I dined at Abstract Table on 7/9/22 at 8:30pm with my wife. This is pretty negative so I'll just keep it to the facts so readers can make their own judgement, although keep in mind it's not easy to put two toddlers to sleep, get a nanny, make a road trip to have a night out twice a year at a nice place. This was also my birthday. Restaurant isn't accountable for those of course, Im just saying I'm not out to visit all restaurants and blast them online.The setting was really nice, they have a beautiful patio. However it was pretty cold sitting outside (no indoor dining) and uncomfortable on steel chairs. There are rats running in between the tables and the waiter seemed used to it. The drinks menu has no cocktails and a very limited selection of wines.I had the $67 bison rib-eye. It was a very low quality piece of meat, I had to spit part of it. It was so salty it was essentially inedible, though given my hunger I still had half of it. The fries were also too salty, nearly inedible.To be clear I didn't ask for a discount or for any freebies, and I don't want anything for writing this. I don't complain for getting a free meal, I'm only trying to save people from visiting what's clearly a show, a hobby run by amateurs who make good looking food in a nice setting, charge Michelin star prices, and whose egos make them believe they're worth it.
Delicious food and friendly service! The vegetarian dishes were especially good. The roasted roasted corn chowder “cappuccino” and a smoked lions mane mushroom were outstanding. The restaurant is located thru a cafe, in the garden behind the shop. You’ll be surrounded by an eclectic assortment of plants from manzanita, lemon balm and mint to succulents, flowering maple and anthuriums. Dress code is casual, street parking was easy to find, I recommend stopping by!
The vegetarian dishes were the best! Loved the smoked lions mane mushroom and roasted corn cappuccino. The outdoor dining in the garden makes it more casual but the floor is fine dining.
Two dishes were inedible. One was excellent and a fourth dish was just ok. For the prices they charge, all should have been excellent. We will not return.
Service was slow and, for the price, not expert/attentive enough. White wine was barely chilled, after pointing it out, same mistake was made. Again, for the price, wine should be perfectly chilled. Entrees are exorbitantly priced. The fish was delicious but the $61 price tag makes no sense. We wanted to love it but wonât be back until the prices are comparable to other restaurants and service improves.
Menu interesting. Pork belly very tough. Main dish was cold. Gooey desert component uneatable. Nice serving dishes. Caffeinated staff very nice and cheerful. We were glad we made the reservation.
The price for the portion size is ridiculously high. The main courses had nothing exceptional. Our $35 half mushroom was not the one listed on the menu, had the same garnish as another item on the menu, and was dry and not interesting. The $68 ribeye was pretty dry and had no specific taste. Our small $25 black cod appetizer was raw on the inside (and I don't think that was planned). Our previous experience there was very good but better food can be had for half the price at many other places in Berkeley.
Such a beautiful experience. It was like eating in a greenhouse with beautiful flowers blooming everywhere. The food was exquisite from presentation to the tasting of each bite. The appetizers were small but we shared almost every one of them. The rockfish entree and bison ribeye were large enough for the five of us. This is a special dinner destination worth going to!
Sweet place with small precious menu and portions that are diametrically opposite from their prices. After a $63 fish and teo starters of $25 each i was so hungry and had to stop at Saul’s across the street for a salad! Really nice ambience but just too precious for me to return.
Location is hard to find but ambiance is great as it’s nestled in the back and great staff and energy. Will come back.