Creekwood

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Is pizza available at lunchtime or it just the brunch menu (where I don't see pizza)?

What are the vegan options?

Roasted beet salad Crispy Brussels can be made vegan…

Is patio seating available for brunch on the weekends?

Yes- we have our covered patio with heaters available for brunch in the weekends

Is there gluten free pasta?

We have gluten-free pizza- not pasta at this time

Parking situation- safe and easy or not ? Thanks! I don't live in Berkeley so not sure at night ...

There is street parking. I'd be surprised if you had any issues during the time you dine, but it's not the best neighborhood. Just be aware of your surroundings and don't leave valuables in the car.

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Is there a corkage fee? If so, how much? Thanks!

Yes it is $18. We waive a corkage fee for every bottle purchased off our list.

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Do you ever have a seafood entree on the menu (branzino or salmon, for instance)?

We have not yet so far, but it is something we have talked about for the future.

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Any details on the beer options?

We have four on tap. Currently pouring Faction IPA, Magnolia Kolsch, Almanac Hazy IPA, and Scrimshaw Pilsner

Aside from beef, does any of the meat come from pasture-based operations?

Yes! Our chicken is Rocky Jr free range. The lamb is Superior Farms (sustainably raised American lamb)

Is the beef/meat free range and grass-fed?

Hi Alanna... no the beef is not grass fed, we prefer the flavor of non-grass fed. To my knowledge there isn't any designation for free range beef

2.1 mi•Gourmet Ghetto, North Berkeley

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The Walnut Tavern Bar & Grill

4.3(139 reviews)

Maple Old Fashion, beer, calamari, pork belly, pakoras and fish tacos were DEEEELICIOUS! 10/10! The…read moreservice was even better. Thank you for a wonderful afternoon.

Location is cute and in a walkable area. You get thrown off that it's in a residential neighborhood…read morebut it's near the corner so not as odd. Clean. Staff was kind. Fish & chips, burger, BLT, fries, mango gelato and lava cake all solid.

Dining area

Classic Shrimp Scampi

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Shrimp Gambas

Gather

3.8(2.6k reviews)

1.4 mi•Downtown Berkeley

Outdoor seating

Private events

We hosted our wedding reception at Gather this weekend and it was fabulous!…read more Jodi, Chef Matt, Kurt, and their team are so exceptionally kind and attentive. We were lucky enough to work closed with Mika and Ivan who were so attentive, responsive and helpful with everything. Gather accommodated every food allergy request and gave us generous creativity to customize the drinks and food menu. Our top favorite recommendations on the menu: spicy tomato pizza with cashew puree, harvest bowl, corn soup, and of course all the perfectly roasted veggies!!!! The indoor space has a delightful balance of natural light, greenery, and wood and the outside garden is fabulous in the summer. We can't wait for future celebrations at Gather and feel so grateful for the kind service and delicious memories we shared there.

Berkeley's food scene is about as diverse as they come, ranging from student-friendly hole-in-walls…read more(Top Dog, Steve's BBQ) to upscale dining (Chez Pannise) and everything in between. One of our coworkers recommended Gather, a large, farm-to-table restaurant, so five of us ventured here for a business dinner. The food and service were definitely 5 stars. Great laid back vibe. We came on a Tuesday night and yet the restaurant eventually got busier through the night. My favorite dishes were: Yellowtail Sashimi and Corn Riblets are both great appetizers and full of flavor. We should have double ordered to split among five. The half roasted chicken had crispy skin and was fairly well seasoned and moist. I don't indulge in desserts as much these days but if split a few desserts among five people you get 1/5 the calories, LOL! I recommend the warm bread pudding, pecan sundae, and salted chocolate chip cookies. In case street parking is difficult (it often is in Berkeley!), the restaurant is located right next to Oxford Garage which has a low flat fee for weeknights.

