A little brunch, a little serendipity, and a smile I'll treasure…read more See that smile? That's my mommy. Today was a rare chance to sit down for a mommy-daughter brunch, just the two of us, and enjoy some time together while my dad was having surgery. I found this spot on Yelp, where the reviews looked promising and the app showed no wait. We even found parking right out front. In Berkeley?! Serendipity is absolutely the word. We waited just a few minutes for a table to be cleaned. Our server was so sweet and walked us through the menu. I explained that my mom didn't eat much--or so I thought--and wanted something we could share without wasting food. She recommended the Côte Est: three scrambled eggs, a pancake of your choice, and bacon or home fries. Mommy went with the bacon. I ordered the Brioche Pain Perdu, cinnamon brioche French toast made with orange flower water batter and lavender honey. Huge portion! There was a distinct sweetness I couldn't quite put my finger on while eating it, but it was delicious. My café au lait had great flavor and came in a cup that was practically a bowl. No complaints here. Great ambience, kind service, and straight-up Berkeley vibes. But my favorite moment? Mommy picking up her phone and trying to take a picture of her food like I do. Dining with D had a very special guest that day. My mom has Alzheimer's and dementia, which makes that big smile and that little moment with her phone especially meaningful to me. She may not remember this brunch, but I will. I'm just so happy she enjoyed our time together. I'd love to come back and explore more of the menu. What a beautiful mommy-daughter afternoon.

It was a very quaint place, its small so expect it to be a little cramped but they do have inside…read moreand outside seating options! We came in on a Wednesday afternoon so there wasnt any wait time or line, but I heard the wait gets crazy on the weekend so make sure to put in a reservation if you're planning on going! I got the Pain Perdu Au Chocolat (chocohazelnut french toast lol), Les Oeuf Lucas (goat cheese omelette) they were both pretty good!! A bit on the pricier side but, you can tell why, because the portions are huge. I had to take home the french toast. The coffee cake was 10/10, Im actually planning on going just to get that. It paired well with my the cappuccino. Service was also good, they were really attentive and they were patient with giving us recommendations because it was hard to translate the menu right off the bat. Really should check this place out if you're craving for some fancy shmancy little brunch situation.

I've been wanting to go to this place for a while and came here before a show in Oakland. It's a…read moresmall causal ordering shop. Potato Puffs (4/5): Comes with an amazing aioli sauce to dip with. The puffs tasted a bit too dry for me, but it was a good appetizer Cevice sandwich (5/5); This sandwich comes with cevice salmon and taro chips and avocados. This was was citrus and refreshing. Definitely a place worth checking out.

Super cute little shop with limited seating. Small selection on their menu but you come for one…read morething and one thing only, Potato Balls! They are decently priced and they give you a lot, they are dense too, so it's worth your money. I tried the Garlic and Parmesan + White Truffle, and it was good. I was expecting more of a crispiness and texture to it. When you bite into it, it loses it shape and crumbles into your mouth. The flavor though, amazing. Definitely give them a try if you're looking for a quick snack in the area!

Came here on two occasions: once with my fiancée before a concert in Oakland, and the other…read moreoccasion is with my parents after receiving a gift card from someone. To the point - Both occasions were absolutely fantastic! The servers were constantly making sure that we were enjoying the experience, checking if the food was okay, and engage in light small talk. The customer service was definitely beyond satisfactory. Chez Panisse was an excellent dining experience from start to finish, and I can see why this restaurant has such a lasting legacy in Berkeley. We started with the Little Gem lettuce with Sweet Heart tomato vinaigrette, farro, and cucumbers. It was fresh, light, and pleasantly sweet, with a lovely balance of flavors. The eggplant pizza was another highlight - a unique take on the traditional Margherita and vegetable pizzas (forgive my ignorance; that was my interpretation!) that was surprisingly satisfying. The proteins, pork, chicken, and salmon, were all incredibly tender and savory, practically melting in your mouth. However, the real unsung heroes were the chips! Perfectly seasoned with an irresistibly crispy texture, they were simple but executed exceptionally well. And then came the chocolate. Quite literally, one of the best desserts I've had in a long time. The sweetness and bitterness were perfectly balanced, creating a rich, satisfying finish without being overwhelming. I was so impressed that I specifically asked our server to pass along my compliments to the pastry chef. That dessert alone made the meal memorable. We left with happy hearts and sufficiently full stomachs, feeling that we'd experienced something special. Chez Panisse isn't just about good food; it's about the thoughtfulness and craftsmanship behind each dish. I sincerely hope this Berkeley institution continues its wonderful tradition for generations to come. An outstanding meal and an experience worth savoring!

