Editor’s note: With UC Berkeley students back on campus for the start of a new academic year, we’re updating this guide that was first published in 2024.

It’s your first day on campus, and you’re inundated with a flurry of information because, for a freshman, everything is new. You’re in a new area, full of new people, and your head is spinning because you have a million things to do and your parents might also — understandably – be a little confused.

So you grab your phone and hit the algorithm, but it’s no better. “Best places to eat in Berkeley”, “Top 10 places to go in Berkeley”, come across your social feeds, giving you countless places to try, but who can you really trust? Well, look no further because that is what our freshmen food guide is all about. 

To help you get acquainted with Berkeley’s vibrant food scene, Nosh has curated a guide that highlights essential eats, reliable study spots, restaurants that provide guaranteed leftovers, late-night bites and buzzy brunch spots. We also have some upscale options — perfect for when someone else is footing the bill — and some outdoor places to grab a bite at and soak up some sun. 

The essentialsMenchiesMenchie’s on Euclid Avenue has 12 frozen yogurt flavors to enjoy, including seasonal flavors like harvest pumpkin. Credit: Calliope Arkilic for Nosh

When in doubt, get frozen yogurt. At least, that was my philosophy when I was a Berkeley student, because what’s better after a day of frying your brain with information than a froyo cool-down? Menchie’s is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop along Euclid Avenue that opened in 2013. Conveniently located near the F bus stop, the shop itself has 12 flavors to choose from, and you can mix and match flavors like dreamy dulce de leche, vanilla snow, I dream of cookies n’ cream, and nsa strawberry. This SoCal-based franchise was started in 2007 by a husband and wife duo who first met over a cup of frozen yogurt. Price varies depending on the weight of your yogurt cup. 

Alum’s advice: Remember, you can never have too many toppings so pile them sky high. 

Menchie’s: 1862 Euclid Ave; open Monday through Saturday from 12 to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 10 p.m. 

Impression of Lanzhou

The hand-pulled noodles at Impression of Lanzhou are chewy, springy and seriously satisfying, rivaling some of Berkeley’s best-known spots for stellar Chinese fare. At this Lanzhou-style Chinese restaurant, dishes like the hand-pulled noodle soup, spicy meat sauce noodles, steamed dumplings and spicy pita burgers offer plenty of variety. Plus, the space has a range of seating options, making it a great spot to stop by with a large group of friends, or sit alone for a quick bite.

Alum advice: While they’re known for their hand-pulled noodle soup, I’d also give one of their dry noodle options a try. I personally recommend the braised pork belly dry noodles

Impression of Lanzhou: 1878 Euclid Ave; open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Oori Rice TrianglesOori Triangles offers plenty of onigiri options, plates and tacos in Downtown Berkeley. Credit: Tovin Lapan/East Bay Nosh

Whether I was on the go between classes, or trying to catch BART, Oori Rice Triangles was my go-to for a quick bite when I was at Berkeley. The tiny corner shop downtown has been open since 2021, offering a variety of onigiri triangles, from spicy grilled pork to unagi, and vegetarian options like organic tofu teriyaki. Oori also offers plates, which include a choice of protein and comes with rice, edamame and lime, and tacos, which include two corn tortillas, a choice of protein, shredded red cabbage, spicy mayo, scallions and lime. The shop is take-out or delivery only, as there is no seating, but that doesn’t mean they skimp on flavor. It’s fast, affordable, and a game-changer for a busy student on the go. 

Alum’s advice: My go to is the Korean style kalbi short rib onigiri with scallions. Plus, if you time it right, you can grab a quick onigiri and still catch your train at the Downtown Berkeley BART station. 

Oori Triangles: 2177 Shattuck Ave; open from Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Cheese ‘N’ StuffCheese ‘N’ Stuff workers Charlotte Wilson, Jonathan Haro, Barbara Herrera and Ismael Haro hustle through the lunch hour rush. Credit: Ximena Natera, Nosh/ CatchLight

For a fresh and affordable lunch for less than $10, head to Cheese ‘N’ Stuff, a small deli tucked away in the dim alley under the Telegraph-Channing parking garage. Since its founding in 1986, this inconspicuous staple has fed generations of hungry Cal students, from athletes (see the photographs on the wall) to computer scientists and musicians. 

