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Chez Panisse Cafe Reviews List
Chez Panisse Cafe
The Café at Chez Panisse, located upstairs, opened in 1980 to offer an alternative to the set menu served in the Restaurant downstairs. The Café offers a moderately priced à la carte menu for both lunch and dinner. It has an open kitchen along one side of the room with a charcoal grill and a wood burning oven. The menu changes daily and is inspired by local, seasonal ingredients. Reservations are recommended.
See more Chez Panisse Cafe details
212 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Rating Breakdown 212 reviews
5 stars
(141)
4 stars
(45)
3 stars
(17)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(4)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(165)
- special occasion(133)
- neighborhood gem(97)
- notable wine list(67)
- great for lunch(65)
- romantic(65)
Chez Panisse Cafe Reviews List
Review 1 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Expensive, but it is the best
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Expensive, but it is the best restaurant in the Bay Area"
Dined on 02/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 2 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
OpenTable Diner
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
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Review 3 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Unfortunately, our Reservations
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Unfortunately, our Reservations were cancelled due to the fire that damaged part of the Restaurant"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 4 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Restaurant was off the night
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Restaurant was off the night I went. Service was mediocre. Very surprised by this....and disappointed."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2007
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Review 5 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Never less than ecstatic when
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Never less than ecstatic when dining here. Consistent through the years; only gets better.
Alice has created a charmed, homey, excellent neighborhood restaurant, world class.
No where is her combination surpassed."
Alice has created a charmed, homey, excellent neighborhood restaurant, world class.
No where is her combination surpassed."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Of course, the food is legendary.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Of course, the food is legendary. Service attentive."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
The service was terrible.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service was terrible. Our server wasn't there to take our order. The server from other table took our order instead. When he finally showed up when we are ready for dessert, not even a hi or smile. This was the worst experience we ever have from any restaurant. This server not only killed our mood and appetite, but the reputation of the restaurant."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2012
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Review 8 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our new "GO TO" Place!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We celebrated my wife's birthday here recently and couldn't have chosen a more perfect spot. We were greeted by a very gracious hostess and then seated in a lovely booth across from the kitchen/cooking area. At first we thought it would be noisy and busy there, but we never even noticed the hustle and bustle of the wait staff picking up and putting in orders. The food - in one word -- amazing!!! We started with the baked goat cheese and greens salad. All we're going to say is that it was the best this side of France. If you have never tried goat cheese (or have and went "ick!") then please try it again -- you will love it. All the food was fabulous and I'd write more but am running out of room! This is our new "go to" place! Cheers!"
Dined on 03/04/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 9 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What more can be said about
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"What more can be said about Alice Waters' Berkeley gem? It's incredible. It is impossible to be disappointed by a meal at Chez Panisse. Always fabulous."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Alway a great dining experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Alway a great dining experience , food is well balanced and full of flavors"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing Cuisine
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a Wonderful time and enjoyed our lovely gourmet delites...
Lunch in the wooded room over looking the bayfront was fun.
Our waiter was very attentive and bright..nice smile and a wonderful energy!
We shared every dish...and the wine from Italy was yummy!!
We are so coming back...actually as soon as we were driving down the road from the restaurant...we were simultaneously making reservations for the following month!!"
Lunch in the wooded room over looking the bayfront was fun.
Our waiter was very attentive and bright..nice smile and a wonderful energy!
We shared every dish...and the wine from Italy was yummy!!
We are so coming back...actually as soon as we were driving down the road from the restaurant...we were simultaneously making reservations for the following month!!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 12 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Treasure
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Outstanding! Fabulous! I need to invent a new word because it's that unique..one of the finest dining experiences."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 13 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A perfect meal in all aspects.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A perfect meal in all aspects. Waiter experienced and helpful guided us to the perfect dinner as always. Always a pleasure to eat where food is treated creatively and seriously, and is freshest, and totally delicious. Its always wonderful to dine at this amazing restaurant that is consistently perfect 40 years. Bravo."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 14 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Chez Panisse is a classic,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Chez Panisse is a classic, always a wise choice."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 15 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is one of the best restaurants
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is one of the best restaurants we have been to. The waiters were excellent and were able to read our thoughts in terms of service. Great food. Do not be misled by the term 'cafe' as it is a full service restaurant."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Special Occasion Lunch
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Quite expensive, but great food. Place to go for a special occasion."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 17 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food and service were excellent!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food and service were excellent! High quality organic ingredients make a difference on the final plate. Clean on the palate, you leave feeling healthy and nourished. Worth the trip!"
Dined on 02/25/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always a treat at Chez Panisse!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"What a pleasure to visit after many years. Warm welcome and excellent service. The food was great - fresh, simply and expertly prepared, and tasty. This is not the place to go for an amazing food experience. It's more about food prepared very well, almost like you could make at home if you had access to such excellent ingredients everyday. Also, the prices are very fair given the quality of the food."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 19 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Give your review a title (optional)
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Chez Panisse is a gem - the staff is excellent and the food and drink are spot on!