1.4 mi•Rockridge, Elmwood, North Oakland

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Wood Tavern

4.3(2.4k reviews)

•$$$

Wood Tavern has been my favorite restaurant in Oakland since I first visited nearly twenty years…read moreago. In all that time, it has remained remarkably consistent. I've been here for date nights, holiday dinners, business dinners, and countless meals with friends visiting from out of town. It's one of those rare restaurants that seems to work for just about any occasion. The service is always great, the College Avenue location is hard to beat, and I've always had good luck finding street parking nearby. The ribeye is my personal favorite and what I order more often than not. If you're coming with a group, the cheese and charcuterie plates are a great way to start. The menu is varied enough that there's always something for everyone, and I've never had a bad meal here. I was genuinely sad to hear that they'll be closing at the end of the year. Restaurants with this kind of quality, consistency, and character are increasingly rare. If you've never been, make a point of going while you still can. I'll certainly miss it once they're gone.

$25 Pastrami Sandwich: pretty darn good but there is an excellent pastrami that I just tried…read moreelsewhere which dampens my enthusiasm. This one had some crispy edges and well prepared which was lovely though. $14 warm chocolate buckwheat pudding cake: definitely house made. Definitely very good but definitely a safe choice. I think I should have been more adventurous. As good as this is, I'm not convinced I got my $'s worth.

Grilled Rib Eye Steak

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Cherry Bomb! non-alcoholic cocktail. $13. Tilden Lacewing, Amarena cherry, lime, ginger beer, tall glass.

Berkeley Social Club

4.1(2.5k reviews)

1.5 mi•Downtown Berkeley

Absolutely delicious and such a beautiful experience my favorite spot for Korean Fried Chicken The…read morecreative fusion flavors like the millionaires bacon are truly a must try and the attentive service paired with the chic swanky atmosphere makes this place easily one of my top picks in Berkeley

Love love love this place!!!! I found out it's associated with kitchen story on College Avenue in…read moreOakland. I love both restaurants. This restaurant however has more space and the wait isn't as long due to that. They also have a patio in the back, the inside is very spacious and the staff is always very accommodating. Their Millionaire Bloody Mary is to die for and obviously the Millionaire's Candy (bacon) is too. The Bulgogi Bowl, the Pimped Up Ramyun and the Club Moco is definitely worth mentioning.

Photo 3: Bar

K.F.C. Burger

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Millionaire's Bacon®

Brezo Restaurant

4.4(130 reviews)

2.9 mi

My wife and I had an excellent dinner at Brezo! The service was welcoming and the perfect amount…read moreof attentive. The dishes we ordered were thoughtfully conceived, well-prepared, fresh, and delicious. For dessert, we shared the flan, which featured some special touches and was out of this world. This was our first visit but will not be our last!

Yum! I remember going to Brezo back when they were located at Point Richmond, and I've heard about…read moretheir move to Solano Ave for quite some time. Most recently I finally was able to give them a try. So glad we did! We came around lunch time and sat at a booth. There were other worker bees grabbing a quick lunch. The service was quick, efficient and friendly, and we ordered the French onion soup to start, and split the fried chicken sandwich and Philly cheesesteak sandwich. The sandwiches come with a side, so one plate we did fries with a house-made aioli and the other plate, their quinoa kale salad. Delicious. Such hearty portions! The bread is so fresh, the meat juicy and ample, and flavors just right. We also ordered beer on tap, shoutout to Oakland United, and tried their house-made hot sauce that they also sell by the bottle. Would love to come back to try brunch here too. I also saw a patron ordering the quinoa kale salad with fried chicken, and yes, that's the vibe! Pricing is fair for the quality and quantity, and street parking available (although the restaurant is located at the bottom of Solano where it tends to be a bit more busy). Women-owned biz, and they also were on Check Please! Bay Area.

2.0 mi•Gourmet Ghetto, North Berkeley

Looking toward the bar

Blackberry hazelnut dacquoise, paired with Graham's 10 year tawny porto.

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Grégoire

4.1(2.6k reviews)

This joint could work on any corner in any city in the world!…read moreTop notch service, excellent marketing, merchandising, and staff. Mostly a walk-in window, but there is a table outside with maybe a total of 4 to 6 seat seats. They got's it all! Very delicious sandwiches. I had the cauliflower and my buddy had the chicken- off the hook- Bomb Diggity! And the potato puffs are from heaven!! Insane in the membrane. The staff is on point and remarkable . Just left there again today. Great experience as always and delicious food.

