Restaurants in Berkeley
Best Restaurants
“This place is great for a quick lunch. I tried their Molette, it was very flavorful! Highly recommend it.They have some pretty good vegetarian options. Would def like to revisit again and try more!”
“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!”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“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!”
“i'm not vegan - my favorite sushi here were the rolls with lots of ingredients! the variance in flavor & texture helps give the same experience as you'd get eating fish sushi.the futo maki was a tiny texture party, and the flavor wasn't overshadowed by any kind of sauce. the leahi roll tasted like barbecue! pokai roll was by far the star of the evening.eggplant tataki was tasty but small, hard to grab, and simultaneously warm and cold. the miso soup was... not my favorite. i think miso just won't taste like it's supposed to without the dashi stock.it's probably best to make a reservation. our table was ready right on time!”
“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 ”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Very Hometown old fashioned feel and vibe.The customers near us were kind and engaging. Almost felt like a neighborhood chat over with food.The staff was thoughtful and very attentive. Loved the Grain Pancakes and eggs. Definitely a return trip soon??”
“I love this place! It has always been my favorite ice cream place because it has unique flavors and great service. The ice cream is made on sight with quality ingredients and lots of care. My favorite flavor is salted caramel but all of them are good, especially the sorbet.”
“Amazing store full of many many varieties of bread. It's like stepping into bread heaven. The store itself feels very European, the service is friendly and great, and it still retains a neighborhood vibe. The bread is all of course, extremely good.”
“This place is great for a quick lunch. I tried their Molette, it was very flavorful! Highly recommend it.They have some pretty good vegetarian options. Would def like to revisit again and try more!”
“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!”
“Service was a little slow, but they were relatively busy. Food was worth the extra minutes though. And the horchata... It's authentic, it's good, it made me so happy and brought back so many good memories.”
“It's a damn institution! Our household tradition for birthdays is to buy a bunch of little different cakes to last us as few days. They also make traditional large cakes if that's your jam. There is also pastries, macarons (are the 2nd best thing here after the cakes) and cookies if you want snack options. They sell out of seasonal stuff quickly.Their pre-ordering service requires you to use your phone as a phone, but they always deliver (on the taste).”
“This Pete's is a diamond in the rough. It is located on Vine street in Berkeley. It allows you to find a park easily, and they're open.5:30am most days of the week. It is quite unusual to find someone at that hour to be cheerful, and to ensure your order is correct.. This is what you can expect when you go there. Service with a smile. Please keep this location in business. It is a delightful spot, which needs to be recognized. Please support and enjoy. Thanks!”
“I couldn't believe prior arriving how can you justify business just for cakes. My doubt appeared to be their Forte! They only do, and they only make cakes. Good ones! Like in the old days! Natural flavors, best fresh ingredients. Big ”
“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.”
“Algerian baked goods and sweets at their best! Incredibly, this tiny sidewalk cafe makes all their own pastries and sweets on-site. The owner/baker/muffin maker is almost always there, making community and croissant sandwiches. Seating on the sidewalk will, with great good luck, be upgraded soon with a parklet.”
“I was so excited to find this shop! The cupcakes were delicious and the customer service was exceptional too! Thank You to Sumayah for being so lovely and sweet. I highly recommend this cupcake shop!”
“I 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!”
“A gem of healthy, delicious food with a mission of being good for people and the planet. It’s simple and not fancy but just what I need when I want to be good to my body and don’t want to cook.”
“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!”
“Came here for a company party. We took over the whole restaurant. The food was great and service was impeccable. The food came out very quickly unlike some restaurants who struggle to keep up with hosting large parties. Will come back .”
“The eggplant clay pot was a destination dish! And the scallion pancakes are unexpected and delicious. Lovely plates and teapot!Vegetarian options: Noodle dishes can be made meatless but I wonder if some of the flavor is lost.”
Outdoor Dining
“Absolutely love this cafe! The decor is stunning and the customer service has been lovely each time I've come here. I recommend the Heyma latte. The atmosphere has usually been relaxing, calm, and quiet when I have gone here. Great place to settle into your day with your morning coffee or get some reading/studying done.”
“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!”
“The tea scones are the best! I like mixed berry. It taste like a scone/biscuit. They sell in some grocery stores but they run out fast so I go straight to the source.I had the blueberry pancake today and it was delicious! One was plenty! Not thin but not too thick either.The service was great. The restaurant is always busy with guest but I can always get a seat or I take to go. Must try scones. ?”
“Easily my new favorite Ethiopian restaurant in the bay area. Desta is a cute little cafe with great service and a wide diversity of flavors that just recently opened. Get the veggie combo plate. It lets you try a bit of everything for a great price and two people can easily split it. If you only try just one thing, try the azifa. Theirs is really unique and has a distinctly fresh, pesto/chimichurri vibe to it. But seriously, don’t try just one thing. Get the combo.”
“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 ”
“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!”
“Came here for a company party. We took over the whole restaurant. The food was great and service was impeccable. The food came out very quickly unlike some restaurants who struggle to keep up with hosting large parties. Will come back .”
“The eggplant clay pot was a destination dish! And the scallion pancakes are unexpected and delicious. Lovely plates and teapot!Vegetarian options: Noodle dishes can be made meatless but I wonder if some of the flavor is lost.”
“The pizza I had was four different cheeses and lots of onion, it was pretty good, but I’ve definitely had better slices at this location.The line can get pretty long, but the employees are relatively nice. I love the business’ mission. Heads up they only sell one flavor a day, but that flavor can be made gluten free or dairy free upon request.”
“East Bay Provisions is a lovely breakfast & lunch restaurant at The Carriage House Entrance of The Claremont Hotel in Berkeley. The staff is wonderful and they actually remember their customers by name! We had delicious breakfasts and lunches as well as delicious coffees, lattes and tasty cookies.”
“Yes!! Tarocco is the restaurant that we all needed but didn’t know! So fresh and healthy and delicious. Upscale enough for a nice work lunch but you can also show up as you are. Bravo!Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free and dairy-free friendly.”
“Rly good coffee but the sweet vanilla cold foam was super watery + gave me a small regular croissant instead of the chocolate croissant I ordered :( my fault for not checking ”
“Best value caffe latte in the Bay Area! This establishment offers a solid latte for $3.75 along with tasty pastries and donuts from the finest high end bakeries in the East Bay. The setting is no frills with a few tables and chairs in a largely empty parking lot with no car traffic that catches the sun. The huge lot must be worth a fortune as Fellini splits it with a pizza restaurant, hence the lack of traffic. I paid $6.50 for a latte at Sightglass in San Francisco that was not as good. My latte and 2 excellent pastries came to $12. The gentleman behind the counter was kind and friendly. You can also purchase their exclusive Mr Espresso roasted beans at an equally reasonable price. Head there quick before the landlord cashes in on the lot which is right across the street from Target. Best value latte and easiest parking in Berkeley makes this a new favorite destination for me.Parking: Largest and emptiest parking lot in Berkeley”
“Amazing food, ambience, and service! Its a bit pricy, but the portions are huge and could feed 3 ppl. I had leftovers for days lol. The service is very nice here as well, the owner and staff always greet you with a smile and make sure you are satisfied with the food. Highly recommend!”
“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.”
