Chez Panisse Restaurant, Berkeley

I thought the food was okay but not worth the $85.00 we paid! How about Denny's or IHOP with the same quality food. Don't waste your money here!

The only thing I liked about this restaurant was the ambiance. The food was awful and the service was the worst I have experienced in a very long time. This restaurant is so over rated, I can't begin to go into all the details of why. In short, its the biggest ripe off in Berkeley. Don't waste your time or money. Food portions are tiny and the help is rude. There are much better values in the city of Berkeley. Boycott this restaurant!!!!

The whole reservation process requiring calling immediately a month in advance, getting a constant busy signal, and then still getting a reservation pretty late at night is annoying. And then we still had to wait 15 minutes for our table. We also didn't realize that there is absolutely no choice on the menu, which is tough if you end up not liking what they serve that night. Yes the food is very fresh and in season, but the preparations aren't very imaginative or tasty. And the service is very attentive to the point of bordering on being pretentious.

This may be the most overrated restaurant in the Bay Area. The ambiance and decor was retro-70's, dated, and not consistent with the price point. The service was dis-interested, arrogant, and aloof. This probably has a lot to do with the fact that they automatically add a 17% service charge to the bill thereby removing any incentive for good service. The wine list was about as exciting as what you might find at Safeway. The food itself was good, but not nearly worth the price or consistent with the reputation.

I really liked this restaurant. The food was excellent, as well as the service. The portion sizes are small; so if you are really hungry, have a snack before you go.

I've only been three times but each time is a revelation. It's knd of like popping your ears; a visit to Chez Panisse resets your expectation with what quality ingredients and basic attention to detail can do for a simple meal. The staff are extremely knowledgeable but don't beat you over the head with it. Even though there are two nightly seatings, our party of six did not feal rushed.

Food was very good but, not the greatest. If you like a fixed menu and making a resevation a month in advance and dealing with a hostest who is doing you a favor then go ahead. Micheal Mena in the city was superior.

good but not worth the money

I finally made it to Chez Panisse after years in the bay area. The first time I went, we had the most excellent and fun waiter. I also had probably the most delectable onion rings, which I will never forget. It was a perfect experience that met all my expectations. The second time I went, however, we had such an indifferent and uncaring waitress that it was hard to leave with all the warm fuzzies like the first time. Everyone else who served us, including the woman refilling our water glasses, were infinitely more warm. Everything else was great, although the chicken dish portion was overwhelming- especially if you are also fitting in drinks, appetizers, and dessert. I still think it is a wonderful restaurant and look forward to many more delicious meals. But, I hope I never get that waitress again. (By the way, I was upstairs in the Cafe both times.)