Abstract Table — Restaurant in Berkeley

I dined at Abstract Table on 7/9/22 at 8:30pm with my wife. This is pretty negative so I'll just keep it to the facts so readers can make their own judgement, although keep in mind it's not easy to put two toddlers to sleep, get a nanny, make a road trip to have a night out twice a year at a nice place. This was also my birthday. Restaurant isn't accountable for those of course, Im just saying I'm not out to visit all restaurants and blast them online.

The setting was really nice, they have a beautiful patio. However it was pretty cold sitting outside (no indoor dining) and uncomfortable on steel chairs. There are rats running in between the tables and the waiter seemed used to it. The drinks menu has no cocktails and a very limited selection of wines.

I had the $67 bison rib-eye. It was a very low quality piece of meat, I had to spit part of it. It was so salty it was essentially inedible, though given my hunger I still had half of it. The fries were also too salty, nearly inedible.

To be clear I didn't ask for a discount or for any freebies, and I don't want anything for writing this. I don't complain for getting a free meal, I'm only trying to save people from visiting what's clearly a show, a hobby run by amateurs who make good looking food in a nice setting, charge Michelin star prices, and whose egos make them believe...

Both the dining experience and the food are very disappointing for the price. There aren’t enough space heaters to keep everyone warm, water is served in plastic cups, the silverware came dirty, the seating is uncomfortable. Service was slow, and the food at best very bland. The trout was good, but the quail was dry, stunted, and poorly assorted. The scallops were borderline fresh. I am all for supporting local restaurants especially during the pandemic, but this experience was really terrible. To top it all off the portions are tiny for the price (had the flavors and combinations been intricate and well put together I wouldn’t mind but this wasn’t even the case). Not setting foot in this...

Abstract table is North Berkeley's best kept secret! During covid they are operating from the adorable patio of Caffeinated coffee. The patio has a lovely feel and is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the streets out front. We live a few blocks away and were excited to discover this place a few weeks ago. On a Friday night it was calm and quiet with very spaced out tables and only a few other people.

The food is Japanese and french-inspired new American. Highlights included the soba appetizer and the short rib. Also wine bottles are very reasonably priced! Check them out for a great dinner of normalcy during a very...