Grégoire represents an elegant approach to takeout food: refined French technique applied to casual, hand-held formats that suit Berkeley’s eating style. Located just down the street from Chez Panisse on Cedar Street, Grégoire has served the neighborhood for over 23 years as the expression of founder Grégoire Jacquet’s vision of French cooking accessible to everyday diners.

The Founder’s Vision

Grégoire Jacquet arrived in the United States from France in 1989 with experience in fine dining, but he envisioned something different: taking the skills and sensibilities of serious French cooking and applying them to simple, delicious foods prepared for takeout or casual counter dining. In 2002, he opened Grégoire in Berkeley, proving that this concept would resonate with a community already committed to quality food and ingredients.

Signature Items

The duck confit sandwich stands as Grégoire’s most celebrated item—dark meat duck confit on a crouton, finished with a precisely balanced sauce. The seasonal potato puffs showcase French technique applied to humble potatoes, resulting in ethereal, griddled creations that become addictive. Gnocchi prepared with Grégoire’s attention to texture and sauce appears regularly. Quiches, salads, and other items rotate based on seasons and available ingredients, but all maintain the same commitment to technique and flavor.

Counter Service Format

Grégoire operates from a modest counter with a few outdoor seats. There’s no table service, no reservations—just a queue of people waiting to order. The casual format contrasts beautifully with the refinement of the food itself. This is French home cooking elevated, meant to be enjoyed standing up or carried away.

History & Expansion

For 23 years, Grégoire remained Berkeley’s small secret, serving locals who understood the quality of what they were getting. In late 2025, Grégoire expanded to San Francisco’s Sunset District—the restaurant’s first franchise location—indicating both the success of the Berkeley original and the broader appeal of the concept.

Visiting

Arrive with appetite and flexibility. The menu changes based on what Jacquet prepared that day, reflecting his philosophy of working with available ingredients. The experience requires patience (lines can form) and an appreciation for simplicity combined with technique. This is not fast food, despite the casual format—it’s food made carefully, served simply.

Location Context

The Cedar Street location sits within walking distance of North Berkeley’s food cluster, near Chez Panisse and other quality establishments. The neighborhood’s focus on good ingredients and careful preparation made it the natural home for Grégoire’s vision.

Practical Information

Grégoire operates during lunch and dinner service hours, with seating at the counter or standing while eating. Cash and cards both accepted. Hours may vary seasonally or with availability of ingredients.