I celebrated my birthday at Commis and had such an amazing experience. I've been wanting to come here for a while since it has two Michelin stars, and it definitely exceeded my expectations. The funny thing is I've probably passed by this place a million times and never realized Commis was right there! The customer service was impeccable from beginning to end. Everyone made the experience feel special, and it ended up being such a memorable birthday dinner. You can tell there is so much thought and detail put into every dish. Everything felt very intentional, and the flavors were really well balanced without being too much. One of my favorite dishes was the sweet shrimp topped with caviar. I loved the combination of flavors and especially the texture. It was definitely one of the dishes that stood out to me the most. Overall, I had such a great experience at Commis. It was one of those dinners where you're not just going for the food, but for the whole experience. I'm so glad I finally got to try it, especially for my birthday. read more

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I've traveled all over the world and have been fortunate enough to dine at many Michelin-starred restaurants, but I never expected to find one of my absolute favorite dining experiences right here in my hometown of Oakland. Every dish was executed flawlessly. The flavors were bold, balanced, and unlike anything I've had before. You could immediately taste how fresh every ingredient was. I was told the menu changes based on what's available at the farmers market, and I absolutely love that philosophy. It really shows in the quality of the food. The flavor combinations, textures, and presentation were all exceptional. Every plate was beautifully crafted, and every bite felt thoughtfully put together. The service was just as impressive. You can genuinely tell that everyone there loves what they do, and that passion comes through in every interaction. The atmosphere was warm, intimate, and made the entire experience feel special. I honestly couldn't have picked a better place to celebrate my fiancée's birthday. This is the kind of restaurant that reminds you why dining out can be an experience, not just a meal. I'll definitely be back. read more

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Came here for my birthday and it was such a wonderful experience!! I've been to different fine dining places, but Commis really blew everything out of the water. Their interior gives millennial grey, but their service was top tier with friendly servers and knowledgeable sommeliers. We were balling on a budget and the sommelier helped us pick a nice bottle of mead that wouldn't break the bank. The food was crazy good. All their dishes were so unique and ever though I wasn't even sure what I was eating half of the time, it was all so flavorful and memorable. My favorites were a curry mussel dish, pork belly lettuce wrap, and some porridge thing with an egg yolk. I'm looking forward to trying out their next seasonal menu! read more

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Amazing 12 course meal with 5 courses of appetizers, 4 mains, and 3 dessert courses. I was stuffed at the end. All the dishes were creative, artistic and delicious! The menu changes every month, so I hope to come again! read more

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My business partner and I enjoyed our last night in California at Commis. We loved the ambiance, the beverages, the food and the pairings. The service was top tier. The staff were patient and attentive. We enjoyed the 11-course dinner with the wine pairing. The courses invited complex, flavorful tastes. We were truly surprised as each course arrived, with several that we considered unconventional dishes and combinations. Please, enjoy the photos with the descriptions of the courses. The wine pairings focused on very unique wines that spanned from Belgium, Greece, Slovenia and Portugal, in addition to California, Italy and France. The night was mostly perfect, until we were welcomed to Oakland with a car break in. The staff let us return to the restaurant while we gathered our thoughts to address the situation. My only advice besides prepare for an excellent time, is to ride share. read more

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We celebrated my partner's birthday at Commis. The service was professional and prompt, and the ambiance was pleasantly relaxed. Israel and the other gentleman who helped us out were professional and polite. Our favorite bites of the night were the carm onion financier, the fried shiitake mushroom bite, razor clam with kiwi, the egg with onion soubise, the pork belly lettuce wrap and the strawberry rhubarb chiffon cake. All of the proteins were cooked perfectly, but some bites just didn't blow us away. It was a fabulous dinner overall. read more

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Great little gem in Oakland! My favorite dish was the slow poached egg yolk, smoked dates, alliums & malt surprisingly, and all the desserts with southeast Asian flavors were delightful. I also found their cocktails to be well balanced and varied. The service was fantastic too. I'd return in a heartbeat. read more

