 This well-loved restaurant, often described as the Chez Panisse of Oakland, has been popular with East Bay residents since 1975. A seasonal menu explores culinary regions like Provence, Tuscany and the Basque region of Spain. Fresh Monterey anchovies spiced with saffron and mixed with pine nuts, currants and mint makes for a standout appetizer. Another good choice would be the grilled prosciutto-wrapped scallops atop watercress vinaigrette. Main courses are nicely sized, a sophisticated mix of bold flavor and careful preparation. Sand dabs are quickly pan-seared then enlivened by a caper-loaded beurre blanc, and the signature Liberty Ranch duck is napped in cherry-balsamic sauce. The restaurant is divided into three distinct dining areas: a warmed, enclosed patio; a sleek interior dining room with butterscotch walls; and a smaller, more Victorian space complete with dark wood wainscoting. A bounty of servers glide throughout the maze of rooms and share a sense of happiness and knowledge about the food and the wine. A well-chosen wine list spotlights smaller producers and limited vintages. Don't fill up before dessert, because the seasonal sweets like fresh peach and blackberry crisp, purple plum tarte Tatin, and bittersweet chocolate pot de crème are worth it.
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Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area. Also, check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.
