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Berkeley, Oakland's neighbor and vibrant college town, offers delicious, diverse cuisine often at prices that Cal students, and anyone on a budget, will appreciate. Restaurant after mouthwatering restaurant can be found on University Ave., including Brennan's, a tasty spot for comfort food, and Santa Fe Bar and Grill, a popular college restaurant featuring excellent southwestern fare. It shouldn't come as a surprise that Triple Rock Brewery on Shattuck has long been popular among students, with in-house brews, hearty chili and crisp salads. Veer off to Fourth St., where more unique dining options await. Locanda Olmo keeps simple Tuscan roots to craft pizzas, pastas and celebrated gnocchi. Though Berkeley is dominated by Cal. students, anyone who appreciates diverse cuisine and nearly countless options for dining will enjoy exploring Berkeley.
2102 Shattuck Ave. (at Addison), Berkeley CA 94704
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41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley CA 94705
On the Berkeley and Oakland border, the stately all-white Claremont Resort is an East Bay landmark. Jordan's is the Claremont's relaxed but elegant restaurant with views of the San Francisco Bay.
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41 Tunnel Rd. (Claremont Resort and Spa), Berkeley CA 94705; Tel. 510.549.8585
On the Berkeley and Oakland border, the stately all-white Claremont Resort is an East Bay landmark. From the Paragon restaurant, choose from American food and over 70 vodkas while looking out over the San Francisco Bay from an enviable perch in the hills.
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100 Seawall Drive, Berkeley CA 94710
Seafood.
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1919 Fourth St., Berkeley CA; Tel. 510.845.7771
Recently renovated East Bay landmark fresh fish restaurant. "My grandfather, whom I am named after, went to school with Frank Spenger, almost 100 years ago," claims one of our reviewers. "Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto is much better now that it has been revamped. That old fried breaded fish was cooked to death. I know all too well, that is where our clan always gathered for the family meal out." Hey, restaurant experiences are personal, right?
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1799 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94703; Tel. 510.849.4681
"Italian food? I love looking at the frescos of hanging laundry...Berkeley's twisted sense of humor and seriousness concerning food is always side by side." (F.L.)
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Breads of India & Gourmet Curries
2448 Sacramento St., Berkeley, CA; Tel. 510.848.7684
This tiny, mural-decorated jewelbox of a restaurant serves up gourmet courses of traditional Indian food--curries, Tandoori free-range chicken, prawns, and daal, as well as the famous flatbreads stuffed with vegetables and spices. Show up early; seating is by sign-up. Moderately priced. Cash Only. (T.V.)
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Brennan's
720 University at 4th, Berkeley CA; Tel. 510.841.0960
A Berkeley institution, popular on football days. While the inexpensive hofbrau food--turkey, ham and mashed potatoes--is not especially special, the Irish coffee at Brennan's is better than any served in San Francisco--or anywhere else. (RvB)
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Juan's Place
941 Carleton, Berkeley CA; Tel. 510.845.6904
Watch out for the wine Margaritas, they have side effects similar to the hallucinatory crystalline alkaloid, mescaline. But the huge plates of food will dull any overload in that department. Big, juicy burritos, delicious enchiladas, yuppie mole sauce, and Mexican specialties. All rolled up in a warm, homey atmosphere. (Urbanview 9/99)
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Kirala
2100 Ward, Berkeley CA; Tel. 510.549.3486
Arguably the best sushi in East Bay, if not the Bay Area, and worth the wait. Fresh sushi every time, especially unagi (eel), and excellent side dishes, like the grilled corn on the cob and eggplant. The service equals the food. (Urbanview)
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Locanda Olmo
2985 College, Berkeley CA; Tel. 510.848.5544
A tiny slice of a restaurant serving the simple splendor of Tuscan country cooking. Light pastas, uncluttered pizzas, and a nice selection of house-made gnocchi and ravioli. (JW)
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Santa Fe Bar and Grill
1310 University Ave., Berkeley, 510.841.4740
Southwestern theme restaurant founded by celebrity chef Jeremiah Tower when he split Chez Panisse. Features a variety of smoked, grilled and roasted dishes. Lunch Monday through Fridays 11:30am-3pm. Dinners 5pm-10pm Monday through Thursdays and until 11pm Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays, 5pm to 10pm.
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Triple Rock Brewery
1920 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, 510.843.2739
House-brewed ales on tap, plus soups, salads, chili and vegetarian dishes. Open every day from 11am to 1am.
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Unicorn
2533 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley CA; Tel. 510.841.8098
Don't flinch at the overly modern décor. The pan-Asian fare is surprisingly fresh and flavorful, even if the walls are a blinging yellow. The Vietnamese Spring Rolls, the Asian tapas, and the Clay Pots are more than worth the somewhat let's-decide-what-we're-going-to-be vibe. Located at the tail end of the UC Berkeley's stretch of Telegraph, the place is casual, and an excellent bargain. The Rose Tea is divine and unexpected, as is this restaurant in what used to be a $1 Chinese Food joint (Urbanview).
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Westside Bakery Cafe
2570 Ninth St., Berkeley CA; Tel. 510.845.4852
With easily the shortest wait for brunch in town, Westside is a rare find. The breakfast menu is remarkably long and varied, with over 20 egg dishes, all spilling over their plates, most available with a generous portion of home fries. A typical offbeat special is gingerbread pancakes with peaches or strawberry nectarine French toast. (JW)
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—Oakland.com reviews by Ryan Osterbeck, F.L. Avery, Richard von Busack and Traci Vogel.
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