“Amazing food, ambience, and service! Its a bit pricy, but the portions are huge and could feed 3 ppl. I had leftovers for days lol. The service is very nice here as well, the owner and staff always greet you with a smile and make sure you are satisfied with the food. Highly recommend!”
14
Cali Alley
“Fantastic Burger to be had at this place. It was juicy and the tritip on top was excellent. Fries were crispy and tasty. it deservers it's spot on the best burgers in the Bay lists.”
“First time trying this restaurant and I will be coming back. Great customer service, very nice and helpful. The food was delicious and they switch up which is amazing. I am a very picky eater and I have no complaints about this place. I love it here it is perfect for breakfast, brunch, dinner and any special occasions.Dietary restrictions: I personally cut off pork and if you let them know they will recommend or accommodate to your needs.”
Online Reservation Available
“i'm not vegan - my favorite sushi here were the rolls with lots of ingredients! the variance in flavor & texture helps give the same experience as you'd get eating fish sushi.the futo maki was a tiny texture party, and the flavor wasn't overshadowed by any kind of sauce. the leahi roll tasted like barbecue! pokai roll was by far the star of the evening.eggplant tataki was tasty but small, hard to grab, and simultaneously warm and cold. the miso soup was... not my favorite. i think miso just won't taste like it's supposed to without the dashi stock.it's probably best to make a reservation. our table was ready right on time!”
“i really like this place! my go to spot for chilaquiles. i liked to get the green and red sauce mixed. you can tell a lot of love goes into the food and the business. i would definitely ”
“I ordered a quesabirria taco and a burrito from here recently. The quesabirria was $5 for one that came with cucumber slices, one roasted jalapeno and one small cup of birria. It was amazing!! Really hit the spot in terms of flavor. The burrito on the other hand was good not great. It had a way too thick of a flour wrap around the burrito. I felt like I was eating a 30% flour wrap and only 70% filling. Otherwise, it was a good flavored burrito. I'll be back if I'm ever in the neighborhood for the quesabirria.”
“I had a great time and so did my guest ,we are planning to do a 1year anniversary with vendors next time,many people ask for the number to call to book there own events ? I was very happy will the overall quick action and timely responses from Adam and other staff members, all arrangements and rerangements were on point .Thank you ? see you soon”
“Nothing too fancy. But great food. Tandoori salmon was great! Tandoori chicken was a bit dry. Though they used chicken breast which is usually dry. Dipping the chicken in the tasty Tikka sauce helped. Excellent Naan! Mango lassi was thick and tasty. Lamb tandoori was overcooked. Would come back to try more dishes, now knowing which to avoid.”
“As an avid searcher of delicious meals in both the Bay Area and Sonoma County, this is HANDS DOWN the most memorable and delectable pizza I have had in the United States. Period.Authentically Italian, and charming in service. After a few years of living in the Berkeley area, there is simply no other choice for amazing pizza.5 stars hands down!”
“lovely dinner lovely experience. I am coming again on the 23rd. I'm having trouble making reservations but I will call to make sure I can get four of us there at 5 o'clock and will be seeing the show at Central Works and I was told that we can get a discount I hope that's true, thank you for a wonderful evening”
“Delicious Southern dinner. Wait wasn't too bad of a wait even for a table of 6. Hush puppies were a little too dry (needs some fresh corn kernels in my opinion). Fried chicken was delicious, as was the gumbo. The BBQ plate was a good portion size too.”
“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”
“The food is amazing! Flavorful and great portions. Highly recommend. Spice level is on point :)Vegetarian options: I asked if some dishes could come without meet and they accommodated my requests.”
“Stepping into this Indian restaurant in Berkeley on a chilly, rainy evening, my partner and I were immediately welcomed with warmth, both from the ambiance and the owner’s thoughtful seating near a heater. The service was outstanding, making us feel comfortable and valued.The culinary experience was exceptional. From the chicken tandoori to the richly flavored chicken tikka masala, aromatic rice, and soft garlic naan, every dish was delicious. The ingredients’ freshness and the reasonable wait time added to our enjoyable experience.We even enjoyed a complimentary dessert of rice pudding. This visit wasn’t just about dining; it was an experience of hospitality, warmth, and culinary excellence. We’re already looking forward to our next visit.”
“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!”
“Super good food perfect for a day of entertainment or simply because you want to eat real and healthy food I recommend this place. The food is excellent, the service is very friendly and the atmosphere is not luxurious but it has a backyard atmosphere that makes it pleasant to eat in peace.Dietary restrictions: They have good options for balanced food.”
“Wine So Cru has been on our list to check out for quite some time, and we were finally able to go a few weeks ago. Overall, it was a good experience, not without its cons (see below), but generally, Wine So Cru offers an elegant and intimate environment to enjoy wine. The staff in particular are extremely knowledgeable about wine and very attentive.What I really liked about Wine So Cru is that they offer not only some very high end wines (to drink or take away - more about this later), they also have very affordable options, including some geekier (for wine nerds) options like lesser known varietals or wines from lesser known regions. All this is to say that whether you know what you like and you like what you know or if you're a bit more adventurous and open to learning, Wine So Cru has options for you. Bottle prices ranged from as low as $20-30 to well beyond $200-300+. They seem to be reasonably well stocked up on champagne if that's your jam! They also have some interesting flight options if you're in the mood for sampling a few different wines.While browsing the selection, the staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable and I truly get the sense that they want to help you find something you're going to really enjoy, rather than being hyper-focused on upselling you on more expensive offerings. Don't be shy and tell them your price range.The bottle prices are retail prices, i.e. for you to take the wine home. If you want to enjoy the wine on premise, there's a $20 corkage fee, which I feel is quite reasonable since they'll be providing the stemware, ambiance, service, etc.There are so many positives about Wine So Cru, but it comes with some negatives as well. First and foremost, of the few wines I was familiar with, their retail price is quite a bit higher than you can find elsewhere. For example, the 2019 Louis Latour "En Chevret" Volnay 1er Cru sells for under $150 retail, even from places like wine.com, which is not necessarily known for offering the best prices. In the shop, the retail price was over $200. Let's say you were in the mood for a Napa cab and chose the 2018 Groth Reserve CS - it'll set you back $180 (retail) vs. $120-140 from other retailers. So although there's "only" a $20 corkage fee to drink in the shop, chances are you're going to be paying 20-30% more for the wine to begin with.Lastly, the location leaves something to be desired. It's on University very close to the 80 overpass, under which there are frequently unhoused members of our community. The juxtaposition of sitting in the wine bar enjoying $200 bottles of wine while meters away, people aren't even able to meet their basic needs - it's not lost on me. Now of course, none of this is the fault of Wine So Cru and I only mention it because you may feel unsafe walking around the area at night. After all, there's a reason the front door remains locked during business hours and you have to be let in by a member of the staff.”
“We have visited a number of great wineries in Napa, and Israel, but if you would like to experience the best explanation of the process by some of the warmest and most welcoming wine makers then check out Covenant Wines! We spent a beautiful afternoon with their team led by Managing Director, Sagie Kleinlerer, who is most knowledgeable. I was especially interested in the challenges posed by climate change. We also met the owners who were also very welcoming. If you are interested in how the best wines are made and want to spend an enjoyable and very informative afternoon then you should definitely visit and taste some of the best wines produced today!!”
“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.”
