Restaurants in Berkeley
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Best Restaurants
“Best original italian pizza in Berkeley. Food is great, owners are amazing and welcoming, service is fast and careful.
Price might sound too much, but the restaurant is in Downtown Berkeley and they use high quality ingredients.”
“The food inside is delicious and healthy portions. The service here is great too!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Fresh ingredients, friendly staff, and delicious food and veggie options!”
“Roses is is a great choice if you are looking for a really special restaurant for a private party. Great food and great atmosphere. Try the Japanese Old Fashion cocktail.”
“WHEN: Sat @6pm
PARKING: There is metered parking around, and is free after 6pm. It may be a bit tricky especially around meal time, but keep circling and you’ll find a spot near by enough.
This cute little ramen shop has such perfect lighting coming through thanks to thier skylight. We weren’t actually hungry so we shared the following:
TONKOTSU - $16.50 (Regular)
Pork Belly Chashu, Bamboo Shoots, Red Onion, Wood Ear Mushrooms, Green Onion, Ajitama Egg.
You get a choice of noodles to pick:
1.) Hakata - Thin Straight
2.) Sapporo - Medium Thick Wavy
Figured since it’s my first time here, I choose the most basic version of their bowl of ramen. I chose Sapparo and for some reason expected it to be thicker/wider, but regardless it was still good! The presentation of this bowl is just gorgeous, served on a small wooden platter. The red onion is chopped, and the pork Belly is quite tender. Regarding the egg, you get just half. Overall this bowl of ramen is creamy, rich, and the right amount of flavor and salt. But still make sure to drink at least a glass of water!
CREAMY CHASHU PORK CROQUETTES - $8.50
I have never seen anything like this so I must give it a try! It actually didn’t come out piping hot, so I was able to drive in right away! It was definitely creamy (like ramen) and had pieces of the Chasu pork, encased in a crispy and warm batter that was deep fried. It also comes with a katsu sauce and I really enjoyed it.
The staff was friendly and didn’t make us feel bad for ordering enough of just one, but man I was so full. Had to walk around downtown Berkeley for awhile.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Apple endive salad was a perfect mixture of flavors and textures. I would call this a destination salad because I would drive to eat this again :). Also had the Casanova pizza, which was also very tasty. The crust was perfect and had just the slightest char for added flavor. I will be back for the salad as well as to try many of the other pizzas. This place is legitimately yummy.”
“My wife found Mary Kate’s baking before she found a permanent spot, and I have been following her from pop up to this location. I tell everyone about sesame, it is my favorite bakery. The food is fresh, seasonal, organic, creative, and expertly crafted. The people working there are all happy and wonderful, it really is a magical little place. I personally love their cookies, pavlova, galette de rois, frangipane tart, and pumpkin pie. The menu is always changing so be sure to go often!”
“Lexie's Frozen Custard has some of the nicest customer service and best dessert in Berkeley. I've been a regular here for about a year now, and just realized I never wrote a review! When I fell outside their store, they offered me an ice pack. Today they gave me two cherries in my sundae, so I have sworn allegiance to them forever. My favorite flavor of the day that has ever happened is banana caramel, but I also have enjoyed most of their flavors of the day. If I don't like their flavor of the day, I get a brownie sundae or a lemon raspberry sundae. Anyway, very tasty, highly recommended.”
“So this place has something going with the baguette sandwiches. There's not really anywhere within a 10 block radius to get anything that feels like an actual breakfast option that's not a sweet pastry . The problem is that they're served late and the veggie option runs out fast, usually with a mountain of ham & cheese remaining.
Would be cool to have two vegetarian options or just make more cause I'd eat these for breakfast and / or lunch any time.”
“How am I the first person to review this place?? Laura is one of the best in the industry. For those that don't know, she was the right arm for Toni Gemignani, arguably the most famous pizza maker on the planet, through a whole bunch of his concepts since the beginning of both of their careers. She opened her own place in Berkeley and it's great to see her continuing to thrive at the level she did with Tony. Also the food is really good. The sleeper here might be the pasta which gets as much love as the pizzas.”
“Very friendly owner. Offered 5% discount on cash payments. We ordered 3 dishes. Kaokao chicken, char siu over rice, and beef brisket noodle soup. The star of the meal was the char siu over rice. We’ll reorder that for sure. The beef brisket’s soup was soy sauce forward, my husband enjoyed the noodle but it was a tad too soft for me. The kaokao chicken is very well cooked, moist chicken, but it was a confused dish imo, so it is not a dish we would reorder. Overall good tasting food, we’d come back for the char siu. The restaurant was very smokey, and it stuck to my body and clothes all day after. So I would not come here before going anywhere important, so you’ll smell of bbq.”