Build your own sandwich or order one of the hot sandwiches straight off the menu. My go-to order is the hearty Turkey Delight — roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, avocado, iceberg lettuce, and tomatoes on Dutch crunch bread. It’s probably the closest I’ll ever get to eating an American-style Thanksgiving meal. 

Alum’s Advice: If you’re not from the Bay, a well-made Dutch crunch bread — a sandwich roll coated in rice flour that turns into a golden crackly top after it bakes — is supposed to be somewhat uncomfortable to chew. Turn the sandwich upside down and eat it crackly-side down if the roof of your mouth hurts too much.

Cheese ‘N’ Stuff; 2442 Durant Ave.; open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Closed Sundays. 

Roast beef on a Dutch crunch roll with all the toppings from Cheese ‘N’ Stuff. Credit: Ximena Natera, Nosh/ CatchLightFava

This fast-casual, hole-in-the-wall lunch spot in North Berkeley is equal parts delicious and healthy. Founded by a pair of Chez Panisse alumni in 2019, its menu is vegetable-forward and draws inspiration from Middle Eastern cuisine. 

The house-made falafel, tender and light, pairs wonderfully with the soft, fresh-baked flatbread. 

Alum’s Advice: Split the pita chips and hummus with a friend. Or don’t; they’re frighteningly addictive.  

Fava; 2114 Vine St.; open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m to 3 p.m., closed Sundays and Mondays. 

Noodles Fresh

Having visited Noodles Fresh’s original El Cerrito location with my parents for years, I was delighted when the combination Chinese restaurant and tea shop announced in 2019 that they were opening a second location in downtown Berkeley, blocks away from my apartment. Even though it opened in March 2020, the inauspicious timing hasn’t stood in the way of success.

As the name suggests, the noodles are the star of its expansive menu. On a chilly day, try the consistently comforting Taiwan beef noodle soup, which features gelatinous beef shank, baby bok choy, pickled mustard greens, scallions and fresh wheat noodles, all swimming in a hearty beef broth. It’s been highlighted by Chinese American celebrity chef Martin Yan on his TV program Wok around the Bay. 

Alum’s Advice: Take full advantage of the weekday lunch specials, which start at $10.95. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. 

Noodles Fresh; 2430 Shattuck Ave.; open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Leftovers (almost) guaranteedGypsy’s Trattoria Italiana is famous among Southside residents for its outrageously large portions. Credit: Ximena Natera, Nosh/ CatchLightMezzo

You’ll often see lines out the door for this bright, charming Telegraph Avenue cafe. It’s easy to understand why; the $13.50 classic half-salad, half-sandwich combination is both a nice, fresh meal and a great deal. I like poppy seed dressing on my salad and the fragrant, soft honey wheat bread as a base for my sandwich. Portions are massive; you can absolutely split this into two meals. 

Relatively early risers will be rewarded with nonexistent lines and $10 breakfast burritos, which are decent, though the salsa is forgettable.

Alum’s Advice: If you’re fond of heat, bring your own hot sauce. 

Mezzo; 2442 Telegraph Ave.; open Tuesday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., all other days 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Gypsy’s Trattoria ItalianaGypsy’s infamous pasta-filled calzones are roughly the size of a football. Credit: Ximena Natera, Nosh/ CatchLight

This eminent establishment needs no introduction. All pasta comes with a slice of bread to help soak up the sauce. The carbonara is indulgently greasy but satisfying. 

What flies under the radar, though, are the football-sized calzones, almost certainly enough for two meals. The combo calzone is packed with protein, featuring chicken, sausage, ham, mushrooms, onion, cheese and tomato sauce. For those with an even more ambitious stomach, they also sell calzones stuffed with pasta. 

