Need a recommendation for a good SF or Berkeley restaurant

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BJ

BJ
Doesn't need to be anything crazy, just great food, cozy, a tad adventuresome but not too much. A16 might be a reference point.
 
I like A16 more than many here, but "cozy" would not be my first descriptor.

I should probably try to help, but I'm far behind on the SF dining scene these days. Is Incanto too adventurous? Maybe Aziza would fit the bill; those booths are indeed cozy.
 
I like Cafe Rouge as well as upstairs (non pre-fixe) at Chez Panisse, both in Berkeley.
I don't know SF well but A-16 is nice and, although it is anything but cozy, Slanted Door.
Best, Jim
 
La Ciccia is probably my personal go-to place.

Chapeau & Acquerello are two old favorites. I've been meaning to visit Chapeau in the new location. Glad to have Philippe back in the front of the house.

Quince was pretty great my one visit but really just too dear for what it is, for me. They've also recently moved to larger digs and the magic may not be quite the same.

Have heard stellar things about Commis, can't wait to try.

Dunno about A16 post-Appleman. Haven't heard any reports.

There are some new neighborhood-y places I'm pretty excited about but wouldn't dare mention on the internets.
 
Adesso in Oakland is great and they have a great list. La Ciccia would be my first choice as well. A coworker I trust was dissapointed in A16 when he went there a short while ago.
 
originally posted by Scott Kraft:
Commis sucks ass.

Agree with La Ciccia.

Frances is worth checking out.

I've been to Commis five times, and its gotten better each visit. It definitely doesn't "suck ass." Its one of the most interesting restaurants in the Bay Area, but has a strong aesthetic.
 
originally posted by Jim Hanlon:
originally posted by Scott Kraft:
Commis sucks ass.

Agree with La Ciccia.

Frances is worth checking out.

I've been to Commis five times, and its gotten better each visit. It definitely doesn't "suck ass." Its one of the most interesting restaurants in the Bay Area, but has a strong aesthetic.

I went Commis a few weeks ago. A positive experience.
 
originally posted by Ned Hoey:
originally posted by Jim Hanlon:
originally posted by Scott Kraft:
Commis sucks ass.

Agree with La Ciccia.

Frances is worth checking out.

I've been to Commis five times, and its gotten better each visit. It definitely doesn't "suck ass." Its one of the most interesting restaurants in the Bay Area, but has a strong aesthetic.

I went Commis a few weeks ago. A positive experience.

One of the most disgusting meals of my life - but perhaps things have turned around. I can't remember which was worst, the suet wrapped beef tenderloin or the seafood "mousse".
 
Based on a visit last Wednesday, OTD (Bush Street near Fillmore) may be worth watching -- from Slanted Door but at least that night carried the excitement I haven't seen at SD since it was on Valencia. Will make the effort to try the new chef at Bar Tartine soon. Otherwise, La Ciccia. And for we fuddy-duddies, Chez Panisse Cafe. Anybody been to Lalime's recently?
 
originally posted by Scott Kraft:
originally posted by Ned Hoey:
originally posted by Jim Hanlon:
originally posted by Scott Kraft:
Commis sucks ass.

Agree with La Ciccia.

Frances is worth checking out.

I've been to Commis five times, and its gotten better each visit. It definitely doesn't "suck ass." Its one of the most interesting restaurants in the Bay Area, but has a strong aesthetic.

I went Commis a few weeks ago. A positive experience.

One of the most disgusting meals of my life - but perhaps things have turned around. I can't remember which was worst, the suet wrapped beef tenderloin or the seafood "mousse".

Did you let them know?
 
If you really want something outstanding and out of the ordinary, take a drive up to Napa to Ubuntu -- all vegetarian and really superb. Probably my best meal of the year.
 
originally posted by Ned Hoey:
originally posted by Scott Kraft:
originally posted by Ned Hoey:
originally posted by Jim Hanlon:
originally posted by Scott Kraft:
Commis sucks ass.

Agree with La Ciccia.

Frances is worth checking out.

I've been to Commis five times, and its gotten better each visit. It definitely doesn't "suck ass." Its one of the most interesting restaurants in the Bay Area, but has a strong aesthetic.

I went Commis a few weeks ago. A positive experience.

One of the most disgusting meals of my life - but perhaps things have turned around. I can't remember which was worst, the suet wrapped beef tenderloin or the seafood "mousse".

Did you let them know?

Yes. After the fact. I was with someone who felt the need to not have them know who she was and what she thought. Otherwise, I would have said something when they bussed the one-bite-taken plates from us at the counter.

BTW - I'm not commenting on the "creativity" of the work. Just purely taste. It was gag-inducing. Creatively, I wasn't thrilled either. Fucking pretentious bullshit made by a wannabe.
 
originally posted by Scott Kraft:
originally posted by Ned Hoey:
originally posted by Scott Kraft:
originally posted by Ned Hoey:
originally posted by Jim Hanlon:
originally posted by Scott Kraft:
Commis sucks ass.

Agree with La Ciccia.

Frances is worth checking out.

I've been to Commis five times, and its gotten better each visit. It definitely doesn't "suck ass." Its one of the most interesting restaurants in the Bay Area, but has a strong aesthetic.

I went Commis a few weeks ago. A positive experience.

One of the most disgusting meals of my life - but perhaps things have turned around. I can't remember which was worst, the suet wrapped beef tenderloin or the seafood "mousse".

Did you let them know?

Yes. After the fact. I was with someone who felt the need to not have them know who she was and what she thought. Otherwise, I would have said something when they bussed the one-bite-taken plates from us at the counter.

BTW - I'm not commenting on the "creativity" of the work. Just purely taste. It was gag-inducing. Creatively, I wasn't thrilled either. Fucking pretentious bullshit made by a wannabe.
Interesting. One of the reasons I've stayed away from Commis is because I was so disappointed by what Syhabout did when he was at PlumpJack, notwithstanding all the good press he got there.
 
originally posted by Scott Kraft:

Frances is worth checking out.

Yes. After the fact.

BTW - I'm not commenting on the "creativity" of the work. Just purely taste. It was gag-inducing. Creatively, I wasn't thrilled either. Fucking pretentious bullshit made by a wannabe.

Does Frances not yet have its wine license? Their site has no list.

Having a bad experience sure does suck. Ours was not nearly that bad, so I'm gonna say that it's worth investigating for the curious, IMO. But then, I had a decadent pork dish so...
 
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