Top 10 Places to Eat in Berkeley

Berkeley, though a quaint town, is home to a warm and welcoming community and boasts an array of culinary delights. Food enthusiasts eager to explore will find an eclectic mix of restaurants serving sumptuous meals, brimming with flavor and showcasing both local and international culinary influences. From upscale to casual dining, the city caters to diverse palates with its wide range of dining choices, including some inventive dishes that are a must-try. Let's explore the 10 of the best restaurants in Berkeley CA:

Comal is one of the well-known restaurants in Berkeley that offers authentic Mexican cuisine, there’s a unique Mexican touch to its interior design as well. A one-of-a-kind restaurant that serves the best burritos and tacos in town, it is known for its rich taste and food combinations that are worth trying.

Make a meal by pairing up your food with creative cocktails and enjoy being seated in a shaded patio with a hint of Mexican representation. Don’t miss out on chili verde and chochinita pibil which are among their best-sellers.

2020 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704

While looking for some cool places to eat in Berkeley, make sure Platano is on the list. This restaurant has been carrying its legacy of serving incredible Salvadoran cuisine at reasonable costs which means delicious food that weighs lighter on your pocket. Their extensive lunch menu may include rice, beans, and tamales in a deal, offering a hearty combo of Salvadoran meatballs with veggies or shredded beef with stewed potatoes and much more.

2042 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704

It is a cool terrace-style café that serves up a delicious brunch menu along with coffees and lattes paired up with some snacking options like burgers and salads. This place has an amazing vibe, a slight jazzy music is played in the background, and live performers are invited to create magic with their skills, ideal for lovebirds looking for a space to go on a date and enjoy some delicious baked goodies with an ambiance to remember.

1724 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702

This store is a favorite among those seeking Indian culinary experiences in West Berkeley. With its café-style layout, it offers a delightful light lunch menu featuring traditional Indian chaats. These include crispy papdi topped with chickpeas, boiled potatoes, and other tasty snacks like Mumbai-style pani puris, garnished with tangy sauces and yogurt.

2390 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710

One of the best restaurants in Berkeley, the Cheese Board Collective serves Italian cuisine at its best, amazing wood-fried pizzas served piping hot and oozing cheese to reflect the name of the restaurant. Since 1971, they have been known for serving delicious California-style pizzas with unique flavors and ingredients derived fresh from natural sources like farm-fresh mushrooms, corn, and other toppings. Their unique ambiance perfectly complements the menu, welcoming visitors to indulge in cheesy delight.

1512 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709

It is one of the most well-known restaurants in Berkeley CA which was founded by chef Alice Waters and a renowned film producer. This restaurant is known for serving quality food, ensuring premium meats and locally grown, farm-fresh vegetables and ingredients that make up the flavorful delights. The visitors love their wide range of dishes offering multicultural specialties served locally.

Due to this restaurant being so famous among visitors, it is suggested to book your dine-in slot in advance so you can avoid queues, and enjoy the menu it offers including snacks, salads, pizzas, and dessert range. Moreover, their interior gives off some antique laid-back vibes that add a vintage charm to this restaurant.

1517 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709

There are a variety of café-style restaurants in Berkeley, but this one stands out since it’s the only one that offers local cuisine of the Bay area. Initially, it was a pop-up stall which was later on transformed into a bigger project by Trevino and Medina. The Ottoy restaurant provides a unique blend of seasonal, traditional touches to the dishes by offering both vintage and modern recipes that uplift the mood and make the overall experience worthwhile.

Some of the best-sellers may include dandelion soup, oak flour brownies, quail eggs, etc.

2430 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94704

Delve into Thai cuisine, where the Wat Mongolkolratanaram, the Thai temple welcomes foodies from over the Bay area every Sunday for a flavorful Thai Brunch. If you’re looking for some authentic Thai cuisine to savor then this restaurant is the right choice offering their unique super sweet iced tea, warm soup bowls, green & red curries, coffee, pad Thai, and much more. This flavorful experience will make your day go wow along with added local performances where community members from the temple may perform traditional dances or play music, which adds to the ambiance.

1911 Russell St, Berkeley, CA 94703

Royal Rangoon features a family-friendly space and a great ambiance to remember, being known for its flavorful menu including tangy Chicken Kebat and tea leaf salad that has a uniquely addicting bitter umami flavor. The interior goes perfectly with the menu, adding to the perfect vibe of this restaurant.

2826 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705

Wrapping up Berkeley restaurant recommendations on a sushi-selling restaurant, as it is one of the popular dishes among tourists. As the name of the restaurant suggests, this restaurant serves all vegan dishes, from sushi to tacos and much more. They offer authentic Japanese food; even non-vegetarians complement the creative flavors and texture of their cuisine. Moreover, it’s an amazing snack spot to satisfy your late-night cravings for sushi rolls, sweet potato tempuras, katsu, and much more.

1956 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704
 

Undoubtedly, Berkeley’s food game is strong as it features everything from fast food joints to fine dining venues, and Italian, Japanese, American, and South Asian all sorts of cuisines - winning the hearts of the visitors with hearty meals showcasing outstanding culinary skills.

Plan your trip to experience the tastes of this vibrant city and learn why Berkeley is a foodie paradise