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Cafe De La Paz - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Latin American Latin American [Edit]
1600 Shattuck Ave(between Cedar St & Lincoln St)
Berkeley, CA 94709
Neighborhoods: Gourmet Ghetto, North Berkeley
(510) 843-0664
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
117 reviews for Cafe De La Paz
Review Highlights
"I LOVE the sangria here and the Corn Pancakes."
(in 14 reviews)
"...like the paella or the catch of the day or the Xim Xim."
(in 7 reviews)
"great starters (tapas) and wonderful entrees."
(in 30 reviews)
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117 reviews in English
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Review from Michele M.
Hayward, CA
12/14/2008
We had the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and Board of Directors dinner there not too long ago. The food was great and the service was very good.
It was a great space for a private party as well!
thanks for making our event a success!
Sincerely,
Michele Molitor
Nectar Consulting, Inc. -
Review from Allison L.
Berkeley, CA
Two days ago, I married the best man in the world.
We chose Cafe de la Paz and the owner, Russell Bass, and his staff outdid themselves times twelve. La Paz was our first and only choice. We booked its downstairs Fiesta Room and adjoining courtyard in October and enjoyed two yummy tastings with Russell as we honed down the menu.
Our wedding ceremony was held in the outside courtyard. Russell had people working up until the last minute to make sure it looked great, including dispatching someone to replant the area around the fountain so it would look more vibrant. The result: a beautiful ceremony in a gorgeous setting.
Throughout the reception, people came up to us to remark that ours was the best food they'd ever eaten at a wedding. They were dead on. Among other amazing, yummy stuff, we had Pumpkin Seed Encrusted Salmon, Chipotle Mashed Potatoes, ChimmiChurri (Argentinean BBQ), Tamal Azteca (Mexican lasagna), Venezuelan Corn Pancakes, Empanaditas, and Veggie Taquitos, as well as a yummy Primavera Salad beforehand.
Dessert was insane. Russell concocted a mix between his Chocolate Espresso Experience and Cheesecake Taquitos -- who the hell needs a wedding cake?
Russell himself made himself a very cordial presence during the wedding. We and our guests appreciated his down-to-earth style and friendly manner. At the same time, I saw how well he handled his staff, and how his staff themselves worked their butts off all evening. Russell was also great about keeping on top of the wedding planning, including calling me on the day of the event to fine-tune small details in order to make things great.
I was astounded at how much we got for a relatively small amount spent. Whereas some weddings require tons of outside vendors (something we didn't want as our wedding, as well as our wedding planning, was low-key, low-stress, and intimate), ours at Cafe de la Paz was just about a one-stop shop. Russell even does the floral arrangements himself, and they are beautiful. He sent us home with one and I'm looking at it as I type, just amazed at how wonderfully everything came together.
We wanted a memorable, unique and totally awesome wedding. Our expectations were not just met, but far exceeded! I could see renewing our vows here 20 years down the road. -
Review from Mairead R.
Seattle, WA
5/17/2007
If Cafe de la Paz were my boyfriend, I'd throw his fancy pants promises out the window without hesitation. Right after I have him fry me up some plantains. Here's why:
Cafe de la Paz is forgetful: They forgot our twelve-person reservation, despite the fact that I called several times to confirm and put my credit card for a deposit. We showed up for my brother's special graduation brunch and were relegated into a corner to wait for available space.
Cafe de la Paz makes you work for your meal: When they found two tables that could seat our party, I had to physically move the tables together and find silverware/chairs for most of our party.
Cafe de la Paz lies: Not only did they guarantee us outdoor seating (yeah right, when they can't even remember a reservation!), they charged us more for the buffet brunch than was initially quoted.
Cafe de la Paz thinks customers are annoying: While I understand the slam and rush of graduation brunch in Berkeley, the wait staff and manager were unapologetic for the restaurant's glaring problems. When plates ran out, the table stayed empty. When diners raised questions about dessert, the staff brushed them off. I overheard two other tables arguing with the manager over the bill, on which they both refused to pay the 18% gratuity fee due to lack of service. Good for them.
Cafe de la Paz doesn't kiss and make up: After promises of an extensive buffet menu with plenty of sweet desserts, they only offered savory goods. The plantains were delicious and the egg dishes married some great flavor combinations, but the menu was straight-up missing some of the dishes they guaranteed. No dessert? C'mon.
Cafe de la Paz, I was ready to like you. But when you forget, lie, and disrespect my family, only to deny me my just desserts, well, its over. -
Review from Rebecca H.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2008
Maybe a haiku can summarize the experience:
Arrived right on time
Nary a server in sight
Tumbleweeds breeze by
Wine bottle for six
Poured into just four glasses
Her bad, she failed math.
If the food were good....
