Restaurants in Berkeley
Best Restaurants
“i'm not vegan - my favorite sushi here were the rolls with lots of ingredients! the variance in flavor & texture helps give the same experience as you'd get eating fish sushi.the futo maki was a tiny texture party, and the flavor wasn't overshadowed by any kind of sauce. the leahi roll tasted like barbecue! pokai roll was by far the star of the evening.eggplant tataki was tasty but small, hard to grab, and simultaneously warm and cold. the miso soup was... not my favorite. i think miso just won't taste like it's supposed to without the dashi stock.it's probably best to make a reservation. our table was ready right on time!”
“Came here for a company party. We took over the whole restaurant. The food was great and service was impeccable. The food came out very quickly unlike some restaurants who struggle to keep up with hosting large parties. Will come back .”
4
TAROCCO
“Yes!! Tarocco is the restaurant that we all needed but didn’t know! So fresh and healthy and delicious. Upscale enough for a nice work lunch but you can also show up as you are. Bravo!Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free and dairy-free friendly.”
“Fantastic Burger to be had at this place. It was juicy and the tritip on top was excellent. Fries were crispy and tasty. it deservers it's spot on the best burgers in the Bay lists.”
“Beef curry is the best! I am slowly going through their menu items. LoL their loco moco is very good too, better than the one I had in Hawaii. It's becoming my regular take out place!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Holy crap. This place is absolutely a 10 out of 10. PROPER BBQ! Reasonable prices. Honestly I'm shocked it didn't have a line out the door. I'm sure it will soon. We just stumbled upon it by chance and we will definitely be back!”
“Laura is amazing! She is on the World Pizza Champions team! We tried the La Regina pizza - the award winner - and it was amazing. New York style crust was perfect and crispy and the toppings were delicious. Great service and the atmosphere in the restaurant is bright and fun. Definitely going back to try more of the ”
“So far, so very tasty! I've tried a few different pizzas at this point and they've all be great. The Tikka masala pizza is fantastic, love the flavor! Definitely recommend giving this place a try if you're looking for comfort food in a hurry :)Haven't been inside yet, so I can't speak to service or atmosphere. Always tasty though!Vegetarian options: Several vegetarian options, which is always much appreciated!”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Food was incredible. Each plate was well thought out and executed. The soft tofu is not to be missed and the recently added black cod collars were a perfect balance of smokey, acid, and fish fats.”
“The baguette and croissant are truly wonderful. I'm also a big fan of the big breads and loafs, even though their Miche is too often times overcooked. That's too bad. The service is really nice, but incredibly slow, even when the bakery is packed with clients. They would never survive an impatient French crowd!And I really , REALLY wish they had a slicer. Please, can you guys get a slicer? I'd really be willing to pay extra $ for a sliced bread and not having to do it myself.”
“You can expect warm service and delicious, hi quality treats from the crew here! I'm always excited to find out what their seasonal menu will have! Look out for the collaborations they have going on w other great local businesses!”
“I was so excited to find this shop! The cupcakes were delicious and the customer service was exceptional too! Thank You to Sumayah for being so lovely and sweet. I highly recommend this cupcake shop!”
“A gem of healthy, delicious food with a mission of being good for people and the planet. It’s simple and not fancy but just what I need when I want to be good to my body and don’t want to cook.”
“Beef curry is the best! I am slowly going through their menu items. LoL their loco moco is very good too, better than the one I had in Hawaii. It's becoming my regular take out place!”
“i'm not vegan - my favorite sushi here were the rolls with lots of ingredients! the variance in flavor & texture helps give the same experience as you'd get eating fish sushi.the futo maki was a tiny texture party, and the flavor wasn't overshadowed by any kind of sauce. the leahi roll tasted like barbecue! pokai roll was by far the star of the evening.eggplant tataki was tasty but small, hard to grab, and simultaneously warm and cold. the miso soup was... not my favorite. i think miso just won't taste like it's supposed to without the dashi stock.it's probably best to make a reservation. our table was ready right on time!”
“We enjoyed a wonderful dinner on the patio. Food was fantastic and the service was superb. If you are worried about noise level, select outdoor seating. The heaters were great and it was lovely!”
“Yes!! Tarocco is the restaurant that we all needed but didn’t know! So fresh and healthy and delicious. Upscale enough for a nice work lunch but you can also show up as you are. Bravo!Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free and dairy-free friendly.”
“Came here for a company party. We took over the whole restaurant. The food was great and service was impeccable. The food came out very quickly unlike some restaurants who struggle to keep up with hosting large parties. Will come back .”
“Fantastic Burger to be had at this place. It was juicy and the tritip on top was excellent. Fries were crispy and tasty. it deservers it's spot on the best burgers in the Bay lists.”
“First time trying this restaurant and I will be coming back. Great customer service, very nice and helpful. The food was delicious and they switch up which is amazing. I am a very picky eater and I have no complaints about this place. I love it here it is perfect for breakfast, brunch, dinner and any special occasions.Dietary restrictions: I personally cut off pork and if you let them know they will recommend or accommodate to your needs.”
“I had high expectations for visiting Chez Panisse, and I am so happy that they met and exceeded them. The food was phenomenal. You could taste the freshness of the ingredients and the careful thought that was put into crafting each plate. This is a place that pays careful attention to every detail. Looking forward to our next visit to eat a new round of dishes.”
“the food is really delicious, and though fave doesn't really have seating, you can go to walnut square or epicurious garden. the food is really good, it's just fairly small portions for what i thought would be a full meal.”
“Algerian baked goods and sweets at their best! Incredibly, this tiny sidewalk cafe makes all their own pastries and sweets on-site. The owner/baker/muffin maker is almost always there, making community and croissant sandwiches. Seating on the sidewalk will, with great good luck, be upgraded soon with a parklet.”
10
Nuevo Sol
“i really like this place! my go to spot for chilaquiles. i liked to get the green and red sauce mixed. you can tell a lot of love goes into the food and the business. i would definitely ”
11
FAVA
“the food is really delicious, and though fave doesn't really have seating, you can go to walnut square or epicurious garden. the food is really good, it's just fairly small portions for what i thought would be a full meal.”
“As an avid searcher of delicious meals in both the Bay Area and Sonoma County, this is HANDS DOWN the most memorable and delectable pizza I have had in the United States. Period.Authentically Italian, and charming in service. After a few years of living in the Berkeley area, there is simply no other choice for amazing pizza.5 stars hands down!”
Outdoor Dining
“Holy crap. This place is absolutely a 10 out of 10. PROPER BBQ! Reasonable prices. Honestly I'm shocked it didn't have a line out the door. I'm sure it will soon. We just stumbled upon it by chance and we will definitely be back!”
“i really like this place! my go to spot for chilaquiles. i liked to get the green and red sauce mixed. you can tell a lot of love goes into the food and the business. i would definitely ”
“Laura is amazing! She is on the World Pizza Champions team! We tried the La Regina pizza - the award winner - and it was amazing. New York style crust was perfect and crispy and the toppings were delicious. Great service and the atmosphere in the restaurant is bright and fun. Definitely going back to try more of the ”
“I stopped in for the first time last week… People working there are super nice. Latte was really good, I don’t know what beans they were using but it was delicious. I had a breakfast sandwich on ciabatta that was HUGE. I saved half for my lunch later!Dog friendly!”
“As an avid searcher of delicious meals in both the Bay Area and Sonoma County, this is HANDS DOWN the most memorable and delectable pizza I have had in the United States. Period.Authentically Italian, and charming in service. After a few years of living in the Berkeley area, there is simply no other choice for amazing pizza.5 stars hands down!”
“Such a beautiful bakery. We stopped in after lunch for a sweet treat & were not disappointed. The staff are friendly & helped us to choose some very tasty items. We tried an amazing chocolate raspberry cake, which is pictured, chocolatelovers should try this for sure. A lemon bar & a lemon cheesecake. The lemon bar had a nice crispy crust, which was almost biscuit like. Sweet but not overwhelming. Tart & delicious. The lemon cheesecake was dense but not overly sweet . A light lemon taste enhanced the cheesecake instead of taking it over. The americano was served piping hot & great brewed fresh.. We will definitely come again.”
“Would give this place 10 stars if I could!!Authentic Yemeni tea & coffee houseOne of the most beautiful and tasteful coffee shops in the bay area Highly recommend for any coffee/tea lovers out there, especially if you enjoy trying new things.”
