Where to eat: the 50 best restaurants in Berkeley

Ate upstairs in the cafe, and had a lovely experience. I love the open kitchen. I love the rustic design of the restaurant. I love the mid century style lights and stained glass. The vibe is almost cabin-like. Being able to watch as bread and pizzas went into the wood-fired oven was a treat. Service was a bit relaxed and not as I had expected. Not bad, but just mediocre. I was anticipating hearing more about the food. It’s okay - they let me take home the menu. The food was simple yet abound with subtleties. The dishes spoke for themselves. They spoke of the land and the fields and the farms they came from. The Bronx grapes for dessert were a treat. Unpretentious, high-quality food in a cozy atmosphere. I could really settle into this place for awhile.

This review is coming in a week late but very necessary. I celebrated my birthday here last October 15th with my significant other. My original time slot was at 8:30am but that very morning I got a call from my doctor insisting I needed to be hospitalized soon as possible for a low platelet count. I was torn between giving up my reservation the very same day or proceeding with dinner. Chez Panisse was very accommodating and very considerate and moved my slot from 8:30 to 6:30. That may not sound like a lot but it meant the world to me. I did not want to eat hospital food on the night of my birthday and it’s so hard to get a reservation here and I can see why. I arrived at the restaurant with a happy heart and left with an even happier full stomach. The experience is like no other. The atmosphere is cozy, pristine and impeccable. The staff made me feel so welcome and respected. The entire dinner was fantastic and well prepared. Tasted like heaven. I was the happiest girl in the world. I yearn for another chance to come back to Chez Panisse~

The food is outstanding. The only thing is the menu being available Sundays and when you have a reservation for Monday or Tuesday, you can’t cancel if you are not fan of the menu served that day. Sadly, it was too late for me to cancel because my menu was salmon. I love salmon, I cook it many times and was disappointed to have such common fish on the menu. I think I would have been happier if they served meatloaf! Next time I’m going there, I’ll make sure to have 2 different reservations on Wednesday and after so I can cancel one of them when the menu comes out. Besides that, the good is great. Prices are high and the mandatory service charged on the check is kinda annoying. I get it why some restaurants do that, yet it’s annoying. I have had much better service at lower level restaurants. But definitely, one has to go chez panisse.

Went for a birthday dinner last year, and it’s just not worth it. Did the set menu with my partner, and he did the wine paring. Incredible app, and forgettable everything else. I also would’ve expected better service at a fine dining establishment such as this. Wouldn’t go back nor recommend.

Food was excellent. We had a party of 4 and were able to try everything on the cafe menu. It was a fun outing for a birthday. The service was lacking and a bit slow. Was thinking that it made have been because it is the cafe. I think we may have too high expectations for the service as we have eaten at a variety of nice establishments. The food definitely outweighed the dip in service.

Here's my straightforward review. The food is average. I felt the salad portion was on the smaller side. While I appreciated the clean presentation and how they brought out new plates for each dish, I think putting a bit more attention into the food itself would make the overall experience even better.

I was super excited to dine at Alice Waters’ restaurant. Had to make our reservation a month in advance. However, I was quite disappointed with how salty the food was. My halibut entree was like a salted fish dish. I had to send it away and order a new pasta entree which was also quite salty, but not as bad. I was hoping it might be my own palate because I had high hopes for this restaurant, but I brought the leftovers home and my wife also complained about how salty the food was. I love the ambience and the menu, but unfortunately would be afraid to go back. Really too salty. For this price, I would expect things to be prepared properly.

Reliable place. Large portions for many dishes so a good place for sharing out. Quick service with counter pickup. The attached grocery store is also great for Indian ingredients, some produce, frozen items.

This was a very bad experience for us. Food didn’t show up for an hour and was not the right order. We spent all this time waiting at the counter instead of having a good peaceful meal. AVOID - nothing this crappy place serves that is worth your wait. Food was not tasteful. Ordered Indian sweets and those had been sitting there for a while.

Overall my absolute favorite place to get Indian food in the Bay. Feels like an Indian University Canteen with reasonably priced food and cleanliness. Taste wise the food is amazing and nothing has disappointed me so far. Best place to hangout with a big group of friends and have loud conversations.

Unfortunately, this was the worst Indian food we've had in the Bay Area. The overall quality was disappointing, with dishes that were overly greasy and lacking in flavor. We ordered the thali and the yogurt papdi chaat - the kofta in the thali was particularly oily and underwhelming. The restaurant was also quite crowded inside, which made for an uncomfortable dining experience. For the price, it just didn’t feel worth it. On the positive side, there's ample parking available, and the service was fast and efficient.

Ok chole bhature, good fluffy bhatura and meh chole. Dahi papdi and dahi batata puri were terrible, worst I've ever had. Extremely dry, flavorless, and all it had was peppery. None of the sweet/sour you expect from any half decent chaat. Would not recommend.

Great food and chaat. Just a little less spicy for indian streetfood but I understand they need to appeal to all kinds of audience.

Located inside a supermarket. Cafeteria style. Order and pay at the counter where the menus are posted, find seating, and wait for them to call your name to pick up your food. The food may not all come at one time depending on what you order. Self serve water station available. Not your typical naan and curry Indian food. I guess they call this Indian street food. We ordered the masala dosa $15, pani puri $9, daily special mutton curry $21, daily special black pepper chicken $19. All the food was pretty good. The meat curry dishes were not super heavy like most Indian curries are, a bit salty but ok overall. I wouldn't say the food is cheap, but it's fairly priced and portions are good. They have plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating. Clean bathrooms. Parking is plentiful. Lots of Indian customers so you know it's legit. Overall, it's pretty good and I would go back and try other dishes

I had the pleasure of celebrating my 41st birthday at Great China Restaurant, and it was an unforgettable experience. The food was absolutely delicious—every dish was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The service was top-notch 👌—friendly, attentive, and made us feel truly welcome. The atmosphere was warm, family-friendly, and perfect for both kids and adults. I’m so glad I chose this place for my special day. I’ll definitely be coming back and highly recommend Great China to anyone looking for amazing Chinese cuisine and a great dining experience!

Such a good place. A stalwart of the epicurean experience in Berkeley after decades downtown and it’s still serving up good dishes. Went for a quick lunch and their lunch menu is better than what I remembered when they were on Kittridge years ago. It’s large portion and reasonably priced. If you are vegetarian they have several options.

We came here to celebrate a birthday and ordered the Peking Roast Duck, Double Skin, Zhen Jiang Spareribs, and Chinese String Beans with Beef and Mushrooms. The Peking Roast Duck and the Double Skin were both excellent! The whole duck was deboned and came with 24 pancakes, which you can pair with plum sauce and scallions. My favorite dish was the Double Skin; it was my first time trying it. It came with Mung bean noodles, carrots, cucumber, egg crepe, calamari, shrimp, sea cucumber, onions, mushrooms, and pork. The combo of ingredients created a flavorful and unique texture that I really enjoyed. I highly recommend this dish! The other dishes were also quite good. *Make sure to make a reservation online to avoid a long wait. Parking is a bit difficult around the area.

Great China is a true gem for Chinese cuisine lovers. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy, authentic ambiance that instantly makes you feel at home. The menu offers an impressive variety of traditional and modern Chinese dishes, each prepared with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. We started with the hot and sour soup, which was perfectly balanced – not too spicy, with perfect amount of tanginess that awakened the taste buds. For the main course, the Peking Duck is a must-try, with its crispy skin and succulent meat, served with thin pancakes, sauce and green onions. What sets Great China apart is their attention to detail. Every dish is beautifully presented, and the portions are generous without being overwhelming. The service was prompt and attentive without being intrusive, and the staff was knowledgeable, offering great recommendations. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a celebratory feast, Great China delivers an unforgettable dining experience. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone seeking top-notch Chinese food in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Five stars!

Best Chinese food in the Bay Area. They satisfy the palates of Chinese people as well as non-Chinese. Also definitely some of the best service you’ll find at a Chinese restaurant.

Food is good, service is ok, atmosphere is decent. Space looks modern/minimalist, interior mix of concrete/wood, lighting is terrible (spots too white/bright) and makes it look like a canteen at night… Peking Duck is excellent… overall too pricey for what it is.

Elegant restaurant me and my husband eat here maybe once every two months. And it is incredibly delicious, we always get the garlic, fried rice, and the Mongolian beef. I’ve been going here for the past 7-8 years. One of the best Chinese restaurants around.

Food was okay, but as other reviews said, it’s very dark inside, especially as we sat in the little booth across the bar area. Overall an authentic izakaya experience. Would recommend small groups to dine there.

The atmosphere is super cool with traditional izakaya place. However, the food should be better with more seasonal to taste with the wine. A bit pricey!

Great seasonal dishes with occasional misses, on-point ambience, slightly pricey House pickles are good, crunchy, not too acidic, and offer different textures. Good side to order when you order more than one fried item. Winter oden has a good broth that's mellow and easy on the stomach, but at $20 I may as well just make my own. Fried maitake is a great vegetarian choice with texture, flavor, and aroma. Yakitori set is cooked well, but was under seasoned this time. Tare flavor was too light; it didn't even come off as well salted. Sweet potato would be a great dessert if they could just bring it last.

This place has been in my to-go list forever but it fell short for me. I got to try a few things including the skewers, squid fried rice, wings, porridge, and only standout was the wings. Love the vibe tho!

Delicious skewers, seafood, rice dishes 🥰 I appreciated the friendly staff. It’s been over ten years since my last visit, I’m sure to be back again!

The atmosphere here is a bit dark, really good for girls, lovers , small group, close friends to hangout, chat in a privately place, with alcohol, you will enjoy the most of the time. The food was good, vary by your own taste, portion is small but not pricey, attentive service inside, but they may be long wait if you’re coming at the busy hours

This is probbaly the most authentic Izakaya style restaurant in the Bay Area. Yakitori with variety of choices. Chiken momo is really yummy. Good wine list too.

Luckily the line was short and we got our pizza quickly and got a small Green Sauce and it was worth it! The pizza was good and greasy and the sauce helped but the grease and add some heat. The soft serve has great texture. Would definitely return again if you're looking for a great vegetarian pizza.

The Cheese Board is a Berkeley gem. The pizza was excellent — with one carefully crafted flavor offered each day. Even the vegan option was impressive and full of flavor. On this Wednesday evening, a live band added to the vibrant atmosphere, making the experience even more enjoyable. Although there was a long queue, it moved quickly and was well worth the wait.

Delicious Vegetarian Pizza at low price. Only 1 pizza flavour per day. Line up for a few minutes. Optional cost Green sauce is good but not necessary. Music band at noon. Worker owned

Honestly, some of the best pizza I’ve had in my entire life. They change the flavor and today’s flavor was roasted eggplant and basil. Make sure to get the green sauce to put the pizza in. Totally recommend if you are in the area. Have refreshing soda as well as live music 10/10

Cheese board is simply the bests I have been going here for more than 20 years since I was a kid. They do one type of pizza per day, with rotating menu using local in-season ingredients. You can buy by the slice or a half or whole pizza. They also have a daily salad and a dipping sauce. It’s all vegetarian. I don’t live in Berkeley any more, but make sure I visit every time I come back! The crust is a chewy sourdough and the cheeses are always on point!

This is something out of the world. The guys are running this place for more than 20-30 years and serve only one type of pizza everyday. And they don’t repeat that type on the other day. You need to wait in a queue for over half an hour for your turn. But the tase is amazing and pizza really juicy and well prepared. Atmosphere is very raw with a band of some old guys playing live music of seventies. Its a must visit place and if you love pizza than this should be on your bucket list.

This is a really great pizza spot. They only serve 1 type a day, so the line may look long, but the wait is virtually zero. I don't think they have the best dough(close), but the toppings, cheese, sauce were amazingly well done.

Our Friday morning in Berkeley started with the perfect choice: brunch at La Note. This charming cafe radiates cozy vibes and immediately set the tone for a relaxed and delicious start to the day. We were seated about 15 min after our reservation, coffee in hand within minutes, and ready to dive into one of the most satisfying brunch spreads we’ve had in a long time. We couldn’t resist the lemon gingerbread pancakes, which were warmly spiced, and had the perfect citrus zing — easily a standout dish. Paired with eggs and crispy bacon, it hit every savory-sweet craving. We also shared a pastry basket (because how could we not?) — filled with buttery, flaky bites that paired perfectly with the strong coffee and fresh orange juice. The ham omelette was another highlight: light yet rich, packed with flavor, and served with wonderful blueberry oatmeal, toast and jam that felt like it came straight out of a French countryside kitchen. La Note delivered everything we love in a brunch spot — comforting food, lovely ambiance, and a menu full of heart. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Berkeley, it’s an absolute must-visit.

Great breakfast/ brunch place. A French restaurant that is certainly a step up from your local diner or common brunch establishments. It’s a higher end experience of delicious baked goods, savory bites and huge axx hot chocolate. Their pancakes were huge, fluffy, and fresh off the stoves and they will melt in your mouth. I enjoyed their eggs, sausage, potatoes, and bread slices. Everything was fresh and came out hot, flavor on point for everything. The only problems they had were just having such a small place to serve the deliciousness. But I guess that’s what also makes the whole experience count and there is less room for error. This place is also located in downtown Berkeley, a very busy area, so there will be minimal street parking, but parking garages will be your friend, at a price of course. This place is super busy, there was a wait, but I am glad I stuck it out and waited. I dined alone and looked through a small, precise menu that was also French, but English translated for the majority. I’ll reiterate, food is awesome and get hot chocolate if you’re a fan, adult size. Come, at least once, you’ll probably want to make into twice. And so on.

Had a lovely breakfast here. My pancake and bacon were a little cold when they arrived but tasted great. The eggs with ratatouille were simple, fresh and piping hot. Probably not a place to go for artisan drinks so next time id just get the house coffee. They were very busy however service was still friendly and quick!

There’s usually a long line and for a good reason. I got the cote nord which includes a toast that’s topped with cream cheese and scrambled eggs, tomatoes, and their home fries. The cream cheese might be a little too much for those who prefer something a little lighter but I feel like this was the perfect savory breakfast for me! Super filling and generous portions as well. Their pancakes are bigger than they look and my friends and I struggled to finish everything! It does get super busy so it might take some time for you to get your dishes but staff was super friendly as well

Worth the wait. Put your name in, peruse Pegasus Bookstore to pass time and support your local bookstore. And then absolutely indulge in the brioche French toast with lavender honey or salmon/cream cheese baguette. How could you not??

Walked in and felt like I was transported to another country. The service was on point and food was great. Came here and enjoyed the breakfast - grabbed a bread basket and enough to take home to enjoy. The potatoes came with roasted garlic cloves which leveled up with flavor with the eggs and bacon. I cannot say enough about this place - simply amazing!

The food was so yummy! We waited 10 mins for a table on a Saturday around 1pm. I had the Poulet Grille and it was perfect - a generous amount of chicken, and I loved the roasted peppers and aioli. We also had a lemon gingerbread pancake and it was a bit dense, but delicious with syrup. Can’t wait to go back!

