Welcome to discover the best restaurants in Berkeley. Berkeley continues to be home to one of the Bay Area’s most eclectic and diverse collections of restaurants, offering excellent Chinese cuisine, pizzas, and vegetarian options on every street corner. This vibrant city, just east of San Francisco, is renowned as the birthplace of California cuisine. While food enthusiasts might debate its origins, Berkeley’s unique culinary culture and history of culinary innovation firmly establish it within the state’s gastronomic legacy.
From the legendary Chez Panisse, a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, to trendy pop-ups, bespoke restaurants and urban wineries, Berkeley promises unforgettable culinary experiences. Its restaurants, chefs, and food artisans continue to impress with over 350 dining options, including a growing number of plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan eateries. Get ready and dive into the exploration of 8 best restaurants in Berkeley, CA.
Chez Panisse
Chez Panisse is absolutely one of the best restaurants in Berkeley. As a pioneer in New California cuisine, it revolutionized the farm-to-table movement with its commitment to quality local ingredients. The restaurant sources 75% of its produce from its organic farm and the rest from nearby producers within a 50-mile radius. These efforts in sustainability earned Chez Panisse a Green Star in Michelin’s first round of awards. Dining here offers a hyper-seasonal menu that changes daily to highlight ingredient quality. Offering best food in Berkeley, Chez Panisse is a must-visit in the Bay Area.
Address and Opening Hours
1517 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709
Friday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM
Saturday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM
Sunday-Monday Closed
Tuesday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM
Wednesday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM
Specialty
Leek and gruyère galette, Spring greens agnolotti al sugo, Smoked local black cod, Crispy pan-fried potato gnocchi
Great China
Among restaurants in Berkeley, Great China is ideal for upscale group dinners, whether on the company card or impressing visiting parents. Resembling an industrial fine art gallery, this Northern Chinese restaurant serves generous portions of standout dishes. Their signature Peking duck features crisp skin fanned over succulent roast meat with delicate pancakes. Enjoy fish dumplings, sticky spare ribs, and double skin platters, complemented by their extensive 26-page wine list selections. Great China, boasting top Berkeley food, offers exceptional food at moderate prices.
Address and Opening Hours
2190 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
Friday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5:30–9 PM
Saturday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–9 PM
Sunday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–9 PM
Monday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5:30–8:30 PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday-Thursday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5:30–8:30 PM
Specialty
Peking duck, Walnut Prawns, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Sweet and Sour Soup, Mongolian Beef, Pork Dumplings
Ippuku
Another best restaurant in Berkeley is Ippuku. As an izakaya, Ippuku is a Japanese pub offering casual bar snacks to complement the sake. Ippuku’s entryway may be inconspicuous by day, but come dinner, its stylish yakitori house opens its grey façade to welcome guests with a Kyoto-inspired wood-built counter. The Bib Gourmand-winning menu features skewered delights like chicken thighs, hearts, gizzards, udon, tempura fish cakes, and more. Don’t miss the omakase for the chef’s selection of five skewers. Enjoy the largest shochu selection outside Japan, plus Japanese whisky, sake, and beer.
Address and Opening Hours
2130 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94704
Friday 5–11 PM
Saturday-Sunday 5–10 PM
Monday-Tuesday Closed
Wednesday-Thursday 5–10 PM
Specialty
Pork Belly, Bacon Wrapped, Chicken Thigh Oysters, Crab Croquettes, Chicken Breast Cartilage, Crab Croquettes
Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya
One of the best restaurants in Berkeley, CA is Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya. This lively, somewhat upscale downtown spot elevates traditional Japanese cuisine with the freshest seasonal produce, stylish presentation, and meticulous detail. Enjoy crunchy fried green beans with curry sansho salt or housemade soft tofu topped with scallions and ginger. The chef’s selection of thick-cut sashimi is fantastic. The menu changes daily, ensuring a unique experience every visit. Save room for the creamy Basque cheesecake.
Address and Opening Hours
2451 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704
Friday-Saturday 5–9 PM
Sunday-Monday 5–8:30 PM
Tuesday-Wednesday Closed
Thursday 5–8:30 PM
Specialty
Sashimi Moriawase, Kaisen Don, Nigiri Sushi Set, Maguro & Tako Yamakake, Octopus, Mentaiko & Wakame Sunomono, Little Gem Wasabi Salad
Vik's Chaat
Regarding the best restaurants Berkeley has, Vik’s Chaat is on the list. Dining at this expansive West Berkeley warehouse feels like a food court experience. Order your Indian street food at the counter, collect your tray from one of several pick-up stations, and find a seat in the sizeable cafeteria-style hall. Enjoy light snacks or hearty meals featuring plump samosas, savory uttapam, lamb biryani, and puris with yogurt and tamarind chutney. Vik’s Chaat is a market, too, so stock up on essentials before you leave.
