Restaurants in Berkeley
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Best Restaurants
“Great atmosphere and delicious food! Outdoor dining, too!”
“The food was so bomb! It’s really amazing foood even it’s so prizey!”
“This place essentially invented farm-to-table dining and should be highly regarded and appreciated through the annals of history. Unfortunately, I feel like fine dining has evolved and Chez Panisse feels desperately stuck in the past. There's not necessarily anything wrong with that, as the older clientele demonstrates, but the food left me longing for something more interesting given the price.
I struggled with 3 or 4 stars here, but ultimately decided that the service and ambiance took it to four. But I have to reiterate that the food was truly petty meh and unexciting. The fish was dry, we were served fried rockfish on a slice of tomato for pie appetizer (lol), and a mushroom pasta dish was only okay. The best part of the dinner was the ice cream dessert which I have to admit was stunningly good.
That doesn't mean Chez isn't an institution. It is. But the flavors, menu, and preparation feel woefully stuck in the past.”
“This charming little bodega in Berkeley is a delight! The space is beautifully decorated with various shades of green - Tanzie’s favorite color she told me - including lots of gorgeous, lush plants.
The food was delicious and well-presented. I was expecting a Thai menu you typically see in the US, but it was all new to me! I had the Sai Oua lava eggs with deliciously seasoned chicken sausage; the eggs were so light, whipped up into a volcanic swirl that covered a pile of rice.
I encourage you to check out Tanzie’s - a lovely place for delightful meal that’s been lovingly prepared just for you.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“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.”
“Edited my review down to a 4 stars because they don't offer early brunch on a weekend. We came at 9:40am today, Sunday, and they're closed. Why? I hope they'll reconsider their schedule because many customers like to eat earlier than 10am. Btw, we went to their competitors a few blocks down and it was full of people having breakfast.
Lovely new (for us) Mexican restaurant on university av. We stopped for Sunday brunch and food was excellent. Huevos rancheros, my husband's favorite, were perfect, fresh squeeze OJ, good lattes and wonderful cafe de olla. I had scrambled eggs (tacos a la Mexicana) without the tortilla, and plátanos fritos--so fantastic. Friendly service, and the ambience is top notch. We'll come back!”
“Some of the best pizza in the Bay Area. They offer four different styles, and we always get the Detroit-style pizza. Highly recommend the Ray J pizza, which is topped with pepperoni and honey.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Went on a sunday morning and the line was 20 minutes long. The croissant was excellent. Everything else I ordered (scone, grougere, and shortbread) were fine but nothing to write home about. I would only trek up here again for a serious croissant craving.”
“If you're between spending $8 for an impossible whopper or a classic roll at this place then this place all day. Tane (and Shizen) offer high quality ingredients, plating, and taste to all of their decisions, specifically the eggplant nigiri. The eggplant melts in your mouth and does not require any chewing but is full of flavor. The speciality rolls are also of good value because they range from $16-17 & come with 8 pieces. The 1 menu item that was on the pricier side was the cheesecake which was priced at $15. Nevertheless the pricepoint is worth it because it has to be one of the bay area's best cheesecakes. Never a bad experience at Tane.”
“The food was really tasty and great. I have to be honest, this is the best ramen i’ve ever had. I usually don’t finish the broth but the broth here at Masa Ramen Bistro is to die for. I don’t like egg so I asked to skip the egg.”
“Excelente personas muy trabajadoras ambiente familiar y bastantitas menús saludables lo recomiendo al 100%”
“I’m a pizza fanatic and this is hands down the best pizza I’ve ever had. Better then anything in NY and Connecticut (Pepe’s, Sally’s). The Brazilian was next level pizza”
“Amazing food and vibes. The plumb crumb cookie is my new favorite cookie in the bay! It’s like a tiny fruit tart—I think the base is a short bread cookie, and it has a chewy crumble + fresh fruit on top. The other shortbready cookie with jam was also very good.
The two other things I tried were the nectarine chiffon cake and the plum tart. The cake was light and not too sweet, and had just the right amount of cream. The plum tart was also very tasty.
Besides the food, the aesthetics of the place are beautiful and unique. Just look at the picture of the menu!
Overall one of my favorite bakeries in the bay, highly recommend!”
“Great atmosphere and delicious food! Outdoor dining, too!”
“Ordered just the Kaokao Chicken
* Crispy skin
* Perfect level of heat
* Good portions (very filling but not excessive)
* Lovely flavors (very warm—Chana Masala + Chinese 5-spice kind of vibe)
Only recommendation to the restaurant is to get AC for the upstairs and maybe put another water jug up there—it was pretty warm.”
“Got the vegetarian combo plate and a sambusa. The azifa that comes with the vegetarian combo platter is out of this world. It’s light, refreshing and has the tangy flavor to cut the heat of the other items on the platter. Teff injera was delicious. Sambusa has the crispy flaky exterior and the lentils inside are perfectly cooked and seasoned.
I love the mom and pop, modern feel of this cozy neighborhood joint - smiles all around and you can taste the love and passion in the food.”
“The person who took my order here infected me with their smile. I was all smiley after I left here. A good smile spreads easily. I was fine living my life without searching for a cure. I hope I infected others. The falafel sandwich gave me even more of a reason to smile, it was delicious.”
“This place essentially invented farm-to-table dining and should be highly regarded and appreciated through the annals of history. Unfortunately, I feel like fine dining has evolved and Chez Panisse feels desperately stuck in the past. There's not necessarily anything wrong with that, as the older clientele demonstrates, but the food left me longing for something more interesting given the price.