I have been going to Chez Panisse a few times a year since it opened in the early 70s. In the past,…read moreit has always been memorable in a good way. This time, we were a party of 6, having made a reservation a month in advance for the upstairs cafe. Overall, the food was very good, nicely cooked, and with nice-sized portions. The appetizers, celery cream soup and various salads, were tasty and fresh. The main courses we had were fried rockfish and sliced roast beef. They came with vegetables that were good, if perhaps a little overly busy for the protein part. For desert we had apple galettes and cream puff pastries, which were beautiful and delicious. We finished everything. Now the disappointments. They didn't have any sparkling water, bottled (Pellegrino, Perrier, etc.) or otherwise. The server said their soda-making machine had "caught on fire." They used to offer kir apéritifs, but don't anymore. When we were there about 3 months ago, at least that server offered to make us something similar. This time, the answer was simply "No, we don't have it anymore." We ordered a side dish of Spanish anchovies for $7, and it came with only 4 thin anchovy fillets, even though we were a group of 6. I think they could have made an exception and added 2 more. We ordered espresso coffees with our dessert, which were served long before any of the desserts, and they didn't offer sugar with it, even though each cup came with a spoon. Nothing that was really a deal killer, but at over $100 per person, it seems that with a little more forethought from the staff and servers, they might have been able to come up with some easy ways to make our experience more positive. As it was, the meal was enjoyable, but not very memorable. We might think twice about going back.

My hair salon is near here. I've walked by it many times, even paused to look at the menu several…read moretimes. Such great offerings but when I'm getting my hair done, I'm in a rush to go back home/work. I finally made the time to visit Etoile! My sister was in town and getting her hair done. She needed a ride to the salon so off we went! We had an almond milk latte and a regular latte. We ordered it for here, so we asked to have them served in mugs. The lattes were delicious! There a good mix of students studying here. And some people working. It was a pretty quiet group when we were there. My sister and I sat at the counter and chatted very quietly. Nicely decorated inside. I love independently owned cafes like these! We also got a breakfast sandwich, but they are made to order and it took awhile, so we had it packed it up to go because she didn't want to be late to her hair appointment. Sandwich was great! Service was great! I'd love to go back and order from their lunch menu!

This is a cute little cafe spot right by Trader Joe's. You order and pay at the front, and they…read morecall your order out when it's ready. The workers and the owner were all very kind and welcoming. I got there a little after they opened in the morning. As for the food, I ordered the kimchi fried rice along with the chicken and croffle. The fried chicken tasted a bit interesting. I'm not sure if the frying temperature was off or if it had something to do with the condition of the oil, but the texture of the breading wasn't quite right. I used to work at a fried chicken shop in Korea, so it was a texture I recognized--the coating was fully cooked and wasn't necessarily soggy, but there was no real crunch. Instead of being crispy, the breading was soft and kind of gave way when you bit into it. Unfortunately, I couldn't continue eating it. I'd give the chicken a 2/5. As for the kimchi fried rice, I liked the addition of cilantro and beets, which gave it a refreshing touch. My only issue was that the kimchi itself was way too sour for kimchi fried rice. I don't mind fermented or sour kimchi, but in this case, the sourness overpowered the rest of the dish. Overall, the cafe itself is cute and the people working there were genuinely very kind. I just wish the food had been a little better, especially the fried chicken. Will be back next time to try out the coffee!! It is a cafe after all.

The Rendez-Vous is a charming hideaway with a romantic & vintage vibe. Tucked along MLK Jr Way,…read moreperpendicular to the BART tracks, this restaurant oozes magic the moment you walk in. From rediscovered murals to the lush plants and vintage light fixtures, every nook and cranny of this restaurant is photogenic. A friend and I popped in on a weeknight, intrigued to try their cocktails and French American fare. Boy, were we impressed. From the tasty oysters, to succulent shrimp, and hearty clam & sausage fregola, everything was well seasoned & flavorful. The cocktails were also deliciously strong, all served in cute vintage glasses. Our server was also energetic and friendly, dancing in between service moments to the bossa nova music in the background. For a girls night or a date night, I cannot recommend The Rendez-Vous enough. It's truly a delightful experience!

