Check, Please! Bay Area

Check, Please! Bay Area's third season Joyce Goldstein Special episode (#391) profiles these three Bay Area restaurants:

1) Medjool: | restaurant information | reviews | episode video |

2) B44: | restaurant information | reviews | episode video |

3) Da Flora: | restaurant information | reviews | recipe | episode video |

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My name is Leslie Sbrocco and I’m the host of Check, Please! Bay Area. Each week, I will be sharing my tasting notes about the wine the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show. Also, in my "What to Sip" suggestions, I choose one restaurant from each show and offer tips for selecting libations to enjoy with your meal.


Chatting with Joyce Goldstein -- a Bay Area treasure -- was sheer pleasure. What added to our conversation was sipping bubbly during the show. I chose to pour Schramsberg, Napa’s sparkling wine star. Their selection of sparklers is world class. From the affordable Mirabelle bottling to the coveted J. Schram, Schramsberg’s lineup shines.

Recommended wines:
Schramsberg "Mirabelle" Brut Rosé, $24
Delicate aromas of strawberry and floral notes lead into a refreshing sparkler that is perfect for any holiday meal.

2005 Schramsberg "Blanc de Blancs" $35
Crisp, elegant, and complex, this lovely Chardonnay-based bubbly is a top choice for a range of shellfish from oysters to crab.

What to Sip: Medjool, B44, and DaFlora

Medjool
The hip restaurant-cum-nightclub, Medjool, has an enviable wine list. There’s much to be said for restraint when it comes to a well-chosen list. Bigger is not always better. Medjool's one-page list is organized by style category with headers such as "voluptuous whites and vivacious reds." Winners abound with pricing mostly in the under $50 category.

My don’t-miss wines include the luscious white blend of Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, and Aligote from Au Bon Climat in California’s Santa Maria Valley ($38), and the eclectic, earthy red, Cuvee Rouge from Chateau Musar in Lebanon ($38). Both of these selections are ideal with the Mediterranean-influenced cuisine served up at Medjool.

B44
Take a virtual vinous trip to Spain just by perusing the fantastic wine list at B44. The selections are primarily Spanish but are peppered with well-chosen French and California options, as well. Organized by style with price ranges for all budgets, it’s an exciting task to pick a wine (or wines) for your meal. I recommend seeking out hot Spanish winemaker Telmo Rodriquez’s crisp white from Rueda in Spain ($22) made with Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo, and Viura grapes. Also, a unique white to sample is from Segura Viudas named "Creu de Lavit". Priced at a cool $30, it’s a winner for shellfish.

With hearty fare, spend a bit more on Vall Llach’s "Idus" ($99) from the rugged Priorat region of northeastern Spain. Made with red grapes Carinena and Garnacha, it’s earthy and powerful. Some of my favorite but hard-to-find reds hail from the Bierzo region of Spain. The grape variety is the rare Mencia and it produces elegant, Pinot Noir-like reds. B44’s list has two to try: the Domino de Tares for a deliciously affordable price of $35 and the Descendientes de Jose Palacios Petalos de Bierzo for a mere $45. I’m on my way to enjoy a dish of paella and a bottle of this beautiful wine right now.

Da Flora
This small, North Beach spot is a culinary treasure. Not only did the Venetian-inspired cuisine garner raves from our guests, the wine list is one worth exploring again and again. Owner Flora Gaspar has compiled an eclectic array of Italian wines that rotates regularly. The picks I’ve chosen may not be available on your next visit, but have no fear as Flora’s frequent jaunts to Italy result in fairly-priced, sure-fire selections. Though each of the wine options has an accompanying description, I recommend asking Flora for her help when navigating the terrific list.

2004 Sergio Zenato, Lugana San Benedetto, Veneto $32
It’s tough to find wines priced under $40 on high-end lists in the city, but Flora offers a selection of them. This white -- made from the Trebbiano grape variety -- comes from northern Italy around the shores of beautiful Lake Garda. Juicy and smooth, it drinks well as a cocktail before dinner or with the meal.

