Well it has been 8 yrs since our last visit to Commus and it is still a wonderful culinary experience. The service was spot on re knowledge of the ingredients and timing of service. With the exception of the chicken dish, every dish was an inspiring taste sensation. The caviar preparation was wonderful and the egg dish a wonderful surprise (the white is not egg as you think). The brioche desert redefined Cinnabon. The only reason we did not give this place 5*s was the main chicken dish that for our tastes and experience did not meet Michelin* expectations. So as long as we do not have to experience the chicken course again, we would definitely return. #michelinstar

The cocktails, food presentation and drink pairing were all nicely done. I enjoyed the sake and beer pairing on two of the courses, as well as not so common wines to keep things interesting. All of the pairings were perfectly matched with the delicious courses.

Took a party of 10 to a pre-fixe experience in gastronomy for my parents 50th golden anniversary. We'd been wanting an excuse to visit for at least a decade and it didn't disappoint! Excellent service and wine pairing by our personal sommelier/maitre de being a key delight. Although all dishes weren't wildly enjoyable to everyone, they were all very creative and memorable. For me, I especially disliked the tamarind jelly dessert (reminded me of a sour patch kid, and I wasn't expecting that at all), but I typically dislike desserts and it certainly was surprisingly striking and very flavorful! The hamachi tartare and trout roe with avocado appetizers were my favorites. The bone marrow pho would have been equally satisfying had it not been presented in a bone and not looked and felt in my mouth obviously like bone marrow/beef fat.

It’s okay. We got the vegetarian and regular tasting menus. The vegetarian one was extremely uninspired and a huge letdown. Essentially the same dishes as the meat tasting menu sans any meat. Zero points for creativity. As for my meal, it lacked the flavor profile and balance that you’d expect from a Michelin restaurant. Only giving 3 stars because of the service and beverages.

1/2 ANNIVERSARY DINNER AT 2-STAR MICHELIN RESTAURANT When in pursuit of an indelible dinner out, in San Francisco, a bountiful place by any definition, to celebrate with my wife --who makes me happy because she's the charming gardener of my soul . . . because our relationship has happily marched on for some five decades now-- I've thought hard about it for the past month. In the beginning, I began to reminisce about other monumental restaurant experiences with her over time. Joel Robuchon and his iconic mashed potatoes at Jamain, in Paris, in the 1980s. Salmon tartare with sweet red onion creme fraiche cornets at The French Laundry in the late 1990s. Just-harvested fresh white truffles at Trattoria Cascina Schiavenza in Alba, Italy, in 2008. Trying to equal or surpass those experiences surely should be possible in a place where culinary and wine giants sit on every street corner. There are six Michelin 3-stars and eight 2-stars within a reasonable Uber distance from home. So began the long --and delightful!-- process of deciding where to dine. Gotta take a car service. Gonna try not to tip more than two entire dinners in a normal city. Gotta try to keep the meal under 4 hours. Gonna bring my own bottle of wine because I've got some good ones since moving here. Gotta ask around to get recommendations from food crazed local friends. Well, Commis in Oakland, a Michelin 2-star, got the nod. Not too far an Uber ride. Tantalizing reviews and history. An excitingly novel spot. First came the fight for a table. Here the battlefield is the website "tock." Once you've learned when reservations for the next 30 days are released, you anxiously log on to snag your preferred day and preferred time --probably not a weekend night and 5:30 p.m. vs. 9:15 p.m., for me. Then you cross your fingers. I scored: 5:30 on the Friday night after Thanksgiving. My first experience with tock, the gatekeeper. If you score, then tock scores: $100 deposit, for the table as they say, for each diner, with no refunds, no day or time changes, although tock transferring your reservation to someone else is kosher. Commis is a spare, modernist, and unapologetically boldly stark. This purposeful mood is carried out through every one of the dozen courses, in the flatware and the plates and bowls and serving platforms and hot stones that were put before us. And the food is also decidedly architectural. The shapes of each ingredient in each dish seem intentionally crafted and purposely placed. Each dish is like a dainty, hand-painted piece of jewelry. Or a sculpture, such as at Scandinavian-flavored in2Design, a la Kate Middleton. Even the chop sticks were metal with a padded grip. One coolio knife apparently baffles diners. It accompanies the dry-aged duck breast, which I tried to cut with the wrong edge. The duck was so tough! What my fingers told me was corroborated in my mouth. Contrarily, Sara said, "Oh, this duck is so tender!" To me, the waiter said, "By way of a reminder, cut the duck with the other side of the knife." Many a diner has been told that, even many times, the waiter said as he smiled at me. I turned the knife around. Then the duck was so so tender to the cut and to my mouth. I never knew mouth feel was influenced unconsciously by finger feel. At no other restaurant have I ever encountered so many inscrutable foods: jellyfish, kohlrabi, house-made tofu, huckleberries, black vinegar, lovage, taro root, palm sugar, slow-poached egg, smoked dates, alliums, malt, button mushroom tisane, chrysanthemum leaf oil, osmanthus tea, dried kale oil, chamomile glace, pickled mustard seeds, oolong mousse, puffed forbidden rice, miso sweet potato tart, and fish sauce salted caramel. All interesting, I suppose. Of all the ingredients, I was charmed by the flavors, textures, colors, and whimsey of some: a diminutive radish with its greens, very familiar diced beetroot; luscious smoked dates; silky poached black cod in clam broth; ethereal button-mushroom tisane or consomme; luscious dry-aged duck; and richly flavored, dainty, honey nut squash.

