Chez Panisse

Delicious food and great service. Definitely price and a special occasion kind of place. We were pleasantly surprised with the small appetizer, dessert tea, and small candies (orange peel and chocolate covered almonds) included with the prix fixe menu!

Came solo because no one wanted to commit. Just moved to Oakland recently and this is on my to do list. Seated with a primo view of the kitchen in the downstairs dining room. Although I was basically in middle of the room for all to gawk at. Produce and sauces were the stars. Make sure to reserve some bread to sop it all up. While there is a complimentary prosecco drink, you must order the pear cider if they have it. Just do it. Dungeness crab salad w black truffle. Really generous lump crab and claw meat. Full slice of truffle. Yes. Halibut ravioli with leeks and manila clam. Bad news, the pasta was not cooked, still a little crunchy. Had to take off a star for that, sorry. But the fish filling was perfectly done. Its probably a challenge to have the pasta cooked but the filling not over done. Beurre blanc sauce with those fresh leeks was really something. More bread please. Duck breast w squash puree was a satisfying dish. Squash puree was wonderfully sweet. Savarin du rhum for dessert. The citrus was more orange than orange. Complimentary mint tea at the end was a nice touch. Since I was seated in the middle of the room, service was over the top excellent. Not a second went by without something happening or some need attended. Team work. Constantly rotating menu means I have a reason to return... frequently.

Lunch at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, CA was outstanding. Founded by legendary chef and farm-to-table pioneer Alice Waters, the restaurant lives up to its reputation — simple, seasonal dishes done to perfection. Fresh salad, expertly prepared duck, and a classic fruit tart to finish. Attentive service, incredible ingredients, and a true Berkeley classic that absolutely delivers.

We tried all the desserts - the peach galette and the sorbet really stood out. The chicken was seasoned well and had a lot of moisture. It was a great place to celebrate a wedding brunch.