“They have really pretty outdoor seating. The banchan is excellent (like some of the best ive had). The service was excellent. The main dishes I got were not very good, tofu stew was a little bland and they don’t have bibimbap, only stir fried veggies and meat over rice.Overall I really like this place but would order something different next time.”
“Best bakery in Berkeley. They are so underrated and I wish more people know about their great food. I’m obsessed with their focaccia breads (marinara is out of the world), their pizzas are personally my favourite in berkeley and the chocolate croissant is to die for. I visit them atleast thrice a week. Encourage everyone to try this small business.”
“We have been coming back here for a few times since we found this place last year. It's fantastic vegetarian Ethiopian food served family style. I highly recommend starting with the combo and then order more of what you like best. The food is ready and will be served quickly. The atmosphere is very cozy and friendly as the owner (?) is super nice and always has a smile for the guests. There are no meat options but I bet you won't miss them.”
“Everything was outstanding, the food and the wine. I can't imagine this restaurant making anything that didn't taste delicious.. I've been in several times and their consistency is what makes them so good ..”
“Found a new favorite cafe in town! Lovely interior and very friendly owner and staff. I've been going almost every day for the past two weeks for their Persian Rose Tea and am just starting to try out their baked goods. Cardamom and saffron cookie goes really well with the tea!”
“Easily our favorite find since our daughter started school at UC Berkeley. The people there are so down to earth so kind. The food is amazing all the empenadas we have had are delicious. The Boba drinks there are so different than your run of the mill Boba ”
“What a great find! We went for brunch and shared two dishes - one was a twist on eggs Benedict and the other was a version of shrimp tacos with shells made out of mozzarella cheese. We loved the completely different way that the dishes were prepared from your typical brunch fare. The flavors and textures were totally surprising and delicious! Also experienced excellent and enthusiastic service and had a nice chat with one of the owners. We will be back!”
“Pizza so good you want to come back everyday. The green sauce is delicious. The live music adds to the ambiance.I've only had 1 pizza that I didn't like, some kind of fruit on the pizza that day.”
“The ambiance and service was very lovely. My children were offered coloring books with crayons and markers while we ordered and waited for our food. The bathroom is for a single user, but it's spacious, clean, and includes a diaper changer.”
14
Kuboba Spot
“Easily our favorite find since our daughter started school at UC Berkeley. The people there are so down to earth so kind. The food is amazing all the empenadas we have had are delicious. The Boba drinks there are so different than your run of the mill Boba ”
“The food is amazing! Flavorful and great portions. Highly recommend. Spice level is on point :)Vegetarian options: I asked if some dishes could come without meet and they accommodated my requests.”
Online Reservation Available
“The food is amazing! Flavorful and great portions. Highly recommend. Spice level is on point :)Vegetarian options: I asked if some dishes could come without meet and they accommodated my requests.”
“Came here for my 31st birthday dinner on Wednesday, January 17th! Ippuku is one of those places I always walked by when I was a student at Cal (c/o 2015, GO BEARS!), and have been meaning to try. It was super easy to make reservations ahead of time. I had booked the Treehouse seating, since it was just a party of 2 for me and my husband, which I'm glad I did because it made the experience more intimate, private, and reminded me of an izakaya in Japan. My husband and I went to Japan spring of 2023, and miss the food very much. Ippuku is probably as close as we can get to Japan, in the East Bay! Vibes: very mixed crowd. I saw many college students that were dressed super casually (think sweats, probably gonna go back to the library later to study), as well as well-dressed older couples. My husband and I definitely fit in with the latter since we wanted to dress up a little for my birthday. Ippuku has an expansive whiskey bar, so we had to snap a photo or two there.It took us awhile to get seated because the restaurant was packed, but once we were seated, our waiter was very attentive given how busy they were. I would rate service 4/5 because of the long wait time to get seated and because the waiter forgot to include one item of our order, and it was an item that takes longer than typical to come out (the grilled onigiri). When the onigiri finally came out, we had already finished eating everything else so it was a bit underwhelming. But overall, we enjoyed everything we ordered and would definitely want to visit Ippuku again in the future.Parking: You're in Downtown Berkeley and there's lot of foot traffic around here, so it was a bit difficult to find parking at first. We had to circle around a few times before we found street parking.”
“Great spot for German fare in Berkeley. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and they sell a good bit of harder to find German food and beer as retail. The homemade Jagerschnitzel and spaetzle are on point, and the beer is excellent. I love their goulash as well. All seems to be made with love. Their breztels are a bit disappointing, however... small and not warm. They also have wierd hours, not open for lunch during the week, opening at 4pm and they close a bit early (8pm)... they should stay open longer, I'd come more often! One more negative: they're a bit pricey. Overall, however, I'm very glad they're here as they scratch my itch for great German food, and I definitely recommend Gaumenkitzel!”
“Exceptional place for brew and to sit and enjoy a brew. Product is amazing as is service. The best goto loc in Berkeley possibly. There is nothing negative here.❤️”
“The food was the best Japanese food I have had, including in Japan. DelIcious, unique and completely satisfying. A delightful find with excellent service. The only down side was the closeness of the tables and noise. It is now my favorite Japanese restaurant in Berkeley.”
“I ordered a quesabirria taco and a burrito from here recently. The quesabirria was $5 for one that came with cucumber slices, one roasted jalapeno and one small cup of birria. It was amazing!! Really hit the spot in terms of flavor. The burrito on the other hand was good not great. It had a way too thick of a flour wrap around the burrito. I felt like I was eating a 30% flour wrap and only 70% filling. Otherwise, it was a good flavored burrito. I'll be back if I'm ever in the neighborhood for the quesabirria.”
“I had a great time and so did my guest ,we are planning to do a 1year anniversary with vendors next time,many people ask for the number to call to book there own events ? I was very happy will the overall quick action and timely responses from Adam and other staff members, all arrangements and rerangements were on point .Thank you ? see you soon”
“Nothing too fancy. But great food. Tandoori salmon was great! Tandoori chicken was a bit dry. Though they used chicken breast which is usually dry. Dipping the chicken in the tasty Tikka sauce helped. Excellent Naan! Mango lassi was thick and tasty. Lamb tandoori was overcooked. Would come back to try more dishes, now knowing which to avoid.”
“lovely dinner lovely experience. I am coming again on the 23rd. I'm having trouble making reservations but I will call to make sure I can get four of us there at 5 o'clock and will be seeing the show at Central Works and I was told that we can get a discount I hope that's true, thank you for a wonderful evening”
“Got the bacon cheeseburger and made it a double. It was perfectly cooked; both the burger and bacon. My partner got a steak burger with fries it is huge for the price. I suggest adding cheese to it. Very large portion of fresh very hot fries. I’m the picture I added that is only half the fries. I had the rest with my burger. Can’t wait to try other food here”
“Delicious Southern dinner. Wait wasn't too bad of a wait even for a table of 6. Hush puppies were a little too dry (needs some fresh corn kernels in my opinion). Fried chicken was delicious, as was the gumbo. The BBQ plate was a good portion size too.”
“Absolutely delicious food, fast and friendly service, and a nice covered outdoor area in the back to dine in!The staff and owner Khaled are lovely and it's always a pleasure to interact with them. You'll always feel welcome visiting and satisfied leaving!”
“Super cute bar near campus with a true happy hour! Drinks and bites! Giving date ambiance !The entire cocktail list isn’t on happy hour, but totally worth venturing off and trying the Gumby Buck and “Love and Demons”! My two favorite!The chicken sandwich was good with a side of tikka sauce for dipping! Flatbread was move and fresh as well.There was only one server upstairs when I arrived and the bartender. It got a little busy as the night progressed but still very friendly !”
“A lovely neighborhood wine bar with great service from owners Nubeer and Sonny with expertly curated wines (by the glass, bottle, or flights) plus a small retail shop for take home bottles!”
“We have visited a number of great wineries in Napa, and Israel, but if you would like to experience the best explanation of the process by some of the warmest and most welcoming wine makers then check out Covenant Wines! We spent a beautiful afternoon with their team led by Managing Director, Sagie Kleinlerer, who is most knowledgeable. I was especially interested in the challenges posed by climate change. We also met the owners who were also very welcoming. If you are interested in how the best wines are made and want to spend an enjoyable and very informative afternoon then you should definitely visit and taste some of the best wines produced today!!”
