Cascade Restaurant

Really delicious risotto and crème brûlée! The waiter was very attentive and made the whole meal wonderful. The risotto was cooked perfectly with delicious vegetables. Loved my evening…

Summary: check that the sides are what you ordered or you will be charged for extras. Ask for your cooking level for the burger.
We arrived at 13:45 and we didn’t qualify for «All-​day menu» (only valid from 7:30 to 14:00 — I know, it is an oxymoron). So we went with the Bar Menu.
For every burger they decided to include cheese ($ 2 per order) on their own. For the kids we ordered cod and a burger, with fruit sides. They brought the plates with fries and then when we complained, they brought fruit for them. Which was charged later at $ 3 a piece.
The Mac & Cheese are really bland. Just pasta with a cheese sauce. The server never asked for how cooked we wanted our patties. He or the kitchen forgot to order or put blue cheese in one of the orders.
Although the bar was almost empty it took them 15 – 20 minutes to serve the food. They included 20% service in the check and we had to correct some of the items there.
Maybe it was our server (José) just a bad one, but the experience was the opposite to our previous one, which was rather pleasant. :-(
The food was correct (the grits were pretty good) and the surroundings are gorgeous, so not a total disaster, but we walked away feeling robbed.

I will start with the food is absolutely delicious and everyone is relatively pleasant. However, when you walk in for breakfast and sit at a table for 10 minutes waiting for someone to acknowledge you, ask if you want coffee, anything… it is pretty ridiculous. There was only one table seated, however I saw 8 staff members throughout the restaurant just talking with eachother. This isn’t my first time here, so I can say this is not a one time thing. I waited tables for 6 years, so I am quick to forgive a busy night or a food mishap (I don’t expect you to taste anything), but customer service is at least PRETENDING to be attentive.

Spent a day exploring Pescadero, and stopped in to Cascade for lunch. Cascade is part of the Costanoa resort, and I’m glad we were able to drive through and see it (definitely fans of ‘glamping’ and Costanoa is all about that!). The restaurant is open and airy, and the food is excellent. We got crab cakes, a burger, and caesar salad, along with a few cocktails, and it was all amazing. I will definitely visit Cascade again (hopefully if and when we stay at Costanoa!)

We had breakfast there this morning and the Chilaquiles were the best ever… the pickled carrots were delicious… compliments to the chef. Lovely people to wait on us.
Pat and Steve

We have eaten here many times in the past decade and we’re pleased with the food and service. We have stayed in the RV park and recommended the park and restaurant to many others. However, our experience this week indicates that management and/​or staff have changed. We ordered the tritip sandwich… and noticed that all the people in the restaurant were served and we did not have our meal. Upon inquiry, we were told they did not have tritip and we would have to order something else. Only other item was a hamburger… served on a stale bun. I had house wine served in a lipstick smeared glass that was not remarkable. First we were charged for THREE BOTTLES of wine rather than three glasses. When the bill was corrected, they charged $ 14 for each glass. We did not complain to the manager. He saw our predicament and couldn’t have cared less. We will not be back.

We had a wonderful lunch at this restaurant. The clam chowder my gf and I had was, perhaps, the best I’ve ever had. It was loaded with clams and Yukon Gold potatoes. My gf then had the crab cake appetizer and it was somewhat small (two cakes) and just OK. My burger was very good. It had applewood bacon and aged cheddar cheese.

We’ve been coming here just to go to the restaurant, it’s been that good. But, tonight was the exception. I really feel that their restaurant at Costanoa has gone downhill a bit. We all ordered steaks which sounded great on the menu. But, my son and I ordered ours specifically rare and got pretty much medium steaks. My husband asked for his medium rare and received close to well done. We sent the rare ones back and they graciously cooked them as requested. Now, I probably wouldn’t have complained, but they were almost $ 40 a piece. The appetizers were actually pretty good; Brussels sprout Caesar salad and calamari were both quite tasty and generous portions. The cocktails were decent, if not a bit overpriced. Our daughter remembered a less than stellar chocolate lava cake on the last visit which we were told was packaged (!) and wisely ordered a crème brûlée. But, the waitress (who really was sweet and worked hard) told us that it was now homemade and actually more «like soufflé» but we were brought the same little dry cake as our last visit six months ago. In fact, the memory of said dessert almost motivated us to go to the more casual, but classic Duarte’s up the coast in the first place. But, we decided to give them one more try as we like the spirit of the glamping resort and the gourmet approach and freshness of the food especially in such rustic surroundings. It’s still an elegant, above average restaurant in a gorgeous, forested setting with ocean views. But, they have got to «step up their game» and manage the pricey restaurant better if they want to attract more than guests who happen to be there as part of their stay on the property. Additionally, this has definitely dissuaded us from deciding to stay at the resort in the future.

