Best Restaurants with a Tasting Menu in Berkeley

Delicious food that was deeply flavored and surprisingly bright (sometimes soul food can seem super heavy and overwhelming). A perfect brunch spot. I’m eager to bring others and to try their dinner menu. Chef and staff were very pleasant and professional.

Loved every course. Had heard good things but wasn’t sure what to expect. Exceed my expectations! Highly recommend

Outstanding culinary drop for even the most highly discerning.

You will become addicted to the creative fresh, organically-grown, sustainable delectables, all for ridiculously modest prices given the quality and presentation. While it is labeled a bar, this is some of the best eats in the Bay Area, and I am super picky, having had free access to Alice Water's cuisine for years and several chefs in the family. But the place itself is gorgeous. The architects, David Soffa and Teresa Clarke are Berkeley's counterpart to Julia Morgan. The four wood and glass panels leading to the trumpetvine patio are reminiscent of Morgan's balcony doors in her house on Haste Street, but with an added elegant flourish. The pattern of the varnished wood floors in that room is exquisite. One should note all the hanging lamps, the marvellous tile work over the bar and all the rare marble. There are surprise touches, stained glass, a future art gallery in the hall and the kind of bathroom only high end hotels offer. Roses has a few rooms and every kind of seating you could desire while making it all look complimentary and beautiful: a large red satin-like booth welcomes guests at separate tables, luxurious nooks, high tops as well as a couch area. Such a treasure. I've been taking all my friends there for special occasions and they love it. It's a new bar/food venue with more increasing entertainment that is gaining popularity fast so enjoy before the lines start spilling onto the street!

One of our favorite “neighborhood” restaurants for a dinner that is classy without breaking the bank. Great cocktails, wide selection of appetizers, pasta, and entrees — well prepared and nicely presented. The bacalao (salt cod) appetizer tonight was outstanding, the cod like little puffs of cloud on top of polenta cubes. There’s something for everyone, whether they like meat, fish, or vegetarian stuff. The vibe is casual but you definitely feel transported out of daily life (to an Italian trattoria?) and well taken care of. My one caveat is that the pasta servings are on the small side, but I guess that’s better for my health. 😆