Berkeley, California, is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene that caters to a diverse range of tastes and preferences. From gourmet dining to street food, this city offers an eclectic mix of flavors that reflect its rich cultural diversity and innovative spirit. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are some of the best food in Berkeley that you won’t want to miss.
1. Chez Panisse
Address: 1517 Shattuck Ave
Cuisine: Californian
Highlight: Farm-to-table dining
Founded by culinary legend Alice Waters, Chez Panisse is synonymous with the farm-to-table movement. This iconic restaurant offers a constantly changing menu that emphasizes fresh, local ingredients. The downstairs restaurant features a prix fixe menu, while the upstairs café offers à la carte options. The emphasis on seasonal produce ensures a delightful and unique dining experience each time.
2. Cheese Board Pizza Collective
Address: 1512 Shattuck Ave
Cuisine: Pizza
Highlight: Vegetarian pizzas with gourmet toppings
A cornerstone of Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto, Cheese Board Pizza Collective is beloved for its unique, vegetarian pizzas. The collective operates with a rotating daily menu, featuring creative combinations of cheeses, vegetables, and herbs on a sourdough crust. Don’t forget to grab a scone or a muffin from their bakery while you’re there.
3. Ippuku
Address: 2130 Center St
Cuisine: Japanese
Highlight: Authentic izakaya experience
Ippuku offers an authentic Japanese izakaya dining experience with an extensive menu of small plates perfect for sharing. Specializing in yakitori (grilled skewers) and other traditional dishes, Ippuku provides a cozy, intimate atmosphere that transports you straight to Japan. Their sake selection is also noteworthy, featuring a variety of high-quality options.
4. Berkeley Bowl
Address: 2020 Oregon St
Cuisine: Grocery store with prepared foods
Highlight: Wide variety of fresh produce and international foods
While technically a grocery store, Berkeley Bowl deserves a spot on this list for its incredible variety of fresh produce and extensive selection of international foods. Their prepared foods section offers everything from sushi to hot deli items, making it a great stop for a quick, high-quality meal.
5. Comal
Address: 2020 Shattuck Ave
Cuisine: Mexican
Highlight: Modern Mexican cuisine with a focus on Oaxacan dishes
Comal is a must-visit for fans of Mexican cuisine. The restaurant focuses on Oaxacan dishes, offering a modern twist on traditional flavors. With a lively atmosphere and an inviting outdoor patio, Comal is perfect for enjoying dishes like mole negro, tacos, and tamales, all accompanied by their impressive mezcal and tequila selection.
6. Sliver Pizzeria
Address: 2468 Telegraph Ave
Cuisine: Pizza
Highlight: Fresh, rotating daily pizza slices
Similar to the Cheese Board, Sliver Pizzeria offers a rotating menu of fresh, gourmet vegetarian pizzas. Their commitment to using high-quality ingredients results in a deliciously unique slice every day. Their garlic sauce, served as a side with every slice, is a customer favorite.
7. Kiraku
Address: 2566B Telegraph Ave
Cuisine: Japanese
Highlight: Innovative small plates and sake selection
Kiraku is a gem for those seeking innovative Japanese cuisine. The restaurant specializes in small plates that combine traditional techniques with modern flavors. Highlights include their uni spoon, agedashi tofu, and a variety of yakitori. Kiraku’s impressive sake list makes it a great spot for enthusiasts of Japanese rice wine.
8. Jupiter
Address: 2181 Shattuck Ave
Cuisine: Brewpub
Highlight: Wood-fired pizzas and craft beers
Jupiter combines the best of a brewpub and a pizza joint. Known for its house-brewed craft beers and wood-fired pizzas, Jupiter offers a relaxed atmosphere with a charming outdoor beer garden. Live music performances often enhance the dining experience, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
9. The Butcher’s Son
Address: 1954 University Ave
Cuisine: Vegan
Highlight: Plant-based deli foods
The Butcher’s Son is a vegan delicatessen that offers a wide range of plant-based versions of classic deli foods. From vegan pastrami sandwiches to dairy-free cheeses, their innovative and delicious offerings cater to vegans and non-vegans alike. The weekend brunch, featuring items like chicken and waffles, is particularly popular.
10. La Mediterranée
Address: 2936 College Ave
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Highlight: Mezze platters and wraps
La Mediterranée offers a taste of the Mediterranean with a variety of mezze platters, wraps, and traditional dishes. Their cozy atmosphere and flavorful, aromatic food make it a favorite among Berkeley residents. Popular dishes include the chicken pomegranate and their savory lamb dishes.
Conclusion
Berkeley’s culinary scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. From iconic establishments like Chez Panisse to beloved local favorites like Cheese Board Pizza Collective, there’s no shortage of delicious food to explore. Whether you’re in the mood for innovative Japanese dishes, hearty Mexican fare, or plant-based delicacies, Berkeley has something to satisfy every palate. So, next time you’re in the city, be sure to check out these top spots and indulge in some of the best food Berkeley has to offer.