Restaurants in Berkeley
Best Restaurants
“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!”
“Important news flash: they do BRUNCH in addition to incredible dinners. I could write a whole post on how amazing and lovely this is as a date spot for dinner and how much I freaking love their salads and gluten free pizzas (possibly my favorite one in the bay), but this is about brunch.We had no idea they did brunch and when we looked at the menu for it online, it didn’t list any mains. But we went anyway and were blown away. I’m adding a pic of the actual brunch menu so you can see the real selection offered.Y’all, they have a BREAKFAST PIZZA and I promise it’s even better than you would imagine. Do you like breakfast? Do you like pizza? This is a heavenly chimera of two of life’s greatest joys.?? Don’t sleep on the brunch! But also the perfect date spot. Get yourself a restaurant that can do both, and support local.The owner was there during our visit and went out of his way to create an excellent experience. Also, the patio is very dog friendly ?Dietary restrictions: The best gluten free pizzas in the area”
“Beautiful decor, light, tasty and nourishing food, easy parking. Music was a little loud but good tunes. Seating for large and small groups was well as for tables of 1-2.”
“The char siu pork is so tender while the outside is perfectly crispy! It’s a great upleveling of a traditional dish. I’ll go without the black bean sauce next time. I’m excited to come back!”
“We finally visited the sacred birthplace of "Californian Cuisine"! We were at the cafe which is lively and beautiful. The dishes are refreshing, on the lighter side. The use of citrus in salad and even the meyer lemons bits in the sauce topping on chicken brighten the whole meal. The dish that hit me the most though is the personal size chocolate cake. You need to order in advance with $25 price tag but it is worth trying. You can taste the quality right there! Next time we would like to come trying the full experience for a special occasion :)”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“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.”
“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!”
“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 ”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Fournee often has a very long line, but some random weekend mornings, there's no line...and you should definitely jump on the opportunity! The line can be quite long, around the corner which can be quite a wait. My favorites are the cheese bread, croissant, chocolate croissant and ham and cheese croissant....but there are also tons of other delicious goodies there; I just have to stop myself from ordering everything. They also have a bunch of really delicious desserts in the front case which I haven't had a chance to try.”
“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.”
“Delicious! We special ordered a small cake from Sesame Bakery for a celebration -- the leftovers we ate for breakfast were just as good as the night before. Incredible flavors, quality ingredients -- we live close to Fournee Bakery, but Sesame definitely gives them a run for their money.”
“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!”
“Humbowl serves delicious, healthy, and affordable meals! The staff is super friendly and the food comes out quickly. I always feel so nourished when I eat here. 15/10 stars if I could! Looking forward to my next bowl :)”
“We have been to the Tane in Hawaii, so we wanted to try this one out. Everything about it was great. The food was delicious, the service was great, the atmosphere and ambiance was phenomenal. We ordered Gyoza, brussel sprouts, ramen, nigiri, and 5 different rolls... everything was delicious. All the employees were so nice and attentive.”
“Beautiful decor, light, tasty and nourishing food, easy parking. Music was a little loud but good tunes. Seating for large and small groups was well as for tables of 1-2.”
“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!”
“We finally visited the sacred birthplace of "Californian Cuisine"! We were at the cafe which is lively and beautiful. The dishes are refreshing, on the lighter side. The use of citrus in salad and even the meyer lemons bits in the sauce topping on chicken brighten the whole meal. The dish that hit me the most though is the personal size chocolate cake. You need to order in advance with $25 price tag but it is worth trying. You can taste the quality right there! Next time we would like to come trying the full experience for a special occasion :)”
“Important news flash: they do BRUNCH in addition to incredible dinners. I could write a whole post on how amazing and lovely this is as a date spot for dinner and how much I freaking love their salads and gluten free pizzas (possibly my favorite one in the bay), but this is about brunch.We had no idea they did brunch and when we looked at the menu for it online, it didn’t list any mains. But we went anyway and were blown away. I’m adding a pic of the actual brunch menu so you can see the real selection offered.Y’all, they have a BREAKFAST PIZZA and I promise it’s even better than you would imagine. Do you like breakfast? Do you like pizza? This is a heavenly chimera of two of life’s greatest joys.?? Don’t sleep on the brunch! But also the perfect date spot. Get yourself a restaurant that can do both, and support local.The owner was there during our visit and went out of his way to create an excellent experience. Also, the patio is very dog friendly ?Dietary restrictions: The best gluten free pizzas in the area”
“This place is fantastic. Super healthy (try their lentil soup) ... best falafel in town. Pint sized store that just cranks it out every day, for only 4 hours !!! One of North Berkeley's best !”
“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.”
“The char siu pork is so tender while the outside is perfectly crispy! It’s a great upleveling of a traditional dish. I’ll go without the black bean sauce next time. I’m excited to 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.”
“Great Mexican brunch place. I've been here several times, and have had the chilaquiles, blueberry pancakes, chorizo scrambled eggs, breakfast tacos, and breakfast burrito. All were exceptional. Friendly service, low key atmosphere. I will be back again -- and again.Vegetarian options: Veggie hash; pancakes; waffles”
“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 ”
“First time I had Lucia's pizza was at their pop up at the Grand Lake farmers market in oakland, and completely fell in love with the 4 cheese pizza! Decided to try the restaurant a couple of months ago and the didn't disappoint! Pizza was delicious and staff were super nice and friendly! Totally recommend them if you're looking to have a legit Italian pizza experience!”