I struggled with 3 or 4 stars here, but ultimately decided that the service and ambiance took it to four. But I have to reiterate that the food was truly petty meh and unexciting. The fish was dry, we were served fried rockfish on a slice of tomato for pie appetizer (lol), and a mushroom pasta dish was only okay. The best part of the dinner was the ice cream dessert which I have to admit was stunningly good.
That doesn't mean Chez isn't an institution. It is. But the flavors, menu, and preparation feel woefully stuck in the past.”
“Tried Curry Pizza House in Kent, WA for the first time. Great flavors! Wonderful wings, Desi bread, and pizza! The mango lassis are yummy. Definitely check it out!”
“La Marcha is one of our fave restaurants in the east bay. All of the dishes are packed full of flavor. We like to order a few tapas and a paella and take the leftover paella home to enjoy the next day. It's a fun date night or dinner with friends!”
“The food is good & the staff is usually friendly. I wish Tarocco was still open on Saturdays. I would go every few weeks solo or with a friend. I am not in the area during the week.”
“Looking for a place for brunch last night, and found this gem! Don’t be scared by the line because it’s 10000% worth it, AND you might just get a free mimosa while waiting? staff feels like family, and you can def taste the love in the food. Buen trabajo muchachos!! Saluddd?”
Outdoor Dining
“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.”
“La Marcha is one of our fave restaurants in the east bay. All of the dishes are packed full of flavor. We like to order a few tapas and a paella and take the leftover paella home to enjoy the next day. It's a fun date night or dinner with friends!”
“Cupcakin easily has the best cupcakes in Oakland. I've been stopping by cupcakin for years as a perfect gift for birthdays, events, general gifts, and self indulgence! They are always welcoming and the flavors are incredible. Worth a visit !”
“What everyone else has said. Friendly, unique. Great Vietnamese coffee. Overstuffed sandwiches. I prefer larger hunks in my chicken salad though it is super delicious.”
“Had the Heyma Latte and it was wonderfully balanced with a prominent coffee flavor rather than too much milk. Absolutely fabulous. For patrons not familiar with cardamom, it's going to be present in a lot of products and may come across as a "fragrance" or "artificial", but it is a lovely, powerful spice. Be polite if it isn't to your taste and just get something else instead of making a stink- saw too many customers bothering staff because they made poor ordering decisions. Go to Starbucks or Peets if you don't want to enjoy a broader coffee experience. Great food.”
“A kind barista. Dial in was amazing. Cappuccino had perfect texture. I was indecisive about what pastry to buy and I was unexpectedly offered one alongside my drink. They didn't have to do that, but that made my visit all the better.”
“The food was so bomb! It’s really amazing foood even it’s so prizey!”
“Nice and fairly new place on solano. Beautifully decorated with fantastic back patio outdoor seating. Friendly staff and good food.
Bosssm is my go to here.
They also have lots of nice things for sale at the market. The fish cakes are quite good.”
“Some of the best pizza in the Bay Area. They offer four different styles, and we always get the Detroit-style pizza. Highly recommend the Ray J pizza, which is topped with pepperoni and honey.”
“What a cute place! The owner was super nice and welcoming, and the food was delicious! Simple, clean and honest. This is definitely going to be our new go-to in the neighbourhood. I wish they phase out the disposables, but they do have regular utensils which is already more than lots of other places.
Vegetarian options: I think all of the food had a vegetarian option with protein and it was easily marked.
Kid-friendliness: We were there with a toddler, and there were other families as well. They have high seats, accessible for strollers and the bathroom is super clean.”
“When planning your mother’s 50th birthday you strive to go above and beyond. Without a doubt, lavender bakery helped me do that. Ali and his team were very communicative and helpful from the start. From planning and designing the cake to the execution of perfection. Every party has a need for a cake, and lavender bakery has a cake for every need. It’s relieving to know that you can put your trust in lavender to cater to your needs in addition to catering to your tastebuds. I definitely recommend this establishment to anyone who is in need of something special for their loved one’s significant moments! Thank you once again to Ali and his team!”
“We had the best brunch experience ever today! The lemon ricotta pancakes along with the cheesy potatoes were delish! We sat outside on their darling little patio and listened to live music, it was so lovely. But the best part of all was the outstanding service from Maxine, her suggestions were on point and her beautiful energy was exactly what our morning needed! Will definitely be back!”
“This charming little bodega in Berkeley is a delight! The space is beautifully decorated with various shades of green - Tanzie’s favorite color she told me - including lots of gorgeous, lush plants.
The food was delicious and well-presented. I was expecting a Thai menu you typically see in the US, but it was all new to me! I had the Sai Oua lava eggs with deliciously seasoned chicken sausage; the eggs were so light, whipped up into a volcanic swirl that covered a pile of rice.
I encourage you to check out Tanzie’s - a lovely place for delightful meal that’s been lovingly prepared just for you.”
“Nice and fairly new place on solano. Beautifully decorated with fantastic back patio outdoor seating. Friendly staff and good food.
Bosssm is my go to here.
They also have lots of nice things for sale at the market. The fish cakes are quite good.”