“Food was incredible. Each plate was well thought out and executed. The soft tofu is not to be missed and the recently added black cod collars were a perfect balance of smokey, acid, and fish fats.”
17
Chez Panisse
“I had high expectations for visiting Chez Panisse, and I am so happy that they met and exceeded them. The food was phenomenal. You could taste the freshness of the ingredients and the careful thought that was put into crafting each plate. This is a place that pays careful attention to every detail. Looking forward to our next visit to eat a new round of dishes.”
18
Delirama
“Excellent sandwiches, excellent service, lots of posters etc to glance at while you wait. Ample indoor seating, 4 tops and at least one long table plus counter seating. Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun - 11a-3p. (That's the plan but based on last weekend's events, they could sell out of everything on Saturday and not be able to stretch it to Sunday.) Today, Thursday 01Feb2024, is the first day of the final weekend of this iteration of Delirama according to their IG. As of this writing, they are serving only two kinds of sandwiches, with no mods, no substitutions, etc. The sandwiches are the OG and the Reuben*. They are served with half a very good pickle and their special Fried in Pastrami fat chips. Superb. Sandwiches and some drinks. No loaves of bread, no meat by the pound. Just sandwiches and some drinks. I think I read that last weekend they ran out of supplies on Saturday and weren't able to open on Sunday. So don't dilly dally. Also, if you need to stock up on Oakland United pints, buy a few. There's also a variety of Shasta sodas in the cooler. There's guest wifi indoors. Contactless payments options. This is a great little local biz, still pretty new at the whole brick & mortar scene. Help them out as you are able and def check out their IG for the latest news. *I was on a mission to get a Reuben and an OG. That's what I ordered me and that's what I got. But I do see now that the hand-written extremely limited menu only lists the OG. Can't hurt to ask for a Reuben, but might be rolling the dice.”
24 Hour Restaurants
“Oh, I freaking love Krunchy chicken I love in the morning. I love it in the evening. I love it in the middle of the night because it’s open 24 hours buffalo sauce all day.”
“I have only used the drive-thru and I only buy their breakfast. Great experiences. Breakfast burritos, bacon egg & cheese biscuit and hash browns. Cannot go wrong.Classics”
19
Kiraku
“Went to Kiraku for dinner with friends and had a great time! You can pick your own Sake glass and we had a carafe of a sake recommended by our server. Everything we ordered (including the special of the night, tuna collar) was amazing! Would recommend to ”
20
Casa Barotti
“This is the best pizza I think I have ever had! Highly recommend the Capricciosa and eggplant. The crust was super crispy and the ingredients are top notch is fresh.”
“I wish I found this place sooner. The restaurant just opened a couple years ago. Funny cause this isn’t that far from the other Thai resto my boyfriend and I used to go and didn’t know they exist. Anyways I ordered their Tom Yum fried rice that comes with grilled salmon and it was really delicious. For me it was the best Tom yum fried rice I’ve ever had. The fish cakes did not disappoint they were yummy. Their roti according to my boyfriend is the most delicious hetried so far.”
Takeout Restaurants
“So far, so very tasty! I've tried a few different pizzas at this point and they've all be great. The Tikka masala pizza is fantastic, love the flavor! Definitely recommend giving this place a try if you're looking for comfort food in a hurry :)Haven't been inside yet, so I can't speak to service or atmosphere. Always tasty though!Vegetarian options: Several vegetarian options, which is always much appreciated!”
“Love this place!! Such a neighborhood gem. Reasonable prices, super quick service, and consistently delicious burritos and tacos. This place has become one of my top Mexican food places in oakland/berkeley!”
“Going there for years. Best sausages, best hot dogs, best self-serve condiments in the extended Bay Area. Great service, politically and socially good humored. A must go to place.Parking: Next to a small paid parking lot.Kid-friendliness: Kids love the warm atmosphere and the self-help station.Wheelchair accessibility: It is a direct access from me side- walk with possibility to order from there.”
“The ambiance and service was very lovely. My children were offered coloring books with crayons and markers while we ordered and waited for our food. The bathroom is for a single user, but it's spacious, clean, and includes a diaper changer.”
“Their lemon meringue pie and all the custards and yogurts I have tried are impeccable. Lexie is clearly really passionate about her product. Please support this local spot - it’s also priced beyond fairly! We brought ours into neighboring Freight and Salvage for a show (it’s allowed!) and then came back after the show for more…!Vegetarian options: Vegan options too!”
“Boichik is a weekly favorite of mine. You can't go wrong with your choice of bagel, although pumpernickel caraway salt is currently my top choice. The coffee's good too, hot or iced. On top of everything, everyone who works there is super, super nice. SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to Lisa! She always makes my day and never fails to brighten up the room :)Last thing to keep in mind for the uninitiated: there's limited seating (especially when it's raining -- there are just 4 tables inside) and the bagels tend to get sold out before 11:30-12 on the weekend.Vegetarian options: They have vegan cream cheese (plain, strawberry, or chive) and several of their bagels are inherently vegan. Vegan creamer is available as well.”
“Top Chinese restaurant in Bay AreaEverything about it leads to it having incredible food. Love that the family is there, love that it’s served now in Togo containers, because we are always going to take the leftovers to go.The food though hella good. We ordered vegi chicken sweet and sour, broccoli with vegi beef and chow fun with vegetables, oh and white rice. My gf is vegan so we came here for the vegan options, and it was basically like meat so for me it was amazing. And they have seafood here which I’ll definitely order honey walnut shrimp next time. We had enough leftover for a solid meal the next day.It’s a quality place”
“Amazing food, ambience, and service! Its a bit pricy, but the portions are huge and could feed 3 ppl. I had leftovers for days lol. The service is very nice here as well, the owner and staff always greet you with a smile and make sure you are satisfied with the food. Highly recommend!”
“Oh wow, I'm so glad I found this place! I visit Berkley often for work and to visit my son who's a student. This is hands-down the best breakfast option around. The oatmeal bowls are absolutely delicious, as are the smoothies. Everything is high-quality and fresh. I ordered ahead for pickup and it was ready when I arrived the shop is really cute and the staff was fast and friendly. I'm getting ready to order again today before flying home and I will definitely be back anytime I'm in town.Dietary restrictions: Great place for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free folks. But anyone will find their food delicious.”
“So delicious! The pork was very flavorful and the duck was tender. The man working at the counter was kind and helpful. Would definitely return in the future! Cannot recommend enough”
“A truly perfect local cafe! Great pastries, good lattes, and all the decorations and woodwork are on point. That combined with free Wi-Fi makes this a fantastic choice for anyone looking to work, catch up with friends, or just people watch.”
“I just discovered this great brewery. They have a nice array of IPA's and don't miss the Coffee and Cigarette's Stout. Yum. I only tried the meatballs, but they were very tasty with just the right amount of spice. The SF Chronicle food critics highly rate their pizza. They have a special pizza of the day plus a couple of standards. Big open space inside and out for big gatherings and also comfortable for me and my husband. We would have preferred different music, but other people seemed to like it. Don't miss this neighborhood gem.”
“Loved the flavor and quality of the meal! The atmosphere is always perfect and honestly I've been going here for second and its still my favorite sushi spot!”
“Went to Kiraku for dinner with friends and had a great time! You can pick your own Sake glass and we had a carafe of a sake recommended by our server. Everything we ordered (including the special of the night, tuna collar) was amazing! Would recommend to ”
“I came across a reel on Instagram and today when we visited the Hall of Science I had to go to Southside Station. They have some of the best chicken sandwiches I've ever had. The chicken was crispy, big and tasty, the slaw was perfectly tangy and and the sauce hit the spot. Perfectly balanced flavors in a big delicious sandwich. In addition, we tried the garlic noodles and the curly fries whichwere really good. Portions are good. I recommend this hidden gem. I'm definitely going back for the sandwich and will try the other items on the menu.”
“Everything was outstanding, the food and the wine. I can't imagine this restaurant making anything that didn't taste delicious.. I've been in several times and their consistency is what makes them so good ..”
“Always have excellent meat department! There’s tons of unfriendly people (not staff, just the local unfriendly Berkeley maskers) in the store so don’t expect to make any friends lol ? Just get your stuff and get out!Also always beggars outside asking for handouts.”