Alum’s Advice: The portion sizes tend to be more generous when you order in person at the restaurant, as opposed to through a delivery app.

Gypsy’s Trattoria Italiana: 2519-A Durant Ave., Berkeley; open 10 a.m to midnight, 7 days a week. 

Tacos Sinaloa

Skip Chipotle; head to Tacos Sinaloa, a favorite of Steph Curry’s, instead. It’s affordable, close to the Unit 3 dorm, and great for solo dining. It’s been recognized as a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant. 

My go-to is the carnitas burrito bowl, which is relatively cheap and extremely filling. They don’t skimp on the crispy,  packed with beans, carrots, radish, lettuce, pico de gallo, and either a couple slices of avocado or a scoop of guacamole (they don’t charge extra, but the amount of avocado you get seems to depend on how generous they’re feeling that day). 

Alum’s Advice:  Also try the lengua (tongue) and fatty, smooth suadero (rose meat) tacos. Ignore the tortas and fish tacos.

Tacos Sinaloa; 2384 Telegraph Ave.; open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Imm Thai Street Food

Imm Thai, which uses family recipes from Thailand, is in contention for best Thai restaurant near the UC Berkeley campus. (Funky Elephant in the Gilman District is well worth a trip.) 

Portions at this lively downtown Berkeley restaurant are generous and spice levels lean mild. The fragrant pad see ew has decent wok hei — the caramel-like flavor that develops when food is cooked on a wok at a high temperature for a short period of time.

Alum’s Advice: Try the smooth and refreshing iced Thai tea ($5). If you’re dairy free, ask for coconut milk.

Imm Thai Street Food; 2068 University Ave.; open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Late-night eatsStudents line up outside Yogurt Park on Durant Avenue for a late-night treat. The shop opened in 1977, and it is the only frozen yogurt joint in the Southside neighborhood. Credit: Ximena Natera, Nosh/ CatchLightMy-o-My

This popular shawarma spot, My-O-My opened in north Berkeley in 2023, bringing Mediterranean flavors to a small corner of campus. The halal spot opened a second location last year on Telegraph. In terms of late night food, there aren’t many places in Berkeley that stay open past 10, but My-O-My is an outlier, with its Euclid Ave location closing at midnight, and its Telegraph Ave location closing at 2.am. So if you’re walking home late and are hunting for a place to grab a bite, then this is the spot. 

Alum’s advice: For lunch, get a spot in line closer to 11:30, because by noon the line will be out the door. My go to is the chicken on a stick, with extra helpings of sumac and hummus instead of garlic sauce. 

My-o-My: 1866 Euclid Ave; open every day from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.; and 2431 Telegraph Ave; open every day from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. 

La Burrita (Southside location)

There are two locations of this no-frills Mexican restaurant, one in Southside, just across the street from the Durant Food Court (formerly known as Asian Ghetto) and another in quieter Northside. I prefer the Southside location, which stays open until midnight most days. 

Try the California burrito, a hefty carbohydrate bomb that’s packed with fries and carne asada, and pair it with a soda or beer to cut through the richness. 

Alum’s Advice: It’s already an affordable option, but for occasional discounts, download the Snackpass app and order there. (Many restaurants in college towns, Berkeley included, partner with Snackpass, and it’s convenient for ordering ahead).

La Burrita; 2350 Durant Ave.; open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Top Dog

Top Dog’s greasy frankfurters are there for you after a traumatizing midterm. They are there for you when you’re having post-party late-night munchies. They are there for you after a messy breakup with a situationship. It’s no surprise, then, that Cal alumni often return to this nostalgic spot years after they graduate — including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, who wrote in a 2015 tweet that Top Dog is his “favorite meal in Berkeley.”

The original Durant Avenue shop, which opened in 1966, is the last remaining location in Berkeley, after the Center Street location shuttered. 

Alum’s Advice: I like the mango-jalapeno chicken sausage, as the mild sweetness balances out the heavy salt. Nosh editor Tovin Lapan’s go-to order is a hot link and a root beer.  

