Restaurants in Albany

“One of the best restaurants in the bay area! Flavors are amazing, dishes are thoughtful, service is fantastic and at times hilarious. Ambience is also beautiful. I highly recommend this spot!”

“Friends here visiting and found this gem of a place! Best thing is we didn’t have to go far! Food was delicious!”

“Yonsei Handrolls consistently impresses with food that is clean, focused, and exceptionally well executed. The handrolls highlight ingredient quality above all else. Fresh fish, well seasoned rice, and crisp nori come together in a way that feels intentional and balanced. Nothing is overdone, and each bite delivers clarity of flavor. It is the kind of food that reflects confidence in technique and sourcing rather than excess. A standout spot when you want handrolls that are precise, fresh, and deeply satisfying.”

“todo delicioso 😋 y fresco y muy limpio”

“Un rendez-vous avec la bonne gastronomie le service rapide et l’endroit agréable merci 🙏”

“It’s been a long time since I last visited and it was all and more than I remembered. I eat only whole plant foods that are gluten-free & SOS-free (no salt, oil, sugar). I ordered the large plate, no seasonings, with sauces on the side and their chocolate pie for dessert. The soup was salty so I guess I should’ve asked. All in all a colorful and beautiful lunch made with love!! Updated from previous review on 2026-03-17”

“Low key, relaxed vibe, cool tunes, best drinks. And a stellar taco truck in the parking lot. Very friendly staff. 5 stars all day, every day.”

“Best saag I’ve ever had! Wonderful salmon tandoori. Amazing chai 👏🏻!”

“Atmosphere, customer service, prices and the freaking food is amazing 😍. Highest rated casual dining from Hayward to Vallejo! For good reason! This is a must if in the area. We will be back!”

“I’ve only had their smoothies and tasted the ice cream . It’s pretty good haven’t been disappointed . Thai tea ice cream is fire 🔥 . They do close early , earlier than their posted hours though sometimes a half hour early so best to arrive over an hour before they close . I haven’t tried their banh mi but they do seem pricey at nearly 18 dollars each!”

“Good food, I always like to eat over here because food are soo good and tasty, momo is best and chowmein too”

“I had dinner here tonight. I ordered pea shoots and spicy fish fillets.
The pea shoots were fresh and full of garlic flavor. They are my favorite vegetable—healthy and delicious.
The spicy fish was really tasty. It’s the best I’ve had in the past one or two years.
The restaurant provided tea and side dishes. The environment is comfortable, and the service was nice and thoughtful.
Highly recommend!”

“The best pork bun in the Bay Area, no joke, great value!”

“Amazing atmosphere, especially around Christmas. It has two floors of cozy log cabin bar space and two tiki-themed outdoor patios with fire pits. Drinks are super reasonable, most cocktails are about $12. You may have to wait for a while for a pool table, even on slow nights.”

“Try the newest special the Cajun Tropical Wet Burrito! It’s so yummy and amazing! 😋I highly recommend this restaurant. Also, great customer service and quick service. Great quality with great prices! 😉”

“Absolutely the best French pasteries I’ve had on this continent!”

“Our first visit but absolutely not our last! What delicious flavors! Everyone loved their desserts, the toppings are incredible (vegan hot fudge, vegan caramel, toasted almonds,) and we all left full and happy! Definitely stop in when you’re in the neighborhood!”

“My latte was an absolute delight: rich, foamy, and brimming with flavor, the perfect companion for a long catch up with an old friend. And the almond croissant…oh, the almond croissant! Flaky, perfectly sweet, and honestly the best I’ve ever had. Surrounded by greenery and the gentle hum of fellow coffee lovers, it felt like a tiny whimsical escape from the everyday.”

“I order the pumpkin curry. It was delicious. I also ordered the Tom Ka chicken soup. It was too tart, the chicken over cooked. A disappointment for a soup I usually love”

“LOVE this place—we’ll be back again for sure!

Top notch food, and
Service was super-fast & polite.

Really outstanding sushi rolls.
Beautiful presentation, fresh popping flavor,
High quality tender fish.

Miso soup was simple but tasty, not too salty.

The *cloudy sake* was nice, a more earthy version of the typical sake flavor i’m used to.”

“As soon i walked into the restaurant the owner greeted me with a friendly smile and asked me if my day way going well I loved his warm greeting so I ordered a personal pizza , my first bite was pizza bliss the crust is handmade skillfully so perfectly buttery and delicious the cheese was so fresh and tastes very creamy and different it literally tastes like it was made on a clean organic farm creamy and smooth and the sauce oh my god the sauce taste handmade with love and care because it is while I was eating the owner let me know that they make the cheese sauce and crust from scratch every day this is seriously the freshest tasting pizza I've ever had if you want pizza that's healthy and spiced just right come eat at la vals Albany ❤️”

“I had such a great experience at Hangout Pizza! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt warm, welcoming, and comfortable. It’s a perfect place to relax with friends or family.”