24
Ippuku
“Came here for my 31st birthday dinner on Wednesday, January 17th! Ippuku is one of those places I always walked by when I was a student at Cal (c/o 2015, GO BEARS!), and have been meaning to try. It was super easy to make reservations ahead of time. I had booked the Treehouse seating, since it was just a party of 2 for me and my husband, which I'm glad I did because it made the experience more intimate, private, and reminded me of an izakaya in Japan. My husband and I went to Japan spring of 2023, and miss the food very much. Ippuku is probably as close as we can get to Japan, in the East Bay! Vibes: very mixed crowd. I saw many college students that were dressed super casually (think sweats, probably gonna go back to the library later to study), as well as well-dressed older couples. My husband and I definitely fit in with the latter since we wanted to dress up a little for my birthday. Ippuku has an expansive whiskey bar, so we had to snap a photo or two there.It took us awhile to get seated because the restaurant was packed, but once we were seated, our waiter was very attentive given how busy they were. I would rate service 4/5 because of the long wait time to get seated and because the waiter forgot to include one item of our order, and it was an item that takes longer than typical to come out (the grilled onigiri). When the onigiri finally came out, we had already finished eating everything else so it was a bit underwhelming. But overall, we enjoyed everything we ordered and would definitely want to visit Ippuku again in the future.Parking: You're in Downtown Berkeley and there's lot of foot traffic around here, so it was a bit difficult to find parking at first. We had to circle around a few times before we found street parking.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“Hella French! This place is awesome and I had no idea it was there. Food is phenomenal and well priced for what you get. Sandwich was delicious and my wife loved the tuna nicoise. Highly recommend!”
“There’s no shade outside the Gilman Berkeley location. The only table umbrella there was broken. Every table was taken inside. The only choice was to bake in direct sunlight. The same issue exists in the Castro, SF and Fremont locations: no shaded seating outside.”
“This is a remodeled version of that restaurant. Very clean and modern looking. The food was delicious but a bit expensive and on the smaller side. Good selection of beers, too. I wish they could turn on outdoor heaters which didn't work but it was not that big of deal. They also have large parking and a lot of street space.”
“Nice McDonald's. Good neighborhood, safe, clean, but it can get crowded, especially during school season. The staff have been both friendly at times as well as rude to me on separate occasions.”
“While the line was long and many online orders were coming through today at lunchtime, the staff were attentive, friendly, and efficient.Notably, NeNe went above and beyond helping me create my own salad bowl, as this was my first time here. She positively engaged with not only me, but her team members, sparking fulfillment and enthusiasm. 10/10 customer service from her!The food was fresh, of high quality, and I will be coming back many times in the future!”
“Title: Exceptional Service from Linda at Jack in the Box in BerkeleyI recently visited the Jack in the Box location in Berkeley and had the pleasure of meeting Linda, who provided exceptional service that exceeded my expectations. As I was conversing with her, I mentioned the challenges I faced at another Jack in the Box location due to city guidelines restricting the use of plastic straws. I also shared my experience with their new boba milk tea, expressing disappointment at not being able to receive a large plastic boba straw due to these regulations.Linda's response truly touched my heart. She kindly informed me that at the Berkeley location, they were not bound by the same restrictions and went above and beyond by generously providing me with five extra straws. Her thoughtful gesture ensured that I would have them on hand for future visits to the other location, should I decide to indulge in another boba treat. Her genuine care and consideration for my experience made a lasting impression on me.Linda's sweet and accommodating nature, coupled with her proactive approach to ensure my satisfaction, truly warmed my heart. Her outstanding service is a testament to her dedication and the exceptional customer experience she creates. Without a doubt, Linda deserves a resounding five-star rating for her remarkable service.I highly recommend visiting Jack in the Box in Berkeley and experiencing the exceptional service provided by Linda. Her kindness and thoughtfulness have made me a loyal customer, and I look forward to returning to this location in the future. Thank you, Linda, for making my visit a memorable and delightful one.”
“The place was fun :)There was a little concert with a lot of instruments inside and that was giving quite a vibe to the whole experience.Great choice of beers - also Guinness+ cider! - and interesting choice of food. Chicken wings were very tasty. I saw on the menu that they do the desserts with beers, which should be quite an experience.”
26
Babette
“What a great find! We went for brunch and shared two dishes - one was a twist on eggs Benedict and the other was a version of shrimp tacos with shells made out of mozzarella cheese. We loved the completely different way that the dishes were prepared from your typical brunch fare. The flavors and textures were totally surprising and delicious! Also experienced excellent and enthusiastic service and had a nice chat with one of the owners. We will be back!”
“Recently eaten at Ronna’s Grill! I got the Alexander Plate, and we also sampled some of the Kunefe. The alexander plate was decent, though the sauce seemed like a typical marinara sauce rather than the tomato paste based sauce i’m used to. The Kunefe was ? with just the right ratio of cheese to syrup that made it addicting as hell. The service was warm and friendly! Food 6/10 Service 8/10”
Cheap Eats
“Literally the best pizza I’ve had outside of Italy. Place looks spare, but the food is first class. Salads are as good as it gets. Derick is owner/chef, having come from a Michelin restaurant in SF, he knows what he’s doing. You will not be disappointed !”
“Very decent pizza (just got a large cheese to share with friends and watch the Warriors lose miserably to the Celtics!) for a very good price. Staff are very nice and service was immediate for pick-up.”
“I see the hype! The food is super fresh and tasty, and the cook is a great guy! Very big portions and super reasonable prices (about $15 average). Undoubtedly the best of its genre in town.”
“My cousin showed me this place and I fell in love! They always have k-pop playing and the corn dogs are so mouth watering good!Vegetarian options: They have dogs that don't have any meat in themParking: It's Berkley. The parking here is tough to find”
“My favorite Mexican restaurant in the area! Impeccable dishes with rich flavor and high quality ingredients, amazing cocktails, fantastic service, and a lovely interior with a couple of outdoor tables for sunny days. My favorites are the green enchiladas, chicken mole, and plantains - but everything we’ve had here has been incredible. I’m always shocked by how uncrowded this place is - people are seriously missing out!”
“Good atmosphere and good chicken pesto panini. If they had blended coffee drinks with a silent blender, it would be much better. But still worth itParking: Not a lot of parking options. The city will soon remove most nearby parking in the area so they can put up some cement dividers. Soon you will only be able to walk/bike there.Wheelchair accessibility: Yes, accessible.”
“Just an absolutely awesome restaurant with amazing, high quality food and actually gives you enough portion size.Kinda cliche but Abe’s Cafe has literally brightened my time at Berkeley lol especially these past semesters where it has gotten pretty tough and miserable. Thank you Abe’s Cafe for always making my day better every time I go!”
“Pizza window that delivers indelible pies. What a special experience having our first bite of that airy, crisp dough! The sauce is perfectly pungent yet sweet - oh so memorable. My fiancé and I will be coming back!”
“Great bread and very popular location. There was a long line out the door. Recommend the sourdough, and the day old bread is half off! There was a line out the door but it moved quickly; all the people in line were super friendly which made the line move faster”
“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!”
“Its been a few year since I was last here.Not a bad spot. Their signature coffee was pretty good from what I remember. Also the food options are good.I use to work in the building they are part of, so I frequented this spot.Not a bad option for coffee or lunch.”
“Amazing store full of many many varieties of bread. It's like stepping into bread heaven. The store itself feels very European, the service is friendly and great, and it still retains a neighborhood vibe. The bread is all of course, extremely good.”
“I love this place! It has always been my favorite ice cream place because it has unique flavors and great service. The ice cream is made on sight with quality ingredients and lots of care. My favorite flavor is salted caramel but all of them are good, especially the sorbet.”
“A homey style cottage destination for coffee, tea and pastries. There is indoor and outdoor seatings. Great, friendly service and enjoy looking at the display of fresh pastries for tempting addition to the choice of drink.”
“This place is an absolute dream. I do wish there were more seats and tables to do work. I got the matcha from here and it was so creamy and delicious, though I do recommend lowering the sweetness level.”
“This is a top tier Berkeley brunch spot! The food was great and I was amazed at how efficient the staff was, especially since this place is busy busy busy! All the food I tried was amazing. The churro waffles were so good: crispy and generously coated in sugar and cinnamon with fresh fruit and ice cream! The short rib hash was soooo good. The meat was so flavorful and tender. We were here for a birthday and they even gave us a birthday treat for the celebrant (MORE churro waffles! 2 pcs) What impressed me most was how efficient the staff ran this place! The line was super long - but don't be intimidated. The line is to place your order at a counter, then you take your order number and find a seat. The staff was helpful in getting us sat. The food comes out super fast after that. Would highly recommend this place!”
