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  • Chez Panisse Restaurant

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Chez Panisse Restaurant
Chez Panisse Restaurant

Chez Panisse Restaurant Details

  • Dining Style: Fine Dining
  • Website: http://www.chezpanisse.com
  • Phone: (510) 548-5525
  • Hours of Operation: Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 8:45pm, Friday - Saturday: 6:00pm - 9:15pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Californian, Organic, Mediterranean
  • Executive Chef: Alice Waters
  • Dress Code: Business Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Bar/Lounge, Beer, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Private Party Facilities: The dining room can be reserved for private parties of up to 50 guests
  • Private Party Contact: Jennifer Sherman (510) 548-5066
  • Special Events & Promotions: Celebrate Bastille Day with garlic, wine, and live French music.
    Special fixed menu.

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Cedar Street
  • Public Transit: Downtown Berkeley BART station 7 blocks from Chez Panisse.

    AC Transit bus connection or taxi at BART station
    AC Transit bus connection or taxi at BART station
  • Parking: Street Parking
A word from Chez Panisse Restaurant
Chez Panisse opened its doors in 1971, started by Alice Waters and a band of idealistic friends. A neighborhood bistro named after a character in Marcel Pagnol's 1930's trilogy of movies (‘Marius,’ ‘Fanny,’ and ‘Cesar’), the Restaurant and Café are a homage to the sentiment, comedy and informality… of these classic films. From the beginning, Alice and her partners tried to do things the way they would like them done at a dinner party at home. Through the years, Chez Panisse has stayed true to this original inspiration and is now part of the global Slow Food movement.