17
Kiraku
“Went to Kiraku for dinner with friends and had a great time! You can pick your own Sake glass and we had a carafe of a sake recommended by our server. Everything we ordered (including the special of the night, tuna collar) was amazing! Would recommend to ”
18
Casa Barotti
“This is the best pizza I think I have ever had! Highly recommend the Capricciosa and eggplant. The crust was super crispy and the ingredients are top notch is fresh.”
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”
“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.”
20
KAOKAO Grill
“Holy crap. This place is absolutely a 10 out of 10. PROPER BBQ! Reasonable prices. Honestly I'm shocked it didn't have a line out the door. I'm sure it will soon. We just stumbled upon it by chance and we will definitely be back!”
Takeout Restaurants
“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.”
“Stopped in for their famous cheese puffs. Got a baker's dozen and enjoyed every last one.Light, crisp, flaky, and flavorful. Just the right size for a mouthful. Yum!The staff was very friendly and welcoming.”
“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!”
“Top Chinese restaurant in Bay AreaEverything about it leads to it having incredible food. Love that the family is there, love that it’s served now in Togo containers, because we are always going to take the leftovers to go.The food though hella good. We ordered vegi chicken sweet and sour, broccoli with vegi beef and chow fun with vegetables, oh and white rice. My gf is vegan so we came here for the vegan options, and it was basically like meat so for me it was amazing. And they have seafood here which I’ll definitely order honey walnut shrimp next time. We had enough leftover for a solid meal the next day.It’s a quality place”
“So delicious! The pork was very flavorful and the duck was tender. The man working at the counter was kind and helpful. Would definitely return in the future! Cannot recommend enough”
“A truly perfect local cafe! Great pastries, good lattes, and all the decorations and woodwork are on point. That combined with free Wi-Fi makes this a fantastic choice for anyone looking to work, catch up with friends, or just people watch.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Went to Kiraku for dinner with friends and had a great time! You can pick your own Sake glass and we had a carafe of a sake recommended by our server. Everything we ordered (including the special of the night, tuna collar) was amazing! Would recommend to ”
“A hidden place of taste and simplicity in North Berkeley. This discrete restaurant is my go-to place when I need comfort food. The team is wonderful. I'll have to stop here, an appealing tortilla is waiting for me.”
“This is the best pizza I think I have ever had! Highly recommend the Capricciosa and eggplant. The crust was super crispy and the ingredients are top notch is fresh.”
“I wish I found this place sooner. The restaurant just opened a couple years ago. Funny cause this isn’t that far from the other Thai resto my boyfriend and I used to go and didn’t know they exist. Anyways I ordered their Tom Yum fried rice that comes with grilled salmon and it was really delicious. For me it was the best Tom yum fried rice I’ve ever had. The fish cakes did not disappoint they were yummy. Their roti according to my boyfriend is the most delicious hetried so far.”
“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.”
“Holy crap. This place is absolutely a 10 out of 10. PROPER BBQ! Reasonable prices. Honestly I'm shocked it didn't have a line out the door. I'm sure it will soon. We just stumbled upon it by chance and we will definitely be back!”
22
Nuevo Sol
“i really like this place! my go to spot for chilaquiles. i liked to get the green and red sauce mixed. you can tell a lot of love goes into the food and the business. i would definitely ”
“Recently eaten at Ronna’s Grill! I got the Alexander Plate, and we also sampled some of the Kunefe. The alexander plate was decent, though the sauce seemed like a typical marinara sauce rather than the tomato paste based sauce i’m used to. The Kunefe was ? with just the right ratio of cheese to syrup that made it addicting as hell. The service was warm and friendly! Food 6/10 Service 8/10”
“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.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“I drank ecstatic coffee, and it was slightly sweet, soft, and delicious. It doesn't feel sweet as soon as it touches your tongue, but I highly recommend it if you like subtle sweetness and a soft latte taste☺️Parking: There is a parking space right next to the cafe.”
“Hella French! This place is awesome and I had no idea it was there. Food is phenomenal and well priced for what you get. Sandwich was delicious and my wife loved the tuna nicoise. Highly recommend!”
“What can you say about Picante other than WOW! I was on my way over to my warehouse on Jones street where I keep a small supply of Brinker Hadley Soearhoffers and Pigtillian Langerhans for use in the bull run, and passed by Picante Restaurant....Well let's eat, I said outloud startling the woman on the sidewalk, and as I was parking she comes over and asks what we're having....I told her Mexican, and she said she wanted Italian and walked away. The food at Picante was Amazing! It was perfect in every way, 5 stars all day long. ☆☆☆☆☆”
“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.”
“As an avid searcher of delicious meals in both the Bay Area and Sonoma County, this is HANDS DOWN the most memorable and delectable pizza I have had in the United States. Period.Authentically Italian, and charming in service. After a few years of living in the Berkeley area, there is simply no other choice for amazing pizza.5 stars hands down!”
“lovely dinner lovely experience. I am coming again on the 23rd. I'm having trouble making reservations but I will call to make sure I can get four of us there at 5 o'clock and will be seeing the show at Central Works and I was told that we can get a discount I hope that's true, thank you for a wonderful evening”
Cheap Eats
“The baguette and croissant are truly wonderful. I'm also a big fan of the big breads and loafs, even though their Miche is too often times overcooked. That's too bad. The service is really nice, but incredibly slow, even when the bakery is packed with clients. They would never survive an impatient French crowd!And I really , REALLY wish they had a slicer. Please, can you guys get a slicer? I'd really be willing to pay extra $ for a sliced bread and not having to do it myself.”
“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.”
“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”
“Good atmosphere and good chicken pesto panini. If they had blended coffee drinks with a silent blender, it would be much better. But still worth itParking: Not a lot of parking options. The city will soon remove most nearby parking in the area so they can put up some cement dividers. Soon you will only be able to walk/bike there.Wheelchair accessibility: Yes, accessible.”
“Just an absolutely awesome restaurant with amazing, high quality food and actually gives you enough portion size.Kinda cliche but Abe’s Cafe has literally brightened my time at Berkeley lol especially these past semesters where it has gotten pretty tough and miserable. Thank you Abe’s Cafe for always making my day better every time I go!”
“What a gem! In the courtyard of the Anthropology Museum, you’ll find this charming oasis. Everything from the furniture, landscape, menu, and soundtrack are all thoughtfully procured. Afternoon tea consisted of 3 refreshing flavors of tea and 3 sweet dishes. The chia seed porridge was a generous portion with a delicious flavor profile as well as texture. The toasted hazelnuts added a tasty crunch. Blackberries and gooseberries were a nice palate cleanser, and the chia seed flour brownie bites were addictive! The black walnuts and coarse East Bay salt were a perfect combination! I’m thankful they don’t sell these individually otherwise I would be eating them daily. In bulk.Not only was the meal unique and delicious, we also learned some Ohlone history and words as well as heard some lovely songs and spoken word that were pre-recorded. It’s such a nice experience and so much more than just food and drinks!”
“Somewhat Spartan in seating and decor. A neighborhood vibe. Always good music.A small space. Food limited to (good and pricey) vegan donuts. The coffee is to me the best in town, and this is a town with a lot of good coffee. The coffee is a bargain for the quality and the people making it are very nice. The Coffee Conscious Blend is my favorite cup of regular coffee in the world and a large coffee is only 3.50. I drive out of my way to get coffee here sometimes.”
