Restaurants in Berkeley
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Best Restaurants
“Often come here for my birthday. This place makes me overjoyed that I can really enjoy complex types of sushi again (after transitioning from pescetarian). A lot of places that serve meat sushi with vegan/vegetarian sushi options, tend to make them bland and overly simple (since it's usually something secondary to cater to have something at all for vegs). This place knows how to make them extremely rich and complex in flavor and texture, satisfying, filling and fun. There is a lot of love with these sushi. I highly recommend the Barbers, which is like playing Russian Roulette by including one random spicy sushi... if you get it, you're supposed to take the included shot of saké. But my absolute-absolute favorite is the The Wedge, the flavor and texture is absolutely amazing. This time around, also had the Sunset again (which has the fun display of fire), and Leahi (beets, vegan cream cheese and cashew sprinkles!)”
“Some of the best pizza I've ever had (I got the LoLo #teampineapple). Top tier thin crust with amazing quality toppings. Place is cozy, packed, and upscale but informal. The upstairs is cool.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Toda la comida es deliciosa y saludable, el personal muy amable y rápidos, muy recomendable para comer en ese lugar, regreso siempre!”
“Lucia’s is our favorite pizza restaurant, and a fav in general. The owners and staff are super nice. And they really take food restrictions seriously. One of our family is celiac and so we started going for an amazing GF pies!! But everything is delicious. Reservations are always a good idea here. We even had them cater a milestone birthday party with their super cute wood-fired traveling pizza oven.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Lunched here several times - offerings are light, tasty, and healthy. Coffee drinks are solid. Pretty space with ample seating, good for meetups or solo dining. Moderate noise on the quieter side. A separate communal table area where kids / families gravitate makes it kidfriendly. Largely self-service.”
“Often come here for my birthday. This place makes me overjoyed that I can really enjoy complex types of sushi again (after transitioning from pescetarian). A lot of places that serve meat sushi with vegan/vegetarian sushi options, tend to make them bland and overly simple (since it's usually something secondary to cater to have something at all for vegs). This place knows how to make them extremely rich and complex in flavor and texture, satisfying, filling and fun. There is a lot of love with these sushi. I highly recommend the Barbers, which is like playing Russian Roulette by including one random spicy sushi... if you get it, you're supposed to take the included shot of saké. But my absolute-absolute favorite is the The Wedge, the flavor and texture is absolutely amazing. This time around, also had the Sunset again (which has the fun display of fire), and Leahi (beets, vegan cream cheese and cashew sprinkles!)”
“Rolled up at 7:20 AM on a Saturday and found parking very easily on the street in front and practically no line. Caneles weren't available but I don't know if that was because someone had managed to clean shop in 20 minutes or they weren't ready yet. We got:
Quiche Lorraine: excellent, stood up well to microwave reheating and really appreciated the saltiness from the ham, was a full meal with some fruit and a slice of the walnut loaf on the side
Chocolate almond croissant: excellent texture and sweetness
Pain au chocolat: it was good but probably wouldn't buy again simply because I think other things taste better and are more worth the calories/money
Cardamom and walnut scone: my sleeper hit, ordered it because I saw someone else raving about it and wow wow wow so unassuming looking but maybe my favorite?
Ham and cheese cup: my husband's favorite; I had doubts about the hard boiled egg inside as I'm not generally a fan but it wasn't chalky in the slightest
Walnut bread: texture is perfect, soft yet with great body, one of the best loaves I've had in a long time
Caneles: didn't buy this time but have before and they are *chef's kiss*, perfect little hint of alcohol, burnt (but not bitter) sugar taste
Also bought Paris-Brest but that's for dessert tonight.”
“It's rare that everything a bakery makes is extraordinary. Even more so, it's one that you simply stumble upon.
I wouldn't have even known it was there if not for their sandwich board sign a couple blocks away amid a budding food district. By contrast, Sesame is tucked away in a quiet warehouse that I've gone past many times without notice. I had already gotten a box of pastries at another bakery but...when in West Berk on a Sunday morn.