“Roti with yellow curry $11
Great flavour, a disrespectful portion of yellow curry, a tablespoon or two worth... otherwise a great dish, just needs more curry! The
Chicken Pad Thai was solid for $16. Nice place to eat, will be back”

“1111 Solano is a new location for this restaurant. Previously near Craneway and before the pandemic in Point Richmond. Same chef, same staff, and same excellent food and service.”

“Fun, relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Cozy and comfortable. A really good place to see local and touring bands. Meeting up with other people who share the same music likes is excellent. Door greeters are welcoming also. You feel like you belong here ! I recommend it highly. Recently, I enjoyed seeing one of my favorite California bands, Haunt, and a favorite L.A. band, Intranced, at Ivy Room. Easy to find also, with room to park nearby. Am looking forward to going back soon.😀💕🎤🎸”

“Excellent place for breakfast. The food was delicious, fresh, and well-presented. The atmosphere is pleasant, and the service was very quick and friendly. I will definitely return. Highly recommended for a great start to the day.”

“Came to try the lemongrass chicken banh mi. The bread was mildly crunchy, and not as airy as I like. The chicken was good with some sweetness but not very lemon-grassy. I’m not sure it’s worth $11 but I think that is the going rate unless you drive farther out.

There is a covered parklet you can eat on, or you can eat inside but it’s rather dark inside.
.”

“They have wonderful, cheap froyo. the lady who i presume is the owner is super friendly and gives very generous portions. I haven't tried their ice cream, but they have lots of flavors.”

“Delicious food and awesome service 😊”

“What an amazing night at Chez Mansour! We went to watch Terga Group, and everything was absolutely wonderful. The music was incredible, the ambiance was vibrant and welcoming, and the food was delicious.

On top of that, the owner is extremely kind and made us feel right at home. You can really feel the passion and care behind this place. A perfect spot for a great evening with live music, good vibes, and amazing food.

Highly recommend, we’ll definitely be back!”

“Everything I've brought home from Picnic was made with obvious exquisite quality and care! Their condiments are a boon to our meals, great rotisserie chickens, sandwiches, sides, everything! I get excited when my travels take me nearby and I've got time to go in!”

“While we were remodeling our kitchen we went to joes maybe 3-5 days each week! We love this place. Great lattes, my kids love the milkshakes/ice cream and we all really appreciate the fresh Acme bread you can pick up from here! Thanks Joes!”

“Eunice Gourmet Café is a hidden gem! The coffee was amazing. I tried The Ash sandwich and was completely blown away fresh ingredients, perfect flavors, and honestly one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. I’m more than willing to drive the extra distance just to have it again!

The owner was incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. If you’re looking for amazing food and a warm, inviting atmosphere, don’t miss out on Eunice Gourmet Café. Highly recommend!!”

“Delicious food! Great Bar and desserts! Super friendly staff and owners.”

“this place has been my go-to since forever! the food never disappoints and the customer service is fantastic! i-slice has a special place in my heart and i would always recommend this place!”

“23 years a customer, only great meals! Looking forward to stopping by on my next visit to the area.”

“We were in the area, nice 👍 to be able to enjoy our yogurt plus close to coffee shop as well & lots of benches to relax👋🤙👋”

“The best beer ever and the best staff ever and super cute and I just love this place so much and everyone should go here right now.”

“delicious food — the whole menu. i get something new every time, every dish is a banger. hunanese friend said it’s not super authentic (they do have a lot of dishes from sichuan/elsewhere in china), but it’s the best in the bay. a bigger group is probably better because the portion sizes are huge, but i’ve also never minded a big haul of leftovers.”

“A real gem! We tried their Four Cheese Melty and the seasonal Winter paninis. So delicious and really hit the spot. Can’t wait to try the other things on their menu next time.”

“Stopped in on Christmas Eve and had amazing burgers, fried mushrooms, and some great shakes (the mocha was something else). While we wish the mushrooms had been been a larger order, the large fries were definitely large and worth it. It's a classic burger joint, sharing a parking lot with the tire center. When we were there, a flock of turkeys walked past. Friendly crew and we love supporting small businesses like this. We will definitely stop there again. Highly recommended.”

“Two words: GOLDEN CRUNCH! This is one of their specialty rolls that is absolutely something I could eat once or twice a week!

Overall, the food is beautifully presented and in generous portions, and the wait staff is extremely kind and attentive. We have been fans of the original location in Kensington, and we are glad that they are able to expand and serve the greater community.”

“Hal’s is IMO the best cafe in Albany - all the baristas not only serve beautiful, delicious oat cappuccinos but they also create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes u want to stick around. If you’re lucky they’ll be brewing a fresh batch of chai and your nose will wonder if you’ve died and gone to heaven.”

