Guidebook for Berkeley
Food Scene
World-famous restaurant, chef/owner Alice Waters is credited with creating California cuisine and the farm-to-table movement. We prefer the upstairs café with a more casual atmosphere and larger menu.
337 locals recommend
Chez Panisse
1517 Shattuck AveWorld-famous restaurant, chef/owner Alice Waters is credited with creating California cuisine and the farm-to-table movement. We prefer the upstairs café with a more casual atmosphere and larger menu.
This is the original Peet's, founded in 1966, and credited with helping to launch California, and the US, on a "coffee revolution."
259 locals recommend
Peet's Coffee
2124 Vine StThis is the original Peet's, founded in 1966, and credited with helping to launch California, and the US, on a "coffee revolution."
Great Mexican food over a wood fire, great cocktails, and a wonderful space. Careful, though: no reservations, so get there at 5:30 when they open, or be prepared for a wait . . .
134 locals recommend
Comal
2020 Shattuck AveGreat Mexican food over a wood fire, great cocktails, and a wonderful space. Careful, though: no reservations, so get there at 5:30 when they open, or be prepared for a wait . . .
A Berkeley institution -- GREAT pizzas, always 1 per day/always vegetarian; get it by the slice or by the pie to eat outside, -- or get it "half-baked," and finish it at home!
317 locals recommend
The Cheeseboard Pizza
1512 Shattuck AveA Berkeley institution -- GREAT pizzas, always 1 per day/always vegetarian; get it by the slice or by the pie to eat outside, -- or get it "half-baked," and finish it at home!
The Cheese Board Collective is one of the truly legendary shops in Berkeley's "Gourmet Ghetto." One of the most outstanding cheese selections to be found anywhere in the world (honest!), plus excellent baked goods.
83 locals recommend
Cheese Board Bakery
1504 Shattuck AveThe Cheese Board Collective is one of the truly legendary shops in Berkeley's "Gourmet Ghetto." One of the most outstanding cheese selections to be found anywhere in the world (honest!), plus excellent baked goods.
A revelation in Japanese cuisine. No sushi, but remarkable food by Chef Shotaro Kamio, who blends traditional cuisine with a modern twist. One of our favorite places in the whole SF Bay area! Truly outstanding! Open for lunch and dinner; reservations are recommended.
35 locals recommend
Iyasare
1830 Fourth StA revelation in Japanese cuisine. No sushi, but remarkable food by Chef Shotaro Kamio, who blends traditional cuisine with a modern twist. One of our favorite places in the whole SF Bay area! Truly outstanding! Open for lunch and dinner; reservations are recommended.
The food court of Berkeley's Gourmet ghetto, there are great places here for food to go/take away including sushi, soups, rotisserie chicken, gelato, chocolate, tea and more -- plus a cooking school!
17 locals recommend
Epicurious Garden
1511 Shattuck AveThe food court of Berkeley's Gourmet ghetto, there are great places here for food to go/take away including sushi, soups, rotisserie chicken, gelato, chocolate, tea and more -- plus a cooking school!
Excellent Chinese restaurant, the best we've found in town -- it's casual, but can be crowded and recommendations are recommended.
32 locals recommend
Great China Restaurant
2190 Bancroft WayExcellent Chinese restaurant, the best we've found in town -- it's casual, but can be crowded and recommendations are recommended.
Chef Paul Canales pays homage to his Basque roots at his outstanding Spanish restaurant in Oakland's Uptown neighborhood. Wonderful!
50 locals recommend
Duende
468 19th StChef Paul Canales pays homage to his Basque roots at his outstanding Spanish restaurant in Oakland's Uptown neighborhood. Wonderful!
Crowded and hip, this is nonetheless a great (high-end) pizza restaurant with great cocktails and wine program.
237 locals recommend
Pizzaiolo
5008 Telegraph AveCrowded and hip, this is nonetheless a great (high-end) pizza restaurant with great cocktails and wine program.
The restaurant (upstairs) is famous for its excellent Italian food and superb wine list, featuring many older (and affordable) wines. Reservations suggested. No reservations at the more casual café, located downstairs.
48 locals recommend
Oliveto
5655 College AveThe restaurant (upstairs) is famous for its excellent Italian food and superb wine list, featuring many older (and affordable) wines. Reservations suggested. No reservations at the more casual café, located downstairs.
Another mainstay of Berkeley's "Gourmet Ghetto," Saul's has great pastrami, lox, chicken soup, and all the deli mainstays. What could it hurt?
64 locals recommend
Jodie's Restaurant
902 Masonic AveAnother mainstay of Berkeley's "Gourmet Ghetto," Saul's has great pastrami, lox, chicken soup, and all the deli mainstays. What could it hurt?
Barney's is another local institution, with great burgers and chicken sandwiches, fries, onion rings, shakes, and more. Vegetarian options also available.
71 locals recommend
Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers
1600 Shattuck AveBarney's is another local institution, with great burgers and chicken sandwiches, fries, onion rings, shakes, and more. Vegetarian options also available.