I cannot say for certain everything is extraordinary with just one visit but I hope to verify with future ones. Everything was imbued with care, detail, & delight: staff & their service, hand written & watercolor menus & signage, and each of 4 items that I'd get again.
The chocolate chip cookie was lightly salted and still gooey with crispy edges. The raspberry graham was everything you wished a linzer had but almost never do - flavorfully fruity jam and a cookie with depth & bite, honey & nuttiness there. And oh boy, the pastries! They weren't able to reheat them, which I enjoy for the crisp but they were pleasantly still crispy. The early girl tomato, herb, & gruyere was peak summer with the tomatoes slightly caramelized & juicy, while the nectarine vanilla danish had the right balance of late summer baked fruit layered on a healthy dallop of vanilla bean flecked custard with a pillowy pastry to hold it all together.
They're known for their cakes - slices, whole, & special ordered. Now that I know, I'll be back to sit down with slice and a cup of the tea in one of their stylized sets plus a box of pastries for there or to-go, pending how many friends I bring along. They have plenty of seating inside or out.”
“Stumbled upon Uli and Squabisch while meeting a friend for lunch nearby, and I’m so glad I did. This is a true mom-and-pop gem in Berkeley — the pretzels are delicious and genuinely creative, not your average twist of dough. Love that they also run monthly pretzel-making classes and cater events. Worth a visit — you won’t be disappointed!”
“Really delicious! Generous topping amount and not too sweet ice cream (perfect). You can get whipped cream and a (high quality, dark) maraschino cherry on top of your scoop.
Our only gripe would be that the texture is more like a soft serve and not like the thick custard we are used to (for example: from Rita’s). The portion is also a bit small but none of these notes would bring my stars down because we would definitely return!!”
“Lucia’s is our favorite pizza restaurant, and a fav in general. The owners and staff are super nice. And they really take food restrictions seriously. One of our family is celiac and so we started going for an amazing GF pies!! But everything is delicious. Reservations are always a good idea here. We even had them cater a milestone birthday party with their super cute wood-fired traveling pizza oven.”
“Lunched here several times - offerings are light, tasty, and healthy. Coffee drinks are solid. Pretty space with ample seating, good for meetups or solo dining. Moderate noise on the quieter side. A separate communal table area where kids / families gravitate makes it kidfriendly. Largely self-service.”
Outdoor Dining
“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.”
“So beautiful. So delicious. All the pastries look like works of art. I personally love the Horseshoe and Jalousie pastry. It’s not too sweet, wonderfully flaky, and very flavorful. The coffee is authentically strong which I really enjoy. The staff is welcoming and friendly. I truly enjoyed visiting and can’t wait to come back!!”
“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.”
“Loved Praaw Thai! We got the Kao Pad Mun Puu, Ribeye Green Curry, and Emily’s Dumplings. The Kao Pad Mun Puu was my favorite, super flavorful and went so well with the soft egg. The ribeye was tender and the green curry was creamy and delicious. Emily’s Dumplings were really good too. I also loved the atmosphere and all the vinyl records on the walls. Such a cute spot, would definitely come back!”
“Food was delicious and the space felt so cozy and cool. Love the supermarket surrounding the tables. The back patio felt like I was at a friend's home for lunch. Staff were kind and attentive. Portion sizes were generous. We were ready for a nap after lunch.
We got the lunch bap-sang with the spicy sticky eggplant and miso seaweed soup and the tofu pancake stir fried udon noodles. Both were excellent. We will certainly be back to try more dishes!”
“I have only had absolutely spectacular experiences here, every single time I’ve come. This is the best ramen I’ve ever had in the Berkeley area! The meal is very hearty and the mushrooms are especially delicious. Apart from the food, the service is excellent.