2001 Arnoldo Caprai, Sagrantino di Montefalco “Collepiano,” Umbria $95
This is a rare red made from the Sagrantino variety in Umbria, which is Tuscany’s neighbor. Deeply-colored and dripping with wild berry flavors, this is a powerful wine to experience with hearty meat dishes. A sexy stunner.

Check, Please! Bay Area's third season episode 9 (#309) profiles and reviews these three Bay Area restaurants:

1) Chez Maman: | restaurant information | reviews |

2) Half Moon Bay Brewing Company: | restaurant information | reviews |

3) Kirala: | restaurant information | reviews |

WATCH THE EPISODE ONLINE!

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Download episode (requires iTunes or QuickTime)
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View photo gallery (flickr.com)
Contribute your food photos! (flickr.com)

My name is Leslie Sbrocco and I’m the host of Check, Please! Bay Area. Each week, I will be sharing my tasting notes about the wine the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show. Also, in my "What to Sip" suggestions, I choose one restaurant from each show and offer tips for selecting libations to enjoy with your meal.

Wines of the Week: KQED Wine Club

From the KQED Wine Club come our selections poured on this week's show. Join the club!

Wine of the Week: 2004 Yalumba Shiraz/Viognier, Barossa, Australia
Yalumba is one of Australia's success stories. A family-owned property founded in 1849, the winery ranks among my favorites from Down Under. Their lush, dark-berry scented Shiraz is actually co-fermented with a dash of the white grape Viognier to add complexity, intensity, and elegance to the wine. Try this beauty with lamb, sausage pizza, or duck breast.

What to Sip: Kirala
If you're not acquainted with sake -- the Japanese alcoholic beverage made from rice -- then Kirala is the spot to learn. You can take a delicious journey through various types of sake and discover the differences with their signature sampling menu.

To make sake, rice is polished then fermented. Depending upon the polishing level of the rice, sake is separated into categories including junmai (pronounced june-mi), gingo (gin-joe), and finally, daigingo (dye-gin-joe). These correspond to the various styles and quality of sake, and all three are worth a taste test.

Kirala offers traditional carafes of sake, so you can enjoy a small amount or you can order a whole bottle. I recommend the "Intro Tasting Flight" for less than $10 to sample selections from all three categories. If you are already an aficionado and want to splurge on a whole bottle of ethereal yet sultry sake, try the Masumi "Yumedono" Daigingo for a mere $128. Serious sake.

Chez Maman: | reviews | episode video |

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Location:
1453 18th Street (at Connecticut)
San Francisco, CA 94103

Parking: Street (easy)

Phone: 415-824-7166
Website: www.chezmamansf.com

Restaurant Owners: Jocelyn Bulow and Marc-Henri Sempere

Type of Cuisine: French
Signature Dishes: Moules mariniere, steak frites, crêpes, hamburger
Vegetarian Options: 3+ items
Alcohol Served: Beer and wine
Corkage Fee: $15
Bottle Limit: None

Restaurant Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:30am-11:00pm
Wednesday: 11:30am-11:00pm
Thursday: 11:30am-11:00pm
Friday: 11:30am-11:00pm
Saturday: 10:30am-11:00pm
Sunday: 10:30am-11:00pm

Meals Served: Brunch, lunch, dinner
Take-Out: Yes
Delivery: No
Average Dinner Price Range (Per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $15-$25
Average Brunch/Lunch Price Range (Per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $15-$25
Payment Options: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club
Accept Reservations: No
Need Reservations: No

Accommodations for Children: Kid-friendly
Dining Style: Casual
Disabled Access: Yes
Restaurant Size: Small (under 30 seats)
Accommodate Groups (10+): No
Private Dining Room: No
Tables with Scenic Views: No
Outdoor Dining: Yes
Entertainment: No

Chez Maman: Reviews | restaurant info | episode video |

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Hamburger on a French Roll with Aïoli and French Fries; Pork Chop and Brussels Sprouts with Cider Mustard Sauce; Nutella and Banana Crêpe

Name: Zee
Occupation: Photo Editor
Location: San Francisco
Favorite Restaurant: Chez Maman
Reviewed Chez Maman: Saturday February 16, 2008