My husband and I ate here for dinner, made a reservation for the Vday prix fixe menu ($ 55/​person) — but let the restaurant manger know ahead of time we needed Vegan and Vegetarian options.
The meals exceeded our expectations. Paying for fixed price for V/​VV meals usually looking for something especially unique and creative — and the chef delivered.
Vegan meal included a quinoa salad with pickled red onion, avocado, dino kale, and citrus vinaigrette. The entrée was three items — pasta puttanesca (tomato sauce, olive, basil & caper), tempeh (fermented soybean cake) sandwich featuring the picked red onion, and the piece de resistance: wild mushrooms of many kinds marinated in some amazing balsamic reduction, surrounded by grilled eggplant and topped with italian broccoli lightly fried in a panko style, but even lighter than that (no egg). All their foods are farm to table and very fresh. The mushrooms were my favorite.
My husbands vegetarian meal included caesar salad, and the entrée in three parts: pasta with pesto (his favorite) completely made from scratch topped with pine nuts, israeli couscous with kale, and grilled mexican style street corn. He had chocolate soufflé with salted caramel ice cream for dessert.
Definitely made for a memorable Valentine’s Dinner :)

We pulled into the Costanoa campsites with our trailer and didn’t feel like eating at home, so we ventured in the damp weather over to the Cascade. We were here over a decade ago and it still has the rustic charm we remember. However, the prices have gone way up. We thought back then: «This is a great deal — we need to come more often!» This time too, the food was wonderful, but maybe too much of it. My pork chop dish came with 2 large chops for $ 34. I would have been happy with one chop and more mashed potatoes (I’m obsessed with ‘em) for maybe $ 25. The sauteed kale/​chard was great too. My husband had the Coho Salmon and he got two largish pieces as well. He also ordered the brussel sprouts with carmelized onions — we loved them! Oh, and I almost forgot about the Mushroom Bisque that I started with. Awesome! Overall, it was a fabulous meal. Great service and good dirty martini too.

Pros:
— Food is ok
Cons:
— Unbelievably slow, it took them 30 minutes after I ordered my dish just to realize they were out of it!

Fine dining in a lodge next to campgrounds in the middle of nowhere is the best way I can describe this restaurant. Cloth napkins, three waiters for our table of two, and a menu of exquisite slow cooked delicacies made what was intended to be a low key cheap dinner into an expensive dining experience. Cascade offers fireplace-​side seating in a rustic upscale experience.
Try the Cioppino (seafood medley) and whatever slow cooked meat dish they have now — it was so good, I devoured it before I got the name of the dish (hint: it wasn’t even my dish!). The drinks are poured well, the wine list is affordable, and the servers appear just when you need them and disappear to keep your intimate dining experience a memory among those at the table. So come here to drink, eat, and be merry!

Delicious! Close to our RV spot, warm atmosphere and the food was tasty. I had the autumn salad and we shared calamari with a hot toddy and my hubby ordered the burger. The burger was good, but the salad and calamari was delicious… and the hot toddy hit the spot on a cold night!

Food: 5
Service: 5
Cleanliness: Immaculate, Pristine
Atmosphere: Log Cabin lodge meets Silicon Valley upscale and classy
«I am NOT a foodie! I hate to talk about food! I don’t live to eat, I eat to live!»
«I hear you. I like to eat to live too. In fact I’m hungry and there is this ‘farm to table’ place right here on the property. Let’s go»
We sit by the fire at a two top as I continue to appear mostly disinterested holding back my enthusiasm and excitement for the over-​the-​top amazing food. We get served fresh, warm bread and what taste like a custom made diced olive and butter spread. Eyes roll to the back of my head, as I try my best to contain my urge to shove all the bread and perfectly unique mixed spread down my throat. WOW.
Now to the next course as I listen to conspiracy theories about us and «them», «they» and «those people». Oh and the FBI is taking over Facebook and we’re all asleep, opposed to awake. I swear I was sober, but starting to question my sobriety as I listened vaguely. At this moment, did someone slip my acquaintance of over 17 years some more hallucinagens? Or did that happen years ago and he never came back?! Thank goodness for good food. Dark leafy mixed greens with flavor that punches you and brings you back to earth, sauteed from the garden could never taste, look and smell so amazing. I bring my focus to the greens and the food as the crazy ranting continues. Whoa.
Third — Last but most definitely not least. I had the Shrimp and Grits for my main course. He had the Artichoke, with which he could not go without while visiting California. What’s that I hear? He’s actually talking about how fantastic the food is and what the bursts of flavors and compilation of spices are doing to him. The food was so great, it turned an anti-​foodie into someone raving about the food! Yeah, he was from Minnesota where flavor in food is rare, but he was spouting off at the mouth, after being a self-​proclaimed non-​food loving advocate! Yea! Success. Ha! As I ate the shrimp, I tuned him out. It was a divine dish, that I would go back for more anytime. As for my long lost acquaintance from the very distant past, not so sure…
All I have to say, in regards to Cascade or if you’re questioning whether to go there. Yes! Go there. It’s worth the drive, it’s worth the visit and would even be considered a highly romantic spot, with the right company, of course.
Enjoy!

