good service and ambiance. approachable staffs and good service . we will be going back hereread more

One of my favorite restaurants in the Bay FORREAL. Japanese izakaya style food, which is basically…read moredelicious small bites. My brother took me recently and we went IN! Some standouts were the otoro nigiri, eel skewer, miso black cod, the pesto udon, as well as the sweet potato creme brulee. But we ordered way more food and all of its delicious!! It's very authentic. The service is good but they do have limits on the tables because it's sooo busy there so don't be offended if they tell you to get your big back up. Def make a Rez because it's always a wait. Im finna go back soon mmmm.

Met a friend for a very quick lunch and service was spectacular. Food came out fast and when we…read moretold her we were in a hurry, she made sure to grab check right away. Very kind! Food itself was pretty underwhelming. We had the brussel sprouts which were the best part of our meal- tangy and crispy. The calamari was yummy with the squid ink- perfectly cooked. The short rib was not to our liking- a bit too watery to be deep fried on the outside. The patatas bravas had a smoky taste we also did not enjoy. They also drenched it on the sauce so it was pretty unavoidable. Ambiance was cool! Def more casual than fancy!

We were genuinely excited to eat at La Marcha and had specifically made a reservation for a…read more**table**.Unfortunately, what should have been an enjoyable evening started with some of the worst customer service we have experienced. When we arrived, we were told that our reservation was actually for seating at the bar. We explained that our booking showed **standard seating** and that we had reserved a table, not bar seating. Instead of acknowledging the discrepancy or trying to resolve it, the maître d' told us that the reservation was "open to interpretation" and that, to him, "standard seating" meant sitting at the bar. It was incredibly frustrating to be told that *we* were wrong about the reservation we had made and that the wording could simply be interpreted however they chose once we arrived. What made the experience particularly upsetting was the way we were treated. We came in excited to support this restaurant and enjoy a meal, but we left feeling as though we simply **weren't worthy of being given a table**, despite having made a reservation for one. There was no sense of hospitality, accountability, or genuine effort to make the situation right. Instead, we were made to feel as though expecting the seating we reserved was unreasonable. A reservation should mean something. If "standard seating" at La Marcha can mean bar seating rather than a standard table, that should be made explicitly clear when guests book--not reinterpreted at the door. We were really looking forward to dining here, which makes the experience even more disappointing. We ultimately felt unwelcome and as though we somehow weren't "good enough" to receive the table we had reserved. No guest should leave a restaurant feeling that way.

Great food, if you prefer Japanese food with original flavor, it's best choice…read more Great service, very considerate.

