Quiet Conversation Restaurants

This sophisticated American bistro specializes in California comfort food with a French flair. Chef Ola Fendert uses classic cooking techniques to prepare dishes like All Natural Baby Back Ribs and Lamb Daube. Oola Restaurant and Bar features these hearty bistro favorites while using organic meats and produce, as well as artisan cheeses and wines. Picked by Bon Appetit Magazine as one of the “Top 50 Hot Spots” around the country, this split level space is sleek and mature. Recycled wood, exposed stone, rust-toned light fixtures and plenty of candlelight produce an alluring and sexy atmosphere.

The Hotel Shattuck, in downtown Berkeley, is home to a sophisticated restaurant that incorporates all of the senses into the dining experience. Five is an elegantly spacious modern American bistro and bar defined by massive columns that rise up to support the intricately recessed ceiling, grandly lit chandeliers, and beaming floor-to-ceiling windows that cast everything in the glow of luxury. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are similarly well-designed with refined dishes that are both sophisticated and welcoming. Executive Chef Howard Scott melds opulence with familiarity in dishes like the Deviled Surf and Turf Eggs and the Short Rib Pot …

Visually stunning with its sweeping bay views, a dramatic fireplace, custom-built wood fired grill, and striking columns, Epic Roasthouse is a testimonial to Pat Kuleto’s successful career as a designer. Located in the Embarcadero, this gourmet steakhouse makes its home directly next to the Bay Bridge, providing a view and ambiance like no other. Chef Jan Birnbaum graces the menu with house-cured meats, steaks, chops, and seafood, all prepared with the finest quality ingredients at your specifications. For those merely looking to enjoy the fantastic décor and location, enjoy a tantalizing cocktail or savory bar bite at the bustling bar.

Manned by a staff devoted to quality, authenticity, and hospitality, Flour + Water embodies Old World expertise carried out in a casual and contemporary setting. Truly thoughtful design is not only behind the restaurant’s urban eclectic décor, but it’s also present in every ingredient that goes into each dish on the fine-tuned menu. The meats are cured in-house and the pizzas are served exclusively Neapolitan style. And as memorable as the pizza is, the in-house made pasta is another prize. Flour + Water also works hard to make wine accessible and inviting, pouring glasses of quality drink for all to …

Vampires beware! The Stinking Rose is known throughout San Francisco as being the number one restaurant for fans of garlic and excellent food. Located in North Beach, the restaurant goes through over 3,000 pounds of the garlic each month, and diners visit again and again to indulge in the Californian-Italian cuisine. The Stinking Rose is best known for its Dungeness Killer Crab: a fresh crab weighing over two pounds and roasted in a secret garlic sauce until succulent and juicy. The garlicky goodness extends to the rest of the restaurant’s menu, which includes seafood skillets, tureens, surf and turf, pastas, …

Making the most of a simple, rustic interior with strong influences of the bayou thrown in, Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen focuses on authentic Creole and Cajun eats. Seasonal crawfish boils make this East Bay eatery a must-do in terms of Louisiana cuisine. Chef Brandon Dubea brings a lifetime of Louisiana upbringing to the kitchen of this local establishment, located just a stone’s throw from the Berkeley Public Library. Make sure that after a big ol’ bowl of steaming gumbo, you save room for a New Orleans classic, Angeline’s award-winning beignets, cooked to order.

For a taste of authentic French cuisine plated with a healthy side of Old World opulence and charm, the Grand Café Brasserie and Bar is the place to visit. The restaurant dining space draws the eyes up to the 30-foot high ceilings with regal architectural elements and impressive columns that hearken back to the days of Art Deco luxury. To complement the space and offer a welcomed balance of inviting fare, the Grand Café menu presents guests with a plush selection of classic French brasserie cuisine dishes firmly rooted in seasonal freshness and flavor. Linger over a delightful drink at …

With a great atmosphere and local favorite Happy Hour, Wine Jar in Japan Town offers the neighborhood a wine bar experience like no other. The intimate décor invites guests to enjoy any glass or bottle from their extensive wine list while catching up with an old friend, enjoying the company of that special someone, or just unwinding after a day at work. Food is limited to a cheese plate, but patrons are encouraged to enjoy take out from local restaurants at the Wine Jar, a few suggestions are even listed on the menu. For a good time in an inviting …