Dinner in Berkeley

[lpfch]

Just moved to the Bay Area (Peninsula) a couple of months ago and have had a great time exploring the restaurant scene here and in the city. We have concert tickets in Berkeley on Friday and are looking for suggestions for our first dinner on the East side of the Bay (Chez Panisse is not available). Thanks for your help!

[lintygmom]

Try Oliveto's for fancy Italian or Riva Cuchina for a totally wonderful experience. The chestnut pasta is to swoon for and it's much cheaper for a lovely meal. We took some friends from Redwood Shores and it's become a kind of "neighborhood restaurant" for them: they come up from the Peninsula to eat there even when we can't! Easy to park, between the freeway and the theater. http://www.rivacucina.com/dinner.htm

Also if you have lots of time, consider Wood Tavern on College near the Oakland-Berkeley border. A wow of a place--not as fancy as Chez Panisse or Oliveto's.

[lpfch]

Thanks. Checked out their website - it looks fantastic.

[jasboods]

I suggest checking out Maritime East on Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley. Moderate prices, good food, excellent service. I've been there once, have been meaning to go back since. Best restaurant I've dined at in the Bay Area so far, but I've only lived here for 4 months.

[JasmineG]

There's a lot of great eating to be done in Bekeley. What kind of food are you looking for? What's your price range? If you do a search for "Berkeley" "Oakland" or "East Bay" on the board, you'll find lots of good ideas, and then maybe you can come back and give us an idea of what most interested you.

[lpfch]

This will be an special occasion for us, so price is not an issue within reason. Having just moved from the midwest, we have enjoyed so much of what we have been able to try here, so we are open to anything. Thanks again!

[JasmineG]

Did you try upstairs at Chez Panisse as well as downstairs? Because I usually find it not that difficult to get a reservation upstairs, and I've had some excellent meals there recently.

[lpfch]

I haven't, but will give them a call on Wednesday. Thanks!