Chez Panisse
Arguably the best restaurant in Berkeley, Chez Panisse has been around for 35 years. The menu changes daily and includes a host of organically grown local foods cooked fresh each day. The food tends toward California cuisine with fresh salads and lightly baked or grilled seafood. The wine list includes a selection of local wines as well as some international classics. This restaurant is open by reservation only, so you need to book in advance.
O Chame
O Chame blends classic California favorites, such as arugula salad, with Japanese-style dishes, such as udon or soba noodles. Open for 16 years, the restaurants specializes in Japanese fusion and provides a quiet, refined spot for dining in the midst of Berkeley's busy Fourth Street retail area. Standard fare at includes seared yellowtail (hamachi) sashimi and braised karubi pork ribs.
Rivoli
Known for its portobello mushroom fritters with lemon aioli and hot fudge sundaes, this locally owned and operated restaurants serves locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables and mostly organic fish and meats. Rivoli looks modest and understated from the outside in its old-style ranch house, but the food speaks for itself.
Meritage at the Claremont
Housed in a local hotel and resort, Meritage provides a great selection of California dishes and fine wines. Dishes run from a simple Napa Valley antipasto to roasted Sonoma duck breast covered in carmelized cabbage, chestnuts and pearl onions. With its resort setting, the restaurant offers not only a fine dining experience but also a relaxing getaway.