Chez Panisse Restaurant, located downstairs, is open for dinner Monday through Saturday, by reservation only. The set menu changes every night, reflecting the season. Our produce, meat, poultry, and fish come from farms, ranches, and fisheries guided by principles of sustainability.Continued
Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Ambiance
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Food
Diner Reviews
  • "We had been given a gift certificate for Chez Panisse after our son was born... He's seven years old now, and we just made it to the restaurant for the first time. What a fantastic meal, from the restaurant location and building to the staff to the succulent food... perfect. This is a must!"
    Dined on 7/8/2014
  • "This was a fabulous evening with extraordinary food and excellent service. but if you are seated downstairs not in the front room, and not in a corner, you are effectively "in the corridor" of the room and the acoustics are very demanding, so that the more quiet conversation I was hoping to have turned out to be a strain. but otherwise, perfect!"
    Dined on 7/8/2014
  • "The best! We are so lucky this gem is in our neighborhood."
    Dined on 7/2/2014
  • "I have waited 3 years to experience Chez Panisse ....was a bit apprehensive about being disappointed , maybe it had become commercialized ...the architecture , the choice of serving pieces, the high level of attention to every atmospheric detail , as well as , every wine choice and ingredient for each scrumptious course encouraged my belief that a restaurant can and will be true to it's ideal: to prepare and serve only the most healthy and delectable dining experience with warm and professional service . Thank you Alice Waters ! Truly , we need your true expertise here in Dallas."
    Dined on 7/2/2014
  • "By European standards this is a good but not great restaurant and we ate much better elsewhere in Caifornia for much less money. Adding an automatic service charge is damned cheeky, the service was excellent however . All in all it was a rip off."
    Dined on 6/26/2014
  • "Superlative experience not to be missed when in Berkeley."
    Dined on 6/17/2014
  • "Much care went into the food and the dining experience. The service was personal and the wine suggestions great. My 18 yr old daughter and I were celebrating an achievement and it was a friendly place to do so. She thought she didn't like duck, but has been converted. Thank you Chez Panisse."
    Dined on 6/17/2014
  • "Exceeded all our expectations and would highly recommend"
    Dined on 6/9/2014
  • "It's a Bay Area institution - it's worth all of the hype"
    Dined on 6/5/2014
  • "Quality okay, in line with standing of this restaurant. But small portions and a wine arrangement of 60 dollars for 2 half/ third glasses. So little, so petit, a restaurant like this unworthy."
    Dined on 6/2/2014
  • "Wanted to try Chez Panisse for years and was absolutely in love as soon as we arrived. Super charming building and amazingly nice staff. We had reservation for 5:30 and arrived a few minutes early. The restaurant wasn't seating yet, so we were guided to the bar area upstairs. After 10 minutes, we were seated at a super charming table on what reminded me of a swanky enclosed patio; very bright and inviting on a summer evening. Service was absolutely impeccable and the menu was DIVINE. Salad of cod, asparagus and leeks with a lemon vinaigrette. Pan fried quail with polenta and roasted asparagus. Fruit "soup" with lemon verbena sorbetta. AMAZING. We did the wine pairing and loved every single sip. Hope to return soon!"
    Dined on 5/26/2014
  • "Although a printed menu comes to each table, there was more to each dish than what was described. Each course seemed somewhat small, but by the time we were done, we were quite full. More... http://bit.ly/1maSj3i"
    Dined on 5/20/2014
  • "We ate at the Cafe. Beautiful food and excellent service. "
    Dined on 5/7/2014
  • "The food is lovely, beautifully prepared, the service is outstanding, our waiter, Nick, was wonderful. The prices are a little high, but it is something everyone should experience at least once in their lives, especially if you live in the bay area"
    Dined on 5/6/2014
  • "After hearing about Chez Panisse since I was a kid, I was beyond excited to have dinner there last week. I took my mom as my date and we had one of the best meals I've ever enjoyed. I've eaten all over the world- but there was something truly magical about Chez Panisse... The incredibly polite and welcoming staff, the beautiful dining room, the gorgeous, one-of-a-kind menus bedecked with colorful illustrations of flowers and trees, the wonderful presentation and service of the three courses- each one better than the last! My mom had the first caught wild salmon of the season, and I had delicious handmade pasta with exotic mushrooms and fava beans.Ah, the dessert french concoction of cream, meringue, fresh strawberries and candied rose petal"
    Dined on 5/5/2014
  • "The freshness ingredients which makes this restaurant stands out for all others. The price is also very reasonable. Highly recommend this restaurant."
    Dined on 4/22/2014
  • "As always, Chez Panisse delivered. Particularly noteworthy was the lamb main - simply the most delicious lamb I have ever tasted. Beautifully sweet meat (loin and chop), simply prepared. "
    Dined on 4/21/2014
  • "After living in the east bay for 4 years and city for 3, finally had a chance to go and it was amazing."
    Dined on 4/10/2014
  • "Dining at Chez Panisse has always been a wonderful expierence when we are traveling to San Francisco. However, we were so disappointed with our last visit there. We ended up sandwiched between two loud tables . I couldn't hear a word my husband was saying . The food was also disappointing as it didn't even come close to previous dinners we've enjoyed so much in the past . In all fairness , we had a very nice waiter and the restaurant was apologetic for the noise level. At the same time I believe we should have been seated in a different location in the restaurant before our arrival . The food was also not up to Chez Panisse standards.. I adore Alice Waters and this hasn't been an easy review to write . It is however a truthful one."
    Dined on 4/10/2014
  • "Melt in your mouth dishes, wonderful values for food and staff, cozy atmosphere We were absolutely thrilled to finally eat at Chez Panisse given its cultural significance in the sustainability movement. The food was incredible - and we aren't foodies, so noticing such a big difference must mean something. Every dish was carefully and artistically rendered with care, each dish built toward the next, and the wine pairing was just perfect. It was a very special and memorable experience. It is an investment financially, but the food and service were phenomenal. Love the mission statement, and how well they treat each of their staff members. Highly recommend!"
    Dined on 4/9/2014
  • "The 4 of us have wanted to dine here since moving to the Bay area and Chez Pannise did not disappoint. The food was sensational, the service impeccable and overall the entire experience was irrefutable. The staff even went the extra mile and gave us a personal kitchen tour which made our evening that much better. A+++ on all fronts. Lived up to expectations, which were very high to begin with."
    Dined on 4/8/2014
  • "The copper hued dining room amazes with each visit. This was the first time I've had duck sliced very thin-a treat! A round creamed spinach disc was very unique. This place is sheer magic-one of the worlds finest and famous spots. I envy people who have yet to go here and be amazed! Superb."
    Dined on 4/3/2014
  • "This remains one of the greats. No sliping on any level, and the staff treats you like you are a regular."
    Dined on 4/1/2014