Had the chef tasting menu with cocktails. All of the dishes leading up to the main and dessert were great, but the two main meat dishes we had did not hit the same level and were similar to what we have had in other fine dining restaurants.

CDP is exceptional. Must-order items are the Levain bread with chicken skin butter and slow poached egg yolk. If you can swing it, the caviar is good, too, with the brown butter blinis. The space is really pretty, the staff is welcoming, courteous, and attentive. Great folks working here really bump up the experience. Bar is first come, first served. I like going at opening so you can walk right in with no wait. If you want make reservations, you have to opt into the cote de boeuf prix fixe; which is great because it comes with the bread, egg yolk, and other extras.

Great place for celebrations and special occasions. I enjoyed all the courses. Each dish was uniquely prepared with great plating. My favorites were salmon, duck, chicken broth and chicken and tapioca dumpling. Both salmon and such were so buttery… almost melt in the mouth. I really like the sun choke chips and lemony sauce with salmon. It costed $250 per person for food only. Highly recommended for anyone who can spend a little extra for a very refined dinner experience.

I’m very conflicted when I think of Commis. As a Michelin 2-star establishment I have expectations in the service, ambiance, quality and taste. Commis, meets or exceeds those expectations on almost every front. Headline: Almost First the Good. This is a small restaurant, but they manage the space well and you will not feel like you are sitting with strangers. The staff is very attentive and does a great job making you feel special and well cared for. The wine service was good. Enough information to make you feel as if they did take care to match the wine with the food, and for the most part the wines delivered. There is no bad for Commis. The Almost: The challenge at Commis is they have been awarded 2-stars. The menu that I was served just didn’t rise to any great heights. Everything was beautiful, high quality, masterfully constructed, but honestly not that memorable. The most memorable dish was the tapioca covered meatball. The filling was wonderful. But the tapioca covering was kind of mushy and odd and didn’t really add to the dish. I couldn’t help but think a traditional chinese steamed bun or a flakey pasty pie would have been better. I know Michelin chefs need to constantly push boundaries and innovate, but there needs to be a payoff. You can’t just innovate to innovate. My girlfriend was rather offended by the desert that featured Banana and Caviar. I’m not a huge caviar fan. I actually enjoyed the desert thinking that the caviar added a richness and savory flavor to the banana. My GF was of the opinion “why waste caviar if it's not going to be the star of the dish!” The verdict: Come here if you are out of options and want to try something new. But if you are weighing this against other options in this price range you can do better. If you are stretching to afford Commis then avoid. See my profile for other options I’d place higher on my list.

