Lobster in Berkeley-Oakland?

[minkus]

We are planning a family birthday party dinner for early September. What are some restaurant choices with lobster in Berkeley or Oakland? Ideally--not too expensive. Thanks!

[ML8000]

You might peek at the Chez Panisse Cafe menu, just to look. I once had oven roasted lobster tail in grape leaves (during the summer) that I remember to this day..perhaps the best lobster I've ever had. It's a long shot...but it will be worth it.

[Robert Lauriston]

The problem with the Cafe at Chez Panisse is that the menu changes daily.

[oaktowngirl]

Marica Seafood Restaurant on College in Oakland has some.

[Cheesy Oysters]

I thought of Marica but I haven't been there in a few years. I just checked the website and they still have the twice cooked lobster on the menu. When I had it, it was delicious and I worked hard to get every morsel I could. The dish was messy and a little spicy but worth it.

[lintygmom]

I'm excited to hear about Marica because, for some inexplicable reason, I never noticed it.

[Cheesy Oysters]

Well oddly enough I walked by there yesterday. As I said, I hadn't been there in about as long as some of the new restaurants have been on the scene--like Dona Tomas and the like. But I had gone a few times and liked it quite much and loved the lobster.

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Marica Seafood Restaurant
5301 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618

[lintygmom]

Had the lobster tonight--it was good enough. I was sorry that they took the trouble of putting a spicy crust on it and then sitting it in a pool of carrot-parsnip puree, which softened and removed the crust. My husband had wasabi crusted ahi, which was tasteless. I'm very sad. I wanted to love it.

[lintygmom]

And the service was very nice (if not overwhelmingly competent). Cute girls. My husband only left a 15% tip because of his food and I made him leave another 5%.

[lintygmom]

If you can tolerate the festive atmosphere, for not too expensive you might consider Hana Japan at the Marina in Berkeley. Skates also has lobster tail but the food's not that good. Baja Taqueria in Oakland might have lobster--it's on Piedmont, call and see.

[Robert Lauriston]

Sea Salt has lobster roll.

Daimo has lobsters in live tanks (not sure how seasonal that is).

[rfneid]

We had lobster Sampan (?) style @ Daimo a few weeks ago that was delicious, succulent & messy. I highly recommend it.