Address and Opening Hours
2390 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710
Friday-Sunday 11 AM–7:30 PM
Monday-Thursday 11 AM–2:30 PM, 5–7:30 PM
Specialty
Weekday Lunch Special, Dahi Papdi Chaat, Dahi Batata Puri, Dahi Pakori, Uttapam, Biryani
Boichik Bagels
This restaurants provide unique Berkeley food. It typically avoid superlatives, but it’ll make an exception: this tiny takeout-only bagel shop on College Avenue makes the best bagels in the Bay. They’re New York-style, plump and chewy, with a perfect crunchy bottom. The usual suspects—poppy, garlic, and cinnamon raisin—are here, along with hybrids like earthy pumperthingel and salty-sweet eggything. Our favourite? An untoasted everything bagel with fluffy chive cream cheese. Simple, yet sublime.
Address and Opening Hours
3170 College Ave Berkeley, CA 94705
Daily: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Specialty
Everything Bagel, Bagel Sandwich, Cinnamon Raisin, Whitefish Salad, Hot Salt Bagel, Cream Cheese Spread, Cream Cheese and Lox, Pumpernickel Bagel
Funky Elephant
Among the best restaurants in Berkeley, this “non-traditional Thai comfort food” restaurant by former Hawker Fare chef Supasit Puttikaew has become a neighbourhood staple in the Gilman Street corridor. It offers excellent and spicy pads, Thai, “Thai-spicy” party wings, authentic khao mun gai (Thai-style poached chicken and rice), and some of the tastiest fried Brussels sprout in town.
Despite its small size (only about 15 seats), it delivers an all-out flavour experience with funky, sour, and sweet comfort food. Don’t miss the chicken wings tossed in chilli jam, the hot papaya salad, and the red curry with rock cod. Enjoy some wine and snap a selfie under the multi-coloured bathroom lights while you’re there.
Address and Opening Hours
1313 Ninth St Ste120, Berkeley, CA 94710
Daily: 12–3 PM, 5–8:30 PM
Monday Closed
Specialty
Pad Thai, Crispy Rice Salad, Grilled Beef Short Ribs, Drunken Mussels, Vermicelli Curry (Kanom Jean), Vermicelli Curry
Rose Pizzeria
Rose Pizzeria is a perfect Berkeley restaurant for enchanting pizza dinners that you’ll want to last for hours. As a tremendous Enjoy exceptional thin-crust pies on a serene, flower-filled patio that feels like dining in a friend’s backyard. Your knowledgeable server will recommend natural wines, then serve a spicy miso Caesar salad and plates of salami and cheese. The pies master the sweet-salty balance with combinations like sausage, caramelised fennel, burrata, and garlic confit.
Among restaurants in Berkeley, CA, Rose Pizzeria stands out for its superb thin-crust offerings, both indoors and on its patio. The champione pizza arrives with a beautifully oven-blistered crust, featuring spring onion cream, roasted mushrooms, mozzarella, and green onions. And don’t miss the spicy Caesar salad—it’s a must-try.
Address and Opening Hours
1960 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
Friday-Sunday 12–9 PM
Monday-Tuesday Closed
Wednesday-Thursday 12–9 PM
Specialty
Spicy Caesar Salad, Old Faithful Pizza, Classic Pepperoni Pizza, Fancy Anchovies, Mushroom Pizza, Snack Plate
Conclusion
These are all we want to share about the best restaurants in Berkeley, CA. Restaurants in Berkeley offers a diverse and rich tapestry of flavours that cater to all palates. From the iconic Chez Panisse and the exquisite dishes at Great China to the authentic Japanese experience at Ippuku, each restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience. Fish & Bird Sous brings innovative cuisine, while Vik’s Chaat tantalises with its vibrant Indian street food. Take advantage of the modern delights at Aku Izakaya or the beloved bagels from Boichik Bagels. These establishments not only serve exceptional food but also embody the spirit and culture of the best food in Berkeley.
Best Restaurants in Berkeley FAQ
What types of cuisine can I find in Berkeley's best restaurants?
You’ll find an array of cuisines ranging from classic American and artisanal Italian to vibrant Mexican and exquisite Asian fare. Many top restaurants also offer fusion dishes, celebrating the city’s multicultural essence. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or a delicate gourmet experience, Berkeley’s finest dining establishments have something to satisfy every palate.
Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants in Berkeley?
Yes, Berkeley is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants. These esteemed establishments are recognised for their exceptional culinary artistry, outstanding service, and unique dining experiences. For those seeking a memorable gastronomic adventure, visiting one of these acclaimed venues is a must.
How can I make a reservation at Berkeley's restaurants?
Making a reservation at Berkeley’s restaurants is typically straightforward. Most establishments offer online booking through their websites or popular reservation platforms like OpenTable. Alternatively, you can call the restaurant directly to secure your table. Given the popularity of these dining spots, especially on weekends and special occasions, booking well in advance is advisable to ensure you get your desired time and date.