Loved the Asian and sea forward influences that come across in subtle, non obvious ways. Somehow I ended up comparing the intellect with Birdsong, but found it way more elegant and thoughtful (which is normal given the other restaurant's focus on traditional methods of cooking). The highlights were 1) the cocktail, Ode to Farallon, made with konbu, spirulina, sake, and gin, 2) congee, 3) cured egg yolk, 4) corn and soy custard with caviar, 5) tomatoes with hijiki xo sauce, 6) all desserts... I guess I liked everything so will stop here!

I just had a great experience at Commis! First up, let's talk starters. The Caramelized Onion Financier with sour cream? It was like a cozy, savory hug in my mouth – the perfect start. The Lamb Tartare with long pepper & perilla leaf? Yeah, that was like a wild ride of textures and flavors.. so good! The Local Anchovy with lime emulsion? Tangy and zesty. Now onto the big guns – the mains! Brace yourselves. The Braised Lotus Root with prickly ash, cucumber, and sea lettuce? Crunchy, earthy, and a dash of ocean breeze – nailed it! The Celtuce with mussels, Meyer lemon & Thai basil? Tastes like summer! And that Tomato dish with salsify, dill & trout roe? Art on a plate, seriously. Now, I'm not playing favorites, but that Slow Poached Egg Yolk, Smoked Dates, Alliums & Malt? Brunch goals, elevated. The Grilled Snapper with lemon verbena & chamomile, leeks & young ginger? A flavor combo that's as refreshing as it sounds. The Guinea Hen with grilled cauliflower, curry & lemongrass? It's like a global taste tour on your plate, also really tender.. the jus was delicious and the cauliflower presentation and taste was genius! Now, the moment we've all been waiting for – the Grilled Japanese A5 Wagyu. It was a star, but a bit more warmth would've sealed the deal, you know? I wish it came on a warm structure with smoke. Okay, onto the comfort zone – the Scallion Rice, Chanterelle Mushroom & Shaved Truffles, Miso from Shared Cultures, Chicken Broth. This one? Like a warm, umami hug in a bowl. Time for the sweet finale – Desserts! The Toasted Kombu, Golden Nectarine & Honey Vinegar was tangy and sweet. But hang on, the Pain Perdu with Belgian Ale, St. Andre Triple Cream & Kaluga Caviar? Mind. Blown. The caramelized banana? Seriously, it took this dish to cloud nine. Probably the best desert composition I have seen! I am not a huge fan of Oolong & Toasted Yeast Miso, so this fudge was not my fav, but the Mochi with Strawberry was a little sweet surprise, and the Vanilla & Passion Fruit Capsule? The perfect ending to a wild flavor ride. Oh, and not to forget – the "Daffy" cocktail with duck fat. Yeah, it was like the party animal in the drinks world. Bottom line, Commis is like a foodie's playground where flavors go wild. Some dishes went to the moon for me, others stayed grounded, but the whole experience? A taste explosion that'll have your taste buds high-fiving each other. So, if you're ready to dive into a whirlwind of tastes, Commis is waiting to wow you! Opportunities: Service seemed friendly although a bit uptight, maybe next time we try we are a bit more loosened up :) also, there was an alien object in my wagyu plate. Not sure if it was intentional but worth calling out.

Spectacular food with impeccable service. The cocktails are fabulous. Pictured are Spring Awakening (lemon) and Rose Road. Bar Manager is a genius flavor crafter.

We love this place. The food is inspired, unique, beautiful and so so delicious. We come for celebrations or pop into the bar for a fun treat.

Cocktails are fantastic but this place has Hyatt lobby vibes

Delicious and light tasting menu. Unique flavors and textures. The chef was also able to accomodatw for non-seafood, although I think it's a much better ensemble with the original. A pairing of wine and sake is available although I did not partake. Attentive staff. Bar option available for ala carte, the menu includes select items from the tasting menu and a few others not included in the tasting. Would certainly recommend for a nice meal out.