Thank you CP for another wonderful experience!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Whether for a special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Whether for a special occasion or for an impromptu lunch, Chez Panisse always delivers. All the praise lavished on them is all true. Freshest ingredients, perfectly executed, with great service, makes it a place to go where one is not disappointed. The rum infused ice cream was a perfect ending. Thank you."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 21 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Their food is resurgent.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Their food is resurgent. The fried chicken is a revelation."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
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Review 22 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Alice Waters delivers the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Alice Waters delivers the real thing! The food is amazing, the atmosphere is lovely and the service friendly! An experience to remember and to repeat when possible."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 23 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Definitely would go back there
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Definitely would go back there again."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Chez Panisse does not disappoint.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Chez Panisse does not disappoint. I took my BF out for his birthday and he is very picky. I was secretly worried that he was not going to be impressed but boy was I glad he was blown away by everything - when was the last time a guy raved about how good a salad is all night long?!?!? Thanks Chez Panisse for the awesome night dining :)"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 25 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellence personified
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"What a lovely place to celebrate my birthday. I dined with three out of state guests. Each of us relished our superb salad, entree and dessert. The wine was excellent and the service matched both the food and wine. I have enjoyed the Cafe for the past twenty six years and hope to do so for at least twenty six more."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Dinner in the restaurant is
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Dinner in the restaurant is much better! The lunch we had was OK - pizza burnt on the edges, chicken with beans and kale on the salty side, seafood stew was excellent and ice cream with chocolate sauce and coffee were excellent. For $150 for 3, I think we could have gotten better food elsewhere but the service was first rate. I remember the quality of the food in the cafe used to be much higher (pre-having to make reservations for the cafe). At least for dinner in the restaurant it is a full circle of fully thought out and prepared meal - it makes paying top $ worthwhile."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2011
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Review 27 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not what it used to be...food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not what it used to be...food was fine but nothing special. Pizza was dry. Menu is limited. There are better restaurants in Berkeley!"
Dined on 02/21/2013
2004
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Review 28 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great place for lunch if you
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great place for lunch if you are in the area. Friendly service and easy street parking."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 29 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food with terrific attentive
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food with terrific attentive wait staff."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 30 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Everything was fine, but no
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was fine, but no more than that. In the past something has always been very special, but not this time. Is it going downhill? We were a little disappointed."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 31 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
No special service for birthday
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"No special service for birthday"
Dined on 02/19/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view
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Review 32 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We had the pizza with nettles
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had the pizza with nettles and ricotta -- excellent. main courses were disappointing; sea bass had very little flavor and ordinary vegetables; the pork shoulder was ordinary with very "cabbagey" Brussels sprouts. Good apple and Meyer lemon galette for dessert."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2000
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Review 33 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not the best, but will try again.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have had some very good meals at Chez Panisse in the past. This last visit was not very exciting. I went with my daughter for lunch on President's Day. I ordered fish and she got a pasta dish. The pasta was uninteresting and the fish was very salty. We were in and out in half an hour. Something just didn't click this time.
But, I will visit again as I don't think this experience was typical."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 34 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It's a lovely place to bring
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It's a lovely place to bring guests for a special occasion. The food was disappointing considering the expense. We expected it to be great. It was simply just good. Otherwise, it was a very pleasant experience to be there."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
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Review 35 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I hadn't been therein years
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I hadn't been therein years and was pleasantly surprised that it has maintained its excellent quality of food, wine and service. I was delighted:)"
Dined on 02/12/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 36 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointed vegan
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My vegan partner and I were happy regulars at Chez Panisse Cafe years ago when we lived in the East Bay -- now we live 60 miles north and can rarely get there. Always in our past experience we've told the waiter our needs and he responds something like "Let me speak to the chef and we'll see what we can offer you today." If there wasn't a vegan entree on the day's menu the chef usually improvised a delicious pasta or vegetable dish. Last Wednesday, the waiter said instead, "That will be a problem." He pointed to the menu, where a green salad and a beet soup were her only choices. So while the rest of us had entrees she had soup and salad. All our food was delicious, as always, but I now can't count on Chez P for our special celebrations."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2007
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Review 37 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As a walk-in customer on a
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As a walk-in customer on a Friday night, landing a table in the cafe was delightful surprise. Thanks to Steve, my dream of finally dining at Alice's restaurant came true, even if just a solo diner. So began my first experience at Chez Panisse.