“i got the falafel plate with a side of pita, and a cookie. i’m giving it 4 stars cus the plate only came with two falafels. i was at least hoping for a 3 for the price. they were good tho”
“How am I the first person to review this place?? Laura is one of the best in the industry. For those that don't know, she was the right arm for Toni Gemignani, arguably the most famous pizza maker on the planet, through a whole bunch of his concepts since the beginning of both of their careers. She opened her own place in Berkeley and it's great to see her continuing to thrive at the level she did with Tony. Also the food is really good. The sleeper here might be the pasta which gets as much love as the pizzas.”
Outdoor Dining
“Very friendly owner. Offered 5% discount on cash payments. We ordered 3 dishes. Kaokao chicken, char siu over rice, and beef brisket noodle soup. The star of the meal was the char siu over rice. We’ll reorder that for sure. The beef brisket’s soup was soy sauce forward, my husband enjoyed the noodle but it was a tad too soft for me. The kaokao chicken is very well cooked, moist chicken, but it was a confused dish imo, so it is not a dish we would reorder. Overall good tasting food, we’d come back for the char siu. The restaurant was very smokey, and it stuck to my body and clothes all day after. So I would not come here before going anywhere important, so you’ll smell of bbq.”
“I was there yesterday and had the Killer BLAT I didn't know if I would like it but turns out I loved it and I will return it was so good. It's a great place that you have to try.”
“Exceptional neopolotan style pizza. The sauce is light, but held a depth of flavor that lingers in the aftermath. The crust is near perfection. Please don't call it burnt. it's not. Burnt implies mistake. THAT crust is no mistake. I would highly recommend you sit down and eat it right out of the oven. Plus, the outdoor seating in a beautiful rose garden is a nice touch.”
“The 10 piece nigiri set is an amazing deal. I added an uni nigiri and was happy I did. Itani was recommended to me by a friend and I had it bookmarked - so glad I did! I was in the area and this was the perfect quick and delicious meal I needed. If I lived closer, I’d be here all the time. I highly recommend giving it a try!”
“This was my second time dining here, and it completely solidified this restaurant as one of my absolute favorites. I would easily eat here every single week if I lived closer!
During this visit, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with the owner. She is incredibly smart, passionate, and empathetic, and it truly shows in every aspect of the restaurant. I love the way she pours her love for her hometown into the menu and remains unapologetically authentic to her roots.
That dedication translates perfectly into the food—every dish feels personal, deeply flavorful, and genuinely authentic. It is rare to find a place that hits the perfect balance of amazing hospitality and outstanding, uncompromising regional flavors.
If you haven't been yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. It is a true gem!”
“Absolutely love this place! I've been here for a date, a family dinner, and with a big group, and it has always been fantastic. IMO Burma Berkeley makes the best Burmese food in the East Bay (including the 925). Rich flavors across the menu, great control on spice levels, super-fresh and flavorful vegetables, and generous portions (in addition to being delicious, it is a great value). Service is friendly and welcoming, the food comes fast, and the noise level is perfect for conversation (not too quiet, not too loud).”
“Great thai food spot! Will for sure come back and try more food. The tom yum and the rib eye green curry are so tastety! This place reminds me of being in bangkok few years ago 😍”
“This was my second time dining here, and it completely solidified this restaurant as one of my absolute favorites. I would easily eat here every single week if I lived closer!
During this visit, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with the owner. She is incredibly smart, passionate, and empathetic, and it truly shows in every aspect of the restaurant. I love the way she pours her love for her hometown into the menu and remains unapologetically authentic to her roots.
That dedication translates perfectly into the food—every dish feels personal, deeply flavorful, and genuinely authentic. It is rare to find a place that hits the perfect balance of amazing hospitality and outstanding, uncompromising regional flavors.
If you haven't been yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. It is a true gem!”
“I enjoy this restaurant very much. The food is excellent and fresh. it’s served hot every time. The servers can speed up with taking orders but otherwise, they are o.k. The restaurant is ok. The seating is too close for me but I get it. There’s No parking. It’s excellent.”
Online Reservation Available
“Got there in time for both lunch (12-4pm) and happy hour (3-5pm) so enjoyed their lunch meal along with $2 off a beer.
The lunch meal can be enough for two people since we left stuffed and still took some to-go. The food was delicious and served quickly so no complaints there.
Only annoying thing was little knats and flies flying around while we ate but not sure how they'll control that besides closing door.”
“I enjoy this restaurant very much. The food is excellent and fresh. it’s served hot every time. The servers can speed up with taking orders but otherwise, they are o.k. The restaurant is ok. The seating is too close for me but I get it. There’s No parking. It’s excellent.”
“A wonderful addition to the Westbrae neighborhood! We've been watching and waiting and yesterday my husband and I discovered Adega Azul is finally open. Inviting atmosphere, friendly owner, a thoughtfully curated collection of wines for sale. And a charming place for an afternoon glass of rosé and savory Brazilian pastries.”