“I’m a pizza fanatic and this is hands down the best pizza I’ve ever had. Better then anything in NY and Connecticut (Pepe’s, Sally’s). The Brazilian was next level pizza”
Online Reservation Available
“I lived in Berkeley for a few years, and Lucia's was a regular stop at least once a week. The restaurant is beautiful, the owners are wonderful, and the food is fantastic. One of the best pizzas of my life. I loved the tiramisu and it was truly homemade! I highly recommend it”
“Best Indian cuisine in all of Berkeley, do yourself a favor and stop in! great people, great food, a real gem in the city.”
“I am here in California on vacation and wanted to try this place for dinner . I’m delightful to say my meal was very satisfying and the service was very friendly. Audrey was very happy. I highly recommend this place to anyone.”
“Good beer, good people, good seating. A solid neighborhood brewery. Parking can get a wee bit challenging; you might have better luck parking on 5th next to the park.”
“Adam and Queena were invaluable partners in planning my daughter's bat mitzvah! They were very friendly and flexible with our ever-changing budget and introduced us to some great vendors we would have never engaged on our own. They also suggested changes to the layout of the event so that it had a great flow. Beyond all of the preparation, Adam's help with the day-of supervision of the set up and coordination of all with all of the vendors ensured the event went off without a hitch. It was beautiful and exactly how we envisioned it! Thanks Sway!!”
“Fantastic old school lunch and breakfast option. The chicken kabob sandwich was good. They have a very large menu with a lot of variety. The service is super nice.”
“Nothing better then great tacos in walking distance. so glad that they are at the Valero! I no longer need to get into my car to scratch that taco itch... their red sauce is awesome as it has a real kick to ”
“BEST falafel and kofte! So moist and fresh. Really impressed with the food. The staff is SO nice. Also, the little sitting in the area is pleasant. Prices are great, especially for the Turkish delight. You get what you pay for and some. I am looking forward to coming back here with friends and family. 10/10!”
“a beautiful space in a historic building, with tables further apart than any restaurant I know, so you can easily have a conversation, good food with attention to detail,; a pleasure.”
“Excellent all around. The food was outstanding… our family of three loved it (including our toddler!). We ordered the pad Thai with chicken, the BBQ pork with sticky rice, and the praram with chicken.
The place itself is adorable and so clean. It’s situated on the corner with lots of opportunity to people watch. 5/5 stars for ambience.
The service, wonderful! Everyone was so nice and accommodating. The food came out fast. 5/5.
The food was loaded with protein and flavor. The vegetables were fresh and everything tasted pretty clean. 5/5.
Everything is well priced and it looks like they have great drink specials as well.
We will be back!”
“So interesting... i love the food. Sat at the round table bar in the back surrounding the kitchen. Cool place to eat... this story is good and not so good...
The food is awesome, and the bar is so cool... yet it is difficult to understand what is being ordered and the staff is not helpfull.
To avoid confusion, this is a tapas style venue... I love small plates to try different things...
The good: food is awesome ?, try as much as you can, it will not disappoint.
The questionable: I don't care for chicken, yet when I ordered, the staff said if you don't want chicken with did u come???
Lol, the menu is diverse beyond just chicken.... fish, wagu, pork, mushrooms, house made pickles... I could go on.
From the bar order the RIHEI GINGER SHOCHU... hidden on the menu.
This single-distilled, one of a kind shochu is made from ginger local to Japan’s Miyazaki prefecture. Named after the distillery’s founder, Rihei Ochiai, this 4th generation, family run distillery honors the traditions of their 100-year-old past while taking on a modern twist for the 21st century. Rihei Ginger was born after local farmers came to the distillery requesting he craft a new shochu made from their amazing quality ginger
The bad; service stinks... smh...sad. lol I almost walked out when they asked, "If u don't like chicken, then why are u here." What!@#
All this said, expect to drop 100 per person. I would certainly go back!
YMMV!”
“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!”
“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 lived in Berkeley for a few years, and Lucia's was a regular stop at least once a week. The restaurant is beautiful, the owners are wonderful, and the food is fantastic. One of the best pizzas of my life. I loved the tiramisu and it was truly homemade! I highly recommend it”
Takeout Restaurants
“LEXIE'S is delicious. Everything is made in-house. Everything is perfect. I never realized how sickly, sour-sweet toffee shouldn't be until I had LEXIE'S remarkably fluffy-yet-crispy toffee. Everything we have tried is delicious. Nothing has been a "miss". If you know what you enjoy, you'll never order something you don't like. Heck, LEXIE'S homemade touch might even change your mind on some things.
Dietary restrictions: CELIAC FRIENDLY NO HIDDEN GLUTEN, ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS.”
“Such a great experience to eat here. Met the owner and he provided such great service, along with such great food. Was very reasonably priced for food that was very tasty. Very hospitable. Would definitely go again!!!”
“The food, drinks, staff and atmosphere was excellent. This is my nephews favorite spot. Thanks Kelly for our family outing today.”
“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.”
“Delicious morning pastries, and Cheesebord style (but better) pizza. If you get a chance, visit on an evening when they've got a live musician performing. I wish this place was in my neighborhood, but it's worth the drive, every time.”
“Love this bagel. New York style with lots of delicious cream cheese.”
“Very cute little bakery on University. I only got the turkish delight but they have a wide variety of North African/Middle Eastern pastries as well as Western ones. Would love to come again and try the pastries!”
“Edited my review down to a 4 stars because they don't offer early brunch on a weekend. We came at 9:40am today, Sunday, and they're closed. Why? I hope they'll reconsider their schedule because many customers like to eat earlier than 10am. Btw, we went to their competitors a few blocks down and it was full of people having breakfast.