Encouraged to return by the eclectic and unique menu items, the high-quality of the food and, most importantly, the service from staff, I managed to call a month in advance for a large table on Velentine's Day. Six of us were seated at a long table just across from the chefs' station, perfectly situated to not only see the preparation of each menu item but to witness the joy in the faces of the chefs slaving over hot stoves and cold desserts. Pure joy was in their eyes and on their faces, artists a"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 38 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Recommended with some reservation:
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Recommended with some reservation: The high level of noise made enjoying lunch a challenge as it was impossible to relax. Maybe that's how they turn the tables so quickly! Our party included an older gentleman and we had to shout across the table to be heard. Of course, Chez Panisse is considered one of the best restaurants of all time and we did enjoy the food."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
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Review 39 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Appetizer-sized entrée, unbearable
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The waiter was quite attentive but the overall experience was uncomfortable and disappointing. The heat along the east wall of the restaurant was hot and insufferable for a winter evening. Because we arrived at prime time on a Friday night, the restaurant was jammed and I found myself yelling to communicate with my wife at a two-person table. And the the food.... my wife was happy with her fish, but I was so under-portioned with my lamb, maybe one half dozen slices luncheon meat thick (2 x 2 inches), with two marble size potatoes and more salad.... The food arrived very quickly. Clearly they were trying to flip the tables for the next patrons. I wanted out because of the heat. I left hungry and had some Wheaties at home."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
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Review 40 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Although this was one of
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Although this was one of my favorite restaurants the last two times I have eaten at Chez Panisse Cafe the food was barely eatable. It almost seems as if they have a new Chef.
We were very disappointed and will not return again, at least in the near future."
We were very disappointed and will not return again, at least in the near future."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
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Review 41 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I have been eating at Chez
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have been eating at Chez Panisse since it first opened. It never falters and always remains true to food served simply but with exquisite attention to freshness and the seasons. Sometimes it feels right to eat downstairs and other times upstairs, in the Café.
Service was smooth as silk, yet when attention was needed, someone was instantly available.
I do not drink coffee and appreciated so much the attention given to my tea. It was brewed exactly as I asked and was that final touch of perfection to the meal."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 42 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Taken for granted by waiters.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Four visits over three years and each time I (& whomever I dined with) have left ticked off by our waiters. If ever there were a restaurant where they should NOT include the gratuity (as they do here regardless of party size), it is here! The last 3 (male) waiters were each attentive in the beginning, then nearly impossible to find during the last half of the meal. On 2/12, we asked 3 times for our dessert (fruit, which came w/the meal as it was a 3-course menu). Moreover, this last time we were not told details of the dishes, as we heard another waiter tell his tables. Very disappointing for a restaurant of this caliber. I believe if service were not included, diners would get far better service. Next time I'll refuse to tip."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 43 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I reserved for their cafe
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I reserved for their cafe at first, because the restaurant was fully booked. But the time we visited,the waiter told us that there is one seat available due to the last minute cancellation, so we were lucky to get seated in the restaurant on the 1st floor!
Their service was great, nice smile, speaking softly, and of course, have alot of knowledge about the wine and food.
The food was so simple but it was just so wonderful.
All the while spending time at Chez Panisse, we felt good vibes, it made us feel relaxed and happy."
Their service was great, nice smile, speaking softly, and of course, have alot of knowledge about the wine and food.
The food was so simple but it was just so wonderful.
All the while spending time at Chez Panisse, we felt good vibes, it made us feel relaxed and happy."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 44 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
great as usual. this time
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"great as usual. this time apple and prune-brandy gallette was a little burned around outer edge but otherwise everything was great. had lamb shoulder w artichokes and gratin, and sole w dungeness crab. I definately preferred the lamb and the gratin was great, but other dish was not bad. also split a little gem salad w feta and olive which was simple but perfect. nice selection of wines by the glass and very helpful servers that all seem very aware of the details of daily changing menu and pairing wine with it. cant go wrong here"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 45 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
food was generally excellent.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"food was generally excellent. Disappointed that grilled sole was fried sole with batter."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 46 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good, but the meal was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good, but the meal was not as memorable as previous visits."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 47 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything we expected and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything we expected and more. The friendly hostess even took my wife for a tour of the kitchen."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 48 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fabulous, an oasis of great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fabulous, an oasis of great food and fine dining. The service and food are second to none."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 49 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Chez still going strong after
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Chez still going strong after all these years!
Took our daughter for her 20th birthday, didn't get a reservation until 9pm, was surprised that they were still seating people at 10pm. Noticed that another group of birthday celebrants just came for dessert, not a bad idea.
Everything was great if a little cramped at our table for 3.
Will go again for the next big occasion!"
Everything was great if a little cramped at our table for 3.
Will go again for the next big occasion!"
Dined on 01/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 50 for Chez Panisse Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Hadn't been to the upstairs
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Hadn't been to the upstairs cafe in years; I can't wait to go again."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2008
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