We discovered this fun little Izakaya (Japanese social eatery) when coming into town for the…read moreLadytron show at the UC Theater on busy Saturday night on University Avenue and we are glad that we decided to give it a try. It was conveniently located across the street from the venue, and the unassuming outside of the restaurant did not hint at the amount of fun, ambiance, good food, and warm hospitality contained inside. First, there is the name. Not sure if it's some sort of play on words, secret joke, or if it's someone's actual name, but it works, kinda. It's kinda a restaurant, kinda a bar, kinda of a hangout, and kinda fun. The tiny entrance and plain facade reveals a bustling world of delicious food, tasty beverage, and lots of decorative eye candy to keep you looking around the space while you are hanging out with friends, on a date, or just relaxing after a long day. The decorations there are very upbeat, eclectic, fun, and distinctly Japanese pop culture. Posters, banners, flags, lanterns, toys, and trinkets can be found all over the restaurant, and made it fun to keep looking around and discover new novel things to look at. I did feel like I was in an authentic Izakaya somewhere in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ebisu in Tokyo. The place had a lot of personality & personal flair in an otherwise, tiny & industrial small warehouse type space. Service was excellent. The host was the cute & personable Mina, who couldn't have been more accommodating, patient, friendly, and engaging. It was very busy, and even though it was our first time there, Mina made us feel welcome into their home and was also very helpful to guide us around their experience. The other staff were less engaging, but still professional, efficient, and polite. Service was quick, attentive, and friendly on all accounts, and they as a team, managed to serve an entire full house of hungry & happy patrons during the entire Saturday night dinner rush. Fun place with a good staff. We opted for Izakaya-type, shared small plates to satisfy our hunger cravings without getting too full and weighed down on big portions of heavy, rich foods. Everything on the long & expansive menu looked great, but we mostly stuck with small appetizers to sample & savor. It was nice that there were plenty of lighter, fresh vegetarian options as neither of us were really in the mood for seafood, fried food, or big heavy entrees. We ordered the Kinda Tofu, Kyuri sliced fresh cucumber salad, and Kinoko butter-grilled mushroom hot platter and washed it down with some green grape Jinro soju. Everything was pretty good! Not overly fried, greasy, salty, or seasoned. Lightly cooked, delicately glazed, with just enough seasoning & oil/sauce to make it taste good, but not end up too complicated or messy. The taste really came through using these minimal cooking & seasoning techniques. The taste of the original vegetables & tofu came through perfectly, and were only complimented by their light hints of adding flavor. Portion sizes were ample for two people, and presentation was appetizing and organized. The bill for 3 apps + 1 bottle of Soju was less than $50, so it was a good value for the fun experience & good food. Wait times during the dinner rush are long, and there isn't really anywhere to sit or stand, so reservations are recommended. You can also enter and go straight to the 10-seat bar if there are openings, but we got a table for two after around a 20-30 minute wait. After that, everything moves pretty quickly, from ordering, getting food & drinks, to wrapping up and getting your check. Perfect system if you're trying to get to a concert, movie, or appointment with a specific start time. I really liked this place, not Kinda, not Sorta, but Definitely, or Absolutely! Kinda Izakaya will always be our destination to eat & hang out next time we come back to Berkeley, it is a true gem of a Japanese Izakaya/light meal fare right in the heart of downtown Berkeley. It's fun, tasty, busy, and friendly. Small & cozy, yet also airy & comfortable.

Beta Lounge on Durant Ave Berkeley, been around since 2009 and just relaunched as 3.0 in 2025 with…read morea new tapas menu, wine flights, spirit flights, and fresh herb cocktails. Happy hour runs 3 to 5:30 with $8 wine and cocktails which is genuinely hard to beat in Berkeley. Wednesday wine night is 50% off bottles including reserve, so that one is worth planning around. Spring rolls and hummus plate are the go-to snacks, light menu that works well with the drinks. Comfortable couches, good music, dog friendly, bartenders that actually remember you. 5 stars, solid neighborhood spot that keeps getting better, Wednesday wine night alone earns it

I had no idea Beta Lounge existed off of Durant Ave. and what a cool space and place off-the-beaten…read morepath! We heard this building has been many different iterations over the years, but happy to have found this spot in Berkeley for a fun happy hour with friends. We enjoyed the wine flight (choice of 4 wines), each with a nice pour, and shared the spinach dip with chips. We also enjoyed an espresso martini to cap off the evening. The staff were super friendly, and the lounge was filled with what seemed like regulars. The lounge couches were super comfy and it was an overall very relaxing yet intimate experience. I would definitely come back again with a group, or even stop by for a date night. Parking is a bit tough in this area, but there is street parking (if lucky enough to find it) and garages nearby.

Had a great dinner at Parche! The Tumaco Ceviche was fresh, with a nice touch of sweet drop…read morepeppers. Our favorite was the Empanada de Ajiaco--filling, perfectly crusted, and served with delicious jalapeño cilantro aioli. The Patacones were good, though the beef, onion marmalade, and tropical salsa were a bit sweet for my taste. The Cacao Nariño dessert was amazing, especially with our Carajillos and Espresso Martinis. Friendly service, quick food, and a fun meal overall!

Came here for date night last night and it did NOT disappoint. We started with the rock cod…read moreceviche, which came with plantain chips. I really liked this dish and would order again, my boyfriend liked it, but said he'd skip it to try something else next time. We also got the patacones and added the beef- this was amazing and we will 100% be ordering this again when we go back!! Next up we had the arepa. The first bite was VERY GOOD. However it's a LOT of cheese and my boyfriend liked the mushroom (whipped?) cream/foam, I personally did not. Will prob skip this and try a different menu item. And the star of our dinner (pictured) is the whole branzino. This was the BEST branzino I've ever had in my life. I will (and have already) recommended this dish to anyone and everyone who goes to Parche. Will be back for this dish and to try others as well!

