Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The name plays off its former identity as a cobbler shop, but the current patrons pack this
brick-walled place for its wood-fired pizzas, original cocktails and creative antipasti made
from sustainably sourced fresh ingredients.
Lake Chalet
SEAFOOD
11am-10pm Mon-Thu, to 11pm Fri, 10am-11pm Sat, 10am-10pm Sun)
Whether you stop by the long pump house view bar for a martini and oysters during the
buzzing happy hour (3pm to 6pm and 9pm to close), feast on a whole roasted crab by a
window seat in the formal dining room, or cruise Lake Merritt on a Venetian-style
gon-
dola
(
www.gondolaservizio.com
;
per couple from $60), this 100-year-old former park of-
fice and boathouse is an enjoyable destination restaurant. Weekend reservations recom-
mended.
Piedmont Ave & Rockridge
À Côté
MEDITERRANEAN
(
510-655-6469;
www.acoterestaurant.com
;
5478 College Ave; dishes $8-20;
5:30-10pm Sun-
Tue, to 11pm Wed & Thu, to midnight Fri & Sat)
This small-plates eatery with individual and friendly communal tables is one of the best
restaurants along College Ave. What the menu calls 'flatbread' is actually pizza for the
gods. Mussels with Pernod is a signature dish.
Commis
CALIFORNIAN
8-course dinner $95; from 5:30pm Wed-Sat, from 5pm Sun; )
The only Michelin-starred restaurant in the East Bay, the signless and discreet dining room
counts a minimalist decor and some coveted counter real estate (reservable by phone only)
where patrons can watch chef James Syhabout and his team piece together creative and in-
novative dishes. Reservations highly recommended.
