Everything was delicious! We got the lobster croquetas and Brussels sprouts. CJ was warm and friendly even though she was holding down lots of tables at once.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bill Carpenter
Delicious food. Excellent service. The place fills up, which means reservations are highly recommended. Even though La Matcha is not close to the usual Berkeley fine dining establishments, it is worth making a diversion.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tapas, Mushroom Croquetas
Jason Russell
Finally tried this little gem on San Pablo Avenue after passing it for years saying, ‘I gotta try that little gem’.A couple friends and I managed to get a same day reservation at the corner of the bar, which worked out perfectly.We ordered exclusively from the tapas menu, and I’m glad we did although I’m sure their paella and mains are equally exquisite.Everything from their BIMI to cheese platter, to croquettes and churros for desert were a delight. Each plate had its own distinct and satisfying flavor, and nothing we ordered disappointed.I suggested the octopus which sounded splendid, but my friends protested that octopuses (octopi?) were too smart to eat, so we compromised on their dumb cousins, squid. Dumb maybe, delicious certainly!Being a dedicated carnivore, I had little hope for the mushroom croquettes , but they were also scrumptious. Better yet were the chicken and crab croquettes, with each of us expressing a preference for one or the other. If you have to chose, I say go for the crab and my friends would say go for the chicken. The best solution is to order them both!The atmosphere of La Marcha is ‘classy casual’, and very lovely. Every table seemed to be celebrating something, much like you’d expect on a warm summer evening in Barcelona.As the saying goes, “You can judge a person by the company they keep” and I think this can be applied to La Marcha’s ownership. He/She/They must be remarkable people to attract the kind of talented chefs and servers who made our evening complete.I was too shy to ask our server her name, but I think one of the other (regulars?) called her Seejay (which isn’t a real name… I Googled it), or Cindy (a name I haven’t heard since the Brady Brunch). I’ll go with Seejay because it is as uncommon and unexpected as this young lady. Anyway, you’ll know who I am talking about when you go there. Seejay fills the room with her beauty and charisma, and she seemed to be one-person army. I don’t know if they were understaffed that day, or if Seejay just takes on the responsibility for the entire restaurant, but she seemed to be everywhere at once, and yet the level of service she provided my party made us all feel like we were sitting in the VIP section of some swanky club. I hope and trust that the ownership recognizes what a blessing they have with Seejay (or Cindy… whatever).Well, that’s about it. If you are still hesitant to give La Marcha a try, then all I can say is thatyou are more squid than octopus.
Amazing little spot that offers lots of sharing tapas. The size portions are smaller but very delicious and rich of flavors. I tired the Pulpo and Patatas Cargadas that was cooked to perfection I would definitely recommend as a must try.The room fills up quick and gets kind of loud, but the ambiance is still cozy and personal. Got to try the Paella marinera that was delicious. Would definitely recommend to have a reservation to avoid the long delay.Parking: Street paid parking is available May be hard to find but is available.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tapas
Tiana Renee
Enjoyed happy hour 3 x now. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because they rotate their menu around and some of the things I love the first two times were no longer on the menu or available
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Tapas
Mitch
What's the point in making a reservation and organizing your entire family's evening around the reservation but the restaurant can't honor it? We waited over thirty minutes past our scheduled time outside in the cold, and there were no signs that the previous party was planning to leave. It's understandable when previous parties stay longer than anticipated, and they're not to blame. The responsibility lies in the restaurant's poor management. If La Marcha can't actually honor the reservation, they shouldn't offer it. I will not be wasting my time on this place again.
Rhumba Bum
They offer the best 2024 Berkeley Restaurant Week deal I've had so far in terms of quality, quantity and value. I'm very impressed with their creativity in squid ink (Warning: You mouth will turn black from their squid ink infused Prix Fixe or Paella). Also take advantage of the happy hours at 4-6pm with a refreshing Sangria or beer.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Arroz Negro Squid Ink Paella
ThatsIt
Everything was outstanding, the food and the wine. I can't imagine this restaurant making anything that didn't taste delicious.. I've been in several times and their consistency is what makes them so good ..
AnnieS
Regularly used to order their to-go paella for treats during the grim pandemic days. Now they are back to normal service the food has got even better. Particular;y loved the crab balls in inky aioli. The wines by the glass, tho not cheap, are lovely. We ordered 5 starters/tapas which was plenty for 2 people and very good value. Will go again soon. Thank you!
JonC
Gave high marks even though we were seated 30 min late for a reservation - normally that would knock my service rating down. Others could learn from this... they let us know immediately that the table was “ lingering “ and gave us a glass a cava as we waited. They kept checking back on us with updates until we were finally seated. And then table service was great friendly, informative and prompt. Looking forward to going back!
