10/11/06

You gotta duck in here for the best duck dish I've eaten, so far!

by yomi

My wife and I enjoy dining out - who doesn't? A neighbor recommended Cha Am and we've been there about 6 times in so many months. We both especially like the wood-finished add-on area in the front. The waitresses are nice, not overly fussy and might not suit corporate-minded clients who might demand 5-star service. The food is quite mouthwatering. I find it has the best presentation of duck, not those small-chopped pieces. The mint ice cream is to join a gym for. They have working hours so call before you leave the house, except you plan to make do with Andronico's across the road!

• Pros: Service, food, dessert
• Cons: Parking, steep stairway out front

05/16/06

Cha Am Never Fails!

by lizsong

Cha Am has never failed to satisfy my tastebuds! Their pad thai and pad see ew dishes are sensational. It's a must-eat if you're in Berkeley! During a less busier time, the service deserves an A+, but when you're there during a busier hour, you may need to wait a bit. The portions are larger than most Thai places I've been to, so you get more for your buck. Ohh.. and the brown rice is to die for. I don't know how they make it so aromatic and tasty - it's perfect!

The ambiance creates a homey and comfortable feeling. It's bright array of colors and decor creates a business in the atmosphere, but somehow it manages to not be too cluttery (though it does border on it). It can be romantic for date nights, but it's also a great spot for groups and an intimate crew of friends.

• Pros: Amazing food!
• Cons: Can be a little sweet

04/25/06

Mostly good

by jcm55

We eat at Cha Am pretty regularly, even though there are other Thai restaurants closer to us. Their Tom Kha Gai is excellent, and I haven't found better yet. They also offer very good brown rice in addition to regular white rice, which is a big plus in my book. Their Pad Thai is not my favorite. I find it a little bland, and it has a disturbing "nuclear orange" color to it.

07/21/05

Check out the specials

by vivalasvegas_78

reviews are mixed, but I had a very good meal at Cha Am. We ordered the grilled marinated yellow tail fillet, served with a garlic, chili, and lime sauce (a special for the night). The fish was EXELENT tender, had a wonderful, almost smokey flavor from the grill. The asparagus that came with the fish, was also grilled, and bit over done and dry. The fish was soo good though, it was excusable. It was possibly some of the best fish I have ever had.

We also had the Pad Thai, which was average. The Tom Kai gai was very good, not too sweet, or too spicy, had good compliments of lemon grass and fish sauce. The stuffed chicken wings (stuffed with ground pork, black mushrooms, celery, among other things) were good (and large!), and not at all greasy like I feared they might be. They were an unsual treat.

• Pros: Interesting specials, great prices, friendly staff
• Cons: slow to take order, parking

03/22/05

Cute place!

by cl_foodie

This place is really cute inside and has very good food. We had the pad thai and the pad see ew and both dishes were delicious! Definitely save room for dessert as well.

09/16/03

Cha Am gone down hill

by lzwhite

Cha Am used to be one of the bet Thai restaurants in the East Bay, however, over the last five plus years it slowly has gotten worst every year. I've given Cha Am many chances at redeeming itself and it has failed every year.

• Cons: Food

09/15/03

gai gra pow

by owenseightball

their gai gra pow had no pow,... it was a oyster gravy sauce with peas and carrots???? what kind of gai gra pow is that? If my tongue is not on fire it wasnt close to good try sabuy subuy on college near the ccac. Thats some great thai.

01/06/03

Yummy Noodles

by smcgraw

This has always been my favorite Thai food; they use fresh ingredients, and the quality is consistent. The Cha Am noodles are excellent--I strongly recommend them. Cha Am is much better than the Thai place on the corner . . .

• Cons: Parking can be tricky, Wait can be long