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I had been wanting to visit Commis in Oakland for a long time and finally made it in March 2026. Overall it was a memorable meal, and I can see why it holds two Michelin stars. The evening started strong with the opening bites: caramelized onion financier with sour cream, pacific oyster with kiwi and dill, and a spicy pollock roe and potato tartlet. These were actually my favorite part of the entire meal. The flavors were precise, creative, and immediately set a high bar for what was coming next. Other standouts included the Japanese hamachi with cucumber, lemongrass, and aged tuna fish sauce, and the pea leaf with white chocolate, mint, and osetra caviar, which was one of the more unusual combinations of the night. The charolais beef with sweet potato, peanuts, and beef tendon massaman also had great depth and richness. That said, I really wanted to give this place five stars, but the main reason I landed on four is that only about half the dishes were truly mind blowing. At a restaurant at this level, the food is the most important thing, and while everything was technically excellent, not every course reached that unforgettable level. Service was professional and efficient overall, and the pacing of the meal was generally smooth. However, dishes were not always cleared promptly, which was a little surprising for a two star Michelin restaurant where that level of attention is usually expected. Since we were seated at the bar, I was also hoping for a bit more interaction from the servers about the dishes and preparation. The experience felt slightly more transactional than I anticipated for what is otherwise a very intimate counter setting. One highlight of the night was briefly meeting the owner. I made sure to thank him for the artistry that clearly goes into the cooking here. You can see the thought, precision, and creativity behind every plate. Desserts closed things out nicely, especially the lychee sorbet with fresh raspberries and magnolia berry and the late winter citrus tart with jasmine tea. The final bites of pandan canelé, lotus root pudding with thai tea, and pineapple shortcake were a fun ending. Commis is clearly doing something special and is absolutely worth experiencing if you love modern tasting menus. Even though not every dish blew me away, the creativity and craftsmanship are undeniable. read more

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We did the four course bar chef's tasting menu for my friend's birthday, and it was divine. Each cocktail and mocktail was carefully crafted, and the wine pairings were on point. There was a little mix-up where I was almost served and oyster (I have a shellfish allergy), but the mistake was realized before the dish was even fully set down, whisked away, and a truly delicious replacement was in front of me moments later. The signature second course had us scraping the bottom of our bowls. And though I'm not a big duck person, the main course had me eating my words (and a healthy serving of duck). Dessert was refreshing and the mini hojicha chocolate birthday cake for my friend was a delightful touch. Staff were attentive without hovering, and someone was always on hand if we needed literally anything. read more

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Lovely 10 course meal, 2 star Michelin restaurant. A special occasion meal. They are located in the Piedmont area of Oakland. Street or lot parking. Parked behind CVS near Wells Fargo on Piedmont and Howe. Parking can be hard to find in this area so allot a little extra time. Small intimate restaurant, open kitchen. Service was excellent. One side is the dining area and the other side is the bar. read more

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I heard great things about this restaurant from our neighbors, so we decided to celebrate my birthday dinner there on Wednesday night (12/03). We were seated in the main dining area on the left, near the open kitchen. In addition to the prix fixe menu, we both opted for the wine pairing. Unfortunately, the entire experience was disappointing. The meal lasted nearly three hours, yet not a single dish stood out in the way you'd expect from a two-Michelin-star restaurant. We started with the spiny lobster tartlet, which had an unexpectedly strong, fishy flavor. Later, the black cod dish arrived with a very odd texture--mushy and disintegrating in our mouths--making it completely inedible. We brought this to the attention of one of the servers, who simply apologized and cleared the plates. We suggested she inform the chef so other guests wouldn't have the same experience, and we also mentioned the issue to the sommelier. Despite this, neither the chef nor a manager ever came by to address or even acknowledge the problem. Another underwhelming dish was the rice with mushrooms and beef bouillon. It felt far too simple for a restaurant of this caliber--a bowl of rice with some crisp elements and broth that tasted no better than something store-bought. Desserts were equally unimpressive. The shaved ice with apples was bland and lacked creativity. Even the small complimentary birthday cake felt impersonal; a simple "Happy Birthday" message would have made a meaningful difference, rather than just a candle placed on the plate. Overall, my birthday dinner here was sadly very disappointing. I had high hopes for this restaurant, but based on this experience, I wouldn't be surprised if it struggles to maintain its Michelin stars in the future. read more

