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Berkeley

North America

United States

Chez Panisse, located at 1517 Shattuck Ave. in North Berkeley, California, is a renowned restaurant and café celebrated for its commitment to seasonal, organic ingredients and its role in the farm-to-table movement. Founded by Alice Waters, this iconic establishment offers a unique dining experience that combines a cozy atmosphere with exquisite culinary creations. Whether you're enjoying a casual lunch at the café or indulging in a fine dining experience downstairs, Chez Panisse is a must-visit for food enthusiasts and anyone seeking a taste of California's rich culinary heritage.

At Chez Panisse, diners can expect a menu that changes daily, showcasing the freshest ingredients sourced from local farms. The restaurant serves a fixed-price menu that highlights seasonal dishes, often featuring vegetarian options. Popular items include:

Mushroom tortellini, light and fresh, celebrated for its delicate flavors.

Seared sea scallops, perfectly cooked and beautifully plated.

Rack of lamb, often paired with seasonal vegetables.

Fig galette with ice cream, a sweet finish to a memorable meal.

Chez Panisse is situated in the vibrant North Berkeley neighborhood, making it an ideal spot to explore the local culture and attractions. Nearby, you can visit:

The UC Berkeley campus, known for its stunning architecture and rich history.

The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, showcasing contemporary art.

The picturesque Tilden Regional Park, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.

With its rich history, exceptional cuisine, and prime location, Chez Panisse is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary landmark that continues to inspire food lovers from around the world.

Alice Waters' acclaimed flagship downstairs & cafe upstairs offer seasonal fare & a chic, cozy vibe.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYai1uUXpBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJcYtcJaF-hYAR-VzrwZpQY0E/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYai1uUXpBRRAB

Chez Panisse is a legendary, I’ve heard about it for a long time and was finally lucky enough to snag a reservation on this spooky night! The ambiance was warm and lovely, and the service was attentive and prompt. Bf even described it as a “restaurant museum,” which felt spot on given the atmosphere.

However, the food didn’t quite live up to the hype. We had a fixed menu, so there wasn’t an option to choose anything. While each course was well cooked, yet nothing really stood out. The mushroom tortellini was a my fav—light, fresh, and mixed with the taste of fresh mushrooms. The main course was pork loin, although it was fine, I actually enjoyed the veggies more than the meat. Given the price, I was expecting a bit more variety or at least additional more courses, yet we ended up filling up on bread and butter toward the end.

I’m still giving it 5 stars for the ambiance, the rich history, and, most importantly, for the wonderful company who made it a lovely and romantic date night—all of which made the evening absolutely worth it.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURIamFyb2hRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJcYtcJaF-hYAR-VzrwZpQY0E/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURIamFyb2hRRRAB

We had an excellent experience going here for lunch. The building is beautiful and the servers were all very attentive and kind. Once we had ordered the food all came timed very well. The food was excellent and very fresh. The portions were well sized to allow room for appetizer, main, and dessert. If we are in the area again I would definitely visit!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3LWFiWXJ3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJcYtcJaF-hYAR-VzrwZpQY0E/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3LWFiWXJ3RRAB

Reserved 2 months in advance. Needed to see if farm to table is all that. Pre fixe meals that change daily. Was it worth it?

The one Michelin star establishment has a very cool vibe. The first floor is the main dining; the upper floor has a tiny bar, more seats and the cost/rest room. It's packed tight up there.

Upon entering you'll notice right away the service is great and important to them. The open kitchen is in the back and you can see them making masterpieces.

Each of the four dishes are beautifully plated. The waiter explains what you're about to enjoy. On our day, we had a small aperitif to kick it off and then an anchovy salad with squash tempura. Very delicately cooked and quite nice.

The next dish was seared sea scallops. Also quite nice. Very well prepared; perfectly cooked in fact.

The main was a rack of lamb. I truly enjoy lamb but this one had a faint taste of cumin which I don't think belongs with lamb. But I'm biased because I also don't like lemon in my food, which it also had. So I was not thrilled with this one.

And for dessert was a fig galette with ice cream. Very nice sweet to finish off the meal. The ice cream had a Marsala taste which was, interesting.

So is this place all it's hyped to be? I'm going to say it highly depends on what you happen to be served. I suppose you can cancel after you see the menu which posts on Monday, but after waiting so long for the reservation, who would do that? I enjoyed it quite a bit but certainly wasn't floored. That said, the diving experience was wonderful.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfbHR6VG93RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJcYtcJaF-hYAR-VzrwZpQY0E/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfbHR6VG93RRAB

The legend is real. But often imitated around the world. When you arrive at the table and eat the food, you may feel (as other reviewers below) that it isn’t so special. Because you have had friendly, simply prepared French cooking before. And you probably noticed it is quite different from tuxedoed and ruffled, intensely scrutinized fine French cuisine.

You will have to pay attention to the vegetables and the ingredients to notice - whoa, that raddichio is incredibly soft and sweet and nutty; the bread’s crust has insane bite and chew; the lettuce leaves seem to have been massaged.

A bit subtle.

And the menu makes no effort to blow your mind, Eleven Madison-style, with rock star smoke and magic, nor trompe l’loeil a la Copenhagen’s hot shots.

But these guys were first! And their ideas took over the world. So the meal here is pilgrimage and just a lovely meal as well.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYajktRzR3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJcYtcJaF-hYAR-VzrwZpQY0E/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYajktRzR3RRAB

We were so excited to go to the famous Chez Panisse for our anniversary dinner! We ate at the restaurant downstairs. Sadly, we left very disappointed by the food. The salmon served to my partner was cooked but mine was basically raw for some reason. The pork was chewy and barely had any vegetables on the side. The risotto was nice but it was such a tiny portion. The only thing we loved was the dessert… Usually we’re open to splurging on a restaurant if it has great food and service but unfortunately this experience made us feel like we wasted our money. We don’t regret trying it but we won’t be back.

Chez Panisse: Iconic French Restaurant in North Berkeley

A culinary gem nestled in the vibrant heart of North Berkeley, Chez Panisse beckons food enthusiasts to indulge in its artisanal delights. Renowned for pioneering the farm-to-table movement, this captivating establishment offers an intimate dining experience where seasonal ingredients dance harmoniously on every plate. The air is infused with the aroma of fresh produce, as you enter a world where each dish tells a story of local farmers and storied recipes. The restaurant humbly resides on Shattuck Avenue, its charm stemming not just from its renowned culinary offerings, but also its enchanting, rustic ambiance. Soft lighting casts a warm glow over the wooden tables, inviting lively conversations and eager laughter. A one-of-a-kind menu changes daily, showcasing the best of what California’s rich agricultural bounty has to offer, ensuring that every visit is a unique culinary journey. Don't miss the chance to savor their exquisite prix fixe menus, where you might find the likes of house-made pasta crowned with fresh herbs, or delectable seasonal vegetables treated with simplicity that elevates their natural flavors. The dessert of the day is a whimsical conclusion to your meal, often featuring local fruits, and a heavenly union of textures and tastes. Beyond the food, Chez Panisse is a testament to community and sustainability, deeply embedded in the ethos of Berkeley's culture. Its legacy as an incubator of culinary creativity continues to inspire chefs and diners alike. A visit to this landmark not only satisfies the palate but also warms the heart, making it a must for anyone traversing the culinary landscape of California.

Chez Panisse

Savor culinary masterpieces at Chez Panisse in North Berkeley! Relish organic dishes, vibrant flavors, and cozy ambiance. Book your table today!

Chez Panisse: Iconic French Restaurant in North Berkeley

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