Top Dog; 2354 Durant Ave.; open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 3 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., Sunday and holidays 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Sweetheart Cafe

When Sweetheart Cafe’s original Oakland Chinatown location opened in 1996, it was the East Bay’s first bubble tea cafe. Today’s Berkeley is ripe with boba shop options — from the bougier picks, like Feng Cha and Yifang, to global chains like TP Tea and Sharetea — but there’s a good reason it’s stood the test of time.

The teas are affordable and consistent, and their delightfully crispy, juicy popcorn chicken almost transports you to Taipei’s famous night markets. Portions are large, perfect for sharing with friends or saving some for lunch the next day. In either case, I recommend the spicy version.

Alum’s Advice: The popcorn chicken goes well with the gentle and refreshing jasmine green tea milk tea with boba. Those with a sweet tooth should note that default sweetness levels here tend to be on the lighter side; consider asking for “extra” sweet.

Sweetheart Cafe; 2523 Durant Ave.; open daily, 11:30 a.m. to (around) 2 a.m. 

Yogurt ParkCal students and Yogurt Park workers Lizbeth Jimenez and Kassidy Leem tend to customers lining up outside the window. Credit: Ximena Natera, Nosh/ CatchLight

Yogurt Park, or “Yopo,” as some affectionately call it, is a retro frozen yogurt shop a block away from Sproul Plaza. The shop opened in 1977; today, it remains the only Southside frozen yogurt shop to have survived the passing of the early-2010s, low-fat-diet-fueled froyo craze. 

Chocolate and vanilla are the only constants in its daily rotation of six flavors. Its more creative offerings — like creme brulee, hazelnut chocolate, caramel fudge eclair — are overly sweet for my taste. There is, however, one flavor I’ll always spring for on the rare occasion that it’s there, plain tart. It’s the unsung hero of frozen yogurt flavors, and the mild tanginess makes it the ideal blank canvas for toppings. 

Alum’s Advice: Speaking of toppings, Yopo has perfected the art of its add-ons, which cost $1 and are generously shoved into the yogurt for the dream topping-to-yogurt ratio, rather than stingily sprinkled on top. Try the New York cheesecake chunk topping. 

Yogurt Park; 2433 Durant Ave., Suite A, Berkeley; open Sunday through Thursday 12 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 12 p.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

Study sessionsMind coffeeMind Coffee has an ethos of mental health awareness and offers einspanner-style drinks at it’s Euclid Avenue shop. Credit: Tovin Lapan/East Bay Nosh

Whether you’re in the throes of exam season or nose diving into assignments, finding a place where you can actually focus, without feeling chained to a library desk, can make all the difference. If you’re stressed and in need of a coffee fix, look no further than Mind Coffee. The shop opened in 2023 along Euclid Avenue with the ethos of promoting mental health awareness. The shop’s interior was even designed with that in mind. Everything from the ceiling design to the overall layout, including its floor cushions and low tables, is meant to foster a sense of serenity and connection. Mind Coffee is known for its einspanner-style drinks – or coffee drinks made up of hot espresso topped with generous layers of whipped cream. 

Alum’s advice: While the coffee is solid, I recommend trying the iced Maindspanner matcha latte. The thick whipped cream balances out the earthy tones of the matcha nicely. 

Mind Coffee: 1816 Euclid Ave; open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m, and Saturday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Elaichi Co.Chai and South Asian treats are the focus at Elaichi Co., but they still offer a range of other drinks on their menu. Credit: Tovin Lapan/East Bay Nosh

In the Bay Area, coffee is king, but at this Berkeley shop, chai is the name of the game. While a warm cup of joe has made its rounds throughout the bay, a recent wave of coffee shops are bringing chai to the forefront, and Elachi Co. is one of them. The shop opened in 2024, with a range of chai drinks, and South Asian treats. Elaichi means cardamom in Urdu, and the 4,000 square foot shop is filled with couches, tables, and outlets, a perfect spot to squat in if you need to focus on schoolwork. It also has games and outdoor seating if you’re willing to take a break, close up your notebook, and grab a warm chai drink or strawberry ginger matcha.