“I was a huge fan of Delirama, my absolute favorite sandwich was the Delirama Mama, so I was sad to hear the owner was going to pivot in a new direction. I prefer take out to dining in, so I waited for that to be an option, and put my order in today. I got a fried chicken sandwich and the pastrami Reuben, both with chips. The menu says a small salad is served with the sandwiches.The fried chicken sandwich is HUGE and delicious. I prefer my fried chicken to be a little on the dark side, which this was. I only wished there were more pickles, but that's because if I could subsist on pickles I would.The Reuben was the same as the Delirama one. My husband was bummed it was "so small," but that's because I used to get the biggest sandwich option and this one is the regular sized one.The chips were yummy, and still warm from the fryer by the time I got home. Or had just taken on some of the radiant heat from my sandwich. Either way, delightful.The salad is not small, it is quite generous in size. The dressing is a little sweet and a lot acidic, which I really enjoyed. My one complaint is that it was overdressed for me, but I prefer the minimum amount of dressing.I gave the atmosphere 4 stars because it was a bit dark inside for me.”
Outdoor Dining
“If you get coffee they’ll give you a little cup and come around with refills. I always get the little bit of everything plate and it’s big enough for two people or bring it home for dinner. The ginger drink is my favorite drink ever!”
“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!”
“i tried cafe hopping and this place really hit the spot! there is free wifi, but im not sure if there's any outlets so come with your devices fully charged. i ordered the matcha bliss which came out perfectly and quick. if you like your matchas sweet, then this is the place to go. the menus tell you what's in the drink too, so ur not left wondering what's in it. i would definitely come back here again to study! not too packed and quiet environment”
“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 ”
“First time I had Lucia's pizza was at their pop up at the Grand Lake farmers market in oakland, and completely fell in love with the 4 cheese pizza! Decided to try the restaurant a couple of months ago and the didn't disappoint! Pizza was delicious and staff were super nice and friendly! Totally recommend them if you're looking to have a legit Italian pizza experience!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“Love this cafe!! I walk there with my partner, and it's always a pleasant place to grab an amazing pastry or coffee!! The staff have always been nice to us, and we will continue to be repeat customers, for sure!! ❤️❤️❤️”
“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 alma mater of my favorite bakery in SF Arizmendi Bakery. The pizza is fresh and tasty. The pastries here are also a steal. Everything is good. X-Bread is a signature bread that I've never seen elsewhere so you should try one. Another cool thing about this shop is that there is a live band! Come enjoy all the senses.”
“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 ..”
“HUGE patio. great for gatherings. They even have a large indoor area for cold or rainy weather. Bring your friends and family. The food here doesn’t disappoint.They’re always friendly when I stop by and make a point to give excellent service. One they put meat in my veggie (ONCE!) and they remade it and insisted I grab a soda on them.It’s super cute, a few blocks from strawberry creek park, next to the liquor store if you prefer a beer.They’re also on apps for delivery or pickup, no phone orders but that’s okay. I also appreciate that they’re open very late. When I get the craving for their rice I know I’ll have it soon!Vegetarian options: No substitutions but delicious as is without meat!Parking: free parking after 6pmKid-friendliness: Lots of space far from street to run around and play”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“The food quality is always excellent! The staff will go out of their way to give you premium service. I order live lobster two days in advance. They serve it cooked to order in black bean sauce over noodles two days later. Fabulous!!”
“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.”
Online Reservation Available
“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.”
“Tasty food!! Fun servers; may initially come off as a bit curt/quiet; but very nice, and the service is prompt and strong!a couple outdoor tables, and plenty indoor. They have $13-17 lunch specials M-F 11:30-2:30. The main dishes aren’t too much more, and are a great portion size. Kid and dog friendly outdoors.Vegetarian options: Plenty of veg dishes.Dietary restrictions: Plenty of veg dishes, and other seafood/tofu options.Parking: Metered on Solano, and free in neighborhoodKid-friendliness: Yes!Wheelchair accessibility: Ada compliant, and the tables have chairs that can be moved to accommodate.”
“We went here for brunch. Good, unique food! Service was good, staff was very nice, consistent with a chill Berkeley vibe. I tried the southern style breakfast, which was a nice healthier take on southern classics. Good flavor. The baked egg was perfect, and in a cute shape. Loved the greens and the yam, and the black-eyed peas were lovely. The cornbread could've been a bit more moist I thought, but overall enjoyed it!”
“Picture this: Friday afternoon, 3 dads, 3 kids under 5. Walk right in and grab a seat. Order pizza slices and beers. The kids are happy. You are happy. That’s Fieldwork.”
“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”
“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.”