“Yesterday I had the pleasure of walking into this family owned establishment, The environment was clean, and the people were very kind. The menu was exceptional with great prices. I got the chicken Marcella, the naan, and the salmon which was the daily special. The chicken Masala was perfectly spiced. I got the mild because I can't eat spicy food. I dipped the naan in it and it tasted perfect. The naan was big and fresh and its own separate bag, so I was able to take it home and munch on it later now the salmon was delicious. It was super crispy and juicy on the inside, and the seasoning was complementary to the fish. it was wonderful to be able to talk to the Chef and get to know the people that cooked my food. The chef that's been working there. He's on the establishment for a while and he's been cooking for over 40 years. He also told me that he is from New York, which definitely shows in his food because this Indian Pakistani restaurant is definitely authentic. I will drive an hour and a half to come back here again. Definitely would recommend them for Catering or a nice dinner date.”
“ and they put their own twists on classic Spanish tapas dishes.
I was happy to see a nice little neighborhood spot like this absolutely jumping on a Saturday evening for dinner. And service was still professional, fast, and as friendly as possible considering the crowd. Reservations highly recommended.”
“Insanely good. Overall. Best fried chicken I’ve ever had, 2nd favorite were the skewers. Onigiri, Scallion Pancake, Chicken Skin, Bacon Wrapped Mochi were all insanely good. Only things I would have skipped were the mushrooms and eggplant. Mushrooms were very interesting, didn’t like the eggplant tho. All 3 of us ended full and it was very reasonable price, not expensive at all. Top 3 best if not the best restaurants in the bay.”
“Arvin and Puja prepare authentic Nepalese Food that is delicious. My favorites are the Palak Panner, Mixed Vegetable, and Paneer Tikamasala as I am vegetarian. The Nan and Roti are to die for. I love the down to earth homie atmosphere and friendly service. It you want good quality wholesome food in a relaxed and friendly setting, this is your place. I highly recommend Mount Everest to anyone.”
“I've been living in the neighborhood for years and I've noticed this spot and I've always wanted to check it out. Thank God I finally did. The food was excellent. The chicken was tender. The lamb and beef shawarma was delightful
Falafel was seasoned and cooked to perfection.
I will be back!”
“love this place. Food is fresh and delicious. Owner is also very hospitable and always greets us with a warm 😃”
“The food is SO GOOD and also extremely healthy! Very rare to find. Good price options for anyone. Click on their website to see the daily menu, then you can doordash if you don’t live nearby. You know what you have to do. Time to place an order! (Get. the. momos)”
“Got there in time for both lunch (12-4pm) and happy hour (3-5pm) so enjoyed their lunch meal along with $2 off a beer.
The lunch meal can be enough for two people since we left stuffed and still took some to-go. The food was delicious and served quickly so no complaints there.
Only annoying thing was little knats and flies flying around while we ate but not sure how they'll control that besides closing door.”
24 Hour Restaurants
“Loved the decor and the vibe,great place to hang out with friends.The food was absolutely delicious! The flavors were spot on.If you're in the area, this place is a must-try!”
“Super delicious and healthy food, it’s exactly what my body needs for lunch every day! Staff were lovely as well and the overall atmosphere was really bright and calm. Can’t wait to go back!”
Takeout Restaurants
“Both hands up for this wonderful coffee place I happened to stumble upon, right outside the skirts of Downtown Berkeley. They're located right on the intersection of MLK and University, right behind the Indian restaurant.
This coffee place is honestly a little bit small, so please proceed with caution at all costs. But it really makes you feel cozy at home. They do have upstairs seating, but rather really limited. It will be full at times, and at times, not at all. It depends on the time that you go.
They have a wide assortment of sweet and savory pastries available as well. I got their ham & cheese scone, as well as their speciality drink, their banana cream iced coffee. I love how balanced their iced coffee is with the banana cream, which surprisingly, is made with ACTUAL banana puree made from actual bananas.
The barista who made my drink was very nice and very chill, and served it rather quick. That's what's up!
