Jane

Not sure if we will be able to get reservations or not, but just wondering if anyone can tell me if you must be dressed to the nines to eat here. Advise?
Also, I read it is a set menu each night - you can't order from a menu, but you can at the affiliated cafe upstairs (or is it downstairs)- can't remember the name - is it also difficult to get in to?

kam

The cafe at Chez Panisse is upstairs and it has lighter meals--some pastas and pizzas. Reservations at both are essential. You certainly don't have to dress to the nines anywhere in the Bay area unless, of course, you like to do that sort of thing. For Chez Panisse I would recommend "elegant casual"--a long sleeve shirt and perhaps a sport coat and khakis for men and whatever a woman would like to wear, though a cocktail type dress would be too much. Phone is (510) 548-5525. Recent reviews have been divided but if you're coming from out of town and want to visit where "California cuisine" began, Chez Panisse is a good choice.

KT

They have a website www.chezpanisse.com, which includes a lot of information, including their reservation policy for both the restaurant and cafe.

Gerry

Having lived in Berkeley and now nearby, I can tell you that you can wear anything you like. Nothing is out of place there. In fact I would not overdress for fear of being shunned as part of the establishment.

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Jane

Thanks very much, that's exactly the info I needed...Don't plan on bringing along "dressy" clothes, but don't want to look out of place, either.
KT, thanks for the web address.