Not only did this humble Berkeley restaurant (opened by Alice Waters in 1971) introduce the world to California cuisine—highlighting peak-of-the-season ingredients with simple preparation—it also gave rise to its own surrounding neighborhood, The Gourmet Ghetto. The 47-year-old destination still has it as evidenced by a kitchen that turns out both consistently excellent dishes: despite inviting Portlandia-esque quips, Chez Panisse's prix fixe menus still read like a list of local food producers as in the hand-cut linguine with Hog Island clams, pancetta, and sweet peas or Grilled Wolfe Ranch quail with sage, braised green garlic, and porcini mushrooms. Frugal foodies should look to Monday nights which feature a simpler, more rustic tasting menu—and a lesser price tag—as well as a secondary upstairs eatery, The Café, which features come-as-you-are environs and moderately priced, a la carte options.