spanish-inspired meson, modeled on cesar, to open this summer in berkeley

in a highly-anticipated return for a long-loved berkeley classic, a group of cesar's former collaborators will reunite to open new spanish-inflected bar and restaurant meson this summer at 1329 gilman street in berkeley.

led by owner and former cesar general manager cameron mcveigh, meson (pronounced 'meh-sohn,' spanish for 'house,' accent over the 'o') will be modeled on the lively mix of spanish tapas, drinks and conviviality that lured locals, travelers, dates and post-work gatherings to the original cesar on shattuck avenue in north berkeley for 24 years, before it was forced to close in 2022.

the gilman street property, former site of three.one four pizzeria, seems an ideal fit for the returning berkeley favorite, with its long local history (lalime's for 35 years until 2020), upscale neighborhood vibe and mix of friendly, attractive indoor and outdoor spaces that came with three.one four's stylish lounge update.

meson's consulting chef will be maggie pond, cesar's former executive chef, who now lives in spain. the venue's menu of spanish-inspired small plates, its drink offerings and, word has it, many of the faces on staff will all be familiar to those who frequented the original cesar.

thanks to a north berkeley resident who first alerted us to this potential news through the tipline several weeks ago, further confirmed by a longtime staff member and friend of the former restaurant.

the group anticipates a late summer opening, possibly july.

meson will be located at 1329 gilman street in berkeley.

march 18, 2026 (love our tipsters. like berkeley eats? please feel free to forward.)