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Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College Reviews List
Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Pino Alto Restaurant is located in the historic Sesnon House on the Cabrillo College campus in Aptos. The student run restaurant is open for dinner Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 5:50 - 8:30. The Terrace, with more casual fare, opens at 5:00. The restaurant is also open for lunch Monday - Thursday. We only accept lunch reservations for groups of 6 or more. To make a lunch reservation please call 831-479-5750.
See more Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College details
37 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 37 reviews
5 stars
(12)
4 stars
(19)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(25)
- neighborhood gem(20)
- good for groups(17)
- special occasion(16)
- great for outdoor dining(15)
- romantic(11)
Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College Reviews List
Review 1 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Fun!
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/17/2013
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Intimate, creative food. The students aren't great waiters, so you'll wait a while. Don't come starving! But the food was fun, and the experience was a nice change from restaurants."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 2 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A pleasant experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is always a fun place to go with friends, It is a "local gem". I wish it was open even more however."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 3 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A learning experience.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Diners should understand that the rotation of culinary arts students results in varying food preparation and service but the effort is good, fun and interesting. The May tapas menu took some explaining for us but the variety of small plates included some very good innovations and only the tortilla espanola was a burnt disappointment. We brought a bottle of wine for dinner which was a good idea because it took a long time to bring a bottle that we ordered from the menu."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 4 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is a hidden Gem in our
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a hidden Gem in our small community of Aptos. The students do an outstanding job with food and service. The only regret is that it is not open year round.
I give Pino Alto Restaurant on OUTSTANDING rating, and look forward to what the students are cooking up next.
Bon Appetite!"
I give Pino Alto Restaurant on OUTSTANDING rating, and look forward to what the students are cooking up next.
Bon Appetite!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, scenic view
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Review 5 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Gereat job by the culinary
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Gereat job by the culinary team."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 6 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is an absolute fabulous
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is an absolute fabulous place to have dinner when you are not in a hurry. You have to go understanding this is a college and everyone is learning so the pace is slow and can take 2-3 hours to complete your meal. It is a wonderful place to go if you are catching up with an old friend or are looking for a leisurely dinner. They certainly don't rush you and you are free to linger and talk and take as much time as you like eating your dinner. The night I went the food was absolutely fantastic. From the fresh baked bread to the avacado gelatto everything was delicious. The amazing part of the whole thing is you get this fantastic dinner for half what a "real" restaurant would cost. And they don't have a corkage fee! Too good to be true"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 7 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Pino Alto is the nicest restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Pino Alto is the nicest restaurant we've dined at in a long long time. Perfect setting; Sesnon House is magnificent. Our waiter, Matt, was charming. The nettle soup delicious, the lamb rib chops supreme. Can't offer enough compliments to the chef and staff. We'll certainly return. Would like to try the small plates on the Terrace. Maybe next week. Sunday Brunch would be a real asset as would Saturday night.
Keep up the outstanding work. Thank you.
Kathy Mann"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 8 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We were with a group of six,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were with a group of six, so we got to taste all the appetizers, most of the entrees and desserts. Every enjoyed ithem all. The only problem was the fish was cold.
We ate in the garden room for dinner and would like to try the fireplace room or outdoors for lunch.
Our waiter was attentive and very personable.
We all had a great time and plan to return in the future.
Thanks for the fun evening."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Vey Nice But very noisie my
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Vey Nice But very noisie my hearing not good! can't hear conversation with all the background noise.Will sit outside if possible in the future.
we alway enjoy the food....lunch more than dinner lunch may be quieter.We don't eat as much as when we were younger so lunch is better for us. age 67 and 65. Thanks"
Dined on 03/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 10 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great job!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The students working here are doing a great job. Bear in mind that they are learning, and not 100% polished, but very earnest. The food is wonderful, the venue is lovely, and the price is right!
The 3 stars for service was because things went very slowly. Apparently, the kitchen was slow and backed up, but it was early in the semester when we went, and they were just beginning to figure everything out.
We will be back!"
The 3 stars for service was because things went very slowly. Apparently, the kitchen was slow and backed up, but it was early in the semester when we went, and they were just beginning to figure everything out.
We will be back!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 11 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Cabrillo College Culinary
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Cabrillo College Culinary student restaurant. It is great to support the campus and students. The most recent meals was very good, I enjoyed the salad, squash soup and the fish. The cauliflower sauce on the fish did not impress me, it overpowered the fish. The creme brulee was very creamy and finalized our meal."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 12 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Very nice for lunch, but
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very nice for lunch, but not for dinner. Very amateurish compared with other culinary academies. Never saw the professor until we asked for him.
The food plating was the best thing about it. Looked very nice. The taste of the food, however, was largely bland.
I would like to see this tightened up and more really professional.
Laina Farhat-Holzman"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2004
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 13 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Pino Alto is run by the Culinary
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Pino Alto is run by the Culinary class at Cabrillo College. It is housed in a beautiful, historic mansion. The lunch menu changes weekly and dinner changes every three weeks. The menu is quite small but there is always a a meat, fish and vegetarian option. Price includes an amuse bouche, soup, salad, sorbet intermezzo and entree. Servers are students in the program. The food is wonderful and the wait staff is eager. Timing isn't perfect but this is a great meal at a great price.
There is a wine list that includes a few beers. My husband would have liked more choices of wine by the glass."
There is a wine list that includes a few beers. My husband would have liked more choices of wine by the glass."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It is always special to have
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It is always special to have dinner at the Sesnon House. We shall return!"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 15 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Took a business friend and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Took a business friend and she LOVED it. Her newest "recommend" to take clients to to show the local charm."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 16 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Although Cabrillo College
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Although Cabrillo College cullinary students are the chefs, there is nothing sophomoric about the food or its presentation in the lovely setting of the iconoic California mansion, Sesnon House. The four course menu was innovative and complex; the resulting sensual experience of taste and sight was A+."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
our best experience there
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"our best experience there EVER!"
Dined on 03/14/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food was good. But overall,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was good. But overall, I felt it was "kids playing restaurant". The service definitely left something to be desired. For example, the server was unfamiliar with the (small) wine list. After telling her what we wanted, she was we had to actually point to it on the wine list. The wine then took 20 minutes to come. The first course came before the wine, at which point I had to ask for the wine. This would never happen in a "real" fine dining establishment. If these kids are learning at the expense of the service, the prices should reflect that and be less than other local restaurants (but they are equal). All thing considered, we won't go back or recommend to friends."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2013
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Review 19 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Real Gem!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Wonderful meal, very reasonable, and located in a beautiful old mansion. You just need to be patient with the wait staff as it is a community college culinary school. The food was creative, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The students and staff do
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The students and staff do an excellent job. Just wish there had been more wine choices for someone who only wants to drink one glass. As the driver I have to limit myself to one glass and my guest could no=way drink a whole bottle herself!!
Also all the doors were kept open to the patio and we got very cold, when we asked our waiter to close the door to the restaurant, he said he was not allowed to because there might be people on the terrace. As it was there did not appear to be anyone and in any case the door to the room we were in could have been closed leaving the other door to the terrace open.
I think we should have been seated on the other side of the room away from the entrance door, there were other vacant tables."
Also all the doors were kept open to the patio and we got very cold, when we asked our waiter to close the door to the restaurant, he said he was not allowed to because there might be people on the terrace. As it was there did not appear to be anyone and in any case the door to the room we were in could have been closed leaving the other door to the terrace open.
I think we should have been seated on the other side of the room away from the entrance door, there were other vacant tables."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Based on the average of (17) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate