08/26/2026
Now that I’m settled in to my new home, I’m back to my regular outings to Michelin restaurants. May seem fancy, but it’s just a hobby and something I grew to appreciate in my 3 years of working in this world. Plus I close more deals when you guys think my life is cool. Which it is. Anyway…
📍 Commis
Everything you need to know about the vibe is in the name. A ‘commis’ is an entry-level chef in a kitchen brigade—a wildly humble title for a place that’s held 2 Michelin stars since 2014. These guys might be humble, but the food is far from entry-level.
The menu is a massive ode to the chef’s Southeast Asian heritage. These guys really went for it. Full send. All gas, no brakes.
Dim sum, sashimi, congee, red curry, sweet soy, coconut, and even a lettuce wrap. LFG. 🥢
I grabbed a seat at the bar for the tasting menu, which is honestly the perfect setup and incredibly comfortable for a solo diner.
What stood out to me the most—and the reason I’ll be back—is the lack of pretense. The plating doesn’t look like it belongs at a Sotheby’s auction. The music isn’t a weird soundtrack from an 80s dystopian film. The space isn't overly opulent. It’s raw, it's real, and everything is designed to support the cuisine rather than distract from it.
If you are exploring the East Bay food scene, this needs to be at the top of your list. It’s definitely one of the best meals I’ve had and a killer expression of Southeast Asia’s robust flavors.
