Laney College, Oakland I always have a great experience with Laney Bistro. Food is great and staffs are awesome! Highly recommend! read more

It has been a substantial period of time since I've visited this student run Bistro at Laney College. I'm sorry I didn't take a photograph of the menu but the food that my companions and I had was superlative, especially giving the bill of affair fee of $35. It couldn't be better. We brought in our own bottle of wine, no corkage fee and away we went with a wonderful evening of culinary experiences! Chef Martin continues her magic! read more

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Delicious four course meal, prepared by Laney College culinary students. French flair. No alcohol alcoholic drinks available but you can bring your bottle without charge. Highly recommend for good food and Service, and I will be back. Free parking on 7th street just steps from the restaurant. read more

I recently had a chance to try Laney Bistro with a couple friends. The food was delicious and we had a pretty view of the Lake Merritt Channel from our window table. In addition to being delicious, everything was presented beautifully. In the future, I would book a 5:00 reservation since going later means they start to run out of things and you may not be able to get your first choice. Our server was polite, but not great at serving and I guess that's to be expected since the students are training to cook and serving is something they are required to do on rotation. I really enjoyed my dinner (all of us did) and I will definitely go back. read more

Support Laney Culinary students and come here for your next date night! Their menu changes every week and they only serve dinner on Wed/Thurs nights 5-6:30 when school is in session. We came on their Lebanese/Persian night and their South American night. I liked their Lebanese night a little better but both times we came, the food was amazing. I am so impressed with the beautiful plating and the advanced understanding of flavor and texture combinations the students are able to display in their work. Some of the highlights for us from our last visit were the ceviche and whole roasted trout dishes. Dinner includes 3 courses (appetizer, main, dessert) and an amuse bouche for $25 pp. There is no taxes or tips I believe because you are dining at school so be nice to the staff! read more

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The Laney Bistro on the Laney College campus in Oakland is a hidden gem! Located near the estuary that fills Lake Merritt with water from the Bay, it is operated by the Laney College Culinary Arts Department and is staffed by students cooking in the kitchen and waiting tables. The Bistro serves a prix fixe three course dinner on Wednesdays and Thursdays. It's the training ground for budding chefs and restauranteurs; many of the top Bay Area chefs have trained here. At a flat fee of $30 for food and beverage (not including service), it's a bargain! I visited on Wednesday March 19th and the food and service were both outstanding! I thought I would have the trout but the server, Danni, suggested I try the ratatouille saying it was her favorite. I'm glad I did...it was delicious. The bulb of fried goat cheese looked like a Christmas tree ornament on top of the veggies, beautiful and savory. The mushroom soup was so yummy I went back the next night and got it again as carry out. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to enjoy truly gourmet food, the Laney Bistro is your joint. read more

Laney Bistro - Desserts Near Me - Oakland, California

Okay, I take back everything negative that I said previously. Laney Bistro is great! It turns out that the IT department at Laney is not good at following through with website requests and didn't update the calendar. Just make sure it's not a campus holiday and that classes are in session before you go. We had a fabulous dinner tonight! The food was delicious and elegantly presented. The menu was nicely thought out and available to preview on the website. The halloween-themed desserts were fun and delectable. The prix fixe offering is three courses plus an amuse bouche for only $25! The value for the quality is just off the charts. I'll be coming back again and again. read more

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A group of 20 friends managed to meet at Laney Bistro on a Thursday at 5 PM. We reserved at cmartin@peralta.edu a week prior and there was a separate room with 2 tables ready for us. That was perfect because my 3 grandchildren could wander in between courses (the two older boys shared a meal, the baby nursed and crawled on the floor) and the guests could mingle between the two tables. The servers even brought crayons for the children. It was a wonderful party and I didn't have to cook! Thank you chef Chantal and her staff of talented students! The food and presentation were extraordinaire, similar to what I had in good French restaurants while living in France. I particularly loved the duck rillete with the beet puree, the salmon over cannellini beans, and the chocolate mousse cake. I am going back next week with a couple more friends! read more