“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”
“Lunchtime before a performance at nearby Zellerbach Hall turned up a hidden gem in Julia's. The ratatouille, which I am a big fan of and therefore picky about, was seasoned traditionally, the ingredients and consistency were all true to the classic version. I was more than satisfied. The gluten free chickpea panisses (a tower of 3 round chickpea "fries") were a delightful and delicious first, so scrumptious in fact that I quickly found a recipe to make these popular South of France favorites at home. Creme brulee with a generous crust of caramelized sugar topping a creamy custard, another classic and favorite of mine was shamelessly gobbled with gusto with no manners whatsoever. The table service from Natalie was cheerful, discreet and attentive on the Saturday we visited. The ambiance was refined, the dining area dominated by a large framed mirror and carved ceiling. One star is missing from what could have been five due to the rather cool reception from the seating hostess. We found her a tad haughty. We will return undaunted, however. What a special discovery and worth the trip across the bay from Marin.”
“Very tasty crawfish étouffée, shrimp creole (both pleasantly but not excessively spicy), and voodoo shrimp (unlike what you might expect from the name, this is savory but not spicy, great for our low-spice companion). Nice service. Laid-back casual atmosphere with live music, but not too loud to talk easily.”
“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.”
“Honestly, all things considered this is probably the best indian food you will find nearby UC Berkeley, at least at an affordable price. For $16 they have an all you can eat lunch buffet with solid quality. The service was also great and everyone there was extremely nice. Worth checking out if you're craving some indian food and can't make the trip to SF or South Bay.”
“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!”
“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!”
“A pleasantly quiet restaurant with great atmosphere. Perfect for a first date where you want to be able to hear them talk. I did not have any trouble with the waitstaff like other reviewers have complained about.”
“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.”
“Amazing vegan spot! Everything was delicious. As an omnivore, I’m always on the lookout for plant based places that offer options everyone can be happy with. They were also great at checking for my allergens, even during a busy time. I ordered the smoked bbq sandwich and loved every bite. Their food is proof that this spot carefully selects their ingredients and doesn’t compromise on flavor. My vegan friend ordered the pyrgi and swapped the chicken for tofu. Our only regret is not trying the abundance of desserts they had out!”
“This is arguably the best Japanese Izakaya in the Bay Area. I frequently come visit from Canada and I actually make it a priority when I’m in town to visit a minimum of 1 time every 2 months. The food, atmosphere, and the staff make it the best experience- especially Angelina. 10/10 recommend to make time to eat here!”
“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 ..”
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”
“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!”
“We went here for brunch. Good, unique food! Service was good, staff was very nice, consistent with a chill Berkeley vibe. I tried the southern style breakfast, which was a nice healthier take on southern classics. Good flavor. The baked egg was perfect, and in a cute shape. Loved the greens and the yam, and the black-eyed peas were lovely. The cornbread could've been a bit more moist I thought, but overall enjoyed it!”
“Lunchtime before a performance at nearby Zellerbach Hall turned up a hidden gem in Julia's. The ratatouille, which I am a big fan of and therefore picky about, was seasoned traditionally, the ingredients and consistency were all true to the classic version. I was more than satisfied. The gluten free chickpea panisses (a tower of 3 round chickpea "fries") were a delightful and delicious first, so scrumptious in fact that I quickly found a recipe to make these popular South of France favorites at home. Creme brulee with a generous crust of caramelized sugar topping a creamy custard, another classic and favorite of mine was shamelessly gobbled with gusto with no manners whatsoever. The table service from Natalie was cheerful, discreet and attentive on the Saturday we visited. The ambiance was refined, the dining area dominated by a large framed mirror and carved ceiling. One star is missing from what could have been five due to the rather cool reception from the seating hostess. We found her a tad haughty. We will return undaunted, however. What a special discovery and worth the trip across the bay from Marin.”
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!”
“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!”
“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 food quality is always excellent! The staff will go out of their way to give you premium service. I order live lobster two days in advance. They serve it cooked to order in black bean sauce over noodles two days later. Fabulous!!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Amazing vegan spot! Everything was delicious. As an omnivore, I’m always on the lookout for plant based places that offer options everyone can be happy with. They were also great at checking for my allergens, even during a busy time. I ordered the smoked bbq sandwich and loved every bite. Their food is proof that this spot carefully selects their ingredients and doesn’t compromise on flavor. My vegan friend ordered the pyrgi and swapped the chicken for tofu. Our only regret is not trying the abundance of desserts they had out!”
“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!”
“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”
“I love coming here for my caffeine and nature hit. It’s one of the best in Berk Berk… an oasis ?Dietary restrictions: Vegan and gluten freeParking: Hot tip: if you know where the other side of the park is, there’s always a spotKid-friendliness: Baby and kid friendly ❤️ Tons of moms and strollers and babies”
“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.”
“Very tasty crawfish étouffée, shrimp creole (both pleasantly but not excessively spicy), and voodoo shrimp (unlike what you might expect from the name, this is savory but not spicy, great for our low-spice companion). Nice service. Laid-back casual atmosphere with live music, but not too loud to talk easily.”