“The food is amazing! We had a great experience”

“Food Very tasty 🤤 authentic Korean food delicious friendly staff decor trendy modern nice clean.”

“I love this pizza spot. Food, cocktails and atmosphere are all great.

The crust on their pizza really sets them apart. It is a corn meal crust and gives a great crunch.

I recommend coming here for date night or as a casual catch-up with friends. They also have a wonderful lunch and happy hour menu.”

“Went to dinner with a few of my lady friends after seeing a show in the city, this was the perfect ending to a phenomenal day. I had the crab cakes and they were delish, a couple of people in my group had the fried chicken/fried catfish combo and that looks delicious as well. I highly recommend Lizzy’s Cajun Cafe.”

“Crab legs with spicy Cajun combo sauce, garlic fries, strawberry lemonade, and cocktails are my go-to. Everything else is good as well. Super laid back and friendly environment. Love this place. 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽”

“Great food and quick service! A must try place if you’re in the area!”

“Food is delicious! My server was welcoming and the food was served hot and neatly. I was offered GF and vegetarian options that were delicious! Definitely recommended.”

“It’s the best Restaurant in town came with Family and we had a great time! Food was great and drinks 🍹 we all loved the dessert as well! Just amazing service and food! My Favorite for sure! 2914 College Ave Berkeley Ca”

“Hooray! Somebody is making great quality food that I can eat. 😁

A local stand-by: so Bay Area. The ingredients are top-notch, and the food is nourishing and a very welcome departure from the “standard-American diet”, or “SAD”!

The staff seem well-treated by management.

I love coming here with my kiddo or guests. Casual and relaxed vibes with interesting, chill clientele. I recommend the fries, the green smoothie, the burrito bowl, and the power bowl. Enjoy!”

“Scones are freshly baked, delicious, yams and eggs, my favorite, it’s healthy and yummy, hot mocha/chocolate taste great, not an ordinary….. love it 😍”

“Bua Luang is hands down the BEST Thai restaurant in the entire Bay Area, not just in Albany! I have been enjoying Thai cuisine all around the Bay for over 25 years. My family and I have Thai food at least 2-3 times a week, so we have tried many (and I mean MANY) Thai restaurants over the decades, and without a doubt we all agree that Bua Luang offers the freshest, tastiest, and most delicately prepared Thai cuisine of all. Every dish is packed with the freshest ingredients. The flavors and textures are amazing. Restaurants in Thailand don’t make a Pad Thai as delicious as the Pad Thai at Bua Luang—believe us, we have tried Pad Thai all over Thailand and we still longed for the Pad Thai at Bua Luang. The chef at this restaurant is a culinary master!

Not only are the dishes at this restaurant superb, the atmosphere is serene and delightful. The indoor space is clean, cozy, and modern with soft old-world touches and whimsical lighting. The ambiance music is very pleasant. It’s not too loud, and it’s easy to talk with and hear others in your party. If you choose to dine outside, you are greeted by the most beautiful outdoor seating area on all of Solano Avenue. The space is gorgeous and inviting. And then there is the staff: always friendly and attentive. They provide a truly exceptional dining experience all around.

This restaurant is an absolute gem. If I could give it more stars I would. Don’t walk, run to this spot!”

“Always delicious Indian food! My family and I always come here when we are in the neighborhood. Maude and Rosemarie are very gracious hosts. I highly recommend this restaurant seven days a week. :)”

“Pretty peaceful on a Sunday afternoon, we could hear each other talk & work in peace. Booth seating was comfy, friendly quick service, good cold brew. Relaxed local vibes.”

“Small chill spot tons of choices

Parking: The parking lot is tiny and surrounding area isn't really a place you want to leave your car unattended”

“What can I say you guys rock!!! This is just like the pizza 🍕 I grew up with I came in because I hadn’t eaten all day and I was hungry. You’re pizza hit the spot I will definitely come back. The woman who took our order was very friendly thanks for making my day”

“Words cand describe how delicious this food was! Not my first time either! 10 out of 10 for me! VERY FRIENDLY AND ATTENTIVE STAFF! Make you feel so comfortable OMG IM DEFINITELY GOING BACK! 🤤🤤🤤🤤♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️”

“I have been coming here to work for a few months now and it's a pleasant place to be. The space is clean and the music being played is always great. The staff are nice and they all remember my name, which makes me feel special. Today one crew member actually bought my cafe latte to me at my table. Something I didn't expect to happen, but was pleasantly surprised! Thank you San Pablo and Monroe Starbucks crew for all you do! Keep up the good work and great Lattes!”

“Gordo's is just the frigging best. I know it is actually "Gordo Taqueria", but I've called it "Gordo's" for 25 years and I can't change! You guys are great!”