Alum advice: We need to give chai its flowers. The warm, spicy notes of black tea and spices paired with warm milk is what every student needs to cut through these chilly Berkeley nights, so grab the cake rusk and a cup of karak chai to dip it in. 

Elaichi co. : 2161 Allston Way Ste C. Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m, and Saturday from 8 a.m.. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

1951 Coffee Company

This nonprofit coffee shop was my go-to when I was a Cal student; not much beats walking down foggy Channing to a waiting honey lavender latte, which, despite its name, is neither too sweet nor heavy on the lavender. 1951 Coffee gets its name from a convention held by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva that year. The shop aims to train refugees to land barista jobs.

Alum’s Advice: Seating is sparse, but if you snag a spot, wifi is stable and outlets are available. 

1951 Coffee Company; 2410 Channing Way; open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

My Coffee Roastery

Escape the hustle and bustle of campus by walking a few blocks to My Coffee Roastery, a small stone cottage located in a part of town that, despite being just three blocks from the downtown Berkeley BART station, is unexpectedly sleepy. While its storybook looks might be the initial draw, try the orange blossom latte, a rich and lightly-sweetened drink that’s sure to cheer you up. 

Alum’s Advice: Both cozy indoor and shaded outdoor seating are available. Bring your books or come prepared with a fully-charged laptop, as electrical outlets are sparse. There is wifi. 

My Coffee Roastery; 2080 Martin Luther King Jr. Way; Wednesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

When someone else is picking up the checkTg and Lalitha Ganeshan have breakfast with their son, a Cal freshman student, Sri, and nephew, Cal senior Sarabaesh Srikumar (in yellow),) at La Note. Credit: Ximena Natera, Nosh/ CatchLightChez Panisse Cafe

Culinary icon Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse, an unassuming two-story North Berkeley house, is often credited as the birthplace of the modern farm-to-table movement.

The fabled flagship restaurant downstairs, which has served everyone from George Lucas to President Bill Clinton, is likely out of the price range for most students; the rotating four-course set menu costs $175 per person. Reservations open one month in advance. If you manage to snag a Monday reservation, the set menu is discounted to a reasonable (by fine-dining standards, of course) $135 per person. 

The upstairs cafe, however, is more affordable, with entrees hovering in the $20 to $40 range. It serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes using locally grown and sustainably sourced ingredients. Go for a well-executed, simple meal in a welcoming atmosphere — and cross off a Berkeley bucket list experience. 

Alum’s Advice: With advance notice, Chez Panisse can accommodate vegetarians and pescatarians in the restaurant, and the cafe will whip something up for vegans upon request. 

Chez Panisse; 1517 Shattuck Ave.; open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. 

Comal

This upscale Oaxaca-focused restaurant in downtown Berkeley is a short walk from the Berkeley Repertory Theater, Aurora Theatre, Freight and Salvage, and UC Theatre, among other venues, making it a good option for a pre-show dinner date. It’s also been recognized as a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant. 

Comal is known for its extensive cocktail menu. A popular pick is The Swizzle, a sweet, tropical drink with pineapple, passionfruit, lime and either tequila, mezcal or rum.

Alum’s Advice: Try the eye-catching whole grilled chili-pepper rock cod to split between two or three people (it comes with black beans, rice, salsas and house-made tortillas). The quesadilla with hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, epazote and habanero salsa is a great vegetarian option. 

Comal; 2020 Shattuck Ave.; Sunday through Wednesday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Ippuku

It’s easy to walk past this traditional izakaya-style restaurant in downtown Berkeley. Duck under the curtain, though, and you’ll instantly be greeted by the smoky aroma of meat cooking on a Japanese charcoal grill. 

Food is served on small plates and meant to be shared. Expect to order three to five plates per person. Ippuku is known for their yakitori, grilled chicken skewers, which use heritage breed chickens from a farm in Manteca. 