If the bathroom were tidy....
Just wishful thinking -
Review from Elisabeth H.
Berkeley, CA
2/11/2008
What is truly unique about this place is how their food can vary in quality not just from dish to dish but from one side of the dish to the other. Those dining from the northeastern side of the plate of fried plantains were enjoying how hot, fresh and well cooked they were. The rest of us were gagging on the cold, hard, black bits in ours. The pumpkin seed encrusted mahi mahi was according to the person who ate the middle slice "so flavorful - amazingly seasoned"; those of us who ate the outer slices were thinking of a ketchup intervention.
I've been here a couple times lately with groups, but I never go here anymore on my own volition. The service is just too damn "laissez-faire for the manana." One may find that charming when actually hanging out in the Caribbean or on the Yucatan peninsula. But when you're sittng overlooking the corner of Cedar and Shattuck, it's just annoying as hell.Listed in: Was It Something I Said?
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Review from Joe B.
11/2/2008
We had a little EcoMetro coupon from Bike to Work Day that we had never used to De La Paz and decided that last night was the night to try it out. I haven't been there in 5 years or so, and I've basically been missing out.
The vegan Vatapas de Verdura make me think I could hack it as a vegan, but then I remember simple omelettes with avocado, mushroom, and cheddar/jack, and goat cheese balls rolled in pecan at Levende East and I come back to my senses. It's an incredible dish, though - the peanut-ginger sauce makes you think Thai, but the spices are definitely Latin, and it works perfectly. Delicious.
The goat cheese empanadas were good, but not great - the scallions and mint made them taste a bit like stuffed shells and took away from the goat cheese goodness. I'd still order it again, though. They sat on a bed of organic greens with pine nuts and pumpkin seeds that made for a tasty salad.
All in all, a delicious, healthy dinner at a good price in a warm atmosphere. -
Review from Mai-Ling G.
Oakland, CA
9/2/2007
Cafe de la Paz is a well dressed date with bi-polar mood swings. Its location in the Gourmet Ghetto of Berkeley is an added plus with a desirable food selection. However, the service is typically abysmal, even on an empty Tuesday afternoon.
The restaurant fails to provide the service that one might expect given its ambiance and location.
Three visits is what it took me to finally turn my head away any time I get tempted by their dinner events or big glass windows above Shattuck Avenue.
My last visit was particularly colorful when I requested to split the check with a friend. The response? A temper tantrum by our less than gracious waiter who slammed our bill on the table and proceeded to stomp loudly down a flight of stairs. Shocking to say the least. That followed by vicious name-calling (oh-yes) by our beloved waiter. Not in the back room, or as we exited-- but the name calling at our table amongst other patrons. Bad enough we weren't greeted, offered water, and had to wait 15 mins. for menus-- but the waiter was really the icing on a salty cake.
The worst service I have ever had anywhere, EVER.
There were TONS of reviews about the horrid service, but apparently they have all disappeared. MMmmm. As a result, I was compelled to write to save anyone the denigration and humiliation of being ill treated. -
Review from Dominique N.
Berkeley, CA
7/16/2008
Management = Douchetastic
Never ever eat here. To do so is to support an owner who treats customers who complain like crap. The servers, bartenders, and chefs are all awesome people.
But my experiences eating here have been made AWFUL by the owner's choice of "running" a restaurant. When I organized my sisters graduation dinner at this joint it was a DISASTER.
Despite the fact that they REQUIRED our party to have all of our orders ready BEFORE the event. Everything was late. The owner even tried to charge us a "cake fee" for the Tirimisu we had specifically been told we could bring free of charge.
I'm not sure how timing works but I think it went in rounds. Every other person got a plate around about every 7 minutes or so. However, My grandmother, mother, aunt and The Graduate did not get their food until 45 minutes after everyone else.
A server who had been hired on the spot that day to help with the hectic restaurant even asked us if we had ordered the "Kay-suh-dil-luh"?!?! FOR REAL?!
Things got worse when we asked for gratuity to be removed the owner yelled at my sister- who's graduation it was. 5 minutes later in a change of heart he said he would remove the charges. We took our desert home just to be out of that mess of a restaurant.
We got home only to find that my sisters HOMEMADE TIRAMISU had PUNCH MARKS IN IT!! I am talking punches through the foil the size of a large hamfisted jerk!
What psycho does that?! Never NEVER NEVER again.
To top it off, when I WAS FORCED to attend a work event at this "restraunt" later and the mana fakeness gement was all super shmoozy. Freak. -
Review from Michelle M.
Oakland, CA
12/31/2006
I like the cozy 2nd floor dining room with its light wood floors and large wall-to-wall windows that provide expansive views of the Berkeley Hills and street scene below.