“Tasty food!! Fun servers; may initially come off as a bit curt/quiet; but very nice, and the service is prompt and strong!a couple outdoor tables, and plenty indoor. They have $13-17 lunch specials M-F 11:30-2:30. The main dishes aren’t too much more, and are a great portion size. Kid and dog friendly outdoors.Vegetarian options: Plenty of veg dishes.Dietary restrictions: Plenty of veg dishes, and other seafood/tofu options.Parking: Metered on Solano, and free in neighborhoodKid-friendliness: Yes!Wheelchair accessibility: Ada compliant, and the tables have chairs that can be moved to accommodate.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“We came here for breakfast and had an excellent experience. We ordered the omelette fromage et jambon, cote est with an oatmeal raspberry pancake, cote sud, and les oeufs lucas. Everything we ordered was excellent, but our favorites were the oatmeal raspberry pancake and the home fries. We’ll definitely be back when we’re back in Berkeley!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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! ”
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 !”
“Service was kind and prompt. Food was served to us at the table. Everything we had was delicious. Savory crepes with buckwheat are a great meal. Desserts are authentic. Thank you so so much!!!Vegetarian options: You can order a savory crepe with any four things off the savory menu. Vegetable, mushroom, olives, and different cheeses are all available”
“My girlfriend and I recently dined at Momo Masala, and it was an experience we won't forgey. The menu offered a delightful array of options, but our hearts were set on trying their renowned momos and biryani. Let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The momos were bursting with flavor, each bite a symphony of spices and textures.The biryani was a revelation, perfectly cooked rice layered with tender meat and aromatic spices.What truly elevated our dining experience was the ambiance. Surrounded by lush indoor plants and subtle Himalayan decor, we felt like we were dining in a cozy mountain retreat. It was a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.But what truly set Momo Masala apart was their exceptional staff. Not only were they attentive and friendly, but their prompt service ensured that our evening flowed seamlessly.In conclusion, if you're looking for a culinary adventure that tantalizes the taste buds and soothes the soul, look no further than Momo Masala. It's more than just a restaurant; it's an experience worth savoring.”
“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.”
“Found out about this brewery while at the SF Beer Week Gala event last Friday, so my wife and I did just that today.Outstanding brewery from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. The beer selection is vast and delicious (actually had an IPA that I enjoyed, more of a Pilsner guy). The Detroit style pizza was amazing, my wife and I split the half Pepperoni Pizza (which comes in a full too, but for a snack the two slices were perfect size).Merchandise wise is great, good selection of shirts, a hoodie and a tacker.The atmosphere is laid back, music was at a nice volume and overall was just a nice place to go have a beer and chat with your significant other or friends.Shoutout to Andrea who was so nice to both my wife and I who had never been to the brewery before.Amazing brewery if you're in Berkeley, highly recommend.”
“We ate here for dinner and the food was very good. The restaurant is small and cozy, and the seating was comfortable. We had the falafel plate and the Alexander's favorite house special. Both plates were filling and we left happy. They have complementary tea and water.”
“Incredible gelato!! Came here for dessert after grabbing dinner with friends. It's a cute little spot but got pretty packed while we were there because there isn't much seating. There are tables outside where you can enjoy the gelato if weather permits. The server let us sample a few flavors and I ended up getting a kids size with panna cotta and dark chocolate sorbet. Both flavors were delicious but the dark chocolate sorbet was absolutely incredible. The flavor was so rich and creamy-I had a hard time believing it was sorbet. And an even greater compliment: my friend, who had just gotten back from Italy, said that Almare is better than gelato in Italy!”
“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!”
“Amazing bread and always good service. Love the options they have. Wish they made more sour dough baguettes. They're always sold out when I get there. But that's not a complaint. I just need to go earlier.”
“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.”
“Hands down the best spot to have a beer and talk with friends, neighbors, or strangers. It's not a large space, but always manages to have enough room to be more than comfortable. The ambiance is warm and inviting with a clean, minimalist look. The beer is stellar, and they always keep variety on tap. Hoi has become an anchor for the neighborhood.”
“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.”
“Lovely little cafe! Definitely one of my favorites in the bay area currently. Atmosphere and customer service is very welcoming and relaxing. The orange blossom latte was very delicious and unique. The apple turnover was also very tasty and flaky. I wish I had taken photos, but I got too excited and ate/drank everything before I thought about it. I have no complaints!”
“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.”
“Dropped in during an unexpected encounter - I was drawn in from the sidewalk and wanted to know more. I liked the interior a lot - it was bright, clean, open, the walls were adorned with various photographs, from the tables, chairs, lighting fixtures, to the way the condiments were placed out on the tables, everything carried my eyes to wander and admire. I entered during a time when there was only one other person waiting for a to-go order. The guy who was working was nice - especially when I kept asking questions. All of the food looked great, well-stocked, and the display they had showing its name was well read. There was a lot I wanted to try, but I limited myself to two slices of their pizzas. - Capricciosa $7 (one of their most popular ones - mushrooms, olives, artichoke, mozzarella, and ham) - San Daniele $7.50 (this might be a seasonal one as its not listed on their website - had prosciutto and arugula) Checking in on the Yelp app, I received a free piece of their focaccia bread which he cut in two pieces for me. I would love to come back here for their aperitivo (happy hour) which is held from 4-6:30pm. I find that this place is great for a quick bite, grab n' go, and dining in for the cool atmosphere. There are a few two person tables which could be combined together for a larger group and a few bar tables along the wall which is good for two people, along with a few cute tables for outside dining which I'd love to see more of in the state of California. The food tasted amazing! Shared and eaten once I arrived home. I wish I had gotten more to try!”