If you're looking for a locally-owned coffee shop right here in Berkeley, look no further than Bench Coffee! Trust me, it will be a trip worth it :)”
“Vegan (& Gluten-free) flavors! I loved the pluot, the dark chocolate, and the walnut (that has no pieces of nuts in it, which is really helpful to those like me who can’t have much fiber). Additionally, I found all three flavors more refreshing than (sickeningly) heavy, and the flavors 🤩 🎇—like the grand finale of a fireworks show for the taste buds. I’ve only had about a spoonful of each so far but am in love 😍🤤😋. I didn’t go to the shop, someone brought me some, so I’m not able to give my opinion on the actual shop. From what I heard, though, it wasn’t as crazy as many ice cream places are on hot weekends! 😊”
“My dinner partner and I both agree that the physical atmosphere, and food were excellent. The place was almost empty on a Sunday night yet the service was mediocre. We had to keep tracking down the waiter for our hot water for the tea, box for take away, etc. Inattentive. The staff also seemed unhappy or dissatisfied with their jobs. The prices have gone up so don’t feel we got value for our money”
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“I went at 8:10PM (20 minutes before closing), and they treated me so kindly and let me stay and eat past the closing time. I had a great experience because not only was the food delicious, so was the service, ambiance, and treatment. The food is 100% made with love and you can taste it.”
“Absolutely love this place! I've been here for a date, a family dinner, and with a big group, and it has always been fantastic. IMO Burma Berkeley makes the best Burmese food in the East Bay (including the 925). Rich flavors across the menu, great control on spice levels, super-fresh and flavorful vegetables, and generous portions (in addition to being delicious, it is a great value). Service is friendly and welcoming, the food comes fast, and the noise level is perfect for conversation (not too quiet, not too loud).”
“The food here was great! The momo dumpling sampler plate, the stir fried veggie noodles with tofu, and the tofu chips (tofu fries) were so delicious. Would come back for sure next time we’re in Berkeley. Interesting & good flavors. Updated from previous review on 2026-06-08”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“WHEN: Sat @6pm
PARKING: There is metered parking around, and is free after 6pm. It may be a bit tricky especially around meal time, but keep circling and you’ll find a spot near by enough.
This cute little ramen shop has such perfect lighting coming through thanks to thier skylight. We weren’t actually hungry so we shared the following:
TONKOTSU - $16.50 (Regular)
Pork Belly Chashu, Bamboo Shoots, Red Onion, Wood Ear Mushrooms, Green Onion, Ajitama Egg.
You get a choice of noodles to pick:
1.) Hakata - Thin Straight
2.) Sapporo - Medium Thick Wavy
Figured since it’s my first time here, I choose the most basic version of their bowl of ramen. I chose Sapparo and for some reason expected it to be thicker/wider, but regardless it was still good! The presentation of this bowl is just gorgeous, served on a small wooden platter. The red onion is chopped, and the pork Belly is quite tender. Regarding the egg, you get just half. Overall this bowl of ramen is creamy, rich, and the right amount of flavor and salt. But still make sure to drink at least a glass of water!
CREAMY CHASHU PORK CROQUETTES - $8.50
I have never seen anything like this so I must give it a try! It actually didn’t come out piping hot, so I was able to drive in right away! It was definitely creamy (like ramen) and had pieces of the Chasu pork, encased in a crispy and warm batter that was deep fried. It also comes with a katsu sauce and I really enjoyed it.
The staff was friendly and didn’t make us feel bad for ordering enough of just one, but man I was so full. Had to walk around downtown Berkeley for awhile.”
“I recently visited Roaming Bean Coffee, an outdoor gem that exceeded all my expectations! My drink was perfectly balanced with rich, smooth flavor and delightful frothy top. The staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive. Overall, Roaming Bean Coffee is a fantastic spot for coffee lovers looking for tranquil outdoor setting!”
“The food here was great! The momo dumpling sampler plate, the stir fried veggie noodles with tofu, and the tofu chips (tofu fries) were so delicious. Would come back for sure next time we’re in Berkeley. Interesting & good flavors. Updated from previous review on 2026-06-08”
“My review is for Niurka to be honest it is the best service I have received in years I was very satisfied the first time that I had to come again. And once again best service she treats everyone very I kind with wonderful service.”
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Cheap Eats
“There were three in my party. We ducked in here to take a break from the cold rain. We ordered a chai, a golden/turmeric chai, and a caffé latté, all with oat milk. It’s our first try of oat milk. We all liked it a lot. The foam on my golden chai was lovely. I’d reorder it anytime. I tried my mate’s latté with oat milk, I can recommend it. The pastries we ordered were all worth the consumption. I’m so glad there was one pretzel cheese bun left. It was delicious even though it wasn’t warm. I highly recommend them. We also ordered a quiche, a chocolate croissant, and an almond pastry. They were all superb. The almond pastry which was super light and flaky tasted like baklava more so than an almond filling. I liked the vibe here. So often I want to grab my order and split, not here. I felt fine taking refuge from the outside environs. The staff were sweet regardless of their spoken English being nearly impossible to understand. It was cool assuming they were part of the refugee program. It felt good being a patron there and the inspired conversation it led to. I am sure my party was surprised I was already knowledgeable about the topic on current refugees. That made our café and conversation time only that much more enjoyable.”
“Kind and welcoming staff. Told them we are doing a tour of all the Yemeni coffee shops around. Good times.