And I like the food. The green onion and corn pancakes on the appetizer menu are really special and I thought the vegetarian tamale pie was pretty tasty if not out of this world. My friend (okay, my boss) ordered the primavera salad which she enjoyed very much. I didn't sample it but it looked crisp and delicious and was nicely presented.
The service, however, was abysmal. Some time after my boss's salad arrived (we still hadn't received our appetizer) our waiter reappeared and asked me, looking at the small, clean plate in front of me, "Are you sure that's going to be enough food for you? Can I get you anything else?"
(??!!)
Young man, are you on crack? We haven't received our appetizer let alone have I received my main course.
15 minutes later I'm still waiting for my tamale pie. We flag another waiter who looks harried and confused and he returns with my tepid tamale pie.
Later we receive change for another party's bill. We inform the waiter who rushes off with the bill and spills change all over the floor. I point out the location of various fallen coins, which he retrieves and then drops off for the appropriate party not bothering to check that the change is correct. And I'm sure it's not because he dropped A LOT of change.
Man, it was comical, and ridiculous. A shaky performance for sure.
Anyway, I will return at some point, although there aren't all that many options for the vegetarian. And if I get this kind of service again, it'll be my last visit. -
Review from Sofia J.
10/3/2008
So as a warning, I will probably update this when I actually dine here, b/c I will give it another shot, BUT my first de la Paz experience went as such:
my friend and I came in at about 2:15 on a Tuesday afternoon, the place was empty, and sat down (there was self seating).
Eventually, the waitress comes by, saying, "Oh! I didn't notice you come in!" .... YOU"RE A WAITRESS, it's your JOB. strike one
Fills up our water and gives us more time to decide on the meal.
Some time later comes back and tells us that the cook doesn't feel very good and they're closing the restaurant down for some time ... suggest we come back another day....
I can't even begin to name how many things are wrong with that ... what is this a home kitchen??? I'm sick, gonna go take a nap now??? We weren't even offered some form of incentive TO ACTUALLY COME BACK. Wow, I didn't want to believe all the negative reviews regarding service, but looks like this places only kisses the asses of big parties, but could give a crap a/b regular customers. -
Review from Liza P.
San Francisco, CA
3/28/2006
In a nutshell: solid brazillian food.
My seafood paella was a bit dry, but all the appetizers were delicious! [yes, we ordered every single one!]
One big complaint - it took FOREVER to get the food. Come here when you have time to sit around, chat and enjoy your mojitos [which were, I must say, very very good!]Listed in: Edible Berkeley
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Review from Alyssa S.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2006
The tapas are the best bet here, especially the plantains and the corn pancakes (llapingachos). They are generously portioned and quite filling. The two entrees we had on a recent visit were very average.
You'll wait a while for your food, but if you're lucky enough to land a window seat you'll have plenty to look at: a wonderful view of the Berkeley Hills and the antics of crazy drivers on Shattuck.
A note on the cornbread: avoid it. It was dry and bland with squishy little pieces of corn peppered throughout. -
Review from Daniel S.
9/22/2007
Imagine going to a restaurant, ordering a hamburger, and receiving a slice of ham on a bagel, topped with a big slice of jicama and a scattering of arugula.
This is Cafe de la Paz.
For example, there are the names of Brazilian dishes on the menu (such as xim xim & vatapa), but these names have nothing whatsoever to do with the dishes they serve you. There is also some kind of Brazilian quesadilla thing. WTF?!? Since Cabral discovered Brazil 500 years ago, there is no such thing and there never has been. It's as if they just decided to give random Latino names to overpriced yuppie dishes.
My recommendation: use Yelp to find some real Latino places.
That said, I have had a few good appetizers here (yeah you, marinated ribs), but I never go voluntarily. The upstairs is also rather tight and crowded, and service has been random. -
Review from Rebecca F.
Oakland, CA
1/21/2007
Love the tapas here! I've been here for after work-drinks, an office holiday pary, and for lunch with a friend. If you're short on cash, get a $3.95 plate of plantains with chili crema. They are sweet, flavorful and pretty darn satisfying.
Plus, they make a Mojito that'll really put hair on yer chest! -
Review from Ben P.
Oxnard, CA
1/13/2006
Cafe de La Paz is like an adult-contemporary Cha Cha Cha: bland, boring tapas and vaguely latin-american-inspired dishes. Like that one Sarah McLaughlin song that your dad always listens to, they do have a couple redeeming qualities. Well, OK, just one: their sangria, which is passable but doesn't even have fruit in it. Also, like that one Sarah McLaughlin song, Cafe de La Paz sort of makes you simultaneously fall asleep and vomit in your mouth.
Cafe of the Peace was out of three different things that we tried to order, some of them very basic, like pork chops and corn cakes. I wish they would have been out of the dish that I ordered, too. The two X's in its name were its most exciting aspects. -
Review from kathy c.
