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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Berkeley

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38 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Revival Bar+Kitchen restaurant
1. Revival Bar+Kitchen
4.6
Exceptional(2770)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Berkeley
Booked 21 times today
Revival Bar+Kitchen in Berkeley masterfully showcases Californian cuisine with its commitment to farm-to-table freshness and innovative dishes. Diners rave about the “utterly delicious food” and the “amazing” heirloom tomato burrata paired with focaccia appetizers. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring each visit offers something new and exciting. Patrons particularly love the mocktails, described as “tasting like the real thing,” making it an inclusive spot for all diners. With its prime location in Berkeley, perfect for pre-theater meals, Revival Bar+Kitchen is celebrated for its “great food, great service, and all around great environment,” making it a must-visit destination for authentic Californian dining.
A photo of Study Hall Rooftop Lounge restaurant
2. Study Hall Rooftop Lounge
4.4
Awesome(169)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Berkeley
Booked 8 times today
Welcome to Study Hall! Located on the 12th floor. Indoor/outdoor dining with stunning views of the area. Beverage Centric - light food menu with Pacific, Oceana and Asian inspired appetizers, share plates and entrees
A photo of Bardo Lounge & Supper Club restaurant
3. Bardo Lounge & Supper Club
4.8
Exceptional(480)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Oakland
Booked 17 times today
Bardo Lounge & Supper Club in Oakland’s Grand Lake District stands out as a premier destination for exceptional Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, continuously recommended in the MICHELIN Guide from 2021-2023. The lounge, reminiscent of a mid-century modern living room, offers a swanky retreat where guests can indulge in "the best cocktails in Oakland" and a "creative and varied cocktail menu" that pairs beautifully with seasonally inspired supper-fare. Praised for its "perfectly balanced" drinks and vibrant ambiance, Bardo is a favorite for both locals and newcomers. Guests rave about the attentive service and the elegant, cozy setting, making it the perfect spot for a sophisticated night out. Whether it's for a casual drink or a special occasion, Bardo promises an unforgettable experience with every visit.
A photo of MUA restaurant
4. MUA
4.4
Awesome(1367)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Oakland
Booked 15 times today
MUA in Oakland is a haven for those who crave authentic and heartwarming Comfort Food. Established in 2008, this family-owned gem delights with its eclectic and open atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both large parties and intimate gatherings. Renowned for dishes like the blackened catfish, butternut squash mac n' "cheese," and crispy tofu, MUA has become a staple in the Oakland community. Guests rave about the food's deliciousness and the ambiance, with one patron exclaiming, "The blackened catfish was amazing... Great service and an even better atmosphere." Whether you're in for the vibrant art events or the soul-satisfying cuisine, MUA promises an unforgettable dining experience that highlights the best of Comfort Food.
A photo of Commis Dining Room restaurant
5. Commis Dining Room
4.9
Exceptional(1225)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Oakland
Booked 4 times today
Commis in Oakland stands out as a beacon of Californian cuisine, offering a unique experience that melds the bounty of Northern California with a flair for innovation. With its proud Two-Star Michelin rating, Commis showcases the region's finest ingredients through a multi-course tasting menu crafted by James Beard Foundation Nominated Chef James Syhabout. Guests rave about the “delicious from beginning to end” meals and the “perfect” wine pairings that enhance the dining experience. The use of modern and classic techniques to bridge Eastern and Western flavors ensures that each dish is not just a meal, but a story of California itself. The "wonderful gem in the East Bay" offers an "unforgettable experience" making each visit a cherished memory.
A photo of Creekwood Restaurant restaurant
6. Creekwood Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(967)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Berkeley
Booked 13 times today
Creekwood Restaurant in Berkeley is an exemplary showcase of American cuisine, delivering a menu filled with heart and soul. Diners rave about the "excellent Beef Short Rib and Crab Ravioli" and the "delicious, unique choices" that keep the local community coming back for more. The thoughtful use of "seasonal ingredients" in dishes like the praised "corn and asparagus pizza" and "brussel sprouts with a very light sweet praline crust" highlights the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity. Reviews consistently highlight the "attentive and friendly" service, making Creekwood not just a meal, but an experience. As one review puts it, this is a "wonderful neighborhood spot" where every dish is "beautifully prepared," making it a must-visit for those seeking the best of American dining in Berkeley.
