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    Abstract Table

    3.8 (63 reviews)

    Abstract Table Photos

    ABSTRACT TABLE ATMOSPHERE

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    Moderate noise
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    Recommended Reviews - Abstract Table

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    Oakland Restaurant Week 2020 menu
    Mary F.

    Wanted a non-Michelin, yet still fancy meal during ORW, which took us to Abstract Table. This was located at Gastropig, and the vibe was so...weird?? There were many others waiting for their names to be called and although we had a reservation it took us a while to get seated. We had a choice of the ORW menu or the usual menu- we just wanted a taste of what Abstract Table had to offer so we opted for the ORW menu. Silly but memorable experiences to be had! The plates were HUGE and the portions were oh so small, we wanted another meal after this one. The plating for the entree and dessert were beautiful, though. The first course was unique but could've had something to cut through the extra seafood-y taste. Was it worth it? Eh. It was a fun night for my partner and I but would not recommend or return.

    Close up. Just one bite. Was delish.
    Lisa K.

    We went to abstract table as our last minute wedding anniversary celebration dinner. Last minute because we lazy and typically low key. I called in advance and apparently the owner picked up. No problem getting a reservation, and when we arrived thirty min later, there were quite a few tables available. When I had called back to cancel because I realized there was raw fish on the pre fix menu, he told me that it can easily be replaced with cooked scallop and can torch the beef tartare. Very appreciative of these kinds of accommodations for those with perhaps a less sophisticated palette :) We did the five course meal for $65 per person (kind of wish we opted for the seven course for just $20 more because the beef rib did look more substantial). Each dish was unique and we especially liked the wagyu brisket, beef broth, micro salad dish. But it is literally a single slice of thinly cut brisket. That said, the combination was delicious and interesting the broth was in a solid state. The favorite is the night was the dessert - grilled mochi butter cake. Literally only two small bites but it was heavenly. But yes, that was the general theme - the tiniest of portions but delightful to the taste buds. But we expected that going in! The only fail was the lime popsicle. I kind of wish the server explained the intent for each dish and how the flavors were picked. But also appreciated that no one was hovering over us. I say it's worth checking out for a special occasion and if you want to try new flavors without all the uppity vibes that some places might have. It kind of reminds me of a more elevated and expensive Mr. Pollo in the mission.

    Scallops
    Christina G.

    I really wanted to like Abstract Table, but it was just ok - a little hit or miss for me and our table of four (plus a child). The service was attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere was nice at the Cafenated Coffee Company's outdoor garden eating area. The savory courses were fine tasting and cooked technically well, and "points" should be given for creativity in the menu. However, nothing really blew our minds and the desserts were not good. One of the desserts was a heavy cherry dumpling which was fine, but the other dessert was actively bad with a fatty cream and big piece of sesame pastry that was so hard that we struggled to break it into bite size pieces. It wouldn't break with a fork, and it didn't give when bitten with our teeth, so we ended up giving up on it. For the price point and the enticing photos I'd seen on their Instagram page, we expected more.

    Trout
    Vasudha R.

    The portion sizes are extremely small and incongruous with the menu pricing. As other reviews have mentioned, my party and I had to get another round of dinner after leaving the restaurant since there was no way the portion sizes counted as a filling meal. For that reason alone I would caution you against making a reservation here. The restaurant is a pop-up that is located in Caffenated Coffee Co. You can tell that it's a coffee shop, not an upscale dining restaurant, from the ambience. I was not expecting to be seated at clanky metal tables and rickety chairs for a restaurant that says it's fine dining. I think the furnishings could be upgraded to higher quality materials. The shaved scallops were meh and I would not recommend them. The lamb and trout were flavorful and well executed. The staff is the redeeming characteristic of the location and they are very pleasant to interact with.

    Soft shell crab on the right
    Verenice B.

    This place was so refreshing, different, and delicious! Starting with that Carpaccio/raw steak item was amazing. Exactly what I wanted. The cappuccino was exceptional! Anytime I see that on a menu I will HAVE to get it from now. Wow. I had a really hard time choosing the main entree, but ended up going with the fish and wow I'm so happy I did! The spicy red sauce was EVERYTHING! And made me really happy that it was ACTUALLY spicy like the host said. That almost never happens. *Happy girl dance * Although the The soft shell crab wasn't my favorite (hence last time talk about) it was pretty tasty and unique... ate the whole thing. I love when I can eat the fried shells The wine selection was great! We had two different types of rose. We were seated outside so maybe thats why they didn't ask for vaccination card, but I was ready and willing. I've learned with drinks, any bill gets pretty high. This bill was worth it. Pre prepared to spend $$$ but be really happy!

    Faye L.

