Le Bateau Ivre

06/08/10

A lovely place for a banquet!

by mqm2010 at Citysearch

As part of large scientific conference I organized at Berkeley in late May of 2010, I also arranged a reunion dinner at Le Bateau Ivre for roughly 60 of the conference participants. In short, the owner, chef, and wait-staff of the restaurant did a superb job.

The owner, Arlene,was very flexible and patient with my numerous last-minute requests, including increasing the guest list by 10 just a couple of days before the dinner and asking to set up a projector and screen just an hour or so in advance.

WhenI met with the chef to set the menu, and he offered numerous options and suggestions. The guests all spoke very highly of the food, which included cornish game hens, mushroom ravioli, NY strip, and baked salmon. Finally, I note that the staff were extremely attentive to all our guests, not to mention patient to work around the projector I set up in the middle of the main room!

The evening at Le Bateau Ivre was the highlight of the conference for everyone in attendance. I highly recommend this lovely and intimate restaurant both for its food and for its service.

• Pros: Lovely environment, attentive staff
• Cons: None

10/26/09

My Favorite Restaurant

by Jennifer Carrington at Citysearch

I love this place......I work 3 blocks away and have been coming to Le Bateau for lunch 2-3 days a week for the past 7 years. My only wish would be that they were open on Mondays! The food always amazes me, with a large variety of dishes, different from day to day, and they are all prepared elegantly, down to the decorative flowers placed with care on many plates. Compared to the other local spots serving lunch (breakfast-dinner-brunch) they are at the top of my list, and I must say I have tried almost all of them. I don't find the prices outrageous - yes, it's more expensive than McDonalds or Subway but the quality of the food is well worth the price. I can go to lunch by myself, read my book and not feel uncomfortable - the service, on my many visits, has always been friendly and prompt. I was appalled that anyone could find any negative aspects of this fantastic little gem right here in Berkeley.

• Pros: Friendly, great ice tea, fabulous food
• Cons: They aren't open on Mondays.........

09/15/09

Home.

by rwpinsacto at Citysearch

Started coming to Le Bateau as a Berkeley student in the early 70s. This wonderful place has always been an important part of my life, a place to come back to for its tranquility and to share with new friends. Conversation over coffee or wine, great dinners, wonderful long Sunday brunches, or just a pastry, a capp and the newspaper. I've always had great service, everyone is friendly, and the prices are absurdly reasonable, even for a college student budget. Please take the negative reviews here with a grain of salt -- the self-righteous and self-important don't deserve the attention. This is a little bit of French countryside heaven, and Berkeley is lucky to have such a great institution. --RP

• Pros: Ambience, friendliness, great food, wonderful coffee
• Cons: well lived-in

08/17/08

Great place for dinner...

by eteniram at Citysearch

I have been there with some friends for a birthday dinner. Was very good, the taste of the food is perfect.

Good selection on the bar and great servers. The food take time but is perfect.

The place looks very good. Like as Europe. Old place and old style.

If you like great food, have time and money go there.

The food is not expensive but is not a Mc donals.

So, see you there...

****

07/22/08

Wonderful dinner party/banquet venue

by mommiedearest at Citysearch

This charming European restaurant provided the perfect setting for my son and daughter-in-laws wedding rehearsal dinner. The owners we very helpful and available to me in planning this event. The list of food options for the individualized event menu were extensive providing something for all diners. The wait staff was

pleasant and interactive. My only suggestion would be that waiters be a bit more attentive to the tables between courses to be sure guest requests, drink orders etc. are readily addressed. The food was delicious and presented well. Many positive comments about the food by all in attendance. I would recommend Le Bateau Iver to anyone planning a dinner or banquet event.