A photo of Commis Bar restaurant
7. Commis Bar
4.8
Exceptional(32)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Oakland
Booked 3 times today
Commis Bar in Oakland offers a sublime exploration of Contemporary American cuisine through a meticulously curated 4-course menu, emphasizing top-tier Northern California ingredients. The intimate setting, with only 10 bar-height chairs, ensures a personalized dining experience. Guests rave about the "food perfection" and describe their dining as "an exercise in flavour perfection," highlighting dishes like lamb, sea bream, and cod for their "amazing and differentiated flavors." Commis is not just a meal; it's a gastronomic journey that encapsulates the essence of modern American cooking. Whether you're a first-timer or a returning aficionado, Commis promises a remarkable culinary adventure that's well worth the visit.
A photo of Oeste restaurant
8. Oeste
4.6
Exceptional(56)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Oakland
Booked 4 times today
Oeste in the heart of Old Oakland offers a soulful dining experience that's hard to forget! This 100-seat bar and kitchen, complete with a rooftop deck, stands out for its dedication to quality, using fresh, organic, and sustainably farmed ingredients. The restaurant skillfully blends California cuisine with Southern, Latin, and Asian influences, creating unforgettable soul food dishes. Patrons rave about the flavors, especially the red beans and rice, which are described as "ON POINT," and the catfish that's always "bussin'." The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with "amazing food, drinks and service," makes Oeste a top choice for those seeking authentic and delicious soul food in Oakland. Whether you're there for a casual meal or a special occasion, Oeste promises a memorable experience.
A photo of Cafenated Coffee Company restaurant
9. Cafenated Coffee Company
4.6
Exceptional(11)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Berkeley
Booked 1 time today
Cafenated Coffee Company in Berkeley is a gem for those seeking authentic and high-quality American cuisine with a creative twist. Nestled in a flora-strewn garden, this cafe shines with its unique brunch offerings like the "Spicy Chicken and Waffles," which had one guest drooling, and the "Brunch Board," praised as setting "the bar higher for every other brunch experience." The dishes, such as the candied bacon and smoked salmon avocado toast, are described as "huge and very satisfying." Guests rave about the atmosphere and service, with one noting the "perfect combination of sweet and savory" in their meals. Whether it's the vibrant garden setting or the innovative American dishes, Cafenated Coffee Company stands out as a beloved brunch spot in Berkeley.
A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant
10. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco
4.8
Exceptional(6018)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 95 times today
The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco's Union Square is a quintessential destination for those seeking an exceptional American dining experience. Known for its elegant ambiance and meticulous service, The Rotunda offers a luxurious afternoon tea service that has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Patrons rave about the "delicious assortment of food" and "excellent ambience," highlighting the restaurant's ability to deliver a top-tier culinary experience. From the superb seafood selections like the praised shrimp and crab Louie salad to the classic American burger, every dish is crafted with excellence. Guests continually commend the Rotunda for its "outstanding service" and "beautiful setting," making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the finest American cuisine in a stunning, historic venue.

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Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Berkeley

Discover the essence of contemporary American dining in Berkeley, a key culinary hotspot within the San Francisco Bay Area's East Bay. This vibrant neighborhood offers a diverse array of dining establishments that masterfully blend local ingredients with innovative cooking techniques, embodying the spirit of modern American cuisine. Each restaurant in the area provides a unique dining experience, from farm-to-table offerings that emphasize sustainable practices to cozy cafes that serve up gourmet American dishes with a creative twist. Berkeley's dining scene is renowned for its commitment to quality and sustainability, offering menus filled with dishes that are both enticing and ethically sourced. Patrons can expect not only a meal but a delightful culinary journey that highlights the best of local flavors and culinary craftsmanship. Whether you're seeking a sophisticated dinner spot or a charming cafe, Berkeley's contemporary American restaurants promise an unforgettable dining experience that catifies the tastes of food enthusiasts and casual diners alike.

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