We got an orange blossom mint latte and a knafeh cheesecake to share.
Best decision for 10pm Berkeley. Both were well made and enjoyable.
Coffee was a touch on the sweeter side, NBD.
They put a dried orange slice and mint cluster on top. Cute.
5/5 will come again.”
“Service was phenomenal and the food was delicious! The wait for seating was a bit lengthy but it was totally worth the wait! You 'MUST' eat here! The best part....Arnold!! He is simply amazing!”
“My dinner partner and I both agree that the physical atmosphere, and food were excellent. The place was almost empty on a Sunday night yet the service was mediocre. We had to keep tracking down the waiter for our hot water for the tea, box for take away, etc. Inattentive. The staff also seemed unhappy or dissatisfied with their jobs. The prices have gone up so don’t feel we got value for our money”
“Oh how I miss Anchalee! Beautiful cozy decor and the food is amazing. I have great memories of this place. Time to make my way back to enjoy.”
“Exceptional neopolotan style pizza. The sauce is light, but held a depth of flavor that lingers in the aftermath. The crust is near perfection. Please don't call it burnt. it's not. Burnt implies mistake. THAT crust is no mistake. I would highly recommend you sit down and eat it right out of the oven. Plus, the outdoor seating in a beautiful rose garden is a nice touch.”
“It was our first time, as it was recommended by a friend that came with us. Service is wonderful. Friendly, polite, explained everything, and we had great hot pot. My kids liked it too. We plan on coming back.”
“ and they put their own twists on classic Spanish tapas dishes.
I was happy to see a nice little neighborhood spot like this absolutely jumping on a Saturday evening for dinner. And service was still professional, fast, and as friendly as possible considering the crowd. Reservations highly recommended.”
“We are new to the area/California from NY we were delighted to find pizza as amazing as home! Friendly owner and staff.”
“Lovely lounge-y feel to this lovely wine bar. Great selection of wines, easy street parking right on University or neighborhood. Wonderful place to spend an evening with friends.”
“everyone in there is very friendly and the desserts are excellent. My compliments to Martha Stewart. I love the lemon cookies. All of the lemon products are excellent to me as well as the Dubai chocolate cookie really good”
“This is a very nice restaurant with delicious food. The menu options are varied and all satisfying. Service is friendly and the atmosphere is also very relaxed. We sat in the patio and there was live music. Came back already.”
“Simple the best Indian / Nepalese food I have ever had period. +20 yrs in the Bay and we are blessed with so many great options - but this place takes the cake. Service was also stellar. It is now my go-to for Indian food. Garlic Naan, Saag Paneer and Tandoori Chicken fantastic.”
“Excellent!!! I recently had lunch there, and we couldn't stop praising the service and food.”
“Cozy dim lit environment with authentic flavor. The cuisine is always on the richer side when it comes to flavor. The authenticity is worthy of elevated attention and the taste deserves to be experienced. My go to is the tandoori chicken, always seasoned to perfection. The lentil soup is my wife’s favorite and even I cannot refuse a bowl. Overall the service and food is top notch. Hospitality and flavors galore.”
“A wonderful addition to the Westbrae neighborhood! We've been watching and waiting and yesterday my husband and I discovered Adega Azul is finally open. Inviting atmosphere, friendly owner, a thoughtfully curated collection of wines for sale. And a charming place for an afternoon glass of rosé and savory Brazilian pastries.”
“I lived in Berkeley in the 80’s & early 90’s. To this day, I miss their veggie pot stickers & Kung Pao Chicken. I love the Long Life Vegi House 💚💚💚”
“I don't go to Julia's for lunch very often but had lunch there with two good friends recently. The food was excellent (echoed by my two friends) and the atmosphere was relaxed and relatively quiet even the the restaurant was quite busy. I'll be back for lunch.”
“Authentic noodle bar in Berkeley.
Try to be as early as they open, or else you will be in the queue.
Ribs noodle has a huge portion, enough for two people; 24-hour stew is very tasty.
5/5”
“Very nice and generous service, delicious food, loved the green tea. A whole veggie page on the menu! Will come again. Keep on going what you are doing. A happy vegan”
“Great music venue, small feel with top notch sound and production, connected to a great ale house with good food, full bar and super professional staff.”
“Arvin and Puja prepare authentic Nepalese Food that is delicious. My favorites are the Palak Panner, Mixed Vegetable, and Paneer Tikamasala as I am vegetarian. The Nan and Roti are to die for. I love the down to earth homie atmosphere and friendly service. It you want good quality wholesome food in a relaxed and friendly setting, this is your place. I highly recommend Mount Everest to anyone.”