For those who prefer drip coffee to espresso (NO espresso here at all), check out Philz for coffee brewed to order.
913 locals recommend
Philz Coffee
3101 24th StFor those who prefer drip coffee to espresso (NO espresso here at all), check out Philz for coffee brewed to order.
Quickly becoming an institution on 4th St., this new coffee house is a great place to grab a cappucino and relax after shopping on 4th St.
23 locals recommend
Artís Coffee
1717 Fourth StQuickly becoming an institution on 4th St., this new coffee house is a great place to grab a cappucino and relax after shopping on 4th St.
Almost directly across the street from Sierra Nevada's Torpedo Room, this local roaster brews up delicious espresso drinks.
6 locals recommend
Catahoula Kaffeegarten
2080 Fourth StAlmost directly across the street from Sierra Nevada's Torpedo Room, this local roaster brews up delicious espresso drinks.
Great cocktails, paired with a seasonal, well-thought out menu.
35 locals recommend
Revival Bar + Kitchen
2102 Shattuck AveGreat cocktails, paired with a seasonal, well-thought out menu.
Some of the finest breads, of all sorts, shapes, and types, available anywhere! The baguettes and the "Upstairs Bread" (served upstairs at the Chez Panisse Café) are outstanding!
107 locals recommend
Acme Bread
1601 San Pablo AveSome of the finest breads, of all sorts, shapes, and types, available anywhere! The baguettes and the "Upstairs Bread" (served upstairs at the Chez Panisse Café) are outstanding!
Incredibly delicious, small Japanese restaurant located adjacent to Swan's Market -- omakase only, with a $65 prix fixe menu that changes nightly.
Delage
536 9th StIncredibly delicious, small Japanese restaurant located adjacent to Swan's Market -- omakase only, with a $65 prix fixe menu that changes nightly.
B-Dama
907 Washington StJapanese food located within Swan's Market in downtown Oakland.
Kirala 2
1511 Shattuck AveWant sushi to go? Here's you place!
Delicious Korean food . . . Don't miss their KFC! (Korean Fried Chicken)
35 locals recommend
Bowl'd Korean Rice Bar
1479 Solano AveDelicious Korean food . . . Don't miss their KFC! (Korean Fried Chicken)
Teance Fine Teas
1036 Grayson StFine purveyor of exceptional quality tea.
Yet another Berkeley institution -- this time featuring great pizza! (No delivery, though -- for eat-in or to go, only.)
247 locals recommend
Zachary's Chicago Pizza
5801 College AveYet another Berkeley institution -- this time featuring great pizza! (No delivery, though -- for eat-in or to go, only.)
Simply put, the finest cakes, tarts, eclairs, etc. in town! Custom cakes to order (we had our wedding cake made here).
22 locals recommend
Masse's Pastries
1469 Shattuck AveSimply put, the finest cakes, tarts, eclairs, etc. in town! Custom cakes to order (we had our wedding cake made here).
Everything Else
One of the top universities in the world. Memorial Stadium (football) and Hass Pavilion (basketball) are here, as is the Greek Theater (graduation ceremonies and concerts).
427 locals recommend
University of California, Berkeley
Oxford StreetOne of the top universities in the world. Memorial Stadium (football) and Hass Pavilion (basketball) are here, as is the Greek Theater (graduation ceremonies and concerts).
Shopping
The market formerly known as "Andronico's," and now technically called "Safeway Community Market" has a larger selection of organic produce, great cheeses, meats and fine wines than the "regular" Safeway -- along with all the usual . . .
36 locals recommend
Andronico's Market
The market formerly known as "Andronico's," and now technically called "Safeway Community Market" has a larger selection of organic produce, great cheeses, meats and fine wines than the "regular" Safeway -- along with all the usual . . .
A wonderful place to stroll among great shops -- clothing, make-up, art, the Apple store -- and restaurants like Café Rouge, Betty's Oceanview Diner, and Zut Tavern.
184 locals recommend
Fourth Street
Fourth StreetA wonderful place to stroll among great shops -- clothing, make-up, art, the Apple store -- and restaurants like Café Rouge, Betty's Oceanview Diner, and Zut Tavern.
Kermit Lynch is considered the "Founding Father" of the small US wine importer, pioneered the use of refrigerated containers, and only sells wines he imports from France and Italy.
19 locals recommend
Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant
1605 San Pablo AveKermit Lynch is considered the "Founding Father" of the small US wine importer, pioneered the use of refrigerated containers, and only sells wines he imports from France and Italy.
One of America's best wine importers, this is their retail store -- carrying a wide variety of French wines, as well as many hard-to-find wines from California.
North Berkeley Imports
1505 Shattuck AveOne of America's best wine importers, this is their retail store -- carrying a wide variety of French wines, as well as many hard-to-find wines from California.
aka the Berkeley Art Co-op, many local artists show their wares here -- from glass, wood, and pottery, to jewelry and clothing . . .
