What should I order at Chez Panisse?
Chez Panisse
Dessert
Dessert was mentioned multiple times as outstanding and highly praised for its quality and taste, with specific mention of a personal size chocolate cake that is worth ordering in advance.
Salad
Salads were frequently highlighted for being fresh and tasty, with particular mention of a goat cheese salad and a salad with citrus and green goddess dressing that stood out for their brightness and flavor.
Mushroom Tortellini
Mushroom tortellini was specifically noted as a favorite dish by one reviewer, described as light, fresh, and well mixed with the taste of fresh mushrooms.
Wild King Salmon Toasts
Mentioned as a standout dish with unique and packed flavor, showcasing the freshness and quality of ingredients.
Asparagus with Halibut
Praised for its fresh, bouncy texture and intensely bright flavor, highlighting the quality of the organic, locally-sourced produce.
Fried Gulf Shrimp
Described as having an intense shrimp flavor with a very thin but crispy crust, surprising even those who would not normally order shrimp.
Wild Greens Ravioli
Noted for its interesting use of nettles as filling and appreciation for the accompanying chicken broth.
Braised Chicken with Reduction/Demiglacé
Mentioned as superb with delicate marinates and sauces that elevate the flavors of the main product.
Tender Grass-Fed Beef
Highlighted for its quality and precise cooking that stands out in the meal.
Hours
| Monday | 5 to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 to 10 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 5 to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 5 to 10 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Chez Panisse
Alice Waters' acclaimed flagship downstairs & cafe upstairs offer seasonal fare & a chic, cozy vibe.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Onsite services
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Organic dishes
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Historic
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Frequently asked questions
What is Chez Panisse known for?
Chez Panisse is best known for its seasonal farm to table cooking, especially dishes that let produce and sauces stand out. Reviewers repeatedly mention the galette, halibut, and the wine pairings as highlights, along with the kitchen view in the downstairs dining room.
What dishes are most recommended at Chez Panisse?
Reviewers most often point to the galette, halibut preparations, duck breast with squash puree, Dungeness crab salad with black truffle, and fruit desserts like the passion fruit tart and classic fruit tart. Bread is also mentioned as something to save for the sauces, and several diners call out the dessert course and tea service as memorable.
What is the atmosphere like at Chez Panisse?
The atmosphere is cozy, historic, romantic, trendy, and upscale, with the cafe upstairs feeling more like a relaxed bistrot and the downstairs room offering a kitchen view. It suits solo diners, groups, and special occasion meals, with reviewers describing the service as attentive and the dining room as warm and welcoming.
Is Chez Panisse good value, and what is the price range?
Chez Panisse is in the $100+ price range, and reviewers describe it as pricey but worth it for the quality, service, and prix fixe extras like appetizer bites, dessert tea, candies, and even complimentary prosecco. It is most often treated as a special occasion restaurant rather than an everyday meal.
Do you need a reservation at Chez Panisse, and is there usually a wait?
Reservations are recommended for both lunch and dinner, and the restaurant says reservations are required, with reviews noting it can be hard to get a table. Walk-ins may sometimes be seated in the cafe upstairs, but diners also mention a full house and that there is usually a wait.
Is parking available at Chez Panisse?
Yes. Free street parking, Paid street parking, Usually somewhat difficult to find a space is available.
Does Chez Panisse have vegetarian options?
Yes, Chez Panisse offers vegan options.
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