1. Want To Experience What True Decadence Is? Go Straight Chez Panisse
Chez Panisse1517 Shattuck AveBerkeley, CA 94709(510) 548-5525
Yelp: 4 stars -1,338 reviews
What hasn’t been said about Alice Water’s restaurant? As my mother would say, this is one of those “fancy” places.
Literally the home of the Californian food revolution, Water’s restaurant is the pillar of Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto where everything tastes like it was just plucked from the garden.
The menu relies on only local, seasonal ingredients and changes daily. Reservations can take months to get. But it’s worth it to dine like a president on her prix fixe menu and brag about it later to your friends.
2. The Cheese Board Is the Mullet Of Restaurants…
The Cheese Board1504 Shattuck AveBerkeley, CA 94709(510) 549-3183
Yelp: 4.5 stars - 563 reviews
...I know what you're thinking but stay with us here…
Like the mullet The Cheese Board has two equally awesome identities: Mild-mannered cheese and bread shop (business) in the front, amazing vegetarian pizza (party) in the back—with new variants daily.
The Cheese Board Collective is a co-op cheese shop in the Gourmet Ghetto selling over 400 different cheeses, espresso, and of course, pizza!
Thin crust, unique cheeses, veggie toppings, what’s not to love? Get it to go with a cool brew and hang out on the grassy median one sunny evening.
3. Dig Into The Delicious At Café Colucci
Cafe Colucci6427 Telegraph AveOakland, CA 94609(510) 601-7999
Yelp: 4 stars - 757 reviews
If you’ve never experienced Ethiopian dining, then oh boy are you in for a treat.
One visit to Café Colucci and you will be hooked on their messer-wot so much you’ll be mopping up every drop of their delicious sauces with the tangy injera and dreaming about it later.
Their denitch tibs will change the way you think of potato chips and their spicy coffee is
divine. (Fun fact: Coffee was invented in Ethiopia, so you can bet they really know how to brew a cuppa.)
4. Have A Tres Magnifique Brunch At La Note
La Note2377 Shattuck AveBerkeley, CA 94704(510) 843-1535
Yelp: 4 stars - 1,972 reviews
For a taste of the Provençal, head to La Note for rustic bistro dishes that will make your mouth water.
It’s a popular place for breakfast and brunch. The poached eggs and fresh squeezed juice will make you wonder how you lived so long without trying La Note.
Sure it’s a little cramped but the platter of perfectly served pancakes here is worth getting cozy with your neighbors.
5. For Out Of This World Craft Brews And Pizza Take The Voyage To Jupiter
Jupiter2181 Shattuck AveBerkeley, CA 94704(510) 843-8277
Yelp: 4 stars - 1,923 reviews
What better way is there to spend a sunny afternoon than relaxing with friends in a beer garden. None. The answer to that question is none.
Berkleyites know the best place to go is Jupiter which features a wide selection of craft beers and excellent food, for lazing away your Sunday afternoon.
The Jupiter Hefeweizen and Jupiter Amber Ale are great on a hot day, but those looking for more of a hoppy bite try the Jupiter Quasar, a double hopped IPA with loads of kick.
Jupiter’s pizza is (inter)stellar too! Meat lovers will go crazy for the Eutropia: Linquica, fennel pork sausage, green onions, smoked mozzarella and marinara.
For something a bit more adventurous try the Xanthia: thinly sliced potatoes, bacon, garlic, mozzarella, ricotta, and red chili flakes on an olive oil crust. Yum!
6. Start A New Meatless Monday Tradition At Nature’s Express
Nature’s Express1823 Solano AveBerkeley, CA 94707(510) 527-5331
Yelp: 4 stars - 255 reviews
Vegan food gets an undeserved (Ok sometimes desreved) bad rap. But turn your preconieved no meat notions on their head at Nature’s Kitchen where they serve some of the tastiest vegan fast food you’ll ever put in your mouth.
This restaurant is 100 percent vegan, designed to be fast, affordable and convenient. Which makes Nature’s Express a great place for anyone looking for a place that eating vegan more accessible and less about pricey kale smoothies.
Warning: Do not leave without trying the sweet potato fries and garlic dipping sauce. Your life will be vastly improved.
7. Have The Best Damn Brain Freeze Of Your Life At Ici Ice Cream
Ici Ice Cream2948 College AveBerkeley, CA 94705(510) 665-6054
Yelp: 4.5 stars - 2,630 reviewers
Yeah that’s right, over 2,600 reviews for
ice cream. This place is the best of the best.
It’s homemade (homechurned?) ice cream sold in a cute little shop that could be straight out of a Disney movie.
Be prepared for a wait (and wait… and wait), as the line will go out the door and down the street, guaranteed. But the truth is, its worth it!
Flavors change with the seasons but if they’ve got rose on the menu—Do. Not. Hesitate. And get one on a crispy, lightly sweet waffle cone.
