 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. |
Send to Phone 
Set the mood for love by reserving a table at one of the Best Romantic Restaurants in San Francisco, or view our list of Valentines Restaurants to find out which restaurants are offering unique menus just for February 14. Also, see who sets the standard for seductive dining across the country with our Top 10 Romantic Restaurants in the U.S. list.
