Aroma — Restaurant in Boulder Creek

Last night, my bf and I went to Aroma in Ben Lomond for dinner. I have mixed reviews on the experience. When we arrived, it was difficult to determine where to enter the restaurant. Once inside, it still was unclear as there was another door where it felt we were entering incorrectly into the dining room. We waited for about two minutes at one point making eye contact with a bus boy who walked by and did not wave us in. At the point we walked in, we stayed by the door feeling intrusive as there was a party of 3 diners seated within 3 feet. We waited for approximately two more minutes before the same employee walked past us, again making eye contact, but not acknowledging us. On his return trip to the kitchen, I asked, “Excuse me, do we seat ourselves”? He then ran to the bar, checked our reservation and seated us.

The dining room is quite small with tables fairly close to one another which made for a loud dining experience. The outside area looked to have ample space, it was just a bit too chilly for us to sit outside. Our waitress was very sweet and welcomed us with a friendly greeting. We received our beverages quickly and another employee was right behind with the bread.

We ordered the artichoke heart appetizer which was delicious and arrived hot. My only recommendations would be to provide more than a tablespoon of dipping sauce and make it a four piece serving rather than three. We cut the third piece in half to share and it made quite a mess of the beautifully crafted artichoke. I ordered the swordfish which was accompanied by a side of couscous. The swordfish was wonderful. However, I wasn’t able to eat more than a couple bites of the couscous because it was so heavily seasoned. My bf had the filet with a side of scalloped potatoes and broccoli. The filet was delivered medium rather than medium rare like he ordered but still, enjoyable. The scalloped potatoes were fabulous. Possibly the best we have ever had. Unfortunately, the broccoli was inedible. We each had one bite and something with a sand like texture was present and stayed in our teeth after the bite was gone. We did let our friendly waitress know and she happily replaced them with another side.

We each ordered dessert, my bf with an americano and mine with a regular coffee. Two americanos were delivered to our table with the chocolate cake and lemon blueberry cheesecake. The chocolate cake was tasty and not too heavy. The cheesecake was very flavorful but a bit too dry and crumbly for my taste.

Overall, we enjoyed the meal. The restaurant has only recently opened so I’m sure they will work out the kinks with time. At this point, we probably won’t go back for awhile. But it’s certainly not a “will not return”...

Had so much potential…I ordered the Huevos Rancheros and received that order but sitting in a soup of leftover salsa water. Not an appetizing looking plate at all. Never touched it and waited for someone to come and grab it. No one did. I then got up and got help from a nice gentlemen and he came and grabbed it. Asked what was wrong I told him. He took it away. Then later this little fat waitress comes to give us the bill and naturally, she tried to charge us for the meal anyways. I told her I did not eat anything on the plate. She then has the audacity to tell me they have it in the back and that I ate from it. I was ready to give this little poor gal a lashing with my mouth but left out of being polite. The people I was with then had to mention to the owners that I did not eat a thing and was not happy. They then finally removed the meal and still were nice enough to give her a tip, as she is the one who has to live like that day to day and we felt bad. This place has potential but keep your eyes out on everything nowadays, as people are trying to get away with anything they can, especially in the food and service industry. I worked in the industry for over 20 years and can see these things from a mile away. Sadly won’t be recommending this place to anyone any longer, as their staff is either consistently lying to customers to keep their tips or they are being told that by the owners or management, trying to make all they can. No more chances will be...

We tried Aromas Ben lomond tonight. Like all new relationships there are bumps along the way an Aromas is no different. The staff were incredibly nice and accommodating. The food . I orderd the local fav the snitzel it was super thin and very dry sadly not much flavor i ended up asking for more gravy and mustard to wash it down. The side was smashed potatoes and they were just ok. My wife ordered the quail and enjoyed it but the orange sauce was strange and out of place . My father ordered the prawns there were only 5 of them . My daughter ordered the sirloin medium but it showed up more in the done side and incredibly salty too salty. We decided to try the desserts hoping for a better experience. I order what looked like a lemon bar it was 2"x2" for $8.00 i told the weighter when he gave it too me "You are kudding right? "Its only literally 2 bites lol. He said "well its rich soo" i totally understand new restaurants need time to fine turn their offering and figure out their demographic.

Takeaway Portions to small for the price points desserts included.

The service was outstanding

Time at the table was just short of two hrs.

The pre meal bread was outstanding

If this restaurant wants to survive in a very competitive local market they will need to research the demographic more and realize folks want more food on their plates for the price point is the same here as a 4 star restaurant over the hill.

I do wish them well and hope...