The food’s pretty grub. And the service is very good. Courteous and fast. The pastrami is awesome though a few pieces can be a little dry. But the half sando, half soup is a nice meal. Add a couple bucks if you want the famous matzo ball soup. Comes with slaw inside so remember to tell them to put it on the side if you’re not into wet pastrami sandwiches. The patty melt is tasty but dang, super oily. The whole thing turns out wet cuz of the grease. Caramelized onions tip the scales for this one. Comes with side of slaw or potato salad. I haven’t drank here but they have a full bar. Also some nice pastries. Gets very busy in the weekends but weekdays are cool. Be prepared to spend more than you think. But it’s a good meal and in a good atmosphere. Nice area of town to walk around before or after you feast. Parking is generally available. Meters in front but I usually look on the side streets there they have two hour free parking.

Lovely outdoor seating and a menu full of interesting choices. I absolutely loved the "Malawach" – such a unique and flavorful dish! I also had a cream cheese bagel with chive spread and veggies, which was filling and tasty. My husband wasn’t too impressed with his "chicken schnitzel" sandwich, though. All in all, a pretty solid spot that I’d be happy to return to.

Bringing a date to Saul’s for a first visit I had complete confidence in the dining experience, and I was more than satisfied. If anything they have dialed the service up. Fun and tasty, attentive but not intrusive. A bowl of their soup can be a meal but we got a cup each, plenty of room for the rich, tasty sandwiches after. Our pairings: matzo and a reuben on rye, lentil and roast beef royale (not pictured.) All good but reuben is the best. I have it with the top notch potato salad, and got the house made celery soda, amazing as in years past. We came late and they were out of a few desserts so instead of cheesecake we tried the chocolate layer cake. On a whim I added a pot of hot mint tea and it was the perfect finish to a perfect dinner. I would say “will return,” but we already did, for brunch the next day. (Try the Malawach, a flaky Yemeni flatbread!)

Can’t believe this is my first time here! I wanna say this is the best affordable pan-Mediterranean food I’ve had in the bay. Huge menu for vegetarian options. It was the week Diane Keaton passed away and they put her pictures on the bathroom door which was super sweet.

A few vegan options More vegetation options are available. Pita Yuba and fries. Instead of the normal falafel option this was a nice change of pace. Could have done without french fries in the sandwich. A decent sandwich and fries helped fill up the belly. Surprised to find at least a few vegan options for sandwiches and appetizers. Ate outside but the yellow jackets weren't much fun for many tables. Able to finish without getting bitten. Plenty of seating spaces inside and outside and busy for Friday lunch hours.

Good place for a get together. We made reservations well in advance as it was a Jewish holiday and they texted me with reminders. Service was attentive and food was really very good. Price was high for breakfast but it was a special meal. I liked the corned beef hash with egg on top and the bagels and lox. Great shopping nearby in Walnut Square.

A friend was in town and really wanted to go to Sauls. She was craving the falafel and I had never been so we decided to give it a try. The staff was very welcoming and friendly. My friend did get the falafel plate and I got the half Sando and soup combo. Because I hadn't had matzo ball soup in a long time I decided to go the upcharge and get the matzo with my half Ruben Sando. The pastrami sandwich with acme rye bread was delicious and the soup was good, but do expect to pay a pricy penny for a small portion. The food is tasty but the portions are a bit small. $24.78 (before tip) for half a Sando, a small cup of soup and an espresso. My friends falafel plate looked delicious and fresh. It's like a diner style inside with booths all around. I'm glad I got to try the place out!

Had a lovely dinner there last night. Our waitress was very attentive. We had the whole roasted chicken and it came with lovely tortillas, beans and rice. Cocktails were yummy too. I liked the ceviche, though there could’ve been more shrimp. The Tlayuda was very good. Also, there were a lot of adorable children running around, which is always a plus.

Was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere of the back area of Comal. From the front, it doesn’t really look that big but once your inside they an elegant sit down interior and then their back area has a tall ceiling and a very earthy vibe with a bar connected. The food itself is authentic. Especially their hand pressed tortillas. The prices are a bit steep but it’s worth it for a cute dinner date or elegant time with the family. I got the cod tacos which were extremely delicious. The tortillas are super soft and surprisingly light.

Alex and Jose at the outdoor bar totally made our experience!! We enjoyed the Comal Swizzle and whole cod! Felt like in a different tropical country :) Wow yum! Will be back with friends :)

I would say you’re paying mostly for the ambience. The food was alright I liked the tlayuda. Aside from that everything was average.

Excellent meal prior to a show at the Greek Theatre. Started with a beautiful tequila flight and papas fritas and shared the ensalada picada and tlayuda (think Mexican pizza - NOT the Taco Bell kind!). Everything was excellent and the atmosphere was festive. Highly recommend and wish we could have eaten more because everything at the surrounding tables looked delicious!

I have been to Comal around 5 times and tonight made me think they have a new chef or new ownership. The food in some cases was inedible and not good. Yes, chips and salsa are fine. The bar is good. However, the food is off. The tacos are mushy with no flavor. My wife had the fish tacos and they were not good. I had the kale and potato tacos and it was boiled kale and potatoes with no flavor and mushy. No flavor. This is disappointing as comal was a goto spot for entertaining visitors. I will not be returning.

Fairly awful experience, but maybe just an off day (2/5). I brought a visiting friend to Comal, as I’d never been and figured it would be a nice place to try out. There were plenty of people having a great time out back, dancing to music under strings of lights in the lovely garden. Alas, we were having a not-so-great time inside. The hostess was laughably rude. We seemed to interrupt a little tiff she was having with some dude and she was clearly unhappy having to pause her drama to deal with us. As we walked up she looked over and said “Yes?” in a very irritated tone. I felt like saying, well surprise surprise, we’d like a table! What do people who walk in normally want? Even though it was later in the evening and there were plenty of tables, she sat us right beside the bathrooms, as if to make it clear that she was unhappy with us interrupting her night. The server was okay but honestly pretty cold. I guess he was a bit burned out after a long night. It also would have been nice to get some input on our order as we ordered chips & guac but also fried cassava. I was thinking that the cassava would be in chunks but they were actually shaved into chips. So we had chips and then more chips! The regular chips were not great (we were divided on the guacamole), the cassava chips were superfluous, and the mushroom quesadilla was, unfortunately, unremarkable. And it cost a lot. For just a quick drink and bite (2 x beers, 1 x guac and chips, 1 x cassava, 1 x quesadilla) it came to around $80 total. Also, I’m scoring Comal 3.5/5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact, based on these factors: • Comal’s menu caters reasonably well to vegetarians and also has a few vegan dishes. • The biggest thing Comal could to do improve its impact is to remove beef from the menu – it’s well known (esp. since Poore & Nemecek’s seminal 2018 paper) that the environmental footprints of beef (carbon, land, etc.) dwarf those of other meats like chicken or pork (which in turn dwarf legumes). Shrimp also has large environmental footprints and impacts on ocean biodiversity, so that would be second in line to find a good substitute for. • Comal is known for efforts to ensure a decent pay for staff (e.g., a fixed 20% service charge). • The building was designed with sustainability in mind (re-use of materials, etc.) • I believe that Comal does its best to reduce single-use plastic, for example in to-go orders. • Decent selection of local draft beers, Numi tea. • There’s no info on menu or website regarding ingredient sourcing. • It is a nice gathering spot that also supports the community.

Went here for my husband's birthday. We both had the pre-set menu. Food: The sea bean and corn tempurawith a side of matcha. They were tasty, but no different from the tempura I've had at other restaurants. The sashimi salad was also tasty, but nothing special. Just a salad with a few pieces of various raw fish. I had the Salmon Kasuzuki. I have to say this was actually delicious! A perfect blend of sake and miso with the salmon. It was a lovely cut of meat and perfectly cooked. Delicious! My husband has the Wagyu Bikini Hamburg steak. I would say it was nothing special. A big chunk of hamburger. Good quality hamburger and not too oily, but still just ground beef. The Matcha Tiramisu was tasty. Not too sweet. Overall, I'd say a little over priced for what you get. About half the dishes stood out as above average. Atmosphere. The atmosphere was pleasant, although the music was a bit loud. The high ceilings help with the noise. While we were there, the table next to us brought a DOG into the restaurant...not a service dog ..which I thought was against the health code, but no one said anything to them. Service. The service was attentive. She checked in with us after each dish was brought to make sure everything was good. Although my husband's main dish was brought to the table at least 5 minutes before my dish arrived. Not good for, but not the server's fault. That's the kitchen's fault. Overall a good experience, but a bit pricey. It was about $200 for two prix fix meals , drinks, tax and tip.

This was my first time at Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya. It was very busy and I would recommend a reservation. The food was good, but somethings were a bit dry or tasted overcooked. I ordered the Sencha because it was cold. The Sean Bean & Corn Tempura was good, but oily. The Ika Karaage was okay. The Chicken Katsu was a bit dry. The Deluxe Sashimi Moriawase was good, but some of the cuts were tough or tasted weird. Over a good experience at this body establishment. Service was good.

The deluxe sashimi is amazing. Chef Aki Prepared a beautiful dish with incredible flavor and attention to detail. The sashimi melts in your mouth. Will definitely be back.

Made reservations for New Year 's Eve Prix Fixe Menue ( $145 per person) of Shabu Shabu Three Ways. We came in, received no greeting, were just shown to our table. Food was just ok, pieces of tempura, consisted mainly of string beans, 2 slices of kombucha & one shrimp. The Wagyu beef striploin slices were too long, so was the berkshire pork belly slices, hard to handle & eat with just chopsticks. The broth was also almost unretrievable, due to the fact again, we didn't get/ have the right utensils.Our server was friendly, yet not knowledgable, about saki, food etc, but made an effort. The Owner, didn't even thank or wish us a Happy New Year ,when we left. We thought it wasn't worth it, especially at that price, quiete a disappointment. I / we, would not recommend this place to eat.

This is by far the best Japanese restaurant I’ve been to in the U.S. Their homemade tofu was outstanding, and every dish struck a perfect balance of authenticity and refinement. The food is elevated without being pretentious. If you’re looking for exceptional Japanese cuisine served with honesty and care, this is the place for you.

We were in the area looking online for where to eat. My friend was really craving Japanese food at that time so we decided to come here. The interiors had an upscale vibe - tall ceilings, open kitchen, and sleek decor. Staff were super nice too. I got the Chicken Katsu and it was really good! Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The ratio of breading to chicken was also just perfect. Portions are on the smaller side but izakaya food typically comes in small plates anyways.

I usually come here for yummy chicken karaage, kaki fry (fried oysters) and other staple dishes. Their warm house sake is also a great pairing. Stayed for the new late night menu this time and I am glad we waited. Shrimp chips with draft Asahi beer was heavenly! Wagyu burger was juicy and flavorful. Would love to bring more friends next time to try other dishes on the late night menu. On top of that you know the food is going to be wonderful when the staff were having a good time serving you and enjoying their off time staying around after their shift ended. Updated 9/17/2024: Excellent fresh shrimps and albacore from west coast off California. The special sauce with olive oil was very tasty. Kaki fry (fried oysters) was great as usual. Always happy to be back to try the freshest dishes Fish and Bird offered for the seasonal catch.

TL;DR: This restaurant offers outdoor seating and a Michelin Guide Recommendation (2022), but the food is overpriced for its quality. The fried Brussels sprouts were excellent, while the Pad Thai was average and expensive. The service was attentive, likely due to being the only party there, but the overall experience doesn’t justify the cost. Unlikely to return. Full Review: This restaurant has limited indoor seating but compensates with an outdoor dining area that offers a comfortable alternative. While the ambiance might appeal to those who enjoy al fresco dining, the food was inconsistent and overpriced, especially given its Michelin Guide Recommendation in 2022. Food: The fried Brussels sprouts were the highlight of the meal—crispy, flavorful, and expertly prepared, showcasing creativity and attention to detail. Unfortunately, the Pad Thai was a letdown. It was lackluster, lacking the bold flavors and complexity one expects from such a staple dish, especially at its premium price. Service: The service was excellent, which can partly be attributed to the fact that we were the only party dining at the time. The staff was attentive, friendly, and accommodating, which added a pleasant touch to the overall experience. Pricing: Prices are steep, even for a Michelin-recommended establishment, and the food quality doesn’t consistently match the premium cost. While the Michelin recognition might draw in curious diners, it’s hard to justify the expense when only certain dishes shine. Ambience: The outdoor seating is a functional and pleasant option, but the limited indoor space may feel restrictive for those who prefer a more traditional dining setup. While the setting is adequate, it doesn’t quite elevate the dining experience. Verdict: Though the service was commendable and the Brussels sprouts were excellent, the average quality of the Pad Thai and the high prices overshadow the positives. Would I return? Most likely not, as the overall experience doesn’t justify the expense, Michelin recommendation notwithstanding. Rating: 3/5

I love Funky Elephant! Khao Man Gai they have is the best! So delicious. I just recommend it all of you. For here and to go, both makes me satisfied and happy. Chicken, rice, sauce, and soup, everything is perfect! Thank you for making amazing food!

I didn't take pictures of everything we got, but everything was so good!!! They have a great patio space so we were able to bring our dog, which is always a plus. We got the drunken mussels, wings, motherland curry, and wholesome noodles. And we had to try the blue rice. Everything was flavorful and so perfectly done. If we had to pick a very favorite, it might be the mussels, but that's a hard choice to make. We also had the fried roti with Thai tea soft serve for dessert. So good. Sarah was super friendly and so helpful, we're so glad we finally tried this place and will definitely be back.

An excellent Thai restaurant a cut above the others in the area (and worth the modest price bump). The service was very friendly and the atmosphere is cute. The pad thai, crispy rice salad, and motherland curry were all outstanding. The only thing I wish they had was heat lamps for the outdoor seating, as it can get pretty cold out there. Will be coming back!

This place was SO DELICIOUS!!! We went pretty late and the restaurant was still pretty packed. We were able to get seated right away though. We tried their papaya salad, wings, and grilled pork, mango sticky rice and everything was extremely good. We will definitely be going back lol Street parking only but there were plenty when we went.

We've been going around the bay area looking for authentic flavorful Thai food and this place hit the spot. The chicken wings are spectacular with it's unabashed fish sauce and chili flavor that had us craving for more. The pad thai was the right amount of sweet, salty and spicy. We'll definitely be going back.

A cosy Thai place with a funky twist (as the name suggests)! The curry vermicelli has a curry soup base and it’s definitely a must-try. Would definitely return to try their other dishes. Update: came back for another meal and food is still extraordinary. Poached chicken was one of the best I had in the State (forgot to take photo and I guess I will just have to go again).

Asked our server for extra sauce and condiments and he forgot about it. Finally had to walk over and interrupt 4 other employees talking amongst themselves to ask for it again. Had to do the same thing to pay the check. It wasn't busy at all, only 2 other tables had customers. Food is overrated and overpriced. Very mid, unseasoned burger and fries for $22 is crazy. Pizza is fine but there are several higher quality places within minutes from here. Also with more reasonable prices. The property itself and decor are nice. I can't speak for the vegans but anyone else could do much better elsewhere.

We hosted our wedding reception at Gather this weekend and it was fabulous! Jodi, Chef Matt, Kurt, and their team are so exceptionally kind and attentive. We were lucky enough to work closed with Mika and Ivan who were so attentive, responsive and helpful with everything. Gather accommodated every food allergy request and gave us generous creativity to customize the drinks and food menu. Our top favorite recommendations on the menu: spicy tomato pizza with cashew puree, harvest bowl, corn soup, and of course all the perfectly roasted veggies!!!! The indoor space has a delightful balance of natural light, greenery, and wood and the outside garden is fabulous in the summer. We can’t wait for future celebrations at Gather and feel so grateful for the kind service and delicious memories we shared there.