The first time I came here, they took my coat off the chair and offered to hang it up for me on these hangers next to the door. I’ve never experienced that before. The second time, the food was delicious as always, and the waiter and manager were extremely kind and accommodating to all our dietary restrictions.”
“Super friendly and some of the best smoked meat we’ve had outside of Texas. The manager was super accommodating of my gluten and dairy allergy and made sure to change gloves!”
“Food was delicious and the space felt so cozy and cool. Love the supermarket surrounding the tables. The back patio felt like I was at a friend's home for lunch. Staff were kind and attentive. Portion sizes were generous. We were ready for a nap after lunch.
We got the lunch bap-sang with the spicy sticky eggplant and miso seaweed soup and the tofu pancake stir fried udon noodles. Both were excellent. We will certainly be back to try more dishes!”
Online Reservation Available
“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”
“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.”
“Wow this place punches well above its weight class. Came here for an early Sat dinner with my husband, who is a regular at this place. (Ty to the owner for that delicious dessert item on the way out, wow so yum!)
Got the chicken kebab, chicken shawarma, and Greek salad. Everything was seasoned so perfectly and the rice was pillowy and flavorful. I don't have a bad thing to say about this place. If you're in the area and in the mood for yummy Mediterranean food, then this is your spot. Get a baklava to top everything off. King of kebab is a bold name, but they def hold up to it. Highly recommend.”
“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.”
“Kinda izakaya is a cozy, lively spot with great vibes and friendly service. The menu has plenty of tasty Japanese comfort food—perfect for sharing. Everything we ordered tasted fresh and well-seasoned. Prices are reasonable, and the overall experience feels genuinely enjoyable.”
“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.”
“Loved Praaw Thai! We got the Kao Pad Mun Puu, Ribeye Green Curry, and Emily’s Dumplings. The Kao Pad Mun Puu was my favorite, super flavorful and went so well with the soft egg. The ribeye was tender and the green curry was creamy and delicious. Emily’s Dumplings were really good too. I also loved the atmosphere and all the vinyl records on the walls. Such a cute spot, would definitely come back!”
24 Hour Restaurants
“Authentic fresh ingredients/spices, excellent customer services and now my fav thai restaurant ! If you haven’t tried it do so soon😋”
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Takeout Restaurants
“I was not expecting this to be literally the best cupcake I’ve ever had. I got the chocolate Raspberry and it was so so delicious. It had a yummy cream cheese frosting that is perfectly balanced with tangy and sweet, a yummy raspberry filling that moistens the cake, as well as a rich chocolate cake with a delicious deep flavor! This cupcake made my anti cupcake girlfriend rethink everything she knows about cupcakes.”
“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! 😊”
“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.”
“This place is absolutely incredible! I ordered pizzas for a big family ranging from 12 to 90 years old and we were all ecstatic!
I love the way the ginger comes through in the tandoori. The plain cheese is like a little black dress; goes with everything and everyone loves it! The old guy kept saying, “This is delicious!” and the kids gobbled it up.
It was also lovely to meet the owner. This is going to a new family favorite for sure!!”
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“Arrived around 12:15 PM today to find a line out the door—about 20 people—but my wait was only around 15 minutes. The customer area is small - space for 5-6 people, but the two staff members were quick and efficient at keeping things moving. There was a great selection of freshly baked goods, and I thought the prices were very reasonable for the quality and freshness. A busy bakery with plenty of demand, but definitely worth a visit! There are 7 parking spaces near the entry door and additional spaces behind the building.”
“We went to El Mono to celebrate a new family accomplishment. Christian was our server. He was so very friendly and helpful.
The food was so good! The seafood paella was awesome!”
“Got the samosas, chicken curry palata, tea leaf salad, garlic noodles, and lamb curry. Everything was seasoned well and delicately, and the texture of the meats was great.
Thank you! My family really enjoyed this meal.”