  • "It is true that when you book your first reservation at a restaurant that has a legacy, the bar is set very high. Nonetheless, Chez Panisse completely lived up to its reputation on all counts. Service was fabulous, with the staff very intuitive as to when to be there and when to give us a bit more space. Each course was something to look forward to and there was always just enough without being too much of anything. And given that the menu is always changing, there is little or no chance that you might repeat something the next time you visit. Among all of the delicious presentations, the lamb sausage was perhaps the most notable both in terms of taste and texture."
    Dined on 4/1/2014
  • "I received a gift certificate for Chez Panisse from my employer and was so excited because I had always wanted to eat there. I decided to take my daughter to celebrate her recent graduation. We had a wonderful time. Both of us were just in awe of the quality and freshness of the food and the quality of the wait staff. Yes, it is expensive but well worth trying at least once in your life."
    Dined on 3/31/2014
  • "The food was awesome. My salad was, perhaps, the most beautiful I've ever had. It looked like a sparkling gem on the plate. And it was delicious. The courses, one vegetarian and one not, were all creative, well-prepared, luscious, and beautifully presented. It was a dining treat in all respects."
    Dined on 3/26/2014
  • "While I found the food undeniably innovative and delicious, I was very disappointed in the attention from the staff, particularly our waiter. I felt it was more on the lines of a chain restaurant. Perhaps spending $85 for a meal is not a lot to some, it is to me. I felt the personal touch was missing for a restaurant of Chez Panisse stature. I still enjoyed the experience, however, felt with a warmer waiter the experience could have been more memorable."
    Dined on 3/26/2014
  • "Extremely overpriced. Minuscule portions! This restaurant is an elaborate scam to guilt people to spend a mortgage payment to eat a skeleton meal made from local ingredients. Even without the price component, the taste was below average."
    Dined on 3/25/2014
  • "We have wanted to try Chez Panise for a long time, and finally did for a special occasion. It's supposedly know for their great food. We were extremely disappointed and maybe should not have had high expectations. Food was simply put - boring and fair at best. My money is better spent elsewhere. Restaurant environment was charming and service was very good."
    Dined on 3/13/2014
  • "Decor - 1920's American chic with top half mirrors and wood trimming. Seating and everything else is comfortable. Food/Menu - Suffice to say, the food was incredible. All flavors have been expertly chosen and prepared by the chefs to blend together harmoniously. Although the menu is set in the restaurant (where i visited), the more casual cafe on the second floor provides for an a la carte menu. Great red & white list of old & new worlds including a dessert wine list of the world's quintessential regions. Cost - Including a split bottle of wine, two glasses of dessert wine on top of the set menu, the total cost was $125 per person including gratuity. Service - not very warm - no smiling, and lack of attention."
    Dined on 3/12/2014
  • "The staff was very efficient and friendly. The food was as expected - incredible, especially the bay scallops. We wanted a place that would feel special to celebrate our 30th anniversary and Chez Panisse delivered. It is the best food around and a wonderful dining experience."
    Dined on 3/11/2014
  • "Our price fixed menu was excellent. However I thought when the main entree was changed to chicken there should have been an adjustment made to the bill. 100.00 per person is a lot of money for chicken. But it was excellent food in a lovely, friendly, service oriented environment. Thank you."
    Dined on 3/7/2014
  • "Travelled by BART from SF and walked up Shattuck on a balmy evening and were relaxed and ready to be dazzled and we were. Great wine, great food, warn and friendly service in a room (the restaurant) with great ambience. Probably the best fine dining experience of our lives and, I would add a very good value for quality of food and service."
    Dined on 3/6/2014
  • "I have spent 20 years delving through Alice Waters' cookbooks and learning how to cook. I've always wanted to visit Chez Panisse and this experience far exceeded my expectation of the restaurant. Walking into the restaurant was surreal - the visual beauty of the kitchen, the warmly lit, comfortable surroundings and the marvelous staff set the stage for the perfect night. As expected, every single bite was absolutely delicious. Our waitress was so sweet and when she learned my dining partner was a culinary student, she graciously allowed us into the kitchen for a quick, impressive tour. I couldn't have had a more perfect night."
    Dined on 3/5/2014
  • "I brought a group of 6 college culinary students. The service and food were great and it was an unforgettable experience for the students. Thank you to the chef for the tour of the kitchen. We look forward to our next opportunity to dine at Chez Panisse!"
    Dined on 3/4/2014
  • "The food was fabulous! They do ask if the fixed menu works for you so it seems they can adjust somewhat to accommodate food allergies or preferences. Service was superb, but somehow I felt not in California or Berkeley, maybe that's the intent, to be a bit snooty and country French. The host who greeted us at the door was neither welcoming nor efficient as he struggled to find our reservation and others as well. It is off-putting to have reserved online with a credit card, confirmed the day prior via telephone, and then be treated like you do not belong because someone cannot find a reservation. Is the intent to keep the riff-raf out or to welcome us into this beautiful restaurant. In all, a dining experience not to be missed!"
    Dined on 3/4/2014
  • "The lamb was perfect yet the standout this time was crepes with a white cream truffle sauce-one of the best dishes in recent memory. The wine pairing went very well. - zinfandel with the Lamb. The service as always is exceptional. Already looking forward to another visit! Perfection at a modest price."
    Dined on 2/27/2014
  • "Dining at tis iconic restaurant had been a goal of mine for quite some time. Although the food did not disappoint, the service was aloof and snooty, not the earthy vibe I was expecting. Ironically, the service lapsed in many areas. We were never offered a drink, we were left to pour our own wine, etc. We felt more like unwelcome tourists in Paris, than visitors to Berkeley."
    Dined on 2/26/2014
  • "This restaurant offers one menu each evening. I was a little worried when I saw this menu on-line as it featured northern Indian flavors, rather than California ones. The restaurant is a class act. The courses were all superb and the only truly hot course was modified in the kitchen for me. Fennel and turmeric fritters were outstanding. Rockfish soup with ginger and garam masala was served to me minus the garam masala, at my request. It was very tasty. Duck breast grilled with coriander and cumin was excellent. Interestingly, the micro greens were my favorite part of this dish. I have never had a salad this good before. Each little green was a flavor burst in my mouth. Wow. The cardamom ice cream and buckwheat crepe with candied kumquats."
    Dined on 2/20/2014
  • "Great food... The guy at the table next to us proposed to his girlfriend. You don't see that every day! And the food was amazing..."
    Dined on 2/18/2014
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • East Bay Winners
  • Best Overall
  • Best Ambiance
  • Best Food
  • Best Service
  • Californian
  • Special Occasion
Learn more ›