Edit: I learned the next day that ownership definitely changed, there is no actual chef here (low income workers following "recipes"), the owners buy from the frozen food company Sysco, and they bank on the ratings earned from Cafe Aroma when it was actually a great place years ago! 😡 Original review: The ciabatta has no flavor, I doubt any bread is kitchen made any longer. The garlic oil was almost rancid! The "roasted" beets came out so hot I burned my tongue, with a portion fit for 8 people that arrived cut in large quarters in a bowl. I had no plate to cut them on to eat a moderate bite and to let the dang things cool off. They seemed boiled or perhaps (with the amount of steam coming from them after cutting) microwaved. Had to send them back. My waitress disappeared long enough that I had to ask another waitress for a menu to look at the wine list again, the list list being rather disappointing compared to when I used to frequent Cafe Aroma 10 years ago. The pan fried trout was good although I was surprised because it said nowhere that it was blackened with Cajun seasoning, the flavor of which did not go at all with the capers all over the trout. The "lemon butter" was some seemingly Sysco brand artificially thickened sauce that was pinkish white in color, it was strange enough to not go anywhere near. What happened to good ol' real butter, salt, and lemon juice? I had some amazing meals, great wine, and romantic nights here especially inside by the fireplace in the winter, but I am certain I'll not be back after the significant drop in food quality. Ultimately the quality here is on par with the misaligned low quality color printer used for the menus.

Love sitting on the relaxing patio with friends and family in the beautiful fresh garlic and pine-scented air! Every member from our party, from age 2 to 90 got exactly what they wanted and we’re no easy clan: some vegan, some omnivore, some gluten-free! The service was bright and attentive even though clearly very busy on a holiday weekend. Definitely call ahead or online for reservations you don’t want to miss out on the flavors and experience of Idyllwild’s beloved Cafe!

This is one of the best restaurants in Idyllwild, there honestly aren’t a ton to choose from but this one is great. They offer gluten free and vegan options and the menu is quite diverse, you’ll find something If you’re a picky eater like I am. The restaurant itself has a good vibe and the service is great. I will say, some of the portions are really small, not the entrees, but the bowl of soup is more like a cup, and the tiramisu is not shareable, it’s like 3 bites- It is delicious though.

Went here after a long bike ride and I must say I had more fun at this place than the ride. Eric is the new owner of this incredibly homey cafe. Has great fresh air, delicious food, and cold drinks. Got to try the dessert too, it was truly mouth watering. Highly recommend Cafe Aroma and asking for Kennedi to be your waitress.

We celebrated a birthday and enjoyed the great food, service and live entertainment. The owner greeted us our server Kendell was amazing! We love Cafe Aroma!! Thank you!!

Very friendly service team! We didn’t know how popular the restaurant is and didn’t have a reservation. They made room for us without a long wait. Great atmosphere with open spaces and art from local artists. Their menu has a little something for everyone and as a vegan, I easily found some great choices. Tables also have a cute menu of conversation starters that sparked some fun discussions about art and the outdoors.

Gorgeous space that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor seating. Impeccable service, smart cocktails and delicious food had us returning the very next night, and we were not disappointed.

Wonderful dinner with my family on a snowy night. Attentive service, excellent food and kind people - even when you post a review for another establishment by mistake! Thank you!!

Food had all qualities of a fancy Applebees. Likely a lot of Sysco products. Lovely ambiance and good service, but quality of meal was sub-par. According to other post, ownernship has changed and quality declined. I had tomato bisque which was unbalanced and tart. I had the seafood pasta and it was too spicy, boring sauce covered up with spice and mussels, shrimp and salmon were medicore. Worst part was definitely the pasta, which i would have expected to be fresh at that price. My wife had the trout, which was the better choice, but not worth the money.