The tomato pizza was absolutely phenomenal—bursting with flavor and taken to another level by the spicy chili oil and velvety cashew cream. It struck the perfect balance of heat and richness. Their local lettuce side dish was a surprisingly refreshing highlight—crisp, fresh, and full of character. The ambience was warm and thoughtfully designed, and the service made us feel genuinely welcomed from the moment we walked in.

Overall, worth the money and drive. Parking garage within 5mins walk, was promptly seated, great atmosphere for happy hours, great staff and customer service. My waiter was FERNANDO, great guy with a beautiful accent. Highly recommend.

Fun and quirky restaurant in Berkeley with inside and outside dining. The sandwich sizes were perfect and the price was reasonable for Berkeley. Helpful Hint: Take a tour of the nearby modern art museum or the college and enjoy lunch before or after your tour.

I went back a decade later hopeful that this would fill a neighborhood need with an organic, farm-to-table, high quality restaurant. We found the service to be friendly and WE caught an error about our GF item (they gave us a non GF bun). The food was mediocre at best. A bit shocked that it isn’t held to a higher standard! I will not be returning.

I ate here last week and ordered the mussels. They came with no bread, so I asked for some. The mussels were good but I needed something to soak up the yummy sauce. They charged me $7.00 for the bread. Why were the mussels served without bread anyway? But $7.00 for a few pieces of bread? Does anyone else find that ridiculous? And when I wanted the check I waited so long that I finally had to get up and go ask the bartender where my waiter was. It was a totally strange experience for a very typical meal. I would not go back. Too bad. It’s a nice place with a lovely patio.

Highlight: Delicious vegan-friendly pizza in a spotless space with a patio you’ll want to linger on. Restaurant: This cozy Berkeley pizza spot takes pride in crafting high-quality pies with fresh ingredients and thoughtful flavor combinations. The atmosphere is relaxed yet well-kept, and the charming patio is the kind of space that makes you want to extend your meal just to soak it all in. Service: Service here is warm, welcoming, and attentive without feeling rushed. Staff members know their menu well and seem genuinely happy to guide you toward great choices. The care they put into the dining experience is evident from start to finish. Food: We enjoyed a vegan pizza topped with sausage and peppers, and it was packed with flavor—savory, well-balanced, and cooked to perfection. The vegan Caesar salad was another standout, with a creamy, flavorful dressing that didn’t feel like a compromise. Every bite spoke to the attention paid to quality and freshness. Recommendations: Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just a pizza lover, this is a must-visit. Grab a spot on the patio if the weather’s nice, and don’t skip the vegan Caesar—it’s a pleasant surprise. The spotless dining area and even cleaner bathroom say a lot about how much the team cares. Highly recommend for anyone seeking top-notch pizza in Berkeley.

All around fantastic experience! Had the classic pepperoni. Tomato sauce, crust, cheese, pep, with just a hum of jalapenos, flavors all complimented so well together. Amazing, couldn't believe how good it tasted. Dreamy!

This place is praised as one of the best pizza places in the US. While I think pizza is reasonably praiseworthy, I am actually impressed by the service accommodation and the appetizer. The burrata cheese with cherries and herb salad is bright and refreshing. The pizza is on the lighter side so you can enjoy it quite well. Most importantly, the staffs are friendly and flexible enough for us to celebrate our family occasion beyond the table's capacity. I feel that the part of hospitality I appreciate. Oh the tiramisu is legit and of course large enough to share for 2 or even more!

Our pizza aficionado friend had told us about this place. It delivers! Ambiance: The outdoor seating in the back is chill and a great place to hang out and enjoy. Food: We ordered a red sauce pizza and a white sauce pizza. Honestly I normally prefer white sauce but the red sauce at Rose is next level tasty. The crust was superb and the pizza was great with their house red wine. Service: friendly and attentive Price: Bay Area fair price for the best pizza around I’d be happy to go back

Tried the old faithful pizza, wonderful spicy pepper and sausage. It didn’t need the hot honey on the side at all. It was perfect size for two people. Had the spicy Cesar salad, and it was really great, good textures, sauce and parm. Would recommend this as a starter if you like a salad. Had the olive oil cake and it was good, but found the strawberry preserves to be too sweet for my preference. Excited to come back and try other pies!

Had a fantastic pepperoni and jalepeno pizza. Top notch! Made a reservation prior as there isn’t much seating. This is a must try! We also liked the spicy ceaser salad and fancy anchovies.

Stopped at this great little pizzeria on my way from SFO to Napa with my wife. It was a Friday night and definitely was one of the spots to be in town because there was a line for tables and for takeout. But it was definitely worth the weight. The pizza was really good small kind of 14 inch size pies. We got the margarita which was really good and the Caesar salad was also good. We would definitely recommend for a casual pizza and salad dinner in Berkeley.

We’ve been coming here for years and always leave happy. The outdoor seating is beautiful, with heaters to keep you warm, and the atmosphere is lively. They recently added a Garden Menu, we tried the lamb and it was delicious. I’m not usually into veggie pizzas, but here they’re really good. We’ve tried most of the pizzas and almost all have been great. The wings are tasty, and the dips are good but small in size. It’s a seat-yourself place, so you may need to wait and watch for a free table. The salads are fresh, the menu is simple, the staff is friendly. They often have live music, sometimes a bit loud for me, but other times perfect. Great spot for good pizza, a nice outdoor space, and a fun night out.

What an amazing venue Jupiter features live music and a helpful wait staff. The place was busy during graduation season. The decor to the food was excellent. When you visit be sure to ask for margaritas. Take advantage of ordering a second round of margaritas, because in many ways they’re better than the first round. Our party of five enjoyed the food. Three adults were keen on the mixologist that made the margarita difference for the first round to the second . (The only drawback was payment in cash became a challenge—venue opted out cash for credit card payment instead for reasons too many frauds with $100. note: bills needing to have a blue markings.) unfortunately information was shared by our nice waiter, yet overall I’ll take a chance on another visit only to realize not to bring cash, because Jupiter didn’t trust $100 bills without the blue marking. Says the waiter.

I came here for happy hour and it was a nice outdoor experience in the back. The food was good and the service was pretty attentive. The pizza was tasty, same with the artichoke and spinach dip. The wood-fired potatoes were a good filler. A hefeweizen is always tasty! Would come again if in the area.

nice nook in berkeley, food is above average , ambiance is great, had enough heaters to not to feel cold during a cloudy day. Beet salad was the best item ordered. Service can be slow on a busy day. Overall , above average rating.

Cool spot for a quick lunch. Enjoyed a few IPA which made it all worthwhile. The beer cheese was meh - pizza was okay - salads were great. Outside ambience was dope👊🏼

Food was perfect and the service was excellent we placed our order using the QR code so we didn’t wait than the food it comes after 15 mn I think they bring singers every weekend

Our first dining experience here was disappointing. While the food itself was just average, what really alarmed us was finding a large piece of plastic embedded in our pizza — a serious safety hazard. Thankfully, my husband noticed it before swallowing, but it could have easily caused someone to choke. We expected much better quality control and attention to detail from a restaurant of this reputation. Unfortunately, this incident has left us hesitant to return or recommend it to others.

This was a great little gem that hits the spot! All the food we ordered was delicious - seafood paella, croquet, the shrimp - were the top favorite. The flavor was spot on, and it was very well seasoned and balanced. The paella has a nice crispy Socarrat layer but wished it had more. The calamari was good and fresh (as is everything else) but we wish there was a bit more crispness. The drinks were also nice and refreshing. Only wished the old fashioned had a large ice cube, but no biggy. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed this little gem and would definitely come back if we’re in the hood

The food is good and presentation very nice. Very spaniard with its flavors with a bit of a twist. Good place to order different dishes and share. It wasn't mind blowing but okay. Calamari with squid ink was 🤌 and seafood paella wished it had more seafood but still very good. More on the $$$ side. Cons: The drinks 🍸 are terrible...water taste better 😅 They all tasted bad and nothing like we expected with no good flavor. The food tastes a long time to get to your table. Wouldn't drive all the way to Berkeley again for this but if I was in the area just maybe might come in to try a new item off the menu...maybe

I’m back here for the second time, and wow, this is seriously one of the best Spanish restaurants I’ve ever had in the San Francisco Bay Area! My wife and I went on my birthday, and we kicked things off with the Berros Salad. It was one of the most delicious salads I’ve had in ages. The spinach was just lightly cooked with a sprinkle of quinoa, but tons of jamon serrano. Then, we had the pulpo, and I have to say, this octopus was cooked perfectly. It was topped with parsnips puree and garbanzos. After that, we had the arroz negra paella, which was absolutely yummy! It was covered in squid ink with fennel sausage, clams, and oyster aioli. The paella was about $55, but it could easily feed two people very comfortably. We even brought some leftovers for my lunch the next day. To wrap up the night, we had churros con chocolate. The churros were delightful and sweet, and the warm chocolate sauce just melted in my mouth! For two people, we spent around $100 before tips, which included two appetizers, one large entree, and dessert. If you’re in the area, I remember this place as a great spot for family gatherings, dinner dates, or even a birthday celebration!

Absolutely outstanding experience! Everything we tried was so good that I’d come back and order it all again — and probably will. The tapas were amazing: octopus, calamari, Brussels sprouts, pork belly, and focaccia — every dish was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The paella with rabbit and duck was simply exceptional. Our server Nelly made the evening even better — friendly, attentive, and never intrusive. The whole atmosphere felt cozy and welcoming. We’re quite picky about food, but this place truly impressed us. Definitely coming back more than once! Thank you

Intimate bar with a friendly vibe in downtown Berkeley that has a definite bar vibe, cute happy hour menu with flavorful petite bites for eats. A nice spot to meet with friends for a little bite and a drink. The sangria is really good. A small venue for small get togethers with a few family, friends or colleagues. The food may be small but they are packed full of flavor and filling after a few plates.

The octopus and paella are my favorites. Others are okay but not for me -because the seasonings are pretty strong.I’m not a fan of goat cheese and the mushroom filling is kind of mushy. So

We went for Sunday brunch. All the food was very good. Unfortunately, service was not very attentive. It can be loud while having a conversation.

The hostess asked us in the beginning if it it our first time to here. She told us the minimum charge per person is $30 after I reply “yes”. It is totally fine for me because I read many good reviews about this restaurant on yelp and little red note. The space is very limited and the hostess required every customer to sit in the table that she managed. It is totally fine for me also. This is my first time to this place. There was no any picture of food on the menu. How did I know which one was popular and how big was the portion? Also, the menu has too many Japanese loanwords as keywords without pictures, it was hard to understand. Then, I figured out that checked the doordash menu and selected the popular dishes because they uploaded all pictures to doordash. I showed my doordash list to the first waitress. She said the menus for dine in and to go were different. She made me totally confused. I said I had no idea on the dine in menu because there were too much japanese. She said not only japanese but english. Come on! Do you mean “Don”and “Hamachi”are English. I said please just order for us. Then, she said she would give us more time and left. If I did not use the hot towels, I would just leave. You can just pointed out the dishes on DoorDash and told us which dish that we selected were unavailable for dine in instead waiting for us. And, when I asked for help” please order for us”, you can just ordered for us based on your waitress experience. Please do not be lazy to use your brain. Please learn from Nippon Curry. Then, I ordered the same dishes with the second young waitress. She just pointed the dishes and confirmed with us. We got the dishes quickly, and the second young lady was the only one person to add water and keep attentive on our area. One more thing, the hostess told us the minimum charge per person was $30, but no one told us the service charge (18%) was mandatory. $110 including mandatory service charge, sales tax, and 4 small portion dishes are ridiculous because the service was poor and the space was limited!!!! I just want to pay the tips to the second young lady. It is very suck to have a dinner in this place!!!!!!!

Hidden gem with soul - this is where Japanese food feels right. Every dish at Kiraku is crafted with care, precision, and that rare sense of warmth that’s hard to find outside Japan. But what truly sets this place apart isn’t just the taste - it’s the consistency. Year after year, the quality doesn’t fade. It actually improves. The staff? Always kind. Always attentive. The atmosphere? Casual but cozy, like your favorite local spot back home. If you’re new to the Bay Area or just hunting for a place that gets Japanese food right, start here. Kiraku isn’t just a restaurant. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back before you’ve even left.

Truly my best dining experience ever. The food was absolute perfection and there were options for everyone. The omakase sampler, shrimp tempura, beef tataki, and corn tempura were definitely standouts. The yuzu sake was one of the best drinks I’ve ever had. Celebrated my birthday here and when you order dessert they will sing for you.

Food was ideal for me. I had the abalone with creamed spinach, the carbonara, and clam miso. The waitresses clearly work very hard to tend to everyone. The chefs make sure the meals are up to par. It does take a long time to be seated which is worth noting if you’re traveling from afar. However, after eating the food I am glad I waited. To be candid it was a 2 hour wait, but this goes to show how in demand the food is. Furthermore, they prep the food fast and as soon as one table leaves someone takes that spot so they restaurant should not be blamed for the long wait.

Potato Croquette: Perfectly crispy outside, soft and creamy inside -- ultimate comfort bite. Grilled Angus Beef Tongue: Tender with a smoky char, brightened by a squeeze of lemon. Mini Kaisen Don: Fresh, flavorful seafood with just the right rice-to-topping ratio. Sashimi Sampler: Generous cuts, melt-in-your-mouth freshness. Overall, a go-to for authentic Japanese small plates. It has that cozy, intimate izakaya feel with warm lighting, lively but not overwhelming. The staff is friendly, attentive, and great with recommendations; dishes came out at a good pace. Expect about 30 minutes to 1 hour wait time during peak dinner hours.

I’m looking for great food. Kiraku is very hard to book, but I think it’s a bit overhyped compared to its price. I’m surprised how many good reviews it got on Google map. The seafood is good, but not worth the value. The otoro is not the creamy texture that its price should be. The salmon roe is too salty. Other food like grilled skewers including unagi skews, pork belly skews are ok but not excellent. Talking about Japanese food, people always have an illusion that it must be good. With very expensive pricing, I do not think it is good in taste as rintaro in SF, and both are overpriced even given the pricing level in the Bay Area nowadays. A mediocre restaurant in Japan can outbeat it. The food level also cannot catch up NYC or some Izakayas in Boston.

Surprisingly full on a Tues night. Took me maybe 15-20 mins for a one person table. When I ordered, I was told that I didn’t order enough and that there is a $30 minimum for a walk in. I realized that I actually did order $30 but decided to add one anyway- the smoked unagi because o usually like unagi. But it was inedible. I had to return it after one bite due to way too much smokiness. I was told I was the first one complaining and got charged anyway. With a bill of nearly $50, I don’t feel satisfied at all. I wish I went somewhere else. The rice ball was great though. Uniquely cooked and good flavor.

If you’re looking to branch into your first try at Ethiopian food, Lemat is the place — excellent ingredients and helpful staff make this a great place to go for East African cuisine in Berkeley. Cocktail list is extensive and lots of options for vegetarian and meat-based preferences. Our group of four opted for the veggie and meat samplers and we weren’t able to finish all the food — plenty to go around for all. Nothing was too spicy or intensely flavored, though be prepared to eat with your hands (in the traditional Ethiopian style). The waitress was friendly and helped us choose the best samplers for a first time visit. The ambiance of the restaurant was nice, though when we arrived it was quite smoky — as though something in the back had badly burned. It took awhile to clear the smoke and smell from the dining area, but otherwise it was a great visit.

