Think of this high-end restaurant and adjacent bar as restored old Cream City brick building meets Ernest Hemingway-esque hunting lodge. The service aims to match the expensive house dry-aged steaks. Steaks are a menu highlight.
“Fine dining” has more than once been pronounced close to death’s door. Despite those claims, there’s still life in the concept. But what constitutes fine dining has changed, in keeping with broader lifestyle trends of the last 15 years or so.
An easy little east-of-Oakland spot to roll into for apps at the bar or a more organized affair in the cozy white-tablecloth dining room. Beer dinners are becoming Tess’ claim to fame. The cozy, private garden patio makes a lovely setting for a summer night.
Related Story: A Summer at Tess
Former Eddie Martini’s chef Jason Tofte offers up diverse shareable plates – such as friend chicken drumstick and meatloaf and mashed potatoes – in a warm, informal setting.
When Jason Tofte helmed the kitchen of Eddie Martini’s, he suited up in a white chef’s coat, cooked on the line and rarely ventured out to chat with patrons. That changed when the 18-year Tosa steakhouse vet left to run Waukesha’s The Steaming Cup with his wife, Cristina. The Cup came with a sizable built-in clientele, and serving up lattes with hummus wraps required interaction with customers. Read more…
The menu at this restaurant located in a renovated 1855 building utilizes ingredients from Twisted Willow Farm. Plates range from “almost famous” meatloaf and baby-back ribs to Asian BBQ Atlantic salmon.
Mentioned in: Restaurants Worth a Drive
Friday Fish Fry, Open For Lunch, Outdoor Dining, Reservations Taken, Sunday Brunch,
Former Eddie Martini’s chef Jason Tofte offers up diverse shareable plates – such as friend chicken drumstick and meatloaf and mashed potatoes – in a warm, informal setting.
When Jason Tofte helmed the kitchen of Eddie Martini’s, he suited up in a white chef’s coat, cooked on the line and rarely ventured out to chat with patrons. That changed when the 18-year Tosa steakhouse vet left to run Waukesha’s The Steaming Cup with his wife, Cristina. The Cup came with a sizable built-in clientele, and serving up lattes with hummus wraps required interaction with customers. Read more…
Late Night Dining, Open For Lunch, Reservations Taken, Sunday Brunch,
Open for lunch and dinner
Serves a completely plant-based menu in eco-friendly surroundings (bamboo floors, walls painted with nontoxic paint). Wines come from organic, sustainable vineyards. Vegan, raw and gluten-free options available.
Mentioned in:
Friday Fish Fry, Reservations Taken,
Friday Fish Fry, Open For Lunch, Outdoor Dining,
Open for lunch, dinner and now Sunday brunch, this Italian dining restaurant offers all the classics from mouthwatering pizza to pasta and lots in between. You can even practice your bocce ball skills with their year-round tournaments and teams.
