The word is out—Comal is excellent! Jam-packed since day one, the new kid on this (Berkeley) block serves delicious Mexican dishes in an industrial space outfitted with soaring ceilings. Within this lofty lair, the dress is casual and the staff graci..

Painted with pastel hues and pastoral murals, La Rose is equally good for a casual lunch, family get-together, or romantic evening out. This laid back bistro is located in Berkeley's theater district (on the one way, northbound bit of Shattuck), attr..

Pleasing droves for over a decade now, Bistro Liaison paints the very picture of a bistro with its handsome curved bar, open kitchen, luxurious banquettes, and a dining room done in yellow walls and burgundy accents highlighted by French posters and ..

Ippuku is not just tasty but a wholly fun experience. The hidden gem, just steps from UC Berkley, thrives in a strip of restaurants and bars. Its traditional entrance leads to the slim room outfitted with low tables over floor cut-outs, booths, and a..

Slow lives up to its credo of presenting gourmet food crafted from local ingredients at judicious prices. Once inside this slightly sized refuge, place your order at the counter, and then take a seat at one among a handful of tables in the jovial, ye..

Wining and dining her way through Tuscany was hard work for Wendy Brucker, who now shows off the fruits of her labor at Corso in Berkeley. Mementos of her Florentine travels can be found in framed souvenir menus, an all-Italian wine list-poured by ta..

For organic omnivorous fare and biodynamic wines, set off to Gather, just a stone fruit's throw from UC Berkeley. From the open kitchen, skilled cooks boldly master the humble vegetable with a dexterity that can make even the most self-assured carniv..

Set on the main level of the Shattuck Plaza, FIVE caters to hotel guests and stylish suits. Yet, it is an equally cherished destination among locals and families too. The boldly patterned walls and massive chandelier lend a sense of drama, while serv..

For Californian cuisine, Chez Panisse has been the mother of invention for over 40 years now. The culinary icon, opened by Chef/owner Alice Waters in 1971, launched a cuisine as well as the careers of many top Bay Area chefs. The jewel of Berkeley's ..

Sitting comfortably in the gourmet ghetto next to notable Chez Panisse, the name (César) is a fictional character from Marcel Pagnol's trilogy of movies. These Chez Panisse alumni serve tasty Spanish-style tapas with a wink from California. Patatas ..

Situated only steps away from the original Berkeley Bowl, Kirala is a treasured local haunt. Named for "Mother Nature," Kirala's dining room is fittingly restrained and echoes such eclectic beats as reggae, jazz, and Latin. The bona fide dé..

Owners Haig and Cindy Krikorian still know how to throw a party. Their first-born, Lalime's, open for over a quarter century, is a local favorite drawing an affable crowd of regulars who congregate upstairs for lively meals near the bar, fireplace, a..

Taking up residence in Boran Thai's former digs, this ritzy replacement kicks it up a notch with fresh, creative twists on classic Thai. Vibrant paintings and vivid photos brighten the walls, while milky glass chandeliers illuminate a chic, modern sp..

A casual dining room with olive green walls, wood floors, exposed brick, and paintings of the Buddha himself (whose eyes are set in deep meditation) gives Anchalee an air of authenticity that sets it apart from other ethnic eateries crowding Berkeley..

There may be no sexier pairing of words than French-Vietnamese, the culinary temptress behind wonders like duck strudel with wild mushrooms and basil risotto. For this tasty fix, head to Vanessa's Bistro, the packed Berkeley spot, run by Chef Vanessa..

Recycled cork wainscoting and parchment lanterns lend an earthy, Japanese vibe to Rivoli, which backs up to a lush "secret" garden framed by dramatic windows. The potted plants, climbing ivy, and fronds are a pretty, natural contrast to the..

On the corner of a commercial stretch of Berkeley is a colorful cottage with decorative tile trim that practically shouts, "Chicken and waffles." Good thing, too, since 900 Grayson is only open for breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch. But ..

The piping hot bowls of soba and udon soup at this high-end noodle house are a go-to treat for shoppers in Berkeley's Fourth Street neighborhood. On sunny days, the patio is an ideal perch for people watching; those on the go will takeout a bento box..

For ladies looking for a light lunch that won't bog them down while shopping Berkeley's Fourth Street district, Zut! answers the call with tuna Niçoise salads, sandwiches, and wraps. But the warm, cherry and pine wood interior sates heartier palates ..

Don't let the crowded patio and long line deter you from this Fourth Street neighborhood favorite: good frijoles come to those who wait. But truly, once you reach the register at this go-to Mexican, your order will arrive faster than you can correctl..