“My favorite food to get delivered on DoorDash. Everything is delicious, no matter what the daily menu will be. I like the fact they have options to get smaller pick and choose items as well as having fresh rolls and momos, which the other similar Tibetan places don’t offer. Updated from previous review on 2026-09-07”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“I have only had absolutely spectacular experiences here, every single time I’ve come. This is the best ramen I’ve ever had in the Berkeley area! The meal is very hearty and the mushrooms are especially delicious. Apart from the food, the service is excellent.
The first time I came here, they took my coat off the chair and offered to hang it up for me on these hangers next to the door. I’ve never experienced that before. The second time, the food was delicious as always, and the waiter and manager were extremely kind and accommodating to all our dietary restrictions.”
“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!”
“What a gem! In the courtyard of the Anthropology Museum, you’ll find this charming oasis. Everything from the furniture, landscape, menu, and soundtrack are all thoughtfully procured. Afternoon tea consisted of 3 refreshing flavors of tea and 3 sweet dishes. The chia seed porridge was a generous portion with a delicious flavor profile as well as texture. The toasted hazelnuts added a tasty crunch. Blackberries and gooseberries were a nice palate cleanser, and the chia seed flour brownie bites were addictive! The black walnuts and coarse East Bay salt were a perfect combination! I’m thankful they don’t sell these individually otherwise I would be eating them daily. In bulk.Not only was the meal unique and delicious, we also learned some Ohlone history and words as well as heard some lovely songs and spoken word that were pre-recorded. It’s such a nice experience and so much more than just food and drinks!”
“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 :)”
“Egg-cellent quality food! Well worth the bus ride. I've recommended this location to several friends in the last few weeks. Staff are kind, and very quick to respond to concerns. They work incredibly hard. Featured below are my scrumptious egg tart, cheesecake, and castella.
Sometimes, all we ask is to be seen.”
“Tried their Banh Mi sandwich instead of the Pho this time. Got the combo with chicken, beef, and pork. I was thinking it'd be the cold cuts, but nahhhh it's real chicken, beef, and pork loaded inside which was a lovely change to try. I actually enjoyed it with the triple meats! However, wayyyyy too much mayo and does not include Pate, you have to order Pate as an extra add-on, but only $1 extra. Overall, great sandwich but wayyyy too much mayo. I'd ask for light mayo next time! Extremely untraditional combo banh mi sandwich, but always nice to try something new!”
“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.”
“My favorite food to get delivered on DoorDash. Everything is delicious, no matter what the daily menu will be. I like the fact they have options to get smaller pick and choose items as well as having fresh rolls and momos, which the other similar Tibetan places don’t offer. Updated from previous review on 2026-09-07”
“We just had dinner at Bangkok By The Bay and highly recommend it. The food was super tasty: we got Pad Makuer with tofu, brown rice, and a special that I think was called Choo Chee Salmon. The vegetables were all really tasty and nicely cooked, and the tofu and salmon were really good. The service is great, they were attentive and helpful--even brought a bed for our dog, and some water for her too. The outdoor seating is quiet and pleasant, not right on the street, with the additional nice element of the sound of the fountain nearby.”
“This is a small, friendly, casual cafe in downtown Berkeley. The menu is extensive (although not SOS-free, if that matters to you) and the dishes are fresh and well-prepared. They were quite busy when we were there but managed to provide excellent and quick service. The portion sizes are good - it's near the University and there were students there when we were. We all look forward to going back again soon.”
Cheap Eats
“Such a terrific little bar! Top notch, small batch beers from talented local brewers. Something for everyone: IPAs, pales, pilsners, saisons, sours, and (often) my favorite Belgian beer styles. Casual, friendly vibe. A great place to go with friends, on date night, or solo (laptops fine). Can bring in food, games, or your dogs. Hoi Polloi is a real gem.”
“We have felt lucky to live within walking distance of Casa Latina. Tonight I put in a phone order, as I have many times and the order was taken carelessly and messed up (Baja fish taco, not fish taco), so when I got home, I had to drive back up and have the meal remade, and then it was just not good. Tortillas were weirdly dry and the fish was overcooked (like, fried to the color of coffee grounds). A great neighborhood place on Fridays, will probably skip it on Mondays.”