San Francisco, CA
3/17/2007
I was excited for Cafe de la Paz on the recommendation of a friend who lives in Berkeley, but it wound up being a complete let down.
We ordered a few tapas to share and they were completely underwhelming. I could have made better tasting / more authentic tapas and margaritas! They're clearly confused/schizophrenic about whether they're a Spanish or Mexican restaurant. It was a total rip off considering the quality of food. The waiter was very aggressive and after we ordered, came back three times because he had forgotten that we had already ordered! They were also obsessed with clearing our table. At first I thought it was because they wanted to make space for the next round of latecomers, but there weren't any parties waiting and there were plenty of available tables. Overall, a terrible dining experience, not even deserving of 1 star.
If you're looking for good tapas, service, and ambiance, try Zarzuela in Russian Hill instead. -
Review from Inna V.
San Francisco, CA
9/18/2006 2 photos
First, I fell in love with the plantains.
Then, I tried the veggie tamale pie.
Being sold on both, I've tried every fish and veggie item on the regular and brunch menus and I have yet to be dissapointed.
The laid back atmosphere, colorful vibe, and charming waiters make this one of my favorite places to eat in Berkeley. You can enjoy a quiet brunch by the window upstairs overlooking the busy hippies below or join one of their festive holiday celebrations.
They even treated my friend and I to free mimosas for being "smiling, returning customers" on my last visit.
One downside: usually understaffed and on the slow side of things. Come when you're not in a rush. -
Review from Kate M.
Point Richmond, CA
2/17/2008
Once we connected with the staff, they were helpful and professional. But it was a little mystifying to figure out how to get noticed to be seated - there's no discernible host station and I sat in the restaurant entry upstairs for about 10 minutes before someone came by and asked if I'd been helped. Too bad, since the atmosphere is relaxing and warm and the food was delicious and our service once we got to the table was, again, very good, speedy and attentive. We had a group of seven and our dinners were all served at once - a pet peeve of mine is when that timing goes wrong. But Cafe De La Paz got it right on.
It was reassuring to see that the meat choices were from vendors that take good care of their animals.
The pork spareribs were so tender, the meat just fell off the bone. Salad had a lemony dressing that was tangy and fresh. A friend had the paella and loved it.
And the flan was among the best I've ever eaten. Save room! -
Review from Eric S.
Oakland, CA
12/31/2007
This place is whack. I've been there twice. Don't waste your time. I hear people say the food is good. If the food was good, then the horrible service must have killed my tastebuds.
Spend your money elsewhere. -
Review from Graham T.
Oakland, CA
12/17/2008
Went here for our office holiday party. The customer service was horrible. The staff had clearly forgotten our reservation for a party of 20. They were not ready for us and we had one server for the whole table. The server was less than efficient. She also could not figure out how to do individual tabs. Our food took a really long time and we all ended up eating a different times.
Then even after being asked numerous times to individual checks she could not figure out how to make this work. So we ended up with 3 seperate checks. Many orders were incorrect. Our waitress was rather clueless.
The food was ok...but nothing great. I would not recommend this place to anyone at all. -
Review from Kathleen M.
San Jose, CA
3/1/2007
Why does the menu always sound so good, but the food always underwhelm? The last time I let the menu get the better of me was for brunch. The corn pancakes were pretty lackluster.
Dinner is better than brunch, but I don't remember anything really standing out either. I think the Xim Xim was good, or maybe I just thought it was an awesome name. -
Review from Jenn C.
2/18/2008
I will likely never return to this restaurant, though the owner did his best to save a disastrous dining experience. My boyfriend and I arrived early on a Sunday evening to a quiet restaurant. We were quickly seated near a window and provided glasses of water. This was around 6pm.
A large group of 6 was seated next to us -- and another large group of 8 was seated near us after several smaller tables had been seated elsewhere. Soon - the restaurant was packed.
There were only two servers.
Finally, after nearly 30 minutes, we were approached by a server. We ordered drinks and inquired about the menu and made our order. 30 minutes later, we received one drink -- but there was a mix up and it was the wrong one. Then, my boyfriend received his drink -- it was supposed to be a lemondrop but it was rather like a glass of vodka with a sugared rim and a curl of lemon zest. My mojito arrived and was quite tasty.
The 6-top and 8-top both started receiving their food. We finally received our appetizer -- the guacamole was nice but the chips were really greasy and icy cold.
Finally, my plate arrived -- I had ordered the vegetable "Vetapa" -- and it was hands-down the most bland, unappetizing dish I have ever received at a restaurant. We waited even longer to get our server's attention -- and mentioned that a) the other entree had not arrived; and b) my dinner was quite unappetizing.