    It's hard to find it if you are not familiar with this area like me :( Like other reviwer mentioned that it's inside of GASTROPIG, you should looking for "GASTROPIG" sign, not "Abstract table", coz you wont able to find it lol Speak to their food, is totally abstract, the concept is great but somehow i feel the ingredient can improve more. Also the open kitchen is smoky during the whole dinner.

    Green Thai Curry
    Falisa C.

    I have been here a few times and each experience has been enjoyable. The dishes are complex with delicate flavors. Some very creative pairings in play like the anchovy crusted lamb with fennel and pear salad herb sauce or a squid ink dressed salad. My favorite for this month is the sake poached mussels with strawberries. The sweet and tart with the savory broth complimented extremely well with each other. The uni cream with the black garlic rice that went with the ocean trout was also memorable. Only thing is plating-wise for some of these dishes - it could use a little umph. Overall the dishes here are delicious, I can't wait to see what's on the next menu.

    abstract table
    Cynthia B.

    Casual Atmosphere, Refined Dining. We opted for an early reservation at 6:15 for 4 and had our choice of tables, but by 7:30 the restaurant was full. The 5 courses at $65 were substantial and artfully presented. Every bite was delicious. Had we been hungrier, going for the $20 extra for the next two courses would have been sensational as the chefs were featuring two favorites: duck and prawns. Wooden tables, place is noisy when packed. Glassware are jam jars for all beverages. A bottle of water is on the table. No bread service. Corkage $25. We found street parking. Very casual restaurant yet the food is elevated and artistic. We truly enjoyed it and recommend a visit.

    Jeffrey N.

    Spectacular anniversary dinner. Artistic presentation, beautiful flavors, lovely service.

    Winter chowder with peppercorn cracker
    Angel F.

    We came here during the Oakland restaurant week but we ended up getting one of the regular tasting menus. When we first got there, they just told us a bunch of stuff was already out, especially from the beverage list, even though the list is really not that long. We were a little bit disappointed because it seems odd that so many things are out at the beginning of the night. They claimed that they usually get restocked on Friday, but it feel likes they could have been more prepared for the first day of the restaurant week, or any day in general really. Overall we are pretty happy with most of the courses from the tasting menu especially the appetizers, great flavors and presentation. However, for the dessert, it seems like the ice cream has already been melting for a while by the time it got to our table. Not sure how that happened. The meal was not bad overall, and we ended up paying about $100 / person for the menu plus a glass of wine. But with so many things not available and food not serving at the right time, it doesn't seem to be worth the value.

    Frisée, persian cucumber, strawberries in kosho, pink peppercorn dressing
    Kati H.

    Wow, I was thoroughly impressed by both the price and the quality of the food. The portions for appetizers are small, but they are unique and reasonably priced. We expected all of the dishes to be small after reading some reviews, but the steak was HUGE. It worked out perfectly - we got to try a lot of fun dishes and finished the evening with a beautifully cooked steak. At first we were shocked that the steak had sauce on it, but as soon as we tasted it we basically would have been fine with it drowning in it, as it was a very earthy mushrooms sauce that added a serious amount of depth to the dish.

    Hmmm... Seriously??
    Jeannette W.

    Food was good. Innovative and flavorful. Plates were definitely pretty. It would have been nice if the dishes were served warmer but I think the ingredients cooled down as a result of the labor inensive plating. For the price, the ambience could have been better. I definitely could have done without the six diners standing on chairs throughout the whole meal taking photos. Good thing I wasn't on a romantic date. I should just be glad at least it wasn't cold like other reviewers mentioned, right?

    Apps
    Quyen T.

    It's nice to have a restaurant like this in Berkeley. The outdoor greenhouse is beautiful, the wait staff is attentive and the food is good. The portions for the apps were small but the food was tasty. It isn't cheap -- this meal below plus 3 glasses of wine = 200 bucks. But it was a pleasant date night and we will always support Berkeley institutions. The garlic ice cream was interesting. I wouldn't have guessed that it was garlic!

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    Seriously the most amazing seafood cappuccino I've ever had. Amazing chef and super high quality food.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Abstract Table

    Is it possible to eat here if you don't like fish?

    Absolutely..:while our menus usually have fish dishes we also serve many other different proteins!:)

    Are you reopen for outdoor dining?

    Yes we are!