Visited this tiny charming restaurant for date night and it did not disappoint. Delicious food,…read morequirky staff, fun vibe and rustic decor - this restaurant had it all. We felt at home and welcomed as soon as we walked in. Very homey vibe with welcoming staff who made sure you were having a good time. Every piece of decor in the restaurant had been salvaged from different places and they are all about giving items a "second life" including the neon sign in the patio. They have a very cute patio and a back room for a more private party experience. We also saw the chef making salads fresh across the bar and serving it to customers. Food menu was seasonal but every item was delicious. We were too full for dessert but that looked good too. Would recommend for a date night or intimate small group dinner! Parking was on the street and not too difficult. Reservations are recommended.

Wow! We did not know what to expect. Scheduled a last min dinner reservation here before going to a…read moreshow nearby and we were pleasantly surprised by the service, ambiance, and food quality--superb. I ordered the duck and my partner had the lamb--so delicious! It elevated our casual date night and I highly recommend coming here. We recommended it to my partner's mom and we will def make a return debut. Despite the white table cloth atmosphere, you don't need to dress up super fancy to feel right at home here. The beauty of Berkeley is it's super easy to make last minute reservations and everyone is so casual--love it!

I discovered this spot while going to Berkeley and never got the chance to actually dine in while I…read morelived there, so when I was coming to visit I knew exactly where to go. And my 5 year long wait did not disappoint!! Getting to the restaurant was a little confusing but the building and interior is beautiful. Service was good and food came quickly. The food itself was to die for. Everything was so flavorful and well cooked, the portions were perfect as well. For appetizers I will say the bread was hard, and we did not receive a proportionate amount of butter for such hard and dry bread, but we took the 8:30 reservation near close so it is what it is. Amazing experience otherwise!

My friend and I came here for dinner and man, it was delicious!…read more We started with margaritas and I asked for mine to be extra spicy, and they definitely delivered! Things we got: Burrata- this was the only thing that was meh Olives - amazing Mussels and fries - their go to dish continues to deliver! Dessert - this was delicious and we almost fought over the last bite! The place was packed and lively, and I want to highlight that the service was stellar! Our waiter checked in on us but didn't rush us and was the right level of attentive. Can't wait to come back!

I first started going to À Côté around the 2002 or 2003 timeframe, shortly after it opened. Back…read morethen, I remember it was one of the most exciting restaurants in the East Bay. It was hard to get a table. Its French bistro type cuisine was classic but creative, beautifully prepared, well presented, nicely served and consistently quite superb (and I mean superb food). For years we went there for birthdays and special nights out. Pricey but worth it. Over the years, the restaurant has evolved (seemingly through quite a few iterations) from its original French bistro roots into a much more mixed/eclectic Mediterranean restaurant. There's nothing wrong with that, of course, you gotta adapt and evolve to survive, but somewhere along the way, I think this restaurant lost what differentiated it and made it special in the first place. Since its opening, a lot has changed on College Avenue as well. It became sort of a restaurant row with an exciting restaurant scene, offering a lot of options. Competition is much more formidable today, making it increasingly important for restaurants to distinguish themselves somehow. I returned about a month ago, and unfortunately, the experience was disappointing. The dinners were perfectly acceptable, but nothing was particularly memorable. The food was (I'm sorry to say) ordinary, especially considering the rather substantial bill. On the positive side, our server was absolutely delightful. Warm, engaging, attentive, funny and clearly focused on making our dinner enjoyable. She was the highlight of the experience, for sure. I've always believed that to succeed in a competitive market, every business needs a compelling answer to a simple question: "What are we the best at?" The original À Côté had a very solid answer to that question: "we offer the best French bistro food and experience in the entire East Bay Area." Maybe there's an opportunity to revisit that question and rediscover what could make this restaurant truly exceptional again.