Alum’s Advice: You’ll get to order the exact cut of meat you want: neck, thigh, breast, breast cartilage, knee cartilage, liver, tail, gizzard, and so on. 

Ippuku; 2130 Center St., Berkeley; open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Closed Mondays

Fuel up for outdoor fun From left: Abby Deorsey, Erin Brosnan and her son Kieran, Michaela Baak, and McKenna Brosnan eat lunch in the backyard of Wat Mongkolratanara, a Thai Temple in South Berkeley that serves brunch every Sunday. While there are a dozen tables under tarps, bagging a spot is hard during rush hour. Credit: Ximena Natera, Nosh/ CatchLightCaffe Strada

This bustling Berkeley staple is where coffee meets sunbathing. For years Caffe Strada, a family-owned coffee shop, has sat across from the UC Berkeley Law School, and opened its patio doors to countless Berkeley students, and is an ideal place to catch some sun if you’re knee deep in assignments and need a serotonin boost. Not only is Caffe Strada one of the most popular coffee shops on campus, it’s been named one of the best coffee shops in the U.S. by Complex. Scientific theories were discovered here (Tibet’s theorem), vice presidents have strutted through its doors (Al Gore), and the iconic white hot chocolate was crafted at its barista counters. The shop’s espresso drinks, egg cheddar sandwiches and double fudge brownies are best enjoyed outside. 

Alum’s advice: The place is crawling with law school students, locking in comes with the territory of being a law school student, so it’s the perfect place to sit and focus. 

Caffe Strada: 2300 College Ave; open daily from 6 to 12 a.m. 

Jupiter This pizza spot offers appetizers, beer and a variety of pizza pies with fun, space-themed names in Downtown Berkeley. Credit: Tovin Lapan/East Bay Nosh

Generations of Berkeley students have descended upon Jupiter throughout the years, and for good reason. With over 34 beers on tap, a variety of pizza options, and a two-story interior, it’s a great spot to host large groups of friends and loved ones. But the true highlight is its beer garden, an expansive back patio space with multiple firepits for when the air turns crisp. The tables have QR codes where you can order one of their wood-fired pizzas, which all have fun, space-themed names like the Andromeda, or Circe. Jupiter also offers a gluten free pizza option. 

Alum advice: Grab a friend or five and go for the half & half pizza option, that way you can try two different pizzas as opposed to one (and splitting the total between friends might save you some money). 

Jupiter: 2181 Shattuck Ave; open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

The Hidden Café is a not-so-hidden-gem at the Strawberry Creek Park Design Center. Credit: Sarah Han

The Hidden Cafe is one of my favorite spots in Berkeley to picnic, or sit outside and. Tucked along Addison Street, the name is almost a warning, because if you walk by too quickly you might miss it. The Hidden Cafe opened in 2019, and is right across from Strawberry Creek park, making it the ideal spot to lay out on a picnic blanket and catch some California sun. My favorite part about this space is that it almost doubles as a dog park, as students and residents from across Berkeley bring their four-legged friends to lay out with them. The cafe has a variety of tea, coffee, lemonade and chai drinks to choose from, and pastries from local bakeries.

Alum advice: Grab one of their kokuto lattes, bring a good book, some sunscreen, and soak up some vitamin D. 

The Hidden Cafe: 1250 Addison St. Ste 111; open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The Butcher’s Son Vegan Delicatessen & BakeryThe Butcher Son’s offers meatless options may convert even the most die-hard meat lovers. Credit: Tovin Lapan/East Bay Nosh

Along University Avenue is a vegan deli spot that had me — a Texas born California transplant who is forever loyal to BBQ — questioning my taste buds. The Butcher’s Son was founded in 2016, bringing comforting diner classics without a hint of animal product to Berkeley plates. From meatless BLTs to bacon cheeseburgers crafted with impossible patties, this spot may convert even the most religious die-hard meat eaters. Its outdoor seating in the back has plenty of tables, great for gathering with friends, or enjoying lunch in the sun. Recently, its banh mi vegan steak sandwich was named one of the best vegan steaks in the country by The People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). 

