Commis (Oakland)

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1. D

   Date

   San Francisco

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Reviewed on May 21, 2018

   overall5foodserviceambience

   My husband and I had an exceptional dining experience at Commis. I am 6 months along, an important detail my husband forgot to mention when he reserved our dinner. Our waiter was so accommodating and asked me about specific dishes before making substitutions. My meals were amazing! I couldn't believe they were able to make those changes with such short notice, and the dishes were well-composed. My husband is also a sous-chef and thoroughly enjoyed each one of his dishes. Overall, food was thoughtfully prepared with so much flavor, and it was beautiful!

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2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   6 reviews

   4.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on May 6, 2016

   overall4food3service5ambience3

   The food was good, lots of small plates, unique preparations, beautiful display but left feeling like I spent a lot of money and I wasn't as excited about the dinner for the price. All very good food but $400 for two people and we brought two bottles of wine and bought one. Service was fantastic although a bit more formal than the decor implies.

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3. s

   sdthrush

   New England

   128 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   128 reviews

   Dined on May 6, 2016

   overall5food5service4ambience4

   This one of the most creative and flavorful meals i have ever had. Thank you!

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4. M

   Melinda

   San Francisco

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 5, 2016

   overall3food3service4ambience4

   I don't appreciate the lack of menu choices and the chef's unwillingness to accommodate his guest's needs AT ALL. We made our reservation 3 months in advance. At that time, I made note of my food allergies/aversions. 1. No bell pepper, 2. No shellfish. With three months warning, I felt like the chef should have been able to arrange an alternative for me. But no, three of the eight courses came with raw and/or steamed shellfish. Instead of offering me an alternative protein, subtractions were simply made from my dishes. Considering I paid full price, I found this unacceptable. The soy dish was blah but the food was otherwise fantastic. My partner enjoyed his shellfish. The service is excellent and their sommelier was a delight. We won't be returning here again though.

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   1 review

   vip
   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 5, 2016

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Excellent service, excellent food. My one gripe is the three notifications I received about my upcoming reservation - one email, one phone call, and one text. A bit excessive.

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6. AT

   AnastasiaT

   San Francisco

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on May 4, 2016

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Really great and memorable food. Loved the attention to detail in service and plating.

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7. D

   Diane

   New York Area

   60 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   60 reviews

   Dined on April 8, 2016

   overall5food5service4ambience4

   We are foodies visiting from Manhattan ..heard the great reviews . When we arrived I was concerned when i heard it would be eight courses ! (I hate being over stuffed), but that was not the case . Each plate with small, delicate, exquisitely put togetherand exceptionally delicious. Some combinations were quite exceptional and very tasty. My husband thought it was a little bit " "too precious" and called it "tweezer food " but if you enjoy artistic combinations i would definitely recommend.

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8. c

   ck10

   San Francisco

   9 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on April 8, 2016

   overall2food3service2ambience3

   Some of the courses were very interesting. Examples: frozen pear dipped in juniper juice, roasted sunchokes and mushrooms, slow cooked egg yolk, rhubarb and buttermilk dessert. Other courses were surprisingly bland and uninteresting. Examples: Soybean custard, halibut with a totally unmemorable sauce, pork with another totally unmemorable sauce. We got the beverage pairings and found that they were pretty short pours. We aren't lushes but in some cases there just wasn't enough wine to finish the course, and nobody ever came around to refresh our wine glasses. For the egg yolk course, we got our wine about 15 minutes before we got the food, so naturally we had a few sips while we were waiting, and then we REALLY didn't have enough to complement the course. So overall not the best experience.

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9. F

   Foodie

   San Francisco

   94 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   94 reviews

   Dined on April 1, 2016

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We had a wonderful time at this two star Michelin restaurant. Commis was at the top of their game. The dishes were exquisitely prepared. Works of art and absolutely delicious.

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10. DR

    DerkR

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 30, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    If eight-course (plus pre- and post- "snacks") tasting-menu dining is your thing, this is the best in the East Bay. Chef James Syhabout is a mad genius with flavors and textures. Sure, the plating is tweezer-and-foam artful, and that's part of why you're paying $125 per person ($200 if you add "beverage" aka "wine" pairings). Some will dine here just to say they did; but the wise eater will pay close attention to the details (as pretentious as others may find them) and succumb to the sublime. The service is exquisitely coordinated and only a tad too formal.

