"Chez Panisse Café serves the same farm-to-table, hyper-seasonal food that is known for, which makes this place a legend just by association. Even if it wasn't connected to its downstairs neighbor, it would still be a temple of seasonal produce. This is California cuisine at its absolute best. Dinner won’t make you set your wallet on fire (like the $175 Chez Panisse tasting menu) since everything is a la carte. And every salad, pizza, and dessert that arrives is so fresh and simply prepared with pristine produce you'll swear off high-fructose corn syrup for the rest of time. We opt for the cafe over Chez Panisse for laidback birthdays, anniversaries, and even the occasional lunch when we want to feel rich. The atmosphere at this copper- and stained glass-filled dining room fits right in with the Chez Panisse spirit—long, communal meals where no one thinks to glance at their watch. So, naturally, get increasingly buzzed over a bottle of chardonnay, and eat all the California-style pizzas (which Chez Panisse popularized), likely topped with asparagus or broccoli at its absolute peak. The fact that you don’t have to set multiple alarms 30 days in advance just for a reservation makes a trip here feel low-stakes. Come in, order a perfect lentil soup, and be on your way. " - Julia Chen