“Great bread and very popular location. There was a long line out the door. Recommend the sourdough, and the day old bread is half off! There was a line out the door but it moved quickly; all the people in line were super friendly which made the line move faster”
“You can expect warm service and delicious, hi quality treats from the crew here! I'm always excited to find out what their seasonal menu will have! Look out for the collaborations they have going on w other great local businesses!”
“Its been a few year since I was last here.Not a bad spot. Their signature coffee was pretty good from what I remember. Also the food options are good.I use to work in the building they are part of, so I frequented this spot.Not a bad option for coffee or lunch.”
“A homey style cottage destination for coffee, tea and pastries. There is indoor and outdoor seatings. Great, friendly service and enjoy looking at the display of fresh pastries for tempting addition to the choice of drink.”
“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.”
“This was a wonderful business for ordering my kid's birthday cake. I live in Monterey and she lives in Berkeley. I contacted the Lavender Bakery and explained the situation. They were great about the exact design I wanted, the size (for 50 people), and the perfect icing color. I heard that the cake was a HUGE success and that the birthday girl was thrilled.Thank you, Lavender Bakery!”
“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.”
“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++++++!”
“I had the "Jalapeño Business", a sort of cheesesteak with amazing plant steak, slightly less amazing bacon, and a nice greasy bun. The staff was awesome. I especially appreciated the shaker of nooch! I'm headed back to Korea, but wish I lived in Berkeley to eat here all the time.”
“Delicious Southern dinner. Wait wasn't too bad of a wait even for a table of 6. Hush puppies were a little too dry (needs some fresh corn kernels in my opinion). Fried chicken was delicious, as was the gumbo. The BBQ plate was a good portion size too.”
30
Delirama
“Excellent sandwiches, excellent service, lots of posters etc to glance at while you wait. Ample indoor seating, 4 tops and at least one long table plus counter seating. Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun - 11a-3p. (That's the plan but based on last weekend's events, they could sell out of everything on Saturday and not be able to stretch it to Sunday.) Today, Thursday 01Feb2024, is the first day of the final weekend of this iteration of Delirama according to their IG. As of this writing, they are serving only two kinds of sandwiches, with no mods, no substitutions, etc. The sandwiches are the OG and the Reuben*. They are served with half a very good pickle and their special Fried in Pastrami fat chips. Superb. Sandwiches and some drinks. No loaves of bread, no meat by the pound. Just sandwiches and some drinks. I think I read that last weekend they ran out of supplies on Saturday and weren't able to open on Sunday. So don't dilly dally. Also, if you need to stock up on Oakland United pints, buy a few. There's also a variety of Shasta sodas in the cooler. There's guest wifi indoors. Contactless payments options. This is a great little local biz, still pretty new at the whole brick & mortar scene. Help them out as you are able and def check out their IG for the latest news. *I was on a mission to get a Reuben and an OG. That's what I ordered me and that's what I got. But I do see now that the hand-written extremely limited menu only lists the OG. Can't hurt to ask for a Reuben, but might be rolling the dice.”
31
Cha-Ya
“AMAZING vegetarian & vegan restaurant!!(⁎⁍̴̛ᴗ⁍̴̛⁎)❤️?I’ve been wanting to visit this place since my second year in Berkeley, and I’m glad I finally did!You can tell they made their food with great care and the ingredients are yummy and fresh!The staff are very nice; the vibe inside is clean and chill. This is a great place for you to hang out with a small group of friends or come alone to recharge your mental health (I mean seriously, their food is tasty, healthy, and pretty!)I’d definitely come back very often to try out all other creative cuisines! ”
32
Easy Creole
“I love Easy Creole.Though I noticed they’re closed walking by the other day. They were one of my favorite places. My partner and I had our last meal out together right before the pandemic shut down in 2020. And have loved getting together with friends there since the world opening back up again.Gratitude to these folks for their yummy affordable comfort food and the cool funky space they created for the community. And best of luck in what’s next!”
33
El Patio
“We got so much more food than what’s in this photo including the Birria Ramen, Patecones, Tacos, Elote Riblets & Duck Fat Fries, Cheese &Beef empanadas…So delicious. Everything was so good. I think the birria ramen broth was a little too heavy for me, but other than that, the food and vibes were phenomenal.”
“The food is amazing! Flavorful and great portions. Highly recommend. Spice level is on point :)Vegetarian options: I asked if some dishes could come without meet and they accommodated my requests.”
35
Daryoush
“Food portions are big. Ordered a dish with half rice-hald salad and the plate was fullllll. The half sized portions were about the same size as a full size dish in other restaurants.Shish kabob was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The taste was GREAT.The rice smelled and tasted good and the salad ingredients were fresh.Doogh was good as well.The owner greeted guests at all tables and the staff were trying their best to make sure the guests are comfy and have everything they'd like available to them.The only thing that I can say would need improvement was the Mast-Kiyar, the amount of cucumber was not enough for the size of the yogurt bowl and the yogurt texture was a little like hummus (not sure why).If I want to grade this restaurant, it would definitely be between 97-100 out of 100.”
“Great spot in town for a deep dish pizza. I always order to-go. The crust is unique, sort of like a pastry style dough. Every time the pizza is consistently good. I would recommend getting two mediums vs. one large.”
“Stepping into this Indian restaurant in Berkeley on a chilly, rainy evening, my partner and I were immediately welcomed with warmth, both from the ambiance and the owner’s thoughtful seating near a heater. The service was outstanding, making us feel comfortable and valued.The culinary experience was exceptional. From the chicken tandoori to the richly flavored chicken tikka masala, aromatic rice, and soft garlic naan, every dish was delicious. The ingredients’ freshness and the reasonable wait time added to our enjoyable experience.We even enjoyed a complimentary dessert of rice pudding. This visit wasn’t just about dining; it was an experience of hospitality, warmth, and culinary excellence. We’re already looking forward to our next visit.”
38
Hashtag Poki
“I wish I had taken a photo because it was prepared in an appealing way, seriously food porn. Now let me tell you... the poke I got with tuna and hamachi was off the charts. So fresh! I had chunky pieces of sushi till my last bite and I only got the small size, the portions were perfect. The sides were delicious, I got the Mac salad and edamame. The shoyu, ponzu and yuzu sauces were so tasty. I also got the spicy mayo and it was perfectly spiced. All of the toppings were fresh as well and they were not cheap on the avocado! The service was fantastic from the moment I walked in. They were busy getting orders ready but did not miss a beat when greeting me. Super helpful in checking in while I was reading the menu and deciding. They didn't forget to check in again and had perfect timing when realizing I was ready to order. Answered all of my questions, I didn't have too many questions but the responses were quick and descriptive. Everyone was attentive, polite and friendly. The ambiance was bright, energetic and perfect for lunch. I came in just before lunch started. Enjoyed my meal at the restaurant and had to give compliments because I was very impressed!!”
“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!”
40
Café Etoile
“Nice spot, I went for the fried chicken and croffle. They used dark meat chicken so it was nice and juicy, though a little bit of seasoning on the chicken itself might be nice. The exterior was great and crunchy, and the croffle was nice and dense and chewy as you might expect such a combination to be. Will likely come back for this dish again.”
41
Kamado Sushi
“Chef Jin is a true sushi master, and it shows in each handcrafted splendor served at Kamado. I’ve been dining here since the year they opened and can say unequivocally this is my favorite sushi spot in the bay!”