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11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Commis has a prix fix menu. They offer wine pairings with every course if interested. Portions are tiny but plentiful. Beautiful, meticulous presentation. Original food pairings and delicious. Service and attention to detail are second to none. Pricy but worth every penny. Highly recommend Commis

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12. MP

    MenloParkDiner

    San Francisco

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Commis emphatically deserves its two Michelin rosettes. Outstanding cooking and terrific wines combine with knowledgeable and attentive service to make dinner a memorable experience. The chef even had wonderful workarounds for one diner's food aversions. Our meal was an evening we will cherish.

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13. o

    opentabler7

    San Francisco

    190 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    190 reviews

    Dined on March 20, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Chef James is the most humble and focused chef, always a joy to participate in his heavenly environment. I noticed years ago that he seemed already to be working at 2 star Michelin level. Congrats to each of his team as they are world class.

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14. OL

    OneitaLopez

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Such an amazing restaurant!

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15. E

    Eater99

    San Francisco

    84 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    84 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Wife and I finally dined at Commis after reading all the great reviews. We were not disappointed. All the dishes were unique. Our favorate was the poached egg with its amazing foamed sauce, so delicious. The true cod was so fresh and delicious you think it just came off the fish. Service was attentive. It does deserved a 2 starred Michelin, great value compared to other Michelin restaurants in San Francisco. Nice to have in Oakland.

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16. NG

    NikiG

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2016

    overall3food3service5ambience3

    I was eager to try Commis for the Michelin star(s) it has received and to support an Oakland restaurant. I must say the service was fantastic but we both found the food to be unsatisfying. The best thing was the egg. The wine/beer pairings made the dinner --- had we not had the pairing the food would have been odd. The service and the space itself was very good. I would suggest asking for a bar seat to watch meal prep.

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17. KT

    KayT

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2016

    overall3food4service4ambience3

    We made a 5:30 reservation so we could attend an 8 pm theater. We had to leave early, at 7:40, without finishing all courses. We could not see the menu in advance. Each course is tiny (ex. 1 Brussel sprout with half a fingerling potato), but takes 15 minutes to prepare and serve, and there's 8 or 9 of them. All were flavorful and interesting, but this tasting style doesn't suit our dining preferences. And it's VERY expensive; $125 each without wine. Conversation is difficult, as they explain each dish as it's brought out, so mostly you talk with waiters!

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18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Every dish was a unique work of art, visually as well as with regards to taste. The service was equally outstanding. A true experience I will never forget!

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19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2016

    overall4food4service5ambience3

    Just ok. Food is California style.

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20. R

    Richardh

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Really amazing meal.

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 27, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food as art

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22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2016

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Super service and delicious food, it was a superb experience.

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23. TB

    TashaB

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Much smaller than anticipated but delightful and imaginative. Loved every bite. Ended up ordering the coffee they see from the toaster because it was five. Such a fun dinner for a celebration!

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24. M

    Mttty

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2016

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    We have been to Commis three times for very special occasions. Unfortunately, we were disappointed this time.

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25. MC

    McCalmont

    San Francisco

    129 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    129 reviews

    Dined on February 6, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Commis always has a homey feel -- we always appreciate this. The people are lovely. The food is fabulous. The wines are delightful. Consistently top flight.

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26. L

    Lily

    Tokyo

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I was extremely full afterwards! The food was beautiful. Intricate flavors and extremely fresh!

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27. DL

    DianaL

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We went here for my birthday. It was amazing. We got a really nice and private 2 top. Everything was delicious. The staff signed a birthday card and we got an extra guava filled cream puff. It was really sweet of them to do that. Did I mention that everything was delicious?

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28. p

    petern

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    As far as I am concerned this is not only the best fine restaurant in the East Bay, but the best value for fine dining in the entire Bay area. The food is beyond good -- it is Art. Service is impeccable, presentations were elegant, variety and portions just right. We came away satisfied but not stuffed with taste experiences that we will remember for years. At $125/per person, it is almost a bargain. One caveat, my wife and i do not drink, so we can't speak about the price or quality of the wine

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29. BC

    BonnieC

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 27, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Went here for my husband's birthday and it was absolutely amazing! We sat at the bar seating right next to the kitchen and really enjoyed watching everything happen! Definitely go here! It's wonderful!