8. Hey Little Doggies, Get Your A Fast Food Fix At Top Dog
Top Dog Hot Dogs2534 Durant Ave.Berkeley, CA 94704(510) 843-5967
Yelp: 4.5 stars - 1,450 reviews
Top Dog is the epitome of hole-in-the-wall fast food. Whether you’re stopping in for a dog on the way to school or stumbling by after a late night, there’s nothing better than one of their gourmet sausages on a toasty bun.
No server, no fancy menu. Grab your cup of apple cider and perch on one of their high stools while you wait for perfection.
Their spicy Russian mustard will have you crying so apply sparingly. Go for either an all-meat dog in a variety of sausages or opt for the vegetarian Weinie. Either way, you won’t be disappointed. This is Top Dog after all!
9. Get A Spicy, Delicious Pick-Me-Up A Vik’s Chaat Corner
Vik’s Chaat Corner 2390 4th StBerkeley, CA 94710(510) 644-4432
Yelp: 4 stars - 1445 reviews
The perfect cure for a hangover? Indian street food, of course!
Vik’s Chaat has been making hungover college kids (and everyone else to be honest) feel better for over 20 years with their delicious Indian pastries, curries and chutneys.
Pick up a dosa with the potato filling or be bold and try the pan puri with spicy chickpeas. If you want to try cooking these at home, Vik’s also has a delightful Indian food market.
10. Romance Your Date With A Picnic From Gregoire
Gregoire2109 Cedar StBerkeley, CA 94709(510) 883-1893
Yelp: 4 stars - 1,544 reviews
Your romantic picnic idea just went gourmet thanks to Gregoire. This delightful spot for picnic style food features light, fresh, perfectly prepared meals ideal for taking with you to a nature-filled locale.
Everything is fresh, local and straight to your tummy. The menu, with the exception of two side dishes, changes every month. Order their famous potato puffs with one of their to-die-for sandwiches. One bite and you’ll be wanting to take these little boxes everywhere.
11. Destroy Your Arteries In The Best Way At Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen
Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen2261 Shattuck AveBerkeley, CA 94704(510) 548-6900
Yelp: 4 stars - 2,256 reviews
Take in the ambiance of this NOLA-style restaurant while enjoying their mouthwatering hushpuppies and butter dip.
The cozy and romantically lit restaurant adds to the charm and distinguishes itself from other soul food places in the area.
And when it comes to lip-smackingly good comfort food, look no further than Angeline’s mac and cheese. You’ll think you’ve died and gone to N’awlins heaven.
12. Fight The Man With Coffee at People’s Cafe
People’s Cafe2015 Shattuck AveBerkeley, CA 94704(510) 666-0666
Yelp: 4 stars - 302 reviews
Sure the ‘60s were four decades ago, but the revolutionary spirit persists. Its also a college town and what do college students love more than anything (except maybe bars?)—cafes to study in.
Put those two elements together and you get People’s Cafe, where you can get a pot of tea or coffee and never fight over a power outlet again.
Enjoy the local flavor with some amazing simple, yet extremely well done sandwiches, bagels and wraps while sipping on a spicy hot chocolate or an organic soy latte.
13. Treat Yourself To An Intimate Night Out At Ippuku
Ippuku2130 Center StBerkeley, CA 94704(510) 665-1969
Yelp: 4 stars - 627 reviews
Step through the curtain and into a back alley, where diners sit on cushy pillows and nibble on savory Japanese tapas.
The trendy and oh-so chic atmosphere is perfect for a first date or an intimate night out with that special someone.
But don’t count on any sushi at this spot. Instead, chow down on their amazing yakitori.
14. Gather Up Your Foodie Friends For Dinner At Gather
Gather2200 Oxford StBerkeley, CA 94704(510) 809-0400
Yelp: 4 stars - 1,312 reviews
If you’ve got that friend that’s a true blue locavore Gather is
the place to take them.
This local spot is the quintessential Berkeley restaurant: a variety of dietary needs combined with fresh locally sourced ingredients.
Start with a vegan “charcuterie,” an appetizing platter of vegan nibbles, and polish your meal off with lemon and lavender sorbet or a fancy local latte.
15. Take It Slow At Slow
Slow1966 University AveBerkeley, CA 94704(510) 647-3663
Yelp: 4 stars - 357 reviews
Want to grab a tasty meal but you’re low on cash? Skip the drive thru and head to Slow.
Chow down on a gourmet sandwich that will satisfy your hunger and take it easy on your wallet.
Slow’s modest spot on University makes slow food as fast food a real possibility. Their BLT with house cured pork belly and juicy tomatoes will satisfy any lunchtime craving and the pulled pork sandwich hits all the right spots.
Feature Image Source: Flickr user Sharon Hahn Darlin