What a wonderful dining experience! The incredible grilled lamb chops are not to be missed! It's…read morerare to find grilled lamb chops on a restaurant menu, and these were absolutely delicious, accompanied by a choice of flavorful basmati rice or roasted potatoes and a fresh, delicious salad with a wonderful light dressing. The grilled salmon was equally delicious, as was the fabulous roasted cauliflower with roasted garlic and a delicate sauce. Everything was so fresh, healthy, and flavorful! The portions were generous enough that we even enjoyed leftovers! The wine list by the glass or bottle is great and the Russian River Pinot Noir was fantastic! The ambiance is equally special. Located in a beautiful historic building with high ceilings, a lovely wood bar, gorgeous lighting, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant is truly a sanctuary on Solano Avenue in Albany! The friendly chef/owner and his wife made the experience even more enjoyable. There was a birthday party scheduled after our dinner, and I can certainly see why this would be a fabulous place for a celebration, gathering with friends, or a quiet, romantic dinner. Be sure to check their entertainment schedule, too! The atmosphere has a wonderful European feel, and the excellent selection of wines is another highlight, which makes perfect sense since it's also a wine bar! I've always loved the Solano Avenue area, going back to my college days several decades ago, and discovering this restaurant made me appreciate it even more. Outstanding Mediterranean cuisine, beautiful surroundings, wonderful hospitality, and fantastic wines. We can't wait to return! Highly recommended!

We went to Chez Mansour expecting to eat because, well, it says "RESTAURANT" in large letters right…read moreoutside the window. Apparently, this was our first mistake. We sat down and the server who is also the chef's wife, a fact she made sure we understood throughout the evening, asked what we wanted to order. We asked how many lamb chops came with the lamb chop plate. She explained that they were priced by weight and that, because it was dinner, they could only serve us a large plate. Fine. We ordered the large plate. She then began repeatedly reminding us that they are not a restaurant. Despite the giant "RESTAURANT" sign behind her. According to her, it is a wine bar. This distinction became particularly important because we had five people in our party, including a two kids. We tried to order an item off of the kids menu and were told they don't serve it at dinner because, again, this is a wine bar, not a restaurant. Okay. We ordered beef, lamb and chicken shawarma, a chicken kebab plate, and the large plate of lamb chops. Then things got weird. The chef, the husband, came out with a plate of 3 small lamb chops. I had read a previous review mentioning that someone felt they'd been shorted on the portion size by the wife, so I very specifically asked him whether the plate was the small or large portion. Without hesitation, he said small. I told him we had ordered the large. He looked confused and said, "I can get you whatever you want." At this point, the wife came storming outside and insisted that it was a large portion. She then proceeded to show me photographs of the raw lamb chops placed on a cutting board on her phone as visual evidence of the weight of the meat. All while I was eating. I suggested she speak with the chef about it, at which point she very aggressively said: "HE'S MY HUSBAND!" And I said, "Well, I never denied that fact." I was no longer sure if I was at dinner, witnessing a marital dispute, or participating in an episode of reality television. The food, unfortunately, did not redeem the experience. It was terrible, even for a wine bar that insists it is not a restaurant. The vibes were completely unhinged. And, as if the evening hadn't already provided enough entertainment, at one point a baby fell down at the bar. Five stars for the experience if you enjoy chaos and confusion. One star for the food and hospitality. I still have no idea whether we ate at a restaurant or a wine bar. One thing is for sure, I'm not going back!

RÊVE Bistro is a little French restaurant in central Lafayette that reminds me of a real…read moretraditional Parisian neighborhood bistro. It's on the casual side, intimate, welcoming, and has excellent food, good service, and a relaxed vibe that makes you want to have a nice conversation over dinner. Classic French bistro cooking here, and everything we ordered was very good, with a couple of dishes that were outstanding. We started with the warm olives. simple, humble, tasty and perfect for sharing. We also had the oysters, which I love, and they're another terrific starter to share. Love them oysters. The French onion soup was very good, classic and rich, just as you'd hope in a proper French place. For the main courses, the Arctic char served over spinach was fantastic. Beautifully prepared and really good. I had the steak frites, another French bistro classic, and it was very good as well. I enjoy a restaurant that knows how to execute the classics well. The service was excellent, attentive, and very friendly. And I have to say, being served by someone with a lovely, authentic French accent actually made the experience more enjoyable. A little touch of Paris in Lafayette! They also have a quiet, nice atmosphere, with a cute winding garden patio with string lights in addition to the dining room. This is a nice place for a relaxed dinner with friends or a special evening out. Now, okay - this isn't an inexpensive restaurant. Once you add wine to dinner, the bill becomes pretty substantial. But that's not unexpected for a restaurant serving this caliber of food, and I thought the overall experience justified the expense. I'd describe this as a wonderful little French bistro. Recommended.

