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.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 1
Dianna Brownell
Tarocco’s food is freshly made and utterly delicious!! All GLUTEN FREE restaurant. They make you feel like part of the family while you are there. :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
S B
No parking impossible to get here and try the food.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Russell Cowan
Recently celebrated my moms 80th birthday with a party here, we rented out the space for the event and they provided a wonderful meal. Cant say enough good things about the food quality, lovely environment, and working with their team- Sequoia was such a help! Thank you all.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aviv Schor
Freaking incredible concept and execution.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Massimo Costetti
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andrew Kim
One of our favorite restaurants in the Bay Area. Healthy, delicious, fresh ingredients, Bright and Sunny space, very friendly staff. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A G
Hidden gem for new parents. This place is awesome for lunch. They have a few dishes eat day and they change it up frequently. I’ve never gone and not wanted what I’ve seen - and I’m picky.
Great place to meet up on maternity leave.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Azia Branson
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Evans
Lovely place to eat lunch and the offerings are always different so it doesn't get old.
Elegant venue. Great staff. Wonderful for private events.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jong Cho
Fantastic food. However, feedback to the owners - please consider adding hygiene screens between the customers and the food.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
allan kober
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
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dannah Tennant
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hunter Irvin
We recently rented Tarocco for our baby shower and it was perfect. The owner, Sequoia, is thoughtful, energetic, and eager to make sure your event goes well. She helped us design a menu that worked around specific food accommodations, her communication was clear and timely -- really everything you could ask for from a host. After the event we received many comments about how great the food was and how well suited the space was for our group of ~50. Would highly recommend Tarocco to anyone considering an event there.
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.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 1
Tarocco’s food is freshly made and utterly delicious!! All GLUTEN FREE restaurant. They make you feel like part of the family while you are there. :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
No parking impossible to get here and try the food.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Recently celebrated my moms 80th birthday with a party here, we rented out the space for the event and they provided a wonderful meal. Cant say enough good things about the food quality, lovely environment, and working with their team- Sequoia was such a help! Thank you all.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Freaking incredible concept and execution.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of our favorite restaurants in the Bay Area. Healthy, delicious, fresh ingredients, Bright and Sunny space, very friendly staff. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hidden gem for new parents. This place is awesome for lunch. They have a few dishes eat day and they change it up frequently. I’ve never gone and not wanted what I’ve seen - and I’m picky.
Great place to meet up on maternity leave.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lovely place to eat lunch and the offerings are always different so it doesn't get old.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Elegant venue. Great staff. Wonderful for private events.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic food. However, feedback to the owners - please consider adding hygiene screens between the customers and the food.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
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
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We recently rented Tarocco for our baby shower and it was perfect. The owner, Sequoia, is thoughtful, energetic, and eager to make sure your event goes well. She helped us design a menu that worked around specific food accommodations, her communication was clear and timely -- really everything you could ask for from a host. After the event we received many comments about how great the food was and how well suited the space was for our group of ~50. Would highly recommend Tarocco to anyone considering an event there.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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