The food was good, don't get me wrong, but I had to wonder did the chief drop the spice rack onto the floor before cooking our meal? The food simply lacked the usual Ethiopian spices that make your mouth water.

Excellent dishes. Good variety of tastes. I've dined at many Ethiopian restaurants. This is the first time I've had fish, and it was cooked perfectly!

The restaurant excels in its food and offerings but is terribly slow in service. We had to wait 50 minutes for our appetizer, and the service was minimal, to the point where we weren't even provided with silverware or plates. The business owners don't seem to care about the waiting time and don't set any expectations. While I appreciate small businesses, the service here was abysmal. Also, don't take your kids - they'll be starved waiting for the food to arrive. The ambiance and cocktails are great. This place is worth visiting if you have about three hours to spare for a meal.

We've been coming here since their grand opening, we consider Gezu & family friends. They are kind & gracious hosts, the food is always hot & fresh, portions are generous. We've had 3 of my daughter's birthdays here. We love the decor & ambiance, miss dining in. We've been getting occasional to-go during SIP. Highly recommend the veggie combo, it's vegan.

We tried Lemat for the first time and loved it. We were not familiar with Ethiopian food but our server was helpful with recommendations. The samosas were awesome, both the lentil and the beef were very good, as was everything we ordered.

One of the best Ethiopian restaurants in the area. I always go for the veggie combo. The portion size is ideal for one person. Very friendly staff and one can find seating easily - for large or small groups. It was a long time since I dined in, and it was worth it.

The brunch is good. My mates’ trout toasts were amazing. From the fish, the rustic bread and salad all taste clean but intensely savory. My sourdough waffles had a hint of salt and sour. The best texture ever: chewy and crispy! The pasture-raised egg was rubbery, actually gross paired with the strawberry compote. I’m always too intimidated by the line while picking up mochi donuts next door. But at 1PM on Saturday, only a couple folks ahead of us. YET it’s so slow because the menu is printed in very.small.font and not available to hold (just one pasted outside and one at front of line) We thought it was our old eyes but then we saw everyone struggle: taking pix to enlarge, bringing out readers, accosting annoyed cashier with wrong orders. Food came fast after we sat down. Room has 4-5 tables, otherwise it’s outside in pretty windy West Berkeley. Indoors is loud with open kitchen, espresso, and din of other diners. Small groups is best.

This review is about sustainability! ☺️ Thank you for such incredible attention to detail, and such clear intention, when it comes to mitigating trash created by your customers. I was blown away by how lovely the space felt in general, but especially because there was not a single use plastic insight. From the water refill station, to the real mugs and silverware, to the metal spoons for stirring in sugar. Everything had a proper place and purpose. By 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean, man fish, and it means a lot to me to be able to find and support businesses that are operating in relationship to the natural world, not in opposition to it. So thank you, thank you! Lovely coffee, wonderful service, delicious sandwiches. And excellent support of our local and broader ecosystems.

Yum! Second time here and it is even better! There was a line but not a bad wait. Perfect for a Saturday treat after intense yoga class at The Alembic .

Lovely California cuisine spot. Imaginative fare, not very standard. Had more olive oil on sandwich today than rest of year to date. Very noisy indoors. Plenty of outdoor seating.

I love yummy, fresh, simple, balanced, expertly crafted, and delicious food here. It’s an excellent lunch place. The atmosphere is relaxed and pleasing. All in all recommend.

Everything was absolutely amazing, from the friendly staff, cute interior and plenty of exterior sitting, delicious and artfully curated menu, very tasty ingredients and seasonal choices, I enjoyed everything down to the last bite!

Busy on a Saturday noon - plenty of outdoor seating, great vibe. Food was okay - price reflects the organic ingredients (expensive for the portion). The trout toast was drenched in olive oil - to the point it was almost inedible. The scrambled eggs were good but loaded with butter. Wish everything was lighter. Never seen this oil to bread ratio before, it was just dripping :/ Would still want to try the other weekday items though

Who taught you how to make falafel ?!? And the FLATBREAD ?!? The chai ?!?!? This was probably one of the worst places I’ve been to in a while for that price point I would expect a more evenly balanced fritter and chai. This was so disappointing not to mention the hummus was also lacking.

This is amazing food. The spicy chicken sandwich and the falafel sandwich were 10/10 with the home made pita wrap, fresh herbs, and yogurt it’s impossible to go wrong. Also tried the pumpkin pudding and wow wow wow, if you like pumpkin make sure to give it a try. Pictured is the spicy chicken sandwich that is mostly gone, because it was so good I almost forgot to snap a pic 😅

The food at Fava never misses. It’s always fresh, flavorful, and served with genuine warmth. I’ve been coming here for years and loved every single thing I’ve tried. If it were closer to my house, I’d be here all the time. The menu shifts with the seasons, always highlighting the best ingredients at their peak. Entrees are consistently vibrant and herbaceous—and don’t skip dessert. It’s always a special treat!

Hands down my go-to lunch spot in Berkeley! Freshest high quality ingredients, delicious food, beautifully assembled by people who really care about what goes on your plate. The falafel sandwich is my usual order but the braised lamb sandwich is sooo 🤤 tender and deliciously seasoned!

This place is one of the most legit lunch spots around. Everything is high quality ingredients, fresh, and flavorful. They occasionally have new menu items like today's cantaloupe agua freca which hit the spot. Very cool people working here make it all the better.

The food here is always delicious and amazing. Fresh vegetables, herbs, and pomegranates are beautifully layered over thoughtfully prepared proteins and organic bases. Every dish shows real care and passion. Fava proves that chefs still truly care about food.

This place is simply amazing. I know this sounds weird, but I’m a connoisseur of falafel and am willing to go pretty far to find places that make it well. Fava has the best in the Bay Area hands down. Not only that, but their lamb is soooo good! I think I over-eat when I go there because I can’t pick and just get both.

Tanzie was a standout experience. The Lava Eggs (Vegan) stole the show—perfectly balanced, rich, and packed with flavor. Easily the star of the meal. The Market Salad was fresh, vibrant, and surprisingly savory—simple but done right. Great atmosphere and thoughtful execution across the board. Will definitely be back.

Came here on a Saturday for brunch at around 12:30 and waited for around 45 minutes to get seated but super worth the wait! I got the pork jowl, and the crispy pork went super well with the creamy egg and rice. The coconut bites were amazing as well; both savory and sweet toppings on top! Can’t wait to go back and try some of their drinks next time as well ;)

My wife and I had the wonderful opportunity to visit this Northern Thai restaurant for brunch today. From the moment you walk in, your are greeted with a warm welcome and a smile. This spot is quaint, but just the way it should be. Very intimate. The atmosphere is comfy and not crowded. Oh.. they even have an outside seating area. The inside is nicely decorated indeed. We were seated immediately and our server wasted no time in accomodating is with water and limes. They offer still, tap and sparking water. They even have limes for your water, upon request. Every server that came to us, was so nice. They ensured to all is if we had any allergies more than once. I love that because they really care about the health of their customers and the experience they have while in their restaurant. Such a lovely ambiance. Great food suggestions by the servers. I had the organic chicken entree and my wife had the beef shank entree. I ordered the Iced strawberry matcha and my wife had the peach one. We both agree that the peach one was THE best. Although the strawberry one was a definite runner up. For appetizers, we had the beinget and I forget the name of it m. But it had grapefruit and blood oranges in it (Def a bit too spicy for my palate). Our food came out hot, plated well and delicious. We throughly enjoyed our food as we tried one another's. It was a very very pleasurable experience. Please take time out to come and dine here. Your will not regret it.

We came half an hour before noon and waited another half hour to get a table. Food is a little pricey. There are some hits and misses in my opinion. Kanom Krok and Café drinks are good. Lava egg over rice on each lunch plate we ordered is a hit and delicious. Sizzling Skillet: Gaeng Hun Le is right on for spiciness, flavor and portion. Fried rice is chewy and blended well with some spice. Pork is soft and very pleasant to chew. Though grilled pork jowl flavor is OK, there are a lot more fat than meat. Nam Prik Ka is a little off on taste. Though there are some namprik (spice paste) on each slice of slow cooked beef, the taste is not blended well together. It might be nice if beef is cooked in a curry or something. The lady who served us was very nice. If we ever come again, we might try Sai Oua.

The food was delicious although relatively expensive compared to other fusion brunch places. It was quite busy so the food does take some time to come out. The green sauce that came with the Hokkaido Scallop Seasonal Special actually paired better with the Grilled Pork Jowl as it cut on the fattiness and complimented the meat whereas the scallops were much more delicate in flavor. On a sunny day, the outdoor seating is hot as there is limited shade. The restaurant is small so groups of 4+ will have a long wait.

It's very cozy breakfast restaurant with warm welcome when you are step in. Tanzie's is offering Thai northern style food, we order Ka-noom Kork for sharing and main dish we go Sai-ou and scallops egg with full flavor dipping sauce. I very enjoy my soy milk with Thai beignets, it very good combination when the weather is cold outside. The service is top notch, they take time to introduce the menu and always come check up on the food. I definitely have to come back for Gaeng Hang le because it's available after 11 am. Highly recommend to try Chiang Mai Thai style breakfast

Go to Tanzie if you’re looking for a different experience! The food and drinks are creative and definitely highlights the flavor of the food. The wait time is a variable, but it’s definitely worth the wait time😁. Unless you get there early expect 30 minute plus wait time.

Went in on a Saturday for brunch with friends. They were very busy and did not take reservations. We sat after our full party had arrived. It was my first time here and I felt it was just okay. They didn't have a lot of options on the menu. I ordered the bagel plate and shared it with a friend who ordered the potato cakes. The bagel was good ( hard to mess up a bagel!) but the potatoes were bland. We also stopped at the bakery attached to the restaurant. I got cookies and brownies for the family. We all had the same opinions of very dry and not good for the pastries.

When Bette's announced that they were closing we were crestfallen.....and then Bette's announced that its staff would be opening again as The Oceanview and we were relieved. The food here is solid if a little overpriced. But that's fine: it's worth it and the clientele in the area can support the place longterm. I mean, Bette's was Bette's for _decades_ and you don't remain if your food isn't up to par. Especially on 4th street. The service can be a little slow but it's understandable; I've never seen them underwhelmed. The menu is generous and Darryl treats each dish like he invented it. Which might actually be the case, but no matter. We've never been disappointed. Just _go_.

New to Oakland and this is the only place I’ve eaten twice in the two weeks. The best pancakes I’ve ever eaten, both times. It’s hard to describe how fluffy these are. Staff super friendly. Coffee constantly filled. Real syrup. I don’t want to eat breakfast anywhere else.

Great location in the middle of a great little part of Berkeley. Old diner vibes with good food to match. It met expectations and was definitely a place that I would try again. The salmon hash was great and the biscuit. Oh the biscuit. Somehow the biscuit stayed nice and hot throughout our time there.

A classic diner at its best. The souffle pancake is worth the wait! Pretty good coffee too.

Haven't been here in years, and was not disappointed. Just as good as I recalled, or better. Yummy eggs, oh, so! soft, just perfect! Delicious latte. Friendly folks all around. Not cheap, but well worth it. No one should start the day with a disappointing breakfast!

Amazing food and service — it truly made my day! The latte was surprisingly good, far beyond my expectations.

Really had a great time at this restaurant as the vibe was really enjoyable. Parking can be tricky but you might be able to get a space right out front. We enjoyed the catfish, gumbo and fried chicken. The waiter informed us that both the catfish and crawfish are flown in daily from Louisiana. That’s how the food tastes like it’s from NOLA. Also loved the beignets for desserts.

This restaurant perfectly captures the vibe of NOLA - jazz music, weathered walls adorned with tiled crocodiles, trinkets, and trumpets. The service is super cheerful and quick. We ordered Angeline's Gumbo, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, and Beignets - each dish was rich, deep, and full of flavor, nearly perfect. We loved everything so much that we even ordered extra to take home. I can’t wait to come back and try more of the menu. Definitely one of my best NOLA experiences in the Bay Area!

Angeline's was a very tasty authentic southern meal and I was excited to have Abita root beer for the first time in a while. We got the BBQ shrimp, Mac & cheese, and etouffee as well as the bananas foster bread pudding. It was all really well made, and served hot. It was filling and definitely delivered the Southern comfort that Creole/Cajun food promises. The service was also really great and attentive.

Nice spot for Louisiana (creole) food! The shrimp tasted great and the fried chicken was awesome. The green beans looked like they were just steamed and not necessarily sautéed or anything but the sauce for my creole shrimp made up for it. Outdoor seating is nice and service was very friendly and attentive. A little pricey but I didn’t mind given how good the food was and the portions are generous.

Needed reservations bc this place gets busy fast. We had the kiddos, and they offer crayons and color pages. Our favorites were the fried grits, fried catfish, arugula salad, and mac & cheese. The catfish was on the thin size, but the batter and seasoning were on point.

Everything we had was delicious! Catfish Poboy, mac & cheese,hush puppies, bowl of gumbo, the Arugula salad, and the banana bread pudding. Everything was spectacular.

Me and my friend shared the alligator hash and a side of andoullie and brussel sprouts- Perfect portion for us, and ABSOLUTELY delicious. Great service, sweet souls and smiles. Will certainly be back! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

Great service and nice ambience. Food was pretty good! Very fresh, but perhaps could use some more attention to detail. Wasabi was not hand ground. Soy sauce was rather generic. Tempura was over-fried. Scallops were also a bit over done. Wagyu skewers were perfect though! Quality of sashimi was also very good. Overall not a bad choice for Japanese in this area.

Solid 5! Delicious food. Great service. Lovely decor. We shared a salad and tempura for lunch and both items were delicious with wonderful flavors. They have a large bar selection and personable staff. Reservations recommended. It was a bit loud indoors.

The vegetable tempura was inedible. The waitress suggested it. Maybe because it was a to go order. First time I’ve been this disappointed. Whatever oil they used seemed off and/or left in too long. Soggy. It was over salty and could barely see a veggie. Mostly batter. 🙁. This tempura looks nothing like the picture on website which is filled with of veggies! Hoping for a better meal next time to go or it in restaurant.

Ordered two bowls of ramen, the food was decent, but definitely overpriced. And since we seated outside, the atmosphere was not the best. They charged extra for egg in ramen. We ended up spending $89 for just the two bowls of ramen with some extra noodle. While we understand inflation is a thing, this is over the top.

Everything we’ve tried has been excellent high quality, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. The staff are friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend if you’re looking for great food in a pleasant setting.

We stopped in for lunch on a sunny Friday in November and sat on the patio. The service was impeccable and the food delicious. Our table had a breaded chicken dish, the grilled salmon, a roll, and the tataki appetizer. Everything was fresh and served quickly. I would return!