While I was in Oakland, I finally got the chance to try the Oakland LIMÓN! I absolutely LOVE the…read moreLIMÓN in San Francisco... it's literally one of my favorite restaurants! So when I found out there was one in Oakland, I had to go try it! When we got there, we were greeted and seated really quickly, which was a plus! I ordered a cup of their sangria, and of course, it was delicious. Anytime I come to LIMÓN, the sangria is a MUST! Normally, my partner and I get a pitcher to share, but this time I just got a cup, and it was still so refreshing and good. We ordered the Saltado de Pollo, which was good, but I have to say, I still think the original Lomo Saltado with beef is WAY better! We also got the truffle mac & cheese, and it was delicious. It wasn't too creamy or too dry.., it was just perfectly cheesy! The Chicharrón de Pollo was SO good! The chicken had a really good crunch, and it comes with this delicious lemonade sauce that you dip the chicken into. Definitely a must try! One thing I really love about LIMÓN is how fast everything comes out. If you're hungry, this is definitely a great spot because your food comes out quickly, fresh, and delicious! The staff was also really kind and helpful. There's plenty of seating and a beautiful bar if you want to come in for a drink and some food. It's a great spot for lunch, dinner, or even a date night! Overall, I had another great experience at LIMÓN, and the Oakland location did not disappoint! I'll definitely be back!

Not going to lie, having Limon right underneath my building is dangerous. This hands down is one of…read morethe best restaurants in the east bay because it offers delicious food, amazing service, and has a nice size interior. I've been here for happy hour, which has a bunch of great small plate and drink options. This time I came for dinner and tried the mixto rocoto with red snapper, calamari, shrimp, and porteno leche de tigre. I love the acidity in the dish to the point where I wanted to drink the entire sauce by the end of it. Also tried the half chicken that came with a side of fries and salad. Probably one of the best rotisseries I had. If you're here for drinks definitely try the pisco sour. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.

This is hands down my favorite Taiwanese restaurant in the Bay Area! Located in an…read moreindustrial-turned-residential street with a quaint outdoor patio, the restaurant has become a popular fixture so be sure to arrive early if coming on a weekend as the wait can be over 30 minutes. There is a daily rotating seasonal menu as well as permanent favorites like the soy glazed eggplant, BBQ chicken cutlet and whole squid. There is also an amazing selection of teas, sake and beer! Good to Eat gets 5 s for SAFAV: Service Ambiance Food Alcohol Value for Money

What started out as a successful pop-up is now a full-service eatery with a rotating menu of…read moreTaiwanese tapas. Good To Eat is dinner only from Wednesday -Saturday. The inside dining space is minimalistic but chic. You can also eat at the counter by the bar. Outdoor dining is plentiful, and with heat lamps and string lights it is a lively option. The restaurant's philosophy is to be inclusive and many of their staff are from the LGBTQ community. The staff were super friendly and service-focused when we were there, adding to our dining experience. As for the food, the Taiwanese dishes here do not adhere to a traditional recipe, but rather it is Taiwanese cuisine with a modern twist. The Lou Rou Fan, for example, does not feature a stewed egg or mustard greens that would be standard at other Taiwanese eateries. Those looking for stinky tofu would be disappointed in not finding it here. What we did tried, however, were more like upscaled Taiwanese flavor-inspired dishes. We started with the grilled whole squid with house side pickle, and the Dou Bao (layered tofu sheet). The squid was excellent with the smoky grilled taste and we loved the perfectly fermented Chinese kimchee. The Dou Bao was unique in that the tofu sheets were served grilled, rather than the chilled wet version I am used to. Following the server's recommendation, we had the bamboo shoots rice soup claypot, which was homey and large enough for sharing. We loved the Shrimp with Specialty Tofu Sauce Noodle. The tofu sauce was creamy and garlicky. The shrimps were fresh and crisp. Fried chicken is a Taiwanese specialty, and the Pepper Numbing Chicken Culet did not disappoint. The chicken was perfectly fried but the meat remained tender and moist. The Taiwanese sweet pepper numbing sauce was great over the fried chicken, and in fact, it is pretty much good over anything. The Taiwanese Minced-Pork Noodle is like a Dan Dan noodle, with fermented bean paste sourced from Taiwan. We were lucky that on our visit they have the Taiwanese Twins Donuts, which were like beignets, but made from sough naturally cultivated in house for 3 days. This was really yummy. You have to order the soft serves, which was named by SF Chronicle as one of the best soft serves in the Bay Area. We tried the black sesame oil with sea salt flakes, and also the plum sauce version. Both were delicious.

