Guidebook for Berkeley
Food Scene
This is my FAVORITE bar/restaurant in the neighborhood!!!! AMAZING cocktails, very romantic, and I LOOOVE their Spanish tapas. Go early on a warm day and get a table on their little patio and watch people. Really nice enviro.
1515 Shattuck Ave
1515 Shattuck AvenueThis is my FAVORITE bar/restaurant in the neighborhood!!!! AMAZING cocktails, very romantic, and I LOOOVE their Spanish tapas. Go early on a warm day and get a table on their little patio and watch people. Really nice enviro.
They have artisan coffee and a really nice space for sitting and doing work on your laptop. I go here when I have a ton of work to do and I want a change of scenery. A great place to get work done!
1600 Shattuck Ave
1600 Shattuck AvenueThey have artisan coffee and a really nice space for sitting and doing work on your laptop. I go here when I have a ton of work to do and I want a change of scenery. A great place to get work done!
A great cafe, these guys have an excellent breakfast and lunch menu and wonderful artisan coffee! One of my favorite breakfast places in the Bay Area! It's very sort of "hip." The Belgian waffles are good. The service can be slow sometimes though.
1620 Shattuck Ave
1620 Shattuck AvenueA great cafe, these guys have an excellent breakfast and lunch menu and wonderful artisan coffee! One of my favorite breakfast places in the Bay Area! It's very sort of "hip." The Belgian waffles are good. The service can be slow sometimes though.
Saul's is an awesome Jewish Deli. Great for breakfast and lunch! Get the bagel with lox and the works and their potato pancakes! Good for families.
1475 Shattuck Ave
1475 Shattuck AvenueSaul's is an awesome Jewish Deli. Great for breakfast and lunch! Get the bagel with lox and the works and their potato pancakes! Good for families.
The best pizza ever made, they also have live music on most evenings. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Very nice outdoor scene, great music. A Berkeley icon.
1512 Shattuck Ave
1512 Shattuck AvenueThe best pizza ever made, they also have live music on most evenings. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Very nice outdoor scene, great music. A Berkeley icon.
Great Thai food for cheap right in the neighborhood! Kind of can't beat it just for those reasons :)
1936 Shattuck Ave
1936 Shattuck AvenueGreat Thai food for cheap right in the neighborhood! Kind of can't beat it just for those reasons :)
This place has amazing Himalayan food! Also try their chai! Super close to home. Can be spicy, so err on the "mild" when they ask.
1585 University Ave
1585 University AvenueThis place has amazing Himalayan food! Also try their chai! Super close to home. Can be spicy, so err on the "mild" when they ask.
This is an awesome vegan Indian restaurant! Seriously, my favorite! Order the samosa chaat. And the chai is good. They also have those fluffy (balloon-like) bread thingies that come with all sorts so interesting sauces and spices. Try it out!
1901 University Ave
1901 University AvenueThis is an awesome vegan Indian restaurant! Seriously, my favorite! Order the samosa chaat. And the chai is good. They also have those fluffy (balloon-like) bread thingies that come with all sorts so interesting sauces and spices. Try it out!
Amazing high-end Mexican food and INCREDIBLE cocktails! Get the mescal margarita or try their tequila flight! I'm not as huge on their food, so maybe go there and have a few cocktails in their back patio with the big tables and fireplace, then head to any one of the nearby restaurants.
2020 Shattuck Ave
2020 Shattuck AvenueAmazing high-end Mexican food and INCREDIBLE cocktails! Get the mescal margarita or try their tequila flight! I'm not as huge on their food, so maybe go there and have a few cocktails in their back patio with the big tables and fireplace, then head to any one of the nearby restaurants.
This is an incredible place. They have pretty wild items on the menu, and soju drinks and great sake. You get to sit on the "floor" with your feet hanging down to dine. Nice place!
Little secret - Ed proposed to me there!!!! Ha! So yeah, HIGHLY recommended ;)!!!
2130 Center St
2130 Center StreetThis is an incredible place. They have pretty wild items on the menu, and soju drinks and great sake. You get to sit on the "floor" with your feet hanging down to dine. Nice place!