“The atmosphere of this place is cool and the food is beyond amazing. I don't think I've had anything here I disliked, I loved everything I had though. I'd definitely recommend this restaurant... one of my favorite places in Berekley.”
“Nothing too fancy. But great food. Tandoori salmon was great! Tandoori chicken was a bit dry. Though they used chicken breast which is usually dry. Dipping the chicken in the tasty Tikka sauce helped. Excellent Naan! Mango lassi was thick and tasty. Lamb tandoori was overcooked. Would come back to try more dishes, now knowing which to avoid.”
“lovely dinner lovely experience. I am coming again on the 23rd. I'm having trouble making reservations but I will call to make sure I can get four of us there at 5 o'clock and will be seeing the show at Central Works and I was told that we can get a discount I hope that's true, thank you for a wonderful evening”
“Loved the flavor and quality of the meal! The atmosphere is always perfect and honestly I've been going here for second and its still my favorite sushi spot!”
“I had the "Jalapeño Business", a sort of cheesesteak with amazing plant steak, slightly less amazing bacon, and a nice greasy bun. The staff was awesome. I especially appreciated the shaker of nooch! I'm headed back to Korea, but wish I lived in Berkeley to eat here all the time.”
34
Gaumenkitzel
“Great spot for German fare in Berkeley. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and they sell a good bit of harder to find German food and beer as retail. The homemade Jagerschnitzel and spaetzle are on point, and the beer is excellent. I love their goulash as well. All seems to be made with love. Their breztels are a bit disappointing, however... small and not warm. They also have wierd hours, not open for lunch during the week, opening at 4pm and they close a bit early (8pm)... they should stay open longer, I'd come more often! One more negative: they're a bit pricey. Overall, however, I'm very glad they're here as they scratch my itch for great German food, and I definitely recommend Gaumenkitzel!”
35
Great China
“February 2024:Enjoyed a Lunar New Year lunch with pork dumplings and mu shu vegetables (not the most traditional Chinese dish but it sounded good).Dumplings were very tasty ?. Each order came with 15 dumplings.The mu shu vegetables came with six thin wraps. Nice assortment of vegetables.Overall, had a great lunch and would come back again for more delicious food!”
“Delicious Southern dinner. Wait wasn't too bad of a wait even for a table of 6. Hush puppies were a little too dry (needs some fresh corn kernels in my opinion). Fried chicken was delicious, as was the gumbo. The BBQ plate was a good portion size too.”
37
Cha-Ya
“AMAZING vegetarian & vegan restaurant!!(⁎⁍̴̛ᴗ⁍̴̛⁎)❤️?I’ve been wanting to visit this place since my second year in Berkeley, and I’m glad I finally did!You can tell they made their food with great care and the ingredients are yummy and fresh!The staff are very nice; the vibe inside is clean and chill. This is a great place for you to hang out with a small group of friends or come alone to recharge your mental health (I mean seriously, their food is tasty, healthy, and pretty!)I’d definitely come back very often to try out all other creative cuisines! ”
“Excellent selections and tastes. Not too expensive and high quality dishes. We tried a number of dishes and surprisingly everything was wonderful. Really! Atmosphere is jovial and a bit noisy, but in a good way. Definitely worth a visit, even if you are not a Japanese food fan.”
39
Daryoush
“Food portions are big. Ordered a dish with half rice-hald salad and the plate was fullllll. The half sized portions were about the same size as a full size dish in other restaurants.Shish kabob was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The taste was GREAT.The rice smelled and tasted good and the salad ingredients were fresh.Doogh was good as well.The owner greeted guests at all tables and the staff were trying their best to make sure the guests are comfy and have everything they'd like available to them.The only thing that I can say would need improvement was the Mast-Kiyar, the amount of cucumber was not enough for the size of the yogurt bowl and the yogurt texture was a little like hummus (not sure why).If I want to grade this restaurant, it would definitely be between 97-100 out of 100.”
40
Iyasare
“The food was the best Japanese food I have had, including in Japan. DelIcious, unique and completely satisfying. A delightful find with excellent service. The only down side was the closeness of the tables and noise. It is now my favorite Japanese restaurant in Berkeley.”
“Exceptional place for brew and to sit and enjoy a brew. Product is amazing as is service. The best goto loc in Berkeley possibly. There is nothing negative here.❤️”
42
900 Grayson
“The waffle and chicken were excellent. It is the best in the Bay. I would have loved some butter, but surprisingly, it didn't need it. The chicken breast was juicy and crunchy, and the waffle and syrup were sweet and flavorful. It's very much worth the price.”
43
Café Etoile
“Nice spot, I went for the fried chicken and croffle. They used dark meat chicken so it was nice and juicy, though a little bit of seasoning on the chicken itself might be nice. The exterior was great and crunchy, and the croffle was nice and dense and chewy as you might expect such a combination to be. Will likely come back for this dish again.”
“The waiters are the most pleasant people you can imagine. Very personalized service and pleasant conversation. Service was quick. The eggplant with tofu was very good, but my beef curry was too salty.”
45
Sumo Roll
“Some of the best sushi I’ve had, especially the salmon nigiri and lion king roll. Such big portions of fish. Not to mention the bowl was also a screaming deal for the amount of food you get and it’s so custom! Also came with some gluten free people and they were very ”
46
Lo Coco's
“The customer service was above and beyond. Frank was so thoughtful and had some surprise food for us as soon as we got seated after the wait.All of the food we had was so fresh and absolutely delicious!”
47
Wine So Cru
“A lovely neighborhood wine bar with great service from owners Nubeer and Sonny with expertly curated wines (by the glass, bottle, or flights) plus a small retail shop for take home bottles!”
48
Cafe M
“The atmosphere can be quite loud at times, but the food is always good. Big portions here. Highly recommend getting the omelets.Parking: Parking right in front of the restaurant.”
49
Addis
“Good food! Good customer service! One of my favorite Ethiopian restaurant The place looks like it's not open from the outside. Needs some renovation. Had broken furnitures outside.”
50
Lama Beans
“Great brunch place! The Lama Special is great: two eggs, two pancakes (with butter and maple syrup), bacon and some fruit (price: $15 + taxes). It was very tasty, and the pancakes were especially soft. The food was ready very quickly! Even though the kitchen is open, the place does not smell thickly of food.”
“Oceanview Diner is the perfect place to order from if you need to feed a group of hungry people! Thank you Will and everyone at the cafe who provided delicious deli sandwiches for our hard-working canvassers for our campaign for Jennifer Esteen for Supervisor 2024. After a long day of working for social justice in Alameda County we really appreciated the turkey, veggie and cheese sandwiches.”
“The Afternoon tea on a Tuesday is a Berkeley hidden gem. A three tier stand of sweet and savory tea treats with a teapot of loose leaf tea is presented with warmth by the long-time staff. They treated my daughter who turned 21 with kindness and generosity and it was a lovely, relaxed afternoon. It's also a fraction of the price of other tea establishments. Highly recommend.”
“Had a fun and fabulous Galentines' brunch here on a rainy Saturday. The weather was a bummer but the inside space is very cozy and welcoming with efficient and friendly service. Our party of four enjoyed an assortment of sandwiches, appetizers and pasta. The Montesacro Pinseria sandwich bread is amazing and since it's baked w/ Italian wheat, it's easier on the gut (as we learned from the manager). We'll be back for the wine when it's Happy Hour! Thx.”
54
Jupiter
“Last time I had a Pilsner and the wings outside next to the fireplace. Fall-off-the-bone delicious. There's a fountain., covered tables even nice in the rain. This time I had another crisp, delicious Pilsner and BBQ Pork Riblets in their Porter BBQ sauce. Absolutely delicious and nice sized portions. My favorite spot in Berkeley so far!”
“Beautiful place and nice concept with delicious food.The sinks in both downstairs bathrooms don’t work (with signs telling customers not to tamper with the plumbing, so clearly not a problem only since today). This makes me wonder where the staff wash their hands - it’s definitely not in the bathrooms.”