42
Cafe M
“The atmosphere can be quite loud at times, but the food is always good. Big portions here. Highly recommend getting the omelets.Parking: Parking right in front of the restaurant.”
“Super good food perfect for a day of entertainment or simply because you want to eat real and healthy food I recommend this place. The food is excellent, the service is very friendly and the atmosphere is not luxurious but it has a backyard atmosphere that makes it pleasant to eat in peace.Dietary restrictions: They have good options for balanced food.”
“The waiters are the most pleasant people you can imagine. Very personalized service and pleasant conversation. Service was quick. The eggplant with tofu was very good, but my beef curry was too salty.”
45
Wine So Cru
“Wine So Cru has been on our list to check out for quite some time, and we were finally able to go a few weeks ago. Overall, it was a good experience, not without its cons (see below), but generally, Wine So Cru offers an elegant and intimate environment to enjoy wine. The staff in particular are extremely knowledgeable about wine and very attentive.What I really liked about Wine So Cru is that they offer not only some very high end wines (to drink or take away - more about this later), they also have very affordable options, including some geekier (for wine nerds) options like lesser known varietals or wines from lesser known regions. All this is to say that whether you know what you like and you like what you know or if you're a bit more adventurous and open to learning, Wine So Cru has options for you. Bottle prices ranged from as low as $20-30 to well beyond $200-300+. They seem to be reasonably well stocked up on champagne if that's your jam! They also have some interesting flight options if you're in the mood for sampling a few different wines.While browsing the selection, the staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable and I truly get the sense that they want to help you find something you're going to really enjoy, rather than being hyper-focused on upselling you on more expensive offerings. Don't be shy and tell them your price range.The bottle prices are retail prices, i.e. for you to take the wine home. If you want to enjoy the wine on premise, there's a $20 corkage fee, which I feel is quite reasonable since they'll be providing the stemware, ambiance, service, etc.There are so many positives about Wine So Cru, but it comes with some negatives as well. First and foremost, of the few wines I was familiar with, their retail price is quite a bit higher than you can find elsewhere. For example, the 2019 Louis Latour "En Chevret" Volnay 1er Cru sells for under $150 retail, even from places like wine.com, which is not necessarily known for offering the best prices. In the shop, the retail price was over $200. Let's say you were in the mood for a Napa cab and chose the 2018 Groth Reserve CS - it'll set you back $180 (retail) vs. $120-140 from other retailers. So although there's "only" a $20 corkage fee to drink in the shop, chances are you're going to be paying 20-30% more for the wine to begin with.Lastly, the location leaves something to be desired. It's on University very close to the 80 overpass, under which there are frequently unhoused members of our community. The juxtaposition of sitting in the wine bar enjoying $200 bottles of wine while meters away, people aren't even able to meet their basic needs - it's not lost on me. Now of course, none of this is the fault of Wine So Cru and I only mention it because you may feel unsafe walking around the area at night. After all, there's a reason the front door remains locked during business hours and you have to be let in by a member of the staff.”
46
Addis
“Good food! Good customer service! One of my favorite Ethiopian restaurant The place looks like it's not open from the outside. Needs some renovation. Had broken furnitures outside.”
47
Lama Beans
“Great brunch place! The Lama Special is great: two eggs, two pancakes (with butter and maple syrup), bacon and some fruit (price: $15 + taxes). It was very tasty, and the pancakes were especially soft. The food was ready very quickly! Even though the kitchen is open, the place does not smell thickly of food.”
“A great place to get your Mexican food cravings satisfied! Potent and tasty margaritas and salsa. Huge menu. I like the carne asada burrito. My family goes for the varied enchiladas. All good. Just go!”
“So many great things to say about Julia's. The staff was warm, hospitable and helpful. The atmosphere was AMAZING ! Beautiful Julia Morgan design and detailing - and our hostess knew all about the details of the architecture and whether the fixtures/Italian pottery inlays were original ! (Yes they are !) The dining room AND the bar were so inviting. A live pianist provided music. The food ... oh my goodness ... the two of us had the Ginger Carrot Soup and the Winter Salad, and then Duck Confit. Of course we began with delicious cocktails and then a glass of Bordeaux /Sauv Blanc (Just one each, one of us likes red, the other white. The staff made great recommendations for us each.) Lastly we had tickets for a show which I thought started at 7:30. So of course I made the reservation for 6 PM. Turns out the show started at 7:00 ! They were able to provide all the above in 45 minutes with no prior notice ! Incredible. My only suggestion is to have a sign at the front entrance, since it's locked entrance inside the Berkeley City Club (also incredible). You need to buzz the front desk and be let in. Not a bad thing - but just a little confusing as I didn't see a sign that read "Julia's". Only "Berkeley City Club". We knew we were in the right place but didn't realize we needed to be buzzed in. BTW I am an CAL Berkeley alumni. It's been too long since I've been to Julia's. So proud of this heritage.”
“Had a fun and fabulous Galentines' brunch here on a rainy Saturday. The weather was a bummer but the inside space is very cozy and welcoming with efficient and friendly service. Our party of four enjoyed an assortment of sandwiches, appetizers and pasta. The Montesacro Pinseria sandwich bread is amazing and since it's baked w/ Italian wheat, it's easier on the gut (as we learned from the manager). We'll be back for the wine when it's Happy Hour! Thx.”
“I had waffles with strawberries and whipped cream and a side of smokey black beans. My mom had eggs hash browns bacon and sourdough toast. I've had the pizza by the slice at the To Go counter.”
52
Jupiter
“Last time I had a Pilsner and the wings outside next to the fireplace. Fall-off-the-bone delicious. There's a fountain., covered tables even nice in the rain. This time I had another crisp, delicious Pilsner and BBQ Pork Riblets in their Porter BBQ sauce. Absolutely delicious and nice sized portions. My favorite spot in Berkeley so far!”
53
Sumo Roll
“The service was incredible and our waitress was very kind. On top of the welcoming and calm atmosphere, the food was delicious as well. Good portion sizes and the seafood tasted fresh. We got the salmon teriyaki combo, the caterpillar roll and takoyaki. Everything we got was very flavorful. Definitely recommend coming here!”
54
Babette
“What a great find! We went for brunch and shared two dishes - one was a twist on eggs Benedict and the other was a version of shrimp tacos with shells made out of mozzarella cheese. We loved the completely different way that the dishes were prepared from your typical brunch fare. The flavors and textures were totally surprising and delicious! Also experienced excellent and enthusiastic service and had a nice chat with one of the owners. We will be back!”
55
900 Grayson
“The waffle and chicken were excellent. It is the best in the Bay. I would have loved some butter, but surprisingly, it didn't need it. The chicken breast was juicy and crunchy, and the waffle and syrup were sweet and flavorful. It's very much worth the price.”
“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.”
“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.”
58
Tigerlily
“superb experience at this restaurant, highly recommend the nachos, and the chicken sambosa. the man serving us was Atul and is a very genuine soul. Cant wait to have dinner at Tigerlily ”
“Always have excellent meat department! There’s tons of unfriendly people (not staff, just the local unfriendly Berkeley maskers) in the store so don’t expect to make any friends lol ? Just get your stuff and get out!Also always beggars outside asking for handouts.”
