Unicorn Pan Asian Cuisine

As you can see from the menu on their website, Unicorn does not dish out standard fare. Their creations are more exotic. I normally shy away from such places but having tried Unicorn, i was pleasantly surprised. The food is really good and definitely worth trying. You also get good, attentive service. more

We loved the food; it was delicious and presentation was very appealing. The restaurant had a very cozy ambiance and the service was very polite. There is a vast selection for vegetarians and vegans. We loved their appetizing rolls with peanut and hot sauces. Bit pricey for the student population around Berkeley, but an excellent treat! Highly recommended!! Pros: Service, Food Cons: Price more

This is my favorite value restaurant in the Bay Area. Unicorn has really tasty, fun, traditional and non-traditional Vietnamese food. It's not a knock-out like Slanted Door, but it doesn't aim to be. I used to spend my lunches here, cramming for exams during my time at Cal. The restaurant is family-run - two charming brothers who routinely greet customers. Try the traditional grilled mussels with garlic and green onions (although they might have taken it off the menu). The prawn mushroom claypot is also fantastic. more

We were here for a group of 11 for a birthday dinner on a Saturday night. We were seated on time at 6:30, must have ordered well before 7pm, but our food didn't arrive until after 8pm. One woman ordered a vegan lotus root salad, but was mistakenly served a shellfish salad. When an inattendtive waiter removed her salad plate, the server dropped a fork (dripping with dressing) down a patron's back and sweater. Most of our food was tasty, although the beef served with one patron's dish was overcooked. (When this was pointed out to a server, the server brought a knife rather than offered to take it back.) Several of us ordered steamed vermicelli with rice paper wrap. They brought the hot water bowls out, and then several minutes passed before they brought the entrees out - long enough so the water was only lukewarm and inneffectively softened the wraps. The number of wraps was insufficient and at least 7 minutes passed while two of the 11 of us waited for their entrees. While the manager did apologize for the dropped fork, we did send one of our party to talk to the manager again about the service charge included in the bill. (For a party of 6 or more they automatically include a 18% gratuity. Given the wait, the problems with several of our dishes and the dropped fork, we didn't want to leave that much of a tip; to his credit the manager said that we should pay whatever we felt was fair.) With so many other wonderful Vietnamese restaurants in the east bay, it'll be a long time before we go back to Unicorn. Pros: tasty food, liked the pre-meal sorbet, nice lighting, not rushed Cons: Slow and indifferent service, narrow hallway to bathroom filled with diners more

We had an absolutely delish meal. We started w/the shrimp roll which was fantastic. Then had the Wasabi Creme Scallops w/a side of the coconut rice, Mango Prawns, the Basil Chicken and a side of the garlic noodles - everything was done to perfection with perfect spicing. I seriously can't stop thinking about the scallops & rice. I was too full for dessert but had a bite of both the Poached Pear & Fried Bananas - Pear was good, I wasn't crazy about the banana though. The waitstaff was friendly and quick. A very good experience and we'll definitly go back - soon. Pros: Food, Service more

I ate at Unicorn for the first time a few weeks ago and was blown away. In particular I would recommend the wasabi coconut mussels. They are a perfect combonation of sweet and savory and when paired up with the black rice...Incredible! I can't wait to go back and experience a whole new array of dishes! more

This is probably my favorite resturant in Berkeley. The food is wonderful (try the wasabi green curry), the service is fast, and the waitstaff are awesome. It's also very cozy, not a big place, but doesn't feel crowded. Highly recommended. Pros: Food, Service, Atmosphere more

My bf took me to this restaurant a few weeks ago, and I just absolutely loved it! The ambiance was very romantic. Both food (in large portions) and service were excellent. The shrimp eggrolls appetizer we had were delicious! The free mango sorbet champagne drinks that were offered free to us and the free picture of us given by the manager were nice touches to an already fun and romantic atmosphere. Perfect place for couples to dine out. Pros: Excellent food, Friendly Service, Romantic Atmosphere Cons: Too far from home more

Unicorn has become a new favorite of mine. The food is exceptional and there is a fine selection of wines and teas. The beef and greens beans is a good heatry dish and the spring rolls are a perfect light appetizer. Whenever I've visited I am seated by the owner, who is very gracious. From the lighting to the waterwall in front, the ambience is charming and romantic. This is rare place where you can have a special night out for a decent price. Pros: good menu, nice setting, nice presentation Cons: too close to the camp more

Unicorn pan Asian has been on Telegraph Avenue for almost 4 years where many in the difficult location had failed. The secret: excellent food, friendly service, and a wonderful experience. They have gotten lots of incredible reviews, and the fundraising they do for non-profit organizations has brought them great success. I especially love the 'horn of plenty', an appetizer sampler worth trying. Try the tamarind lacquer lamb, wasabi coconut scallops, baba chilean bass, and the albino rolls. Wow! Pros: support non-profit, yummy, friendly service Cons: location, too crowded more

When Narsai David came on Food News last week and raved about Unicorn, we had to check it out. It's very rare for Narsai to give such high review to a restaurant. We visited Unicorn on three occasion and understood why the Slanted Door had their private party there. This little hidden jewel has recieved lots of excellent press coverage and we especilly agreed with the Chronicle and Contra Costa Times review. Pros: friendly service, excellent food, good for party Cons: tough daytime parking, noisy when busy, hurry service-busy more

Appetizers were appealing, we had the spicy duck rolls and the mango prawns. However, the rest of the meal was very disappointing. It lacked flavor and texture, was overcooked. The service was hurried. More show than substance. Pros: appetizers Cons: everything else more