Such an amazing experience! The photos are beautiful but still don't do it justice. Excellent wines and drinks, better service! 👌

Awesome service and a fun/welcoming environment. I thought this would have been more pretentious since it's a 2 Michelin star restaurant but the staff was super nice. The food was unique and delicious. Thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

What an experience. From the time a waiter-not a host- takes your raincoat, scarf and umbrella to the time Alice gives you them back, you are treated with unpretentious 5-Star Quality Service. The first course was three small amuses- bouches; a total of 11 courses in all. All three bites were uniquely delicious and set a terrific tone for an exciting meal. We didn't know what was coming. And we didn't ask. It was only after the experience were we given a menu of everything we tasted; a delightful reminder of all the flavor town. There were only two preparations of the 11 that weren't as enjoyable as all the rest. Although a curious and pleasing plate to the eye, the "vinegar of black rice and blueberries", didn't work for me with the "skate and buckwheat." However, the fish by itself was very good. And the "matcha with soybean milk, fermented, black bean caramel looked lovely. Perhaps my pallet isn't refined enough. We opted in for the freshly shaved truffles and wagyu beef bites to accompany the "scallion rice chanterelle mushroom miso from shared cultures with chicken broth," a chicken broth that was served on the side. Delicious. Everything was delicious, visually tantalizing, creatively conceived and left you saying yum. So yum, I was wiping up drops of the malt from the "slow poached egg yolk, smoked dates, alliums and malt" right off the beautifully crafted, seemingly brand new walnut table; every last drop. And oh my God that Levain bread. Fhaaa...ghettaboutit. Dipped in the malt with the yolk and the dates, this might be one of the best things you'll ever eat. Well done Chef Syhabout. I paired my courses with the wine, sake, sparkling, and port offerings. My girlfriend did not. Expect to pay $900 for such a meal, $200 upfront when you reserve a table in the dining room. What a touch of class, all the way around. From escorting and opening the WC door for you, to the surprise gold birthday candle set in hot wax on a gorgeous plate with a stunning chocolate and peanut butter passion fruit cake presented on delicate chocolate petals ( see photo), Commis is a real touch of class. C'était vraiment magnifique. Merci.

Is it worth ~700 DLLS (meal + corkage)? No. When you compare it with the likes of Marlena (RIP), Kin Khao, even Niku it is very hard to make an argument for trying this place. We don’t regret it but I can’t convince myself to go again. With that said let’s start. Let’s get it out of the way and say that the food and service was extraordinary. For me the best dish was the tapioca dumpling, a cream dish with egg (see picture), the levain bread/butter, and the two desserts. We got the optional wagyu beef and it was so cold at serve time it was actually disappointing (don’t get it). Also, the place was so cold me and my partner were freezing all night long haha

One of the best restaurants we've been to. Everything was delicious! If you're into drinks, get the Ode to the Farallons - it was really tasty and I'm still thinking about it (salty/sweet in a good way). We got the tasting menu. I was able to get one regular and one vegetarian menu. Both were incredible! Our meals were better than several 3-star restaurants we've been to. Commis is easily on our top 5 best restaurants ever.

I had the tasting of vegetables, prix fixe meal. Everything was fresh (so fresh!!!), complex and thoughtful. Some of the dishes were more subtle and earthy, but the stars were outstanding. There was a vegetarian caviar dish that tasted the way I remember caviar. It was just marvelous. My only criticisms; The foam on the opening coarse was a teeny bit jarring. It was nice and complex but I think it was a touch over salted- loved the heat though. The pandan beer was a little too syrupy and reminded me of old coca cola. I think something to elevate the pandan. Maybe some muddled basil or some tart berries? However, the honey tarragon wildflower beverage was earth shaking. Totally deleted it. All in all, I definitely understand the 2 michelin star rating. Well deserved. Delightful. And the staff was so sweet.

