafe Aroma - Nice service of the pear salad. - Italian Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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My husband and I went to Cafe Aroma for our wedding anniversary dinner. I had the duck and he had the trout. The duck is one of the tastiest duck I've ever had! The meat is moist, the skin is crispy, and the taste is not gamey at all. Served with mashed potatoes and carrots hmmmmm perfection! We also had the Winter Pear Salad that was delicious; perfect balance of sweet and savory. The dressing really tired it together. My husband also enjoyed his trout. Amazing food at this cozy, mountain-town restaurant. We cannot wait to come back :) read more

Cafe Aroma - Duck à l'Orange - Italian Near Me - Idyllwild, California

My husband and I came here to celebrate our 10th anniversary as a couple. It was a great experience dining here. Ambiance 10/10: This is a restaurant where every table is picture-perfect. Food 10/10: We love the vegetarian options they offer. I ordered the Rojo Dragon, and its flavor is very unique. I love how it mixed with the kimchi and jalapeños, which added to the texture. Hospitality 10/10: Not all restaurants train their staff to be warm to customers, but this place knows how to make guests feel welcome. We dine at restaurants to enjoy the food, but this place gave us a memorable experience. We will definitely come back here! read more

Cafe Aroma - Italian Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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The best restaurant in Idyllwild .... A truly wonderful experience here while vacationing in the area. My husband, my son and I had a delicious dinner with great service. We walked in without reservations ( honestly I didn't even think to make a reservation) and the hostess told us we can be seated at 7:30pm. We came back and our table was ready. The restaurant is so cozy, lot of cute lights and decor. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. We ordered a Caesar salad, white bean soup, chicken Alfredo, ribeye steak and broccolini. Everything tasted amazing. Fresh, flavorful and delicious. We waited about an hour for our food to come out but our waitress kept coming to our table and apologizing for the wait saying they are short staffed in the kitchen. Then right before the dishes came out the hostess, the manager and the waitress approached our table and thanked us for our patience and apologized again for the wait. Now that's amazing customer service. They knew they have an issue and they didn't ignore it. We really appreciated their attention and care. We didn't complain about the slow service cause we knew what was going on. We were on vacation so we weren't rushing at all. We enjoyed some quality time as a family. Overall a wonderful place to have dinner while in the area. You won't regret it. And yes we ordered dessert as well and coffee that tasted amazing. Cheesecake with homemade jam. read more

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Idyllwild is a charming little town, and Cafe Aroma fits that aesthetic perfectly with its romantic cabin-like appearance and decorations. The patio seating offers refreshing views of the surrounding greenery. Staff even light mosquito-repelling incense on the patio to make your experience more comfortable. We reserved a table for 7:00 PM on a weekend, and it was pretty busy. We were still able to find parking easily though, as there is a small lot behind and also roadside parking. I was pretty disappointed with the service in this restaraunt. Our food arrived pretty late. Free complimentary bread is supposed to be given at the beginning of the meal, to my knowledge, but many parties who arrived much later than us received theirs before we did. We were pretty much sitting at the table for over 40 minutes with nothing but glasses of water. Additionally, during this entire 40 minutes of waiting, our server did not check in on us at all. Not even considering the wait time for the food, it took 15 minutes for our server to even take our order. We had to ask for our bread after waiting for what felt like forever, which was pretty ridiculous considering how tables around us got served theirs pretty much immediately. Our server was very sweet though, maybe it was just and off-day. What saves my review for this restaraunt is the food. The Duck a l'Orange is a must order! The meat was incredibly juicy and tender, and the skin was perfectly crisp. The savoriness of the duck paired so well with the sweet & tangy orange marmalade. The mashed potatoes on the side were delicious too -- very rich and creamy and amazing with some of the orange marmalade! Other savory dishes were just okay. The Alexander Chicken tasted good, but did not stand out. The pasta was topped with a standard creamy sauce and very dry cuts of grilled chicken. Noodles were cooked well though. Soup was mediocre at best. Desserts were stand out! I love creme brulee -- it's one of my favorite desserts -- and Cafe Aroma did not disappoint. The blueberry compote on the side was the perfect addition of freshness to the sweet decadence of the creme brulee. The raspberry blueberry torte was also very good. Although the first bite felt a bit too tart, I found myself oddly addicted to the taste and kept going back for more. It was really good. Overall, if I revisit Idyllwild, the duck and desserts definitely make Cafe Aroma worth another try, but I just hope next time the service is a bit quicker. read more

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Stumbled upon this gem passing through town. Amazing food, cocktails, service and ambience. A classy but not stuffy nice restaurant in a cabin nestled in the woods. Highly recommend! read more

Cafe Aroma - Italian Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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Consistently excellent. The chef specials always exceed expectations. I can honestly say I've not found better food on the mountain and it's on par with most "fancy"places in San Diego. Ambience is nice. Softly lit and music is kept to a nice background groove, except when it's live, and then it's been manageable with conversations as well. Service is super attentive and friendly. read more