We had noticed that two dishes of Xim Xim had been delivered to the two adjacent tables -- both tables arrived and ordered after us. A waiter delivered a dish of Xim Xim before the other 7 people had food and even tried to deliver a 2nd Xim Xim and was turned back when the table said "no, we already have it."
This lead us to believe that waiters were poaching dishes for their own tables rather than in order that they were ordered. Poor kitchen management, it seems.
The owner came over and offered to bring us something while our dinners were prepared -- he brought another drink to my boyfriend, and we waited. My boyfriend's second lemondrop was better -- but it was only when the server returned that I could ask for a second mojito -- which was this time a glass of rum with some mint leaves.
Finally, the owner returned with two entrees. A seafood Xim Xim and a vegetable Xim Xim. They basically tasted the same as the Vetapa -- bland and overcooked. Nothing at all like Brazilian food I have had in other restaurants.
The owner was gracious -- he accepted our "Buy one entree get the second, less expensive entree free" coupon and discounted our meal another $10 or so. He even gave us a card and offered to personally supervise our next dining experience. I'm not sure I want a repeat performance. Perhaps it is safer to stick to plantains and guacamole and other appetizers -- oh, sorry, "tapas" -- in this Brazilian-ish eatery but it's not a great pick for a nice dinner.
We were shocked that we couldn't even get attention for a water refill for 90 minutes -- how is it this place wins "best Latin American restaurant" in the East Bay Express? Do they sponsor that contest or ask every customer to vote when they hand them their check?
If you'd like a 2-3 hour dining experience with bland food, inconsistent drinks and spotty service -- please, by all means, go to Cafe de la Paz. -
Review from Sarah G.
4/22/2008
First I would like to say that the title of this business is typed incorrectly....Dela is not one word and the title should be Cafe de la Paz but I didn't want to create a new listing just because of that ha So just a little FYI heh
Anyway, margaritas, sangria, champagne & full bar available here and their house drink list is pretty tempting to almost anyone I would say and both drinks my boyfriend and I got were made extremely well and they have some unique combos.
For tapas I would say skip this place and go to Cesar's across the street because they have a bigger selection but their Paella is DELICIOSA and I would go here again for that in a second! It was paella in a spanish/cuban style and it was so incredibly flavorful with scallops, prawns, clams, mussels, fish and spicy chicken sausage complete with saffron rice!!! It reminded me of being in spain which is always an amazing feat at any american restaurants of it making you seem like you are actually over seas. -
Review from Eric G.
Berkeley, CA
10/5/2006
Tasty nibbles and nice atmosphere. But the service can suck to the lower depths of suckdom.
Based on 5 visits, I've had 3 good and 2 painful experiences here.
Sangria is very good and I like the small plates for sharing. Tasty bits.
But the service... Now we get to the fun stuff.
Fooooooood! Please bring fooooooood! What in God's name is going on in the kitchen back there?! Does anyone work here? Please make eye contact, I beg you. We've been sitting here for a half hour... please bring something, ANYTHING, even a sponge from the kitchen to chew on.
*** Helpful Tips to avoid getting crappy service ***
1. Groups larger than 2 should make a reservation whether it's peak time or not.
2. Groups larger than 4 should absolutely make a reservation AND order everything in advance.
3. Groups 6 and up should order in advance, make a reservation, and show up an hour late.
4. Have a little snack before heading over, or stash a few bags of soup crackers in your pocket.
5. Remind the server you exist. Bring a little flask of kerosene and set your napkin on fire*. It's a good attention-getter.
Disclaimers
NO. Don't set your napkin on fire. You might need to eat it later.
YES. The service can be great or god-awful. We once ate here and every table that was seated before and after us ordered, ate, paid, and left before our food came. True dat. -
Review from Christine D.
Oakland, CA
6/11/2008
I ate here for my birthday after learning the hard way why Gregoire around the corner doesn't take reservations (hey don't blame me, bf who planned it is new to the yelp thing).
I was a little unresponsive at first just because I didn't feel like Latin after smelling Gregoire's amazing aromas, but it turned out pretty well.
Three of us shared six tapas courses and a paella entree, with a pitcher of margaritas on the side, then cheese taquitos for dessert.
Tapas (don't ask me what they are in Espanol, I have no idea)
Guacamole: pretty impressive for good ol' guac and chips.
Pork ribs: very tasty, and literally fell off the bone (too bad one of them wanted to fall off so bad it went all the way to the floor!)
Potato pancake and plantains: good, simple
Empanadas: nice, not too heavy
Another potato pancake thing, but with sauce: good but can't remember much about it.