Alum advice: This is a nice place to bring loved ones when they come to visit, but parking in this area is a little tough in general. I would recommend taking public transit, carpooling or grabbing an Uber or Lyft. 

The Butcher’s Son Vegan Delicatessen & Bakery: 1954 University Ave; open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Cheese Board Collective

The Cheese Board Collective, a worker-owned cooperative that consists of an artisanal bread-and-cheese shop and its next-door pizzeria, is a North Berkeley staple. The line sometimes stretches around the block, but it moves quickly, as the pizzeria only offers one flavor of thin-crust, sauceless, vegetarian pizza each day. 

There are no bad flavors at the Cheese Board. Even when the seasonal toppings don’t immediately sound appealing — think zucchini, feta and corn or yukon gold potato and cilantro — I’m always impressed by the freshness of the ingredients and the consistent execution, such as the perfectly golden sourdough crust. 

Seating is limited. One classic Berkeley ritual is to order a pizza there, bike to Indian Rock Park (perhaps while balancing the box on your friend’s back as they bike?) and share the pizza with friends while taking in the stunning views of the bay at sunset. 

Alum’s Advice: The good old days of the Cheese Board’s signature free, unlimited green hot sauce may be over, but in my opinion, it’s worth spending an extra $2.50 on a container of it.

Cheese Board Collective; 1512 Shattuck Ave.; open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sunday through Tuesday.  

Berkeley Bowl West

Berkeley Bowl, arguably the East Bay’s best grocery store, boasts a vast selection of well-priced fresh seasonal produce, bulk foods, cheese, beer and affordable wine. I prefer the roomier Berkeley Bowl West over the Oregon Street location. 

The sushi, onigiri and bentos at Berkeley Bowl, sourced from Oakland restaurateur Chikara Ono are a far cry from typical mediocre chain grocery store sushi. There are no wrong choices, but I like to grab a few of the ume shiso chicken katsu onigiri (which comes in a cylinder) whenever it’s in stock. 

I like to stop by to stock up on sushi, fruit, Acme bread and tap kombucha, then head to a local park for a picnic. Strawberry Creek Park (a seven-minute bike ride from Berkeley Bowl West) is an excellent choice. For a full afternoon out, after your grocery trip, head to Cesar Chavez Park (from campus, the 51B bus takes you there), enjoy your picnic, then buy a kite at Highline Kites to fly in the Berkeley Marina breeze. 

Alum’s Advice: Don’t skip the hot bar and deli. The hot bar selections change daily; you can find anything from crispy lumpia to zaatar chicken and korean fried tofu.

Berkeley Bowl West; 920 Heinz Ave.; open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 pm., Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Grégoire Restaurant

The sandwiches and salads at this charming takeout restaurant are reliably tasty. But the undisputed stars of the show here are the crispy potato puffs — deep fried balls of buttery, melt-in-mouth mashed potatoes that are worth scorching yourself for. 

Seating is fully outdoors and limited, so if you can’t snag a spot, I recommend walking 10 minutes to woodsy Live Oak Park, which has several picnic tables along Codornices Creek. 

Alum’s Advice: While you’re at the park, check out the Berkeley Art Center (admission is free). 

Grégoire Restaurant; 2109 Cedar St.; open daily 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

BrunchTanzie’s

Two words: lava eggs. When Tanzie’s hit the scene in 2024, it became a favorite of Berkeley residents and students alike thanks in part to its cozy, home-like interior. Brunch here feels like gathering your friends for Sunday breakfast at your grandma’s, and its lava egg plates, soft scrambled eggs piled high onto fluffy grains of rice, have been a brunch staple for me and friends even after we graduated. Plates like the Nam Prik Kha, soft lava eggs with beef shank and toasted chilis, have gotten me through countless hangovers, parent visits, tearful goodbyes, and early-morning debriefs. The thai beignets, golden pieces of fried dough paired with condensed milk, are perfect for passing around the table while gabbing with friends or recapping the latest episode of Love Island. 