Lovely new (for us) Mexican restaurant on university av. We stopped for Sunday brunch and food was excellent. Huevos rancheros, my husband's favorite, were perfect, fresh squeeze OJ, good lattes and wonderful cafe de olla. I had scrambled eggs (tacos a la Mexicana) without the tortilla, and plátanos fritos--so fantastic. Friendly service, and the ambience is top notch. We'll come back!”
“The Line is a fantastic spot to pick up coffee, pastries (sweet or savory) and even lunch. It has become a regular weekly habit for me and I always leave happy and with delicious food and beverages in hand. I am a steadfast fan of the Line for the food, coffee, conversations and service.”
“Absolutely delicious & creative baked goods that everyone should be going after! The bostock in particular is my favorite, along with the pickled mustard greens focaccia.”
“Looking for a place for brunch last night, and found this gem! Don’t be scared by the line because it’s 10000% worth it, AND you might just get a free mimosa while waiting? staff feels like family, and you can def taste the love in the food. Buen trabajo muchachos!! Saluddd?”
“An old shop that a Cal alumni recommended to try. You have to try it to know that it's really delicious. Top Dog menu is a small sausage that extends through the bread. Crispy skin, juicy meat inside. Spoon chopped onions and pickled cabbage over lots of mustard. Just a little bit of ketchup. Very delicious. The bread isn't tough. The seller looked very authentic and in a good mood.”
“Pizza is delicious, ordered achari style paneer pizza, was balanced in all respects. Also ordered Manchurian style soya chaap (plant based wings). These were sooooo good!!!! They were filling and had extremely balanced sauce, not overly sweet and had perfect amnt of sauteed vegetables as part of wing sauce. Super good.. Loved it.... Staff is friendly too, and Nate in particular was a kind person, thanks!”
“Tucked away a bit off the beaten path in Southwest Berkeley, Cellarmaker is one of the gems of Bay Area brewing. IPAs are a specialty here and they are all interesting and consistently delicious, no matter what is on tap. Other great options include the Coffee & Cigarettes porter, plus really interesting barrel aged and sour beers from the Rare Barrel.
Pizza and other bar snacks/appetizers are very tasty, and the space is very chill and laid back, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
The only negative I can think of is that they aren’t open 7 days a week!”
“surprisingly gourmet level tastes and preparation. personal attention and care from chef as to our particular interests. excellent service to aide comfortable unhurried dining. highly recommended.”
“A cut above most mom & pop neighborhood Thai spots, yet still reasonably priced. Good food, nicely plated, nice staff.”
“a beautiful space in a historic building, with tables further apart than any restaurant I know, so you can easily have a conversation, good food with attention to detail,; a pleasure.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“Seriously. Not every day I visit a place where the service is great, the atmosphere is peaceful and the drinks/food is awesome.
Was my first time here by accident, I'm usually a Starbucks person but now Starbucks feels like gas station coffee compared to this place.
I had the Rose Iced Coffee. 10/10 definitely recommend trying it!! I read the google reviews and had to see what the hype was all about.”
“As an assassin, I don’t normally eat the flesh of anything that bleeds because it would dull my senses that have taken me many years to hone. However, I recently had a great chicken sando here, and would highly recommend. Support local businesses!!”
“Sweetgreen offers a fantastic dining experience, largely thanks to Jose, a standout employee. He greets customers with a warm smile and a welcoming demeanor, making you feel at home instantly. Jose’s dedication to his work is evident as he helps you choose the perfect ingredients and ensures your order is just right. His passion for the job enhances the overall experience, making Sweetgreen a friendly and inviting place to enjoy fresh, delicious meals. Highly recommended for a healthy and delightful dining option!”
“The food was absolutely delicious, beautifully presented and the portions were generous. Our waiter Hans was superb, attentive, never rushed us and added to the enjoyment of our experience at Julia's restaurant. Also the glass of red wine we ordered was a generous pour.”
“I am here in California on vacation and wanted to try this place for dinner . I’m delightful to say my meal was very satisfying and the service was very friendly. Audrey was very happy. I highly recommend this place to anyone.”
Cheap Eats
“State flour is a must if you’re in the Berkeley area! It’s up there with some of the best in terms of quality and balance of flavors. A delicious and well-seasoned crust, perfectly portioned toppings, and also great service! It can get very crowded so it was just loud and hard to hear but atmosphere aside, the pizza and service is top tier. I could see myself ordering this to go and it being a great time. I’ll for sure be back! ?”
“Delicious pizza and a spicy green sauce that is still making my mouth water. Long line that normally goes pretty fast but worth the wait. I waited about 20 minutes chatting with the locals. I can’t wait to go back.”
“As a huge fans of acai bowl or any smoothie bowls, I really recommend this place. Among smoothie bowl places that i’ve been visited in Bay Area, this place has one of the most aesthetically pleasing bowls. The price is a bit higher compare to other smoothie bowl places, but it is worth it since they offer great variety of topping. The taste and the texture are okay. For me, I have anothe smoothie bowl place that I like more than this place in term of the taste, however, aesthetically-wise this palm-acai cafe is the winner”
“The best Momos and butter chicken and many other things you will eat in Berkeley. Have been living here since 4 years and I make it a point to walk down to the Resturant from the hills at least twice a week for their delicious food. The food tastes like what we eat at home, spices are a perfect blend, and the produce always taste fresh. Khendu & Gopal, the hard working couple behind the Resturant are super friendly and very kind.
