Solid fare at this classic institution, but it didn’t light my world on fire. The carrot soup was very lovely, as were the anchovies to start. The duck for main was well cooked but the broccoli and polenta were actually the stars of the show for me, both were cooked perfectly and interesting flavours. I ended with a very good strawberry sherbet and ginger snap which I think was probably my favourite course. The service was very good, but I was a little disappointed at the standard offering from such an iconic eatery.
The food at Chez Panisse delivered new flavors to me, tomatoes so sweet that I really understood why they are in the fruit family. All the care in the composition, preparation and finishing of each food shows all respect to the producer, to the ingredientes, and the commitment to always offer the best food to customers. The service is also one of the most attentive and courteous, I left there already wanting to return.
Compared to places like San Ho Won and Ernest this restaurant feels a little outdated or forgotten.The food was great, service almost perfect (though at some point our water got swapped from flat to sparkling).Chez Panisse feels like a weird flex: "Look how good I can make this dish with 5 ingredients." It's impressive, but the cuisine is the bottleneck for me. You can only make leaves and lean protein so delicious.I think Chez Panisse needs a colab with Ernest or something
Ate at the cafe last night for the first time. Each course was done perfectly as was the wine selection suggested by our server. We each had salad, then entree, then famous galette for dessert. Was full, not stuffed. Service was attentive, but not rushed. We normally dine at the restaurant, but this visit opened our eyes to taking the extra staircase to the cafe.
Flawless Service, impeccable but slightly unexciting food, wine pairings unexceptional The downstairs restaurant has a buzz with a window into the kitchen with an open fire. The food has a heavy emphasis on vegetables which I love, and the quality of the vegetables themselves was fabulous. The vegetarian menu encompassed : A delightful farm egg starter followed by spaghetti with artichokes, and a grilled asparagus main were delicious but nothing so outstanding that I will reminisce over it in 5 years time. The dessert was too sweet and I didn’t finish it but the closing refreshing tea and treats were delicious. The wine pairings were not as good as anticipated and we regretted in retrospect not getting our own choices from the wine list. An experience which we enjoyed, but expensive for what is on offer. A better choice might well be to go to the Cafe. Service incidentally was thoughtful and understated.
Chez Panisse has been closed for two years and was wondering if it could be just as good. It is even better. We went on the fourth day of reopening. Service was outstanding and the staff really seemed happy to be open and welcomed guest liked they meant it. We were greeted with a glass of Prosecco with Seville orange. First course was a heavenly goat cheese soufflé. The halibut in a clear broth was cooked perfectly. I never order lamb in a restaurant because most do not know how to cook it but the lamb chops were out of this world and were served medium rare. You got three chops. The Apple galette with oranges and vanilla ice cream was so delicious. Each of the wine pairings were perfect. The meal ended with a spearmint tea and little treats. Congratulations to the staff for doing such a great job. The meal and service was flawless.
Unfortunately, when we visited Chez Panisse was only doing pre-order and pick up (no in-house dining), but the food was AMAZING nonetheless -- simple, and delicious we had the roast chicken. you have to order 48 hours in advance.
Wonderful Valentine’s Day takeaway menu. Delectable!
I must be the only one to be disappointed, but I really was. The day I went for lunch, I had a choice of rabbit or mac and cheese! Are you serious? I had cold mac and cheese, watery and some kind of ice cream for dessert. And the bread with lunch was not fresh. $70.00. It's all hype.
This has been a restaurant in Berkeley that I've been wanting to try for a long time, finally it didn't disappoint!We ordered the baked goat cheese salad, mushroom pasta, and pizza with nettles. All were delicious!The staff were super nice. I highly recommend!