“This place is fantastic. All the plants, great beers, tasty burgers. It was lightly drizzling my first time here, just last week, and I loved the atmosphere. Want to go back!!
The beer is delicious. Smash burger deluxe with fries is awesome. Would recommend to anyone.”
“Lovely setting. The wine flights were served and there was no description of anything other than the order to drink them. I prefer more storytelling when I go wine tasting. I wish they had more options for light bites as well.”
“We are new to the area/California from NY we were delighted to find pizza as amazing as home! Friendly owner and staff.”
“Had a great experience here. Our server Travis did an excellent job and was very attentive. The food was amazing, every dish was a 10/10. High recommend this place!”
“Not many vegetarian options, but the one you have is the best ever🤩”
“THE FOOD IS 1000% WORTH THE WAIT!! We arrived around 11 and waited in line for a good amount of time. 30 min? 1 hour? Longer?? I don’t even have a clue because we chatted and looked at all the beautiful scenery there. The staff does a really good job of keeping tables turning and they seat you after you order. I really appreciated how they kept the pace and we didn’t have to find our own table.
The food was sooooo good. We had huevos rancheros, chicken and waffles, tres leches French toast, and a breakfast burrito. The breakfast burrito was just ok but everything else was AMAZING. 🙌🏼 The michelada was the best I’ve ever had EVER. We ordered a fresh squeezed orange juice to go and were blown away. We all agreed that we’d stand in line for the OJ alone! Ugggghhh, it was all so good! I wish we didn’t live 3 hours away!!
OH, the staff were soooo friendly and handled everyone so beautifully. They’ve created something really special and unique there.”
“Super delicious 👍 I never eat Japan food super good like this before.”
“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.”
“This place was great! The tapas were incredibly flavorful and the paella is freshly made. I will say it was a little salty but we got the seafood paella so that was likely why. But the food here was incredible and the servers were kind as well”
“My sister and I just had a couple of Cali Alley burgers delivery and these things are good! Next time I'm in Berkeley, I will definately order again.”
“Amazing pickled vegetables as a free snack and delicious mango jello dessert are bonuses to their consistently delicious food. Eaten here 10+ times and always get a couple staples with one new dish. Always kind and help you box at the end too!”
“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.”
“I was recommended cha ya vegan Japanese restaurant by our friends, it was highly recommended and exceeded expectations. The food was absolutely delicious, especially the sushi rolls, the tofu was yummy. Would definitely visit again!”
“This was the best Mexican food I’ve had in almost 15 years. I’m going to be visiting a lot. Good drinks and great food.”
“We did a Full Moon Autimn Festival. It was a 1st for them. I hope they bring it back often. It was hypnotic, sensory inducing, ritual in nature & ended with delicious treats while bathing in the moonlight. Im not a big tea drinker... almost never but this was an experience & I enjoyed it all including the different teas brewed in different temperatures & served in different ways. 10 out of 10 recommend!”
“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”
“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.”
“The chaat at Chandni Chowk was amazing! 😍 It was fresh, flavorful, and had the perfect mix of spicy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy flavors. Everything tasted so good and authentic. The portion was great, the presentation was nice, and the place was clean. Loved the food and the friendly service. Definitely a great spot for chaat lovers! 🌶❤”
“Molten Lava Cake cookie was okay, just really messy to eat and the peach ring cookie wasn’t all that. I feel like I should’ve gotten more out of my money than what I paid for.”
“O2 Eatery isn't just a place to eat—it’s a full-on spiritual experience. Calling this spot a restaurant feels like an understatement; it’s a masterclass in Mongolian cuisine from the second you walk through the door.