ACCI Gallery
1652 Shattuck Aveaka the Berkeley Art Co-op, many local artists show their wares here -- from glass, wood, and pottery, to jewelry and clothing . . .
Arts & Culture
An amazing museum on the Cal campus -- great for younger children, especially.
65 locals recommend
Lawrence Hall of Science
An amazing museum on the Cal campus -- great for younger children, especially.
Berkeley Rep is a legendary theatre, often featuring Oscar- and Tony-award winning actors and stunning productions.
127 locals recommend
Berkeley Repertory Theatre
2025 Addison StBerkeley Rep is a legendary theatre, often featuring Oscar- and Tony-award winning actors and stunning productions.
Visit the famed World War II aircraft carrier and museum.
88 locals recommend
USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum
707 W Hornet AveVisit the famed World War II aircraft carrier and museum.
A wonderful local museum, with a surprising rich and fascinating collection, plus special exhibits.
547 locals recommend
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak StA wonderful local museum, with a surprising rich and fascinating collection, plus special exhibits.
A classic "Golden Era" movie palace converted to a theatre for concerts, lectures, solo performances, and more.
264 locals recommend
Fox Theater
1807 Telegraph AveA classic "Golden Era" movie palace converted to a theatre for concerts, lectures, solo performances, and more.
A great venue for concerts, lectures, solo performances, etc. in a revitalized former movie palace
120 locals recommend
Paramount Theatre
2025 BroadwayA great venue for concerts, lectures, solo performances, etc. in a revitalized former movie palace
Featuring some of the finest films ever made -- new and old.
9 locals recommend
Pacific Film Archive Theater
Featuring some of the finest films ever made -- new and old.
Parks & Nature
Beautiful roses and a spectacular view of the entire San Francisco Bay
140 locals recommend
Berkeley Rose Garden
1200 Euclid AveBeautiful roses and a spectacular view of the entire San Francisco Bay
Local floral in a wonderful setting, the UC Botanical Garden is open to the public and sells native plants.
13 locals recommend
Centennial Drive:UC Botanical Garden station
Local floral in a wonderful setting, the UC Botanical Garden is open to the public and sells native plants.
Drinks & Nightlife
One of the most significant jazz venues on the West Coast, Yoshi's is a legendary jazz nightclub (and Japanese restaurant), featuring some of the best musicians from around the world in jazz, soul, pop, and more.
136 locals recommend
Yoshi's Oakland
510 Embarcadero WestOne of the most significant jazz venues on the West Coast, Yoshi's is a legendary jazz nightclub (and Japanese restaurant), featuring some of the best musicians from around the world in jazz, soul, pop, and more.
Not a winery, but a legendary "craft" distillery, open for tours and tastings (for those of age), famous for the vodkas, gins, eaux-de-vies, and much, much more. See http://www.stgeorgespirits.com/tours-and-tastings/
65 locals recommend
St. George Spirits
2601 Monarch StNot a winery, but a legendary "craft" distillery, open for tours and tastings (for those of age), famous for the vodkas, gins, eaux-de-vies, and much, much more. See http://www.stgeorgespirits.com/tours-and-tastings/
One of the many excellent local wineries, their tasting room is open Thursday thru Sunday for tasting. See http://www.dashecellars.com/visit/oakland
Dashe Cellars
One of the many excellent local wineries, their tasting room is open Thursday thru Sunday for tasting. See http://www.dashecellars.com/visit/oakland
The tasting room of this excellent local (and tiny) winery is open Friday through Sunday. See https://www.donkeyandgoat.com/visit-us/
13 locals recommend
Donkey and Goat Winery
1340 Fifth StThe tasting room of this excellent local (and tiny) winery is open Friday through Sunday. See https://www.donkeyandgoat.com/visit-us/
One of the most famous California craft breweries, Sierra Nevada opened this tasting room that's a great venue to taste their beers and even take a growler to go!
25 locals recommend
Sierra Nevada Torpedo Room
2031 Fourth StOne of the most famous California craft breweries, Sierra Nevada opened this tasting room that's a great venue to taste their beers and even take a growler to go!
Tupper & Reed
2271 Shattuck AveBerkeley's finest "craft cocktails."
Jupiter
2181 Shattuck AveBerkeley's original beer garden
The Freight & Salvage is a Berkeley institution, hosting a wide variety of concerts -- everything from bluegrass to jazz, folk to rap and spoken word.
87 locals recommend
Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse
2020 Addison StThe Freight & Salvage is a Berkeley institution, hosting a wide variety of concerts -- everything from bluegrass to jazz, folk to rap and spoken word.
Essentials
Safeway
1444 Shattuck PlSafeway is open 24 hours a day.
CVS
2655 Telegraph AveClosest drug store with full-service "everything," should you need it.
Flamingo Cleaners
1935 Martin Luther King Jr WayFlamingo Cleaners does a great job with dry cleaning! Ask for Judy.