Creative, fresh, good atmospheric beats, nice patio - able to bring the pup. Seafood Pancake was very tasty, and bluefin tuna fish good. Miso soup had depth and salad a nice dressing. The ramen was solid, but maybe not standout

What can I say about Top Dog that everyone else hasn't already commented on? The vibes are just as expected, and true to what should draw you in. It's an old fashioned place and it works. You go in and order a hot dog, there's a few side orders like potato salad or chili. I love chili, but I wanted to try out the potato salad. Honestly, despite it not being store bought (according to who I asked) it was definitely leaning towards that taste because it was a little sweet. However, it had a texture that made it feel classic, and I appreciated that. I asked about their popular hot dogs and was pointed in the direction of the Hot Link. Genuinely, I was surprised over how small it was (ha ha). As someone on the shorter side, I want to struggle a bit while l eat a hot dog. HOWEVER, it was perfect for what it was, which is: a hot dog with toppings in accordance with what YOU like and what's YOUR desired amount or whatever YOU want to omit. In here, you're the "Top Dog" (unless if a worker makes you feel bad I guess, according to some other reviewers, who should just cry about it instead). I like a place that runs a good deal. For 6-7 bucks I got a Hot Link with free toppings of sauerkraut, relish, onions, ketchup, and mustard (didn't spot the mayo or anything else I would've added it, like a person of culture), along with a potato salad side that's put in an 80z--but definitely still has space to move around--container. I devoured the hot dog on the way home. A close to 8 minute experience. The bread wasn't too soft, the perfect slight crunch, mixed with the straight of the grill hot dog was heavenly. The toppings added to the flavor of the sausage and toned down the spiciness. The sausage wasn't that big compared to the roll, so the toppings were mostly on top (I would recommend opening your own roll and placing some toppings deeper inside, or get ready to take some strategic bites). It probably took about 6-8 minutes with ordering and waiting for it to be ready. In that time, I chatted with the man behind the counter. He seemed really nice and considerate. Very patient with my pondering and questions. Very kind to other customers who came in as well. I will say, it's deserving of a total 4.5 stars. It's close to perfect. I would recommend spending 16 or more minutes of your lives to come and buy a hot dog (at least once) from Top Dog.

What a treat. Total hole in the wall joint serving some of the best grilled dogs you’ll ever find. No seating, it’s grab and go all the way, but that’s part of the charm. The owner has that perfect mix of crusty and friendly that makes the experience memorable. I had the brat and the garlic frank, both fantastic, smoky, and served on a perfectly grilled sesame bun. Prices are super reasonable, especially for the quality. They take cards, but cash moves faster. Drinks are basic but fit the vibe. You’ll probably pick up a quick dose of Berkeley street philosophy while waiting in line, which just adds to the fun. Open late, fast service, and full of character. Bottom line a must-stop gem for anyone near campus. Grab two dogs, some chili, and enjoy the nostalgia.

Top Dog, with spots in Berkeley, Piedmont, and Oakland, is hands down one of the best hot dog joints around. It’s super local, affordable, and fast. They offer unique options like lime chicken or mango jalapeño, and even the fountain drinks are special, made with cane sugar. I’ve been to both the Berkeley and Piedmont locations, and the vibe is always great, with lines out the door even at 1 AM. I can’t get enough!

If you love hot dogs or even just like them as a snack, give this place a test. The higher ratings for something as simple as a hot dog speaks for itself. Nothing fancy about the dogs except for the nice flavor of the meat. Juicy, crisp hot dog break, simple toppings. It’s a small shop so there really isn’t room for lounging around here. It’s an in and out situation, but the weight isn’t terribly long. I’m sure it can get hectic on game days and or events at the university it is next to. Saying that, parking can be hectic too. There are paid spots on the street, but very limited, but there are garages around. I don’t know if there was a whole staff but the man and cook of the hot dogs was friendly and helpful with the small questions.

I’m so excited to visit Top Dog. The food here is absolutely amazing! The lemon pepper chicken hot dog was bursting with flavor, and the sauerkraut. So good I had to wash my hands for 40 seconds just to come back down to earth. Everything was fresh, tasty, and clearly made with care. Can’t wait to come back!

Tiny little hot dog place that is a true staple of Berkeley. I am rarely here sober and I love it every time. The chicken apple sausage is so rich and flavorful - always cooked to crispy perfection. Served on a crunchy exterior, soft interior baguette. Very cool interior, been around since the 60s. Fun place to drop by. Always a line but never a crazy wait, always worth it!!

As out-of-towners visiting from PA, we were told we have to visit Top Dog on our way to Memorial Stadium while we were in town to see a Cal football game while visiting our daughter. We were glad we made that part of our trip. This place is a Berkeley institution. On game days, they have an outside grill going outside of their little indoor shop to help expedite ordering, which was a great idea. They provided their four most popular sandwich options and plenty of condiments to speed up fulfilling orders. If you want to order more customized sandwiches, you can go inside and deal with longer lines. But the outdoor ordering worked perfect for us. Prices are very reasonable, and service was super friendly. And the dogs/brats/sausages were all awesome. They had four really good options, and we tried all of them and weren’t disappointed. Check it out next time you’re in Berkeley!

What a lovely cafe! It was my first time here and my boyfriend and I came to celebrate our anniversary. We were greeted by friendly faces and live music which they said is just on weekends. When you arrive you order at the front and then they bring your food to your table, so there are no servers who take your order at the table. There was lots of outdoor seating and limited indoor seating. The chai latte was the MOST authentic chai I have ever had at a cafe, the spice was strong and such a delicious experience. I am vegetarian and I ordered the Leila Vegetable Wrap and as the complimentary side I got country potatoes. As I mentioned earlier this was my first time here so I don’t know where they keep the salt and pepper shakers because there were none of the table and the potatoes were definitely in need of some but this was something minor. The potatoes were still delicious and had fresh rosemary. The wrap was yummy but there were lots of the peppers and was a bit overpowering, but if you love feta cheese and that type of Mediterranean food then this dish is perfect (I’m not the biggest fan on feta). I will definitely come back to try their other vegetarian dishes, I was happy to see the various veggie options they had. My boyfriend got the Leila Burger with fries and he is still raving over the fries! They were unique and probably the crunchiest most delicious fries we have had. He also enjoyed the burger. We will be back!

Came here for lunch on a Thursday to meet up with a dear friend. We sat outside on the patio and there was plenty of seating. The food was delicious (I ordered the fish tacos and my friend ordered the grilled zucchini sandwich). We also ordered hot tea and they each came with their own little kettle. We were able to stay and chat a while after finishing our food, and it was a lovely setting for catching up.

From the Outside I would not had expected what inside held. It was very cute chic outdoor patio filled with plants, fountains, unique artifacts that decorated the area. From a vintage stove top, to a glass window. It was unique and it seemed popular with the locals. No table service, they do have you take your drinks yourself and if you need any condiments I heard the server say " its self service to a lady" , but they do bring you your food out. A lot of selections , and interesting drink choices. The ambiance is chill and chic and perfect for brunch. They are only opened until 3p and parking is rough.

Overall, it was an average experience—some dishes stood out while others were just okay. The good: Veggie tyab – packed with flavor; perfectly seasoned veggies, fresh dips, and soft lavash bread. Body healer latte – unique mix of ingredients, but they balanced the flavors well. Appreciate the variety of lattes on the menu! The okayish: Regular latte – coffee tasted almost burnt. Pancakes – not as soft, flavorful, or well-presented as I’ve had elsewhere. That said, I’d come back to try more of their offerings. Plus, the outdoor seating is beautiful and dog-friendly, which I loved.

They’ve always been a great establishment. Large indoor and outdoor seating. But I did notice a high turn over with the staff and a couple of meny that would camp out at the front that felt more like bouncers than welcoming hosts. Doesn't stop me from coming here of course. Today was my first day back in quite awhile and I was impressed with what feels like a freshness in the approach to management as well as a useful allocation of funds for the $15 omelet we have been purchasing long before pandemic prices. Lucky for us that price has also stayed steady after the pandemic. Walking in I was greeted by two young(er) people behind the counter with warmth and a cohesive vibe between them. By the way I don't pretend my opinion matters, I just have to wait for several hours til my car is ready at the mechanics and I have loads of time to write this. They were gracious enough to explain they were dog friendly and suggested several spots that my small pit mix and I could get comfortable. We chose the backyard, the main selling feature for me coming here to camp out, and it was such a fresh delight. They have manicured the space down to every square inch. The large tables have not been replaced but they have bought a few new chairs and cushions. They removed some of the more overgrown foliage and the space just feels brighter and cleaner. The bathrooms have also been repainted and new art has been added, but the lighting is still too dark. If they could add a light above the mirror or a multi light fixture above and use yellow LED’s this could improve the bathroom experience greatly. All and all I am very happy they are still in business, still serving delicious, health breakfast, and improving their space for us to enjoy.

This food is Mediterranean to Middle East food. It is amazingly delicious. This was just a random place we came to eat and we are very happy that we did.

Cafe Leila is a gem! Fantastic service, really great atmosphere with a gorgeous and huge back patio... Plus all of the food was tasty. I had the Greek omelette, which was very flavorful and a good portion. We also both had the ginger tea, which was a highlight of our breakfast. I will definitely return! Bonus points for the free parking lot, which was extra clutch being located right off of San Pablo.

Excellent pizza! The hostess was not very welcoming. The downstairs area is small and nice. The upstairs is plain. Outside is small. We preferred the Sicilian style. Grandma style was a bit too crunchy for our tastes. Well worth the visit. Make a reservation and ask for the downstairs area.

Food was top notch! Went here yesterday and had some awesome pizzas! The waiter did mess up our order (brought out the margarita one instead of a different one we asked for), but I’m not going to complain because it was still so good!

I ordered The Standard Detroit Style. All the toppings work well together, very delicious. The cocktails are great too, I ordered Buona Sera and the Ibisco di Fuoco, definitely recommend those. Looking forward to coming back again 🤘

Got La Regina Detroit style to go. The dough was perfect and held strong but also still soft and airy. So good! The crust had some caramelized cheese on it which you'd think would make it even better but for me it was just a tiny bit too much. Woody and salty. I would definitely return though. Looking forward to my next visit!

Good pizza but perhaps avoid the pastas 🫣 Next table had thick crust pizzas that looked amazing, so might come back for it next time!

Yummy, yummy! Highly recommend that you have reservations. Also, highly recommend that you try more than one crust - meaning at least two different ones. This place rocks the pizza and the salads are great...but don't sleep on the meatballs! These little guys almost stole the whole show! So good 😊.

Amazing pizza! We had the Sicilian and the NY style pizza. Both were delicious and authentic. Definitely worth a visit!

I really really want to love this place. As a New Yorker for 20 years I was so excited to try Boichik Bagels back when they first opened their first location on College! They were the closest thing to Murrays in the area. I moved to Albany a few weeks ago and excited to frequent their 6th street location, I have been sadly disappointed, not in the bagel itself but the staff is not at all knowledgeable and the bagel sandwiches have been a miss the last 3x I have gotten them. The first couple times I had them in the store so I could get them adjusted, but yesterday we were driving to Marin after we got them and so it was not possible to get them remade. The issues: 1) I ordered two of the tuna specials, that came with red onion and cucumber. I then walked over to the wait area. They were not very busy, so I mentioned to the sandwich maker to be sure not to put on tomatoes on our sandwiches (the special was suppose to have cucumbers not tomatoes anyway but I got insecure when I saw him put tomatoes on someone else's order). When we got to our destination I opened mine and the first issue is that there were tomatoes on both sandwiches, large pieces that were embedded in the tuna and hard to remove, I have developed an allergy to non-organic ones so I do not eat them out anymore. 2) The consistency of the tuna was so wet and runny, which was a stark difference to what we had before, it was essentially inedible as the tuna was second to water and mayo. 3) To top this off one of the bagels was cut so unevenly that the top was not holding any of the sandwich, so again not possible to eat as a sandwich. When you train someone to make a bagel sandwich, and for those who understand the issues and joys of eating them getting the cut right is critical. For the cost of these bagels it is really absurd that the staff is not better trained in making them. Again I have eaten bagels for decades, and these are great, but the sandwich aspect is not a done deal. Not sure I will try the sandwiches again as you want to feel like the staff gets your order right and confident in the consistency of the recipes, inconsistency is a huge negative mark for restaurants of all kinds!

Had to check out the Boichik Bagels hype! I didn't know what to expect so I checked out the menu ahead of time and decided what I wanted before going in. It was fairly easy to pick what I wanted, but if I'm picking up multiple bagels, it might take some time and get a bit more complicated. Step 1, pick your bagel. Step 2, choose untoasted, toasted, or dark toasted (extra toasted). Step 3, pick a spread. Step 4, add salad or fish. Step 5, add veggies. It was my 1st time here, so we got a bunch of different bagels and spreads. First order was an everything bagel with a seasonal strawberry creme spread. The seasonal cream cheese sounded tasty and it happened to be strawberry! I got it toasted and I was surprised how much spread was inside the bagel, it was a hefty amount! The everything bagel was extremely seasoned, some might find it too salty. I rarely or almost never get a sweet spread on an everything bagel, but I was glad I did here because the sweet and milky strawberry creme paired well with the salty everything bagel, to my surprise! I ate half right away and it was delicious, but once I got home about 20 minutes later the bagel started getting tougher. I'd recommend eating the bagels right away or toasting them at home if you can't eat them right away, at least that's what I will do. Second order was a pumperthingel bagel a chive spread, toasted. Wow, this was another great option, lots of flavor in the bagel and it's hard to go wrong with a chive spread. Same with this bagel, it was best fresh and it was still good once we got home, but not as soft inside. They filled the spread massively onto this bagel as well, covering all the holes, see the pics below! Third order was The Classic, which has chive cream cheese, nova lox, tomato, red onion, and capers! Wow, that was a tasty classic Lox bagel, the name does it justice. Highly recommend if you want something more than just a bagel and spread. Parking can be tough on the weekends, but drive a block or 2 away and you should find parking. There are a lot of options for each bagel so it might be helpful to have a few menus posted at the line area so people can decide what they want before they get to the cashier to order. I didn't know what the seasonal spread was until I got to the cashier since there was a signage there. The everything bagel was well seasoned, but it may be too salty for some people. It's great that they added so much spread to the bagel, but again it might be too much spread for some people. I think next time, I'll either eat the bagel toasted on-site fresh or take it to-go with spread on the side and toast it when I'm ready to eat it!

I purchased a dozen bagels to go. Better than the area's average traditional NY style bagel. Unfortunately, consuming bagels my whole life at what I thought were fair prices, I can't get past the $3.25/bagel cost.

What the heck did I stumble upon... The best bagel shop ever?? Small lobby area with a little bit of seating. I had never been here but I found my way to the register where there was no line and I had a couple minutes to ask the cashier what to order. I ended up with the eggything bagel with the hatch chili and chive cream cheese and oh my goodness 😋 the bagel was perfectly fluffy but toasted at the same time and packed with flavor. Also loved getting to watch the bagels being made as I waited two short minutes for my order.

I’m a fan of Boichik bagels and came to check out the factory line. Sadly the sesame bagels we got were stale texture and unevenly toasted. Some real feedback here. Had a better Boichik bagel at the resort we stayed at defrosted from the freezer. Go figure !? Another review said it. Don’t expect warm fresh bagels at the factory.