    View All 3 Questions

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    Lu-Rou Fan 滷肉飯 ($15) - hand cut duroc pork over rice, fresh sugar cane, pickled cucumber. Good but not mind-blowing. Sweeter than expected.
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    $$$

    Top contender for Japanese cuisine in Berkeley--equal parts sophisticated and scrumptious…read more Highlights include: - Sea Bean & Corn Tempura: a savory funnel cake worthy of a Michelin star thanks to its texture and the side of matcha salt - Salmon sashimi: succulent with fresh wasabi - Wagyu Shime Special: insane price for insane flavor--a generous portion of veggies and wagyu in a big ol' iron bowl of bubblin' broth

    Ate Christmas dinner here with my mom as our celebration tradition is usually a Japanese…read morerestaurant. The ambience was intimate and cozy yet elegant, and the staff was very attentive and kind. I loved the decorations, the plates and silverware, and the food was just as intentional in flavor and selection. For appetizers we had: Anchovy Stuffed Olives Tempura - Tempura Spanish alives stuffed with anchovies $9 Kombu Tsukudani - Premium Hokkaldo kelp, say sauce, bonito, shiso, sesame seeds, enjoy with sake or rice $6 For our meal we had: Saba Bouzushi - House-cured saba mackerel bouzushi - stick-shaped sushi, also called battera, served with shiso, sesame, scallions, topped with Hokkaido shiraita kombu, ten pieces $29 Gindara Yuanyaki - Local black cod marinated in soy sauce and shikuwasa Okinawan citrus juice served grilled $34 Steelhead Trout Nabe - Norwegian ocean trout raised sustainably in the clear, cold ford where the seawater meets fresh meltwater from the glaciers in the mountains. Enjoy the rich flavored, melt-in-your-mouth fish, hotpot with dashi broth, mushrooms, napa cabbage, burdock, clear noodles, tofu, mizuna, scallions, yuzu kosho $39 We've been to many izakaya spots and this place had some of the most unique flavors I've tasted. The Saba Bouzushi stood out to me because it reminded of Filipino paksiw but as a roll! The Gindara was buttery and soft and had a yummy smoky flavor. The Nabe was perfect for a rainy evening - hearty, fresh, and so well balanced in flavor (I loved the yuzu kosho the had us add for a citrusy, peppery flavor)

    Photos
    Uni chawanmushi -- savory custard with shrimp and vegetables topped with sea urchin
    Uni chawanmushi -- savory custard with shrimp and vegetables topped with sea urchin
    Duck tataki -- seared duck served medium rare.
    Duck tataki -- seared duck served medium rare.
    Fried night smelt with nanban sauce

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    Fried night smelt with nanban sauce
    Snail Bar

    Snail Bar

    4.0
    (173 reviews)
    3.0 mi

    The food was surprisingly good. I had a ham and cheese sandwich that was fragrant and rich, grilled…read morein butter and served with little peppers. We also ordered the oysters, fresh vegetables and steak frites. The produce was sourced from the Ferry farmer's market and extremely good, we ordered it twice. Not too many critiques, I loved the lowkey vibe and it was exactly what my group was looking for. Service was attentive but not overbearing or cheery, which I appreciate. One mild critique is the oysters were wonderful but pre-garnished, I prefer to season oysters myself, and I didn't think their choices elevated already good oysters, despite the aesthetic of the presentation. As others mention service charge is included, which I emphatically prefer because the last thing I want to do after treating myself to wine and oysters is contemplate the bill. We'll be back!

    Positives: The food was very good, as was the attentive service. And they accept plastic payment…read more Instead of tipping, they add a 20% surcharge to cover both the front and rear of the house. Negatives: Very small venue, so reservations are a must. The menu is always in a state of flux, much of it in French (none of us are fluent), and only one lager beer on tap. On the spendy side of the spectrum. Editorial comments: First time visit, so I didn't really know what to expect, although I've had my share of trendy little restaurants. Upon arriving at the outdoor podium to check in, a young man in a paint spattered T-shirt greeted us and showed us our table. I wasn't expecting formal dinner wear, but is there such a thing as too casual? However, the food and service didn't disappoint. I don't eat mollusks or raw shellfish, but my catfish was excellent. The beer was OK. I would suggest reading the current menu prior to arriving if possible, so the ordering process isn't needlessly drawn out. Have your questions on the tips of your tongues, unless you're a regular who is familiar. Not in the greatest neighborhood, parking can be a challenge. We chose to take Lyft to and from, which turned out to be a good choice. Small. Bohemian. Uber casual-chic. Bring sun screen and a hat if you're seated outside. Background music was good, classic rock without rap or hip hop influences. Worried about being under-dressed? Don't be. You'll fit right in, and may be offered a job!

    Photos
    Amazing what they turn out of this tiny kitchen!
    Amazing what they turn out of this tiny kitchen!
    Snails + bread + butter
    Snails + bread + butter
    Rob Mendoza homie night: 'alerte rouge' 2022, jerome lambert

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    Rob Mendoza homie night: 'alerte rouge' 2022, jerome lambert

    Abstract Table - newamerican - Updated July 2026

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