It’s very close to University so you all see a lotta kids come for a hot meal & the love the couple have these kids is so beautiful.
I highly recommend Momo Masala. Our favorite place in Berkeley !”
“I absolutely love their crepes! Especially their buckwheat gluten free options!”
“This boba place is AMAZING all the kids from willard middle school go there because it is amazing.inside,it is very beautiful
Vegetarian options: ???
Kid-friendliness: The workers are very nice”
“Live music, dance and poetry; something good on most nights. Linchpin of the Bay Area's traditional music scene, particularly Irish/Celtic. A community treasure.”
“Marshmallow fluff;) Loved the Milkbomb sandwich! Will definitely go again;)”
“Special.
The coffee is chosen and roasted special, by a wonderful person, and served by wonderful people, in a wonderful space.
This is not your average cafe. This is beyond. And it is … wonderful.
… and, you can enjoy it, while knowing that you are supporting the better side of our world.”
“My favorite cafe in Berkeley! Vibes are immaculate, always busy (for good reason) but you can sit outside in lovely Strawberry Creek Park. Coffee is delicious, and I love the cheddar and scallion scones. I love to come here with a book and hang out in the park. Also there are always cute dogs!
Vegetarian options: Most pastries are vegan. Oat and almond milk available for all drinks.
Dietary restrictions: Oat and almond milk available. Most pastries are vegan and gluten free.
Kid-friendliness: The park outside is very kid friendly; there are usually multiple kids running around.”
“Really missed Homemade Cafe, and then found this cafe across the street, seems small owner owned which I like, good selection of food, but the Ceasar salad was exactly what I wanted. Sat for an hour with friends in a very comfortable environment, great addition to the neighborhood.”
“This place is a gem! Amazing service and fresh, fresh sashimi, nigiri and rolls. Can’t wait to come back!
Vegetarian options: Plenty of vegetarian options. Great flavor and fresh ingredients.”
“We are new to the area/California from NY we were delighted to find pizza as amazing as home! Friendly owner and staff.”
“They have a small menu for gluten-free dishes, the staff is informed, just ask for it. It's fresh and fully vegan.
Dietary restrictions: Vegan and a small gluten-free selection”
“I was craving something warm to eat close to midnight and I found this place. I was with my Japanese roommate, and he himself said this place did give off an Izakaya vibe. Most of the food items offered here I've tried elsewhere, so I ended up getting the sukiyaki, which was to my liking.
We did feel a little out of place, as the servers seemed primarily focused on a larger group, who they appeared to be friends with. So we felt a little forgotten throughout most of our time there, also considering that it was not that busy as we did leave a little before they closed.”
“Just heard about this place last night. I'm a huge foodie and Persian food is my #1 favorite. I loved this place. The service was spot on. We were in and out in less than a hour. Presentation was wow . Food was amazing ?. Highly recommend.”
“So good! I’ve been to a few Ethiopian locations in Oakland and Berkeley and all are delicious but I loved the service and atmosphere here along with the flavorful and filling meal. Splitting the combination plate between two hungry people was not only plenty of food, but a wonderful about of variety. We had leftovers and they tasted great the following days too.
Loved this place and I’ll be back! ???”
“Good beer, good people, good seating. A solid neighborhood brewery. Parking can get a wee bit challenging; you might have better luck parking on 5th next to the park.”
“A bastion of very good, very West Coast IPAs. Some of my favorites. The other nearby beer places pale in comparison. Plus the have a great indoor/outdoor patio that seems to keep getting bigger!”
“The first time eating this and it was amazing!!!! Delicious Delicious Delicious”
“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!”
“This place rocks. The staff is super friendly and makes you feel welcome right away. The food's excellent - tasty and hits the spot. The whole vibe is chill and cozy, perfect for hanging out.
It's definitely worth checking out if you're in the area. I had a great time and left feeling pretty happy. It's a good spot for a meal with friends or family.”
“Top notch drinks and personalities behind the bar, we will back. My only regret is that I waited this long to go there.”
“Both dishes were delicious! The price is quite right. The business hours are very long. You can order food after 8 o'clock in the evening. I will eat here next time.”
“So happy we got to be one of the first customers to ever eat at this new Thai restaurant. The place inside is pretty small, but the decor is cute & simple. They make the most of the room by putting as many small tables that fit with seating mostly for tables of two or four. We were literally the second table to ever eat in this new spot. And wow, am I glad I decided to search Yelp today for lunch. The service was super sweet, friendly, and perfect. We had a hard time deciding on what to try first (because everything sounded good and the smells from the kitchen were amazing). What we ordered: - Tom Kha Soup with Chicken Excellently flavors and just enough spice for me. My spouse loves really spicy dishes and said it would be delicious with more spiciness, but thought the broth was so good that it didn’t even need to change. We actually just wish there was an option to order a larger size, it was that good! Sometimes my spouse like to just have soup as the entree. - Green Curry with Chicken (comes with rice) Wow! Super bright and fresh taste! Smells really good and tastes even better. It was very fresh and loved all the vegetables inside (eggplant soaked up all the delicious flavor just right, baby corn- yum, etc.). - Pad Cashew Nut with Pork (comes with rice) AMAZING. Mouth-wateringly delicious. I did not want the dish to end. It was the perfect amount of flavor and freshness. Loved the cashews, the carrots, the onions, the cilantro on top. Perfect combination of sweet & salty sauce with nuttiness from the cashews, enhanced by the onion, carrot, cilantro. Since it was their first day, we enjoyed free beverages. The Thai tea was so good- you can get oat milk for $1 more. The Black Mango Iced Tea was also delicious and you get refills on it. I cannot wait to go back and eat every dish. Since it was their first hour open, we were there when the Doordash photographer came to snap pictures of all the dishes. WOW! We were eyeing the Lobster Ravioli and honestly it looks too good to miss. So we’ll probably be back later this week to try it and more. Congratulations on your opening. Thank you for bringing delicious Thai food to the area. We just moved up here from San Diego, and we’ve been having a hard time finding true Thai food and flavors. Many of the Thai places we’ve eaten up up here lack flavor or are just different because they’re fused with Laotian dishes or another type of cuisine. Finely we found a great Thai places we can walk to from the University Village apartments. See you soon!”
