Nosh readers cast their votes prior to Thanksgiving, and the results of the 2025 Nosh Awards are in. Visit Nosh every day from now until Dec. 12 to see a new award announced each day. Congratulations to all the winners!
2025 nosh Awards
When it comes to birthdays, anniversaries and other big occasions, diners are reluctant to leave things to chance. If you are going to dip into your cash reserves for a meal, it better deliver.
Citing its consistent high standards, influential status, and its fete-worthy food, Nosh Awards voters picked Chez Panisse, the Bay Area’s slow food flag bearer, as their favorite restaurant in the East Bay for special occasions for the second year in a row.
The influence of Chez Panisse, and its hyper-focus on regional, seasonal ingredients, is seen across California and the world, with alumni going on to helm their own award-winning, celebrated restaurants such as Zuni Cafe, Ramen Shop, Standard Fare, and Coyote Cafe.
As restaurants come and go, the fact that Chez Panisse keeps going strong in its 54th year is testament enough to its consistent quality and ability to keep delighting diners.
The other nominees for Best Restaurant for Special Occasion in 2025 were Juanita & Maude, Commis, Sun Moon Studio, Sushi Salon and The Wolf.
Pretty much everything that can be said about the North Shattuck restaurant Alice Waters founded in 1971 has already been published, so Nosh is going to let the voters take it away.
What Nosh Awards voters said about Chez Panisse:
“Being treated to a bday at Chez (in the upstairs) was a highlight of my eating life! They sure know their way around veggies and hospitality” — S.A. Berkeley
“It’s where everything in the food revolution started. It’s the gold standard.”
“Classic and gorgeous and delicious of course.”
“Simply the best.”
“Chez Panisse consistently delivers the highest quality, flavorful seasonal food paired with top notch service in a relaxed and homey atmosphere. Their fruit desserts are phenomenal!” — Christa, Berkeley
“Chez Panisse can make any occasion a special occasion.” — James, Santa Rosa
CHez Panisse
1517 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley; www.chezpanisse.com/
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
“What is there to say? It’s Chez Panisse! Will they have foams on the plate? No. Dry Ice or smoke? No. Ingredients that are at peak freshness and hopefully local availability? ABSOLUTELY! Chez Panisse is fighting to show that simple fresh ingredients makes great food. Sit back and don’t overthink it. Enjoy what nature has given and CP has cooked beautifully!” — Mike O’Brien, Oakland
“Has been for 40+ years of my residence here. Fantastic ingredients with damn skilled chef skills to best showcase them. And a daily changing menu means always a surprise.” — Larry, Oakland
“A classic and important in food history. Also, still the bomb.”
“It’s always an occasion to eat at Chez Panisse. The food never disappoints.” — Deborah Mann, Oakland
“I can’t say enough about Chez Panisse. I tell everyone to go there. 10 stars!!!” — Cathy, Turlock
Thank you for recognizing Chez Panisse. I just celebrated my birthday there. It was innovative 50 years ago and it is still amazing.
I was fortunate to be a teacher at King Middle School in Berkeley when Alice Waters started the Edible Schoolyard. I watched her vision blossom to include providing experiences for young people to grow food and eat together around a table. To this day she continues to work on linking local farms to schools and universities. A True Hero.