Chez Panisse Cafe ★ 4.7
A la carte cafe upstairs at Chez Panisse: wood-fired pizza, seasonal plates and farm sourcing. No month-ahead reservation required upstairs.
The restaurants worth the trip in Berkeley. bistros, neo-classics, neighbourhood favourites, and the rooms locals book first.
Our picks in Berkeley
Comal ★ 4.6
Michelin Bib Gourmand. Oaxacan-leaning Mexican: three-day mole negro, heirloom tortillas, mezcal cocktails. Fire-pit patio, packed on weeknights.
Ippuku ★ 4.5
Michelin Bib Gourmand 2026. Binchotan yakitori with heritage chicken, house-ground soba and a shochu list. Counter seating near Downtown Berkeley BART.
Great China ★ 4.4
Michelin Bib Gourmand 2025. UC Berkeley institution: Peking duck, Double Skin noodle salad, hand-made dumplings and an award-winning wine list.
Gather ★ 4.3
Farm-to-table Berkeley anchor since 2009 inside the David Brower Center, the city's greenest building. Weekend brunch is the best entry point.
Via del Corso ★ 4.2
North Berkeley trattoria: house-made pasta, rotisserie chicken and small Italian producers. Warm, unhurried room that works for both weeknights and occasions.
Funky Elephant ★ 4.3
Michelin Guide Thai in an unmarked West Berkeley industrial building. House-made curry pastes, non-tourist menu. Corn fritter and massaman lamb essential.
Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen ★ 4.0
New Orleans-style kitchen downtown: gumbo, etouffee, fried catfish. Weekend brunch includes Boudin Benedict and live music. Reliably loud, reliably fun.
Saul's Restaurant and Delicatessen ★ 4.1
Gourmet Ghetto deli since 1986. House-made pastrami, Acme rye bread, smoked fish and matzoh ball soup. California answer to New York Jewish deli. Open daily.
La Note ★ 4.2
Provencal breakfast and lunch since 1997. Lemon gingerbread pancakes, house-made preserves and lavender iced tea. Terracotta patio. Berkeley best brunch.
Tane Vegan Izakaya ★ 4.2
Berkeley 100 percent plant-based Japanese izakaya. Vegan nigiri, mushroom karaage and seasonal small plates. California organic produce. Sister to Shizen SF.
La Marcha ★ 4.2
Michelin Guide listed Spanish tapas: pintxos, wood-fired paella, serious house-cured charcuterie. Weekend brunch adds Gazpacho Bloody Maria and brunch paella.
Zachary's Chicago Pizza ★ 4.0
Berkeley institution for deep-dish stuffed pizza since 1983. Cheese first, toppings second, sauce on top: upside-down build. Order stuffed; expect a wait.
Vik's Chaat ★ 4.1
Michelin Guide Indian street food counter on Fourth Street. Chaat, dosas, pani puri and rotating thali specials. Next to an Indian grocery. Outdoor tables.
Tacubaya ★ 4.0
Michelin Guide counter-service Mexican on Fourth Street. Al pastor tacos, sopa de tortilla, tamales and house sauces. Weekend brunch adds huevos rancheros.
Gregoire ★ 4.1
Michelin Guide French takeout since 2002. Seasonal potato puffs, duck confit sandwich and potato gnocchi. Counter service, outdoor seats, no indoor dining.
Rose Pizzeria ★ 4.5
Nationally acclaimed. A 22-seat room: vegan dough, nine rotating thin-crust varieties, rose garden patio. Natural wine. Book on Resy; fills fast.
Bar Panisse ★ 4.3
Opened December 2025 by the Chez Panisse team. Walk-in only, no reservations, open daily. Seasonal small plates and natural wine in the former Cesar space.
Agrodolce Osteria ★ 4.1
Sicilian osteria in the Gourmet Ghetto. Arancini, pasta con le sarde, caponata and grilled fish. Less prominent than its neighbors; more loyal regulars.
Berkeley Social Club ★ 3.9
Korean-American all-day cafe with 40 craft beers on tap. Mascarpone French Toast and Crab Eggs Benedict. Open daily from breakfast through late dinner.
Revival Bar and Kitchen ★ 3.9
Sustainably sourced bar and kitchen near Berkeley Rep. Local oyster program, classic cocktails and kitchen open past curtain time. Good pre-theater option.
Cafe Bolita ★ 4.2
Opened February 2026. Short morning menu: tetelas, tamales and quesadillas from corn stone-milled on site. Limited seats. Open Wednesday to Saturday only.