“Second time going and tried something new! Both sandwiches were tasty! I am officially obsessed with the seasoned fries. I would go back just to eat them! Cannot wait to try something else there!”
“In the location of the former Nico's and if you're a long-term resident around here Chester cafe, the breakfast joint everyone here used to come to, Walnut tavern has totally beautified the inside, and while I was only able to get a drink because of time constraints their "Old Cuban" (basically a mojito with spiced rum), was excellent, and the people working there we're friendly and the place has an overall goodbye. I'll review it some more when I have time to have a full meal there. But I can already recommend the bar. Great drinks.”
“Went here on a Friday for dinner. Got the Persian burger combo. Food was good and the service was nice. They had the windows to the street opened, which allowed the coastal breeze in.”
“Amazing sushi rolls and great service. Try it. I promise you won't be disappointed.”
“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”
“So interesting... i love the food. Sat at the round table bar in the back surrounding the kitchen. Cool place to eat... this story is good and not so good...
The food is awesome, and the bar is so cool... yet it is difficult to understand what is being ordered and the staff is not helpfull.
To avoid confusion, this is a tapas style venue... I love small plates to try different things...
The good: food is awesome ?, try as much as you can, it will not disappoint.
The questionable: I don't care for chicken, yet when I ordered, the staff said if you don't want chicken with did u come???
Lol, the menu is diverse beyond just chicken.... fish, wagu, pork, mushrooms, house made pickles... I could go on.
From the bar order the RIHEI GINGER SHOCHU... hidden on the menu.
This single-distilled, one of a kind shochu is made from ginger local to Japan’s Miyazaki prefecture. Named after the distillery’s founder, Rihei Ochiai, this 4th generation, family run distillery honors the traditions of their 100-year-old past while taking on a modern twist for the 21st century. Rihei Ginger was born after local farmers came to the distillery requesting he craft a new shochu made from their amazing quality ginger
The bad; service stinks... smh...sad. lol I almost walked out when they asked, "If u don't like chicken, then why are u here." What!@#
All this said, expect to drop 100 per person. I would certainly go back!
YMMV!”
“A small chirashi bowl with fewer than 10 pieces of sashimi costs $30, the same as the Unagi Don. While both dishes tasted good, they were on the expensive side. Salmon and Hirame nigiris are about the average.”
“I ordered a tuna poke bowl. It was tasty fish and tuna. Unfortunately it had no rice, not sure if they ran out or that’s standard for them but I’ve never heard of a sushi restaurant not putting any rice with a tuna poke bowl. I’ll come back but recommend that people mention rice if they want that in the dish.”
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“One of the most modest place with the most authentic and delicious food. We've tried many places on Solano and this is definitely one of our favorite. The Aloo Naan was adequately stuffed and fresh. The Saag Paneer was prepared with fresh ingredients. The place is simple, modest and meets all our needs.”
“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!”
“We really enjoyed our vegan dining experience. It works a little differently here. They change the menu for every meal then you decide the portion size you want. You get everything that's on the menu unless you choose the mini pick 3 option. All together it's soup, salad, and four other sides. We did "modest" which was pretty large ☺️ This is the meal I wish I made at home every day. I'll post a sample menu. Very friendly service too!
Kid-friendliness: My grandson is a toddler and this food was perfect for him.”
“Visiting from out of state. Went here for Father’s Day celebration . Excellent food and service.”
“I have been going to the place since I was a little kid and it was across the street. The entire time I have been eating here the food has been consistently excellent and can't really go wrong with what you choose.
With the move across the street they gained an outdoor seating area, which is next to the sidewalk.
Decent selection of beer and wine.
Parking: Very busy area and it can be difficult to find parking.
Kid-friendliness: Kids are very welcome here. I am surprised that my brothers and sisters (there were 9 of us) never got kicked out as kids.
Wheelchair accessibility: Gentle slope to get into the restaurant. The wide front door is usually open. There is a lot of room to maneuver around tables.”
“I love the positive reviews and I guarantee that anyone who loved the food in the past is going to love it even more this year. Super talented chef, amazing menu and remarkably hard working staff. Do yourself a favor and stop in before a show”
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“I was introduced to this restaurant by my other “foodie” friend Maria Vargas. I have been there about 4 times now. I appreciate the fresh pasta, the fresh veggies and the excellent service. Will be back again soon.”
“Me and my co - workers loved the food that we ordered. We definitely come back and recommend”
“BOBA DRINKS, Chicken wings, spicy noodles. Social distancing, mask required, no dine_in, meter street parking, Great area near Veteran's Hospital and its across from Mr Banh Mi...”
“Definitely recommend this place! first time here and I can't wait to come back next time I'm in Berkeley!! Food is delicious!”