This has got to be one of the best kept secrets in Oakland - a real treasure! The food is delicious, presented beautifully and incredibly inexpensive! All the work is done by students of Laney College under the direction of Chef Chantal Martin. Currently (September 6 - November 18, 2023) they are serving dinners on Wednesday & Thursdays only from 5:00pm - 6:30pm. Each week they offer dishes from a specific country or region. Last week (their first this season) was for China, this week was Japan and Korea. Next week (9/20&21) will be Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand. After that is , in order, India, France, Italy, Spain, Greece/Turkey, Lebanon/Persia, Africa, Caribbean, Mexico and South America (on 11/17&18). No dinners will be served on 10/18 or 11/23/23. This week's meal was a real bargain at $25 for a 3 course dinner plus an Amuse! With each course you can choose from several dishes including vegetarian options. It began with a beautiful eggplant Amuse on a mushroom/vegi base. My chosen first course was called an appetizer but could easily have been a main course - a Korean Crab Gimbap which were toasted seaweed rolls of fresh crab, soy-roasted Portobello mushrooms and many other goodies. It was delicious! My main course was a Chicken Ramen dish (I totally forgot to take a photo!) but, though a bit small was quite tasty. It had all the ramen goodies including the soft boiled egg, ginger-poached chicken, noodles, etc. I opted for the cutely named Fluffy, Jiggly Japanese Cheesecake. I was surprised upon Googling to learn that this is a real thing. It was soft and rich and quite tasty. You can check out their menu which seems to be updated on the actual day of the dinner at: https://laney.edu/bistro/menu/ Even if you do not know what you are going to have or what country it is from, this place is worth a try. The only difficulty may be finding it on the Laney College Campus. It is beautifully situated right on the Lake Merritt stream to the bay just south of the college's swimming center. Here is a Google Map link showing you it's location: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Laney+Bistro/@37.7960405,-122.2622961,513m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x808f87ed6a6d104d:0x61ffcb19382dcc68!2sLaney+College!8m2!3d37.7945491!4d-122.261122!16zL20vMDUwOXE0!3m5!1s0x808f87339962e3eb:0xb3ea27c363cfa2c6!8m2!3d37.7956065!4d-122.2620727!16s%2Fg%2F11cmy6p6m1?entry=ttu Pro Tip: They do not include a space for a tip when you pay by credit card. The servers, however, will be overjoyed if you tip them directly. read more

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OMG....this is a definitely a hidden gem. I'm afraid if people knew, I wouldn't be able to get a seat. I'll be going every week. The food and quality is amazing. The presentation is upscale. A one biter (amuse bouche), appetizer, entrée and dessert for $25 with no tax. Yes, please. What a steal. Menu changes weekly. Open Wed/Thurs 5-6:30 pm. As of spring 2024, Wednesdays are busy but Thursdays are half empty fir some reason. I recommend getting there latest 5:30 since can take up to 1.5 hrs to go through the courses Bathroom is very nice too! Tips Fall semester is their international menu Spring seems more your typical contemporary cuisine Bring cash since you tip with cash and not on the card. It's not true there's no tip. It's based on your discretion. read more

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Bistro at Laney college. Open during the school semester for dinner. Prix Fixe menu that includes appetizer, entree and dessert. All preparations are done by student chefs under the direction of Dept. Chair Chef Chantal Martin. Beyond good. read more

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It's open Wed & Thurs night now. $25 for 3 course meal. Friendly student servers and great food. Presentation, taste and quality of food is amazing. Quite and soothing place serve as an escape in the downtown Oakland urban environment. read more

Food is such a great value. Servers are those in the culinary program and not skilled waiters but are brimming with enthusiasm for your positive experience! To avoid disappointment, make reservations via email before Noon on the day as the afternoon is spent preparing your evening meal. Bring your own wine/corkscrew. Great non-alcoholic choices available as well. Can you tell I'll be going back soon? read more