Little secret - Ed proposed to me there!!!! Ha! So yeah, HIGHLY recommended ;)!!!
Taste of the Himalayas
1700 Shattuck AveReally great Nepali food, and affordable too!
DELICIOUS hamburgers!!! They also have amazing shakes, cajun curly fries and more. Highly recommended!
71 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers
1600 Shattuck AveDELICIOUS hamburgers!!! They also have amazing shakes, cajun curly fries and more. Highly recommended!
A great little pizza place to stop in for a quick lunch if you're on a walk or something. It's New York style - thin crust. Love it.
43 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Gioia Pizzeria
1586 Hopkins StA great little pizza place to stop in for a quick lunch if you're on a walk or something. It's New York style - thin crust. Love it.
This is a GREAT pizza and beer place. They have live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights when it's nice out. I highly recommend this place. Good social atmosphere. Great for groups.
113 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Jupiter
2181 Shattuck AveThis is a GREAT pizza and beer place. They have live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights when it's nice out. I highly recommend this place. Good social atmosphere. Great for groups.
This place is sustainable food, and they have interesting stuff. Well known and highly regarded, but it can be a bit pricey. I dig it a lot, though. Nice for a special night out.
77 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Gather
2200 Oxford StThis place is sustainable food, and they have interesting stuff. Well known and highly regarded, but it can be a bit pricey. I dig it a lot, though. Nice for a special night out.
Sushi Ko
64 Shattuck AveA pretty great local sushi place.
This is one of my most favorite breakfast spots. It's French food. They also have great lunch. But be prepared to wait in line. Put your name in, and then go browse the bookstore.
80 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
La Note
2377 Shattuck AveThis is one of my most favorite breakfast spots. It's French food. They also have great lunch. But be prepared to wait in line. Put your name in, and then go browse the bookstore.
This outdoor beer garden is AMAZING!!! They also have great food. it's a nice walk through the Ohlone Greenway (park). Enjoy!
1280 Gilman St
1280 Gilman StreetThis outdoor beer garden is AMAZING!!! They also have great food. it's a nice walk through the Ohlone Greenway (park). Enjoy!
DELICIOUS French bistro type of place. Very nice nicoise salad, great sanwhiches, very close by. About $10-$15/person for lunch.
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Le Petit Cochon
1801 Shattuck AvenueDELICIOUS French bistro type of place. Very nice nicoise salad, great sanwhiches, very close by. About $10-$15/person for lunch.
OMG AMAZINNNNG!!!! Get #8, although I think any papusa with the avocado salad and the plantains will be amazing. The red sauce is the bomb. Also, this is great for kids - they have a little play area in the back. Close to home! Yay.
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Platano
2042 University AveOMG AMAZINNNNG!!!! Get #8, although I think any papusa with the avocado salad and the plantains will be amazing. The red sauce is the bomb. Also, this is great for kids - they have a little play area in the back. Close to home! Yay.
Very American-style breakfast place. I've never been there for lunch, but heard it's good. Your basic bacon, eggs, toast, waffles, etc. Good coffee and pastries and pies. Funny server guy seems to be there ALL the time. Good for kids.
17 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
FatApple's Berkeley Restaurant and Bakery
1346 Martin Luther King Jr WayVery American-style breakfast place. I've never been there for lunch, but heard it's good. Your basic bacon, eggs, toast, waffles, etc. Good coffee and pastries and pies. Funny server guy seems to be there ALL the time. Good for kids.
YUMMY ICE CREAM!!!! Crazy fun flavors, and a wonderful sushi place next door, and the best part is to sit in the Japanese tea garden in the back. There are tables, platforms, and a little stream running through it. Very yummy and peaceful, I go there like once a week ;).
27 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Lush Gelato
4184 Piedmont AveYUMMY ICE CREAM!!!! Crazy fun flavors, and a wonderful sushi place next door, and the best part is to sit in the Japanese tea garden in the back. There are tables, platforms, and a little stream running through it. Very yummy and peaceful, I go there like once a week ;).
This is a little take-out sushi place. But do not be mislead to think it's not AMAZING, because it really is some of the best sushi around (and for bargain prices)! I go there OFTEN and then get gelato right next door, then sit in the quiet little tea garden out back.
