Berkeley, CA restaurants
 

anniversary weekend and we are heading to the Claremont in the hills of Berkeley for the weekend. Couldn't believe we finally got a reservation at Chez Panisse for Friday night. Not easy to snag. Need recommendation for Saturday night dinner. What are some of your favorites. Forget budget. We like all kinds of food

Across Hwy 24 on Piedmont Ave, Bay Wolf.

http://www.baywolf.com

If you want absolute killer views and not killer but definitely decent food, maybe Skates in the marina.

saw Skates on line. Looks pretty interesting. Will check out Baywolf too. After Chez Panisse we might want something a little low key...

All I know is Gather, nice place, popular with locals.

Are you sitting upstairs at Chez Panisse or downstairs?
I hope you have a better experience than our last visit.

we have always made it a point to eat there on our annual San Francisco trips. Each year [past 5 or 6] it has slowly slipped in food and service.

My last review - http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ez-panisse.cfm

Keeping in mind that I am NOT a "foodie" (although my mom is), my recommendations (with mom's blessings) are:

Bistro Liaison for really good French "comfort" fare.

Skates -- surprisingly good and fresh food for long time establishment on the water. Their happy hour drinks and appetizers are superb . . . and a great way to watch the sunset over the bay to San Francisco (assuming the weather is with you). This is one of those places that you want to head to on a sunny day where you are there for the sunset.

Comal on Shattuck -- great nouveau Mexican fare with outstanding cocktails.

And for lunch (or anytime they are open!) . . . the Cheeseboard Collective. On Shattuck, north Berkeley. They have set pizzas each day . . . meatless . . . and there's always a line. (Don't be put off by the lack of meat ... my husband and I are carnivores who must have pepperoni on pizza, but this pizza is so outstanding on its own, worth it). The bakery/cheese store is just next door, and they have baguettes and other breads there that are seriously the best we've ever had. While you can select cheeses to make yourself a picnic lunch, you'll find you can devour the bread on it's own.

http://cheeseboardcollective.coop/pizza

Dessert: Ici on College (relatively close to the Claremont Hotel). Best ice cream ever.

Wood Tavern on College Ave
Fournée Bakery on Domingo Ave - across from your hotel for pastry
Penrose on Grand in Oakland
Haven at Jack London Square - Oakland
Bocanova at Jack London Square - Oakland

Baywolf is closed

"Baywolf is closed"

Too bad. Opened by friends eons ago, I had some of the best meals of my life there, free.

Fabulous dinners at Chez Panisse (ate downstairs) pricey but good and interesting food and service and Corso for some good Italian food and a great breakfast at Venus on Shattuck Ave. Thanks for the recommendations will keep on file for next time