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Chez Panisse Restaurant Reviews List

Chez Panisse Restaurant

Chez Panisse opened its doors in 1971, started by Alice Waters and a band of idealistic friends. A neighborhood bistro named after a character in Marcel Pagnol's 1930's trilogy of movies (‘Marius,’ ‘Fanny,’ and ‘Cesar’), the Restaurant and Café are a homage to the sentiment, comedy and informality of these classic films. From the beginning, Alice and her partners tried to do things the way they would like them done at a dinner party at home. Through the years, Chez Panisse has stayed true to this original inspiration and is now part of the global Slow Food movement. Chez Panisse Restaurant, located downstairs, is open for dinner Monday through Saturday, by reservation only. The set menu changes every night, reflecting the season. Our produce, meat, poultry, and fish come from farms, ranches, and fisheries guided by principles of sustainability.
See more Chez Panisse Restaurant details
65 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
(65 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 65 reviews
5 stars
(43)
4 stars
(14)
3 stars
(6)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(2)
Food 
4.6 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.6 / 5
Service 
4.6 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.6 / 5
Ambiance 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Noise Level
1.7 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(51)
  • special occasion(50)
  • romantic(37)
  • neighborhood gem(28)
  • notable wine list(22)
  • hot spot(7)
Chez Panisse Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Chez Panisse is world famous,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Chez Panisse is world famous, so it hardly needs yet another endorsement. The food and service were truly exceptional. I had been waiting years to go here and I was not disappointed. They recently had a kitchen fire that will put them out of commission for renovations for awhile, but I'm sure that they will return to their normal excellence soon."
Dined on 03/06/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
0points
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Review 2 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Everyone should eat at Chez

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Everyone should eat at Chez Panisse at least once in their life to understand how fine dining in the US is done right!"
Dined on 03/05/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
0points
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Review 3 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fantastic service and amazing

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Fantastic service and amazing food!"
Dined on 03/06/2013
 2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 4 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

If you want to have a memorable,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"If you want to have a memorable, out of this world dining experience why not go where Alice Waters started local, organic fresh food from farm to table. The care the staff provides guest is exceptional, catering every need. The chefs menu is ornate and the combinations he creates with the foods in season is simply a special gift. Every dish builds with rich, flavors that enhance ones tastes buds. It's worth the money. Easily the best restaurant in the Bay Area. If you are a foodie and want fresh amazing food come here."
Dined on 03/05/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 5 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We greatly enjoyed the James

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We greatly enjoyed the James Ranch lamb - and especially the parsley sauce! The wild fennel fritters were delicious and paired well with the wine, but neither the wine nor the fritters could stand up (could anything?) to the marinated artichoke hearts. The avgolemono was good - not outstanding. LOVED the Meyer lemon gelato with kumquats!
Johnny was a fine waiter."
Dined on 03/05/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 6 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I've been waiting years to

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I've been waiting years to have dinner at Chez Panisse, and luckily on a trip to San Francisco in February, that dream came true. Went on a Monday night for their $65 menu (added on the $30 wine pairing) which was superb and well worth every penny. One of the best meals I've had, and I look forward to going back -- someday -- for a meal later in the week. Thank you Alice Waters and team!"
Dined on 03/04/2013
 2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
0points
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Review 7 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

After hearing many rave reviews

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"After hearing many rave reviews of the restaurant for a number of years, I was a little disappointed when I finally went there. I took my son and his wife for a celebratory dinner in the dinning room (not in the bar upstairs). The food was quite good, but not spectacular, as I'd expected, and the portions tended to be small. The ambience is understated but elegant and the noise level moderate. The service was professional but rushed. We had a reservation for the first seating. We arrived on time but had to wait several minutes for our table. Once seated the waiters were quick to remove a course and bring the next one. The check was presented unbidden. I sensed that we were being hurried along to accommodate the next seating."
Dined on 02/26/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
0points
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Review 8 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A life-changing meal that

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"A life-changing meal that everyone should experience once in their lives."
Dined on 02/20/2013
 2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 9 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

After the experience at Commis-

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"After the experience at Commis- where everything seemed very clean and scientific. It was very nice to have a simple meal. We felt like we were in someone's living room, eating really wonderful food. Everything was great, and it was not too much food. They made sure to write a little "Happy Anniversary" note on the dessert! Best place we could have chosen for my parents 25th Anniversary Dinner."
Dined on 02/07/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
0points
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Review 10 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This was our first time at

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This was our first time at the downstairs restaurant. I was resistant to the fixed price concept for the meal, and additional tax and gratuity. However, the food selections, preparation, and service were outstanding. I understood the high costs after tasting the quality of foods, and how many actual cooks and servers are employed. Each dish was a treat. Be prepared to spend several hours in the downstairs restaurant. I am looking forward to going to the cafe, upstairs, where there is more daily choice a la carte."
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 11 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Very comfortable. They know

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Very comfortable. They know what they are doing. Having done so well for so long, it gives them a friendly, attractive confidence."
Dined on 02/12/2013
 2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 12 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent dinner. Food was

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Excellent dinner. Food was "simple" but it was a pleasure to taste each bite because
the ingredients had flavor of their own. The service was discrete, and no one was pushing for drinks or wine. Definitely would want to go back for the wonderful taste of the food.
"
Dined on 02/06/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
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Review 13 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Chez Panisse lived up to its

