The Gourmet Ghetto on Shattuck Avenue between Vine and Cedar is one of the most concentrated food heritage blocks in America. A self-guided walk covers: Chez Panisse (1971, the origin of California cuisine), the Cheese Board Collective (founded 1967, worker-owned since 1971), Acme Bread (1983, Bay Area sourdough), Peet's Coffee (1966, the origin of specialty coffee in America) and a dozen other landmark producers within a five-minute walk. Visit Berkeley maintains a printed guide available at the visitors center.
Edible Excursions runs a guided North Berkeley food tour departing from in front of Chez Panisse on Shattuck Avenue. The three-hour walk covers the Gourmet Ghetto corridor with tastings at landmark food producers. Thursday and Saturday departures at 11am. A knowledgeable local guide with deep East Bay food expertise leads the route.
Berkeley Bowl stocks over 700 produce varieties including dozens of heirloom tomato types in summer, 20 apple cultivars in autumn and rare citrus year-round.