“The 10 piece nigiri set is an amazing deal. I added an uni nigiri and was happy I did. Itani was recommended to me by a friend and I had it bookmarked - so glad I did! I was in the area and this was the perfect quick and delicious meal I needed. If I lived closer, I’d be here all the time. I highly recommend giving it a try!”
“Top notch drinks and personalities behind the bar, we will back. My only regret is that I waited this long to go there.”
“Super delicious 👍 I never eat Japan food super good like this before.”
“Amazing lunch! My husband and I went for a date, got the spicy edamame and several different types of sushi. Everything was delicious, and the servers were amazing. Everything came out quickly and we had a great time.”
“Authentic fresh ingredients/spices, excellent customer services and now my fav thai restaurant ! If you haven’t tried it do so soon😋”
“It’s the best Restaurant in town came with Family and we had a great time! Food was great and drinks 🍹 we all loved the dessert as well! Just amazing service and food! My Favorite for sure! 2914 College Ave Berkeley Ca”
“Cha-Ya is very good traditional Japanese food that is all vegan. All of their food is excellent from the sushi to the udon to the various small plate offerings. The ingredients are so fresh and high quality and the food is so comforting and delicious. Prices are quite reasonable, but be aware that it is cash or venmo only. There is rarely a wait for a table, and the service is quick and friendly. It's got a homey/old school vibe and isn't a chic modern place, but that's a good match to the very homey traditional food. Highly recommend if you want a big meal that will leave you feeling great at the end.”
“What a surprise! I stopped going to this local restaurant pre pandemic because the whole experience had gone downhill, both in house and to go.
Now many years later I really wanted szechuan food and decided to give them another try.
What a change for the better!
The order was ready on time.
The containers were bulging with food.
the cumin lamb was no longer 90%peppers.
The chow fun was not swimming in oil.
The food was delicious and plentiful.
We will certainly be back and I'm so delightfully surprised in this time when restaurants are feeling the pinch. Everything was so different and just what I wanted.”
“Wow!! How lucky that my son has this spot right down the street. We came here after graduation last week and they were AWESOME! Our server, the bartender, the manager- everyone checked in and made our afternoon delightful! We are happy that we have a Headlands in Lafayette too! Definitely recommend!”
“Need to let go? Relax? Animate? Subjugate those anxious waves of uncertainty?
Kinda Izakaya is more, it's the kind.
Just don't get too loud, it's most impolite in this kinda place.”
“Julia's was wonderful! Came in for lunch, it wasn't too busy we didn't have much of a wait. Food was amazing our group had a steak, cauliflower soup and the chicken sandwich. Each meal comes with a huge portion of fries, and it was all so good. Jenna was our server she was so sweet and knowledgeable about the menu. :) will definitely be back. Easy to park as well”
“i been to this restaurant many times al the people who work there make you feel like home the food always delicious always . they very fast with everything and they clean and they always serving the food more than enough. i love this restaurant i highly recommended them for anybody’s looking to have a great Chinese food”
“I love this place!!
The service and vibe is amazing!! And they’re passionate about their tea and are so helpful is helping find the right tea for the customer! I love the Tea bar seating they’ve!!
I spent a good 2-3 hours catching up with my best friend!
I loved my Ali Shan, 24-hr roasted tea!
They also sell teaware. And, they’ve events every once in a while!
If you’re in Berkeley, go here for some really good tea!! 😊”
“Love this brewery! Not only do they make delicious beer and food but also help the environment, animals, LGBT, and people in need. The service was excellent and atmosphere comfortable.”
“Five stars. The food and service here are impeccable. New favorite neighborhood restaurant.”
“Authentic Japanese cuisine and warm environment near downtown Berkeley. Servers are always welcoming and friendly. I love how fast the food is well prepared and served at Musashi. My friends and I often come here during lunch hours, and although the restaurant is packed, we never felt less attention or being rushed. Also the noodles are very delicious!”
“This is a classic place that I hadn’t been to since I was in college. It hasn’t changed a bit. The decor is really cool and the food is very good. Prices are a little bit high, considering what you get. Service was good, but not great. I was surprised at how long it took for the food to get there. The servers and staff were very nice. The place is a bit off the beaten path, but if you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth checking out.”
“Insanely good. Overall. Best fried chicken I’ve ever had, 2nd favorite were the skewers. Onigiri, Scallion Pancake, Chicken Skin, Bacon Wrapped Mochi were all insanely good. Only things I would have skipped were the mushrooms and eggplant. Mushrooms were very interesting, didn’t like the eggplant tho. All 3 of us ended full and it was very reasonable price, not expensive at all. Top 3 best if not the best restaurants in the bay.”
“Definitely recommend this place! first time here and I can't wait to come back next time I'm in Berkeley!! Food is delicious!”
“Just had the most delicious meal for one at noor last night - was blown away and will be coming back for more. Pictures show chicken malai boti, regular naan, and Babos Panjiri peach chaat.”