Alum advice: Grab a seat outside on the patio at one of the shaded tables because the sun can beat down heavily here. Tanzie’s is also a cute spot for a weekend brunch date. I’d also recommend snagging a reservation, and keeping an eye out for their upcoming revamped dinner service set to start on Oct. 2. 

Tanzie’s: 1453 Dwight Way; open Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

La Note La Note puts a French twist on American breakfast with its signature cinnamon French toast, thick pancakes and vegetable-heavy omelets. Credit: Ximena Natera, Nosh/ CatchLight

This bistro has been a popular breakfast and brunch spot ever since it opened downtown in 1997, doing French riffs on American breakfast classics. From creme fraiche pancakes to plates of scrambled eggs with home fries and tomatoes, La Note is a great spot for dressing up and gabbing over a nice meal (which is what brunch is all about). Warning, it may get a bit pricey, as brunch will typically cost between $20 to $30 per person. But the food, vibes and , might justify the price. 

Alum advice: Plan to grab a reservation, as wait times can get long. My go-to order is the brioche pan perdu with a light drizzle of lavender honey on top. 

La Note: 2377 Shattuck Ave.; open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m

Saul’s Restaurant & Delicatessen

For more casual brunch fare, look to Saul’s. This North Berkeley Jewish eatery has been a staple in East Bay households for decades — a hint of the Big Apple on the shores of the West Coast as some tend to say. While it does have a dinner menu, the key is to hit Saul’s earlier for brunch— a tip given to me by an upperclassman when I was a Cal student. Saul’s breakfast menu offers Jewish diner classics like the challah french toast with organic maple syrup, and the corned beef on rye, but also house specials like the deli hash, omelettes and matzo brei.

Alum advice: You can find shakshouka on a few restaurant menus across the East Bay, but Saul’s version of the dish with poached eggs in a tomato-based sauce is one of the best around. 

Saul’s Restaurant & Delicatessen: 1475 Shattuck Ave; open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Wat Mongkolratanaram Nicholas Huff, a Wat Mongkolratanaram volunteer serves a bowl of piping hot beef broth. Credit: Ximena Natera, Nosh/ CatchLight

Before Tanzie’s came Wat Mongkolratanaram, a Thai breakfast staple in South Berkeley. Every Sunday morning, the temple hosts a lively food court in its backyard, filled with a variety of Thai plates — from curries, to taro fritters, fried chicken and pad thai. Here, you can even snag some kanom krok, sweet coconut rice pancakes, that aren’t easy to come by at most East Bay Thai spots. But before you jump right in line, make sure to exchange your cash for a dixie cup of red and green plastic tokens, which you’ll use to buy all food and drinks. A good start for two people is $30, and if you have any tokens leftover you can trade them back in for cash. Thai tea, coffee and other drinks are available for purchase. 

Alum advice: If you’re lucky, you’ll get to buy mango sticky rice, which usually runs out before noon. 

Wat Mongkolratanaram: 1911 Russell St., Berkeley; every Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Eggy’s Neighborhood Kitchen

Inside the Epicurious Garden in North Berkeley is a brunch spot with a menu that is the very definition of variety — housing everything from tres leches french toast to chicken and waffles and braised short rib hash. The large portions and rustic outdoor patio make it popular with locals and Cal students alike. My go-to for this spot are the chilaquiles verdes, which come with crispy tortilla pieces simmered in tomatillo salsa and topped with two sunny side up eggs, cotija cheese, crema, and black beans. Eggy’s is closed temporarily, as it is moving into the former Fish & Bird location along Shattuck Avenue, but plans to reopen this October. 

Alum’s advice: Reservation is recommended (like seriously). Eggy’s is notorious for its long wait times, but I still tried to go without one and got hit with an hour-long wait. 

Eggy’s Neighborhood Kitchen: 2451 Shattuck Ave; open Tuesday through Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.