“This review is for the dinner service, which is lovely, full of charm, and has a serious appreciation for food as art. Each dish was incredibly flavorful, curated, and came with fresh ingredients. Overall, the dishes had quality ingredients that were thoughtfully put together, and well worth the value. The vibe and ambiance was fit for both a playful date and an evening with friends. The person behind the counter was also very kind and took his time to suggest wine pairings and dishes. So grateful for this place -- it definitely is a spot for good dining in Berkeley.”
“Great piece of history on campus that also has decent food and a cool little bar tucked away on the corner. The staff are great to work with. Not sure what staying here is like but probably a step above a 3 star hotel. Book ahead of game day. Nice spot on campus.Walkability: Close to campanile and HaasNoteworthy details: Cool historical lodge feel. Great patios to rent out.”
58
Tigerlily
“superb experience at this restaurant, highly recommend the nachos, and the chicken sambosa. the man serving us was Atul and is a very genuine soul. Cant wait to have dinner at Tigerlily ”
59
Anchalee
“This place feels like you’re on the set of Friends, but also at a Thai restaurant. Very comfortable, cozy. Owner is usually sipping a glass of wine in the front window. A+ vibes.”
60
Kirala
“This is a wonderful Japanese restaurant. There is often a wait for a table, but the waits are usually short. The rolls are wonderful. My favorite is the Dragon roll. There is a large menu with Japanese salads, sushi, bento boxes, sashimi, noodles and tempura.”
“Loved the vibes, wonderful & friendly service, food was DELISH!!!!!!!! :0I've lived in Bezerkeley for hella long, and I can't believe I've never eaten here before tonight!!!Freakin AWESOME, ????Went there with my gfWe're vegetarians.This place has fantastic veggie + vegan options. We ordered the House Special, which is a vegetarian pizza ?SUPER DANK, Bro...!It was TOO GOOD!!!!!!!The vibes were CHILLIN, HARD!!!!Got like, some snowboarding videos playing on one, some cute animal videos on another screen, cool themes, music was like, some really good light chillstep techno kinda background dance music that kept my feet tappin and it's still stuck in my head.Bros, Life Pro Tip, use code "Local" or "Locals" or something for 20% off if you order online? Idk exactly. Will try next time. DEFINITELY coming back!!!My gf only likes Indian food, and apparently these ppls pizza.We signed up for their free VIP membership club, this place is so FIRE?It's like $30 for a big pizza, with smaller sizes available for personal pizzas...We got the 14-inch and shared, it was like $33 after tax... They have a 16-inch, like an 8-inch, 10-, 12-...Vegetarian options: Their main house special is lacto-veg (has dairy, mozzarella) and none of their stuff has any eggs, apparently, according to staff. Huge veggie and also huge vegan menuKid-friendliness: They had nice family-friendly, upbeat music, really nice atmosphere, screens playing nice things with animals and stuff all around”
“A cool spot for cocktails and to catch up with friends. If you're looking for charming ambiance for a date then you can't go wrong with Tupper & Reed. The place has enough character and romantic dining nooks upstairs to properly align all the stars, no matter how big or small.”
63
Bansho Ramen
“Not kidding when I say it’s the best sushi I’ve had in recent memory. The Bansho House Roll with shrimp and tempura salmon literally melted in my house. I normally like sushi, but I don’t love it. I LOVED their sushi. My family also absolutely loved their ramen. Don’t walk here, RUN. Cherry on the cake was that it’s a cute little place.”
64
Mint Leaf
“An absolute gem in the heart of corporate buildings and a bougie grocery store (Berkeley Bowl) nearby. It's been awhile since I stopped by Mint Leaf for some lunch, and boy did I miss their spring rolls so bad. I'm an SJ foodie, which means that I've had my fair share of Việt food back home. There's no place that I've visited near home that sells spring rolls as well as Mint Leaf does! It's unique, fun, and so tasty! Whose ingenious idea was it to incorporate a crispy tempura shrimp in the center of a spring roll and pay homage to California'a wild obsession of avocados by incorporating them into the rolls themselves?! I usually feel healthy eating spring rolls, but the rolls at Mint Leaf gave me a mix of healthy and indulgent with the crispy tempura shrimp edge and abundant leafy green lettuce and avocado in their spring rolls! I had dined at their Oakland branch (also just as tasty and please say hi to Tony for me) when I was barely starting middle school. It's wonderful to know that this mom n' pop shop survived the pandemic, especially during these rough economic times. Their garlic noodles with scallop and shrimp is still as good as ever. All the shrimps were gigantic and the scallops were plump and juicy. My partner had their paella claypot and really enjoyed it! I unfortunately did not sample, so I will leave it to him to review that dish heh. We also shared a side of crispy egg rolls and a nice basket of sweet potato fries with a curry dip! Overall, service was superb and all workers were kind and courteous. The atmosphere in the restaurant was also very calm and the space felt so open and free with all the natural lighting from the big windows. If anything, I wished my workplace was nearby. This is a great place to grab a bite with a coworker~ Berkeley Bowl is next door too, so you can also shop for dinner after eating here. 10/10 recommend~ I can't wait to return to Mint Leaf again!”
65
King Yen
“I have been going to King Yen for over 20 years, it is always a wonderful experience and upon leaving I look forward to the next time I go there.Everyone who works there is just as nice as are the owners who provide a personal touch to every visit or when you see them in the Elmwood area.If you have not eaten here, you should and if you have you know exactly what I mean and I know you are like me and will return soon.Thanks to everyone at King Yen for all they do to make it a great experience.”
“It's wonderful to have a high quality Thai restaurant in the neighborhood. Thai Delight does a good job with the menu, and the ambience is great. Casual but very clean, quiet, and comfy. The new owners have transformed one wall into a charming mural that defies description. Service is at times uneven but mostly warm and attentive. It's become our go-to spot.”
“Great food and the place is nice and spacious. Our server Jack was great, he recommended one of their secret menu plates. If you want to try, ask for Jack he will let you know.”
68
Noody
“service is fast, food is delicious. my favorite is carbonara, also tried pad thai, garlic fried chicken, ramyeon bbq pork etc. the only thing is that the pink milk is NOTHING like the photo- it looks straight up like pepto bismol and I have no idea what flavor it is, it just tastes artificial.”
“Authentic quiet high quality family run. Plus you get a view of the sunset strangely because of the angle of their large windows. We had salmon Tikka that was fantastic and lamb biryani perfect. generous portions too.”
70
Pho Le
“Wonderful mom and pop Chinese/Vietnamese restaurant. Dishes are very good, mostly classical. Honestly the thing that keeps coming back is the won ton soup. Dumplings are hand made and broth seems to be from bones -- which makes sense because they are a pho place. Really the very best I've had in the US.”
“Generous portions of food, packed with flavor!We got these dishes with spring rolls and shared it all1. Sweet chicken on rice - crispy sweet & spicy chicken came with rice, loved it2. Pad Thai3. Duck noodle soupDelicious and packaged very well.”
“This hidden gem is awesome. Stopped in here to grab a salad with chicken, to go. It was one of the best I’ve ever had. Very fast service. Looking forward to returning!”
“This place is great for a quick lunch. I tried their Molette, it was very flavorful! Highly recommend it.They have some pretty good vegetarian options. Would def like to revisit again and try more!”
74
La Note
“Hella French! This place is awesome and I had no idea it was there. Food is phenomenal and well priced for what you get. Sandwich was delicious and my wife loved the tuna nicoise. Highly recommend!”
“This bar (and music venue) comes well-stocked with a diverse selection of craft beer and rotating cocktails. It's roomy and spacious, with seating to accommodate large parties.The kitchen specializes in tasty comfort food. Think burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, and things that stick to your ribs. They do have a couple vegetarian options, if that's a concern.You order your food at the bar, and staff brings it to your table. Prices for the food are very reasonable. Most of the money you'll spend here will apply to the drinks.If you see a show here, it's a standing-only venue, though staff can make special accommodation for seats if you are injured or have a disability if you notify them ahead of time. They have a bar in the back, if you want a drink during the show. The sound system is great.”
“Sat down and had food in front of me literally within 5 minutes - I came on a weekday late afternoon so definitely not typical meal times, but WOW that was fast and delicious. Lots of vegetarian options, my soup was delicious + I was there at the right time for lunch happy hour prices!”