“Excellent foods, friendly staffs! We really love to have dinner here~ Absolutely, I will visit again when I come back to Berkeley!”
“Most legit North Indian food in all of Bay Area. Don’t even think just go here. Saag tastes just like Indian homemade saag! Everything is made fresh so expect a little wait if you want perfect naans.”
“The atmosphere was absolutely relaxing with an inviting appeal. The wines were unique and very smooth. For those who think they do not like wine, I challenge you to try these wines”
“came here for lunch after a local friend kept telling me i had to try it. the burrito was solid, really good flavors and decent portions for the price. i liked that they had plenty of vegetarian options too which is always a win. the only thing is the seating area is pretty cramped and it was hard to find a spot during the rush. also my order took a little longer than i expected but it was worth the wait honestly. id come back if im in the area and craving something quick.”
“Cute location in Northbrae, friendly and family oriented location. Sometimes you're lucky and find parking in front, don't park at the grocery store across the street and walk over. The wait for a table is never long, I usually come in dinner on a weekday so there's no wait. Weekend dinners can be a 10-20 min wait, better than many Japanese restaurants. The wait for your order is short too, the ost I've waited was a little less than 15 min. The food is great, the portion is great, the prices are fair, you can be happy with several appetizers to save money. A mixed vegetable tempura plate and house salad is filling. Everything is a win here, haven't had a bad meal yet.”
“i’ come from marin to eat here with friends today i had 2 friends for lunch and we got 1buffet and 2 meals . i asked the young lady if i got a buffet could i take it out with my meal . i guess she misunderstood me and preferred to throw it away as to let me take it home i won’t return again. although food is good all the ethiopian restaurants nearby are good”
“This place is one of the best whisky bars I've ever been to. They have a phenomenal selection across styles and ages, including some rare releases from closed down distilleries, or some vintage bottles you can enjoy as cocktails. The staff are super welcoming. The bar is relaxed and if you didn't look at the drinks closely, you might think it's a dive bar (in the best possible way). Definite recommend for a chance to try some special drinks.”
“Food is great ! Service is so so . They did forget a dish and were a bit slow even after the happy hour rush ended . They brought the bill before asking whether we wanted dessert ( we did ) this time and the last time we came . Still I’d go back as the food is too good!”
“My favorite is Su Kho Thai...A hot and sour soup base with rice noodles, ground pork, pork, crispies. Great for a cold day like today.”
“Amazing sushi rolls and great service. Try it. I promise you won't be disappointed.”
“My experience at Passione Caffè in their gorgeous two-story, well-decorated café at 91 Shattuck Square was simply marvelous. The staff was friendly, quick, and accommodating and the food, drinks, and desserts were delicious! I highly recommend Passione Caffè to those looking for a quick and yummy lunch (or breakfast/brunch everyday), to snack and study, or for an authentic Italian coffee. Don’t miss out on the great happy hour/aperativo deals between 4-7PM! It almost goes without mentioning, but Passione Caffè is absolutely true to its slogan: “A corner of Italy in Berkeley.” From the food and drink to the atmosphere and the service, this is the only truly Italian café I have found in Berkeley! And that comes from over a year of experience living and traveling in Italy! Besides the beautiful architecture and interior design of Passione Caffè—not to mention its convenient location next to Downtown Berkeley BART—I would like to point out some highlights on the menu. The pastas are all made with homemade, organic noodles and made-to-order sauces. The pasta dishes are so fresh and authentic! The spaghetti with meatballs, their only Americanized dish, is to die for! The pizzas also are also made with home-made dough and gluten-free options are offered. Try one with fresh prosciutto, mozzarella, and arugula! The fresh panini with Italian meats and cheeses round out the lunch menu. It is possible to have a filling lunch for $7-15, which is definitely reasonably priced by Berkeley standards! A serious final highlight was the artisanal gelato, made in-house by the Italian co-owner, Eleanora Cercatore. There are 12 flavors, weekly made with gluten-free options, that are displayed on a beautiful rotating wheel. The gelato is spectacularly tasty—I cannot recommend it highly enough! For your time, money, and fine Italian bites and drinks, I cannot recommend a Berkeley café more highly than Passione Caffè! Please pay them a visit soon—you won’t be disappointed!”
“The food was delicious, the service was fantastic and the vibes were immaculate. It's a cute diner with good music, cleanly spaces, and the staff who are so friendly and helpful. The food was delicious. I have a pretty strict diet but they made me feel okay with those restrictions and catered to my needs. I will be back!”
“Forgot to take pictures of the food but my friend and I split our sandwiches. Half buttermilk fried chicken and half crab salad on sourdough. Both worth it. Tea after. Really lovely.”