Chez Maman is located on Potrero, right on 18th Street. It’s a small French bistro serving good French food with a California twist. It’s all neighborhood parking, which is easy to find within a block or two of the restaurant. My friend arrived before I did and put our names on the list. Chez Maman does not accept reservations, nor will they hold seats for regulars like me (trust me, I’ve tried). As is usual for dinner, there was a wait, but it was only about 10 minutes. We sat at one of the only two bar tables as the restaurant is counter seating. Chez Maman has two waiters: Olivier for lunch and Laurent for dinner. Both French (and quite handsome), they set the tone and pace (along with the excellent music).

We started with a nice glass of Sancerre. We then shared the warm goat cheese salad, which is more than enough for two people to share. The portions are much bigger than your typical French meal but totally manageable. I couldn’t decide between the pork chop and grilled salmon. So, as usual, I asked the waiter. After a 5-minute discussion about making sure it’s not dry, Laurent recommended it be cooked medium. Courtney had the grilled salmon with fingerling potatoes, which were quite suggestive. I asked Laurent if this was a new side dish. He told me no, but also reminded me that I always ask for a substitute. The pork chop was quite moist and tender, and served with Brussels sprouts which I usually find offensive (too complicated and busy). The Brussels sprouts were nicely cooked and mixed well with the apple cider mustard sauce (with loads of apples). My only complaint is there were too many Brussels sprouts (but again, I’m not a huge fan). After our second glass of Sancerre, we shared the chocolate mousse. The chocolate mousse is on the airy side and very well done.

The service is spaced out quite nicely, so you will never feel rushed even when you see people standing outside waiting and looking at you through the window. The crowd is quite diverse and easy going. It’s usually a mix of locals or friends/family of locals. The menu is pretty much the same since they opened (again, typically French). The burger, served on a French roll, is the best in San Francisco, the quesadillas are wonderful, and the panini are always good. The french fries are quite tasty, although I order mine a little on the soft side. Make sure you ask for the aioli for your fries. Occasionally, they run out of bread for the burgers; actually, they ran out of bread for the panini the night I was there. Don’t let this get you down, as there are other excellent items on the menu.

Name: Ryan
Occupation: Environmental Scientist
Location: Palo Alto
Favorite Restaurant: Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Reviewed Chez Maman: Saturday March 1, 2008


At first glance, Chez Maman looks from the outside like the rest of the bistros on the block, but from the inside it’s a surprisingly unique place, more a sophisticated diner than an upscale restaurant. However, the atmosphere is the only thing casual about Chez Maman. The food is delightfully well prepared and presented, and those responsible for its preparation are all about detail. You’ll know because you can see them at work from behind the counter.

Chez Maman is exactly as it’s advertised: a “neighborhood restaurant with a bistro concept.” Seated at one of the 15 or so counter spots or in one of the tables along the entrance, diners rub elbows with their neighbors while enjoying simple, traditional French dishes. The owner served us promptly on our arrival and did admit that, as advertised, his mother’s cooking was an inspiration for the cuisine. When put to the test, he admitted that, yes, I had in fact ordered his least favorite dish from the menu, which I found to be absolutely wonderful. Always trust a chef who is willing to be critical of his own work.

The appetizers are simple, delicious, and prepared with the same care as the main dishes, so expect something unique from your first course, from corn chips and guacamole to baked Camembert and roasted garlic. Attention to detail is part of what makes Chez Maman unique. For those looking to satisfy a smaller appetite, the panini menu provides an ample selection of lighter fare, as does the burger menu. But it’s the entrée menu that really shines. The fish are fresh, the salads are bright and crisp, the mango cucumber vinaigrette? Decidedly un-French, but certainly welcome on my plate. We thoroughly enjoyed the mahi mahi with garlic spinach (and that’s before the second glass of wine). Also welcome was the banana with Nutella dessert crêpe I promised myself I wouldn’t order, and then indulged, anyway. It was certainly worth it.