A review that has been long overdue. My friend and I have dined here over a dozen times between the 2 of us. Our dining experience gets better with each visit. Despite new staff coming and going with time, the dining experience has remained consistent, which is nothing short of amazing! I did not realize till I arrived home and looked at the bar prix fixe menu that my last wine pairing was forgotten. It still would not deter me from recommending this fine establishment to others. It still remains my favorite restaurant for many reasons. Maybe it is the unpretentious vibe, or the down to earth staff who go above and beyond to ensure your experience is a memorable one. Big shout out to Robert, the GM! He did a great job at making sure all guests were enjoying & satisfied by the end of the meal. This is no easy task! My friend and I vaguely remember our first dining experience at Commis, but we do leave with the same feeling every time; fond memories & full bellies :)

The testing menu is 12 courses and served very fast and efficient, I really like that part as I hate the wait at most fine dining restaurants. Some of the items are very awesome and very interesting. I'd say very Southeast Asian inspired. Although I'd say I expect more from 2 stars at this price.

Stopped in at the bar for a short tasting experience during a work trip. The service was among the best I've ever received and the atmosphere was upscale but approachable. Overall, the food was tasty, but far from what my expectations were from reading other reviews and from a 2-star establishment. The bread was truly phenomenal, but everything else lacked the "wow" factor. I'm wondering if the full tasting menu would have been more interesting - I would probably stop in again to try their full experience.

Great food and cocktails, a great way to try Commis food at a lower cost.

All around excellent experience. This was at the bar and the food was outstanding, and the bartenders were lively and gracious. The service was not rushed and the caviar was amazing.

Very good cocktails and a good list, paired with a yummy assortment of small plates and bites. Everything we've tried (so far) has been top notch. The Happy Hour menu is great - the chicken liver mousse gougéres stand out.

Fresh delicious food and good cocktails. Great to see a nice cocktail bar in this neighborhood. The bread is absolutely amazing- the egg dish is great and nice to try it not having to spend the Commis prices. The beef tartare is my favorite- nice and salty with the capers. We will definitely be back.

Superb execution on all fronts. The wine pairing was on point and the cocktails were aromatic. The food had surprising twists and turns- I particularly loved the smoked egg dish. The steak was masterfully cooked, and dessert was simple yet divine. All rounded out by a present and informed wait staff. Will definitely continue to return & recommend!

Wow, what to say about this place... It's the most amazing food experience I have ever had! Everything on point, the staff amazing, the food.... Oh my goodness, sooo divine! I was so full 😅 the cocktails, yummy yummy, I suggest the blood orange sidecar! They also have a drink pairing, if you don't know what you would like with the courses.

The eight course meal with wine and drink pairings we're VERY good. The service by multiple waiters (male & female) was impeccable. New plates, silverware, and glasses for every course. We even had some foods served to us between courses. The waitstaff we're all very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. The only drawback is that it got pretty loud as the accoustics are not that great, but if you can deal with that then it is worth the price.😀

What a selection of wine, spirits, and drinks. Server was very knowledgeable of everything on the menu. Great spot for post dinner drinks and apps

My favorite bar in the East Bay, and one of my favorite in the world. Commis quality, with marble everywhere, exceptionally crafted classic cocktails, and a taste of next door with the dishes. Caviar service is an amazing value, the chicken skin butter is legit one of the most addicting things ever. We come here for dinner sometimes, even though it's more a "bar", but theres seating and it's never crowded. Highly recommended, worth a detour, especially if Commis is a bit too much of a commitment.

Great drinks/service and solid atmosphere.

This place is damn tasty and a great adjacent experience to Commis. The highlights for me were the Commis Old Fashioned, poached egg yolk, and the levain bread with chicken skin butter.

Super Dope menu innovative cocktails, bartenders very engaged! definitely going BACK SOON

Sorry but to me this was a failure with the exception of the bread and chicken butter. My girlfriend walked in and was told they were not accepting walk-ins (8pm on a Thursday) , apparently they only have what we thought were 2 seats at the "bar" and maybe we could get in 30 minutes anyway to make it shorter we got in and I really didn't taste anything to reflect the price that's all maybe my pallet isn't refined enough???