When Jamie W asked me where I wanted to dine for my birthday, I suggested this spot even though I…read morehad never been here before. I just had a vague recollection of the restaurant's appearance on "Check, Please! Bay Area" several years back, and it had been quite a while since we traveled past the Caldecott Tunnel for a good meal. It turned out to be a charming place, although its suburban strip mall location surprised me. Maybe I'm just a snob. Busy as they were for our 7PM reservation, we were seated in front where everyone coursed through the space. The hurly-burly ambiance reminded me of the bustling Carettes at Place des Vosges in Paris. It was the last night of their summer menu, but since this was our virginal visit, we thought we should try their evergreen signature dishes. First up were a complimentary basket of sliced baguettes (Photo 16) and refreshing libations. Jamie ordered the $14 Gentian Orange Spritz, a non-alcoholic version of an Aperol Spritz, while I went for the $16 Kir Royal, an effervescent mix of crème de cassis and sparkling wine (Photo 4). Our appetizers were well chosen and did not disappoint. We ordered the $36 Chef Paul's "Foie Gras" Torchon. The quotes were intentional as it was made with creamy, unfattened duck liver served with toasted brioche and housemade fig jam (Photo 8). The delightful decadence was offset by the fresh heirloom tomatoes and avocado chunks of the $7.50 Salade de Tomates. Mint, pickled red onion, olive oil, and sherry vinaigrette provided the right finish (Photo 7). I could've gone for seconds. Our individual entrees came next. They were tried-and-true bistro classics, very straightforward in execution. Jamie ordered the $37 Poulet Basquaise, a hearty dish dominated by a braised chicken leg and thigh. Completing the plate were tomato, peppers, onion, and chorizo sausage served over a bed of seared polenta (Photo 5). I went for the very traditional $49 Steak Frites, the 8-oz New York steak with peppercorn sauce, and this was my one slight disappointment as the cut was not as tender as I was hoping. With a paucity of grilled veggies, the plate was sparse (Photo 18), but the pomme frites were excellent, double-fried and tenderly crisped (Photo 11). Dessert brought us back to Paris. I went for the $13 Gateau Opera, a classic layered almond sponge cake with coffee buttercream and chocolate ganache (Photo 10). Jamie was excited to get the $13 Ile Flottante because we had a memorably airy floating island at Bofinger in La Marais (review: https://yelp.to/MdrtH323SU). It wasn't quite that perfect, but the poached meringue, creme anglaise, caramel sauce, and pistachios were lovely (Photo 9). FOOD - 4 stars...the appetizers overshadowed the entrees, but it's all true Gallic bistro fare and Michelin-recognized AMBIANCE - 4 stars...understandably popular, just a bit too loud for us SERVICE - 5 stars...Arleen was quite a fabulous server TOTAL - 4 stars...classy French food for the bridge-and-tunnel crowd RELATED - Exploring Lafayette and Walnut Creek? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/-rS93UnAkn

We didn't have a reservation but the wonderful hostess accommodated us. The service was amazing…read morewith the server was explaining the dishes. The spritz tasted just like the ones in Italy. We shared all the dishes. We started with the salad, followed by the fresh Tortelloni filled with butternut squash. The sauce was scrumptious! And we shared a Tuscan style steak which was cooked to our liking. The steak was far better than any that you would eat in any 5-star steakhouse. The Arugula salad served with the steak was really fresh and went well with the steak. We asked the steak to be cooked medium-well and it was still so soft and buttery. The Panna Cotta was not too sweet and it was a perfect ending to a wonderful meal. What also caught my eyes is that the guests were all regular customers that were greeted warmly by the host. It is the place that I would go back to regularly if I lived close by. Highly recommended!