Chez Panisse

STORY BY Veronica Hill • PHOTO courtesy of Berkeley Convention and Visitors Bureau

Shaded beneath a trellis of vines on quaint Shattuck Avenue, Chez Panisse is one of California's most groundbreaking restaurants. It was here in 1971 that chef Alice Waters coined the term California Cuisine, churning out delicate organic dishes made with local ingredients. The restaurant is also noted for several culinary inventions, including California brick-oven pizza, goat cheese salad, and seasonal fruit bowls.

For a casual visit, enjoy lunch in the cafe, or make it an event with a four-course meal in the downstairs dining room. There are two seatings nightly at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and reservations are recommended.

Menus change nightly, and might include fried Monterey squid with tomatoes and basil, followed by king salmon with fried shallots, grilled local swordfish with sweet onions, and a black mission fig tartlet with Meyer lemon ice cream. The extensive wine list changes daily, and there is a $25 corkage free.

Tip: Come here on Monday night for a three-course tasting menu for $60.

Chez Panisse is located at 1517 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA. Hours are Mon-Sat 5:30 pm-9:15 pm. Average meal price is $19-$30 cafe. $60-$95 downstairs restaurant. For more information, call (510) 548-5525, follow them on Twitter, or visit them online.