“We had a very enjoyable dinner on the patio last night. The food was amazing!! We shared lots of different items and none disappointed!! We brought our dog and the outdoor patio was very spacious and comfortable. Thanks for a great evening. We will be back.”
“Went here on September 21, 2024 for my wife's birthday. OUTSTANDING food and service. Jill was our server. Rock star! Super friendly, engaging and attentive. She learned our names and addressed us by our names as did the manager and host. Amazing...how many restaurants do this?
We had calamari, beet salad for appetizers. Both were great.
For the main course, we had the local caught halibut and rock cod. Excellent also.
Ever since the closure of the famous Spenger's in Berkeley we have been searching for a new "go to" place. We found it. Highly recommend this restaurant. A+, Gold Star. The view of the bay and marina is nice also. Call and make a reservation asap. It fills up fast.
Paul E Jacobs”
“A standard diner experience - their pancakes are very yummy but the waffles tastes like grease! The breakfast toast (Calabrian chili plus corn cheese) is so delicious. The soft scrambles eggs are cooked with butter so that's always a plus!”
“East Bay Spice Company has some amazing cocktails, and don't sleep on their tikka masala flatbread!! I added lamb–no regrets!
The drinks have likely rotated off the menu, but I have to give props to the Achari Margarita, which was such a vibrant drink boosted by the garam masala rim. The cucumber shrub and lime cooled that sweet heat very well.
Vegetarian options: Plenty of vegetarian options
Parking: Downtown Berkeley is difficult for parking!”
“First time here, love this place it was a vibe. I Met Some Beautiful People Today The Service/ Food Was Excellent also Their Drinks.#Excellent2 Thumbs Up ??????❤️???
Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair Accessibility ??”
“Staff is always on point. Good food. Always comes out promptly.”
“After years of deliberation, it cannot be denied. Taste of the Himalayas is the best food in Berkeley. Get the Malai Kofta medium spicy with garlic naan.
Vegetarian options: The Malai Kofta is vegetarian”
“Very tasty, good quality sushi at great prices. Happy hour prices are even better. We came in to pick up an online order but they didn't receive it due to poor Internet, so they expedited the order and finished it quickly. I would recommend dining in or calling in to avoid this.”
“A great find for Ethiopian cuisine in the East Bay. And offering 100% teff injera makes it a great gluten free option. Diners can sit at either conventional tables or a tradtional table. The stylish decor helps lend a layer of authenticity. It can be very warm inside due to lack of AC; ceiling fans help to pull in outside air when the temperature drops.”
“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!”
“Yummmm. They should have a higher rating!! Their food is really tasty. And it’s not greasy like some of the other Indian restaurants around. I got the butter chicken to go and it came with a leg and thigh. Was surprised to get two big pieces of chicken. I ate them so fast I ended up in food comatose. Oops.
The meal comes with rice and a little salad. It doesn’t cost as much as other restaurants and is far better tasting. Going to be back to try more of their food.”
“Although there are very few vegan options here, I was pleasantly surprised with the Peanut Sauce Salad. They give you a lot of peanut sauce, on the side, which is great because I prefer lighter dressing. Truly, this was a great combination of flavors. Loved the crunchy bits at the top. It was very fresh and delicious. The photo doesn't show the actual green in the salad, but I assure you it's there and there's plenty of it. Very filling!
On a nice summer day, their unique patio is absolutely wonderful. And the server was very kind and courteous.”
“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.”
“Really interesting dishes without being pretentious. Love the back patio with heat lamps. Everything we had was delicious and our server was great. Would definitely come back again.”
“Great food. Sushi is fantastic, but so is the teriyaki and the ramen. Hard to choose!”
“Went to Kiku today after getting a bike tune up with my vegetarian wife- she had such a hard time picking because there were so many choices! She's used to the same 3-5 options. The Fireman roll was amazing, and my fish sushi was also delicious. The servers were so nice, they brought out miso soup for our baby and she loved loved it. We're going to make this a regular date night!
Vegetarian options: Tons of unique and delicious rolls, most of the appetizers, soups, and salads were vegetarian, the menu was really creative and NOT an afterthought.
Kid-friendliness: They were sooo nice to my 15 month old! High chair available and just so kind to her.”
“Great place for a drink or a Cocktail education. Extensive scotch, mezcal list of cocktails, among many others.
Friendly local neighborhood and mature. Have a craft beer conversation or talk Classic Whiskies.
Dig deep or just relax. Best bar in a 5 mile radius.”
“Food was yummy, service was great, vibe was chill”
“Life changing milkshake. Burger was pretty mid. I have traveled the world drinking milkshakes along the way - this is a top two milkshake I’ve ever had. The only one that might be better is at Carl’s in Fredericksburg, VA. It is exceptionally close. Spectacular strawberry shake. The burger was just fine. The fries weren’t crispy enough, but I’ll be damned if the shake wasn’t worth traveling for. Would return.”
“I value consistency and get the same thing everytime: miso soup and double order of shrimp tempura rolls. Always freshly prepared and easily best of the bay worthy. Sometimes I forget to request chopsticks but the staff is always nice about it when I call. The amount of food for the price/quality is also great.”
“It was a wonderful experience. All the foods were super tasteful and had some real sense of Indian food. Chicken Pakora, Lamb Chop, Chicken Chaat, Chicken Wings, And none other than Pinot Noir Wine. All of them are so fresh and organic. Even wine is fresh and smooth. They have well maintained wine stocks you can see from your table. Overall a great experience with my wife and my infant son.”