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on January 23, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Food style and presentation is comparable Atelier Crenn, but perhaps without the same level extravagance. The meal moves at a good pace and you aren't left waiting for the next course compared to some other prix fixe restaurants. The portions are about right. The food was excellent.

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31. f

    foodie

    San Francisco

    133 reviews

    5.0

    133 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    and our last dinner was no exception...you do not see a menu so it's always a pleasant surprise and the staff knows the food and the wines. the wine pours just add to the experience and the staff work together seamless less to provide a fine dining experience. it's a tasting menu and not inexpensive but certainly more than worth it for a special occasion if you like a quiet, well run and extremely original and thoughtful, locally sourced and lovingly prepared, beautifully presented and extremely wonderful dining experience. yes we will be back!!!

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32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    ✨🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼✨ Music didnt really fit the vibe, but I was down. Food was excellent, the tobacco-scented (?) steak was super interesting. I learned what parsnips tasted like through the parsnip pudding in the toasted rice dessert, realizing that I've never actually had straight parsnips. The carrot and lemon courses were shockingly carrot-y and lemon-y, but in the best possible ways. Makes u get real philosophical about what a lemon or carrot really is. All else was great as well, though bouillon and the biscuit-related items were on the more boring side.

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33. T

    Tizzy

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 17, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    I would have given you 5 stars for the beautiful bread alone. So delicately crisp, warm and unctious. If there is such a word. I thought the pairing with the egg was beyond. Congratulations to the chefs and staff who made our evening so special. L & R

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34. g

    george

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I must say that the dining experience was pretty amazing. Basically every course was top notch, and the service was highly attentive.

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35. TG

    TGFGTV6

    San Francisco

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The tasting menu was simply superb. The chef was on that night and the service was efficient, friendly and even had a bit of flair. I highly recommend... This place has chops and deserves its place amongst the top in the east bay... I think it's top five for food and service in the entire Bay Area.

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36. K

    Kell

    San Francisco

    47 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    This is our favorite restaurant. The courses are always unique. Love the flavor combinations! How great we have a Michelin 2 star restaurant of our very own on this side of the Bay!! We are in love with Chef James but having a torrid affair with Chef Keone, the chef de cuisine!! What a chef! The staff never disappoints. Never stuffy but always professional. You feel taken care of here! The wine pairings are a must. Not only do you get the most enthusiastic descriptions from their sommelier, but perfect pairing to the course you are about to enjoy. Just a great place in all respects!

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37. M

    Michael

    Salt Lake City

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The service was a excellent, the decor beautiful, and the food delicious. As been noted previously, the food served is a tasting menu of the freshest ingredients mixed and spiced in unique ways. While each course is small, together they provide a full dinner of imaginative servings. While every aspect of the restaurant experience is exceptional, it's all about the food. There is an open kitchen so one can watch the courses being prepared. For a foodie, that is worth the price of admission alone. It is fascinating to watch all of the exacting work go into the small plates. It is almost like a play, although most of what they were doing to the food was unintelligible to me. This is not a restaurant for large groups, business meetings, or first dates. All conversation will be about what was last served and how it was made. Given the expense, $125 per person plus $70 for the wine pairing, it is for special occasions and should be treated as an experience more than a meal. But it was worth every penny and will be visited again the next time I am in the Bay Area.

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38. C

    Celebration

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 26, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    This was an important celebration, and Commis delivered on every level...from the communication before to the special finale pastry.

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39. O

    Oishi

    San Francisco

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2015

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    The flavors and textures of the different dishes, the wine/beer/cider pairings were all excellent!

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40. SF

    SFTaster349

    San Francisco

    47 reviews

    5.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The ambiance is soothing and the food superb. The tasting menu format paired with truly well-balanced wines and beer is fabulous. All of the staff is well-trained, knowledgeable and accommodating. We had a wonderful time in celebrating my wife's birthday. We'll be back with friends!

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