60
Anchalee
“This place feels like you’re on the set of Friends, but also at a Thai restaurant. Very comfortable, cozy. Owner is usually sipping a glass of wine in the front window. A+ vibes.”
61
Ippuku
“Came here for my 31st birthday dinner on Wednesday, January 17th! Ippuku is one of those places I always walked by when I was a student at Cal (c/o 2015, GO BEARS!), and have been meaning to try. It was super easy to make reservations ahead of time. I had booked the Treehouse seating, since it was just a party of 2 for me and my husband, which I'm glad I did because it made the experience more intimate, private, and reminded me of an izakaya in Japan. My husband and I went to Japan spring of 2023, and miss the food very much. Ippuku is probably as close as we can get to Japan, in the East Bay! Vibes: very mixed crowd. I saw many college students that were dressed super casually (think sweats, probably gonna go back to the library later to study), as well as well-dressed older couples. My husband and I definitely fit in with the latter since we wanted to dress up a little for my birthday. Ippuku has an expansive whiskey bar, so we had to snap a photo or two there.It took us awhile to get seated because the restaurant was packed, but once we were seated, our waiter was very attentive given how busy they were. I would rate service 4/5 because of the long wait time to get seated and because the waiter forgot to include one item of our order, and it was an item that takes longer than typical to come out (the grilled onigiri). When the onigiri finally came out, we had already finished eating everything else so it was a bit underwhelming. But overall, we enjoyed everything we ordered and would definitely want to visit Ippuku again in the future.Parking: You're in Downtown Berkeley and there's lot of foot traffic around here, so it was a bit difficult to find parking at first. We had to circle around a few times before we found street parking.”
62
Gaumenkitzel
“Great spot for German fare in Berkeley. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and they sell a good bit of harder to find German food and beer as retail. The homemade Jagerschnitzel and spaetzle are on point, and the beer is excellent. I love their goulash as well. All seems to be made with love. Their breztels are a bit disappointing, however... small and not warm. They also have wierd hours, not open for lunch during the week, opening at 4pm and they close a bit early (8pm)... they should stay open longer, I'd come more often! One more negative: they're a bit pricey. Overall, however, I'm very glad they're here as they scratch my itch for great German food, and I definitely recommend Gaumenkitzel!”
“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”
“Friendly warm atmosphere. Great food and superb service. Owner went out of his way to make us feel welcome. I definitely recomend it.Vegetarian options: Good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.Dietary restrictions: Staff eager to accomodate any costumer's needs .”
“A cool spot for cocktails and to catch up with friends. If you're looking for charming ambiance for a date then you can't go wrong with Tupper & Reed. The place has enough character and romantic dining nooks upstairs to properly align all the stars, no matter how big or small.”
66
Bansho Ramen
“Not kidding when I say it’s the best sushi I’ve had in recent memory. The Bansho House Roll with shrimp and tempura salmon literally melted in my house. I normally like sushi, but I don’t love it. I LOVED their sushi. My family also absolutely loved their ramen. Don’t walk here, RUN. Cherry on the cake was that it’s a cute little place.”
67
Mint Leaf
“An absolute gem in the heart of corporate buildings and a bougie grocery store (Berkeley Bowl) nearby. It's been awhile since I stopped by Mint Leaf for some lunch, and boy did I miss their spring rolls so bad. I'm an SJ foodie, which means that I've had my fair share of Việt food back home. There's no place that I've visited near home that sells spring rolls as well as Mint Leaf does! It's unique, fun, and so tasty! Whose ingenious idea was it to incorporate a crispy tempura shrimp in the center of a spring roll and pay homage to California'a wild obsession of avocados by incorporating them into the rolls themselves?! I usually feel healthy eating spring rolls, but the rolls at Mint Leaf gave me a mix of healthy and indulgent with the crispy tempura shrimp edge and abundant leafy green lettuce and avocado in their spring rolls! I had dined at their Oakland branch (also just as tasty and please say hi to Tony for me) when I was barely starting middle school. It's wonderful to know that this mom n' pop shop survived the pandemic, especially during these rough economic times. Their garlic noodles with scallop and shrimp is still as good as ever. All the shrimps were gigantic and the scallops were plump and juicy. My partner had their paella claypot and really enjoyed it! I unfortunately did not sample, so I will leave it to him to review that dish heh. We also shared a side of crispy egg rolls and a nice basket of sweet potato fries with a curry dip! Overall, service was superb and all workers were kind and courteous. The atmosphere in the restaurant was also very calm and the space felt so open and free with all the natural lighting from the big windows. If anything, I wished my workplace was nearby. This is a great place to grab a bite with a coworker~ Berkeley Bowl is next door too, so you can also shop for dinner after eating here. 10/10 recommend~ I can't wait to return to Mint Leaf again!”
“It's wonderful to have a high quality Thai restaurant in the neighborhood. Thai Delight does a good job with the menu, and the ambience is great. Casual but very clean, quiet, and comfy. The new owners have transformed one wall into a charming mural that defies description. Service is at times uneven but mostly warm and attentive. It's become our go-to spot.”
“Great food and the place is nice and spacious. Our server Jack was great, he recommended one of their secret menu plates. If you want to try, ask for Jack he will let you know.”
“Exceptional place for brew and to sit and enjoy a brew. Product is amazing as is service. The best goto loc in Berkeley possibly. There is nothing negative here.❤️”
71
Chez Panisse
“If you have a chance to dine downstairs at the restaurant GO! This is my favorite special occasion place. The food is always so delicious. I love the fixed menu with its delightful surprises. The service is friendly and attentive, never intrusive. And the dining room is gorgeous, full of people enjoying themselves.Vegetarian options: Request this in advanceDietary restrictions: Request in advance”
72
Noody
“service is fast, food is delicious. my favorite is carbonara, also tried pad thai, garlic fried chicken, ramyeon bbq pork etc. the only thing is that the pink milk is NOTHING like the photo- it looks straight up like pepto bismol and I have no idea what flavor it is, it just tastes artificial.”
“Generous portions of food, packed with flavor!We got these dishes with spring rolls and shared it all1. Sweet chicken on rice - crispy sweet & spicy chicken came with rice, loved it2. Pad Thai3. Duck noodle soupDelicious and packaged very well.”
“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!”
75
Pho Le
“Wonderful mom and pop Chinese/Vietnamese restaurant. Dishes are very good, mostly classical. Honestly the thing that keeps coming back is the won ton soup. Dumplings are hand made and broth seems to be from bones -- which makes sense because they are a pho place. Really the very best I've had in the US.”
“This hidden gem is awesome. Stopped in here to grab a salad with chicken, to go. It was one of the best I’ve ever had. Very fast service. Looking forward to returning!”
“Authentic quiet high quality family run. Plus you get a view of the sunset strangely because of the angle of their large windows. We had salmon Tikka that was fantastic and lamb biryani perfect. generous portions too.”
78
Musashi
“Used to be a small mom and pop grocery and was so good they became a restaurant. The sushi is super fresh and made to order and they also have delicious Ramen, katsu, danburry (not sure how that's spelled lol). The tempura soft shell crab is amazing! Also had the steak, shitake and fresh tofu and wow! The tofu was like a cloud or a pillow. So good.Vegetarian options: Lots of clearly labeled vegetarian and vegan sushi. Tons of varieties. Lots of things like natto and pickled plum that you cannot find at other sushi places. This is an old Berkeley buisness and with vegetarian sushi they know what they're doing!Dietary restrictions: Gluten free soy sauce can be requested and then about 75% of the menu is gluten free. Sushi chef is in another section from where the hot food is cooked so no cross contamination.”