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If you love quiet luxury on a plate, this is your place. Commis is modern California cuisine guided by French technique, with subtle Thai-Chinese notes woven throughout the tasting menu. Every dish arrives looking clean, simple, and refined, but the cooking is all precision. Flavors of ferment, soft smoke, and deep umami unfold beautifully course after course, pulling you in for more bite after bite. The Food A perfect example was the Hamachi & Asian Pear with marigold curry paste: refreshing and crisp at first, then blooming into a warm, aromatic finish. And the Osetra caviar with banana, dill, and coconut? It sounds wild on paper, but it totally works...silky and creamy with a touch of sweetness, finished with that briny pop of caviar, plus the crunch of banana chips to tie it all together. Seriously impressive. The pork tapioca dumpling with pistachio and ginger was warm and chewy in the most comforting way, with a nutty richness and gentle ginger lift. Then came the iconic slow-poached egg yolk with smoked dates, absolutely heavenly. Silky, smoky, and layered with bold umami... one of those bites you don't forget. The tiger prawn with Thai basil and chrysanthemum in savory soymilk was beyond perfection. Easily one of the best prawns I've ever tasted, delicate yet deeply flavorful. The black cod with fermented broad beans and clams was another standout: buttery and tender, with a deeply savory, ocean-bright finish. We also got to sample a beautiful Chinese rose liquor called 玫瑰露--wow. It was definitely strong, with an intensely fragrant rose aroma that lingered in the best way. The roast duck with toasted chestnut and preserved pluot hoisin was incredibly juicy and tender, with that sweet-tart hoisin twist making every bite pop. And to close, the Koshihikari rice congee with beef bouillon skewers was pure comfort--simple and soothing, but packed with depth and umami The Service : Service was polished, calm, and attentive without ever feeling intrusive. Every course was timed beautifully, explanations were clear and thoughtful, and the pacing made the entire experience feel effortless. You can tell the team is focused on making the meal feel special from start to finish. The dining room is minimalist, serene, and quietly elegant. The kind of space that lets the food be the star. It feels intimate and refined, but never stuffy. Perfect for a celebration, a date night, or anyone who loves a more composed, intentional fine dining experience. Final Thoughts: Commis is elegant without ever feeling overworked. Everything is restrained, thoughtful, and quietly stunning. And the flavors stay with you long after the last bite. A truly memorable meal! read more

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there are no words that can describe the satisfaction of each of the dishes that were served! I kept saying "this is my fave so far!" Next dish comes out "no! this is my fave!" This went on all dinner!the service of course was amazing. the ambience obviously just fell in to place. if i'm honest i didn't notice it much only because there were so many fireworks in my mouth. With all the flavors and textures as well as seeing all the pretty presentations of the food! read more

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Vibe: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Drinks: 5/5 Food: 5/5 Value: 4.5/5 Still an absolutely superior experience. From the service to the food and cocktails, everything was sheer perfection. I love seeing how they continue to experiment with bold flavors and stunning presentation. Every dish is delicious, and the ingredients are top notch. Their wagyu Manhattan and rice dish alone are worth the visit. Unique and memorable deliciousness that will permanently linger in my brain. If they were closer to the South Bay, it would be be my de facto place for any special occasion. Can't wait to come back... read more

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Finally trying Commis after all these years wondering what the dining experience is like here. It was fairly easy to grab an appointment, though a bit painful to pay a prepayment upfront without being able to control my party's availability. My friend and I tried the bar seating and it was a decent 2-3 hour experience. It was a "four course" meal but in actuality there are 2 additional bites which I feel they could be considered courses too. Oh, and literally another bite at the very end. While my taste buds could not necessarily make out any refined flavors, I still enjoyed the dining experience with extra attentive and polite staff and cozy atmosphere. Plus, right in my old neighborhood. Definitely not a routine visit, but I would be interested in being back for a table dining reservation! read more

Commis - Starter with - Logan berry tea & Black sesame lemonade - New American Near Me - Oakland, California

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First two star michelin experience! Surprised to find out that this spot has been around for fifteen years and it's tucked in Oakland. We had the ten course prix fixe menu 1: carmelized onion financier; cute amuse bouche Taro ball; comforting and so cute Oyster; super fresh 2: shima aji; so salty, not my favorite 3: daikon radish and shrimp cake with lemon, chives and caviar; somehow tasted like a baked potato to me. One of our favs for the night 4: slow poached egg yolk, smoked dates, alliums and malt; chef's signature dish. Overall favorite. Came with this perfect crusty hot bread and very unique butter. Somehow this tasted like sweet mustard to me. Very unique and addictive. 5: steamed petrale sole; second to worst course. Bland, disappointing 6: sea scallop; stunning. Fresh. Wonderful 7: heirloom chicken, sauce of salted red chilis and soured vegetables; easily worst course of the night. Nasty. Hated the way the chicken was cooked. Highlight of this course was the tiny chicken wing on the side. Tasted super msg and crispy. Bomb chicken wing 8: scallion rice; added the wagyu supplement. Did not eat any of this because I was too full 9: almond tofu, kumquats and ginger syrup; so comforting, not too sweet and the perfect treat 10: jasmine tea ice cream and pomelo; delicious ice cream. Disliked that this was enrobed in crushed ice 11: yuzu caramel; didn't try Coffee honeycomb cake; disliked Thai tea and buckwheat sable; gorgeous, perfect, delicious Overall so much food! Amazing service and a very dark intimate setting. Staff to customer ratio felt 1:1 and they were very attentive. Would come again. read more