16 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Kirala 2
1511 Shattuck AveThis is a little take-out sushi place. But do not be mislead to think it's not AMAZING, because it really is some of the best sushi around (and for bargain prices)! I go there OFTEN and then get gelato right next door, then sit in the quiet little tea garden out back.
Agrodolce is a nice Sicilian restaurant. It's new and we haven't been there yet, but we've heard really great things and plan to check it out soon.
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Agrodolce Osteria
1730 Shattuck AveAgrodolce is a nice Sicilian restaurant. It's new and we haven't been there yet, but we've heard really great things and plan to check it out soon.
This is really great Greek food. I like the hummos, dolmas, and greek salad, but I've heard the gyros are amazing too. It's nothing fancy. The view is lame, right on the corner of MLK and University, across from Trader Joe's. But the food is delish.
Rojbas Mediterranean Grill
1901 University AveThis is really great Greek food. I like the hummos, dolmas, and greek salad, but I've heard the gyros are amazing too. It's nothing fancy. The view is lame, right on the corner of MLK and University, across from Trader Joe's. But the food is delish.
This is a gourmet fast food restaurant, great for a casual lunch. The potato puffs are everyone's favorite, and the other things rotate and are also amazing (roasted artichokes are my fav too). There are picnic tables to sit at outside, so sometimes there's nowhere to sit. But you can swing by and see if there's someplace to sit, and if there's not you're in the heart of the Gourmet Ghetto, so can easily just go elsewhere.
71 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Grégoire Restaurant
2109 Cedar StThis is a gourmet fast food restaurant, great for a casual lunch. The potato puffs are everyone's favorite, and the other things rotate and are also amazing (roasted artichokes are my fav too). There are picnic tables to sit at outside, so sometimes there's nowhere to sit. But you can swing by and see if there's someplace to sit, and if there's not you're in the heart of the Gourmet Ghetto, so can easily just go elsewhere.
You HAVE TO have their tri-tip sandwich with the works. It's my all-time favorite food! The smoothies are also good. It's very casual - nothing fancy, but that tri-tip... trust me.
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Brazil Cafe
1960 University AveYou HAVE TO have their tri-tip sandwich with the works. It's my all-time favorite food! The smoothies are also good. It's very casual - nothing fancy, but that tri-tip... trust me.
This is authentic Indian chaat. Not really within walking distance of the house (maybe 1+ miles away towards the Bay). But the dosas & other Indian classics are incredible there. It's super casual, served cafeteria-style in a space with a grocery market up front. My favorite Indian food place for lunch.
84 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Viks Chaat
2390 Fourth StThis is authentic Indian chaat. Not really within walking distance of the house (maybe 1+ miles away towards the Bay). But the dosas & other Indian classics are incredible there. It's super casual, served cafeteria-style in a space with a grocery market up front. My favorite Indian food place for lunch.
This is Japanese vegan, very good and interesting. These meatless dishes come in a variety of formats like sushi & salads; low-key space with a relaxed vibe.
82 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Cha-Ya
762 Valencia StThis is Japanese vegan, very good and interesting. These meatless dishes come in a variety of formats like sushi & salads; low-key space with a relaxed vibe.
This is a great American b-fast and lunch place right off 4th Street. A bright space with sidewalk seating. The best part is that it's in a NICE shopping district that is becoming a must-experience. It's about a one-mile walk from our house - just walk down Hearst all the way to 4th Street.
23 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Cafe M
1799 Fourth StThis is a great American b-fast and lunch place right off 4th Street. A bright space with sidewalk seating. The best part is that it's in a NICE shopping district that is becoming a must-experience. It's about a one-mile walk from our house - just walk down Hearst all the way to 4th Street.
GREAT DATE PLACE! Dimly lit, dinner-only bistro & bar serving Californian takes on Indian & other Asian dishes. We love it - great cocktails, and the last time I was there I had the coconut curry with muscles and padron peppers. Fantastic food!
19 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Tigerlily Berkeley
1513 Shattuck AveGREAT DATE PLACE! Dimly lit, dinner-only bistro & bar serving Californian takes on Indian & other Asian dishes. We love it - great cocktails, and the last time I was there I had the coconut curry with muscles and padron peppers. Fantastic food!