Super cute little shop with limited seating. Small selection on their menu but you come for one…read morething and one thing only, Potato Balls! They are decently priced and they give you a lot, they are dense too, so it's worth your money. I tried the Garlic and Parmesan + White Truffle, and it was good. I was expecting more of a crispiness and texture to it. When you bite into it, it loses it shape and crumbles into your mouth. The flavor though, amazing. Definitely give them a try if you're looking for a quick snack in the area!

Menu as of November 2024

French fries

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Chocolate Bread Pudding

Tipsy Yeti Restaurant & Bar

4.7(167 reviews)

0.9 mi•West Berkeley

Had a wonderful experience at Tipsy Yeti! I'm vegetarian , and I really appreciated having…read moredelicious vegetarian options to choose from. The food was flavorful, fresh, and well prepared. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the staff were friendly and attentive. I especially enjoyed the vegan momos--they were so tasty! It's great to find a place where I can enjoy Nepali food with good vegetarian choices. All the staffs were really exceptional. Definitely recommend checking out Tipsy Yeti with friends and family. I'll definitely be coming back!

What a fantastic find. This place is fairly new, and I'm so glad I stumbled across it. The food was…read moreexcellent, the service was genuinely warm and attentive, and the outdoor patio is such a great space -- relaxed, welcoming, and somewhere you actually want to linger. I'll absolutely be back and am very happy to have discovered this neighborhood gem.

2.0 mi•Gourmet Ghetto, North Berkeley

Domestic Beer

Veggie Burger

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Cocktail Amazing

Chez Panisse

4.1(3.4k reviews)

•$$$$

My boyfriend and I came here for dinner, obvi it's an iconic restaurant and being a Chef he was…read morevery excited to eat here. First off the restaurant itself was super cute. Very homey and comfortable. They gave us an amazing corner table and it almost even felt private. Very cute for a date night. The service was impeccable and everyone was beyond friendly. Now the real star of the show was the food. Everything dish we ate was delicious. I really don't know what else I can say tbh. The menu changes daily so I posted a pic so you can see what we ate. No notes, no comments. My boyfriend had the wine pairing as well and enjoyed everything. Definitley a little pricey but the food was amazing so it's a great place for a special occasion.

Chez Panisse, a restaurant I've always grown up hearing about, yet never dared to dine at. Growing…read moreup in Berkeley, most people are well aware of the infamous restaurant that focuses on farm-to-table dishes and sustainable ingredients. When friends or classmates would tell me they dined here, I was like, " Wow, so boujee. Fast forward to today, and I had the opportunity to go for my Mom's birthday! My family made reservations, which are hard to come by. They need to be made well in advance. We arrived before our 8:30pm reservation and, unfortunately, weren't seated until after 9:00pm. Once inside the dining area, it was lively and loud, intimate, and somewhat more formal compared to their upstairs cafe. Service from all staff was kind; the host occasionally stopped by; our food was delivered, and we were checked on throughout. It was also lovely to peek inside the open-air kitchen. If you dine in their dining area, it's prix-fixe. On my Mom's birthday, they had a salad, pasta, steak, and ice cream. The salad was good--I don't eat mushrooms, but found it tasty and a bit over-dressed. My favorite was the pasta, a little spice. Warm from the noodles but cold from the cheese--the shrimp was nicely cooked. For our entrée, we had a rib-eye. I don't eat steak, but for this occasion I did--it was good, but because I rarely eat beef, I couldn't compare it to other rib-eyes I'd had. The vegetables were good and quite fresh. I gave the ice cream to my family since I don't have dairy, but the fruit was great! Overall I enjoyed more dishes than others. The bread and drinks were also good. I'd be curious to come back for a different prix-fixe. Chez Panisse is a must visit once restaurant in my opinion--whether you're local to the area or live in the Bay Area. Alice Waters is famous and has won a multitude of awards for a reason. I'm happy to have finally dined here and celebrated my Mom's birthday. The restaurant is off Shattuck Ave. with street parking around.

Formal dining room

Perfectly Cooked Halibut

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Complimentary water ($0)

Eureka!

3.8(2.4k reviews)

1.4 mi•Downtown Berkeley

Casual dining

Full bar

Straight up incredible. It was like an explosion of flavors. Went to Eureka on a Monday and loved…read moreevery bit of it. It was happy hour, so all their martinis were $10, a steal for the SF area. The espresso martini was delicious, but the lychee martini was the star of the show. The fries with Korean beef... please, I'll take ten. So good. The jalapeño burger with an egg on top was cooked perfectly, and I swapped the fries for green beans. Not to be dramatic, but those might be the best green beans I've ever had. Service was great too, zero complaints. I went with a local who loves this place, and I completely see why.

The manager (orange colored hair) on duty, Alexi at 6:17pm 08/05/26, is the reason for the poor…read morereview. I have been ordering the Wednesday smash burger special to-go for months, with zero issues. Today I was told it's policy for it not to be taken to-go. Nowhere is this stated online, the menu or the numerous staff members who have rung me up while on my lunch break. If this is in fact the policy, it needs to be communicated to ALL staff. Interesting enough my server Katie who I ordered the food, as well as to-go boxes, asked if I wanted them to-go. Make it make sense. Poor leadership, is the reason why I will no longer patronize this location or recommend to others. After briefly overheating Katie's interactions with others while waiting for my food, it's clear she is personable, kind, and capable of doing her job. Maybe she could be a better fit for leadership here. Lastly, the newly hired hostess who claimed it was her first day, and had to call "management" over upon my entry, was too busy on her phone to even acknowledge a customer leaving. Shame Eureka!

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Kitava

4.4(280 reviews)

1.9 mi•North Oakland

It's nearly impossible to eat out and eat REAL FOOD. I…read moredon't have the motivation, time or patients to cook at home a lot. Kitava is bringing you whole, real, and healthy choices you don't have to feel guilty about. Love it.

If you're looking for a healthy alternative for fast food, this should be top of mind…read more After spending the afternoon training at Witterfield for a 5K, my friends and I decided to find a healthy option and stumbled upon Kitava on yelp. We ordered... Sesame Chicken 4/5 Chicken was crispy. Broccoli was cooked perfectly. It could use a little more seasoning on the chicken and broccoli but the sauce was there to elevate it. Reminds me of panda express haha Miso Salmon Bowl 4/5 Salmon was cooked flaky and moist. Really enjoyed the jalapeño lime sauce. Brussel sprouts were roasted to perfection. Very light and tasty meal. Fish & Chips 4/5 Crispy fish and chips. Simple dish but it was fun and tasty! Evolved Caesar Salad + Paprika Chicken (Protein) 5/5 Absolute favorite. After mixing everything together it was the best healthy salad I've had in a while! Chicken was tender and flavorful! Enjoyed this dish the most. Service 5/5 Ordering is very quick, Staff was very friendly and our order came in timely within 10 minutes or less. They do serve your orders right to you but water and utensils are self served, as well as cleaning up after yourself. There is a 5% mandatory fee for employee health, so be aware of that. Ambience 5/5 I loved the vibes inside. It's very bright and homey. Made me feel good to be there. Seats are comfy and tables are clean. Parking was a breeze. Definitely adding this to my diet rotation if I forget to make a meal prep

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Inside

Hummus w/ Soft Egg & Sesame Togarashi

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Banana walnut pancakes

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21 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Megan Y.

1 year ago

We had such a fantastic experience at this local spot that I felt compelled to share. From the moment we walked in, it was clear this place is something special--not just because of the delicious food, but because of the people behind it. The owners are truly the heart of the restaurant. They made a point to stop by every table, chatting with guests in the most genuine, friendly way. You can tell they care deeply about the experience they're creating, and their warmth set the tone for the whole meal. It wasn't just us who noticed either; the place was full of what seemed like regulars, which says a lot. Now, the food... absolutely terrific. The flavor profiles are classic Italian fare, and they're executed beautifully. From the perfectly cooked pastas to the brick oven pizza (we had the mushroom pappardelle and calzone), everything tasted fresh and well-balanced. The portions were substantial and every plate left us satisfied with some to take home. The wine pours were also refreshingly generous, a rare and welcome touch that really added to the relaxed, convivial vibe. The service was fast and attentive without being intrusive, and the staff mirrored the owners' welcoming energy. It's the kind of place where you instantly feel comfortable. The ambiance is relaxed but polished; perfect for everything from a casual night out to a family dinner. Bonus points for easy parking and a very kid-friendly atmosphere. It's rare to find a spot that nails both the food and the feeling, but this place does it all. Supporting a local business has never felt so good. We'll definitely be back! read more

Rai L.

Elite 26

332

126

236

1 year ago

Creekwood is such a fantastic spot in Berkeley! We came in for brunch and ordered the cheeseburger with fries, the Creekwood breakfast, and the churro waffles--and everything was outstanding. The cheeseburger was juicy, perfectly cooked, and came with crispy, golden fries that hit the spot. The Creekwood breakfast was hearty and well-balanced, with fresh ingredients that made it feel both comforting and elevated. And the churro waffles were the star of the show--crispy on the outside, soft inside, dusted with cinnamon sugar, and paired perfectly with the toppings. The service was warm and attentive without being overbearing, and the space itself had a cozy, neighborhood feel that made the whole experience even better. It's the kind of place that works just as well for a casual brunch with friends as it does for a relaxed date spot. We left full, happy, and already planning our next visit. Creekwood has definitely earned a spot on our Berkeley favorites list! read more

Mia T.

3 years ago

Visited Creekwood with my goddaughter for her birthday dinner on a weekday evening. Food, service, and atmosphere were excellent. It's a cozy place with around 10-14 indoor tables, easily accommodating our party of 10. They offer beer and wine only, and we enjoyed various appetizers. The entrees, including burgers, gnocchi, crab ravioli, meatball calzone, and fettuccine, were all tasty. Surprisingly, they didn't add gratuity for our large party, but the bill was still a bit of a shock. Nonetheless, we hope the staff is well taken care of! read more

Greg F.

7 years ago

So happy that this place is now serving brunch. My wife and I went there this weekend, and it was excellent. I had the huevos rancheros (with fresh, handmade tortillas) while my wife had the biscuits (also fresh and handmade) and gravy. We were both blown away. And while we intended to split both dishes, neither of us wanted to give any of it away. Started with an espresso and ended with a mimosa... couldn't be happier. We're both realy excited to go back to try the rest of the menu. Creekwood does it again! read more

Jessica V.

3 years ago

Creekwood is a gem in South Berkeley. The fettuccine was simple, tasty, and unpretentious. The steak was cooked to perfection and had a sauce that complemented it perfectly. Our salad and oysters were both delicious. The interior of the restaurant is sleek, yet comfortable. Above all, the service was friendly, efficient, and well-coordinated. The folks running this establishment put a lot of thought into their ingredients and recipes. I can't wait to come back! read more

Lauren U.

149

7 years ago

This has to be one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. Great little neighborhood restaurant with a pizza oven and delicious beers on tap. All the food has an Italian flair and you must try the gnocchi! Amazing candle lit atmosphere with great music. read more

Joseph M.

3 years ago

Italian and American food is a perfect combination. Definitely a fit for your taste buds, Atmosphere was great and its fun to be there. Service is quick and sure, Next time I will bring in my family here. read more

Benn H.

7 years ago

This review is just for the ambiance. The ambiance is great. Looks very hipsterish. I walked by from outside I wasn't sure if it was just a cafe or place to eat. Came to figure out they got pizzas also. read more

Rob J.

7 months ago

We have a service dog and this establishment would not allow us to dine inside. We are reporting the manager and establishment officially with the state of California. read more

Saucin With L.

7 years ago

Amazing food I would recommend getting the spaghetti which tastes amazing. The dessert is also great and has great outdoor seating

Xiang Z.

8 years ago

Great food choices; the steak was our favorite! Pizza tasted great too! Good service overall and the bill came out reasonable.

David M.

10 months ago

Been coming since they opened. Keep coming back, keeps impressing. Love that this place is still going strong.

Ryan A.

6 years ago

Excellent food, and outstanding service! If you find yourself in Berkeley, this needs to be your first stop.

Rebecca O.

4 years ago

Awesome service and great food. Reasonable prices. Charming waitstaff. Amazing cakes too. read more

M L.

4 years ago

We loved it! Great food, service was personal and just lovely. We can't wait to come back!

Heidi V.

1 year ago

Amazing. Even the kids loved it, and they got us in quickly without a reservation.!!!!

Sam D.

7 years ago

I got the chicken sandwich, deviled eggs and the putgatorio and it was all fantastic!

Mary R.

8 years ago

Such a great addition to the neighborhood! Loved the food and the feel, great service

Elliott S.

7 years ago

Worth trying. Some exciting items on the menu that i've never seen before.

Lana S.

7 years ago

Food was great! Service was great as well! Would def. recommend!

Creekwood - italian - Updated September 2026

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Acre

3.8

(303 reviews)

I stopped by Acre during a work meeting and unfortunately I also had a terrible headache so I…read moredidn't get to have the full Acre experience. I ended up taking my food to go which was delicious once I heated it up later. My server was very sweet and accommodating. She made sure to take my order while I was working on my computer and helped make sure I had everything I needed before heading home. The restaurant itself was beautiful with a very relaxing and welcoming vibe. Definitely ended up being a great spot to have my meeting and seemed like a great place to spend some time to relax and have a full meal. I'll definitely have to come back to give Acre a proper try. Looking forward to going back.

I don't understand the poor reviews! We've eaten here 3x in the past 2 weeks and it's quickly…read morebecoming our favorite spot to meet up with friends! So far we've had HH, dinner, and Sunday brunch and service each visit has been good to absolutely superb. We especially enjoyed the service we received from our waitress who served the six of us flawlessly on a busy Friday night. I can't recall her name, but she had a very strong southern accent and I think she's from Louisiana. We've ordered at least one pizza each visit and think their pizzas are as good/better than the ones we had in Naples (Italy) this spring, lol. Highly recommend!! Also recommend their french fries with aioli! That said, we've tried 3 different cocktails and found none to our taste. They lack balance and are generally weak, so don't recommend their cocktails. We look forward to trying their oyster HH in the near future!

Marica

4.4

(2.6k reviews)

Special night for 30th wedding anniversary. Got the price fixe earlybird special and it was…read moredelicious and a good deal! Service was attentive and helpful, the room is pretty from the outside and prettier from the inside. Very good salads, healthy, tasty, and the safron salmon with potatoes and vegetables was delicious. Hit all the notes, and left open the spaces too. Excellent cooking and serving. We both went for Creme Brulee and weren't sorry. Good wine selection, 1 glass each, and good decaf with dessert. There's a lot of competition on this end of College Ave, Marica are top-tier, on par with the now closed, and missed, "Oliveto". A place to take anyone for a very special meal.

At Merica, my partner and I were met with service staff who were warm, courteous, speedy and…read moreresponsive. The restaurant space is well-lit, has plenty of indoor seating and seems suitable for a date or casual get-together with friends. My partner would give the food a five-start rating for its simplicity, generally flavorful, with spicy sauces and THE BEST guacamole! He had the Korean spare ribs and mash potatoes. He found the ribs to be fall-off-the bone tender, with potatoes that were more whipped than mashed alongside a carrot puree. I, on the other hand, had the New York Steak and au gratin potatoes. Though I wanted to enjoy my entree, I found the New York Steak to be unfortunately chewy and with too much fat. The au gratin potatoes could have had more crispy layers but tasted mediocre. Though I'd only rate this first experience with three stars. the service staff DID win us over and could potentially be the reason I'd be open to giving it another try.

Pizzaiolo

3.9

(1.8k reviews)

The restaurant itself has a great vibe. The kitchen is open so you can watch the chefs work, which…read moreI always enjoy. At night, their lights are very soft with a warm temperature, so the dining room has a very coze feel. The front of house are friendly and give good, attentive service. I had the Margherita pizza and it was great. Good crust.

Pizza is ok. I'm not the biggest fan of Neapolitan style but it's a solid slice if that's your…read morething. On the other hand the beef tartare appetizer is fantastic. Best beef tartare I've ever had. Super easy to get a table. There is a nice back patio area where you can sit outside.

Sfizio

4.3

(147 reviews)

Sfizio serves up incredible homemade pasta with a wonderfully straightforward menu. It has been…read morepopular since day one, and luckily, we live close by! The Wait and Drinks: We arrived around 6:30 PM on a Friday evening and joined the line. Even with 4 to 5 small groups ahead of us, the queue moved quickly thanks to the incredibly efficient staff working hard to get tables ready. To pass the time, we each ordered a low-alcohol cocktail while waiting: SFIZIO: Made with amaro, mazzura, and tonic lime. It was surprisingly flavorful! NEGRONI SBAGLIATO: A delicious blend of mazzura, vermouth, and prosecco. SONOMA ROSÉ: A refreshing mix of rosé aperitif, strawberry, soda, and mint. When we reached the front, we placed our order for appetizers and pastas right before being led to our table. The food arrived the fast. The Appetizers: GRILLED SUMMER SQUASH (cherry tomatoes, yogurt, za'atar oil) - The flavors were perfectly balanced. The herby notes combined with the sweet summer veggies made this very enjoyable. GRILLED SHRIMP + MELON (adobo, cucumber, mint) - A standout dish! I absolutely loved the adobo sauce with the shrimp, and the sweet, ripe melon paired beautifully with it. The Pastas: (Full disclosure: I forgot to take photos for pasta dishes because we dove right in, but they tasted amazing!) SPAGHETTI (tomato sauce, basil, grana, and meatballs) - This is a staple on their permanent menu for a reason. Always reliable, always good. TAGLIATELLE (morel mushrooms, fresh corn, crème fraîche) - Absolutely sublime. The seasonal ingredients really shined here. CASARECCE (basil-walnut pesto, green beans) - Divine. The pasta had a perfect, chewy texture, and the subtle pesto flavor wasn't overwhelming. Pro-Tips for Customers: Keep coming back: Their menu changes every 2 to 4 weeks, so there is always something new and seasonal to try alongside their staple dishes! Don't fear the queue: Don't let a line outside scare you off. Their ordering system and staff are so efficient that you'll be sitting down with hot food in no time.

Sfizio is a very cute spot that is perfect for small groups of 4 or less. Much larger groups can be…read moreaccommodated outside. Our pastas came out within minutes of ordering. The pasta was the perfect al dente and each dish we ordered was very well rounded in flavor. I especially loved my corn and scallion oil pasta. The service is very fast. They were quite attentive to ask whether my friend was ready for another refill on his beer. The staff was also attentive on clearing empty plates. However, once 2 of my friends were finished with their meal, they stopped paying attention to our table for water refills. It was very apparent they were focused on turning tables which is fair since there are only so few tables inside. During my visit, Sfizio did not give the sort of ambiance of being the place to have a thorough sit down dinner. It is definitely was the spot to eat dinner rather quickly to pop over to the next destination of our night.

La Note

3.9

(4.7k reviews)

I've been coming here for 25+ years. I have a deep…read moreappreciation for their quality and consistency. I always sit outside on the patio ... for germ reasons ... and because it's so lovely. I had had a very nice luncheon for my daughter's graduation many years ago. Somehow they lost our reservation and weren't expecting our party of 12 or so, however, they rallied and we were able to be seated and served in a timely manner. I also arranged a brunch there as part of a pre wedding event. We had a simple menu and it was great. I love their soft scrambled eggs and merguez! Heading back soon.

I've been to Paris many times and eaten in some of the best restaurants and cafes. La Note is…read moregood, but not great. We opted to get breakfast and the sticker shock on some of the prices! Whew...I thought $6 for a gallon of gas was expensive but $20 for eggs with goat cheese?! I guess you're paying Berkeley prices. It is a really nice-looking restaurant and the service was on par. Nothing special, just the normal take order, deliver food, check in, deliver check. I will say the bacon was thick and really good. Ambiance 9/10 Bathrooms 10/10 Cleanliness 10/10 Food 8/10 Value 6/10 Service 8/10 Will I Return? Maybe for dinner but it better be spectacular!

Casa Barotti

4.5

(182 reviews)

•$

$7.72 Margherita: the fluffiest most delicate focaccia ever. This was very unique; I really liked…read moreit. Despite being full from already having eaten a lunch, I almost wanna go back and grab a second slice of this.

I was around the area, had done quite a bit of walking, and wanted something light that wouldn't…read moreleave me feeling too heavy. I came across Casa Barotti on Yelp, saw the photos, and it immediately caught my attention. The moment I walked in, the atmosphere reminded me of a calm little lounge. The music and overall vibe made it a really relaxing place to sit and eat. I was greeted and welcomed by one of the staff members, and since it was my first time, he was very patient and helpful when I had questions. After ordering, I sat by the wall and noticed some of the little details around the restaurant. They were pretty creative, even using an empty tomato can to hold the utensils and everything you need to eat! They also had pepper and chili oil available on the side. I wouldn't have minded having some extra seasonings like dried oregano, but that's just a small preference. I ordered the classic Margherita pizza and the mushroom & leek pizza. The presentation was beautiful. Both pizzas came out fresh from the oven on wooden boards, and they even sliced them up. The crust had the perfect crunch, and the Margherita was simple but incredibly flavorful without feeling too heavy. But if you're feeling adventurous, I'd definitely recommend trying the mushroom & leek. It was absolutely mouthwatering and had so much flavor. Overall, this was a really enjoyable meal with a great atmosphere, beautiful presentation, and delicious pizza. I'd definitely come back again

Heroic Italian

4.4

(164 reviews)

Heroic Italian is a fantastic downtown Berkeley spot for a relaxed Italian meal. The food is…read moredelicious, from the elevated sandwiches and fresh pasta to the pizzas, salads, and a great Italian wine selection. The garden patio large and and dog friendly. Service is attentive and kind. We live in Oakland and this is one of favorite sport in Berkeley. My partner doesn't want me to post this review because she's afraid it will get too crowded, ha. Cheers

We ordered via DoorDash, and I wouldn't call our experience "heroic."…read more The pinsa was very good. We got the Calabrian shrimp. We found it very tasty, but paying over $25 for this on DoorDash--certainly not worth the price even though we really enjoyed it. The spicy chicken parm sandwiches were not good. The chicken breast was flabby, and came across like it was one of those frozen cooked Tyson jobs. I would be very surprised if they actually breaded chicken breast, fried it, and made the sandwich with that. It was mushy, and the breading was like paste on the chicken. Pretty awful. They charge extra for sauce, which is a little much, given that we paid $21 for each sandwich. But we figured out pretty quickly why they do this: there was hardly any sauce on the sandwiches. And precious little cheese. We each ate half of our sandwich and figured we doctor the leftovers up the next day with a jar of Rao's and a bag of shredded Italian cheese. That helped, but nothing could save that chicken. The meatballs. We paid $15 for four, and we had high hopes, but they were so mushy that they fell apart in the sauce, and I couldn't tell what was sauce and what was meatballs. The only flavor that came across was fennel. Why any meatball should be so fennel-forward strikes me as bizarre. We got what we thought were pretty basic things, and they were fails. If an Italian place can't make a decent chicken parm sandwich nor a decent meatball, that says something. If you go, try the pinsa.

El Mono

4.7

(415 reviews)

The staff is super friendly and the food was great! Very spacious interior and the parking lot had…read moretons of spaces

Food was delicious. Loved the shrimp skewers. My favorite…read morePeuruvian food is the fried plantains. Great ambiance and service.

Enoteca Molinari

4.1

(260 reviews)