Great stop for some of the best bagels in the Bay Area! They have the classics and some! Their coffee selection was quite minimal and very limited outdoor/indoor seating. Parking is street parking only and mid morning on a Saturday had about a 5-10min wait for the line

Came here with my boyfriend who grew up in NYC eating bagels there. His everything bagel with plain cream cheese itself was good but the experience surrounding the bagel was not. The first indication was when he ordered the bagel, and asked for it toasted and to be toasted dark. The employee taking his order grumbled something about only being able to choose “toasted” or “untoasted”. Boyfriend was confused why asking for it toasted dark wasn’t a thing, but he ordered it toasted anyway. I couldn’t get a bagel for myself because they had run out of the gluten-free (and vegan) bagels I was so excited to try. When the boyfriend received his bagel, it was cold (as in room temperature) - which didn’t make sense if it was toasted. Then we realized they committed one of the worst crimes you can with a bagel - pre-toasting them and then letting them sit around. On top of that, the bagel itself was a little overpriced and then a whole $2 for cream cheese? No thanks. The experience probably would have been better to get the bagel there itself, take it home and toast it, and have your own cream cheese. While it seems the owner and CEO accomplished their goal of having the “best bagels in California” or whatever, that only applies to the bagel itself. Pre-toasting a bagel only to have it get cold from sitting around just epitomizes the factory and soul-less nature of the company. Add to that the unfriendly nature of their employees, we’re not sure we would come back.

My husband and I enjoyed an incredible multi course meal last month with our dear friends! The service was AMAZING! We felt cared for, with thoughtful gestures from the moment we entered the restaurant. The Chef and his team created mouth watering dishes that absolutely delighted our senses! Cocktails were perfect! My God what a wonderful experience! We WILL BE BACK!

I hadn’t dined this well in a long time! We had a celebration of autumn ingredients with delicious squash and mushrooms. Squash tortelli was incredible, with the homemade apple mostarda for a unique and authentic flavor. Mushroom tagliatelle was just perfect, both the pasta itself and the sauce were superb. We also had the steak which was also perfect, and the fresh arugula and Parmesan side made it delightful. Excellent wine list, classy service and elegant atmosphere. Perfect place for a special dinner.

Wonderful restaurant with a great bar and relaxed atmosphere. The rockfish and grilled bread were absolutely amazing — full of flavor and perfectly cooked. Great spot for a casual meal or drinks. Will definitely be coming back!

The branzino was excellent! The combination of the slightly sweet corn puree with the pickled onions & cucumbers, with the salty delicate fish with crispy skin worked very well together. Excellent dish with an unexpectedly delicious combination of flavors and textures that didn't feel heavy. The steak was also very good - great flavor, cooked perfectly. Nice outdoor patio with heaters. Service was great. Cocktails were good as well.

This restaurant is one of our top choices for date nights and special celebrations! We've returned many times, and each visit confirms why we love it. The food is fantastic, and the servers are friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Due to its popularity, the place is always bustling, and the tables are a bit too close together, but the experience is well worth it.

Still the best staff, the best drinks, the best vibe, and hands down the best Florentine steak in Northern California, all coming from a open-air kitchen with a heartbeat, and chefs and administration that know what people want and keep everything on point. Highly recommended for your next special day. Place is kind of small, so I would recommend bringing an intimate date there as opposed to a huge family. Justin who works the bar makes some of the best drinks in the East Bay. All in all 10 of 10. So good in fact, that I utterly forgot to take pictures. And there it is! Maybe when I dig up some of my old Florentine pictures from when I went there a couple of years ago I will post them

Came here because of the reviews and was disappointed. First off the service was not good. We stood at the greeting podium for a good ten minutes before anyone even acknowledged us while staff ran to and fro. After we sat down it was a solid 15 to 20 minutes before we were asked for our order. I understand the not rushing but at least come say hi? We ordered only water and were never offered refills. We did notice other tables had bottles of water at their table to refill themselves but our table was not given one. I had to ask someone to please refill our water. Just felt neglected. The food was decent. We started with a salad that was crunchy and well seasoned. My husband had the grilled shrimp. He said it didn’t taste right. It was slimy too. Perhaps it was pre cooked? I had the beet ravioli which to my taste was undercooked. I think al dente is great but when it is hard no bueno. It was only hard at the folded end. The other end was cooked fine.

Excellent pre-theatre restaurant. Quick and friendly service. Really tasty food, well prepared and presented. As appetizers, we had Kenebec potato chips,duck confit legs, and focaccia with three dips, all perfect to start. Then margarita pizza - sauce tasted out of a jar but really good base; little gem Caesar - good dressing but so-so croutons, and crispy pork belly -the star dish. All in all, great food and pretty good value. Great atmosphere.

Revival Bar & Kitchen is not a Berkeley student haunt but a fully realized California brasserie—an urbane retreat with spacious booths in dark crimson leather, antique mirrored headboards, and a long, warmly lit bar. The televisions are few; the noise is culinary. Scrawlings on butcher paper nod to its locavore ethos, while an open kitchen sends out the unmistakable sounds of real cooking. Bartenders are unfussy and quick. Fieldwork beers pour well, and the whiskey shelf is deep. What distinguishes Revival is rigorously local sourcing: Northern California meats, produce, and seafood, nearly all within a hundred-mile radius. The baby-back ribs, house-ground burger, Painted Hills steak, and wild king salmon are consistent standouts, well-prepared and seasonally attuned. Wines are chosen with intent, cocktails lean classic, and nothing feels overdesigned. It’s a restaurant that thinks like a city spot—discreetly stylish, serious about food, and just earsteps from campus and downtown. Highly recommended.

I was so hungry and exhausted. I didn't want to dine in a samll.whole.in the wall with quick food. I knew ai wanted something good. I came to the corner of the block and found Revival. I am very impressed with the presentation of the food, the warm ambiance inside. Plush seats and open space. Open bar very classy and upscale. Out server was polite, nice and informative. He was patient and offered good suggestions. I will make this my new spot.

OBSESSED! Delicious, fresh, delicate food. I could eat here everyday. The restaurant is also such a cool vibe, with rustic interiors and attentive waiters.

My favorite restaurant in Berkeley! If you’re looking for seasonal food that is creatively assembled revival is perfect. The menu definitely defines and expands upon California cuisine 🙏🏽✨✨✨⭐️

Friendly and welcoming staff, creative cocktails and excellent food. I enjoyed the Gardens of Babylon cocktail (which includes mezcal, white tequila, Douglas fir and beet), local Tomales Bay oysters and wonderful seared scallops in an apple cider reduction over mushrooms, spinach and delicate squash. Great meal.

A really nice spot for dinner or even appetizers. Great place to meet before a show and after.

Great place for dinner or lunch. The sauces made both items more delicious. Potato puffs were great, as usual. I liked that they had a lean steak sandwich option. The lamb sandwich has been a little too fatty for me. So, I like that they had healthier options.

Check your order and open your box before you leave. I trusted them, and my potato puff was one puff short, received 8 instead of 9. I arrived in person at 11:15 and was told in person order starts at 11:40 when they opened. However, they accept online orders before 11:30 so there I stood in front of the staff on my app ordering food to go. Interesting way of balancing technology and customer service. Credit card surcharge back to the customer.

The quality of chicken sandwich has become average from excellent. It used to be one of my favorite sandwiches anywhere. I noticed they changed the bread which was soggy and lower quality than it used to be. The amount of slaw was very little and chicken was overly fried. I hope the owner brings back its original quality of excellence.

My fried chicken sandwich was very tasty with perfectly prepared, moist, tender chicken and a French roll. The customers at the tables outside all had potato balls and were raving about them, so I tried these with Parmesan. The sandwich portion was large enough I wasn’t able to eat more than one of the potato balls, which were good if you like fried mashed potato. (Not my thing.). The fries looked even better. There were many different vegetarian sandwich options, and all sandwiches were available as salads. The outdoor seating was limited but pleasant. On a bad weather day you’d have to grab and go as there is no indoor seating. The staff were friendly, the service was quick.

Very cute place and great food. Very crowded generally but we visited in off campus season in May on Sunday so was not crowded.

IG: @foodsbysachi This spot is conveniently located right by campus and offers some delicious sandwiches, salads, and of course POTATO PUFFS!! Wow lemme tell you - they were worth the hype. So crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Their sandwiches are BIG and filled with so many fresh and delicious ingredients. The dessert was also super good - the chocolate fold pastry being my favorite 😍 Hands down will be visiting this cute spot again!! Note: Their menu changes every quarter so make sure to visit often to try all their items! They have limited indoor and outdoor seating and only street parking.

I really enjoyed the food here! A local in the area recommended this place since they constantly have a rotating menu. You never know what they will have! They have a self-ordering kiosk window or you can order online for pickup/delivery. I lived for the Steak and Brie sandwich! Creamy rich brie cheese melted on top of tender steak and a sharp dijon mustard sauce. This was incredible! Three of my favorite ingredients packed inside of some good quality bread. Definitely worth the $16+ spent. My favorite though? DEFINITELY the potato puffs! They were so tender and delicate. The perfect mashed potato texture in the center. Dunk it in the yellow curry sauce? HEAVENLY! My only critique is that they're really heavily salted. I'm curious to try the different flavors of potato puffs in the future.

I never regretted a burrito purchase until tonight… $20 for a burrito ($19.73 with tax), you gotta be kidding me… I thought at least it’s a hefty burrito, nope just wrapped up in two layers of foil. Like fully wrapped with two distinct sheets of aluminum foil. Unfortunately it appears that the same wrapping enthusiasm was missing during the construction of the burrito as it began to unwrap with the first bite and fell apart entirely by the end. The disappointments did not end there. They put salsa in the burrito, but you might be better off sucking on a handful of jalapeno seeds which probably have more flavor. Usually there is great reward with hot salsa as it packs so much flavor with the punch. This was just the punch again and again. Ask for the salsa on the side if you would like to taste your food. And you know what, I could let it all go if it was a $14 burrito but nope paid $20 for what exactly? What’s next? $30 burritos will be the norm before the end of the decade? This has to stop somewhere. So many good spots for a burrito in east bay and this is NOT one of t hem.

Delicious tasting Mexican food with a lovely patio in the back. Prices are a little more expensive than other Mexican places but they do have quality food. Recommend going to try their breakfast menu!

I came here on a whim and I liked it. The food was good and generous portions. They mainly have outdoor seating and limited indoor seating. Very friendly staff and a nice chill vibe with families and couples.

The flavors are .. delicious!! Authentic flavors in their cooking! From the soft tortillas to grilled veges and the meats! Omg. A must try!! It’s kid friendly as well, a family style friendly spot!

Great food and will definitely come back. In particular their chips and guacamole are delicious, crispy tacos and plantains are good and their horchata is delicious. I agree they have they have the best mole but they skimp on adding the sauce to their burritos and flautas. Both were a little dry and there was so little mole sauce I couldn’t fully appreciate its taste. Plus it would have made all the difference in enjoying both these dishes. I asked for more mole for the flautas.

This place never fails me me and my family loves coming here. The food is delicious fresh every time customer service is always good me and my family love to get the chips and salsa and add guacamole to the side. My husband loves the burritos. Their fish tacos are phenomenal. I love getting their Huevo rancheros. Their nachos are really good. I just don’t have nothing bad to say we love coming here as a family it’s clean they’re professional food always delicious. Customer service is great highly recommend.

We just had 2 burritos in the patio, they were quite good, way above the average, and generous in quantity. The patio next to University Ave is nice, with plenty of tables with enough intimacy. Prices are high, though, $36 for 2 burritos before tips is also way above the average.

Authentic Burmese cuisine in a comfortable and private setting, with an extensive menu and excellent service. My only suggestion would be to better differentiate the dishes, add more variety to particular dishes, and do more to make the space fee more lively. Overall, highly recommended as a solo or group dining area option.

Best Burmese in the Bay Area. Every dish I have tried here is superior to the other Burmese spots I’ve tried. The atmosphere is fantastic and they try to make your experience memorable every time. I love their samosa soup and tea leaf salad.

Our second time at Royal Rangoon. Feels like you cannot go wrong with the food here. I would have given a five stars but yesterday, the restaurant was busy and that created some room for a little bit of delay in everything. But overall, a pleasant experience.

This is a great place to eat Burmese food. Usually not crowed but it is better to make a reservation. Thanks be of the owners is really friendly and smiled at our little one. Place is quiet and we’re friendly to our child. Parking was not difficult Friday around 6 pm. Recommended to small and big groups.

This place is absolutely delicious! Family owned with great vibes. Been coming here for many years and the quality of the food and service has remained consistently great. Every time I go I get: •Tea Leaf Salad-seriously, a MUST try •Burmese Pork Curry •Coconut Rice •Palata w/Coconut Chicken Curry I have had other dishes(honorable mention to their garlic noodles!) and really liked them as well so definitely try a few things! Royal Rangoon was the first Burmese restaurant I ever tried and since then I’ve been to others in the area but none of them compare!

Overall it's pretty good, though the dessert was a slight letdown. The tea leaf salad is a favorite, always recommended. Also tried the basil chili lamb and chicken biryani. The lamb was great, the biryani was decent. Coconut rice doesn't have as pronounced of a coconut flavor as other places. For dessert we tried the sticky rice with mango, but the mango was not ripe at all: instead it was hard and slightly sour, definitely not a good complement for the rice. We mentioned this to the server but after checking with the kitchen he said they didn't have any better mangoes. We got some ice cream as well - that was ok. Would pass on both desserts next time unless they had ripe mangoes. Overall it's a decent value in terms of taste/price.

Nice atmosphere and solid food with many vegetarian optiosn (4/5 green stars also) I’ve been to Royal Rangoon (formerly Rangoon Superstars) three or four times and it has always been a good experience. The interior is large, with a mix of tables and booths, and the staff members are always pleasant. The salads (tea leaf or rainbow) are a good choice if you’ve never had them and their garlic noodles (with tofu) are good too. Beer selection is not that exciting but there are a couple of decent local choices (Trumer, Sierra) and a range of other options from oolong tea to nigori sake. Good place for vegetarians and I just noticed that their veggie dishes cost a good bit less than meat or fish dishes. Most of the veggie main courses are $10-12 (for dinner) and there’s a very wide selection. Look forward to trying more! I’m also giving them 4/5 “green stars” for social and environmental impact based on these reasons: Positives: • A lot of vegetarian options on the menu. • They support the community by offering special rates for community events and school functions. (They also offer student discounts.) • As far as I remember their to-go packaging is fairly sustainable (mostly cardboard). Room for Improvement: • Could replace some of their mainstream imported beer with local options. • I can’t find any info on ingredient sourcing – more transparency there would be good. Interested in writing green star reviews? If so, contact me! (greenstarsproject)

Traditional diner food collides with K-Town pop at this spot. Come hungry because the portions are generous. The Benedicts have a nice kick and the French toast is all kinds of filling. Fun spit.

