Superlative. I cannot think when I’ve had a better time dining; staff was very friendly and engaging and informative. The food is simply amazing, and I personally absolutely love the bar dining experience. Came here with a good friend, cannot wait to come back and bring the wife.
Tyson Quick
The dining experience, staff, and flavors were superb. That said for $610/person if you get the wine pairing + wagu bite + an extra drink, I don't think it makes the 5 star mark. The wine pairing gets a B- rating in my opinion, the Wagu add-on at $30/each was too fatty vs marbled in, and the shellfish substitute for one of the main dishes was nowhere close to comparable. I'm glad we went once, but at these prices for what we got, it's unlikely we'll return.
Olivia
I’ve been wanting to try this two Michelin star spot for a while, mostly held back because it’s a bit out of the way. Finally made it, and first impressions were great! the space is beautiful, and the interior design really stood out to me. Everything felt thoughtful and calming. The service was also very professional. All the staff were in suits and clearly well-trained, which made the experience feel polished.
As for the food, it focuses more on flavor and texture rather than creativity or visual presentation. It’s not the kind of michelin meal that surprises you, but the dishes were solid. I especially appreciated their wine pairings—very well chosen.
One suggestion: it would be nice to see more artistic thought in the plating, maybe with unique ceramics that elevate the experience and to include a small printed course list or QR code, so guests can better follow each dish’s components.
All in all, in a region with limited fine dining options, this place is still worth visiting, but there’s definitely room to grow in both creativity and overall execution.
Jen Staton
My partner and I ate at the bar tonight for my birthday and we thoroughly enjoyed the pre-fixe menu with the wine pairing. The food is, of course, phenomenal, but we both agree that the pairing just makes it out of this world! The thought that goes into pairing a wine from 1972 with a salty/creamy dessert is just indescribable. Howie and Akita killed it with their knowledge of wines and spirits and we can’t wait to visit again for another mesmerizing palate experience!
Spencer Tinsley
This is hands down my favorite fine dining restaurant I have been to. Every dish was so beautifully crafted and left me wanting more. The wine pairing had a few sakes which was interesting. I'm not a wine expert but the wines/sake felt like they enhanced each dish quite a bit. I would recommend doing the pairing with this.
The best dish was the poached egg with bread. We bake a lot of bread at home and I'm mad that I have never made a loaf as good as what they had. Theirs was soft, light, and fluffy with a thin crunchy crust. Perfect. Dipping it in the poached egg dish is something I still think about a week after eating it.
I only have 4 stars for the atmosphere because the seating area is nothing special (compared to other restaurants at the same price point. It's still very very nice). It's a small area and while the kitchen is open, the tables don't have a good view of what's going on. Compared to a place like Birdsong where you sit around the open kitchen in a huge room with high ceilings.
Regardless, this is definitely a place I will visit again. They do seatings at the bar which is significantly cheaper than the full dinner but still has the same type of food. If you want amazing food that is more budget friendly, then that is a good option for folks. We are planning to try that next time.
Zac Oldenburg
One of the best meals I've had in the Bay. Worth the price, and the bar sounds just as nice.
The smoked dates in the Jammy egg, oh baby.
So much great texture and every bite felt unique.
Edgardo De Leon
Overall, the food is very good and well-deserved Michelin star rating. But I was not a fan of all 10 courses. I recommend oyster parfait, Shima aji, chilled mussels, black cod (best) duck, and wagu beef. Was not a fan of the eel, poached egg and rice dishes, nor the sour drink. The deserts were superb. I feel it's a bit pricey, too.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Breast
Craig
Puzzling that this place is so highly touted. Have eaten here twice now, was very disappointed both times. The dishes just didn't work. Strange combinations that were discordant. We have eaten at many Michelin starred restaurants, can't understand how Commis gets even one star. I would describe the service as too self-conscious -- trying to be a certain way that they think they should be, but instead of looking natural, it looks like an act. They were certainly pleasant and attentive, but it all felt awkward. Not going back.
william
elegant dining experience good for special occasions. wine pairing spot on. all dishes delicious, 10 course set menu, and wonderfully presented waitstaff all wearing suits with ties and very attentive
Sylvain Francois
Great, but was expecting even better. Everything was subtle, with good products, great balances. I really liked how the vegetarian menu was paired with the default menu. But not sure I'll remember this experience as much as other similar restaurants. Also, rather disappointed with the wine pairing, not impressed with any wine (just by the unusual origins), and surprised to get only one red wine. Service was efficient (maybe a bit too obsequious). The place rather quiet and providing good privacy.