79
La Note
“Hella French! This place is awesome and I had no idea it was there. Food is phenomenal and well priced for what you get. Sandwich was delicious and my wife loved the tuna nicoise. Highly recommend!”
“This bar (and music venue) comes well-stocked with a diverse selection of craft beer and rotating cocktails. It's roomy and spacious, with seating to accommodate large parties.The kitchen specializes in tasty comfort food. Think burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, and things that stick to your ribs. They do have a couple vegetarian options, if that's a concern.You order your food at the bar, and staff brings it to your table. Prices for the food are very reasonable. Most of the money you'll spend here will apply to the drinks.If you see a show here, it's a standing-only venue, though staff can make special accommodation for seats if you are injured or have a disability if you notify them ahead of time. They have a bar in the back, if you want a drink during the show. The sound system is great.”
81
King Yen
“I have been going to King Yen for over 20 years, it is always a wonderful experience and upon leaving I look forward to the next time I go there.Everyone who works there is just as nice as are the owners who provide a personal touch to every visit or when you see them in the Elmwood area.If you have not eaten here, you should and if you have you know exactly what I mean and I know you are like me and will return soon.Thanks to everyone at King Yen for all they do to make it a great experience.”
“Sat down and had food in front of me literally within 5 minutes - I came on a weekday late afternoon so definitely not typical meal times, but WOW that was fast and delicious. Lots of vegetarian options, my soup was delicious + I was there at the right time for lunch happy hour prices!”
“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!”
84
Iyasare
“The food was the best Japanese food I have had, including in Japan. DelIcious, unique and completely satisfying. A delightful find with excellent service. The only down side was the closeness of the tables and noise. It is now my favorite Japanese restaurant in Berkeley.”
“Best place to watch games and hangout around Berkeley. Best Sports bar in Berkeley with great wings, fries and other Himalayan food items like momo. Loved their service and ambience.”
“Gregoire’s is my lunch go-to. The chicken sando and potato puffs are a staple but I also am loving their hearty salads right now. So yummy!Vegetarian options: Salads are filling and delicious!”
87
Kirala
“This is my favorite sushi place in Berkeley! So fresh and delicious and the staff are all very friendly. On weekends there is ALWAYS a wait but it usually goes pretty quickly in my experience.”
88
Simply Bowl
“A solid poke place that my friend fell in love with. I am not super crazy about this place but I have to admit that when I come to Berkeley and look for a healthy and delicious food, I check this place first. There is not a lot of options for poke but who wants many options when you know that the top two choices are the best. The mango in salmon poke is a clear fun twist and the squid in tuna is great too. The price is reasonable given the quality of the fish and other ingredients.”
“I had never a fans of sandwich, for me all of them tasted the same, till finally I bought sandwich from Crave Subs that it changed my mind lol. It tasted delicious, they also serve halal meat, so it's a plus point for me. The price is also pretty reasonable and the portion is huge.The thing that I don't like is the place, they only have small room and some tables, so it's difficult to find a place to eat especially if it's crowded.”
“They were not quite ready for a full opening but the food was marvelous and the service equal looking forward to going back when they can serve some beer with the pizza so many choices there I can't wait to try ”
91
Juan's Place
“Started coming here in the 90's. Great atmosphere(welcoming) and traditional Mexican food. recommend the enchiladas and fish tacos.Wheelchair accessibility: Wheel chair ramp on the side.”
92
Platano
“The papusas here are really good and very affordable. The salsa is $5, which seems steep, but it’s delicious. Papusas come withe a type of marinated cabbage, similar to coleslaw, but with mayonnaise. Overall, really great food for value.Vegetarian options: Many vegetarian options.”
93
Munch India
“Some of the best Indian food I've had in my life. It's a little complicated-- you either have to order well ahead of time or walk in for their modest take out menu, which has like only 5 items or so. And then after you walk in, it takes another 20 min or so( it's a tiny place, no seating). But everything we got was exceptional---”
“The Timatim Fitfit was plenty good, and they have quite a good vegetarian section of the menu. It arrives on Ethiopian time, so don't be in a hurry, but that's on par with all the other ones I've tried.Take my service stars with a grain of salt since it was a weekday and there was only one waiter for the 6 or so tables that were there. Maybe it was bad timing or maybe one will have better luck on the weekend. I personally absolutely hated the music videos they were playing, so that's why I didn't like the atmosphere, but maybe other people enjoy that as part of their experienceParking: There's a cutout from the street in front of the restaurant but it's shared with all the other stores and thus almost always full. You can go around the corner and find some street parking”
“I LOVE Ethiopian food and this place definitely delivered when it came to the quality and quantity of food! I got the vegetarian combo which was only about $13, and it ended up being more than I could eat. There was a lot of injera and a nice variety of dishes, each of which was great.”
“Absolutely awesome Vietnamese Fusion. We shared multiple dishes among our table of 4 and every single dish was a revelation.Vegetarian options: Plenty of choices for vegetarians. The vegetables are super tasty.”
“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 love this tucked away bistro. I’ve walked and driven by it so many times but never thought to enter.We had a large party of 10 for this visit. And it was PACKED on a Saturday night. It was pretty cramped because of the crowds and they have a lot of tables.The owner/manager suggested we order family style instead of individual portions. It’s not in the menu but you get larger portions and the benefit of sharing.Started off with their INCREDIBLE garlic oil and bread. It was so good we bought suns to take away! Their house wine was also so good as bought a couple of those to take home too!Appetizers were Caesar salad,Main courses were Ravioli Porcini Trifolati and Ragu di Maiale. Oh man those were good ravioli. Stuffed mushroom ravioli, sautéed in a white wine and sauteed onion’s. And the Ragu was off the hook with homemade pappardelle with slowly braised pork, homemade sausage, and other goodies.Another main dish was Stinco d'agnello which are some delicious lamb shanks, but I’ll admit I liked the other two dishes more for flavor.Too full this time but next time we’ll get dessert. Waitress service was spotty but when the manager/owner served us directly, it was fantastic.Can’t wait to go back! A really great find in the gourmet ghetto.”
99
La Mission
“The food is tasty the only thing is from a worker who sometimes scratches the back of his head and has pimples infections. But it seems that he is of high prestige there, perhaps familiar with the business; That's why they don't ask him to cure that part of his head and neck. It's a shame to demand that you not scratch yourself during your scheduled services or that you put ointment on those funguses on your head, part of your neck, that infection.”
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
“I love this place! It has always been my favorite ice cream place because it has unique flavors and great service. The ice cream is made on sight with quality ingredients and lots of care. My favorite flavor is salted caramel but all of them are good, especially the sorbet.”
“Amazing store full of many many varieties of bread. It's like stepping into bread heaven. The store itself feels very European, the service is friendly and great, and it still retains a neighborhood vibe. The bread is all of course, extremely good.”
“Went there for dinner with my family and had an amazing time! They views of the bay are spectacular and the service was great. We had prime rib and salmon for dinner… oh my goodness! It was delicious! Can’t wait to go there again. Thanks Skates for an amazing experience.”