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Commis definition: A commis chef is a junior-level chef who assists more experienced chefs in a kitchen. They are also known as junior chefs. This has been a restaurant that I've long wanted to try, living in the East Bay 4 years with several of those years under covid restrictions. With oral surgery coming up I decided to have one blowout meal before my diet would be tamped down to soft food and soups for 8 weeks. I was a bit worried because I read that the chef was doing a fire disaster event down in S Cal. Was I going to spend this much money and get the junior team? I messaged via IG my concern but did not receive a response. I kept the reservation because I had used a small open table discount. We were early and sat at the bar to order drinks. It was a busy night and the seating bar tables were full. The bar itself was relatively empty. The drink creator was kind and friendly, totally professionally focused. The two drinks were lovely, one lemon drop (essentially) and the O' Farrolan as a savory complement. The sommelier came over and discussed the wine I had brought, it was a Ridge Monte Bello 2015 which they opened to breath. They have a 2000 on the wine list, glad my vintage was different. Corkage is $75. Their wine list is extensive with some good solid bottles at reasonable prices to go with the expensive stuff. I've included photos of most of the dishes plus the evening's menu. All were fantastic, not a miss in the bunch. I won't describe each but our favorites included the duck and the egg yolk dish. Plus the ending desserts. Oh, and the Wagyu supplement. Ambiance was moderately noisy but you didn't hear the outside at all or nearby conversations. Service was impeccable from beginning to end. The server spoke Spanish and seemed like a really nice guy, as was the sommelier. Now, the final question. Was it worth it? Out the door, even with small discount, dinner with drinks, corkage, two prix fixe meals, two supplements hit $800+. Loved the meal and service, not sure if the price justifies it. Will come back for the shorter and cheaper bar menu to decide that point. Your mileage may vary. Highly recommended!! read more

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Please, the place is always sold out and well deserving of its Michelin stars. There's really no need to do a review of this place. Just book your rez and get psyched for a fabulous experience. read more

Commis is a place we've been wanting to try for awhile, so I booked a table for my wife's birthday... First off, the communication by there host team is impeccable. They wanted to know if it was a special occasion and what dietary restrictions there are. Granted, this is a 2 Star Michelin rated restaurant, so this was to be expected. The service team was great and the Somm was entertaining. In terms of space, it's very clean cut, nearly stark in decor. There is ample room between tables to carry on a nice conversation. We wished the seats were a tad more comfortable, but they were fine. As for the food, you really get to embark on a journey. A couple dishes were a miss from our standpoint, but not that they were bad, but just not our preference. The team likes to keep its patrons in suspense when it comes to "what's next", but it made it kind of fun too. The Pacific Oyster that started our dining experience was phenomenal! The slow poached egg dish, the trout, and the Scallion rice were highlights for us. All-in-all, it was a fantastic dining experience! read more

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This is by no means your everyday dinner place. We're talking two Michelin stars (which makes it among the best in the world), and this is the only East Bay restaurant with that high a rating (and a total of 11 2- and 3-star restaurants in San Francisco and the East Bay). I took myself here for my birthday, and it proved to be one of the most memorable and exquisite dining experiences I've had. The food is an absolute work of art. The tasting menu is 10 courses, and each one is a perfect gem that is a delight to the eye, nose, palate, mouth feel, and sometimes ear as well! The courses are served at a relaxed pace, so expect this to take a while--and that's a good thing, because you want to be absolutely present to the food you're eating and your senses will be filled up and blown away. Eating any faster would just be overload. The quality of the service matches the quality of the food, with friendly, attentive staff that will help make this experience a night to remember. Low lighting with an Asian flair makes this a warm , enveloping spot to settle in for a time that you will never forget. read more

An absolutely legendary meal. We got the wine pairing for each dish and our somollier was an absolute storyteller. He really set up each dish without spoiling the surprises that each dish had. Something I loved about the chef at this restaurant was how playful they were with the way they concealed moments of flavor and texture within each dish. Everything was an absolute work of art. The silverware for each plate was even specifically suited to either the form or the atmosphere of the dish. Highlights included the congee, and the muscles, but the absolute star of the show for me was the white chocolate pea purée with caviar and basil oil dish that has lodged itself in the folds of my brain in a way that very few pieces of culture do. read more

The main restaurant experience is great as well - especially the romantic "two person" table (which I sat at with a friend). As with the bar menu, the staff is very attentive (which makes me feel equal parts self-conscious and valued), the food is fantastic, and the delectable bread-and-yolk is thankfully still on the menu. read more

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Commis is one of the longest standing 2 MS restaurants in the Bay Area, specifically East Bay. They first got a star in 2009 shortly after opening and then their second star in 2016. My BF surprised me for my birthday here and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. FOOD: We had about 10+ courses with a mix of meat, but more so seafood. I did not take photos of all the dishes, as I now make videos of my fine dining experiences, but you'll have to dine yourself for the full experience :) We enjoyed the variety of different dishes and textures of each dish, the intricacy and creativity they put into each dish (including the cocktail drinks!). Some of my favs include the blue tuna with cold noodles, the caviar pudding, the stone pot rice dish and the egg yolk in soup (I don't remember the exact name) and THE BEST MISO BLACK COD I've ever had, and I've had A LOT of miso black cod. SERVICE: Impeccable service. Nothing more to say. AMBIANCE: They offer bar service and dinner in their dining room. The interior is very nicely decorated and intimate. Overall, would recommend trying for a special occasion ! read more