“Super cute bar near campus with a true happy hour! Drinks and bites! Giving date ambiance !The entire cocktail list isn’t on happy hour, but totally worth venturing off and trying the Gumby Buck and “Love and Demons”! My two favorite!The chicken sandwich was good with a side of tikka sauce for dipping! Flatbread was move and fresh as well.There was only one server upstairs when I arrived and the bartender. It got a little busy as the night progressed but still very friendly !”
“What a great find! Excellent menu with lots of delicious options, especially for vegetarians. Tofu rocked! Endless side dishes!Service was friendly, quick and excellent! Only complaint was the volume of the TV monitor. There was nice singing, it was just too loud. Otherwise, a wonderful place! We will return!”
“Best place to watch games and hangout around Berkeley. Best Sports bar in Berkeley with great wings, fries and other Himalayan food items like momo. Loved their service and ambience.”
“Gregoire’s is my lunch go-to. The chicken sando and potato puffs are a staple but I also am loving their hearty salads right now. So yummy!Vegetarian options: Salads are filling and delicious!”
81
Simply Bowl
“A solid poke place that my friend fell in love with. I am not super crazy about this place but I have to admit that when I come to Berkeley and look for a healthy and delicious food, I check this place first. There is not a lot of options for poke but who wants many options when you know that the top two choices are the best. The mango in salmon poke is a clear fun twist and the squid in tuna is great too. The price is reasonable given the quality of the fish and other ingredients.”
“I had never a fans of sandwich, for me all of them tasted the same, till finally I bought sandwich from Crave Subs that it changed my mind lol. It tasted delicious, they also serve halal meat, so it's a plus point for me. The price is also pretty reasonable and the portion is huge.The thing that I don't like is the place, they only have small room and some tables, so it's difficult to find a place to eat especially if it's crowded.”
“They were not quite ready for a full opening but the food was marvelous and the service equal looking forward to going back when they can serve some beer with the pizza so many choices there I can't wait to try ”
84
Kamado Sushi
“Chef Jin is a true sushi master, and it shows in each handcrafted splendor served at Kamado. I’ve been dining here since the year they opened and can say unequivocally this is my favorite sushi spot in the bay!”
85
Juan's Place
“Started coming here in the 90's. Great atmosphere(welcoming) and traditional Mexican food. recommend the enchiladas and fish tacos.Wheelchair accessibility: Wheel chair ramp on the side.”
86
Platano
“The papusas here are really good and very affordable. The salsa is $5, which seems steep, but it’s delicious. Papusas come withe a type of marinated cabbage, similar to coleslaw, but with mayonnaise. Overall, really great food for value.Vegetarian options: Many vegetarian options.”
“The Timatim Fitfit was plenty good, and they have quite a good vegetarian section of the menu. It arrives on Ethiopian time, so don't be in a hurry, but that's on par with all the other ones I've tried.Take my service stars with a grain of salt since it was a weekday and there was only one waiter for the 6 or so tables that were there. Maybe it was bad timing or maybe one will have better luck on the weekend. I personally absolutely hated the music videos they were playing, so that's why I didn't like the atmosphere, but maybe other people enjoy that as part of their experienceParking: There's a cutout from the street in front of the restaurant but it's shared with all the other stores and thus almost always full. You can go around the corner and find some street parking”
“Beautiful restaurant. Cozy but spacious, with gorgeous art on the walls and nice music. My server was absolutely lovely. The food was amazing. I got the meat combo with red lentils (you add a veggie like a side for free). The we't and red lentils were all amazing, and the injera had a nice texture (free refills on injera).Vegetarian options: Red lentils were amazing!”
“We were on a Breakfast Burrito binge. We were trying as many top-rated breakfast burritos as possible. We came across this place while waiting for another place. This place was better than the rest!!! Absolutely great!!! Go here as good, if not better, than all the other top-rated burrito places. They got our order wrong, but it's still AMAZING!!! I asked for toasted and Acado instead of guacamole. But they did not toast and put guacamole.”
90
Musashi
“Menu was Great, food was fresh and amazing, loved that atmosphere and the customer service.Parking: If you go after 6 it's plenty of free parking right outside the door”
“Absolutely awesome Vietnamese Fusion. We shared multiple dishes among our table of 4 and every single dish was a revelation.Vegetarian options: Plenty of choices for vegetarians. The vegetables are super tasty.”
92
Donato & Co.
“We wanted a good restaurant close to the Berkeley Playhouse, which had an excellent rendition of Rent, and we were not disappointed with Donato&Co. One of the best things about this restaurant is the wine list – you can get any glass, carafe, or bottle of wine. This is a rarity, especially in the bay area, and it gives you a full spectrum of choices to enjoy. Food was excellent, Including a fantastic black truffle appetizer over a flan like cheese and toasted Parmesan. Pastas were fresh and delicious. Great server who provided excellent recommendations. Highly recommended! ”
“The eggplant clay pot was a destination dish! And the scallion pancakes are unexpected and delicious. Lovely plates and teapot!Vegetarian options: Noodle dishes can be made meatless but I wonder if some of the flavor is lost.”
“This place has been around forever and I hope it stays around forever. The food is all amazing, falafels are made fresh to order. A classic.Vegetarian options: Falafel, soups, burrito, smoothies and more.”
“This place is amazing! The sparkling wine is really tasty and the ambiance is lovely. Great for families with littles and ample outdoor seating. Great vibe. A gem!”
“My favorite place in Berkeley to meet friends for breakfast or lunch. The food is okay, but the ambiance is excellent. This place often gets crowded, so it's advisable to plan to go there in advance.”
97
Comal
“The food was delicious. We had Mixiote de pollo (Chicken leg and thigh, potatoes, nopales, ancho chile salsa, $21), Quesadillas (Hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, epazote, habanero salsa, $15), and for desert, Oaxacan chocolate budin ($10). The service was wonderful. The server gave us ample time to place our order while we were catching up with each other.”
98
Riva Cucina
“A long overdue review as I came here in May for BRW to go. We got 4 BRW prix fixe menu for $40 each for us and my parents and added a lamb shank from their regular menu as well. The mushroom soup was light and flavorful with every sip due to the porcini broth. Since I rarely fry things myself, anytime I see arancini available, I almost always get them and these definitely did not disappoint. Three of us got the crab raviolis which just like the soup was delicious from the first bite to the last. The porchetta was good but personally I preferred those crab raviolis instead. Since my dad loves lamb shanks, we had to order one to try and it was dad approved. For dessert, it was 50/50 chocolate torte and blood orange panna cotta. For chocolate lovers, that torte is decadent and satisfying. For non-chocolate lovers, that panna cotta was a great alternate, but again for me, chocolate was the way to go.”
“My favorite Italian place! The food is always fresh and delicious, the service is fantastic, and we love the vibe, too. They have lots of dairy-free and gluten-free options that are just as delicious, too.”
Latest Reviews
“This restaurant is another hideaway gem. Located @the corner of 4th and Gilman the outside is nothing spectacular.Victoria and her staff are pleasant and attentive. I enjoy the homey Mom & Pop atmosphere.Food is really good and the prices are reasonable especially if you are a senior citizen on a budget.The menu is not extensive but appears to cover anyone's palate. I bring friends here all the time. I usually come on Sundays but have had occasions to eat here during the week.Give the place a try. You will not regret it!”
“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.”
“Wonderful study/vibe spot, one of the few places so close to campus that you can often find a seat. Haven’t tried any food. The chai is always my comfort drink, but it’s more of a dessert than a tea.”
“Hands down the best cooking class I’ve done. The chefs were professional, the food was fresh, and we learned more about having a feel for cooking, and knife skills, than I could imagine. Best ‘value for money’ Bay Area activity!”
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“Great sevice compared to other restaurants in the area but the food was just a bit lacking in flavor. We enjoyed the espresso martinis and the view of the bay was beautiful but the building and grounds are too dated and it badly needs a renovation.”
“GREAT ATMOSPHERE & FRIENDLY Helpful & Knowledgeable Staff. Wonderful Views of San Francisco & The Golden Gate Bridge from the Deck. Delicious Food & Drinks. YOU HAVE TO GO AT LEAST ONCE & Experience Fine Dining at it's Best. It's an Awesome Place to Behold Brimming with Sweet Majestic Charm with Whispers of Time Long Ago served up in an Endless Style Only Berkeley can accomplish.”