“This Pete's is a diamond in the rough. It is located on Vine street in Berkeley. It allows you to find a park easily, and they're open.5:30am most days of the week. It is quite unusual to find someone at that hour to be cheerful, and to ensure your order is correct.. This is what you can expect when you go there. Service with a smile. Please keep this location in business. It is a delightful spot, which needs to be recognized. Please support and enjoy. Thanks!”
“This is a very nice restaurant - beautiful setting, spectacular views, excellent service. Had breakfast one morning and brunch on another. Food was very good - but nothing special. Their signature breakfast, which is two eggs, sausage or bacon, potatoes, and a biscuit is well-prepared, came to the table fast and hot. For brunch I ordered the fried chicken and skillet pancake. The chicken was good and hot, but kind of bland. The skillet pancake was lousy. It was overcooked, heavy, probably precooked and a little stale.”
“Service was a little slow, but they were relatively busy. Food was worth the extra minutes though. And the horchata... It's authentic, it's good, it made me so happy and brought back so many good memories.”
“February 2024:Enjoyed a Lunar New Year lunch with pork dumplings and mu shu vegetables (not the most traditional Chinese dish but it sounded good).Dumplings were very tasty ?. Each order came with 15 dumplings.The mu shu vegetables came with six thin wraps. Nice assortment of vegetables.Overall, had a great lunch and would come back again for more delicious food!”
“The tea scones are the best! I like mixed berry. It taste like a scone/biscuit. They sell in some grocery stores but they run out fast so I go straight to the source.I had the blueberry pancake today and it was delicious! One was plenty! Not thin but not too thick either.The service was great. The restaurant is always busy with guest but I can always get a seat or I take to go. Must try scones. ?”
“It's a damn institution! Our household tradition for birthdays is to buy a bunch of little different cakes to last us as few days. They also make traditional large cakes if that's your jam. There is also pastries, macarons (are the 2nd best thing here after the cakes) and cookies if you want snack options. They sell out of seasonal stuff quickly.Their pre-ordering service requires you to use your phone as a phone, but they always deliver (on the taste).”
“Big slices for a great price! I went to the one in Manhattan, NY, and I was hooked. I was so happy to find one in the Bay Area. I couldn't get enough of the pizza. I got the Vodka sicilian and 2 artichoke slices. They are worth every penny and taste great. The vodka is so saucy and simple but tastes so good. The artichoke is a staple and very creamy and flavorful. If I lived closer, I would go all the time.”
“Stopped in for their famous cheese puffs. Got a baker's dozen and enjoyed every last one.Light, crisp, flaky, and flavorful. Just the right size for a mouthful. Yum!The staff was very friendly and welcoming.”
“Food has really gone down over the years.Went in on Wednesday and was served an absolute cold mess of a burrito. All of the meat and beans were on one end and the goodies (guac, cheese, sour cream) were on the other.Honestly it gave me so much gas I think I might not have agreed with me if you know what I mean.I don't know what happened. I used to love this place.”
“Wow. Such a simple yet amazing concept.Pizza of the day and some salsa verde, was this a dream? 2 of my favorite things, together and killing it.Run, don’t walk here. Pictured is the pizza of the day with really fresh ingredients. This pie is gluten free and you can’t even tell. Wow!!Dietary restrictions: Gluten Free Available”
“Quick Summary:- Lots of seats, tables, couches, and even the cool bar table and stool furniture- Peaceful ambience- Coffee is not sour- Bathroom is available but requires a passcodeFor years, many many years, I wanted to go and have coffee here but time and I never met. Finally, the moment arrived and we were walking on this street and feeling like taking a break and drink coffee.Inside, the cafe is spacious with dozens of places to sit down. The cups were swiftly cleared off tables and wiped clean for anyone new to use next, so there were no seat congestion. That day was warm, so normally I would order a hot cup of coffee, but I was only looking at the iced menu at that point. The staff made eye contact and he helped me guide through the different special coffee menus that were listed on the board behind him. I liked the kiss mark theme across the cafe and how it translates to coffee strength. I picked the iced coffee with mint, and we took our seats near the window. After some time the staff arrived with the coffee. An extra sweet touch, was that the staff gave each one of us a Kiss chocolate. Super thoughtful, and boosted my fondness to this cafe. Updated plans to visit here more often and try their other coffees, and maybe buy home some coffee beans.”
“I drank ecstatic coffee, and it was slightly sweet, soft, and delicious. It doesn't feel sweet as soon as it touches your tongue, but I highly recommend it if you like subtle sweetness and a soft latte taste☺️Parking: There is a parking space right next to the cafe.”
New Restaurants
“All items on the menu are under $15!! The owner is amazing and the food is top tier quality! I was treated so warmly, and the food was filled with flavor. The service was also amazing. The mango lassi is also the best I’ve had in the area. You can taste the freshness!! The garlic masala fries are to die for. Safe to say I will be back often!Vegetarian options: Even added more veggie options to the menu because of people’s requests!Very large vegan and vegetarian selection!”
“The Walnut Tavern Bar and Grill is wonderful. The food is great especially their impossible burger and fries. The seating is cozy and looks out on a vibrant life so it is fun to watch the people. The servers are completely caring and do make me feel very welcome. I just love this place!”
“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!”
“Quick Summary: - Customizable bowls - reminds me of poke bowls - Large portions and a balanced ratio of food and rice - Located alongside the street leading to the University (west side) - Parking not readily available on that street, so you will need to find somewhere else if you are planning to stay and eat I ordered this via online app, and I viewed the menu to review the customizable options. I shared a photo of what my first order was, and I intentionally left out naming it. These are the items that I ordered: - Korean Fried chicken, purple rice, Japchae, pickled cabbage, sweet corn, kimchi, lettuce, edamame, bibimbop Sauce The dish was very good! The portion is great for one person, it could even be enough to be eaten in two different time (lunch or dinner for example). The food ratio is well-done: the rice and the topping and proteins were equal, and the bowl was cleared out evenly. I chose the fried chicken, and although I didn't try the other protein options yet, this one was an instant favorite. I loved the crispy texture of the exterior!”
“So glad that another Hawaiian BBQ place opened up in Berkeley. Situated in a small storefront on Telegraph and Channing, you'd probably miss this spot if you weren't looking for it. They have a little bit of indoor seating, so we Snackpassed our order and dined in. They have a $5 off your first $20+ order on Snackpass, so be sure to take advantage of that. Service is quick and friendly, no frills (for a takeout and dine-in experience). We ordered an Aloha BBQ Combo plate and a BBQ Chicken BBQ Beef plate. Portions are massive for the price. For around $15-16, you get 2 scoops of rice, 1 scoop of mac salad, and a heaping amount of your protein choice that sits on top of a small portion of steamed cabbage/broccoli. For me, the BBQ chicken was better than both the BBQ beef and kalbi. BBQ beef was a tad dry and kalbi was too fatty for my liking. The chicken was cooked to perfection, betterrrrrr than panda in my opinion.”
“Great service and tasty drinks. Place is a little cramped so expect to get boba and leave. The default sugar level is too high in my opinion. Boba pearls are well made.”
“Very Hometown old fashioned feel and vibe.The customers near us were kind and engaging. Almost felt like a neighborhood chat over with food.The staff was thoughtful and very attentive. Loved the Grain Pancakes and eggs. Definitely a return trip soon??”