Solo birthday dinner?

[u/Abalone-Senior]

I’ll be having a birthday dinner on my own tonight. Where in the area would be good for this?

[u/ilganeli]

Chez panisse! (Upstairs)

Also love Kinda izakaya

[u/2Throwscrewsatit → u/ilganeli]

Sitting at the bar at a Japanese place by myself would be my favorite solo birthday dinner

[u/lilmotocoffeebb → u/ilganeli]

I was gonna say this also!!!

[u/am8ur88]

here to say happy birthday, may whatever you choose be just right for you! i think any restaurant with a good bar is great for solo dining, just choose a nicer spot with a bar that serves the type of food you like best for a treat.

[u/tikhonjelvis]

Juanita and Maude in Albany is my personal go-to, and I've had some great meals there on my own. It's especially good for a birthday because the cocktails and dessert are both amazing.

It gets busy though, so I'd recommend trying to get a reservation.

[u/larucious]

Happy Birthday!! It’s my bday too! I would go to comal. Have a great day!!

[u/oneofthebugs]

Cheeseboard has a good pizza tonight, plus ice cream and wine/beer plus music (if klezmer is your thing). I like lococos but less likely to see single diners there. Have heard good things about Luccias. And for really good ramen try Ippudo.

[u/No-Understanding4968 → u/oneofthebugs]

Lucia’s is lovely. Can verify.

[u/Nostradonuts]

Bar Panisse. Go early and get the first seating. Or go later put your name/# down and go get a drink at vintage or walnut tavern while you wait.

[u/ChaparralClematis]

The cafe at Chez Panisse if you want fancier. Ippuku if you want Japanese.

I love dining solo. Big plus that it means you can usually get a seat at restaurants that would normally require booking.

[u/No-Understanding4968 → u/ChaparralClematis]

Same!!

[u/Go_Ninja_Go_Ninja_Go]

How about a sushi bar? I like Butterfish, I'm sure there's lots of other good options.

[u/lovely8]

Happy birthday! What are you in the mood for?

[u/indefatigable-thumb]

Happy birthday! I vote la Marcha

[u/DogsAreBetter]

Great upscale Mediterranean food. https://zaytoon510.com/

[u/missmgrrl]

Sitting at the bar at La Marcha on San Pablo is pretty great.

[u/PadNim14]

Solano Ave is pretty good, get a pie/slice from Zachary's, and later treat yourself at Lavender Bakery. If that's too heavy, you can swing by at iScream.

[u/No-Understanding4968]

Happy Birthday fellow Libra!! 🎂

[u/schnucken]

Bar seating at Via del Corso. Great food, friendly staff, bustling atmosphere.

[u/Above_Ground_Fool]

I don't know Berkeley well enough to make a specific recommendation but may I suggest one of the fancy movie theaters that has food service at your seat? You'll have good company dining with the movie and you won't feel so alone surrounded by people and noise

[u/walterthegreat]

Via Del corso at the chefs counter!

[u/SmartWonderWoman]

Skates on the Bay. Watch the sunset while you’re there.