Their breakfast options are an absolute game-changer, cooked to absolute perfection and packed with rich, comforting, authentic flavor. Just when you think it can’t get better, their lunch menu takes things to a whole new level. The dishes are bold, insanely savory, perfectly seasoned, and served in massive portions that leave you completely satisfied yet already planning your next visit. The atmosphere is top-tier, the staff treats you like family, and the kitchen moves with unreal precision. Easily a 10/10—O2 Eatery is setting the standard for what incredible food should be.”
“Excellent!!! I recently had lunch there, and we couldn't stop praising the service and food.”
“I always get the New York State carne asada. It's absolutely delicious, delicious, delicious. But the chicken enchilada was not good. My friend ordered that. It tasted kind of greasy. And the Tortilla was hard, and it just wasn't somehow on point, but the New York State carneasta is incredibly good and knocks it out of the park.”
“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.”
“The best Asian food we have had in a long time! We were expecting average, but our did was delicious. A nice surprise was the Asian slaw served as an appetizer. Spicy, tangy chopped cabbage. Spicy eggplant with chicken and the massive shrimp in a honey walnut sauce we amazing. Each entree would feed two along with rice. Beer and wine offered. JUST GO!”
“Do not come here. We want this place all to ourselves. 💗
But seriously: the ppl -- shout out to Parth (sp?) and another really nice guy -- are amazing, the food is fantastic, and did I mention that the ppl here are so nice?”
“Really wholesome tasting food. All dishes I ordered were full of flavor and reminded us of the traditional food my family makes at home. The fragrance and taste were both really inviting. Both the vegetarian and meat dishes were delicious.
Pricing is also very good, especially for the flavorful and well made food. If you like your food spicy, ask for it. Default spice local is somewhat mild.
Will definitely visit again when I'm in the area.”
“OMG, this honestly surprised me! The place is not that big, tables are a little cramped, but the food is so good! Great price, huuuuge portions. I kid you not. Super worth it. The broths are full of flavor and packed with umami. And, call me cheesy, but I do enjoy the decor of this place! If you’re in the area, definitely stop by and check them out.”
“Kinda izakaya is a cozy, lively spot with great vibes and friendly service. The menu has plenty of tasty Japanese comfort food—perfect for sharing. Everything we ordered tasted fresh and well-seasoned. Prices are reasonable, and the overall experience feels genuinely enjoyable.”
“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”
“My first visit to Berkeley City Club for afternoon tea at Julia's and I am smitten! Gorgeous room in a gorgeous building designed by Julia Morgan. Easily accessible by a short walk from Downtown Berkeley BART. The tea sandwiches and sweets were filling and my Earl Grey tea was wonderfully robust. I would love to return to Julia's for another dining experience. I'll be doing my research to see if they do any holiday themed menus/events.”
“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.”
“This is one of my favorite sushi place to go. I love how fresh and well balanced the nigiri and rolls are. Seasoned just right to bring out the fish's flavor. The wasabi is not overly strong and has a very nice kick to it, even with some texture too.”
“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.”
“Had a good experience at Butterfish Sushi. The sushi was fresh, nicely presented, and everything we ordered tasted really good. The place had a nice relaxed vibe and the service was friendly. It did take a little longer than expected when it got busy, but overall we enjoyed our meal and would come back again.”
“Excited to experience dim sum at night! That's the best part about this place. Dim sum anytime. This is one of their newest location. We're so glad we came here. Parking was insane but we got lucky and parked by a nearby lot. We even met the owner Michael. What a nice man! Two of my friends have tried their SF location so they already knew what to order. Lucky me! Everything was mouth watering delicious. The wait outside was not long at all and we came early by 6 pm. There's 2 levels of seatings and I highly suggest to ask for the upper floor seating. Much cooler up there on a warm day/night. The servers were so nice. I definitely remember William. Checked on us often and made sure we enjoyed our meal. We had 7 dim sum selections and there was plenty for the 3 of us. We even had a mini to go box at the end. The price is $$. I can't wait to go back here again.”