“Big slices for a great price! I went to the one in Manhattan, NY, and I was hooked. I was so happy to find one in the Bay Area. I couldn't get enough of the pizza. I got the Vodka sicilian and 2 artichoke slices. They are worth every penny and taste great. The vodka is so saucy and simple but tastes so good. The artichoke is a staple and very creamy and flavorful. If I lived closer, I would go all the time.”
“Wow. Such a simple yet amazing concept.Pizza of the day and some salsa verde, was this a dream? 2 of my favorite things, together and killing it.Run, don’t walk here. Pictured is the pizza of the day with really fresh ingredients. This pie is gluten free and you can’t even tell. Wow!!Dietary restrictions: Gluten Free Available”
“We are return customers to Gather and recommend the salads and flatbreads. The servers are attentive and the atmosphere pleasant. We miss pre-pandemic days when the menu offered more options, but still like Gather very much.”
“I love this tucked away bistro. I’ve walked and driven by it so many times but never thought to enter.We had a large party of 10 for this visit. And it was PACKED on a Saturday night. It was pretty cramped because of the crowds and they have a lot of tables.The owner/manager suggested we order family style instead of individual portions. It’s not in the menu but you get larger portions and the benefit of sharing.Started off with their INCREDIBLE garlic oil and bread. It was so good we bought suns to take away! Their house wine was also so good as bought a couple of those to take home too!Appetizers were Caesar salad,Main courses were Ravioli Porcini Trifolati and Ragu di Maiale. Oh man those were good ravioli. Stuffed mushroom ravioli, sautéed in a white wine and sauteed onion’s. And the Ragu was off the hook with homemade pappardelle with slowly braised pork, homemade sausage, and other goodies.Another main dish was Stinco d'agnello which are some delicious lamb shanks, but I’ll admit I liked the other two dishes more for flavor.Too full this time but next time we’ll get dessert. Waitress service was spotty but when the manager/owner served us directly, it was fantastic.Can’t wait to go back! A really great find in the gourmet ghetto.”
“I was so excited to find this shop! The cupcakes were delicious and the customer service was exceptional too! Thank You to Sumayah for being so lovely and sweet. I highly recommend this cupcake shop!”
“I ordered the Pavé Torte from this bakeshop and had it delivered to my mother as our family's Christmas surprise for her. The ordering process was very smooth and easy and Amanda has been easy to communicate with as I verified that my order was received and then delivered on the date I had requested. Overall, I experienced great service and the price of the torte was very reasonable along with the delivery charge.I wish I was a local so that I could try their offerings which all look delicious. I will visit for sure when I am in town.”
“Fab dinner. Had the citrus + raddicchio + burrata + pistachio dust (had it last time too, simply fab), sausage pizza, 4 prawn cocktail and RBK Duck + 1 fizz + 1 those rosé& 1 temparinillo. All was great!”
“The Noodle,Thai Restaurant Thai cuisine restaurant??Vegan meals and children’s menu are also available.A six-minute walk from the Residence Inn by Marriott Berkeley, you can find Thai cuisine The Noodle, Thai Restaurant.I don’t know why 484 was so hungry, but every dish was delicious?I was especially moved by the delicious and mellow hot beef soup Green papaya salad is crispy, sweet and refreshing?Fried squid~ The crispy fried and salty aroma reminds me of Taiwanese snacks and delicacies?The older one is too hungry. Order two main meals and eat them all?It’s really a food paradise near the school?There are all kinds of food?The service staff are friendly and the food is served quickly. The tables are very close to each other and the chairs are easy to touch the chairs of the next table. Fortunately, we have two dining tables combined and we can fit a lot of dishes.Dietary restrictions: Special vegetarian and children's menus availableKid-friendliness: There are children's chairs and children's menus”
“Totally honorable slice of straight up pizza, great selection of brews, Great staff, and a convenient location in the heart of downtown Berkeley.I'm normally not a pizza and beer kind of guy, but tonight I made an exception and I'm glad that I did. Their meat combo was cooked perfectly crispy just around the edges the meat was good, Beer was great, I ordered the propaganda ale.I would give this place 5 out of five stars except just so many screens playing so many basketball games made the place kind of noisy I had to shut it out to focus on the delicious pizza. But I highly recommend this place to anyone in the neighborhood who likes pizza.Wheelchair accessibility: More about wheelchair accessibility”
“Overall a good experience, except I put 2 stars only for service because they seem to be a little for lack of better terms unhappy to be working there and a bit slow in taking your order even though they see you standing and waiting to order. If they're busy it could be taken care of by a simple communication that they'll be right with you but I did not even get that.Perhaps they were just having a bad night I don't know but does not make them look very good and does not make me eager to return....Parking: Conveniently located large lotWheelchair accessibility: Easily Available”
“Top Chinese restaurant in Bay AreaEverything about it leads to it having incredible food. Love that the family is there, love that it’s served now in Togo containers, because we are always going to take the leftovers to go.The food though hella good. We ordered vegi chicken sweet and sour, broccoli with vegi beef and chow fun with vegetables, oh and white rice. My gf is vegan so we came here for the vegan options, and it was basically like meat so for me it was amazing. And they have seafood here which I’ll definitely order honey walnut shrimp next time. We had enough leftover for a solid meal the next day.It’s a quality place”
“I was coming here everyday when I first moved to Berkeley. The Yakult teas and Oolong teas are my favorite. I'll usually add taro balls and Mochi jelly!! Those are the best two topping options, but their boba is also delicious with a perfect consistency. I think this is a bit pricier for the area, but honestly I think it's worth it sometimes.”
“When I tell you this ice cream and cookie were delicious. My niece and I devoured the bowl. I hate that I wasn't able to go back the next day for seconds. This is a must visit on a warm summer day. Hell... it's a great place to visit on any day.”
New Restaurants
“I recently went to this restaurant and the food was great. I had chicken wrap and biryani which were delicious. It he owner is friendly person and greets everyone nicely. Family owned business and nice and clean place.”
“The atmosphere of this place is cool and the food is beyond amazing. I don't think I've had anything here I disliked, I loved everything I had though. I'd definitely recommend this restaurant... one of my favorite places in Berekley.”
“Great coffee shop away from crowds. Locally owned, overheard (under new owneship). They have a wide selection of coffees, smoothies, salads and sandwiches. Really surprised by the great atmosphere!”
“Got 3 orders of the Korean fried chicken with kimchi, white rice and jabchae and teriyaki sauce on the side.... So good! Will be ordering from them again, my daughters also loved the ”
“So glad that another Hawaiian BBQ place opened up in Berkeley. Situated in a small storefront on Telegraph and Channing, you'd probably miss this spot if you weren't looking for it. They have a little bit of indoor seating, so we Snackpassed our order and dined in. They have a $5 off your first $20+ order on Snackpass, so be sure to take advantage of that. Service is quick and friendly, no frills (for a takeout and dine-in experience). We ordered an Aloha BBQ Combo plate and a BBQ Chicken BBQ Beef plate. Portions are massive for the price. For around $15-16, you get 2 scoops of rice, 1 scoop of mac salad, and a heaping amount of your protein choice that sits on top of a small portion of steamed cabbage/broccoli. For me, the BBQ chicken was better than both the BBQ beef and kalbi. BBQ beef was a tad dry and kalbi was too fatty for my liking. The chicken was cooked to perfection, betterrrrrr than panda in my opinion.”
“Berkeley is not shy of boba shops. My friend and I were seeking boba after our meal and Teaspoon was nearby and open later than other spots. This tea shop is on the smaller end with only two tables. Most customers take their drinks to go. Ordering is a breeze which you do at the kiosk and wait for your name to be called. Our drinks took less than five minutes to be made by the sweet staff which was appreciated! There's a variety of milk and fruit teas, some are caffeinated and others aren't. Adjustments for ice and sweetness can be made plus fairly alternatives are available. Since it was late at night, the non-caffeinated Silky Mango, Light Ice, and Oat Milk called to me. I found the Silky Mango to be extremely sweet, and creamy, with nicely cooked boba. My friend had the Dirty Ube with Oat Milk. The drinks are a little pricey but a good size! Teaspoon is a small yet reasonable spot for drinks in Downtown Berkeley. They have locations all over the nation, with this one tucked away off University Ave. It's easily accessible by foot with street parking around.”
“We enjoyed a wonderful dinner on the patio. Food was fantastic and the service was superb. If you are worried about noise level, select outdoor seating. The heaters were great and it was lovely!”