For those looking for a casual, yet intimate and unique dining experience within walking distance of home, I would highly recommend Chez Maman for its quality food and creative presentation. The only drawback was the price, a bit hefty, but certainly reasonable for the care that each plate receives. On a Saturday night, we were able to sit right down without a wait, something I would attribute to the restaurant’s location and not the quality of the experience, and the quiet, soft-lit interior is A+ for a romantic dinner. Parking can be found around the block without too much effort, especially for those skilled in finding those perfect (yet oh-so-elusive) SF neighborhood spaces.

Name: Paula
Occupation: Massage Therapist
Location: Oakland
Favorite Restaurant: Kirala
Reviewed Chez Maman: Monday February 18, 2008


I called Chez Maman beforehand to ensure that they were open on Monday and a holiday, and to find out if they accept reservations. A guy with a French accent said that they are a small restaurant of "14 tops." I understood that to be 14 tables. Imagine my surprise when I arrived with 4 other friends to a diner-type restaurant that seats 10 at the counter and has 2 tables for 2 in addition!

It's friendly enough. I would guess that most of the people at the counter are regulars at that restaurant and may know each other. We didn't have to wait too long before all 5 of us were seated at the counter. This seating arrangement, however, is a small drawback, because it's not like the friends at either end could talk to each other or anything. I'll have to say, though, that I was totally FLOORED by the good food, considering the small space and kitchen. (The whole restaurant is probably just twice the size of my bathroom at home!) The salads were a hit. Fresh and very tasty, not at all overdressed, genuinely French. The crepes were healthy buckwheat. I watched them make it, and they didn't put anything else in it but the filling.

My friend's crêpe complete was topped with an egg, sunny-side up, done perfectly and finished in the oven/ broiler. We shared a bottle of wine from the Languedoc region of France. Wonderful and extremely reasonable. My son said the croque monsieur he had was the best he's ever tasted anywhere. The bread was soft, with the cheese melted just right. The dessert crêpes were as good as the dinner crêpes, but I was hoping for a darker chocolate mousse. The portion was extremely generous, so that made up for the lack of darkness.

The meal was surprisingly delicious for a little diner with practically no atmosphere. The dining experience at Chez Maman was good down to the dessert wine, a dark muscat. And my husband said the cappuccino was every bit as good as what he had in France. This is elegant French cuisine in a casual dining atmosphere. A little gem of a place. No snobbish French waiter turning up their nose because you ordered inexpensive wine. No shi-shi linen table settings. No frou frou reduction sauces. You eat your wholesome French meal, you pay, and you leave. It's casual, it's friendly. It's a diner with excellent healthy French food if you've ever heard of such a thing.

I would definitely go back for more. Besides, there is a certificate in the bathroom from The Guardian stating that Chez Maman had the best French waiter to flirt with. I tried to flirt with him, both in French and in English, but I didn't even get a rise of out him. It gives me a challenge for next time. Maybe it takes a Frenchman more time to warm up. So I've got to go back, not just for the food.

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company: | reviews | episode video |

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Location:
390 Capistrano
Princeton-by-the-Sea, CA 94019

Parking: Free lot

Phone: 650-728-2739
Website: www.hmbrewingco.com

Restaurant Owners: Corporate Owners: Six local families
Executive Chef: Mark Hamilton
Pastry Chef: Marco Carrilo

Type of Cuisine: California Coastal Cuisine
Signature Dishes: Ceviche, calamari, Avou's Portuguese Fisherman's Stew, fish tacos, sesame halibut, Maverick's Burger, apple crisp, beers
Vegetarian Options: 3+
Alcohol Served: Full bar and 8-10 handcrafted ales and brews on site.
Corkage Fee: $10
Bottle Limit: None

Restaurant Hours:
Monday: 11:30am-9:30pm
Tuesday: 11:30am-9:30pm
Wednesday: 11:30am-9:30pm
Thursday: 11:30am-10:00pm
Friday: 11:30am-11:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am-11:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am-10:00pm

Meals Served: Lunch, dinner
Take-Out: Yes
Delivery: No
Average Dinner Price Range (Per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $15-$25
Average Lunch Price Range (Per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $15-$25 ($10 lunch specials M-Th)
Payment Options: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express
Accept Reservations: Yes
Need Reservations: Recommended for holidays
How far in advance should reservations be made? 3-4 days