“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.”
“Picture this: Friday afternoon, 3 dads, 3 kids under 5. Walk right in and grab a seat. Order pizza slices and beers. The kids are happy. You are happy. That’s Fieldwork.”
“many vegan options. You will love the Koobiden made from impossible infused with Persian spices They have chicken, and lamb impossible kabob. Also multiple vegan stew choices.”
“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.”
“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 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.”
“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!”
“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!”
“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.”
“got the Addis combo, kitfo, and fish goulash and it was all so amazing! It was a perfect amount for 4 people, but we did have some we didn’t finish. appreciated it was open until 10”
“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.”
“Can't believe I didn't discover this place sooner! Been living in Berkeley for over a year and stopped by tonight for the first time. Had the most delectable samosas - what an explosion of flavor. The sauces were divine. And the cucumber cocktail had the perfect balance of sweet & spice. What a gem of a spot!!”
“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.”
“Vegetarian options: I had the Mount Etna salad and it was one of the best salads I've ever had! Really colourful with interesting textures and flavours, and warm ingredients were welcome on a cold rainy day! There were lots of other vegetarian options that looked tempting too.”
“This place is great. We had the Eutropia pizza and Spnach/Artichoke dip. We were impressed with both. Thin crust, crisp but not burnt. Fresh baked sourdough and focaccia with the dip. The back patio and garden is heated, so it's very comfortable even on a cool evening. Cost is resonable.Parking: There is parking off Shattuck or a parking structure.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Cute spot! Love the ambiance and feel, drinks were delicious and it was a perfect pre dinner drink spot while we waited for our table at Angeline's next door. Service was good.”
“We came here for breakfast and had a fantastic meal. We ordered the buttermilk pancakes, New York everything bagel platter, potato pancakes, banana rum soufflé pancakes, and 2 sunny side up eggs with home fries and chorizo. We really enjoyed the banana rum soufflé pancakes, and the buttermilk pancakes are the best pancakes we’ve ever had, as they’re so thick, light, and fluffy. We will definitely come back again when we’re back in Berkeley!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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 ”
“We came here for breakfast and had an excellent experience. We ordered the omelette fromage et jambon, cote est with an oatmeal raspberry pancake, cote sud, and les oeufs lucas. Everything we ordered was excellent, but our favorites were the oatmeal raspberry pancake and the home fries. We’ll definitely be back when we’re back in Berkeley!”
“I finally took the time to come to Cornerstone Berkeley. It was surprisingly empty when I came in, with only 4 other customers inside. I had the Avocado Burger with fries and 2 beers (Cornerstone Blonde). They tasted great. I also liked the 4 TV hanging above the bar area, where you can watch several different sporting events. When I went to the restroom, I noticed the concert area for the live shows. Rather small for a concert area for my tastes, but if I ever see an event to my liking, I will try to come. The staff was friendly and helpful, big shout out to them. I will try to come at a later hour on my next trip here, just to see the larger crowd that come here.”
“I’ve tried out almost every Thai spot in Berkeley and this one is consistently on point for delicious food, and fast and friendly service! My absolute favorite!”
“The food was really good and the service was decent. I was a bit confused about why there was duct tape on the long booth and why the books that the checks came in had torn plastic in them. Those things kind of threw the vibe off, but the food was really tasty. ?”
“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!”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“I had the best red lentils I've ever tasted here. The vegetable wot is especially good. Service with a smile. And we even found parking right in front of the restaurant.”
“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! ”
“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!”
“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”
“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!”
“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.”
“Food and service is great! Nice to see the bear's lair open and having tasty food. Pizza and the fries are amazing!! Happy hour is a good deal! The staff are friendly and attentive!”
“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”
“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.”
“The service is not that great. We went on a Friday night and it was not busy but they did take a lot of time to take our orders. Besides that the food and the cocktails were really good.”
“Great cocktails, service and food!! The ambience is what I like the most here.. chill vibes dim light makes it the perfect option for my husband and I to continue to pick for a date night!”
“Absolutely delicious - loved the Pazham Urandakari with the Aloo Piyaz Paratha. Don’t sleep on this place! Very flavorful and affordable, top-tier samosas too.”
“I had veggie karakka spicy ramen and it was best veggie ramen I had date. The broth was spicy and tasty and I added a soft boiled egg to top it. The combination worked really well and tasted amazing.”
“Joined friends for early lunch. Loved the carnitas with blue corn tortillas. Easy walk from Ashby BART.Parking: Took BART to avoid parking issues. Some spots on local streets.”
“Checked out this local burger place in Berkeley after checking Yelp for burgers near Telegraph Ave and Cal. I had their turkey burger which I have to say was the best spiced turkey burger I have had anywhere. A good sized, thin patty came on a sesame see led bun with their standard toppings. Was one of the few times I had to be carful eating it as it was juicy and messy, which is not the usual case for a Turkey burger. Their fries were OK and the sesame seed bun was good but maybe not as soft as some would like, but overall a really great little burger joint. Has some interesting choices I will have to try next time, line the lamb Persian burger and Black Bean burger. Check it out”
“Good food. Consistent in quality. Very nice staff. Plenty of dining space and options on the menu as well as weekly specials. Food is fresh and served hot. It's a order at the counter and seat yourself place. Free delicious tea with dine in service. Parking can be hard sometimes but not terrible. A true staple in the community.”