Blackened seacakes: these were nice, not blackened like burnt, just enough to make a thin crust
Entree:
Seafood paella: really nice and light with lots of different flavors
Dessert:
Cheese taquitos: I swear it said chocolate taquitos on the menus, but maybe that was margarita talking. Anyhow, these were good, not great, but pretty good. I would have liked the chocolate part if it were there.
Drinks:
Margaritas: I could not enjoy this because they use a little goblet as a drinking glass, and there is a LOT of salt on that little rim, so you get a mouthful of salt and can barely drink any drink out of the little 2 inch diameter rim, and the ice bothered me (would like blended instead). I really didn't understand the choice of drinking glass.
Service:
Could use some life. The two floorstaff seemed like they were thinking of some other more exciting things than pleasing customers. They were perfectly attentive, just a little cold.
The upstairs dining room could really use some sprucing up too, it's a bit casual even with the white tablecloths.
Pretty good overall, just needs a little ambiance! -
Review from Jeremy W.
Berkeley, CA
6/8/2008
A tapas place with big portions and not priced through the roof? Guess you can find anything in Berkeley after all!
What'd I order? I'm not exactly sure. It was definitely curry, but it was also unmistakeably Mexican. Spicy. It was damn tasty, too.
Go here for a unique approach to Mexican cuisine. With so many subpar Mexican options around, this place acts as a breath of bean-smelling (and by bean-smelling, I mean delicious) air. -
Review from Danika F.
Sacramento, CA
7/18/2008
Went in expecting yummy tapas full of flavor that was promised for these 'small bites'. Received food that must have sat a bit before arriving at our table (it was definitely cool and the different sauces had jelled over!), was bland in flavor, and was all very very dry.
We had a plate of fried plantains, the potato cake, the empanadas, a salad, and their cornbread. ALL WAS DRY - highly disappointing. -
Review from Wes T.
3/13/2007
I think Cafe De La Paz's problem is that it is trying to hard to be too many things. Is it Mexican? Is it Spanish? Is it Brazilian? They go for the pan-Latin option, and although the menu is extensive and pulling from many culinary disciplines it's too much too choose from in terms of variety and from what I've tried the execution is lacking as well.
The decor was nice, with an upstairs dining room that is 'cozy'. Beware any table with a child and/or boorish guest at it, they will be in your ear all night.
Service was decent, our waitress was attentive and kept us well watered. She didn't seem to know much about the menu, though, and when you've got things from several countries on it you should be able to ask the staff to make a call on this dish or that. But hey, karma points for being honest, I guess. -
Review from Vivian H.
New York, NY
1/10/2008
This place just isn't that good. The tapas we ordered were not particularly appetizing, the seating was way crowded, and we had to wait a while even though we had reservations.
Come on, this is in a neighborhood where you could get awe-inspiring pizza for $2.50 a slice down the block...
But I will add one star for Charles, the bartender. If you go, tell him I say hi!! -
Review from stephanie q.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2008
I wish that there was another half a star I could give to this place because the food was really decent, but the service absolutely sucked! You can see the chefs cooking in the back, so you know that they're working their butts off, but the servers seemed to be playing an unspoken game of hide and seek...where they always win!
I split the tamale pie and fish tacos with a friend, and they were both really tasty. I would recommend getting some chips and salsa as well, seeing as you're going to have a hell of a lot of down time drooling over the the smell of other people's food. Go here if you have time, and lots of it. -
Review from Justin C.
CA
8/27/2007
Good Stuff: The main dishes (everyone in my party ordered different stuff and everyone was really happy), dessert, presentation of food, it wasn't crowded.
Not So Good Stuff: Tapas. Which is funny, since they seem to be known for tapas. The cornbread was kick ass, but everything else tasted like hospital food.
The bad: Parking (it was Friday night). The waitress spilled hot coffee on my arm. Luckily she didn't spill it on my vagina like that old lady at the McDonald's drive through.
I'd go back.Listed in: Stop Stairing At My Area
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Review from JR D.
Savannah, GA
11/30/2007
2.5 Stars
I've been to this north Berkeley landmark several times over the years, and feel that in that time, I have come to know it well, both its strong points and its weaknesses.
First off its strengths, it has amazing food. The distinct and varied flavors in each dish are authentic and original, as if you were eating in a small tapas bar in Latin America. Its drinks are amazing as well, from its house-made sweet n' sour to its fresh mango smoothies, good fruits and fresh juices make their cocktails top notch.
Now its week points, its service and overall management. I'm not going to pick on the servers because I don't see that as being the problem here. Mostly, the service is good, or at least good-intentioned, but they are so poorly understaffed that they can't deliver timely, quality service. Time and time again, when I come in for a meal mid week I find no host to great us when we walk up the stairs and no busser to clear plates, tables, and ext. That means there are only two servers to do those jobs plus handle the rest of the restaurant, and as attentive as they might try to be, when the restaurant gets a rush, they simply can't do it all, and the service and customers suffer.