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Got the bar menu which has 4 courses with the wine pairing. Got the addition which is osetra caviar with taro coconut custard in a shell for $35. Thought the stand out dish was the bread and farm egg dish with smoked egg yolk and mesquite medjool puree with garlic scape butter. 1) royal miyagi oyster with cucumber and pink peppercorn mignonette-refreshing and pretty tom yum popcorn which also had furikake--nice touch and good bar food 2) hokkaido scallop, naam jim sauce, white and yellow nectarine and makrut leaf with peanuts--very light and reminds me of spring rolls but no rice paper. Paired with Weinmanufaktur steincok 2023 Scheurebe which was similar to reisling 3) slow poached egg yolk with smoked dates, allium and malt commis levain bread with garlic scape butter--definitely the star of the meal. Excellent crusty bread. 2013 broken wood oakey creek vineyard semillon.. very light and slightly smoky which completed the smoked dates 4) iberian duroc pork, corn grits and cabbage, mulberry and black vinegar with sichuan peppercorns--was very light on the peppercorn so there was only faint citrus and really slight numbing. Paired with Chateau des tours cotes du rhone 2019 a light red wine with berry jam notes which paired well with the mulberry sauce. 5) pistachio cake, meyer lemon ice cream with strawberries paired with Royal Tokaji 2017.. great pairing. The wine was light and sweet with a bit of umami. 6) mignardise---reminded me of a mini coconut macaroon with chocolate Service was excellent. Ambiance was good as well. read more

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The only 2-Michelin starred place I've ever been to! Great food, drinks, and service. Every dish was creative, fresh, well-thought out, and flowed well with the other ones. Presentation is beautiful and the decor is tasteful and minimalist. Cheaper than some 1-Michelin star places, I'll definitely be back. My friend who wanted to go here (who I went with) comes fairly often, he loves them so much. read more

Southeast Asian inspired flavors with a good mix of American cuisine, head chef used to work for Manresa, then decided to open his own restaurant! - Hen liver tartlet: velvety smooth, not overpowering at all! The cherry brings this perfect sweet contrast. 8/10 - osetra caviar with soft whipped egg white, dill oil. A crispy banana chip surprise at the bottom adds a fun twist, though texture didn't go that well with the top 8/10 - Slow poached egg yolk in a creamy chowder with green onion, served with the crispiest, cloudy soft bread, like a sourdough but the skin is more like a croissant without the flakiness 10/10 - Hokkaido scallop in chicken fat broth: the scallop is insanely tender and sweet, warmed in a umami fragrant broth. The barley reminds me of a healthy Chinese porridge, so comforting and nostalgic for me 12/10 Dessert was a bit less wowing than main dishes: the sesame praline wafer was more praline than sesame, but still really good! The lotus pudding with Thai tea was light, floral, and refreshing! 8/10 Melon and shaved ice are pretty mid Drinks were a bit of a disappointment for a spot of this caliber For birthdays they gave me a surprise chocolate mousse cake and a card signed by all the staff read more

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Outstanding noodles, and lots of exquisite small dishes that are not easy to find. Their pigs ears are crisp, gelatinous and well flavored. Beef slices are as good as the best I've had. And the noodles are the stars of the show. Best in their soups. The atmosphere is kind if cafeteria chic. No alcohol. BYOB. read more

Our dinner was amazing! The service was very attentive, everyone had a role in serving everyone. The space is pretty small but spacious. One side is the bar area and the other side is the dining bc area with an open kitchen. Getting reservations wasn't too bad either considering it being a Michelin rated place. Where do I even start with the food?? It was a 10 course prefix menu and you can also opt in for a wine pairing. This time around we decided to just order cocktails. The food was so delicious. It was predominately seafood and a couple meat dishes (duck, pork dumpling) My favorite was the shrimp cake with caviar. The shrimp cake was enclosed in a light crispy shell and had hints of lemon flavor. Soo many great flavors in all the dishes. And the textures all complimented each other well. Would definitely come back again and again! read more

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The best thing about Commis is the service and experience, in my opinion! We came here last weekend to celebrate our anniversary and Christian, Boris, and Darren took incredible care of us all throughout the night! They really made our night with just a sense of calm and positivity. We battled the 1.5 hours to get to Oakland from the Peninsula on a Friday night and we were half an hour late to our reservation ...though NOT recommended to make that commute, we were greeted at the door and still seated for the reservation and they didn't make us feel rushed or even the slightest bit guilty. Food was really good as you would expect and we were definitely full from the meal. Commis has their carbs on serious lock. The amuse touches financier, the bread, the rice, and the almond mousse were all SOOO good! The ambiance was modern, quiet, but not uptight and rigid. It was really a great way to celebrate and we would love to be back! read more