I know if I talk about this place more people might show up and I would rather it stay the quiet secret that it is , but they are just sooooo sweet and attentive and yummy that I don't have the heart to gatekeep. I mean you get a 3 course meal for under $30! And the students, they're not the jaded waitstaff you normally encounter. They are trying to learn their selected trade and are very attentive. I cringe when I see people (curmudgeons and the like) go out of the their way to be mean to them like they were in an average diner. But I digress. They are open Wednesday and Thursday evenings. If you are in the area (you can park in the lots for free) there is no reason to not spend the $30 in your pockets (well your card). What are you waiting for? You only are missing out on the next food star , before they were a food star :) You read more

The Laney Bistro is no longer great....it's amazing!!! Where else could you get the most fantastic chicken wonton soup, fresh arancini with melted mozzarella and French dip sandwiches all in one place at a price that a student can actually afford? Nowhere else but the Laney Bistro. Their desserts are fantastic, showcasing international flavors, gluten free and vegan options for $3.25 per dessert!!! Everyone should eat here and support the amazing students and culinary program right here in our own backyard. In a neighborhood that is becoming more and more expensive to live in and eat out in, this is truly a place that everyone should feel proud to eat in. Go Laney! read more

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I am excited to say that Laney college bistro is better than any bistro I've experienced. The food was delightful and on time the service was excellent. I rate Laney's bistro a five star though they are students they are professionals at what they do. read more

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Truly a hidden gem that offers a refined dining experience. The visual appeal of the food is equally matched by the benevolent serving staff and quality of meal creations served. Chef Chantal, her staff and her students are keeping the meaning of fine dining alive and well at the Laney Bistro. read more

This student staffed restaurant is really good. The three course meal is a bargain and the food was excellent. Our server was obviously inexperienced but so nice that it didn't matter. I love this place! read more

Laney Bistro is a restaurant staffed by Laney College's cullinary program students. I went there not really sure what my expectations would be but I left impressed. I ordered a bacon and cheese stuffed turkey burger with a side of fries. The burger was lean and juicy and the fries were awesome. The burger was $9.50 and in my opinion it was worth it. The restaurant was laid out nicely with real napkins and the dishes were presented very well. The servers were timely and responsive. I took pictures of the five or so desserts which they displayed on a table. They looked pretty delicious but I didn't have time for dessert. I'll try this place again. read more

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Ok... this place is a trip. When you walk in, it presents as a standard sit down lunch spot with some class that you expect to find near downtown Oakland. White paper table coverings, cloth napkins, server staff in all black attire, and nice decor. What this is, however, is a culinary program run by Laney College with students preparing the food. Monday to Wednesday is a standard menu and every Thursday and Friday rotates through a different world cuisine. I've been here about a dozen times and tried a number of different dishes from around the world. The food can be hit or miss. Usually hit, but the price is where it is at. Every entree here is between $8 and $12. Appetizers or salads are $6-$8. The dishes would be $20-$30 at a normal (non culinary school) restaurant like this. Don't expect fast or excellent service. The manager is often running around trying to coach and train the server staff, who I assume may be students as well? Either way, this is one of the best deals you can find in the City or the Bay. Top quality recipes and ingredients for rock bottom prices. How can you go wrong? read more

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I am currently a student at the Culinary Arts program at Laney, and even though some of us didn't get to have the experience of dine-in customers, I can tell you the teachers made everything possible for us to at least we were serving customers! This is my las semester, and honestly I am so sad because I am going to miss coming to the bistro, cooking and at the same time chatting with my classmates from our different stations. The food is never bland, and I as a Mexican can accept that their mexican food is very good! I will definitely go back some day when the dine-in is back! read more

Laney Bistro - Me inviting you to have a taco at laney. - Desserts Near Me - Oakland, California

I actually like eating here cause it's close by all my classes and I don't have to leave the campus, it's all students serving you and the the teaches are cool cause they check in on you and how's everything going. Service was nice, lol cause i think they are being graded for it, The food is great but the only flaw is, time for their open hrs. Please extend it longer, it's great experience but definitely coming back again read more

Laney Bistro - Veggie burger - Desserts Near Me - Oakland, California

The food is so nice! And the people are kind to us and make us comfortable. I will come here again read more