Then there is the kitchen. There is a glass window in the dinning room that affords you a view the chef's at work, and they are working hard let me tell you, preparing each dish from scratch. But there is no line manager to make sure each order is getting processed and goes to the right server when they should have it. Time and time again, I've had to wait long periods of time, even when they are not busy, for food that should only take a few minutes to prepare. I even heard a server once ask the kitchen where my salad was only to find that kitchen had forgotten to make it. That would not have happened if a line manager where present.
The bottom line on this place is that it strives for five star food and drinks, but doesn't seem willing to commit to achieving five star service. To be a truly amazing restaurant, you can't have one without the other. -
Review from Alex P.
San Francisco, CA
7/1/2007
I didn't really like this place because I was looking for authentic Spanish food. This place seems to serve "fusion food" originating from a variety of (South American) Hispanic countries, and on top of that, they add a "Berkeley" interpretation by modifying ingredients with activist ideology in mind. I think the vast majority of authentic Spanish food like cochinillo, jambon iberico, or cordero are not in line with these ideologies. So the menu was not very authentic, and traditional favorites were not done right - for example, the paella was not done on a paella plate.
But taking the tastiness of the food at face level, there were some good dishes. I thought the cheesy potato appetizer topped with plantains was good. I didn't really like the rib eye entree because the sweet mole sauce didn't go well with the beefy taste. I prefer the steakhouse style of ribeye, because the salt and pepper seasoning accentuates the beef flavor more optimally.
For better tapas, I would recommend Esperpento in the Mission. Zagat seems to rate Zuzu most favorably, but I have not been there since it is in Napa. -
Review from Dan L.
Berkeley, CA
2/27/2008
Note: This "may" be a conditional critique of Cafe de la Paz
(assuming (a) I ever decide to actually return and (b) I actually am able to get in! Read the following...)
I made a lunch reservation this past weekend for today (the reservation was for 5 people at 12:30 p.m.).
The lady who answered the phone told me that it wouldn't be a problem.
Flash forward to 12:30 p.m. today: My party and I were waiting outside a closed Cafe de la Paz for a good 15 minutes before I finally decided to call them.
When someone finally picked up, I told them that my party was waiting outside and that we had a reservation for today.
The lady responded, "oh no...really? hold on one second, please..." (I was put on hold for a minute).
When the lady came back to the phone she then proceeded to tell me that their "lunch server did not show up today and we have no one to cover his shift. So, we decided to not open today."
To which I interjected: "Nonetheless, it is quite frustrating to be told this only after I decided to call you guys."
She responded: "Yes, I'm sorry...We should have notified all parities with reservations about this..." [Editor's Note: No shit!]
(she continues) "Well, are you outside?
"Yes"
"Hold on one second, I'll come out..."
Well...long story short, the lady comes outside, quite apologetic, handing me two certificates for half-off next meal.
(This 'handing out certificates in consequence of shady service' seems quite prevalent at this place just judging by prior accounts)
Needles to say, I was quite perturbed.
I took my guests to Cesars instead-highly recommended.
Hey, it's Cafe de la Paz's loss, not mine. How they are still in business is frightening to me. -
Review from Cara K.
Berkeley, CA
9/1/2007
Cafe de la Paz, in Berkeley's gourmet ghetto, has been around for some time, and still attracts a crowd (the dining room was full on a recent Friday night), but its quality - both in terms of service and food - have really gone down hill since it opened years ago.
On a recent visit, we arrived promptly for our reservation, and still had to wait 10 minutes before being seated. The hostess led us to our table and then disappeared, failing to give us menus. We sat there for a good 10 or 15 minutes without menus (or drinks) until the harried waitress noticed us and apologized profusely for our no-menu status. She returned much later to take drink orders. The food did come promptly after we (finally) ordered, but in our party of five, one of us did not get her food with the others - the waitress explained the order had been "dropped" and offered to comp it, which was nice, considering the rest of us were 2/3 done with our meals before the missing entree finally arrived.
As for the food, the menu hasn't changed much in years, and we all were a bit disappointed; we wondered if perhaps there might be a new chef? I had the enchiladas verde (which they did prepare for me to order - I asked to substitute cheese for the chicken specified on the menu). However, the cheese was not creamy and melty, but sort of lukewarm and congealed, and the verde sauce was more sweet than spicy and piquant. Two of us had spanish rice accompanying our dishes, and the rice was completely overcooked - dry and CRUNCHY.
The staff appeared overwhelmed and exhausted - they were trying to do their best, but either they were understaffed or fairly new - our waitress looked like she wanted to go home and cry.