“I wanted to take a friend out for her birthday. Vanessa's was perfect for us. Small and cozy, perfect drinks and tasty duck.. I am sorry their hours are limited or I would go more often.”
“Yes, I did try it and the food was very good but he needs to update his hours when he's there and when he isn't there, Google always says he's open but he never is”
“Wow! That should encapsulate everything I'm about to say. To start things off to a strong warm welcoming for me, duck as a protein is a sign that this place was meant to be. The duck tacos with guacamole and pomegranate seeds were a nice end to my day. I confess I'm now using pomegranate when I roast a duck! At Fonda, the meat is tender, juicy, and so flavorful. An unexpected treat! The fried plantains are delightful and they're paired with black beans, cream, and salsa molcajete. If you're not a fan of overtly spicy things, like me, get the salsa on the side as I will in the future but regardless, all things were tasty! The drinks are well made and thoughtful. It didn't feel like I was just ordering from a generic drink menu. The Fonda drink was delightful. Overall I suggest this place for lovers of Latin food. On my try list: mushroom empanadas, tuna tartare, and fish tacos. I believe I shall pair it with an Idle Hands cocktail! Great job to the chefs and staff at Fonda!”
“Our pastor introduced us to this place. Since then, we have been here for dates and group events. We also ordered take out delivery. Each time, the food has been served hot, fresh, and tastes good. Good portion sizes. Customer service is good. Would ho again.”
“I ordered the fresh mango green tea with boba and I enjoyed it! The drink was sweeter than other places I've been to, so I set the sugar level to be 50%. The portion is worth the price and it's cute too!”
“It had been a while since while since I came to Akemi and some friends were feeling like a sushi night so I suggested this place. I’m so glad their food is still good as I remembered it and my favorite roll will always be their Evil Roll! So delicious we tried a variety of different and were happy with our choices.Parking: Be ready to drive around to look for parking specially on a Friday or Saturday night.”
“I enjoyed this elegant restaurant. The service was beyond great, and the food was very good. Although it was fairly full, the noise level was low, providing a calming dining experience.”
“This place is way better than you expect, generous portions, delicious banchan, surprisingly flavorful tofu. Will be making this a regular stop whenever I'm in Berkeley.”
“Nice neighborhood sushi restaurant! Quick, attentive service and plenty of options on the menu; we got a couple of the spicy rolls to share for our group and they were both great! $5 happy hour for dine in is a great deal too!”
“I am no sushi expert but the place in Albany across from the fire dept is where I have been going. Luckily I came across Kiku by chance and the difference is dramatic from the basics point of view. Example 1 no fishy smell2 real seafood not fake crab in their Cal RollsThe quality is apparent now that I have tasted the difference.”
“Probably one of the best sushi places I have ever visited in the Bay. I'm taking out a star because the wait was way TOO long. We ordered 2 miso soups, 2 rolls, and some nigiris. It took more than 40 minutes to arrive, and everything came at different times, which is disappointing if you want to enjoy the dishes together. I will come back, but definitely not on weekends.”
“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.”
“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.”
“It may not look like it but Wholefood makes some of the best pizzas around. The whole pizzas are made to order in about 20 minutes so you’re getting it fresh and hot. The staff here is also better (IMHO) than the folks at the Temescal Wholefood location.”
“I don't understand the low rating. This place is such a fund that I've already been here twice within one week of moving to Berkeley! Everything is delicious, and the service is excellent. I do wonder why some people don't like it.”
“Delicious, hot, and filling! We ordered the combo 1 w/ mussels and shrimp, calamari rings (w/ fries), and 6 raw oysters. As a party of 3, we left very full. They provided plastic gloves and bibs, but the sauce seems to seep through the gloves a little.”
“Highly underrated! My favorite Nepalese/Indian restaurant in Berkeley. The food is consistently delicious, not too oily or salty and full of flavor. The naan is also some of the best I've had anywhere. Would recommend the chili momos, chicken tikka masala, and saag paneer, but it's hard to go wrong.”
“All the baked goods I’ve had are excellent, and the sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit sandwich is perfect. Too many Californian bakeries skimp on butter for cost/health reasons, but this place does it right.”
“food was good but the service was lacking ... the restaurant was empty when I walked it, the hostess was not paying attention too busy flirting with the bartender...waited for 4 minutes before she finally paid me.any attention”
“Loved everything about Rick & Ann's, some people don't like how you have to order at the counter before being sat but honestly it's super efficient! Our food was delicious and we will definitely be back!”
“The menu is very simple, salads, pizza, burgers and fries, and everything is perfect. Especially the shoestring fries. All of the salads are great. Their drip coffee is excellent, as was the lemonade. Service was fast and accommodating. I loved everything about Zut!”