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Chez Panisse lived up to its reputation. A fabulous experience well worth the trip. Many thanks for an enjoyable, memorable evening."
Dined on 02/07/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
0points
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Review 14 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I felt the restaurant had

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I felt the restaurant had a great cozy feel to it, the architecture was beautiful which set the mood perfectly. The food was superb, simple, elegant flavors that made for a wonderful dining experience.
It is truly a testament to the Alice Waters philosophy on food and dining."
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 15 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

This was our first visit downstairs

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This was our first visit downstairs in quite awhile. We went on a Tuesday night so had the prix fixe dinner with no options. The shaved artichoke and truffle salad was very good, the clams in broth was average and the duck breast was good. Portions were on the smaller side. Dessert was a lovely sorbet. But at $300, including a bottle of wine, tax and tip we were not blown away. We did have a wonderful waiter who made it a better experience."
Dined on 02/05/2013
 2007
0points
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Review 16 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This is the fifth time we

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"This is the fifth time we have dined at this mecca of good, beautifully cooked food. There is no affectation here. Everything is superb. The food says it all."
Dined on 02/06/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 17 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

4 Star Food at 5 Star Prices

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"My wife and I have eaten at the Chez Panisse Cafe many times over the last 25 years, but this was the first time we've eaten at the Restaurant. We're we impressed? No. Dinner was excellent - locally sourced fresh ingredients, perfectly prepared and seasoned - but the same can be said of the Cafe and it costs half of what the Restaurant will set you back. The room is nicely done, but it's very narrow - it feels cramped - and man does it get noisy. If I'm going to pay a couple of hundred bucks for dinner, I expect to be able to talk to my lady in conversational tones. The wine list is expensive, although if you look hard enough you'll find some bargains. Service was warm and friendly, but VERY slow. Next time, we'll go back to the Cafe."
Dined on 02/05/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
+3points
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Review 18 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Truffle Week

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Finally came here after ten years in Bay Area! It was truffle week, and what a perfect time to find myself and lovely wife nestled in the downstairs restaurant. I had the wine pairings with each course. First course salad with a truffled egg en croute was a hit, even with my wife, who does not like poached eggs. The baked petrale sole stuffed with Dungeness crab was sublime. Next, the Stemple Creek Ranch beef loin with black truffles was superb with the wine pairing, which was some of the best I've had, and I think they went over budget with that one. The desert was a warm chocolate cake with Chartreuse ice cream, and was perfect with a 15yr Madeira.
I can't wait for another special occasion to find myself here.
"
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 19 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Fish carpaccio was outstanding.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Fish carpaccio was outstanding. The whole menu was delicious."
Dined on 02/01/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
0points
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Review 20 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

If you're ever in Berkeley,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"If you're ever in Berkeley, this is a must try."
Dined on 01/24/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
0points
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Review 21 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I received a gift card to

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I received a gift card to Chez Panisse for my birthday last year from my wonderful sister who is a foodie like myself. On Thursday night, my boyfriend and I dined at Chez Panisse in the downstairs dining room. It was phenomenal. That night they were showcasing black truffles which made an appearance in just about every dish except for dessert. I would highly recommend this place for a special occasion. We were celebrating many things including birthdays, finishing grad school and our two year anniversary. Our meal consisted of a roasted artichoke and fennel salad, a crab souffle, pork loin and sausage with braised cabbage and carrots, a delectable cheese plate and a scrumptious meyer lemon profiterole to round out this incredible meal."
Dined on 01/31/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 22 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Wonderful food that even

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Wonderful food that even exceeded expectations. Fresh flavours that were satisfying and exciting and everything inbetween."
Dined on 01/22/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
0points
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Review 23 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fantastic 15th Anniversary

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Fantastic 15th Anniversary celebrated at Chez Panisse. Everything was fantastic from service, food, drinks, special touches to ambience. It was very relaxing. Can't wait to celebrate my daughter's bday at the cafe next month."
Dined on 01/25/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
0points
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Review 24 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We have been going to this

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We have been going to this excellent restaurant since 1987 and it has not lost a step. If anything, it now seems more welcoming and reflects the self assurance of its owner. It remains with its fixed menu compelling diners to try new items, often of which are memorable. It is a special place that has influenced and raised the quality of American restaurants in all regions of the country."
Dined on 01/14/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
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Review 25 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was very good and

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was very good and the service was great! A must for any east bay resident. Although pricy it is good for a special occasion."
Dined on 12/27/2012
 2011
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 26 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Disappointed. Overpriced for

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Disappointed. Overpriced for a menu that would be 20 euros in a France brasserie.. Poorly executed: over emulsified sausage, poorly plated and poorly dressed first course, undercook poached pears for dessert. The service and company was the only redeeming quality to an otherwise mediocre evening."
Dined on 01/21/2013
 2012
0points
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Review 27 for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Dinner at Chez Panisse was

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Dinner at Chez Panisse was a totally enjoyable experience."
Dined on 01/16/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Chez Panisse Restaurant
Based on the average of (38) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Food 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Service 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Ambiance 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Noise Level
1.7 / 3
Moderate