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This place is run and operated by cooking school staff and students. Prices are very reasonable. The food was quite good and portions were large. Hours are limited, but there is a nice niece of the canal (INLET/OUTLET) that connects Lake Merritt to the bay. read more

Laney Bistro - Riccota Cheese Torte - Desserts Near Me - Oakland, California

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! That's my rating for the food, service and location of the Laney Bistro. After the student restaurant was shut down almost five years ago for health violations, this newly renovated restaurant is worth the wait. Maybe I'm special, but when I walked in, I was greeted by name. They showed me to my seat -- a window seat looking out over the Lake Merritt Channel. Soft music played in the background. The food was delicious. I had some veggie pasta and sweet potato fries. I still savor the taste of those fries. And most importantly, the food is inexpensive. I highly recommend checking out the Laney Bistro. Eat healthy while supporting talented Laney College students. read more

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This place is usually pretty good and ALWAYS a great value. I recently had a pleasant lunch there - tuscan bean soup and a delicious salad. I wish they would POST THE MENU OUTSIDE so you can easily see what they're offering on a daily basis. It doesn't make any sense that you have to walk inside to view the daily menu. read more

I am a Laney student and I truly recommend Laney College Bistro. Food is very good and the chefs who are in charge of coordinating the students have great experience and years in the industry. We receive excellent guidance on how to cook delicious food following all sanitary guidelines. The dining area is comfortable and have a great vibe. And another important aspect, prices are very reasonable for the quality of food you have and the variety. There is always vegetarian options and delicious desserts. Come visit us!! read more

Laney Bistro - Crab and shrimp salad! One of the daily specials offered weeks ago at Laney Bistro! Always check on the daily specials!! - Desserts Near Me - Oakland, California

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I enjoyed it immensely. My friend had the NY steak and shrimp. She loved it. I had spaghetti and meatballs. It is said that a chef can be measured by his simplest dish. The pasta was exactly al dente. The sauce was smooth with tiny bits of onion. The meatballs were meaty (not bready), and a little spicy. The dessert was a chocolate mousse - light and airy with a nice taste. The cream and the sauce were just right. The cost was under $30 for both of us. Unfortunately the bistro is only open at lunch and during the school semester. I highly recommend this place. read more

Laney Bistro - Chocolate Mousse...yum - Desserts Near Me - Oakland, California

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Love the place! Great dining and and great service while supporting the culinary department of Laney community college. I'm coming for lunches here when I have a chance and this place never fail to impress. read more

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This place is amazing, practically new things on the menu every week. Food is almost amazing every time I come here. Their desserts is unique and different every week and plated beautifully. I would recommend people to try this place. The place is beautiful and everyone is nice with great energy. People need to remember that the chefs n waiters are students that are learning whats it like to work in a restaurant. I also see people treating it as a fast food place and tries to order to go but remember they are learning how to plate food properly so expect them to bring it out on a plate then u can get a to go box. read more

Can I give 10 stars? Wow, I really really love the concept of this restaurant. Even more, I love the food. Where else can you get a $40 meal for $15?I ordered the posole, montecristo and the dessert sampler. With the fresh lemonade,this easily would have been very expensive meal anywhere else. The service is a bit in the learning stage but they got the most important part- genuine friendliness. As for the food- the Posole was very tasty and actually better than I've had at Mexican restaurants. The Monte Cristo was over the top amazing with totally fresh ingredients. The deserts were also just perfect. Wow. It took me too long to discover this place! read more

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What a hidden gem. This place is run and staffed by students of the Laney Community College. The food was great and service was very earnest. You could tell that these guys were proud of their work and really wanted you to have a great meal. Specials change almost every day, I'm told and they are known for their deserts. The Bostini Cream Pie that I had was fantastic. The only caveat is that they are only open from 12pm-1pm Tues-Fri so you need to get their on time in order to catch their operating hours. Definitely check this place out. Prices are super cheap for what you get and it benefits the students of the school, all of whom were very sweet. read more