This place has literally been on my bookmarks for years now and I finally made my way here. We made reservations a few days in advance and had to change last min, they had plenty of open spots for reservations. The vibe is very Berkeley. Cool, non pretentious and just chill. We were seated promptly and our server approaching us within minutes with water. When you're dining with kids, these things matter. Here're the dishes we order and their review: Mimosa- 10/10 obvs KFC & rice for the kids - 10/10 the chicken was nice, crispy and flavorful and they devoured it Millionaire's bacon - 10/10 good portion thick cut 2 slices that's a bit spicy and tangy and sweet Eggs in Purgatory - 9/10 sorta tastes like French onion soup with lots of onions, it's tangy, has bacon. It comes with 1 piece of bread. That's the only -1 point here. There's so much sauce and 1 piece of bread just doesn't cut it. KFC Benedict - 9/10 chicken is great, flavors are great. The -1 point is for the hollandaise sauce which wasn't spread out or abundant enough :) Definitely recommend it

Uncomfortable Seating Overshadows Dining Experience Our recent visit here was unfortunately marred by extremely uncomfortable seating arrangements. Our group of five was initially squeezed into a table for four, leaving me as the fifth person awkwardly positioned on the side with no space for my legs. This made for a very uncomfortable start to the meal. The situation worsened as our food arrived. Plates were delivered one by one, and with no room left at the table, I resorted to balancing my plate on a pillow in my lap, sitting a foot away from the table. It wasn't until a friend noticed how uncomfortable I was when she intervened and requested to combine our table with an adjacent empty two-top that we finally had adequate space, a request that thankfully was accommodated after a manager's approval. It became clear this wasn't an isolated incident. We observed several other tables facing similar dilemmas: two-tops with three people crammed together and another five-person group at a four-top. It raises the question of whether maximizing reservations is prioritized over basic customer comfort. The service itself was okay, with friendly staff. The host, though, seemed a little intense. for the food, it was decent but nothing special. And honestly, dropping $300 on a where you're basically squished into your seat? That's not ok. You shouldn't have to deal with basic comfort issues when you're paying that kind of money.

Berkeley Social Club is my all-time favorite spot whenever I visit Berkeley. It's super close to the downtown BART station, making it an easy stop, and I love strolling through the nearby tea shops and bookstores after a meal--it's the perfect way to spend the day. The space is spacious and beautifully decorated, with a warm, inviting vibe that makes it perfect for any social gathering, just like the name suggests. Whether I'm meeting up with friends or having a relaxed solo meal, it always feels like the right choice. But what keeps me coming back is the food--especially their Jjamppong. The Jjamppong is packed with rich, spicy broth and fresh seafood that hits all the right notes! Every visit is a satisfying, feel-good experience, and it's always the first place I recommend when someone's heading to Berkeley!

i love coming here for brunch omg it’s soo yummy my fav is the korean fried chicken waffle ❤️❤️ and the ube latte was rly yummy

It was over 2 years ago that I ate there and never wanted to go back. The server was rude to us for no reason. I didn’t really understand why he was rolling his eyes or looked annoyed when he was writing down our order. I guess they don’t really care about their service since it’s a college town and it’s usually students who dine there.

Amazing food, service and atmosphere. Definitely a lot of younger people especially since it’s a college town. Be aware no substitutions are accepted on weekends or holidays since they are pretty busy. They do have a limited kids menu that even my picky eater enjoyed. Didn’t get a chance to try the millionaires bacon but they were able to cook my kid’s bacon just to his liking (extra soft). The Korean fried chicken was TO DIE FOR. It was juicy and moist on the inside (even the white meat) while has a crisp crunch that wasn’t oily at all outside. The pickles that paired the spicy pork sandwich were crunchy and sour so it fit well to cleanse your palate after eating a mammoth sandwich. The eggs Benedict was easily one of my top 5 eggs Benedict I’ve ever had. The pairing of sliced fried chicken under the gogujang hollandaise was perfect. Next time, I’ll definitely need to try more and get the ube latte (or dirty ube latte!) I got the passion fruit unsweetened ice tea which I wish had refills because it was so good! Can’t wait to come back.

I was up on Telegraph looking for Weasel Rimrubber's lost dog Splatter, the hair lipped albino water dog from Portugal. I thought I saw him duck into Sliver Pizzeria, but when I saw that dog...it had 4 legs, and Splatter only has 3 ..So I decided to have a couple of slices and pass out photos of Splatter and mention the reward and the fact that he only understands Portuguese. It was my 1st time at Sliver Pizzeria, and the pizza was Amazing! 5 ☆☆☆☆☆!

Running errands the other day on Telegraph Ave, my partner and I decided to eat at Sliver. We ordered a half pizza bc we were inbetween lunch and dinner and just needed a snack. But the half comes with two extra slivers. It was so good and the service was excellent too! Our pizza was ready in 5 minutes and they included the green sauce and limes. They also had three TVs showing baseball, basketball and football, kind of the same sports vibe it had when it was located on Center Street. If you like Cheeseboard, you will love Sliver!

Fox News on repeat at this "pizza with a social conscience" place... The irony. We asked the employees to switch the channel as the Fox News segment was actively spewing false information, and they said no. Didn't even want to engage. We mentioned that we felt disrespected and disturbed watching this segment and they just shrugged and ignored us. Photo proof provided. Great food, dishonest messaging about their so called "mission".

Honestly i never bought pizza from this place, it's usually my friends or my colleagues who bought this pizza whenever we have party. I do love the taste. It's flavorful. It is a thin-type pizza. One of the most recommended pizza in Berkeley

So fricking awesome omfg. Cheap good eats. I’ve never been to a pizza place that has dipping sauce/salsa and it was phenomenal.

The pizza and salad if the day were both delicious, though I was surprised there was no sauce under the cheese. The green sauce on top of the cheese was great, I just wish I knew I could get more at the sauce bar before I had finished! The bathroom situation is a little underwhelming, but I'm grateful for any customer bathroom on Telegraph. There was a trash can holding open the Men's door so I walked by some guy as he did his business 😅 But again, glad there ARE bathrooms.

Despite the pizza being good I don’t want Jesus proselytizing quotes on my pizza! WTH? I won’t be ordering there again

Absolutely incredible experience! This was my first time at an Ethiopian restaurant, and I’m so glad I chose this place. I ordered vegetarian food — the spiced tea, sambussa, and the veggie platter — and hands down, it was some of the best food I’ve ever had. Every bite was flavorful and unique. What made the experience even better was the amazing service. The staff took the time to explain what each dish was, which made it feel welcoming and thoughtful. You can tell they really care about sharing their culture and food. Highly recommend — I’ll definitely be coming back!

Pro Tip: Go for the meat and vegan sampler on a big plate—it’s the perfect way to taste a variety of stews in one go. Every bite had something unique to offer. We also tried the lamb tips, which were melt-in-your-mouth buttery and absolutely delicious. Shoutout to our server, who was incredibly patient as we bombarded him with questions about the different spices used in the cocktail menu. Speaking of cocktails… we may have ordered half the menu—and loved every single one. Here are the standouts we’d come back for: 1. Lion’s Mane – The shai kemin spice steals the show here. Complex, bold, and unforgettable—this was hands-down my favorite. 2. Give Them the Beans – Think espresso martini meets boozy chocolate milkshake. Rich, smooth, and indulgent. 3. Garden of Eden – Sweet, floral, and beautifully balanced. A refreshing contrast to the bolder drinks.

Pretty good actually. The service was fine, good for Bay Area standards. The bathroom and the interior were clean and well presented. There's an open kitchen here. The injera was food and their kik alicha was supreme. If you like mashed potatoes, it's that exact same texture as that but with split peas. The vegan sampler was excellent. The meat sampler was rough. Nothing was really good imo. The mushroom tibs were great. The chickpeas are rubbish, don't get the mitten shiro.

First time trying Ethiopian food, was not disappointed! Got the sampler to split between two, and it was definitely enough food. I didn’t realize that when they ask if you want Injera, which is like the bread/rice option you see at other restaurants, they provide it as a separate charge and that the plate came with some (it’s actually the base of it), so I wouldn’t have ordered extra. The sampler was varied with several options, and the flavors very tasty - perhaps the only downside was the actual amount of chicken for some of the samples was a little small. For the price too it wasn’t outrageously expensive either, though it is on the pricier side.

My favorite Habesha restaurant!! The food is so good! The lamb tibs, atakilt (cabbage) and shiro (puréed chickpeas) are my favorites. I would say skip the doro wot (it’s 2 chicken drumsticks, needed salt). The tibs portions are more generous than most Ethiopian restaurants. The sambusas (samosa) were super fresh. The beef was great. The lentil ones were super spicy and too hot for me. The service is impressive. Our waitress gifted us baklava. It was so fresh I could taste the rose water. They have real injera that is gluten free but make sure you ask for it. And hands down Ethiopian food is the most delicious vegan/vegetarian food ever. Every time we go the place is packed but we typically walk in without a reservation. The inside is lovely and there is outdoor seating in the back.

Great ambience and service. As soon as you enter you are transported to a different world, with the colors and the aromas. Service is super friendly. Try their platters, sambusas and honey wine. Buy some spices on your way out.

We’ve loved this spot for a long time — it’s been our go-to in town, and we’ve had so many great meals here. That’s why our most recent visit surprised us a bit. Several of the dishes we normally order tasted different than usual, and a couple seemed to have dipped in quality. Nothing was bad, but it didn’t quite match the consistently excellent experience we’ve come to expect. We’re hoping this was just an off night, because when they’re on their game, they’re truly fantastic. We’ll definitely be back, just crossing our fingers for the old magic next time.

We ordered online and our order was ready for pick super quick... we tried a variety of rolls, to be fair I’m not much of a sweet tooth person! But my mom is and really enjoyed her apple pecan roll. Definitely glad I got to experience cinnaholic!

Right now they are only doing online orders from their website for pick up or delivery services like DoorDash. I visited this place once 10 years ago and then again yesterday. Was blown away both times but this time I think I enjoyed it a lot more because we planned what we were going to order ahead of time. You can choose from their many frosting and topping choices. The possibilities are endless!! We studied their menu and ordered what we thought would be the best combo. 1 cinnamon bun with cream cheese frosting, raspberries and graham cookies and 1 cinnamon bun with raspberry frosting, blueberries and pie crumbs. They were out of some of the toppings I had seen on their online menu, maybe their toppings are seasonal or something. It was sooo delicious, we loved every bite of both! The cream cheese frosting with raspberries was probably my favourite. Definitely visit in you're in Berkeley and it's a worth a trip if you're not! Everything here is vegan!!!

The cinnamon rolls were large and delicious. My family loved it because It wasn’t too sweet. However, I wish the caramel pumpkin cheesecake roll had a little more pumpkin flavor. Also, the price is a bit expensive.

If you're in the area and there's a Cinnaholic you should definitely stop by! All of the rolls are vegan! I took some die hard Cinnabon, non-vegan friends here and they loved it. We tried a variety of rolls and enjoyed them all! The only 'gripe' my one friend had was that the brown sugar chunks on the pumpkin spice roll were huge.

I got the cinnamon roll with peanut butter frosting and cookie dough as a topping and I totally loved it! It was my first time eating here and I’ll definitely come back when I have the chance! Also, I didn’t know they were vegan, which makes them even better! Cruelty free and delicious! 😋

We had the cinnamon bun with marshmallow frosting and peanut butter cups on top. So delicious! Could not believe it was vegan. So decadent and rich. We also got a scoop of cookie dough with frosting and pie crumble on top. We couldn't finish it was so sinful.

These are very indulgent and great to treat yourself (or a friend!) every once in a while. The cinnamon roll itself was very fluffy and came warm, and the frosting was very rich - not sickly sweet, but just about right. There are many topping and frosting flavour options, and it was initially a bit overwhelming to choose, but the staff was very nice in offering recommendations. I ended up with chai frosting, topped with pretzels and caramel sauce - super decadent and amazing!

Ah, I do appreciate that this is a dedicated vegan restaurant, but for us, it just was miss. My aunt (not vegan/plant-based) didn’t enjoy the fried “chicken” that she order on her Caesar salad. I tasted it and understood why, it had that weird , spongy, seitan texture. The salad alone is good because their dressing is excellent. I ordered the mozzarella sticks and Jalapeños Business. The inside of the mozzarella sticks didn’t give the cheesy pull that I’ve found at some other spots, it was more cakey. The marinara and breading was tasty, but I did not care for the cashew cheese’s texture. The flavor of the Jalapeño Business was good, but the texture was a miss for me. The highlight of the meal, was the pickle; they have some of the best pickles. For the two of us, we were definitely disappointed with the meal. I don’t see me trying this spot again; not willing to spend $65 on a meal that was so dissatisfying.

Lots of great options, tried the Ruben, Buffalo Chicken and the cheese sticks. As with most Vegan restaurants the food comes close to hitting the flavor comparisons but not usually the texture. Same here, that said I'm still coming back to try more of their many different offerings. We liked everything we ordered, in order the chicken, cheese sticks and Ruben.

Love this all vegan sandwich place! pricey ( like everything else these days ) but worthy indulgence once in a while. tried pastrami Rueben was phenomenal. The jackfruit sandwich was just ok. kale salad with Jackfruit was good but my absolute favorite is the pastrami Reuben!

Steak and cheese. The idea is not to expect the same as an old Philly cheesesteak. But it brings the same joy when eating it. It was packed and could barely take a bite without it all shooting out. Nice hearty roll, flavorful steak and plenty of cheese. Added cooked onions, lettuce and tomato. Hit the spot. Side bacon Mac and cheese. Love this side dish

The Butcher's Son is one of the genuine 100% vegan restaurants on the planet! Their buffalo chicken sandwich is fabulous and the fried artichokes was on point perfect crunch to the bite mmmm...def would order that again. Small but super cute restaurant awesome service...I still say Chicago dinner in Chicago is slightly better but I still 100% recommend!

Solid vegan eats, with a large variety of fun and exciting options like fish bites, lobster roll, garlic parm fries, and chicken parm sandwich. Overall as a carnivore, I did enjoy my meal and would recommend everyone give these fun meat alternatives a try.

The portion sizes are large. The fries are great but a bit oily. Don't expect the sandwiches to taste like the meat equivalent.

One of the few higher-end vegan places in the Bay area. This is my first time here. I don't think I will make another reservation and drive one and a half hours from the South Bay to eat here. That being said, it is a solid choice for a nice all vegan experience. It's just probably not the best value for money (and time, if you are coming from more than 30 minutes away). All the dishes are well executed, but nothing to write home about other than it was full vegan. I do like that they source local ingredients and keep a rotating seasonal menu. The desserts are very well done, a good amount of tartness to make it feel like a nice light ending for the meal. The place is also a bit crowded and noisy for the money charged per person.

I’ve been coming here for years and love this place. The fried mushrooms are a hit and they have seasonal menus which is great. The only downside is the portions and some of the dishes. Sometimes there are some complicated dishes or things that could be done a little more simple with a lot more impact, if that makes sense. I think y’all should take the burger off the menu and replace or do seasonal burgers to spice it up. Please also bring back brunch and more pizza! The Bay Area is lacking in vegan brunch we need you! The kitchen is great and the staff are so professional and kind. Love this place.