We have experienced several tasting menus over the years and this one was among the best. The menu was pescatarian forward thus the wine pairing (which I highly recommend) centered on whites. I don't particularly care for white wines,however, the sommelier at Commis is clearly a genius. We had a Sake, a Chenin Blanc and a very light Madeira that paired wonderfully with our meal. The oyster parfait and slow poached egg yolk with smoked dates, alliums & malt were my favorites. The staff were attentive but not obtrusive, knowledgeable and gracious. Obviously not something we can do all the time but definitely recommend for special occasions.
Bonnie
When we sat down we were told about a wagyu upgrade. At some point I asked about it. I was told it would be part of the presentation. It was never offered to us. The meal is very heavy on fish (raw and cooked) and white wines. If you prefer more meat and red wine this isn't the place for you. I made a mistake at one point about what was on the plate and the waiter snickered. Nobody should snicker when you're spending over $1000 for two people.
Lorelei
We had an amazing experience for a special evening. The food was delicious, the staff were knowledgeable and attentive. I was a little surprised when we were told that the courses would be revealed as they brought them out, and yet it worked. The flavors, textures and ingenuity of the dishes were superb. We did get the full course menu and wine pairing to bring home.
George
From start to finish, the experience was astonishing, almost overwhelming (in the very best way). Even the ingredients that I thought I "knew" were transformed. If you are a cook (even simply a home cook), when dining out you often ask yourself if you could make dishes at home. At Commis the answer for me was a resounding no. That answer — and the fact that the food is so delicious, so surprising, and yet (once experienced) seems almost inevitable — proved that making this reservation was absolutely the right choice. (I have always wanted to eat here, and it was a really good call.) I'll be thinking about these dishes every day until the next time I've saved up enough to return.
Christopher Metoyer
Simply stunning. Commis is likely the the finest meal you can enjoy in Oakland. Dish and dish experience after experience is better than then the last.
Superlative. I cannot think when I’ve had a better time dining; staff was very friendly and engaging and informative. The food is simply amazing, and I personally absolutely love the bar dining experience. Came here with a good friend, cannot wait to come back and bring the wife.
The dining experience, staff, and flavors were superb. That said for $610/person if you get the wine pairing + wagu bite + an extra drink, I don't think it makes the 5 star mark. The wine pairing gets a B- rating in my opinion, the Wagu add-on at $30/each was too fatty vs marbled in, and the shellfish substitute for one of the main dishes was nowhere close to comparable. I'm glad we went once, but at these prices for what we got, it's unlikely we'll return.
I’ve been wanting to try this two Michelin star spot for a while, mostly held back because it’s a bit out of the way. Finally made it, and first impressions were great! the space is beautiful, and the interior design really stood out to me. Everything felt thoughtful and calming. The service was also very professional. All the staff were in suits and clearly well-trained, which made the experience feel polished.
As for the food, it focuses more on flavor and texture rather than creativity or visual presentation. It’s not the kind of michelin meal that surprises you, but the dishes were solid. I especially appreciated their wine pairings—very well chosen.
One suggestion: it would be nice to see more artistic thought in the plating, maybe with unique ceramics that elevate the experience and to include a small printed course list or QR code, so guests can better follow each dish’s components.
All in all, in a region with limited fine dining options, this place is still worth visiting, but there’s definitely room to grow in both creativity and overall execution.
My partner and I ate at the bar tonight for my birthday and we thoroughly enjoyed the pre-fixe menu with the wine pairing. The food is, of course, phenomenal, but we both agree that the pairing just makes it out of this world! The thought that goes into pairing a wine from 1972 with a salty/creamy dessert is just indescribable. Howie and Akita killed it with their knowledge of wines and spirits and we can’t wait to visit again for another mesmerizing palate experience!
This is hands down my favorite fine dining restaurant I have been to. Every dish was so beautifully crafted and left me wanting more. The wine pairing had a few sakes which was interesting. I'm not a wine expert but the wines/sake felt like they enhanced each dish quite a bit. I would recommend doing the pairing with this.