“Top notch drinks and personalities behind the bar, we will back. My only regret is that I waited this long to go there.”
“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!”
“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”
“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!”
“Everything I had here was outstanding. Their breads are a standout. Fresh and chewy and filled with garbanzo beans / flour (Chana Masala Paratha). Samosas had great texture and flavor and the chutneys were excellent. Saag Aloo was fresh and the potatoes were cooked perfectly. Menu is vegan friendly but not labeled very well (online menu is a little more clear on some things but not on everything). Mixed Vegetable dish, Saag Aloo and maybe another entree or two are vegan but you'll definitely want to ask. Many of the breads are vegan (and definitely worth ordering). Yummy”
“Julia’s Restaurant was a beautiful dining experience with an elegant setting and a relaxed feel. I really enjoyed the French-inspired dishes, especially the thoughtful use of fresh local ingredients. The attentive service and historic Berkeley City Club atmosphere made the meal feel genuinely special.”
“I absolutely love Mainichi. I have been here several times and absolutely love their sushi and spicy mayo. While it’s on the pricier side, the quality is amazing! I keep coming back and totally recommend!!!”
“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.”
“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!”
“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!”
“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”
“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”
“My favorite burrito in the Bay Area. I’ve taken BART over to Berkeley from SF on three separate occasions solely to get burritos and have no regrets.
All are excellent. Just try them and you’ll see.”
“10/10 experience. The Pad-See Ew is phenomenal it is my go to order and just love it. Smacking even. Proportions for take out are so hearty it last me a lunch, dinner and another lunch. Combined with the peanut sauce it is heaven sent. Juicy and flavorful. Definitely earned a regular”
“I have been getting take outs from them for sometime now . Whatever u order usually comes out great . M a simple guy i dont like to change much of what i eat but the one time i felt adventurous and tried their malai chicken i thank god that i was able to do that cause it was just amazing and the flavors made me almost cry it is a literal perfection of the food i grew up eating . thanks a lot please keep cooking yummy food like this”
“Definitely recommend this place! first time here and I can't wait to come back next time I'm in Berkeley!! Food is delicious!”
“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.”
“Excellent foods, friendly staffs! We really love to have dinner here~ Absolutely, I will visit again when I come back to Berkeley!”
“Five stars. The food and service here are impeccable. New favorite neighborhood restaurant.”
“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.”
“Great service in a convenient location. The garlic fries are excellent. Beautiful interior decor with tables placed so you don't feel cramped while still maintaining a vibe.”
“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!”
“Ajanta is an excellent Indian restaurant where every dish is prepared so perfectly that you’ll want to return often to completely get to appreciate everything on their exquisite menu! From the moment we walked into Ajanta, the aromas from the kitchen, were seductively overwhelming our culinary senses.. Everything on the menu sounded delicious! The choices of breads, the wonderful welcoming staff, made us want to camp out and plan what we might orfer if we could spend a week tasting everything on their menu. While I tend to order seafood, I chose the lamb, which was outstanding. My wife had the chicken served with pistachios in a sauce that was also delicious. Our server, kept bringing more treats to our table: little bowls of soup, spicy and sweet vegetables. Every bite was memorable and delectable.
Unfortunately, ae were visiting from New York, so we had to relish in our one night of culinary delights, while feeling envious of folks who live in Berkeley and Bay Area.”
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.”
“We have felt lucky to live within walking distance of Casa Latina. Tonight I put in a phone order, as I have many times and the order was taken carelessly and messed up (Baja fish taco, not fish taco), so when I got home, I had to drive back up and have the meal remade, and then it was just not good. Tortillas were weirdly dry and the fish was overcooked (like, fried to the color of coffee grounds). A great neighborhood place on Fridays, will probably skip it on Mondays.”
New Restaurants
“Wow not only did these bagels look amazing they were also hella delicious. Got half peaches and cream on a regular bagel and half of the “summer girl” on an everything bagel. The bagels were perfectly chewy and the flavors of the bagels were both amazing, do think I liked the savory one better (smth about the grated tomato and the burrata)!