On the plus side, the sangria is still top notch, as are the mojitos. The caesar salad was also nicely dressed, though the croutons were mushy instead of crunchy. Until the service and food improves, recommended only if you are in a good mood, have some patience, and want to enjoy some great sangria while you wait for your mediocre food. -
Review from Katherine A.
Berkeley, CA
5/1/2008
Definitely one of my favorites in the Gourmet Ghetto, but a couple of nights ago, they outdid themselves. My boyfriend and I headed there to eat, and after waiting a little while to be seated, had our orders taken almost immediately. We decided to split a dish and some tapas. Tapas began arriving, then our main dish, but we were missing a shrimp appetizer that we'd ordered.
A little later (and without prompting from us), the waiter brought out the shrimp and apologized to us profusely, then he said that the appetizer was on the house! When you get great service, great food, and even great service when things are not perfect, I can give this place the 5 stars that it deserves. -
Review from Katina B.
San Francisco, CA
7/11/2007
The reviews about somewhat haphazard service are not unwarranted (see below). However, even when La Paz is busy, the service is friendly and courteous. For example, when my table was neglected for about 10 minutes after we arrived, we mentioned the issue and the server brought us a free appetizer and especially prompt service thereafter.
I really like the salad dressing on the first salad on the menu, the empanaditas, and the mole sauce on the enchiladas is tasty. So is the sangria. This is a great place for a cozy (and pretty inexpensive) night with a couple friends. Additionally, I've been here for a banquet once, and was impressed with the large group service. -
Review from Nelle E.
Oakland, CA
2/4/2007
I come here about once a year and every time I do, I wonder why I don't come more often.
The food is consistently delicious - I always have something seafood like the paella or the catch of the day or the Xim Xim. Atmosphere is colorful although it is a bit crowded.
Service I've had has always been friendly and good to excellent - once we even had to move because a woman near us had drenched herself in perfume and our waitress was very understanding even though it wasn't easy to move us since we were a large party.
Unlike others who've posted here, I've never had to wait overly long for my food. The drinks are excellent, as are the appetizers, so you can amuse yourself with those if the wait is a bit long some nights.
But I would say it's not some place to come stuff your face in a hurry (as before a show). It's a place to relax and enjoy your food. -
Review from Jessica N.
San Jose, CA
10/2/2006
There's only street parking for this place. Ick.
However, the food ("Nuevo Latino and Tapas") is pretty decent, some better than others.
The two dishes that are seared into my mind as being super delicious are:
1) Cachapas de Jojoto
"The Cafe's most popular dish. Three Venezuelan corn pancakes flavored with fresh corn kernels and green onion and garnished with red chile crema and queso fresco."
2) The Chocolate-Mocha-Kahlua Experience
The best 5 bucks you'll ever spend will be with this. Some of the best mocha I've ever had!
"A thick mousse, served with our homemade Kahlua whipped cream, every chocolate lover's dream."
I went here for my friend's graduation from Cal, so we ate at a somewhat slow time, around 3-4ish; thus the restaurant was pretty empty and we had excellent, attentive service from our server. -
Review from Jaymie L.
Emeryville, CA
10/19/2008
I have eaten here more than once over the years. And it delivers a solid 3. The most recent occasion was for a bridal shower I hosted. I called a few days in advance for the reservation and there was no problem in getting it. Two of us arrived early to check out where we were to be seated. Our table had not yet been set, and it didn't seem like the needed staff had been notified that a large reservation had been made or that it was for a bridal shower. So there were a few minutes of "I am so overwhelmed" by staff. They got it together, and Russell (the owner) assured us that we would be taken care of, and we were.
They originally were going to seat us in the downstairs bar area. This was not conducive to a bridal shower theme. It's more of a "let's relive the 60's in Berkeley" sort of theme, which is fine, but just not for a shower. They were able to seat us upstairs which was perfect.
They let us bring in table decorations, and our server gave great recommendations as to how much food to order for the party of about 11. We ordered primarily off the tapas menu and the food was perfect for the occasion; lots of variety, good flavor. The ribs are a better than decent and the sauce they come with makes them better than good. The potato cakes with plantains are worth a trip.
I had 2 different kinds of martini's:
1: Ketel One up with a twist which was well within the parameters of what a good martini should be.
2: Their special Rose martini, which obviously contained rose flavor (simple syrup flavor with rose I am assuming). It seemed like a fitting bridal shower drink, but it was far to sweet for my taste. We ordered another round requesting that they be made 1/2 as sweet. They arrived just as sweet, but were fine when we got the extra shot of vodka to balance it out.
So, I would recommend for a casual dinner. You will be able to have a conversation with whomever you're with and not have to shout. The ribs, plantains, and potato cakes are solid bets in regards to food.
Most importantly the bride was happy - and we all know how important that is.