The best dish was the poached egg with bread. We bake a lot of bread at home and I'm mad that I have never made a loaf as good as what they had. Theirs was soft, light, and fluffy with a thin crunchy crust. Perfect. Dipping it in the poached egg dish is something I still think about a week after eating it.
I only have 4 stars for the atmosphere because the seating area is nothing special (compared to other restaurants at the same price point. It's still very very nice). It's a small area and while the kitchen is open, the tables don't have a good view of what's going on. Compared to a place like Birdsong where you sit around the open kitchen in a huge room with high ceilings.
Regardless, this is definitely a place I will visit again. They do seatings at the bar which is significantly cheaper than the full dinner but still has the same type of food. If you want amazing food that is more budget friendly, then that is a good option for folks. We are planning to try that next time.
One of the best meals I've had in the Bay. Worth the price, and the bar sounds just as nice.
The smoked dates in the Jammy egg, oh baby.
So much great texture and every bite felt unique.
Overall, the food is very good and well-deserved Michelin star rating. But I was not a fan of all 10 courses. I recommend oyster parfait, Shima aji, chilled mussels, black cod (best) duck, and wagu beef. Was not a fan of the eel, poached egg and rice dishes, nor the sour drink. The deserts were superb. I feel it's a bit pricey, too.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Breast
Puzzling that this place is so highly touted. Have eaten here twice now, was very disappointed both times. The dishes just didn't work. Strange combinations that were discordant. We have eaten at many Michelin starred restaurants, can't understand how Commis gets even one star. I would describe the service as too self-conscious -- trying to be a certain way that they think they should be, but instead of looking natural, it looks like an act. They were certainly pleasant and attentive, but it all felt awkward. Not going back.
elegant dining experience good for special occasions. wine pairing spot on. all dishes delicious, 10 course set menu, and wonderfully presented waitstaff all wearing suits with ties and very attentive
Great, but was expecting even better. Everything was subtle, with good products, great balances. I really liked how the vegetarian menu was paired with the default menu. But not sure I'll remember this experience as much as other similar restaurants. Also, rather disappointed with the wine pairing, not impressed with any wine (just by the unusual origins), and surprised to get only one red wine. Service was efficient (maybe a bit too obsequious). The place rather quiet and providing good privacy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We have experienced several tasting menus over the years and this one was among the best. The menu was pescatarian forward thus the wine pairing (which I highly recommend) centered on whites. I don't particularly care for white wines,however, the sommelier at Commis is clearly a genius. We had a Sake, a Chenin Blanc and a very light Madeira that paired wonderfully with our meal. The oyster parfait and slow poached egg yolk with smoked dates, alliums & malt were my favorites. The staff were attentive but not obtrusive, knowledgeable and gracious. Obviously not something we can do all the time but definitely recommend for special occasions.
When we sat down we were told about a wagyu upgrade. At some point I asked about it. I was told it would be part of the presentation. It was never offered to us. The meal is very heavy on fish (raw and cooked) and white wines. If you prefer more meat and red wine this isn't the place for you. I made a mistake at one point about what was on the plate and the waiter snickered. Nobody should snicker when you're spending over $1000 for two people.
We had an amazing experience for a special evening. The food was delicious, the staff were knowledgeable and attentive. I was a little surprised when we were told that the courses would be revealed as they brought them out, and yet it worked. The flavors, textures and ingenuity of the dishes were superb. We did get the full course menu and wine pairing to bring home.
From start to finish, the experience was astonishing, almost overwhelming (in the very best way). Even the ingredients that I thought I "knew" were transformed. If you are a cook (even simply a home cook), when dining out you often ask yourself if you could make dishes at home. At Commis the answer for me was a resounding no. That answer — and the fact that the food is so delicious, so surprising, and yet (once experienced) seems almost inevitable — proved that making this reservation was absolutely the right choice. (I have always wanted to eat here, and it was a really good call.) I'll be thinking about these dishes every day until the next time I've saved up enough to return.
Simply stunning. Commis is likely the the finest meal you can enjoy in Oakland. Dish and dish experience after experience is better than then the last.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Slow Poached Egg Yolk Smoked Dates Alliums & Malt
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