When asking yourself about something to do near me in Berkeley with a group of friends or family, consider
La Note
Why La Note is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
La Note is a highly cherished French restaurant located in the heart of Berkeley, California. Established in 1997 by Dorothée Mitrani, a UC Berkeley graduate, it offers a warm, lively, and convivial atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully rehabilitated 1875 building, which won an award for outstanding storefront improvements, adding to its charm and historical appeal. Guests can enjoy classic Provençal and French dishes from breakfast through dinner, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options that cater to diverse dietary needs. The setting encourages communal dining and sharing, making it a great venue for social gatherings. With outdoor seating available during favorable weather and live music events, La Note enhances the dining experience with ambiance and community spirit. Its convenient location on Shattuck Avenue and consistent high ratings demonstrate why it remains a top choice for locals and visitors alike looking for an authentic taste of France in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Here's what people think of La Note
As of recent, La Note holds a 4.4-star rating based on 1929 reviews.
User reviews of La Note consistently highlight its authentic French cuisine, charming ambiance, and friendly service as key strengths. Positive reviews commonly praise the delicious and well-prepared Provençal dishes, the cozy yet vibrant atmosphere, and the staff's attentiveness, which creates a welcoming dining experience. Many guests also appreciate the outdoor seating and occasional live music, enhancing their visits. The restaurant's flexibility with dietary preferences such as vegetarian and gluten-free options is also often mentioned favorably. However, some negative feedback includes occasional concerns about the noise level during busy hours and the sometimes longer wait times, especially on weekends. A few reviewers noted that prices can be on the higher side, reflecting the quality and setting. Overall, the majority of reviews remain positive, with patrons recommending La Note as a convivial spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner where one can enjoy authentic French flavors and a lively yet intimate atmosphere. The restaurant's strong reputation in Berkeley is underpinned by nearly 2,000 reviews averaging a solid 4.4 rating, indicating broad customer satisfaction and appeal.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
M Nedloc
Great breakfast/ brunch place. A French restaurant that is certainly a step up from your local diner or common brunch establishments. It’s a higher end experience of delicious baked goods, savory bites and huge axx hot chocolate. Their pancakes were huge, fluffy, and fresh off the stoves and they will melt in your mouth. I enjoyed their eggs, sausage, potatoes, and bread slices. Everything was fresh and came out hot, flavor on point for everything. The only problems they had were just having such a small place to serve the deliciousness. But I guess that’s what also makes the whole experience count and there is less room for error. This place is also located in downtown Berkeley, a very busy area, so there will be minimal street parking, but parking garages will be your friend, at a price of course. This place is super busy, there was a wait, but I am glad I stuck it out and waited. I dined alone and looked through a small, precise menu that was also French, but English translated for the majority. I’ll reiterate, food is awesome and get hot chocolate if you’re a fan, adult size. Come, at least once, you’ll probably want to make into twice. And so on.
GFLP
Our Friday morning in Berkeley started with the perfect choice: brunch at La Note. This charming cafe radiates cozy vibes and immediately set the tone for a relaxed and delicious start to the day. We were seated about 15 min after our reservation, coffee in hand within minutes, and ready to dive into one of the most satisfying brunch spreads we’ve had in a long time. We couldn’t resist the lemon gingerbread pancakes, which were warmly spiced, and had the perfect citrus zing — easily a standout dish. Paired with eggs and crispy bacon, it hit every savory-sweet craving. We also shared a pastry basket (because how could we not?) — filled with buttery, flaky bites that paired perfectly with the strong coffee and fresh orange juice. The ham omelette was another highlight: light yet rich, packed with flavor, and served with wonderful blueberry oatmeal, toast and jam that felt like it came straight out of a French countryside kitchen. La Note delivered everything we love in a brunch spot — comforting food, lovely ambiance, and a menu full of heart. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Berkeley, it’s an absolute must-visit.
Yesh
Excellent brunch place. The decor gives cozy Parisian cafe vibes, especially with the bistro style chairs and small tables. The food is fresh and flavorful - definitely recommend their sandwiches. It does get busy, so you might face a short wait, and it can also get a bit loud when crowded. But overall, a lovely and satisfying brunch experience. Metered parking available nearby.
Danny Duarte
Walked in and felt like I was transported to another country. The service was on point and food was great. Came here and enjoyed the breakfast - grabbed a bread basket and enough to take home to enjoy. The potatoes came with roasted garlic cloves which leveled up with flavor with the eggs and bacon. I cannot say enough about this place - simply amazing!
Kathleen Su
I am always a fan of home fries topped with herbs and the whole garlic was a nice touch. The scrambled eggs were soft and silky on the outside. I would skip the pear and gingerbread pancakes, and choose another! I wished for more integrated flavors of pear. Great ambiance and service. Great brunch location!
How to reach La Note
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Website: None
Why rally at La Note with your friends?
La Note, a French-inspired restaurant nestled in the heart of downtown Berkeley, offers a compelling reason to gather your friends for a memorable meetup. With an inviting atmosphere that channels the charm of Provence, this spot is more than just a place to eat—it is a destination promising an experience that combines delightful cuisine, cozy ambiance, and a vibrant social setting. Boasting a strong rating of 4.4 from nearly 2,000 reviews, it has clearly earned a loyal following among locals and visitors alike. Whether you are seeking a weekend brunch, a leisurely lunch, or an early dinner, La Note provides a warm and casual environment that encourages conversation and togetherness. Its renowned outdoor patio, accented by European flair and comfortable seating, renders it ideal for groups who want to relish good food while basking in fresh air. The blend of rustic Provençal decor and attentive yet relaxed service helps create a setting where friends and family can connect naturally. This combination makes La Note a top choice for group gatherings that are as much about the ambiance as the food.