A fantastic oasis in the mountains of Idyllwild. I would recommend Cafe Aroma to anyone in this part of the world

Everything about Cafe Aroma is a 10! Love the ambiance. The menu is beautifully conceived. Delectable options for vegans and gluten intolerant patrons. The kindest and personable staff ever! Highly recommend the Cashew Fauxfredo and the Rojo Dragon. The Crème Brûlée is outrageous. A special shoutout to our servers, Madeline and David. The hostess is a gem. read more

My wife and daughter took me here for my birthday. Terrific place! Cozy and warm on the chilly autumn night! Our server Leah (sp?) was fantastic! She highly recommended the duck and it did not disappoint! Honestly, the best duck I've had in many years. Everything about our night was fantastic! Will definitely be going back! read more

Nestled in the heart of Idyllwild's mountain village, Cafe Aroma doesn't just serve food -- it invites you into something deeper. Under the soft glow of twinkle lights and the scent of garlic drifting through tall pines, you're welcomed not as a customer, but as a guest. A participant in something intentional, warm, and quietly extraordinary. As soon as we were seated inside, we were warmly greeted by our server, Stefan -- gracious, kind, and effortlessly present. Before even opening our menus, we ordered what we knew we wanted to begin with: the "Spice of Life" cocktail, created by Daniel, the resident mixologist and modern-day alchemist. Smoky mezcal, hand-muddled jalapeños, and citrus layered together in perfect balance. It was bold, complex, and instantly set the tone for the night ahead -- not just a drink, but a ritual. We were seated with our dog Queso, who was treated like family from the start. Here, dogs aren't just permitted -- they're genuinely welcomed. He was brought a bowl of water and loving attention before we even asked. It's rare to feel so instantly at ease, and rarer still when your four-legged friend is included in that ease. We began with two small plates that spoke to the kitchen's quiet confidence. The warm roasted beets were both elegant and earthy -- marbled, tender slices layered with creamy goat cheese, served just warm enough for the cheese to soften and melt into each bite. Sweet, tangy, and visually beautiful -- a perfect start. The Burrata Caprese featured heirloom tomatoes and silky burrata, fresh basil, olive oil, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. Each element shined on its own but sang together -- bright, fresh, and composed with intention. For my entrée, I had the salmon with Cajun sauce -- a dish that felt both grounded and elevated. The salmon was pan-seared to a delicate crisp along the edges, giving way to buttery flakes inside. The Cajun sauce brought a smoky heat that bloomed slowly with each bite, laced with subtle citrus and spice. Paired with sautéed vegetables that still had a gentle snap, it tasted like a memory of a Southern coastal summer -- warm, soulful, and alive. My husband had the filet mignon, and every bite looked like it melted before his knife touched it. Cooked to a perfect medium-rare, the center blushed a soft ruby while the outside was beautifully seared to a rich crust. The demi-glace was deeply savory with just a hint of wine and rosemary -- comforting yet refined. Each bite was like a pause, a breath -- the kind of food that slows a conversation, simply because it deserves your full attention. Queso, meanwhile, was served a juicy grilled chicken breast prepared just for him. No scraps, no shortcuts -- a real meal. He ate every bite, then curled up at our feet, clearly feeling just as at home as we did. To close the evening, Daniel surprised us with one of his signature finales: a coffee espresso cocktail, made with house-brewed espresso, coffee liqueur, a whisper of vodka, and topped with velvety crema. It was smooth, rich, and indulgent -- the kind of drink that slows the world down for a moment. Dessert was a crème brûlée -- classic and clean, with a crackled sugar top and a silky custard beneath. Sweet but restrained. Simple, and exactly right. But what truly lingers -- more than any one dish -- is the care that runs through every part of this place. Owners Eric and Andria have created something rare: a restaurant that resonates. A space where the food is excellent, yes -- but more than that, where people feel connected. Where time slows down and presence becomes part of the meal. The staff mirror that same energy -- Stefan, especially, made us feel looked after without ever hovering. The experience felt less like service, and more like being hosted. We left full -- not just from the food, but from the feeling. Nourished, seen, restored. If you find yourself in Idyllwild -- or want a reason to go -- Cafe Aroma is it. Bring someone you love. Bring your dog. Bring your appetite. This place will meet you there, and you'll leave better than you came. read more

What an absolutely amazing experience! Excellent and attentive service and staff. Delicious food and the ambiance was over the top! From the moment we walked in; we felt so special. The owners greeted us along with welcoming arms. We were seated right by the infamous Adam Glover whose voice is stunning. Our wait staff consisted of Stef and Danny who were both very attentive and awesome. I ordered the Penne with Creamy Pesto and Shrimp. The Bruschetta on top was the perfect combination. My husband enjoyed the Rib Eye with a side of Mushrooms. Our desert made by Eric was over the top. What an incredible end to a truly enjoyable evening in beautiful Idyllwild. Definitely one of the finest restaurants on the mountain. Adrian was an excellent Host. We cannot wait to return. read more

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