The food was amazing! The server did his best as he had a lot of tables to cover. My only complaint is that the tables are way too close.I could've easily kissed the person next to me on each side. Very uncomfortable and hard to have any private conversations
mofood
We've always enjoyed La Marcha. But our visit two weeks ago was lacking. While the bocadillos were great except for the calamari which was dry and tasteless and the croquettes were still good the two paellas were awful. Swimming in oil no peas no peppers and no saffron I could taste. Yes it was 230 pm but that is not an excuse. Not up to their standards. And not worth 50$ a paella.
LKofAlameda
We were greeted immediately upon entering. Service was very attentive. We loved the grilled octopus with fennel and sunchokes. Chicken, chorizo paella was hot and delicious and served with the largest shrimp I have ever seen. Broccolini with sauce needed a bigger kick. Enjoyed talking to Tashi. Would definitely come back.
IanM
Dined for the prix fixe Valentines Day dinner. The food was good for the most part, but they seemed to be overbooked. We had a 7:30 reservation and when we arrived at 7:15 they said they were running behind and wouldn't be able to seat us until 8. Multiple parties had the same issue. When they told us this, they didn't offer to compensate us in some way for the delay. Even a glass of wine would have been a nice gesture.
Damean
Valentine's Day five course pre-fix with dessert and wine pairing. High-demand reservation times filled up fast and folks at the door without a reservation had to wait (unsure if they were seated). Tables were packed in, so loud but not uncomfortable--normal for the restaraunt. Food was creative--my favorite dish was the PULPO: thin sliced octopus, winter citrus, smoked trout roe, habanero pickled onion, sea urchin mousse--but the kitchen was not in sync with service or diners, specifically: hot dishes arrived warm, sorbet arrived as half-melted sorbet soup (sangria sorbet probably would have been better frozen). Another table commented that their sparkling wine arrived flat. The paella lacked the crust at the bottom (socarrat) that makes it so good--maybe it was not prepared in the pan it was served in--and the snails didn't add any noticeable flavor to it. Over all, an enjoyable meal with service timing that could be improved (note the staff was very friendly). Would recommend in general--the paella is usually very good, but not for a pre-fix where they're preparing 50x the same dish at once or meals requiring tight timing with the kitchen.
Everything was delicious! We got the lobster croquetas and Brussels sprouts. CJ was warm and friendly even though she was holding down lots of tables at once.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious food. Excellent service. The place fills up, which means reservations are highly recommended. Even though La Matcha is not close to the usual Berkeley fine dining establishments, it is worth making a diversion.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tapas, Mushroom Croquetas
Finally tried this little gem on San Pablo Avenue after passing it for years saying, ‘I gotta try that little gem’.A couple friends and I managed to get a same day reservation at the corner of the bar, which worked out perfectly.We ordered exclusively from the tapas menu, and I’m glad we did although I’m sure their paella and mains are equally exquisite.Everything from their BIMI to cheese platter, to croquettes and churros for desert were a delight. Each plate had its own distinct and satisfying flavor, and nothing we ordered disappointed.I suggested the octopus which sounded splendid, but my friends protested that octopuses (octopi?) were too smart to eat, so we compromised on their dumb cousins, squid. Dumb maybe, delicious certainly!Being a dedicated carnivore, I had little hope for the mushroom croquettes , but they were also scrumptious. Better yet were the chicken and crab croquettes, with each of us expressing a preference for one or the other. If you have to chose, I say go for the crab and my friends would say go for the chicken. The best solution is to order them both!The atmosphere of La Marcha is ‘classy casual’, and very lovely. Every table seemed to be celebrating something, much like you’d expect on a warm summer evening in Barcelona.As the saying goes, “You can judge a person by the company they keep” and I think this can be applied to La Marcha’s ownership. He/She/They must be remarkable people to attract the kind of talented chefs and servers who made our evening complete.I was too shy to ask our server her name, but I think one of the other (regulars?) called her Seejay (which isn’t a real name… I Googled it), or Cindy (a name I haven’t heard since the Brady Brunch). I’ll go with Seejay because it is as uncommon and unexpected as this young lady. Anyway, you’ll know who I am talking about when you go there. Seejay fills the room with her beauty and charisma, and she seemed to be one-person army. I don’t know if they were understaffed that day, or if Seejay just takes on the responsibility for the entire restaurant, but she seemed to be everywhere at once, and yet the level of service she provided my party made us all feel like we were sitting in the VIP section of some swanky club. I hope and trust that the ownership recognizes what a blessing they have with Seejay (or Cindy… whatever).Well, that’s about it. If you are still hesitant to give La Marcha a try, then all I can say is thatyou are more squid than octopus.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Churros Con Chocolate, Spanish Cheese Plate, Tapas, Mushroom Croquetas, Calamares PO’Chico, Patatas Bravas
Amazing little spot that offers lots of sharing tapas. The size portions are smaller but very delicious and rich of flavors. I tired the Pulpo and Patatas Cargadas that was cooked to perfection I would definitely recommend as a must try.The room fills up quick and gets kind of loud, but the ambiance is still cozy and personal. Got to try the Paella marinera that was delicious. Would definitely recommend to have a reservation to avoid the long delay.Parking: Street paid parking is available May be hard to find but is available.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tapas
Enjoyed happy hour 3 x now. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because they rotate their menu around and some of the things I love the first two times were no longer on the menu or available
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Tapas
What's the point in making a reservation and organizing your entire family's evening around the reservation but the restaurant can't honor it? We waited over thirty minutes past our scheduled time outside in the cold, and there were no signs that the previous party was planning to leave. It's understandable when previous parties stay longer than anticipated, and they're not to blame. The responsibility lies in the restaurant's poor management. If La Marcha can't actually honor the reservation, they shouldn't offer it. I will not be wasting my time on this place again.