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I came here with my friend to try out the bar tasting menu. Everything else was delicious, but the third course steak was overcooked. Moreover, we noticed that all the other parties at the bar received proper steaks. In comparison, ours were noticeably narrower (around half the size). I couldn't help but feel that we were served the less desirable cuts. I did not finish my steak. It was disappointing that the main protein course was subpar, although I thoroughly enjoyed the egg yolk dish, crudo, and small bites. In terms of service, our waiter was nice but seemed inexperienced. I heard him asking another waiter about how to make my drink. read more

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My girlfriend and I went all in for a girls night out and did the 10-course with wine pairing, and it felt like even more with all the extra bites from the chef. We sat at the bar but kept to ourselves, just catching up, and the staff respected that right away while still being attentive. It felt really natural and comfortable. The food was incredible. The slow poached egg yolk with sourdough was one of those unforgettable bites. The chef's signature foam dishes really stood out, and you can see why this place holds 2 Michelin stars. He also makes rounds through the restaurant, which adds to the experience. They also made sure to let us know gratuity was already included, which I appreciated after a few glasses in. Still didn't help much with doing the math by the end, but thoughtful nonetheless. Definitely a spot I keep coming back to. read more

Commis definitely ranks in my top 10 favorite restaurants in the Bay Area! Upon entering, my group were promptly acknowledged and the front staff were swift to greet me happy birthday. I thought that was such an amicable gesture and really set the tone for the rest of the night. I adore the minimalistic layout because it really let each dish that was presented shine. Highlights: Ode to Farallons - the unique flavors matched the abstract design of this beautifully made cocktail. The pattern is quite poetic to the flavor because you can taste a mellow oceanic flavor which is lightened up by the subtle aromatics of the white truffle. Masterpiece indeed. Oyster parfait with kaluga caviar- I am still dreaming about how decadent each bite was. The oyster parfait was rich and velvety and the kaluga caviar saltiness just elevated the dish even more. Wagyu Manhattan- I typically do not like manhattans but the richness of the wagyu really masked the liquor well. Slow poached egg yolk- was expecting the yolk to be runny but it was the perfect consistency throughout the entire yolk. I was mesmerized and quite intrigued on how they were able to perfect the yolk. The sweetness of the dates was a lovely touch but I wasn't too fond of the malt but I get they were trying to layer the texture of this dish. Plum milk punch- I am glad it did not end up like a plum smoothie cocktail because this was very refreshing and way too easy to go down the hatch. Now for particular drink that I was not too fond of: Osmanthus Jones - Hilarious name and reminded us of the cartoon osmosis jones but the flavors did not fit my palate. Overall, outstanding service, funny waitstaff and a wonderful spot to celebrate. Will definitely be back. read more

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My husband made reservations to dine in at the counter on a weekday as this restaurant has been on both of our list of to try places for the longest time. Parking: no designated parking lot. Only street parking available. Ambiance: modern, elegant and full of atmosphere. There is counter seating (serves its 4 course menu), and table seating (serves the full tasting menu). The counter seating faces its full bar. This is the spot to impress your date and to celebrate an anniversary or a special birthday. The restroom is unisex but cleaned. Service: above average. I observed the level of service provided to the full tasting menu customers compared to the limited menu counter customers and there is a difference between the two. We will definitely come back for the full tasting menu experience. However, the timing between dishes was excellent, plates were cleared immediately after we finished and new utensils were provided prior to the delivery of the next course. Food: 4/5. All the dishes were delicious except for the pork belly which was a total disappointment. The standout dishes of the night were the dry-farmed tomatoes with trout furikake, fish sauce vinaigrette & soymilk and the slow poached egg yolk with smoked dates, alliums & malt with commis levain bread & roasted chicken skin butter. The pork belly was not cooked long enough so it was very very chewy and too much fat. I had to spit out 75% of it and I hate wasting food. I was a bit surprised that the quality of that dish passed QC to be served to customers. Hopefully, it was a one off experience or I would likely avoid if the menu includes pork belly in the future. Drink: 2/5. Black sesame lemonade. I can taste the lemon but couldn't taste the black sesame at all. I would pass on this next time. Overall, the bar menu was solid with the exception of the pork belly dish. I look forward to coming back for the full tasting menu. read more