Accommodations for Children: Kid-friendly
Dining Style: Casual
Disabled Access: Yes
Restaurant Size: Large (100+ seats)
Accommodate Groups (10+): Yes
Private Dining Room: No
Tables with Scenic Views: Yes, inside and outside
Outdoor Dining: Yes with fire pits
Entertainment: Yes, live music -- blues, rock and roll, Americana, Celtic rock, jazz, reggae, Latin -- four nights a week

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company: Reviews | restaurant info | episode video |

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Fish and Chips, Mixed Seafood Grill, Portuguese Fishermen's Stew, Warm Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

Name: Ryan
Occupation: Environmental Scientist
Location: Palo Alto
Favorite Restaurant: Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Reviewed Half Moon Bay Brewing Company: Sunday March 2, 2008


Pilgrims going to Half Moon Bay Brewing Company have a few choices for lunch or dinner: they can sit inside in the dining area, or at a fireside table in the bar, or outside on the patio. The bar, easily distinguished from the dining area by the presence of a bar, seats about 10 comfortably at tables and another 15 or so at the bar itself. Keep in mind that seating is limited when there’s live music playing.

Expect a full-ish house on the patio if you show up on a sunny Saturday or Sunday. Travelers from all over the peninsula bring their kids and dogs (both equally welcome) to relax in the sun and grab a bite to eat or sip one of the Brewing Company’s unique libations. If you happen by after sunset, you’ll find friends and strangers alike huddled around one of the patio’s three fire pits.

The menu at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company might best be described as your standard seafood collection; fish and chips, clam chowder, fish tacos, and a short list of “bar food” (e.g. burgers, chicken sandwiches, etc.). Do not expect to leave with an empty stomach. I’ll admit, the food, though decidedly “good” in its own right, probably won’t make the cover of any culinary magazines, but the menu really does help to showcase HMBBC’s collection of beers (tantalizing even to a wine drinker such as myself).

Be sure to heed the restaurant’s pairings on the menu, such as the Albacore melt sandwich and the Mavericks Amber Ale. I, myself, have likely spent the lion’s share of my wages on the fish and chips married with the Pillar Point Ale, but I am a creature of habit. Extra points for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company for keeping a stack of Seafood Watch cards in plain sight for those of a sustainable fisheries mind.

You’ll find plenty of parking at this seaside spot, and the price of dinner usually won’t creep up past $30 per person with a drink or two. The waitstaff is friendly, and most of them eat at the restaurant anyway, so feel free to ask as many questions as you can. If you’re looking for a fantastic destination spot with satisfying food and killer atmosphere, consider a trip to the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company for some fish, a drink, and a fireside chat by the ocean.

Name: Zee
Occupation: Photo Editor
Location: San Francisco
Favorite Restaurant: Chez Maman
Reviewed Half Moon Bay Brewing Company: Sunday March 2, 2008


We arrived at the restaurant on a beautiful clear day in Half Moon Bay. The restaurant has indoor/outdoor seating. The patio was filled with locals and tourists having pints and enjoying the weather. After checking in with the hostess, I headed to the ladies room. There was a line, with 3 people ahead of me waiting on two stalls. While I was waiting in the ladies room, my friend was standing near the hostesses, who wondered out loud if I was “lost in the bathroom”. Obviously, they forgot she was there. We were then seated in the back room with a two large families (2.5 kids each) and a group of males who all resembled Vanilla Ice. The rest of the tables were empty except the dishes left over from the previous guests. The inside of the restaurant is also quite large and it was packed -- except the back room.

After about 10 minutes, the waitress arrived to take our order. I asked here what were her favorites and she listed a few items that were popular (fish tacos, fish and chips, hamburger, ribs). I then asked her again about her favorite seafood and not what was popular and she stated that she "was the wrong person to ask as [she doesn’t] eat seafood." I commented maybe she was working at the wrong restaurant (ha ha).