My wife and I have been here a few times, and generally enjoy it. The food is good, and they have decent vegetarian options (I’m vegetarian, and have always been able to find something decent to eat). My wife eats seafood, and has enjoyed that as well. We’ve mostly gone here as a place to eat when camping or staying at the Costanoa cabins, or when finishing off a day on the coast, but I don’t think it would rate a special trip.
While their food and service is not exactly exceptional, I think some of the folks who gave one-​star reviews either had bad luck or have a chip on their shoulder. I’m a fan, and happy to give four stars.
The price is on the higher side, but by no means excessive for the location. There are no great views, which is disappointing, being on the coast and all, but the ambiance is reasonable. If you get a seat near either of the gas fireplaces, they will turn them on or off if you ask. If you don’t want to hear the TV, be sure to ask to be seated away from the bar, as the TV is usually on (one big room, with bar and TV on side).
If you want to go with a large group, I think they do have a larger dining room upstairs, but be sure to arrange this days in advance, as I think their serving and kitchen staff is kept at a minimum for the particular day. Show up with a large group, or calling that day, and you may find the wait too long.
Bottom line: We’re quite happy going here, and have never been disappointed.

My husband and I spent our 25^th wedding anniversary in the Douglas Fir cabins and loved every second. We ate at the Cascade Restaurant three nights in a row. Each night was spectacular! We enjoyed salmon, gnocchi, halibut, pasta and rib eye steaks. Each dinner out shined the previous! Service: perfect. Cocktails: Magic. Ambiance: stellar. What better way to enjoy the nature on the central coast? At Costanoa! Angelica and Brad made a great team pairing our food with wine and after dinner drinks.
Some people don’t appreciate. We do. We will be back!

I must say that we were quite disappointed in the food here, particularly given how expensive it is. We are serious foodies so quality and presentation is important to us. My wife ordered the whole fish (branzino) which had absolutely no flavor — whomever prepared didn’t season it either inside or out… not even salt. My duck burger nothing interesting and pretty small and the grilled artichoke was way over cooked.
I am giving this review two stars because our waiter was a very nice and attentive young man. For Unilocal reader driving the San Mateo coast I would suggest either Durate’s or Davenport Hotel. Both much better and far cheaper.

Good food-​though somewhat overpriced. Service is the worst.
My daughter and I were turned away at 9 pm while diners were in the restaurant, people were at the bar, and the sign clearly said it was open until TEN! I guess they do not need our money, tips, etcetera

Will never go back here and wanted to leave a note to warn other potential diners. As we stayed in the camping grounds and this was the only walk able food spot, we ate here on 3 occasions in total (breakfast, lunch and dinner) so I feel like we have had enough experience to warrant this rating.
First, the service is terrible. It takes a long time for your waiter to reach your table (after 10 minutes having to eventually ask someone). Then on 2 of the visits they screwed up our fairly straight forward orders. When asked about why they brought us the wrong food the answer was simply: Oh, we ran out of X. And the attitude of the manager who served us the food (no idea where the waiter was) seemed very cold when we politely asked as to why this wasn’t the food we had ordered.
Second, and main reason for 1 star, is that on the third visit they served us raw chicken. Yes, raw chicken! One of the dishes on the menu is chicken & waffles for lunch. While eating the chicken we realized that the center of the chicken was completely uncooked. This is obviously a big risk from a health standpoint and the manager came over and declared it was «gross» and offered to cover our lunch.
It’s a real shame to have to leave these comments as it’s a great camp ground, nice restaurant location and they do have some good vegetables. However, for the high price they demand, the awful service and the complete oversight in safely cooking the food I think 1 star is all the deserve right now.

I have been waiting forever to try this restaurant. Tucked back off highway one down a winding charming lane this stunning lodge is beautifully decorated inside and out and a combination of rustic and whimsical that I just loved.
My husband and I started with crab cakes and calimari. The calimari was good but not memorable. The crab cakes were incredible huge chunks of crab, lightly breaded and a mouthwatering aeoli sauce.
We followed our food adventure to the salads. My husband enjoying the Ceaser with freshly shaved Parmesan and a buttery dressing. I had the arugula salad in a lovely light and oily dressing.
I ordered the scallops and my husband the ribeye. My scallops were nestled into a creamy purée and perfectly cooked. My son recommend the scallops and they definitely didn’t disappoint. My favorite though was the mixture of blood orange, cauliflower, capers and sprouts that adorned the plate. I never could have thought up that mixture and it was so over the top surprisingly good, a symphony in my mouth that left my taste buds applauding and wanting more! My husbands rib eye cooked to order «medium rare» and perfect at that. Fantastic fingerling potatoes danced around it.
We finished our meal with a whiskey bread pudding and a chocolate lava cake. Both were fantastic but the bread pudding was over the top. I would go back for that alone.
Our server Angelica was sweet and attentive but never overbearing. Service, menu selection, ambiance, setting was all worth going individually and together a perfect marriage for a great evening.