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Commis delivered on service, creative and tasty food, and ambiance. I have been to lots of Michelin-starred restaurants around the world and I agree this should be among them. Service: attentive, engaged, happy. Accessibility: no step to front door, bathroom accessible, many tables would have easy roominess for wheelchair or medical assistive device. Food allergies: see my details about food. For this level of restaurant and price, for 5 stars, I expect each dish to be well-balanced in flavor and texture, the elements not to be repeated much if at all, and the chef to manage a dairy allergy with substitutions that are both tasty and visual similar to the originals. This is exactly what I got! Mussel with ice: I don't love mussels, but this was tasty enough. The ice and liquid it was in offset the bitter mussel, so that was clever. Sashimi cup, onion muffin, sashimi: this trio was excellent. The sashimi cup had great texture mixes. The onion muffin was my favorite: unusual, tasty, just the right size. oyster parfait, lovage and cucumber: It's a beautiful green in the photo I uploaded: this had a dairy substitution. Both original and non-dairy versions looked identical. The dairy version was cream and oyster, and that combo worked so nicely. The non-dairy was not oyster--I forget what the flavor was but it was PERFECT and in fact better than the dairy version. The overall dish had great texture, color and flavor combos. pork bao--amazing, perfect size, right on flavor balance, soft egg dish--one of the standards, this also needed a dairy sub, and again it was perfect. I could tell a slight difference in taste but not much, and it was absolutely fabulous in flavor balance and texture. There were little crisp malt balls for some of the bites, and fried bits of onion which offset the creamy other elements. Eel: this was good, though my least favorite dish. I'm used to Japanese eel and this wasn't that, I think. But they did a good job cod with curry: lovely balance, perfectly cooked fish, crispy skin on top was perfect in flavor and texture, all married with tomatoes and thin baby corn slices for nice balance. Duck trio: excellent rice: PERFECT. Ok, I've eaten A LOT of Japanese food in Japan. Fancy rice like this is usually served just before the dessert. Rice is highly valued, and the ability to make the rice dish even more special with just the right veggies and aromas and other add ins is a thing. Commis achieved! The mushrooms were crisp, there were several flavors and textures. It was so so good. Dessert 1: with ice. This was my least favorite dish of the evening. It repeated the ice from course 1, though if it had been a hotter night I might not have minded. The dairy sub here was only ok. It should have been coconut milk based I think. The main element was strawberries, which is good for a seasonal ingredient, but when paired with the cream in the original version, it made the strawberries sweeter. The non-dairy pairing lacked that, and the strawberries were not that pleasant on their own. Dessert 2: Nectarines and a little cake. If it's going to be a non-chocolate dessert, it should be like this. Great flavor and texture combos, and they used perfect fruit in season . The yogurt ice cream was fabulous and tart. The mini cream puffs (made with butter and milk and matcha inside) were ok. Dessert 3: trio of truffle, fruit block, and cookie. The fruit block was perfect. Good blend of strong fruit flavors. The cookie was forgettable and tasted too much of the cooking oil. The truffle was presented as "chocolate truffle" so we were extremely disappointed to find it was "white chocolate" which is not chocolate. For what it was, it was good. read more

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Service Was Great , Food Was Delightful, Special Occasion Or Just Come For The 3 Michelin Star Experience, Classy Atmosphere... You Will Feel Like You're In Different Place!!! This Would Be My Third Time It's Only Getting Better & Better... Thank You Jamse & The Commis Team read more

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Tasting menu is over the top. The asian pear hamachi salad was incredible. Still thinking about it. Great service. Great cocktails. We were full before the tasting was complete. Thanks for such an amazing night. We will be back. read more

Commis - New American Near Me - Oakland, California

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I've been here more than a half dozen times now and I'm not sure when I'll return again. I remember my first visit (a few months after it opened) and we had one of the most memorable meals that we still talk about today; great service and the wine pairing was unbelievable! The next time after that was another incredible experience and again, the sommelier was awesome with the wine pairings. This was all before it had a whiff of a Michelin star. Flash forward to a few months ago and it seems like the soul from this restaurant has gone. Now that it's a 2 Michelin star restaurant, the service and food seemed mechanical - very corporate feel. Far removed from Shyabout's first opening vibe years ago. Nothing really stood out, the wine pairing seemed very boring. The worst for me were the servers - just super stuffy and there to do a job and absolutely lacking a personal, human touch. And at the end of the day, I never minded paying for the high end bill here because I always had a special meal but not anymore. The bill was outrageously high and didn't match the food and service. Will I ever come back? Sure, at some point I guess. But ironically, I think the Michelin stars have really made this place less special. read more