“Ajanta offers a lovely dining experience, perfect for a special occasion. Good food elegantly presented, fine service, and a very pretty dining room. This is the kind of restaurant that seems to be disappearing, and I, for one, am excited that I can still enjoy a white tablecloth meal with friends and family close to my home.”
“Yummy Chinese food! Potstickers are made fresh
Vegetarian options: vegetarian options available
Dietary restrictions: vegetarian options available, but it is an asian restaurant so dont expect a whole bunch of options for dietary restrictions like Kosher, vegan, nut free etc
Parking: located on the corner of a street, a couple of parking spots available
Kid-friendliness: kid friendly but a lot of spicy dishes
Wheelchair accessibility: not wheelchair accessible, need to go up stairs”
“Meski, the prior owner, passed away unexpectedly in March 2019. The restaurant is now being successfully run by her adult son. They have expanded the outdoor dining area and it is really cute. Yesterday, they were celebrating an Ethiopian baptism. All the women looked so good in their Habesha dresses. Stop by to eat and support the restaurant!”
Latest Reviews
“Arvin and Puja prepare authentic Nepalese Food that is delicious. My favorites are the Palak Panner, Mixed Vegetable, and Paneer Tikamasala as I am vegetarian. The Nan and Roti are to die for. I love the down to earth homie atmosphere and friendly service. It you want good quality wholesome food in a relaxed and friendly setting, this is your place. I highly recommend Mount Everest to anyone.”
“I enjoy this restaurant very much. The food is excellent and fresh. it’s served hot every time. The servers can speed up with taking orders but otherwise, they are o.k. The restaurant is ok. The seating is too close for me but I get it. There’s No parking. It’s excellent.”
“i’ come from marin to eat here with friends today i had 2 friends for lunch and we got 1buffet and 2 meals . i asked the young lady if i got a buffet could i take it out with my meal . i guess she misunderstood me and preferred to throw it away as to let me take it home i won’t return again. although food is good all the ethiopian restaurants nearby are good”
“This is the perfect neighborhood Italian place like in Manhattan or SanFrancisco. Absolutely delicious, we’ll-crafted Italian food that elevates the ingredients. My husband and I split a pizza and each had a salad plus a bottle of wine. Pizza amazing, wines amazing, salads lovely. Been wondering why Berkeley didn’t have places like this.”
Most Popular Restaurants
“I was there yesterday and had the Killer BLAT I didn't know if I would like it but turns out I loved it and I will return it was so good. It's a great place that you have to try.”
New Restaurants
“Best ice cream I’ve EVER had and probably the only thing I will miss when I leave this school. I’m sorry I doubted you when my friends said this is life changing ice cream. My biggest support during exam season. There must be magic in these ice cream because all the flavors are so perfect. I order a fruit freeze 50/50 every time and i REALLY REALLY RECOMMEND trying the fruit freezes. I do guava and cereal milk and oh my godddd they balance out soooo perfectly. It was so good I started buying pints of cereal milk. I wish I could buy the guava in pints too. Best thing in Berkeley, genuinely changed my life”
“Had a great dining experience here food was amazing and the customer service was even better Clarence the server had a great attitude let us stay and eat our food a whole 30 minutes after closing. The affordable pricing is just a cherry on top. Big fan of this place for sure will come again.”
“massive sandwich with a big pile of salad on the side!!! the heat came out warm & tangy with a good kick to it but not so spicy that it was uncomfortable to eat. portions were big enough that i could have shared my meal with another person.
i also got a cup of famously stretchy booza, which seems to be very hard to find in the bay area. they have a couple of flavours but i went with mastic which had subtle floral taste. you can add toppings like petals, pistachios, & kadayif- i got everything but the kadayif was stale unfortunately.
the guy who took my order was also a little unfriendly & it almost felt like i was inconveniencing him for ordering. anyways this is a cool place for either a sweet treat or a meal. definitely will be back to try some of their drinks & the knafeh…”
“I recently got a chance to visit Masterpiece Coffee in Berkeley. They focus on specialty coffee produced in Yunnan, China, with Asian-inspired drinks served at a kiosk. Their specialty is Chinese coffee, slow bar pour over, a minimal menu, and uniquely crafted drinks. Young Sun takes incredible pride in every cup, and my experience was truly heavenly!”
“We had a wonderful meal here! I got carne asada which was my favorite and queso birria which was good as well. My dad loved the shrimp tacos. The back patio is the perfect place to watch the World Cup! Absolutely keeping this place on my list of favorites! And they were exceedingly accommodating, my dad is allergic to cilantro and they accommodated him completely!”
“I’ve been to the other locations, too—it’s my favorite spot. The food is delicious, the service is excellent, and it’s always a pleasure to come back. I highly recommend it; I always leave feeling happy, satisfied, and light.”