Top contender for Japanese cuisine in Berkeley--equal parts sophisticated and scrumptious…read more Highlights include: - Sea Bean & Corn Tempura: a savory funnel cake worthy of a Michelin star thanks to its texture and the side of matcha salt - Salmon sashimi: succulent with fresh wasabi - Wagyu Shime Special: insane price for insane flavor--a generous portion of veggies and wagyu in a big ol' iron bowl of bubblin' broth

Ate Christmas dinner here with my mom as our celebration tradition is usually a Japanese…read morerestaurant. The ambience was intimate and cozy yet elegant, and the staff was very attentive and kind. I loved the decorations, the plates and silverware, and the food was just as intentional in flavor and selection. For appetizers we had: Anchovy Stuffed Olives Tempura - Tempura Spanish alives stuffed with anchovies $9 Kombu Tsukudani - Premium Hokkaldo kelp, say sauce, bonito, shiso, sesame seeds, enjoy with sake or rice $6 For our meal we had: Saba Bouzushi - House-cured saba mackerel bouzushi - stick-shaped sushi, also called battera, served with shiso, sesame, scallions, topped with Hokkaido shiraita kombu, ten pieces $29 Gindara Yuanyaki - Local black cod marinated in soy sauce and shikuwasa Okinawan citrus juice served grilled $34 Steelhead Trout Nabe - Norwegian ocean trout raised sustainably in the clear, cold ford where the seawater meets fresh meltwater from the glaciers in the mountains. Enjoy the rich flavored, melt-in-your-mouth fish, hotpot with dashi broth, mushrooms, napa cabbage, burdock, clear noodles, tofu, mizuna, scallions, yuzu kosho $39 We've been to many izakaya spots and this place had some of the most unique flavors I've tasted. The Saba Bouzushi stood out to me because it reminded of Filipino paksiw but as a roll! The Gindara was buttery and soft and had a yummy smoky flavor. The Nabe was perfect for a rainy evening - hearty, fresh, and so well balanced in flavor (I loved the yuzu kosho the had us add for a citrusy, peppery flavor)

Fun spot! Great service and beats…read more Snails, veg crudite with koji dip and the banana bread with caviar - a revelation!!! Love all the natural wine and local Den sake! Be aware if you make a rezi - you have a 2 hour limit (2 people).

Visited Snail Bar for an impromptu dinner plan. Despite it being a Monday, it was still pretty busy…read morebut luckily, we managed to snag a table for two. To start, we shared the "perfect vegetables" which were every bit as flawless as the name suggested. The assortment of veggies were incredibly fresh, and the soy dip accompanying the vegetable array was simply divine. A crossbreed of aioli and soy, unlike any creamy dip I've had before. We also had the pan con tomate, which was soggier than the typical renditions of this Spanish dip Ive personally had but delicious all the same. We also shared the tuna tostadas and ham and cheese, uniquely delicious and very decadent but not excessively so. Service was a tad slow, a forgivable gripe given how eclectic and delicious the food was. Truly a one of a kind dining establishment. I'd imagine this being a great first date spot!

I've been looking for a place that serves good onigiris in the bay and I'm so happy I stumbled on…read morethis sport because it's so delicious. I had the salmon and short rib triangles and both were delicious. Most places give more rice than meat but this place gives a good portion of the protein.

This is a classic take away or takeout restaurant. I placed my order online and picked it up, you…read morecan also order at the counter, but there is no inside seating. The chicken teriyaki plate, short rib triangle and spicy shrimp triangle are all 9/10.