Caffe Verbena

I've been to Verbena several times for business lunches. The food is always delicious and well-presented. I particulary enjoyed the chorizo pizza and seared gnocchi - the desserts are wonderful as well. The wait-staff has always been attentive and helpful. I also went to Verbena for a margarita happy hour - very tasty... Pros: diverse menu, friendly staff, fast lunch service more

Everything was excellent. Upscale but not a bit pretentious. We went with a bothersome child, and waiter handled her with aplomb. Try the quince upsaide down cake for dessert -- you'll never forget it. Just wish the downtown Oakland area was livelier, but that's not restaurant's fault (and, in fact, that seems to be changing for the better lately). Pros: Elegant setting, excellent service, validated/free parkin Cons: sparse city scene, difficult to find more

While it's a convenient business meeting place in Oakland, this restaurant has some severe blemishes that make it hard to recommend. I would not return here. The service at lunch the other day was catastrpohic. When the waiter knocked over a wine glass spilling wine on the table and on me his comment was 'good thing it wasn't red wine!'. We were left to mop up the mess with our napkins. Unfilled water, coffee that was never refilled, wine that was delivered after the first course arrived all also marred what should have been a pleasant dining experience. The food was hit and miss. Fried calamari and a fritto of artichoke were light and tasty. The chicken salad was soggy, overdressed, and very light on the chicken. Desert was good with the strawberry shortcake being delightful. Pros: Location, Parking Cons: Service more

The zucchini salad offered fresh and delicious produce - very seasonal. Service is prompt and polite, and we sat in a booth rather than a table after requesting it upon arrival. Mushroom pizza is divine with its thin, crisp crust, and ""shiny fresh fish of the day"" doesn't disappoint. Too bad there aren't more things happening closeby after work in the area - this is a fun dinner spot for large groups and co-workers. Pros: Easy night parking, Mood music, Good value more