We started with two Arnold Palmers and a pint of the Harbor Light Ale. The ale was light and clean, so I ditched the Arnold Palmer. Our drinks were followed by the calamari, which was fresh and lightly battered with a nice crisp crust. The seasoning was on point and very tasty. After about 25 minutes, our main courses of fish and chips and Yucatan baby back ribs arrived. The fish was quite moist but the batter was on the soggy side. The ribs were cooked with their house made sauce. The ribs were somewhat tender but definitely dry. The ribs are served with very wet coleslaw. Both were served with french fries as well as coleslaw with the ribs. Although they could have used a little less dressing for the coleslaw, it had lots of flavor.

We had quite a bit of food left over so the waitress was kind enough to bring us containers (lots of leftovers of the calamari, french fries, and ribs for my boyfriend). The waitress then brought us the check before offering dessert and coffee. I asked about the dessert menu, which she kindly brought over, and we ordered the apple crisp with vanilla ice cream and coffee. The crisp wasn’t quite crisp (think finely ground unbaked crumbs) and served warm with lots of large chunks of apples.

The prices are a bit over the top for average pub food and the service staff seemed to be filled with inexperienced local students. I would definitely return when I’m in the area, but will request a seat outside, order beer and appetizers only, and talk with the locals.

Name: Paula
Occupation: Massage Therapist
Location: Oakland
Favorite Restaurant: Kirala
Reviewed Half Moon Bay Brewing Company: Saturday February 23, 2008


Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is located in the most scenic spot, at a corner overlooking the ocean, with a huge outdoor seating area. The rustic indoor area also has large windows with views. This would be a spectacular spot during the summer months. Unfortunately, it was pouring rain and the wind was probably blowing 70 miles per hour when we were there. I can imagine the sunset view on a clear nice day, but we just saw tree branches blowing and raindrops as large as golf balls beating against the windows.

In general, I found the service lacking here and the food mostly disappointing. After we ordered, it took almost half an hour before the beverages even came. (We had water, though!) Fortunately, I was impressed by the first serving of garlic cheesy bread. Although lacking in garlic, this appetizer was unusual in that the cheesy bread came with a bowl of hot marinara sauce for dipping. Then a different server (not our waitress) brought us our main course. When I expressed surprise because we never got the oyster appetizers yet, he seemed surprised to hear that we had ordered them. Our waitress finally came over and apologized, admitting that she forgot to order the oysters. She asked if we still wanted them. We said yes, and they came AFTER our entrees. The oysters were fresh enough, but not the most succulent or the tastiest oysters I've ever had. I half expected them to give us the oysters as a complimentary dish, or to offer us a free glass of beer or dessert as compensation for messing up our order. . . nothing like that happened.

We both ordered seafood because upon arrival, I asked our waitress what they were proud of in their menu. She recommended the dishes we ordered as well as the fish and chips. She never mentioned the meat dishes on the menu, so we didn't consider them. In retrospect, we probably should have tried one meat dish and one seafood entree, because later we saw the baby back ribs and the bacon-wrapped filet being served to another party and they both looked better than our mediocre entrees. I actually liked the soup or sauce that the fishermen's stew came with. It was garlic and wine-based. Very tasty and savory. The seafood in the stew was fresh. It's just that both the stew and the mixed grill were predictable and nothing special. I also thought the brownie was misrepresented in the menu as well. What we got was excellent, but it wasn't a brownie. I would have called it a cake-like brownie at best. It was fluffy and airy like a dark chocolate cake.

The saving grace for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company was the brew and the music. I tried five of the ten beers they offered and like each and every one. I especially enjoyed their featured brew of the month: the dopplebock. In another section of the complex is the bar where there is a dance floor and live music. A small down-home blues band was playing. We danced for a while and really enjoyed the tunes and the ambiance. Everyone there seemed to be having a great time, including three toddlers and babies with moms on the dance floor. (I didn't think minors were allowed in bars?!!?)

In summary, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company has something to give, but it ain't their food, which, in my opinion, is ordinary and costs too much. I would go back for the live music, dancing, and their delicious beers. (And try for summer months when I can enjoy the view and the outdoor seating as well).

