Bay Area Restaurants

Chez Panisse Cafe & Restaurant

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  

Chez Panisse Cafe & Restaurant Review

At Chez Panisse even humble pizza is reincarnated, with innovative toppings of the freshest local ingredients. The downstairs portion of Alice Waters's legendary eatery is noted for its formality and personal service. The daily-changing multicourse dinners are prix-fixe ($$$$), with the cost slightly lower on weekdays. Upstairs, in the informal cafe, the crowd is livelier, the prices are lower ($$-$$$), and the ever-changing menu is a la carte. The food is simpler, too: penne with new potatoes, arugula, and sheep's-milk cheese; fresh figs with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and arugula; and grilled tuna with Savoy cabbage, for example. Legions of loyal fans insist that Chez Panisse lives up to its reputation and delivers a dining experience well worth the price. Visiting foodies won't want to miss a meal here; be sure to make reservations a few weeks ahead of time.

    Contact Information

  • Address: 1517 Shattuck Ave., at Vine St.North Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94709 | Map It
  • Phone: 510/548-5525 restaurant; 510/548-5049 cafe
  • Website:
  • Location: Berkeley

    Restaurant Details

  • Reservations essential.
  • Closed Sun. No lunch in the restaurant.

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  
  • Food  
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    Chez Panisse Café & Restaurant Review

    We opted for dining in the cafe -- where dining choices are a la carte, and more reasonably priced that the original restaurant downstairs. We were NOT disappointed! The food was fresh, vibrant, and every bit as wonderful as its reputation. If you have to wait a bit to sit down, take a walk on Shattuck and experience the Berkeley vibe!

    by janschwartz, 11/12/09
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    Divine

    It was a little hard to get to but was worth the trip. Limited selection menu but every item was divine.

    by Luvero, 8/17/07

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