Chez Panisse Restaurant, Berkeley

In a word, Disappointing. Food was pretty good, but not what I would expect for a Micheline restaurant. Service was absolutely abysmal. Glasses were NEVER refilled; guess that was my job. More than one staff member walked by the table, looked at the empty plates on the edge, and kept walking; not their job I guess. They called a day early to confirm the reservations, but did not mention that the bottle of wine we asked to have chilled at the table was no longer available. We were told this long after being seated and offered a poorly chosen substitution. So much for a pleasant birthday dinner. The saddest part is that Micheline's standards have fallen so far. I don't think that will be my benchmark going forward. Oh, and I want my 17% forced gratuity back too.

An excellent restaurant, both upstairs and down. My general suggestion for newcomers is to try upstairs first. With more choice and a lower sticker shock it's a great experience all around. The food is as fresh and great tasting as any restaurant you will eat at...ever. I have eaten in many fine restaurants, but I still consider Chez Panisse the best. The menu may seem wimple at first, "goat cheese salad?" you may say. But you've never had a goat cheese salad like this ever before. If the food makes one smile and laugh involuntarily, I consider it a sign of a good dish. Chez Panisse will keep you smiling throughout the meal, and throughout the rest of your day. Also, a quick note to some folks who claim the atmosphere to be stuffy or uninviting. Nothing could be further from the truth! I have yet to wander in wearing anything more fancy than jeans and a t-shirt, and have never seen or heard grief from any of the staff. I love it because it's simply comfortable, inviting, and a pleasant experience, without need for dress up or pretension. If you'd like pretentious and over-wrought do a search on "The French Laundry."

Californian cuisine at some of its best.

Great inventive food

I wasn't as impressed as I thought I'd be. It was good but I've had better.

Simply wonderful.

Always the mecca of great fresh, local, seasonal dining, Chez Panisse is always worth the trip and the preplanning necessary to get to Berkeley. A trip to the Bay Area is never complete without a stop there where everything from the bread and butter to the dessert course is well planned and thoughtfully presented.

always a treat to go there.

The interior is extremely cosy, with very warm lightning that avoids the intimidation and pretentiousness of other fine dining establishments. The service is friendly, witty and engaging. And the food is absolutely delicious. Expect very flavorful dishes, reminiscent of the French countryside, with such incredible organic ingredients that will make you rediscover their taste.

I finally got to eat at Chez Panisse, and did it ever live up to its reputation. Not a lot of show. Just perfectly prepared, delicious food. I'd go back any time.