Kirala: | reviews | episode video |

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Location:
2100 Ward Street (at Shattuck)
Berkeley, CA 94705

Parking: Street (easy), free lot

Phone: 510-549-3486
Website: www.kiralaberkeley.com

Restaurant Owner: Kirala Inc.
Executive Chef: Akira Komine

Type of Cuisine: Japanese
Signature Dishes: Sushi, nabeyaki udon, grilled spicy sardine
Vegetarian Options: 1-2 items
Alcohol Served: Beer and wine
Corkage Fee: $10
Bottle Limit: None

Restaurant Hours:
Monday: 5:30pm-9:30pm (dinner)
Tuesday: 11:30am-2:00 (lunch), 5:30pm-9:30pm (dinner)
Wednesday: 11:30am-2:00 (lunch), 5:30pm-9:30pm (dinner)
Thursday: 11:30am-2:00 (lunch), 5:30pm-9:30pm (dinner)
Friday: 11:30am-2:00 (lunch), 5:30pm-10:00pm (dinner)
Saturday: 5:30pm-9:30pm (dinner)
Sunday: 5:30pm-9:00pm (dinner)

Meals Served: Lunch, dinner
Take-Out: No
Delivery: No
Average Dinner Price Range (Per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $15-$25
Average Lunch Price Range (Per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): Under $15
Payment Options: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express
Accept Reservations: No
Need Reservations: No

Accommodations for Children: Kid-friendly
Dining Style: Casual
Disabled Access: Yes
Restaurant Size: Medium (30-100 seats)
Accommodate Groups (10+): No
Private Dining Room: No
Tables with Scenic Views: No
Outdoor Dining: No

Kirala: Reviews | restaurant info | episode video |

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Sushi Lunch Special, Rainbow Roll, Seafood Gyoza

Name: Paula
Occupation: Massage Therapist
Location: Oakland
Favorite Restaurant: Kirala
Reviewed Kirala: Sunday February 17, 2008


I've been dining at Kirala since the 70s when it was located inside the Berkeley Bowl. It is still at this approximate location with a huge parking lot across the street, which they share with Any Mountain. The same hostess (co-owner) is still there to greet you at the entrance, where you put your name down on a waiting list. For lunch, there is usually no wait; however, I've seen a line around the corner for dinner some nights there.

I would say I eat lunch at this trendy Japanese restaurant at least 3 times a week. I could easily eat there every day and not get bored. Why? Because their food is FRESH FRESH FRESH, especially their fish. Nothing else like it! For lunch they usually offer a Sushi Special (that's what I end up ordering very often) and a Lunch Special (for those with a larger appetite). The chef puts together different tempting combinations on different days. You can see it presented on a tray before you decide to order it.

At dinnertime, there's a change in atmosphere. It's more of a "scene" in the evening. The place is usually bustling with energy (and noise!) The waitresses are running around like electric mosquitoes to get your food to you at a fast pace once you order. Kirala has a moderate selection of wine and beer but a generous and wonderful selection of premium, imported sakes. Not only do they have fantastic sushi and sashimi, what they do with their robata grill is to die for. They cook many of their main entrees on the robata grill as well: juicy rib-eye steak, tender sea bass or chicken, salmon grilled to perfection.

When I go to Kirala for dinner, I like to order a main dish to share and then treat myself to a variety of small samplings from the robata grill or sushi bar. For those sushi-lovers who are watching their budget, the menu at Kirala offers at least 5 different sushi dinners as main entrees. Whether you want to taste through their healthy menu or eat in a more traditional way, you can't go wrong eating at Kirala. When you taste their sushi and sashimi, you feel as if the fishermen have just brought it in from the ocean minutes before. For those who don't like seafood, there is a large variety of meat, vegetable, rice, and noodle dishes to choose from. There is something for everyone here. And you can spend $20 or $100 depending on how much or what you want to order.

When my friends want to get together to eat out, I always suggest Kirala as my first choice. I feel like I'm doing my body a favor when I eat at Kirala. That's why I'd go back again, and again, and again.