“My go to indian restaurant. Flavors of India has the only good paneer pakoras around, and the veg somoasa chaat is equally as good. Furthermore, I ordered flavors of India for my boyfriend (who is Indian), and he agreed that the appetizers were not bad. However, I’ve tried the paneer tikka masala and was disappointed. In general, I’ve struggled to find good Indian restaurants in the area, and although the paneer tikka masala was disappointing, I am happy with everything else that I’ve tried. That being said, I would highly recommend their appetizers.”
“The menu is relatively limited. I don't eat pork so that cut out a large number of things (usually not a problem for me in Thai restaurants). Pad Thai was great but my fave was the crispy rice salad. The ladies who run the place and serve are THE BOMB. They'll do whatever they can to make you smile and I loved them!!! Definitely recommend giving it a try.”
“Pizza tasted awesome. Tried the California chicken garlic and probably one of the best chicken pizzas I've tried so far. The staff were very good and welcoming.Give them a try.Also tried the beef taco pizza, a little hot because of the jalapeno but tasted great. They said it'll be ready in 10 minutes and right at 10min, it was ready.”
“Gather is a celebrated farm-to-table restaurant located right in downtown Berkeley in an open, appealing, large corner space. Fresh ingredients are definitely on the menu, with a variety of sandwich, salad, pizza, and grain bowl options. Dinner adds starters and entrees.The inside feels like a cabin with lots of reclaimed wood, and the outdoors patio is covered to keep warm and flowing with plants. It’s quite inviting. I went at lunch, and it wasn’t immediately apparent that ordering at the register is how lunch operates as a podium with “wait to be seated” was stationed right at the entrance. Dinner is, indeed, seated with waitstaff.My friend ordered the soup of the day, which was white bean and potato. She thought it absolutely delicious, savoring each bite. I ordered the BBQ pulled pork sandwich, topped with a slaw and dill-cucumber yogurt and served up with fries. The coleslaw crunch made clear the quality of Gather’s ingredients, but I was surprised that the dish ended up tasting closer to a sloppy joe than I what I’d expected—this may partially be due to my eight years spent in North Carolina, where vinegar sauces on pork reign supreme. Or it may partially be that the tomato in the sauce was so fresh and bright, it simply dominated the dish.I was disappointed that the dill-cucumber sauce contributed little in terms of flavor. I love dill, so I was looking forward to it, but alas, it barely raised its head. The fries were solid.Definitely would go back but would probably skip the pulled pork sandwich.”
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!”
Most Popular Restaurants
“Super views of the San Francisco Bay, the City, Sausalito, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, and everything else in the bay. Located right on the water, upscale menu with steak, lobster, great calamari and many other dishes. Most excellent wine list. Highly recommend.”
“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.”
“Truly a fun place to dine. Come for the excellent Italian food and cocktails and there's a Fiat 500 and Fellini films projected on the walls. Busy and for a good reason.”
“Everything about this place is fantastic. Every food item I've ever ordered has been delicious, the drinks are wonderful, and the service is spectacular. They accommodate you if need to hurry to make your theatre reservations. You'll be happy you go.”
“There didn't seem to be enough waitstaff. It was very busy, as might be expected on Easter. But even so, the few servers were polite, friendly and helpful. The food was good. My omelet was wonderful and they kindly substituted fruit for potatoes. Some in my party would have liked some low carb options like salad or grilled veggies. One person complained the potatoes were greasy. The Boathouse normally has a seafood roll--but not at brunch. That was disappointing. Ambiance was great--on the marina on a sunny day was lovely. It's hard to reach the restaurant with question. Their voicemail says they will call back. They didn't in my experience. A lot of the items were quite expensive. Many could easily be made at home.”
“The place is nice but what made it special was the server, her name is Yuki and she just immediately lit up the experience for us. She comes in the list for top server in my lifetime. I hope anybody who goes here gets served by Yuki.Yuki, anata wa saikōdesu”
Mexican • $
“First time ordering from here, it was late and we were craving Nachos! They were delicious good ratio of toppings and well seasoned carne asada! Will definitely be in my top 3 for Mexican Restaurants!”
“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.”
“What a wonderful experience! We have teppanyaki where we are from but this far exceeded our expectations! Chefs were very polite, experienced and efficient! Staff was friendly and helpful. The food was wonderful, seasoned and perfectly cooked! We will be back!”
“I couldn't stop eating the delicious food. It was cooked to perfection, although the service was a bit slow and the ambience was just okay. The staff were friendly.”
“The alma mater of my favorite bakery in SF Arizmendi Bakery. The pizza is fresh and tasty. The pastries here are also a steal. Everything is good. X-Bread is a signature bread that I've never seen elsewhere so you should try one. Another cool thing about this shop is that there is a live band! Come enjoy all the senses.”
“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.”