What activities can you enjoy at La Note that make it perfect for a group meetup?
La Note offers a range of experiences that suit various group interests and create an engaging environment for socializing. First and foremost, the restaurant specializes in traditional French Provençal breakfast and lunch fare, serving dishes made with care and fresh ingredients. The kitchen crafts options like scrambled eggs with goat cheese, Emmenthal cheese and ham omelets, as well as specialties such as bouillabaisse and the elegant ravioli filled with pears, arugula, and smoked goat cheese. These dishes provide an exciting culinary journey for food lovers, allowing everyone in your group to find something delightful. For those who appreciate a sweet finish, the lavender crème brûlée is a must-try, perfect for sharing and savoring collectively. Alongside the food, La Note offers an extensive selection of pastries—croissants, almond croissants, pain au chocolat, and morning buns—that are perfect for sharing and enjoying over conversation. The pastry basket is popular among brunch-goers, making it a natural centerpiece for group tables.
Besides the food, La Note’s patio seating is a highlight for group activities. The outdoor space is furnished with roomy tables that accommodate larger parties comfortably without feeling cramped. This setting invites patrons to linger longer, enjoying leisurely meals in a casual, European-style environment enhanced by heaters for cooler days. The charming ambiance is reinforced by live entertainment, especially the Friday night live accordion performances, which enrich the atmosphere and offer an enjoyable backdrop for social gatherings. The entertainment and open-air layout foster a relaxed mood perfect for catching up or celebrating with friends.
How does the atmosphere and service at La Note support a great group experience?
The ambiance of La Note contributes significantly to its suitability for group meetups. The interior reflects the warmth of Provence, featuring handmade pottery for sale and vibrant, cheerful decor. However, many groups prefer the outdoor seating due to the larger table sizes and the open, airy environment that reduces the feeling of overcrowding. Despite the restaurant's popularity and busy weekends, many reviewers note that the wait times can be manageable with prior planning, such as joining the waitlist via the Yelp app. The staff’s attentiveness is generally praised, although service speed can slow during peak times, which is common in bustling brunch spots. This slower pace often encourages guests to relax and enjoy the company of their group rather than rushing through their meal.
Additionally, the casual dress code ensures guests can come as they are, further enhancing the friendliness and comfort. The restaurant is kid-friendly, which makes it a great choice for families meeting with friends who have children. Accessibility features and the availability of highchairs also support inclusive gatherings. The overall ambiance, blending rustic charm with attentive hosting, creates an inviting space that balances activity with comfort—key for fostering enjoyable group interactions.
What makes La Note’s location and history appealing for a group event?
La Note’s location in Berkeley offers not just a convenient meeting point but a venue steeped in historic and cultural appeal. Housed in an 1875 building, the restaurant’s façade and interior charm reflect a blend of history and authentic French country ambiance. This setting adds an element of uniqueness to the dining experience, making it more than just a meal but a small cultural excursion into Provence right in downtown Berkeley.
Being situated on Shattuck Avenue, a prominent location, affords guests easy access from various parts of the Bay Area, encouraging groups to come from near and far. The surrounding neighborhood is lively and pedestrian-friendly, enabling guests to extend their meetup with a stroll or stops at nearby boutiques and cafes. This seamless integration of location, eatery, and ambiance presents La Note as an all-encompassing venue for group gatherings—combining convenience, a sense of place, and culinary delight into one package.
Why is La Note highly rated despite some criticisms, and what should groups keep in mind?
With a robust rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on nearly 2,000 reviews, La Note is clearly a crowd favorite, but as with any popular spot, there are occasional criticisms. Some reviewers mention that the food, while generally well-received, sometimes falls short of high expectations for Bay Area dining. Service, especially during busy times, can be slower or occasionally forgetful, which may require patience from diners. However, most reviews emphasize that the flavorful food, romantic and inviting atmosphere, and the overall experience far outweigh these minor drawbacks.
Groups planning to meet at La Note will benefit from making advance arrangements, such as joining the waitlist early on busy days or considering off-peak times to minimize wait. Bringing an extra layer for outdoor seating on cooler days can also enhance comfort. Appreciation for the authentic Provençal vibe, a penchant for French cuisine, and a willingness to embrace a leisurely dining pace will ensure everyone enjoys their time here. Ultimately, La Note’s ability to provide a warm, memorable social setting with honestly prepared food makes it a favored destination for friends and families looking to connect over something special.
In conclusion, La Note offers a distinctive and enjoyable venue for friends and family to gather, blending authentic French cuisine with a relaxed and charming environment. Its large outdoor seating, engaging live music, historic ambiance, and carefully crafted menu combine to make it an excellent choice for group meetups. While small imperfections in service or occasional wait times exist, these are nuances in an otherwise consistently praised and beloved dining destination. Rallying at La Note means savoring not only food but also the joy of connection in a setting that feels like a little slice of Provence in Berkeley.