This place is DELISH! Amazing salads, fried chicken, and they have beer and a patio out back where the kiddos can run around (heaters so it's good in the evenings too).
My favorite lunch/dinner options are the cobb salad, the fried chicken, and the roasted root veggies and carmel cookies are to die for!
One of my favorite places!
Tender Greens Berkeley
2071 University AveThis place is DELISH! Amazing salads, fried chicken, and they have beer and a patio out back where the kiddos can run around (heaters so it's good in the evenings too).
My favorite lunch/dinner options are the cobb salad, the fried chicken, and the roasted root veggies and carmel cookies are to die for!
One of my favorite places!
They have really healthy, organic burritos and middle eastern wraps and vegan delights. Small place next to the California Theatre, which shows lots of more undergrand movies. A fun date!
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Razan's Organic Kitchen
2119 Kittredge StThey have really healthy, organic burritos and middle eastern wraps and vegan delights. Small place next to the California Theatre, which shows lots of more undergrand movies. A fun date!
Shopping
One of the many grocery stores in the neighborhood, this one is open late and is a bit bigger than Trader Joe's. It's just a couple blocks from Safeway, which - although it's generally higher quality - Safeway is a LOT cheaper.
1550 Shattuck Ave
1550 Shattuck AvenueOne of the many grocery stores in the neighborhood, this one is open late and is a bit bigger than Trader Joe's. It's just a couple blocks from Safeway, which - although it's generally higher quality - Safeway is a LOT cheaper.
Entertainment & Activities
2025 Addison St
2025 Addison StreetBerkeley's most awesome theater, you can see lots of world-renown shows here.
A "pay what you want" yoga place just a few blocks away. Get there a little early because it often fills up. It's not the BEST yoga around, but who can complain with "pay what you want?"
47 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Yoga to the People
64 Shattuck SquareA "pay what you want" yoga place just a few blocks away. Get there a little early because it often fills up. It's not the BEST yoga around, but who can complain with "pay what you want?"
Everything Else
Just a short walk through the park, the BART station will take you to SF and just about anywhere you want to go in the Bay Area. We're on the Richmond line.
114 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
North Berkeley Station
1750 Sacramento StJust a short walk through the park, the BART station will take you to SF and just about anywhere you want to go in the Bay Area. We're on the Richmond line.
If you're sick and/or in need of one of the basic necessities found at a drug store, this is the place. They are also the cheapest drug store in the neighborhood.
83 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
CVS
2655 Telegraph AveIf you're sick and/or in need of one of the basic necessities found at a drug store, this is the place. They are also the cheapest drug store in the neighborhood.
Essentials
A great little local grocery store, they have wonderful produce and great organic products.
213 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Monterey Market
1550 Hopkins StA great little local grocery store, they have wonderful produce and great organic products.
The closest and cheapest grocery store. We are SO fortunate to have Trader Joe's so close by! They are open until 10pm as well!
219 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Trader Joe's
225 El Cerrito PlazaThe closest and cheapest grocery store. We are SO fortunate to have Trader Joe's so close by! They are open until 10pm as well!
Arts & Culture
You like bluegrass and/or old time music? This place has AWESOME bands play on a regular basis. Check it out to see what's playing when you're in town!
87 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse
2020 Addison StYou like bluegrass and/or old time music? This place has AWESOME bands play on a regular basis. Check it out to see what's playing when you're in town!
The closest movie theater, they have lots playing. Usually the more popular stuff shows here.
65 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Landmark's Shattuck Cinemas
2230 Shattuck AveThe closest movie theater, they have lots playing. Usually the more popular stuff shows here.
This movie theater shows more off-beat stuff. I like this place.
23 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Landmark's California Theatre
2113 Kittredge StThis movie theater shows more off-beat stuff. I like this place.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great cocktails, just three blocks away. They have improved the food a lot too. In the morning they have coffee and pastries. Good thing to have nearby.
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Townie
1799 University AvenueGreat cocktails, just three blocks away. They have improved the food a lot too. In the morning they have coffee and pastries. Good thing to have nearby.