“Excellent. I’ve been here several times since 2022 and this was the best. The okonomiyaki is crunchy and amazing. The salmon plate is always great. Salmon is super high quality. The tempura is light and delicious. The only thing I would change is slightly brighter lighting.”
“Always fabulous!! Great for vegan, vegetarian, & carnivores”
“Tiny place with limited menu. SUPER SPICY! I ordered papaya salad and Brussels sprouts because I’m vegan . I can take hot but this was really spicy. Order ONE chili”
“We usually enjoy eating at Comal, but last night it was so hot in the restaurant that it made it impossible to enjoy our meal. I understand we are going through a heat wave, and that they don't have AC, but perhaps some fans could have been brought in to make sitting there bearable. My partner and I were sweating through the entire meal, and probably should have left before ordering and gone somewhere else.”
“Combo pizza is my fav. This is my favorite spot to eat pizza in Berkeley. I order huge amount of pizza for delivery. Staff were really friendly and polite. Delivery was on time. I’d definitely recommend everyone to try the pizzas from here .”
“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”
Latest Reviews
“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 ordered the meatloaf and it was very good . The mashed potatoes were good and so were the vegetables. Home made taste. Will go back again!”
“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.”
“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!”
Most Popular Restaurants
“The food is really great. I had the crab artichoke dip fabulous and then I ordered the primary French dip very delicious and the service was really great and the view is spectacular. Loved.”
“Clean efficient great for gathering (outdoors) or to grab and go. The food is fresh with dishes like dosa, made to order. Indian food is part of my heritage, so the grocery store next door is a bonus.”
“Delicious pizza and a spicy green sauce that is still making my mouth water. Long line that normally goes pretty fast but worth the wait. I waited about 20 minutes chatting with the locals. I can’t wait to go back.”
“Service is great. The ladies at the front helped us navigate the menu. The nachos are incredible. We ordered the Super Nachos and loved them. Definitely recommend.”
“Great view of the waterfront along with great food!”
“Tried Curry Pizza House in Kent, WA for the first time. Great flavors! Wonderful wings, Desi bread, and pizza! The mango lassis are yummy. Definitely check it out!”
“When planning your mother’s 50th birthday you strive to go above and beyond. Without a doubt, lavender bakery helped me do that. Ali and his team were very communicative and helpful from the start. From planning and designing the cake to the execution of perfection. Every party has a need for a cake, and lavender bakery has a cake for every need. It’s relieving to know that you can put your trust in lavender to cater to your needs in addition to catering to your tastebuds. I definitely recommend this establishment to anyone who is in need of something special for their loved one’s significant moments! Thank you once again to Ali and his team!”
“We had the best brunch experience ever today! The lemon ricotta pancakes along with the cheesy potatoes were delish! We sat outside on their darling little patio and listened to live music, it was so lovely. But the best part of all was the outstanding service from Maxine, her suggestions were on point and her beautiful energy was exactly what our morning needed! Will definitely be back!”
“Good selection with a lot of options and they don't disappoint. It was my son's 1st time and he loved it‼️”
“I was there yesterday and had the Killer BLAT I didn't know if I would like it but turns out I loved it and I will return it was so good. It's a great place that you have to try.”
New Restaurants
“Just what a coffee shop should be-great coffee, lovely and delicious assortment of pastries, nice outdoor seating and UNPARALLELED customer service. Owners are inviting and warm and want customers to linger and enjoy. Highly recommend.”
“I found my new favorite coffee shop! They value aesthetics and every drink is made to perfection. The workers were so nice and hospitable and even allowed us to stay for a bit after closing to finish our drinks. I got the orange juice tonic and the rose or hail latte, and my friend got the honey lavender latte (barista recommendation for best iced drink) and all of them were so so good and beautiful as well! I will definitely be coming back!”
“Second time going and tried something new! Both sandwiches were tasty! I am officially obsessed with the seasoned fries. I would go back just to eat them! Cannot wait to try something else there!”
“We really enjoyed our vegan dining experience. It works a little differently here. They change the menu for every meal then you decide the portion size you want. You get everything that's on the menu unless you choose the mini pick 3 option. All together it's soup, salad, and four other sides. We did "modest" which was pretty large ☺️ This is the meal I wish I made at home every day. I'll post a sample menu. Very friendly service too!
Kid-friendliness: My grandson is a toddler and this food was perfect for him.”
“For breakfast I had egg potato muffins, smoked salmon, and rosemary and cannellini bean soup. The outdoor seating at the back of the store is the Rose Garden, which is shared with Butcher's Sun and Rose Pizzeria. You can feel elegant from the morning.
The small storefront makes you feel like you're in Anja's kitchen. She takes care of everything. Literally, California cuisine with German love.
On the way home, I took out chicory coffee and almond cookies (this combination is the best!). Plastic-free paper takeout cups are super cool.”
“If you're between spending $8 for an impossible whopper or a classic roll at this place then this place all day. Tane (and Shizen) offer high quality ingredients, plating, and taste to all of their decisions, specifically the eggplant nigiri. The eggplant melts in your mouth and does not require any chewing but is full of flavor. The speciality rolls are also of good value because they range from $16-17 & come with 8 pieces. The 1 menu item that was on the pricier side was the cheesecake which was priced at $15. Nevertheless the pricepoint is worth it because it has to be one of the bay area's best cheesecakes. Never a bad experience at Tane.”