One of the most disappointing vegan meals I’ve had, especially given the price point. I really wanted to like this place after hearing so many good things. As someone who’s often vegan when dining out—and a lifelong vegetarian—I know how flavorful plant-based food can be (just look at Indian cuisine). Sadly, this missed the mark almost entirely. The only highlight: Corn riblets – Surprisingly delicious with a flavorful sauce; the one standout dish of the night. The letdowns: Melon gazpacho – Oddly swung between overly sweet and too salty, though the texture was nice. Crusted oyster mushrooms – Dry, with a mismatched sauce and a very basic slaw that didn’t add much. Vesuvio pasta – Overly salty; only just passable as a main. Eggplant tonkatsu – Felt unnecessarily heavy, lacked sauce, and had too many forgettable components. Corn risotto cake – Lacked flavor overall, though the grilled broccoli was decent. Overall, I left very disappointed. Maybe it was an off night, but based on this experience, I wouldn’t return.

the rigatoni was spiced but was dry, the sauce was chalky and undersalted the tempeh itself was good but the rest of the dish was underwhelming, the carrots and jicama had no seasoning (raw unsalted carrots for a $26 dish), i was hoping it would be at least pickled or seasoned the pumpkin mochi was good though! creative with edamame pesto for a $75 for three dishes i was hoping there would be more flavor

The food was outstanding! One of the best vegan meals I’ve had! I could drink the peach-habanero jam from the oyster mushroom dish. I also had the mung bean crepe - the tofu tasted like paneer. The sweet soy glazed eggplant dish had so many unique flavors. Couldn’t tell that the pistachio apricot cheesecake was vegan. Wish I lived here to enjoy more of this menu but will be back on my next visit to the Bay Area.

thank you millenium for the birthday dinner, everyone was so nice and lovely, also very accommodating when i asked if they could turn the music volume down to make the dining experience nicer for my hard of hearing great aunt, who now thinks oat milk cappuccinos are better than regular cappuccinos, so a big win. the saffron aioli with the arancini was amazing, the orange creamsicle ice cream was delicious, and i loved the lions mane steak 🫶🏼❤️‍🔥

Friendly, attentive staff. Delicious vegan food that I’ve never tried or heard of before. Beautiful and comfortable atmosphere as well.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hands-down one of the best Salvadoran food spots we’ve ever been to—seriously! I came here with my whole family, and we all left full and happy. The food was incredibly tasty, and the entire experience from start to finish was smooth and enjoyable. We were seated right away, and our waiter was very nice and super fast. The place wasn’t crowded, which surprised us because the food was top-tier. It’s a great spot for large groups—plenty of seating, very comfortable, and we were never rushed. We loved that the drinks were refillable (huge win when you’ve got kids), and the prices were very reasonable for how much food you get. The variety of pupusas blew me away—so many options and all made fresh. My wife was especially happy with the pastelitos—they reminded her of the ones she used to get during recess back in Nicaragua. I tried one too, and yep, they were delicious. We were also given two complimentary containers of curtido and two bottles of red sauce, which we really appreciated. They didn’t charge us for either, and both were flavorful and authentic. I ordered the lemonade—lightly sweetened, super refreshing, and perfect with the meal. If you’re anywhere near here, don’t skip this place. You won’t regret it!

Been here twice and liked both experiences. The pupusas are tasty and they have a house salsa that is very spicy, which we love! Their ensalada beverage is very refreshing and great to sip after eating some of said salsa. The second time around we ordered the Fried fish. Overall had some nice flavor but was too fried and tasted more like chicharon. We'll stick to the pupusas.

The place was packed when we got there. We went their during lunchtime, so we tried their lunch specials #3, #4, and #9. Lunch special #3 comes with 2 pupusas, plantains, casamiento, and sour cream. Lunch special #4 comes with 2 pupusas, casamiento, and chicken tamale. Lunch special #9 comes with 2 pupusas and a small tropical salad. We also tried their horchata, atol de elote, fried yucca, and chicharrones. Pupusas were good but needed a little bit more flavor, so we all pretty much used up an entire bottle of the sauce they provided us. Plantains were cooked really well. Chicharrones was delicious, too. Overall, it was a good experience.

10/10 would visit again when I'm back in the area. Authentic and delicious--my partner and I shared a lunch special and some yuca fries and it was a good portion. The yuca fries didn't come with sauce, so we tried dipping them in the tomato sauce and crema. The crema was a great impromptu sauce! Completely wiped the plate clean.

Plátano is a salvadorian restaurant with delicious Pupusas 🫓!! The Pupusas sizes are large and can fill you up. There are many other typical salvadorian plates to enjoy as well. There are plenty of seats and the restaurant size is pretty large for a space in Berkeley. Service was great and the food was yummy. Parking around this area can be a challenge, so be prepared to circle around a bit if not trying to park in the structure/garage.

Really delicious and authentic food. The pupusas my friend got was delicious and the ribs I got had fantastic flavor. The service here is a bit lackluster and we sat around without water for over 30 minutes and it didn't help that the entree prices are a bit high. The pupusas however are great value and quite filling.

Very good papusas service was excellent and courteous. Loved the plantains as well. I don't recall my drinks name but it was fruity and refreshing.

Excellent value, the combo sets are pretty delicious and reasonably priced. The restaurant is small and dated, but it is well kept up. The fresh mango with sweet rice dessert is fantastic!!

The best family thai restaurant in the east bay!! An amazing family owned resturant that has served the community for years. Amazing food and the best people.

My favorite restaurant in Berkeley! After living in the area for the past five years, this eventually became comfort food for me. Try out their spicy fish, cashew, and mango fried rice dishes! Tony and the rest of the staff are also some of the most warm and caring people in the business.

I’m a Berkeley native and I’ve been coming to this place for years, their customer service is top notch.. my go to is the Duck noodle bowl, duck is roasted to perfection, the noodles are come in a sauce that’s not spicy but sweet and it pairs well with the duck and romaine lettus. Love this place, it never disappoints 😊

I live nearby but only discovered a few months ago; I’m very impressed with the duck and bbq pork . The staff is very kind and attentive … prices are low in comparison to other Thai places .

Ordered takeout lunch for the office here. They prepped 20 meals and everything was on time and delicious. Great place for some Thai food

Bangkok Thai Cuisine: A Delicious Trip to Thailand I recently had a fantastic meal at Bangkok Thai Cuisine, and it was a delightful trip to Thailand without leaving town! The Pad Thai was a real standout. It wasn't just delicious, it was perfectly balanced. The sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice all played together beautifully. Every bite was a flavor party in my mouth! The veggie rolls were another winner. They were incredibly fresh and packed with flavor. The crispy lettuce gave way to a delightful filling making for a satisfying and light starter. Overall, Bangkok Thai Cuisine impressed me. The food was fresh, flavorful, and authentic-tasting. While I can't speak to the entire menu, both the Pad Thai and veggie rolls were fantastic. If you're looking for a delicious and affordable Thai dining experience, I highly recommend giving them a try!

Food was good and very well priced. Very comfortable to hang out for a little while as it was midweek and not too busy. Only quibble, I don't like thier home fries; oddly sweet.

I had a omelet, but it was a scramble instead, they tossed cheese on top, with no flavor and very expensive, bagel and omelet was over $40

The food is ok. The portions are not that big. Ordered 2 eggs+... but the egg was over cooked and probably they used the same pan as the one they used for the sausage and so the egg was smelling a little like burnt cooking oil. The coffee was good and I enjoyed it. Price was not bad .

I've been the last year on the hunt for the best breakfast burrito around. And although I felt satisfied previously with what I've found out there, without a doubt. This is the best burrito in the Bay area. I had the Baja breakfast burrito that was huge in size and portions inside. Perfectly cooked with excellent service will be coming back. And the coffee is incredible

We went to this place for brunch and really enjoyed ourselves. It has a dog friendly patio with lots of chill doggos. You order at the counter and the waiters bring the food to you. We ordered the lox scramble, the pesto omelette and the French toast with fruits. I was especially surprised by the omelette in a good way. Somehow the way they cooked it (with cheese a little browned on top) produced the perfect texture and flavor. The spicy potatoes were also very lovely and succulent. Loved my rye toast. I liked the lox scramble, personally a bit salty, but still delicious. The French toast was a bit more milky flavored than eggy...and I would have preferred a bit more eggs but still okay. Overall very happy with the food especially the pesto omelette 👌

The food here was not good. It tasted burnt and undercooked. Don’t know how that’s accomplished. I bought the food and just left it there. I got a latte and it was fine but just wasn’t that great either. The service was okay, but they definitely don’t go above and beyond. Do not recommend.

Average brunch experience. The lox scramble was a solid 3/5. Potatoes not cooked all the way, way too much onions in the egg scramble. A lot of the menu items you see in pictures on Google and yelp are no longer on the menu. Nice outdoor dining

SO good. I came here at least 30+ times over the past year and was never disappointed. The ramen is delicious, and they have great veg options as well. (daizu no chikara) miso is a must try, veg or not, really hits the spot. only downside is that it is $25+ everytime, so certainly a bit pricey but worth it imo. (all the pictures are from seperate visits LOL)

The food favor was bland, salty, and cold. The noodle was warm and all the sides were cold. There was no broth. The price does not match the quality of the food. First and last time at this place. For 4 people we spent $146.00 - 3 bowl of ramen, two sides, sushi (15 minutes wait), side of cucumber, 2 drinks. We ordered a side of broth and it was salty. So disappointed. 😔

Food: OK, solid for US ramen. Nice to be able to get Hakata style. Broth was solid, presentation was lacking but not terrible. As lunch, this bowl of ramen did not leave me feeling disgusted at the amount of food and oil consumed, which I think is a failing in the world of ramen. It lacks the carefully put-together excess that should be present. Price: too high. Without adding the $4 egg, my $17 bowl of ramen was fairly simplistic and the portion size didn't feel like a serious indulgence the way ramen really should. I think this is one of the better options for ramen I've had in the bay, but as with most US ramen, the value is just not there and this value is worse than some other very solid I've had in the area. Atmosphere and Service: Nice, clean restaurant with attentive staff. The disposable chopsticks are cheap and do fray - not the end of the world. A few hand-trucks of ingredients came through the front at about 1pm - also not a big deal, but did have to interact with that on my way out. Overall very pleased with the atmosphere and service, no strong complains or issues. The Japanese menu wall art is a nice touch. Overall: For me personally, I probably won't come back, but if you're into the local ramen scene you'll probably enjoy this spot.

This was the second time I've been to this location and the first time was ages ago when it first opened. Service was prompt and the food was good. The standouts were the chicken karaage and Ramen. It was good and they did have a happy hour.

Ordered a vegetarian ramen, received the absolute OILIEST dish I have had in my entire life (not an exaggeration). Unfortunately did not take a picture, but my ramen was DROWNING in oil, where there was a whole inch of oil floating on a top. When I told a staff member, they seemed very dismissive, telling me it was "normal" but not offering to help at all. I know aroma oil is a component of ramen dishes, but this was an extremely excessive amount, at least a whole ladle of extra oil on top, and this is coming from someone who orders ramen from places often! Flavor wasn't good either, cannot recommend.

One of my favorite ramen places! If you get a bun, the chicken bun is a must-have. The crispness, crunch, and the sauce are incredible. The noodles were well-cooked and the broth was delicious. My friend and I shared one bowl and it was the perfect portion for us since we had a late lunch and stopped by a dessert shop before an early dinner. We thought we had to wait for 20-30 minutes for a table for 2 at a busy dinner hour but we didn’t wait long! About 15 minutes. Reasonable prices, and friendly staff. When we come back we’re trying the other buns and getting extras of the chicken bun!

🍜 Karaka Spicy ramen was 3/5. It tasted like a savory nutty stew (not my favorite). Comparing this ramen to ichiran and Ramen Nagi this ramen reminded me of curry with ramen toppings. Noodles were too soft for my liking. -have to come back and try the other ramen flavors and see if I like them better. 🧆Karage not the best. Just ok. 🥟Bun medley was ok. Service nice and fast. Atmosphere: large space, nice and airy, comfortable to sit in big group.

the margherita pizza is so delicious. i literally only order it everytime, to the point that they know my name with my order HAHA. super authentic, delicious, and the staff are really friendly as well. I'm lucky to be able to go as often as I do, and i love the food here so much!!

The food was really good. The standouts were the Calamari Fritti, Caponatta, and the Cosacca. The Ruccola was the only dish that felt flat, but tasted fresh. Service was good and we luckily did not need a reservation. Would definitely return and it's recommended!

We ordered the brussels sprouts as an appetizer, they were delicious. My wife and I each ordered a personal pizza, I feel like they were almost watery. As soon as you picked up a slice, it dropped down and all the toppings fell off.

I was up on Shattuck at the Pillerbox Auditorium for day 1 of the 5 day Rickin-Sticktillian Debate, and Lecture on the pitfalls of attending any of the UC campuses particularly UC Berkeley! Being just right around the corner from the restaurant Lucia's of Berkeley was a huge bonus because I could just walk over there and leave the trunk parked in Hobo John's driveway. I'll tell you..it was a big surprise to see a 1%er motorcycle club running the security there, but not as big of a surprise as the chicken pasta in alfredo sauce I enjoyed from Lucia's kitchen..it was Amazing. 5 stars all day long. ☆☆☆☆☆

The food was good, honestly alright for the area, but the price on the personal pizza for the size you get is outrageous. You’ll realize this once you compare it to other pizza restaurants in the area (🌹). It was about $40 a person.

What a great find. We were in Berkeley for a show and booked this place by just looking up reviews and by proximity. The service and food was phenomenal. We had a very tasty wine, a gem salad, gluten free pizza and a dessert. It was the best gluten free pizza I've ever had. I can't wait to go back.

Exploring more restaurants thanks to Restaurant Week! Food was all okay, and service was good. Calamari was tasty but not crispy. The vegan pizza was interesting and had good flavor but was soggy that and had to be rolled to be picked up. (Maybe because it's vegan?) Notably, there is a 20% service charge instead of gratuity. This was no problem because service was good (we always had drinking water!) and that is reasonable. The server also pointed out this service charge upon bringing the check- I appreciate them being upfront. There was no line on the receipt for a tip, so it didn't feel like you were being tricked into tipping twice. I hope this is also stated on the menu though. Pros: good service, parking deck one block away Cons: mediocre food, mediocre/slightly high prices for the area

We ate before our concert at the same venue. The Pot Pie was good. Charcuterie is standard, no complaints. Cocktails are decent and the service was fast despite it being a pretty crowded space. No reservations for groups smaller than 10 but we came in around 8 ish and there was room to sit for two of us by the bar immediately. Four cocktails and the food pictured only came out to $100. We will be back for snacks and drinks before our shows for sure.

Was looking for mocktails, bartender was kind and made a second drink since 1st one I didn't like. I was appreciative of the thought. Food comes out fast, I like the quality and presentation of happy hour antipasti. We also ordered French fries 🍟. I was not a huge fan of nachos

The food was flavorful and creative with plenty of gluten free options. I didn't try any of the alcohol since I'm sober now for 5 years, but I know they have a lot of beers on tap. We also saw a concert here and the sound quality was great. There was a large floor space for standing room, which was quite spaceous, and a balcony. My group and I saw MadNES, Powerglove, and Galactic Empire, and this was one of the coolest, most entertaining shows I've ever seen. We had a blast!

Saw a show here. Excellent live music venue. Friendly staff. Knew some of the band members and I know they appreciated the space as well. Had a great time!

Excellent beer and hard cider selection, friendly staff and excellent live music venue all in one.

It's a large support full bar and restaurant with many screens and projectors around. Great for sport watching, groups, casual hangouts and meetups. There are big runs for private parties with screen in the back. Not kids friendly on busy game days but could still be nice on regular days! Service is great with many responsive attentive staff. Foods are petty good American. I'd recommend burger fries sausage tri-tips pulled pork pretty much everything is good after couple pitcher of good beer 🍻😀

Joseph really took care of us, we had a huge party of around 30 people and we were sat and served in a very timely manner. Food was amazing, beer was even better! And they had wonderful N/A options for our non boozers. We will for sure be back!!