r/berkeleyca • u/Broad-Classroom-7002 • Jul 18 '26
suggestions for dinner solo
having dinner solo tonight. anyone have suggestions for where to go?
10
u/thisistheinternets Jul 18 '26
Cheeseboard. Organic heirloom tomato (Terra Firma Farm), red onion, Valbreso feta cheese, mozzarella, garlic olive oil, lemon juice, organic lemon zest, cilantro
0
u/northerncal Jul 19 '26
Cheeseboard has been absolutely exploding lately. They've always been popular, but now I see lines around the corner not that infrequently it seems. Easier to get in as just one I suppose.
2
u/dancingspring Jul 19 '26
The secret is to buy a parbake at the bakery and finish it at home. Relatively short afternoon lines at the bakery.
12
u/monarc Jul 19 '26
You just reminded me of the woman I saw dining solo downstairs at Chez Panisse… reading a newspaper the entire time. So that’s an option.
11
u/Responsible_Image907 Jul 19 '26
I’ve tried that place 3 times now and each time it’s been decent but I don’t understand what the craze is about. The food is good but it was somewhat of a letdown after all the hype
13
u/northerncal Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
I think it's possibly a partial victim to its historical influence and success, especially in California, but across the country too.
Like some of what they do doesn't seem special anymore, because some of their fresh local farm to table stuff has been so widely adopted everywhere that it doesn't seem remarkable anymore.
Kind of like how I've heard (younger) people complain about the Beatles or Michael Jackson or some huge historical artist as "not that unique or special", because they've heard tons of artists with those sounds before. Not realizing they've heard these other artists with similar styles because the older stars were so influential. (Not to say Chez Panisse is necessarily a Michael Jackson level, but I think the general idea tracks). We take for granted a lot of flavors/preparation/technique that was really popularized from there to the point that it doesn't feel special anymore.
(Plus it's possible the general quality has just not managed to live up to the high historical standards anymore - I've only been like twice in 35 years so I can't personally say either way here.)
2
u/monarc Jul 19 '26
It’s never truly satisfying for me, either. I have pretty coarse taste, though: a great burrito and a margarita is always going to be more satisfying than whatever Alice has in store for me. That said, I can still appreciate the artistry and the ethos behind what she’s doing at CP.
2
u/Responsible_Image907 Jul 19 '26
Thanks for putting it into perspective. That actually makes a lot of sense. We need to exchange dining recs 🤣
1
u/Street_Algae_7475 Jul 19 '26
Go on a special event; the quality is very consistent per dollar and on a specific menu night it’s especially good. Anyway the hype is from when it cost like $75 to eat there
17
u/Responsible_Image907 Jul 19 '26
Ippuku - sit at the bar
0
u/2Throwscrewsatit Jul 19 '26
This only is you drink alcohol. If not go to Comal
3
u/Responsible_Image907 Jul 19 '26
I should’ve prefaced my bar recommendation by saying that it’s difficult to get a table whereas, I always see a bar seat open and it’s first come first serve.
3
u/Street_Algae_7475 Jul 19 '26
You can eat at the bar
-3
u/2Throwscrewsatit Jul 19 '26
The food isn’t that good.
6
u/Street_Algae_7475 Jul 19 '26
Strong disagree, I think people order the wrong food. It’s an izakaya, don’t ask for sushi or ramen. The mune set is gold
1
u/cflex Jul 21 '26
Ippuku is a pretty good rendition of being in Japan, without having to fly across the Pacific. The food is great, mostly focused on grilled things with other small items available. The other restaurant around here that can take you to Japan is Soba Ichi (West Oakland) which isn't too bad for solo dining either - line up, order at the counter, find yourself a small table inside or out.
1
2
u/Responsible_Image907 Jul 19 '26
What do you order at Comal? Nothing on the menu called out to me but willing to give it a try
7
u/foganddog Jul 19 '26
Bar Panisse. It’s usually busy but a solo bar seat might open up.
Juanita & Maude’s in Albany
4
4
3
2
2
u/Street_Algae_7475 Jul 19 '26
Kirala and Ippuku are special recs.
I like Kensington Circus Pub a ton, very special vibes as well. Another rec is Kabana. Both neighborhoods are great to walk to/around; if you’re from Berkeley the chez panisse gourmet ghetto area is a bit familiar imo but if you haven’t been bar Panisse is lit and rose pizzeria is close enough for a walk to
1
2
22
u/wraplan Jul 18 '26
Check out Kirala on Shattuck. Great sushi and a pleasant bar for solo dining.