They offer the best 2024 Berkeley Restaurant Week deal I've had so far in terms of quality, quantity and value. I'm very impressed with their creativity in squid ink (Warning: You mouth will turn black from their squid ink infused Prix Fixe or Paella). Also take advantage of the happy hours at 4-6pm with a refreshing Sangria or beer.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Arroz Negro Squid Ink Paella
Everything was outstanding, the food and the wine. I can't imagine this restaurant making anything that didn't taste delicious.. I've been in several times and their consistency is what makes them so good ..
Regularly used to order their to-go paella for treats during the grim pandemic days. Now they are back to normal service the food has got even better. Particular;y loved the crab balls in inky aioli. The wines by the glass, tho not cheap, are lovely. We ordered 5 starters/tapas which was plenty for 2 people and very good value. Will go again soon. Thank you!
Gave high marks even though we were seated 30 min late for a reservation - normally that would knock my service rating down. Others could learn from this... they let us know immediately that the table was “ lingering “ and gave us a glass a cava as we waited. They kept checking back on us with updates until we were finally seated. And then table service was great friendly, informative and prompt. Looking forward to going back!
Restaurantji Recommends
The food was amazing! The server did his best as he had a lot of tables to cover. My only complaint is that the tables are way too close.I could've easily kissed the person next to me on each side. Very uncomfortable and hard to have any private conversations
We've always enjoyed La Marcha. But our visit two weeks ago was lacking. While the bocadillos were great except for the calamari which was dry and tasteless and the croquettes were still good the two paellas were awful. Swimming in oil no peas no peppers and no saffron I could taste. Yes it was 230 pm but that is not an excuse. Not up to their standards. And not worth 50$ a paella.
We were greeted immediately upon entering. Service was very attentive. We loved the grilled octopus with fennel and sunchokes. Chicken, chorizo paella was hot and delicious and served with the largest shrimp I have ever seen. Broccolini with sauce needed a bigger kick. Enjoyed talking to Tashi. Would definitely come back.
Dined for the prix fixe Valentines Day dinner. The food was good for the most part, but they seemed to be overbooked. We had a 7:30 reservation and when we arrived at 7:15 they said they were running behind and wouldn't be able to seat us until 8. Multiple parties had the same issue. When they told us this, they didn't offer to compensate us in some way for the delay. Even a glass of wine would have been a nice gesture.
Valentine's Day five course pre-fix with dessert and wine pairing. High-demand reservation times filled up fast and folks at the door without a reservation had to wait (unsure if they were seated). Tables were packed in, so loud but not uncomfortable--normal for the restaraunt. Food was creative--my favorite dish was the PULPO: thin sliced octopus, winter citrus, smoked trout roe, habanero pickled onion, sea urchin mousse--but the kitchen was not in sync with service or diners, specifically: hot dishes arrived warm, sorbet arrived as half-melted sorbet soup (sangria sorbet probably would have been better frozen). Another table commented that their sparkling wine arrived flat. The paella lacked the crust at the bottom (socarrat) that makes it so good--maybe it was not prepared in the pan it was served in--and the snails didn't add any noticeable flavor to it. Over all, an enjoyable meal with service timing that could be improved (note the staff was very friendly). Would recommend in general--the paella is usually very good, but not for a pre-fix where they're preparing 50x the same dish at once or meals requiring tight timing with the kitchen.