Reviews - Lalime's
Reviews summary
Mixed reviews from customers at Lalime's left us perplexed about the overall dining experience. While some enjoyed the house-made flatbread and delicious desserts, others were disappointed with the poorly seasoned dishes and small portions. The inconsistency in food quality and service left diners wondering about the kitchen's performance. Some found the ambiance and attentive staff to be positive aspects, while others felt unwelcomed. Despite the mixed feelings, Lalime's seems to have loyal customers who appreciate the high-quality ingredients and flavorful dishes, prompting them to return after many years. Ultimately, it appears Lalime's may be hit or miss, leaving diners unsure about future visits.
Reviews from various users
Last update : 11.05.2024
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 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 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 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 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
Last update : 15.08.2023
What's to tell? We have been eating and drinking at Lalime's since 1985. Delicious food with a changing menu, a great staff and wonderful owners have earned a following.
Just a wonderful intimate restaurant. Try the chicken biscuits with maple butter. Fantastic atmosphere and dining.
Love this place. Made many good memories here over the years.
Last update : 15.06.2023
Excellent neighborhood restaurant, with delicious food and attentive service. We went to a birthday meal and had a great time. My halibut with corn was perfectly prepared and was worth the red list once a year. Others shaved over their duck and lamb dishes. The weak point was Dessert. The chocolate, walnut and caramel tart was more like a thick block of chocolate and nuts, not the tender desolation I was hoping for. I think I should have pampered a cocktail instead.
We had a nice meal. Everything was delicious, service was attentive, although the restaurant was full. We tried some of their breads that were very nice. The deserts were good. I would say it was more a 4.5 experience as it was all very beautiful, but not exceptional.
Mix feeling about this restaurant as a long term customer there. The lady who checked us in last night was cold and we really felt unwelcome there, but luckily the waitress serving us was very friendly and helpful. The foods quality is also not consistent, sometimes the foods were amazing, but not last night. I ordered seafood stew and it tasted horrible. After the first bite, I already can see $29 flushed down to toilet. Not sure if I will come back anytime soon
Very good, original meals and interesting wine list in a somewhat out-of-the-way restaurant in West Berkeley. For a special occasion.
Great service! We have an early dinner and it wasn't that busy. They were very nice to redesign our reservation. We order the evil eggs as an appetizer mmm delicious with caviar and salmon (only 1 egg cut in one half) I ordered the duck that comes with the skin it was okay. The fish my husband ordered was better. The carrot soup fantastic!
Last update : 16.03.2023
Birthday party was lovely.
I have been going to Lalime's for many years and it consistently serves good food, has excellent service and atmosphere. The price is excellent given quality of food and presentation.
Incredibly disappointing because I remember when LaLime's was a great restaurant, in the 80s. I had a rack of lamb and my wife had sea bass and in both cases, the portions were skimpy. Which might have been a blessing because my lamb was a poor cut, about 1/3 fat, served as a series of six one-bite medallions accompanied by a charred rack with almost no meat to gnaw on. My wife had a just-OK sea bass in a sloppy bed of badly overcooked carrots. Dessert was an apple galette that tasted ok, but had sat on a plate too long; the crust was soggy. The wine was good, the one bright (or at least, not dim) moment in the meal. Our waitress was earnest but unaware the basic tenants of the job, such as taking the lady's order first. All this, plus an OK caesar salad to start, came to $140, including tip. All in all, a sad night. Goodbye, LaLime's, that's it for us.
The perfect place for our business dinner. Five stars on all aspects will return.
My boyfriend and I were very disappointed in the food. The Cesar salad leaves were very large and difficult to cut in the bowl they were served in and the dressing did not taste homemade. The leek and beet salad was ok not very flavorful. The lamb chop was supposed to be cooked medium and was well done and poorly seasoned. The Egyptian bean stew was ok, nothing to write home about. The apple gallette was boring with poor presentation where the crust was folded over the apples too much , low flavor and the lava cake again not very flavorful. All food seemed to lack seasoning and because my boyfriend has been coming for maybe 20 years he could not believe that everything was either average or poor tasting. The service was good and the atmosphere was nice and sound level nice so you could hear your table mate. Doubtful we will return and will not recommend to any friends. Not sure if it was a bad night or the quality has just gone downhill overall. What a shame.
