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The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel Reviews List
The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
We are Oakland's most romantic and beautiful lake front restaurant, set in a 1920s art deco supper club with panoramic view of Lake Merritt. Come enjoy your choice of fresh fish, juicy meats, fresh and local vegetables and our delicious cocktails!
With Happy Hour M-F, 5 pm - 11 pm, you can enjoy 2 for 1 wines by the glass and $5 well drinks. Then head into our dining room for a delicious meal.
On the weekends, come enjoy our Bottomless Mimosa brunch, made with fresh-squeezed OJ! Or enjoy our homemade Bloody Mary recipe.
See more The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel details
With Happy Hour M-F, 5 pm - 11 pm, you can enjoy 2 for 1 wines by the glass and $5 well drinks. Then head into our dining room for a delicious meal.
On the weekends, come enjoy our Bottomless Mimosa brunch, made with fresh-squeezed OJ! Or enjoy our homemade Bloody Mary recipe.
60 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 60 reviews
5 stars
(20)
4 stars
(22)
3 stars
(13)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- scenic view(43)
- great for brunch(36)
- neighborhood gem(34)
- special occasion(28)
- good for groups(24)
- romantic(22)
The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel Reviews List
Review 1 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Lovely Brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"With one of the best views of Lake Merrit, The Terrace Room provides a comfortable and gracious ambience, combined with excellent food and attentive service."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, scenic view, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A little disappointed for brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We made a reservation for brunch on Mother's Day. Although we did up the diner count from 8 to 10 guests, the table was not ready at the time of our reservation, and we were seated about 30 minutes late. The food was very good, and the staff and service was good. However, I can't see the justification of $50 pp for brunch."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, scenic view
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Review 3 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Perfect Mother's Day Venue
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Terrace Room is perfect for any special occasion. The decor and the view is always a hit and the food was wonderful. Our waiter was attentive and engaging. I've been here for wedding receptions and retirement parties - this place never misses the mark. Can't wait for the next occasion to dine here!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 4 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My favorite brunch spot!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"and then the house-made muffins... So good ...!!!"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I am so glad the Terrace Room
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I am so glad the Terrace Room has maintained a great standard in terms of their food and service. The view is phenomenal. It would be nice for the menu to be a little more descriptive and possibly even add one or two more brunch item choices. But the food was very good. I had the crab and brie omelet which was cooked perfectly. Some of the food items were a little cold like the waffle and the bacon but all in all we had a lovely time at brunch and would definitely come again!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 6 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Bruch was excellent and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Bruch was excellent and service great. Great view of the lake anywhere in the dining room. Glad we tried it. We will be back."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 7 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had Kristen, who was an
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had Kristen, who was an amazing waitress. It was the best brunch in years. Thanks Terrace Room :)"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 8 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great Location, beautiful
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Great Location, beautiful scenic view of Lake Merritt. Easy access from the freeway.
Open dining room with lake view from all tables. Service was nice and well paced, meals were very affordable."
Open dining room with lake view from all tables. Service was nice and well paced, meals were very affordable."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 9 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Get that old thing back!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is an all time favorite. Hoping they resolve the Chef situation and secure a new Brunch menu quickly."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The Brunch was very good and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Brunch was very good and the view overlooking Grand Lake is very nice. The servixe was good and the menu was varied but high quality. A nice way to spend a Sunday morning/afternoon."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 11 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food average for the Sunday
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food average for the Sunday brunch we went to. Many standard American items but presented a bit over the top. The chef seems to take long tested and tried recipes and twists the around in an almost compulsive attempt to be trendy. The result is not all that appetizing or palatable."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 12 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service was extremely slow
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was extremely slow and it did not even seem that crowded. We were there over 2 hours, and not because we were intending to take our sweet time. Gorgeous view of the lake. Food was good and the bottomless drinks were really fantastic. It just took so long to order and receive our food. Would give it another shot though."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2012
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Review 13 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delish food, good price, great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Delish food, good price, great view. Make sure to reserve at least an hour ahead if you want a window spot for brunch. Waiters were generous refilling the bottomless mimosa."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, romantic, scenic view
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Review 14 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was decent, but service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was decent, but service was better. View of the lake was even better.. nice place to have lunch on a nice day.
Lunch menu selections was somewhat small, but decent prices and quality/quantity was good.
Appetizer with tabouleh, pita bread & hummus was delicious."
Lunch menu selections was somewhat small, but decent prices and quality/quantity was good.
Appetizer with tabouleh, pita bread & hummus was delicious."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2004
Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 15 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was very good. Service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was very good. Service was excellent. Prices were below other comparable places. We may have found our new regular brunch space.
Enjoyed the complimentary mini muffins upon seating."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2007
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 16 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our server was very conscientious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our server was very conscientious about making sure we had everything we needed, without being intrusive.
The dining room was very elegant, but homey at the same time. We felt very comfortable dining there."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 17 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nestled right on lake merritt
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Nestled right on lake merritt The Terrace Room has one of the best views in Oakland and some of the best food You'll ever have. Try the Chicken n Waffles, Or the lake burger!
Bloody Ceasers and Maries are fab"
Bloody Ceasers and Maries are fab"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 18 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Incredibly expensive, food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Incredibly expensive, food was okay but portions were extremely small.
If it weren't for dessert, I wood have had to eat a snack after I returned home."
If it weren't for dessert, I wood have had to eat a snack after I returned home."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: romantic, scenic view
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Review 19 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had our wedding reception
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had our wedding reception here and fell in love with the view."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 20 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
going to go again!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"All I can say is Yum Yum Yum and very affordable. Great view and you can take a walk at the lake if you wanted to! Parking is not a problem."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 21 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The location, view, ambiance
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The location, view, ambiance and service were all outstanding. The food was edible, but not as outstandicng as it was about a year ago. I ordered the crab and shrimp omelet, which was tasteless. Additionally, the potatoes that were served with it were somewhat hard and not as fully cooked as I would have liked.
One other guest at our table ordered the chicken and waffles with the same or very similar comment.
I would hope that the restaurant would really evaluate their chef's food preparation. This is an outstandfing loccation and I'd hate to see patronage dwindle.. I formerly lived right across the stret from the restaurant and hotel and always had an enjoyable experience, which included the tastefulness of the food."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 22 for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The view is spectacular! Nice
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The view is spectacular! Nice old-world feel to the place. Friendly staff. Service maybe a tad slow but with such a view, who's in a rush?"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
Based on the average of (38) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate