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

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900 Grayson

4.1(2.3k reviews)

0.8 mi•West Berkeley

900 Grayson has been around for so long. Been coming here for ages! Classic spot…read more Came here recently and ordered something different for once. I usually get the chicken and waffles, but he ordered it anyways so I got lucky to be able to still have a few bites. I ordered the "Breakfast" which came with 2 eggs however you want (I got mine over easy), hash browns, toast and either bacon or chicken sausage. I got the chicken sausage. For a drink, I had the Aquatic Park Sunrise. It was good. Not too sweet and strong enough that I wanted another lol My friend just had coffee which the staff made sure to always ask if he wanted refilled. Breakfast came quick. The chicken and waffles is a classic. I always order it when I come. Chicken was thick and juicy. I didn't try the waffle this time since I had my own food to eat (plus I've had it so many times before). This plate comes with either gravy or syrup but definitely pay the extra fee to get both. My dish was simple and delicious. Can't go wrong with eggs, hash browns and sausage. Love coming here and so happy they don't try to switch up anything too much. Came in and didn't have to wait for a table which is not always the case cause it's a busy place. Everyone is always so nice. Great place to come, great service and great food.

900 Grayson is a classic. I would go more than twice as often if they were open on Saturday and…read moreSunday. Don't be discouraged by the fact that they don't take reservations. Lots of people in the queue, but the wait wasn't even 10 minutes. If I were smart, I would find a way to plan a weekday brunch meeting here. They put some very nice touches on the standard, diner/brunch menu. The Demon Lover is usually amazing. Occasionally average. Potter Creek's hash browns are the best. Fluffy eggs, but showed up cold last time. Coffee ranks as delicious and the Bubble & Squeeze mimosa is plenty good with OJ. But they offer other fruit flavors as well. It's one of those what's-not-to-like brunch spots where the only issue is consistency. And I would honestly say that it's not very often that they're off. This is definitely one of my top five brunch spots in the East Bay. Great service. Always! Cozy and homey atmosphere with lots of cute decorative touches when you're sitting inside, mostly two tops and four tops, but I think there's at least one table that seats six or eight people. They also a nice patio outside for warm days. 4.5 stars.

Indoor seating

Chicken and Waffle

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Steak Frites

Nina's Cafe

4.3(170 reviews)

•$

Nina's Cafe is great! I recently met up here with four friends, and the vibe was incredibly…read morewelcoming and perfectly conducive to great conversation. You can immediately tell that the food is freshly cooked with a lot of love from Nina herself. I particularly enjoyed the Chicken Curry. I also had the Chai, which is the real deal--crafted from her own authentic recipe, it completely blows away the generic versions you find at most places. Whether you're looking for a great place to meet up with friends or just want to enjoy a heartwarming meal made with love, I can't recommend Nina's Cafe enough.

Paid 38$ for a turkey avocado sandwich, breakfast burrito, 12 oz orange juice, and a 16 oz water…read morebottle. The turkey sandwich was so small and looked like it was meant for a kid that could easily be made at home, with barely any ingredients between two small toasted wonderbread. The breakfast burrito tasted okay but was also very small. With the amount that is profited from charging such a high price, you would expect better ambiance and exterior and kitchen and food quality, but you do not get any of those here. The signage outside is old and faded, the kitchen looks old and dirty, and the food portions and quality could be vastly improved. The sandwich should have been no more than 7$, 16$ for a child-size sandwich is crazy.

Inside

Breakfast Burrito

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Third Culture Bakery - Berkeley

4.3(1.2k reviews)

0.8 mi•West Berkeley

Cute store. Very clean. I like that they display each donut and muffin in the case with its name…read moreand price (vs just a list of flavors on a menu) so you can see exactly what you're getting. The lady at the counter was super nice and personable. She was easy to talk to and friendly. She asked if we wanted our treats warmed up but since I was taking mine home, she recommended to heat it up for 45 seconds at home. Thank you!! I ordered: * black sesame mochi muffin - nice chew, great sesame flavor, and not too sweet * churro mochi muffin - covered in cinnamon sugar, so good. Great texture as well. * banana bread pudding - looks so ooey and gooey! I took an edge piece because I like the chewy crispy texture. Love to return when I'm back in the area.

Short line on a Sunday around noon. I got the iced classic matcha latte and shared the ube mochi…read moremuffin, black sesame mochi muffin, matcha white chocolate butter mochi donut, and miso coconut butter mochi donut. Matcha was pretty good and definitely high quality. The employees definitely put lots of effort and care into making the drinks and baked goods. My favorites from most the least: 1) ube mochi muffin 2) miso coconut butter mochi donut 3) matcha white chocolate butter mochi donut 4) black sesame mochi muffin. The ube mochi muffin was fantastic. I loved the crispy edges of the muffin and the ube had great flavor. Miso coconut butter mochi donut also was great and had quite a unique flavor combo. Matcha white chocolate butter mochi donut was nothing special in my opinion, and black sesame mochi muffin was a bit too intense in flavor/dense in texture/dry for my liking.

Strawberry Lychee Matcha Latte, matcha einspanner (06/2025)

Pandan Mochi Donut

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Mochi donuts

Tarocco

4.5(97 reviews)

5 stars $27.26 for a…read more2 "salad" lunch plus Spanish omelette. Grilled purple cabbage was warm, beautifully charred and seasoned. Potato and radish salad was light, flavorful and really focused on bringing out the ingredients flavors Spanish patata was a hell of a potato omelette creation. Is it a little expensive? Sure. But is every $ on the plate? Yes.

Whatever you do, do not book an event here. Customer Service is entitled, condescending and rude…read more My daughter was planning a baby shower so we called a number of venues to get a quote. We had been to Tarocco for lunch and figured we would ask them for a quote, too. My daughter warned me that the owner is trying to be an "influencer" on Instagram and posts photos of herself in crop Tops so I should beware, but that's fine by me. We called to get a quote and had a discussion. After we gave the owner all of our information, she told us she wouldn't give us a quote unless we came in person (?!) Which is weird because this isn't how restaurants work. Typically for events restaurants will give you a quote via phone or email for the sake of convenience. We had gotten 3 quotes already from other restaurants via phone. Making us drive 45 mins just to get a quote is a total waste of time. Especially if we can't afford it. So my daughter called again, left a VM explaining we couldn't come in person due to time constraints, and again asked for a quote. No reply. We waited a few days and called again. No reply. Finally we got a voicemail from the owner saying that she didn't like my daughter's attitude ?!!! Apparently you're not allowed to ask this restaurant how much they charge for events unless you're face to face. This lady has absolutely no idea how to run a restaurant. We took our business elsewhere and recommend that you do, too.

Indoor seating

Cardamom Rose Latte

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Inside. So cute

Tanzie's

4.5(334 reviews)

0.8 mi•West Berkeley

Tanzie's is located on Dwight, a ways west of downtown Berkeley. It's a sunny spot with very…read morelimited parking, but it's worth the trip. We didn't wait too long either--about 10 min for two ppl. We came here for lunch and since it was my first time, got the lava eggs and the special, which was cod fish curry. The curry had just enough spice to make my nose runny but not enough to make me cry. Paired with the lava eggs, it was the perfect combo of herbaceous savory flavors. My friend ordered the NAM PRIK ONG which also came with lava eggs. It was tomato-ey and had a great combination of spice as well. We also got the beignets to start and both agreed that it's better with condensed milk instead of the traditional powdered sugar. Can't wait to come again to try the other specials and evergreen dishes!

This is a super cute and cozy thai inspired brunch spot in Berkeley. We got two lava egg entrees,…read moreone with pork jowl and the other with pork sausage. They were both super flavorful and filling as they were big portions. The sausage had some spice to it with a mild chili sauce on the side which was delicious. We got two small plates as well, the beignets and coconut cakes, both were super delicious and fun to try! The servers were absolute sweethearts! A service fee is already included in the bill which I didn't mind since the service was absolutely amazing! This is a spot I would come back to on a chilly day for some comforting and yummy food.

Real floral arrangements

Moo Yang: Grilled Pork Jowl w/ local honey, crispy garlic, lava egg, brown rice ($22)

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Strawberry makrut matcha

Cafe Buenos Aires

4.7(18 reviews)

This location has the best tasting empanadas in my opinion! They're consistently bomb. I've never…read morebitten into one and had to spit it out like other locations... They have good coffee, good service, and recently added refreshers. I am obsessed with them! Soooo good. Def a hidden gem.

Yummy empanadas! We shared the beef, mushroom, and chorizo. All were delicious! We started with a…read morechi latte, iced. A little sweet for my taste.

Indoor coffee bar

Beef Empinada

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Freshly warmed pumpkin empanada

Café Etoile

4.5(263 reviews)

1.5 mi•Downtown Berkeley

My hair salon is near here. I've walked by it many times, even paused to look at the menu several…read moretimes. Such great offerings but when I'm getting my hair done, I'm in a rush to go back home/work. I finally made the time to visit Etoile! My sister was in town and getting her hair done. She needed a ride to the salon so off we went! We had an almond milk latte and a regular latte. We ordered it for here, so we asked to have them served in mugs. The lattes were delicious! There a good mix of students studying here. And some people working. It was a pretty quiet group when we were there. My sister and I sat at the counter and chatted very quietly. Nicely decorated inside. I love independently owned cafes like these! We also got a breakfast sandwich, but they are made to order and it took awhile, so we had it packed it up to go because she didn't want to be late to her hair appointment. Sandwich was great! Service was great! I'd love to go back and order from their lunch menu!

This is a cute little cafe spot right by Trader Joe's. You order and pay at the front, and they…read morecall your order out when it's ready. The workers and the owner were all very kind and welcoming. I got there a little after they opened in the morning. As for the food, I ordered the kimchi fried rice along with the chicken and croffle. The fried chicken tasted a bit interesting. I'm not sure if the frying temperature was off or if it had something to do with the condition of the oil, but the texture of the breading wasn't quite right. I used to work at a fried chicken shop in Korea, so it was a texture I recognized--the coating was fully cooked and wasn't necessarily soggy, but there was no real crunch. Instead of being crispy, the breading was soft and kind of gave way when you bit into it. Unfortunately, I couldn't continue eating it. I'd give the chicken a 2/5. As for the kimchi fried rice, I liked the addition of cilantro and beets, which gave it a refreshing touch. My only issue was that the kimchi itself was way too sour for kimchi fried rice. I don't mind fermented or sour kimchi, but in this case, the sourness overpowered the rest of the dish. Overall, the cafe itself is cute and the people working there were genuinely very kind. I just wish the food had been a little better, especially the fried chicken. Will be back next time to try out the coffee!! It is a cafe after all.

Fried kimchi rice with Korean beef Cream and Berries Croffle

Goodness Salad & Bibim Salad

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Kimchi Fried Rice | Ig: @eat_with_jeleneeee

Cafe M

4.0(2.1k reviews)

1.8 mi•West Berkeley

I moved to the peninsula so haven't been here in a while but was pleasantly satisfied with our…read moreservice and meals! We tried going to another cafe that wasn't even that busy and they told us it would be a 20 mins wait with several 4 tops empty. We arrived here and every table was packed with a small waitlist. Even then we got seated quickly, served quickly, and everything tasted good! Will definitely be back and recommend when I'm back in the area!

It was my companion's birthday, and he wanted corned beef hash! I don't know many spots, but Cafe M…read morecame up as a recommendation for it. We both left happy, and the birthday boy was more than satisfied! I pass by Cafe M almost weekly and always notice how busy it is. The last time I dined in was pre-pandemic, so I was looking forward to coming back. Since we came on a holiday afternoon, it was quite busy. Luckily, we snagged one of the last tables outside, where we sat with the pup. They have a decent amount of outdoor and indoor seating, but wait times can vary depending on what time you arrive. The service was fine but not the most attentive. They seemed a bit frazzled and were juggling a lot, but our food came out quite fast My companion got the Homemade Corned Beef Hash, and I got the Delmar Crepe. He is pretty picky with his corned beef, and he gave theirs two thumbs up. This was also the first place he didn't finish his corned beef, so you know the portions are generous! I got the Delmar Crepe, which was an intriguing combination of crab cakes plus other ingredients in a crepe. The crepe was crispy, with a generous amount of tasty crab cake, plus good stuff like avocado and spinach. The potatoes were delicious as well. I could only eat half my plate, but I'd recommend it! For folks in the Berkeley area, I highly recommend Cafe M for brunch. It's a Berkeley staple with classic and specialty brunch items, and I'm looking forward to coming back! Find them off Fourth Street with street and lot parking.

Inside

Chicken Pesto Crepe

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Coconut French Toast

Standard Fare

4.2(295 reviews)

AMAZING breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Berkley. It started as a cafe by Kelsie Kerr in 2014 and…read moreattracts long lines even on weekday mornings. My friend who rarely insists on eating at specific places insisted we come, a previous girlfriend was in the food industry and they have this place bookmarked for awhile. They described it as "healthy california food". We came on a Friday morning around 9:20 am and it was pretty crowded. You can't park right in front but there was plenty of street parking on the weekdays. Inside, its intimate and cozy and there is also a nice seating area outside with lots of dog-owners hanging out. Everything we had was great quality with choice ingredients where you could actually taste the difference. Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich: herb butter, roasted seasonal vegetables and onions, soft-cooked egg, and greens. Surprisingly filling, we were trying to share a bunch of little bites but ended up getting one each of these. It's fine as a stand alone mini breakfast! Frittata: pastured eggs, assorted vegetables, caramelized onions. WAY too good! we all love this one. Herb-Dijon Biscuit: Excellent savory biscuit, you can taste the high quality butter used.

Very cute and quaint spot for breakfast. A friend suggested we meet here on Saturday for a late…read morebreakfast, what a great choice. It was pretty hard to pick from the menu items, but I settled on the Frittata with a side of Fennel Sausage, sourdough toast and a Arnold Palmer. Although the seating was full, thank goodness out food came out just as some seats were emptying out. It was a chilly day and the outside seating was full too. The service was without any complaints. They did their best to accommodate all patrons despite it being very crowded and crazy busy. Overall I would come back here, probably right as the doors open to be guaranteed a place to seat and not have to wait and hope for a seat. Oh the music was on point!! Put it on your list, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Pickled carrots and fennel

Pulling out of the farmers market

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Eco-friendly, guilt-free take out containers!

Cali Alley

4.6(229 reviews)

0.7 mi•West Berkeley

Cali Alley is one of my go-to spots... I'm constantly trying to convince people to meet me there…read morefor lunch, or telling them to just DoorDash it because it's that good. It's also one of those places that makes you want to stay. The food is consistently fresh, flavorful, and generous. Every time I come here, I tell myself I'll pace myself... and every time I fail because it's just that good. The burgers are loaded and perfectly balanced, the fries are always crisp (never soggy, which is rare), and everything tastes high-quality and made to order. You have to try the chicken and waffles. The waffle batter tastes homemade and the butter takes it to another level... it's one of those dishes you keep thinking about after. I'll even DoorDash it all the way to Jingletown. The patio setup is really well done... there's a mix of larger tables for groups and higher bar-style seating for smaller hangs. The wooden furniture and cushioned benches make it comfortable, and they've got heaters for colder days and umbrellas when it's sunny, so you can usually pick your ideal spot. You order at the window and then just hang out while you wait... it's a relaxed flow and the food comes out pretty quickly. The staff are always kind and welcoming, and the whole place has a relaxed, homey vibe with really good music. Highly recommend... just come hungry.

I got the grilled prawn bowl. it's basically 4 prawns on top of a bunch of salad mix--for $21. (You…read morehave to pay extra $2 for the rice.) it's just not worth it. For what it's worth one of the other customers told me their fried chicken sandwich is really great.

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Order and pickup windows

Fried Chicken & Waffle

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Nice outdoor seating, dog friendly!

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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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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.

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)

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$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)