I have eaten here many times and food and customer service is fantastic! To the negative review below that was written 10 days before mine, you have to remember, this is a restaurant run by students learning to work in the restaurant service, so of course you're not going to get 100% professional service as you would in a 5 star restaurant or something, so keep that in mind! I am an official student of Laney College and I love to continue to support our culinary program! :) read more

Laney Bistro - The most adorable petit four! - Desserts Near Me - Oakland, California

I came to the Laney Bistro for a simple meal and was overwhelmed by the presentation in the good taste of flavors read more

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So here is the story: this place is run by culinary students and staff at Laney College as part of their training. Think hell's kitchen but without the yelling and swearing. The decor is tastefully done and people are very pleasant. Best of all, the food is very good and the prices very reasonable. They have fixed menu items plus rotating dishes. The desserts in particular are exciting to try. They are by far my favorite part of the meal there. My biggest gripe is with the service -- I've gone three times and each time I waited longer than the last. I wish/hope that is a part of the grading rubric because it really does make a difference in terms of dining experience. But for the slow service, I would have given this place 4-5 stars easily. Also, teachers please teach the cooks how to cook meat at different levels -- even if I ask for medium cooked burgers, I get well-done. read more

I was so lucky to end up hungry on Laney campus on a hot day and have a relaxing, high end service meal for 6.50! I was shocked with the items on the menu at a school restaurant such as fish with rice pilaf and my yummy quinoa burger. Service was the best part because you could feel the pride coming through for these hard-working students. Bravo Laney Bistro. You should be so proud! I will be back to try your organic burger with Pt. REYES cheese for under ten bucks! read more

Laney Bistro - Quinoa Burger with fries included - Desserts Near Me - Oakland, California

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It's nice and quiet here. The meals have all the trappings of an upscale restaurant with the prices of a cost effective bistro. I got the Salmon for 11$ and included with that was a small piece of bread and a free appetizer. The taste was great! The servers are accommodating and prompt. The bistro is easy to find, with signs showing you the way from the road. You can park nearby at the museum for 2.50$ per hour. They even gave us some free coffee that they had left over. But, don't come too late, there's a class held in that room after lunch. This is as good as it gets! read more

So to put everything in perspective, this is a student run restaurant and I give it five stars partly with that in mind. However, I have to admit I was really impressed with the place. The space is really small and simple, but the atmosphere is modern and very well done. The service was good, but you get the impression that these are not seasoned professionals. Again, this is a student run establishment and I give them high marks for service. The quality of the food was fantastic! I was bracing myself for the worst, but I was blown away by how good it was. We started out with a bread/biscuit thingy that seemed to have a bit rosemary to it and it was really good. The main course was the Kung Pau Shrimp and it was spicy and delicious. Whatever this school is teaching these folks, it goes way beyond basic food preparation. Well done! Overall this place is something you really should try. The food is awesome and the price is great. Be prepared for a wait if you go as there really is not a lot of seating, or you might go right as they open if you don't have time to wait. The hours are limited and I don't believe they are going to be open during the summer break, so you may want to check-in before trekking over to the campus. read more

The food is A+ : ) We had the mesquite roasted chicken sandwich with avocado, red bell peppers, baby greens w/ whole wheat bread. The chicken was very well cooked, not too spicy (I do not like spicy food and I like your sandwich), well done and the ingredients were fresh; perfect proportion of meat and avocados and peppers. We also had salads. Then we had the crumble and the fondant au chocolat. Coffee was perfect (fresh and perfect temperature), the scones, everything was splendid. The service was excellent. The waitress was nice and friendly, had a positive and gentle attitude, described the dishes very well, made menu recommendations and listened well to us. She was not invasive and did everything in perfect timing. read more

Service was friendly and the ambience is lovely. Today was "Spanish Day" and I thought the food was excellent. I have been to Spain twice and love the food there. It was authentic. I had green gazpacho ($4!) and lamb empanadas (amazing crust and sauce). My daughter had the brisket sandwich and said it was the best thing she ever ate. I'll try not to take that too personally. If you can make it to the Laney Bistro in their time window, it is a great place to try. The value is incredible for the food quality. read more