Lalime's - Berkeley

While the food was outstanding we felt that for the money we did not get a fair portion. The service wa fabulous and bus boys ere spot on to clear table. Was di... read more While the food was outstanding we felt that for the money we did not get a fair portion. The service wa fabulous and bus boys ere spot on to clear table. Was disappointed that we could not get a bottle of wine and had to purchase by the glass.

We returned to Lalime's after many years away. It was no fault of theirs: life, kids and distance got in the way. It remains as lovely as ever. It has a relaxin... read more We returned to Lalime's after many years away. It was no fault of theirs: life, kids and distance got in the way. It remains as lovely as ever. It has a relaxing atmosphere, knowledgeable servers, delicious, flavorful and beautifully presented food. We split the osso bucco on polenta, a mushroom stuffed pepper vegan dish, a lovely winter friseé salad. They all were flavorful and delicious. They have a very interesting, varied selection of wines to pair with the Mediterranean flavors. Wine service was very accommodating. Our server wasn't expert about the flavor profiles of the two wines we were interested in so she brought us samples of both. It's so nice when they do that! It's a drive for us to go to Berkeley, but we'll be back more often. It's definitely worth the trip.

Deliciously prepared dishes using high-quality ingredients. The house-made flatbread and freshly squeezed orange juice are a must-try. Lalime's has become a fav... read more Deliciously prepared dishes using high-quality ingredients. The house-made flatbread and freshly squeezed orange juice are a must-try. Lalime's has become a favorite spot for our Saturday brunches.

My partner and I, along with another couple, opted tor Lalime's special (and very festive) Valentine's pris fixe dinner. It turned out to be a very special trea... read more My partner and I, along with another couple, opted tor Lalime's special (and very festive) Valentine's pris fixe dinner. It turned out to be a very special treat for the four of us, even at the higher than usual price of $75 per person for amuse bouche, a starter, a salad a main, and a VERY LARGE shared dessert (1 per couple). The amuse bouche was a nicely seasoned Middle Eastern vegetarian frittata that we never got the name for. All 4 of us chose the lobster ravioli in bisque sauce instead of the cauliflower-brussel sprouts-lent koufté; really well-crafted! On the mains, we split on the sea bass (highly rated by those who selected it) and the grilled rib-eye, which I opted for. I seldom eat meat but this was grilled to perfection with a nice mushroom, garlic, and thyme reduction). Dessert was--are you ready--an almond chocolate tart with poached pear, lemon pudding, berry coulis, and quince sauce. Almost a smorgasbord in itself and more than enough for two to share. We found a great Rutherford (Napa County) Cabernet blend (Quantum Vineyard) with lots of oomph to round out a delightful gastronomic Valentine's dinner. Can't wait till next year! Once again, Lalime's proves it is among the best of the East Bay restaurants.

The food here used to be wonderful. No more. Our meal wasn't exactly terrible, but disappointing. If my wife and I spend $40 or $50 on the same meal at a neighb... read more The food here used to be wonderful. No more. Our meal wasn't exactly terrible, but disappointing. If my wife and I spend $40 or $50 on the same meal at a neighborhood place, we'd say the food was fine not great, not terrible. But at $200, it seems offensive. The ambience at Lamine's remains pleasant. But unless we hear there's been a significant turnaround in meal quality, we won't be back