Once upon a time, high up a big mountain in the middle of a great forest there was a small cabin. This cabin was not your typical cabin. This cabin was somehow (against all probability) a fully functioning restaurant. How this cabin came to be a restaurant is unknown, perhaps sorcery or sheer, stubborn willpower made it so. Now small cabins don’t typically hold restaurants, but that’s what makes Cafe Aroma special, odd, and wonderful – it is that magic that surrounds the place. So while you gather over a meal, perhaps you remark that typically cabins do not become restaurants, and know that’s why we do things a little bit differently, because truly we have limitations most restaurants do not.
Gather friends & be welcome!
Surrounded by trees, this cozy bistro features an Italian-driven menu & local art in a woodsy space. Based on 513 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.6 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ No delivery
Address:
54750 N Circle Dr, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549
Phone: (951) 659-5212
Website:
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Friday |
4:30–10 PM |
| Saturday |
4:30–10 PM |
| Sunday |
4:30–9 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
Closed |
| Tuesday |
4:30–9 PM |
| Wednesday |
4:30–9 PM |
| Thursday |
4:30–9 PM |
Menu
… View more
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Reviews
Kim Silva
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.
… more
John Storm
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.
… more
James Baber
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!
… more
Mena G
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.
… more
Anne Cohen
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!!
… more
bryon hansen
We celebrated a birthday and enjoyed the great food, service and live entertainment.
… more
Skyebleu Fool
Love sitting on the relaxing patio with friends and family in the beautiful fresh garlic and pine-scented air!
… more
Jesse Walker
AMAZING RESTAURANT
… more
Patti P
Delicious food. My salmon on cauliflower risotto was unbelievable. It’s so nice to eat something gluten free that still feels like what it’s supposed to be. It was just as good as risotto. Salmon was perfect. Carrots were roasted and delicious. The menu shows gluten free, gluten free available and vegan options. Highly recommend. Service was great and friendly.
… more
Toni A.
Last night we dined here , it was Great . From the time we walked in to our time leaving. I ordered trout , which was fantastic. My husband had steak Argentine he loved it , my ceasar salad had the best croutons, was very yummy. We had music from Dean Martin era which we couldn’t believe how good he was . Great place , I hate telling you about it because I don’t want it to become hard to get reservations, but everyone was so nice I have to do them justice.
… more
… View more
