Commis
Oakland, California
It might not look like much on the outside — and the inside is pretty sparse, too — but that simply allows the beauty of the food served up at Commis to shine even more. Located on Piedmont, this smallish restaurant serves up a prix fixe menu of high-end culinary delights every night, courtesy of head chef/owner James Syhabout, a veteran of such legendary culinary destinations as the Fat Duck and El Bulli. As is the case with most restaurants of its type, the menu changes often based on what's fresh/available/in season; for the best experience, try snagging one of the counter seats, which provide a birds-eye view of the mastery on display in the kitchen.
Photos: Ann Larie Valentine