Would 100% come back to try other flavors! Also there is a couple of seating both indoors and outdoors”
“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.”
“This place is very lovely. Super chill, zen. They even have a little water fountain on the side, super tranquil, love it! The macha is made fresh, the store is air conditioned (because who can drink macha in this heat!?). Great spot to get your drink, chill a bit and recover.”
“This place is fantastic. All the plants, great beers, tasty burgers. It was lightly drizzling my first time here, just last week, and I loved the atmosphere. Want to go back!!
The beer is delicious. Smash burger deluxe with fries is awesome. Would recommend to anyone.”
“The atmosphere here is incredibly cozy, with couches outside where you can relax and enjoy your desserts. The vibe is brought together by the fun colors throughout the shop and the cutest little ice cream lights! The customer service there was also insanely good. I came during rush hour and there were so many people ordering however, I was being asked questions and helped throughout the process. The person helping me was extremely polite and ensured that everything was going well when I was there.
I tried these items:
🥞 Oreo Crepe
This was easily my favorite item on the menu! It had multiple thin, soft layers of crepe, and the inside was packed with Oreo crumbs, cream, and so much flavor. Every bite had the perfect combination of the soft crepe, creamy filling, and Oreo crunch. I could genuinely eat this one again and again!
🍪 Biscoff Croffle
This was perfectly crunchy on the outside while still being soft and fluffy on the inside. It was topped with a generous amount of Biscoff drizzle, which gave it that sweet caramelized Biscoff flavor without being too overwhelming. The crunch + drizzle combination was SO good!
🥭 Mango Lemonade
This was genuinely so, so good! I’m not usually a fan of really sweet drinks, and especially with lemonade, it can be really easy for the sugar to become overpowering. This had a great tangy mango flavor and was super refreshing! I even gave my dad a sip once I got home and it was officially dad approved. He was a big fan of it too!
🍓 Dubai Chocolate Strawberry
This was my first time trying Dubai chocolate strawberries and it was definitely a hit! The strawberry was super fresh and juicy, with a generous layer of chocolate and that crunchy, nutty pistachio-kataifi filling that made every bite so satisfying. I loved the combination of the fresh strawberry with the rich chocolate and crunchy filling!
Overall, Scoop N Chill is such a cute spot if you’re craving something sweet, especially if you want a place where you can actually sit, relax, and enjoy your dessert. Next time I go, I'm definitely interested in also trying the gelato and the sushi crepes”
“Crazy cozy & laid back cafe right on Shattuck just north of University Ave. Very solid lunch & brunch style menu & well priced. Turkey Crunch croissant sandwich w/ pesto was phenomenal. Chai latte to go was one of the best I’ve had in the Bay. & they have a Gelato bar? What?? 5 stars.”
“Arguably the best brews you’ll find in the Bay Area if you like high end specialty pourover! Masterpiece sources from Chinese roasters like Big Sur and Gout & Co, which are really at the top of the ultralight specialty game at the moment. These roasters are trickier to access at the moment from the US, so it’s awesome to have a shop serving them so close to home.
Masterpiece’s brews are well dialed-in, and there are great milk drinks available for folks who don’t drink pourover.
A bit hidden away, but well worth a trip to visit if you’re a coffee lover in the Bay Area!”
“We just had dinner at Bangkok By The Bay and highly recommend it. The food was super tasty: we got Pad Makuer with tofu, brown rice, and a special that I think was called Choo Chee Salmon. The vegetables were all really tasty and nicely cooked, and the tofu and salmon were really good. The service is great, they were attentive and helpful--even brought a bed for our dog, and some water for her too. The outdoor seating is quiet and pleasant, not right on the street, with the additional nice element of the sound of the fountain nearby.”
“Fresh ingredients, friendly staff, and delicious food and veggie options!”