“HUGE patio. great for gatherings. They even have a large indoor area for cold or rainy weather. Bring your friends and family. The food here doesn’t disappoint.They’re always friendly when I stop by and make a point to give excellent service. One they put meat in my veggie (ONCE!) and they remade it and insisted I grab a soda on them.It’s super cute, a few blocks from strawberry creek park, next to the liquor store if you prefer a beer.They’re also on apps for delivery or pickup, no phone orders but that’s okay. I also appreciate that they’re open very late. When I get the craving for their rice I know I’ll have it soon!Vegetarian options: No substitutions but delicious as is without meat!Parking: free parking after 6pmKid-friendliness: Lots of space far from street to run around and play”
“Viks is one of the best places you can be when it comes to Indian food and grocery. Excellent menu with home-made style options. The grocery store has everything you need (spices, ingredients, sweets, frozen section) and more.Great place to eat and get items for your home.Pictured: cholle bhatura and pav bhajiNot pictured: bhel puri, pani puri, rose lassi”
“Excellent clean , friendly, and laid back establishment . Professional , knowledgeable , with first class customer service !No feeling of awkwardness , almost like a local bar . But without the heavy air and darkness . They’re Fortunes told is first class of ipas . Fresh , clean , refreshing dipa , with minimal aftertaste on pallet . A heavy 10% abv , with light tones of mosaic hops . Definitely a crowd pleaser . Settled on an empty stomach like a bud light , hit like a Lagunitas Waldo’s triple ale ! Economical , neighbor and out of town friendly establishment . Highly recommend . Thank you for making my 2 hour wait for Apple phone repair on a Saturday painless and enjoyable lol! Dillion is a knowledgeable ,intelligent , easy going , good listner , and honest tender of the establishment , A must have of representing the companies quality products . Genuine , non artificial , good old east bay man . Kudos to him ! AAAAA++++++!”
New Restaurants
“My experience here today was really great! The customer service was exceptional. The food was delicious and a perfect price point for the quantity. I was already planning on coming here today and I'm very glad I didn't let a previous negative reviewer change my mind. We got chicken tikka kabob and steak kabob paratha rolls, the meat quality was outstanding. There was no "hot lettuce" anywhere in sight. The rolls were meat forward, which is my preference, and came with diced cucumbers, onions, raita, and I believe a very small amount of a tamarind sauce (when they gave us squeeze bottles of additional sauces the lady called it Pakistani BBQ sauce which I thought was not only cute but helpful because it was much thinner and less overpowering than some tamarind chutneys, I really liked it). We also got samosas and they were really good but I will try something else next time because the cinnamon was a bit strong for my taste, but that's not a dig, I'm excited to try new things on their menu! And the mango lassi they gave us samples of is outstanding, I will come back to get that as a sweet treat soon. The 5 star reviews are not BS :)”
“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!”
“Our neighborhood finally has a new gem of a restaurant! Everything about this spot is wonderful. The attention to detail in the decor (cozy fireplace, exposed brick, distressed woodwork, leaf-shaped cushions, gold silverware, plants galore) is transportive. The food is ravishingly fresh and thoughtfully prepared. On two different visits, we shared Market Salads, Chia Bowls, Yogurt Bowls, and Lava Eggs. Tanzie, the owner, is delightful, and you can tell she has a hand in every dish. My 8-year-old, who is a very picky eater, loved the yogurt bowl, eggs, and especially the Thai Beignets! Finally, a brunch I can look forward to, a few steps from my house...”
“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 ”
“Located in the old Chinese Express spot (RIP) -- this place is clean and fast! Generous portions, and they have mini plates if you want less food. I imagine it's great for students living around there. Tried it on a whim, as I was really craving some chicken katsu. The only reason I am giving four stars and not five is because the chicken katsu sauce was lose money.... a total miss. It was watery, and didn't taste at all like the ketchup + worcestershire sauce mixture that katsu sauce is supposed to taste like. It was just weird. No big deal -- I just made my own -- but this is a critical part of a chicken katsu plate! Please fix this, Moku BBQ, so that people can properly enjoy chicken katsu. Otherwise, I was satisfied (as satisfied as I can reasonably expect to be, eating "Hawaiian BBQ" anywhere outside of Hawaii). If you're from Hawaii and want to eat katsu, you can get some passable katsu here -- but be prepared to make your own sauce.”
“Was really excited to try this place out! The menu looked incredible and we got a few dishes from each category. The first appetizer we got was the Brussels sprouts and this was a hard pass for us - the grapes were weird with it and the sprouts needed to be more crispy but the candied bacon was nice. Next we had the Cacio e Pepe - made in a cheese wheel - the creaminess was unmatched with just a tad more pepper this dish would have been 10/10 but I would still recommend it for sure - probably the favorite thing I ate. We tried two pies - lalime which was a Mediterranean style pizza which I loved. We also got "a little spicy" but it needed just a little bit more spice or kick in my opinion. The ambiance and service were wonderful and for the first week open it was not a bad experience at all. I do want to come back and try more of their pies I just wish more of them had tomato sauce.”
“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.”
“I ordered takeout from this place and the delivery was very quick! The food packaging ensured that the food was still warm when it arrived. I ordered the BBQ and Louisiana Rub sauce chicken and my favorite was definitely the Louisiana Rub. Cajun fries came along with the order and they weren't as flavorful as I expected. Overall, I enjoyed the chicken and perfect for a late night craving!”
“We have been to the Tane in Hawaii, so we wanted to try this one out. Everything about it was great. The food was delicious, the service was great, the atmosphere and ambiance was phenomenal. We ordered Gyoza, brussel sprouts, ramen, nigiri, and 5 different rolls... everything was delicious. All the employees were so nice and attentive.”