Name: Ryan
Occupation: Environmental Scientist
Location: Palo Alto
Favorite Restaurant: Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Reviewed Kirala: Sunday March 2, 2008


My fellow restaurant-goer and I were surprised to see the long line of people outside of Kirala Restaurant at 8:00 when we arrived for dinner, especially since it was a Sunday night and they don’t take reservations. After driving all the way to Berkeley from the south bay, I was a little disappointed to wait even a few minutes longer. Luckily, it seemed Kirala was designed to run as fast as possible, and despite the fact we were 14th on the list, we were seated within half an hour. Once seated, however, we felt no pressure to hurry up, eat, and leave. Quite the contrary. The waitstaff treated us well, and the sushi chefs were more than willing to stop and chat with us about the food.

Kirala is a bit hectic; you’ll typically find the restaurant area, the sushi bar, and the drink bar full to capacity, so expect a bit of confusion while you wait for a table. You might also help things along by opting to sit at the sushi bar where you can order and watch the sushi chefs prepare a stand-out meal.

We both agreed “above-average, but not deliriously spectacular” was how we would describe Kirala. The service was quick, pleasant, and professional for such a hectic place, and the sake/beer menu was just a bit more elegant than what you would find at an equivalent price. There were a few items on the menu (e.g. quail eggs) that one wouldn’t find at your average sushi bar, and the quality of the seafood is superb. However, after a 45-minute drive from the south bay, I might have asked for something a bit more spectacular. If I lived in Berkeley, on the other hand, I would probably eat at Kirala every week.

Keep in mind that, because we were seated at the counter, we didn’t get a crack at the kitchen menu which, from the looks of things, offers just about everything under the sun, provided you’re willing to wait for a table. We were able to take a peak at the plates crowd-surfing through the sea of guests, and they all looked appetizing (sizzling beef and chicken teriyaki fill the restaurant with mouth-watering aromas).

When you head out to Kirala for lunch or dinner, remember there is parking for customers across Shattuck Avenue, but don’t stray too far looking for appetizers if you get served with a 45+ minute wait. There isn’t much in the way of time-killing in the neighborhood. If you do happen by, and the line isn’t too long, consider stopping by Kirala for a decent sushi meal. Many people we met were repeat customers, a good sign for any restaurant.

Name: Zee
Occupation: Photo Editor
Location: San Francisco
Favorite Restaurant: Chez Maman
Reviewed Kirala: Friday February 22, 2008


I had lunch at Kirala with a co-worker. It’s about a 10-minute drive from San Francisco where we live and work. The location is in a random area and the building was nondescript. Street parking was plentiful. Once inside, the place was pretty packed, but we were seated immediately at a table. They seemed to pack lots of tables in a small space; I was back to back with a 10 year old. The lunch menu seemed quite typical of most Bay Area Japanese restaurants, so we did what most first timers do: looked around to see what everyone was eating. Since that didn’t work, we decided on sushi rolls.

It took some time for someone to come over, actually, I believe we had to flag someone down. Our waitress seemed a little out of it, with a glazed look. We couldn’t decide between the gyoza and seafood gyoza. She recommended the seafood as the “regular gyoza was store bought and the seafood gyoza was handmade”. Actually, that’s the only time we heard her speak. The appetizers came out pretty quick. The seafood gyozas were very tasty, and the seaweed salad (with soybean paste) was a nice surprise. The main dishes also came out pretty quickly. The rainbow roll seemed fresh with four different types of fish. Unfortunately, the waitress was not around to identify the fish (I’m pretty sure two were salmon and tuna). The spicy tuna was really spicy -- so much so that my throat was irritated. The Rock 'n' Roll was good and fresh and the negihama (yellow tail) was tasty. Again, I had to flag someone down to ask for water and tea.

Overall, I thought it was just ok. I’m not sure that I would make the trip again unless I was already in Berkeley. The service was lackluster and the waitstaff seemed out of it. The prices were reasonable and again, the sushi rolls were good. I have no problem driving outside of San Francisco to enjoy a good dish (I drive to Napa for cornbread!); I’m not sure this is worth the drive.