Really great. I've made it a goal to spin through all of bay areas tasting menus and this is one of the top so far, especially for the price. Also really appreciate that 20% gratuity is included within the menu price, props to them! I would describe this dinner as an exercise in flavour perfection. Too often you go to a tasting menu and there's just stuff that doesn't taste good. Not here! Everything was delicious and varied. Course progression was well planned. The highlights for me were the lamb, sea bream, and cod. Cooked perfectly and such amazing and differentiated flavors. Actually their specialty farm egg was a bit too sweet I thought. I've seen comments that they are not as innovative as others, and would agree that I've been to more creative tastings, but they far make up for it in deliciousness. Service was fine, could be better for a two star but nothing that is going to ruin your dinner unless you are a snob. read more

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I don't think Commis needs me to write a review for them. I'm pretty sure they will get plenty of people coming by regardless. But I do feel that they deserve every positive comment that is on this site. We came in to celebrate an event and everyone tried to make it as special as possible. Staff were extremely attentive (first time I've ever had anyone take my coat), and willing to discuss the dishes. I got the black sesame lemonade, and I'm amazed about how they were able to fit the sesame flavor into the clear lemonade. It was delicious and great that they had non alcoholic options. If you are more of a wine and cocktail person, they have plenty of options for you. I loved every single dishes that was presented. Honestly, I was so full and tired (because it was a multi hour dinner but don't let that deter you) at the end of the meal. They even brought out an additional dessert for our celebration event. Yes it's pricey. Yes it's a long dinner. But if you want an experience, then I highly recommend coming to Commis. read more

Commis - Ice cream sandwich (amazing!) - New American Near Me - Oakland, California

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Date of Visit: 3/5/2024 We visited the 2 Michelin Star restaurant Commis to celebrate our Anniversary. Commis was established in 2009 and was awarded with 1 Michelin star during the same year, and won the recognition of 2 Michelin stars in 2016. It is the only restaurant with a Michelin Star in the East Bay area! Head chef and owner is James Syhabout, and some of the dishes and cooking methods reflect the background of Syhabout, who has a Thai mother and a Chinese father. Tasting Menu is priced at $225 per person with an optional beverage pairing of $119 per person. My husband got the beverage pairing and I ordered one cocktail and one glass of wine throughout the course. Commis Restaurant was separated into two areas. One is the bar area with a high top and chandelier. The other area with the open kitchen is the main dining room. Interior has dark wood paneling, and fresh flowers and candles on every table. My husband ordered the beverage pairing for $119, with mostly white wines from different regions around the globe, and with one GSM red wine, one California's sake and one port style dessert wine. I ordered one refreshing cocktail, Nothing Like a Nice Pear $21, to pair with the appetizers. And during the main course, I ordered a glass of the Pilcrow printer's devil cabernet sauvignon from Napa Valley for $30. Caramelized onion financier with sour cream Pacific Oyster with local kiwi & coconut Watercress wafer with salmon roe & fresh horseradish First course is a combination of three tiny plates, with oyster, salmon roe wafer, and financier. Hokkaido scallop with kaluga caviar, prawn gelee & makrut lime One of my favorite courses of the day. The mixed texture of scallop and caviar was amazing. Monterey bay abalone with hot mustard & celtuce Another favorite of mine! The abalone with the spicy mustard and flowers was full of surprises. Dungeness Crab & Chrysanthemum soup, celeriac & meyer lemon This dish is the soup of the day. Green celeriac soup with Dungeness crab inside. On the side were dried chrysanthemums, which are for decoration purposes, but the smell of the flowers is at the nose with every sip. Slow poached egg yolk, smoked dates, alliums & malt The next dish came with a bowl of slow poached egg yolk and a warm bread. Steamed Cod with Potato & Clam, toasted curry with lemongrass This one has a taste of Thai cuisine. Toasted curry and lemongrass mixed with all the air bubbles; the slow cooked steamed cod was in the middle. Roast Heirloom Chicken, Sunchokes with Koji & Green garlic, black truffle The main course is roast heirloom chicken. The mixture of the softness and chewiness of the chicken skin was great! In the middle was the black truffle sauce that went very well with the chicken. Scallion Rice, chanterelle mushroom miso from shared cultures, chicken broth The last savory course is the scallion rice. The flowers and vegetables added some color to the seasoned rice. On the side was a warm chicken broth, great paired with the rice. Matcha with soybean milk, fermented black bean caramel First dessert is the match ice cream with fermented black bean caramel and soybean milk. Coffee, Dried Plum & Black Garlic Waffles The main dessert is coffee ice cream with dried plum. In the middle is a crunchy waffle with black garlic inside. And to celebrate our Anniversary, there is a wafer cookie with honey and top and Jasmine ice cream in between. Calamansi & Fish Sauce Caramel Lotus Cookie Coconut, Pineapple & Absinthe Capsule Last dessert is some finger bites. The lotus cookie was tasty and the coconut and pineapple capsule was one of my favorites too! read more

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