South Side

Adagia
2700 Bancroft Way at College	647-2300
This upscale yet warm and friendly place is located across the street from campus, and offers excellent California eclectic food at both lunch and dinner. The fritto misto is especially good. The dining room has high ceilings, dark wood paneling, and well spaced tables, and outside is a lovely patio. Serving persons are young and enthusiastic, but not always efficient. Lunch prices are reasonable for the quality of the food, and wines are well priced. Highly recommended!

Henry's
2600 Durant Ave.	809-4132
Inside the Hotel Durant, in a renovated space, is this "gastropub" adjacent to the large and lively bar, where a small menu is offered featuring tasty food -- mainly sandwiches and salads, with a few main courses -- generous portions, many beers on tap, and moderate prices. The decor is light and airy, tables nicely spaced and quiet, the service friendly, and if you stick to the simpler menu offerings you will have a fine meal at a good price.

Raleigh's
2438 Telegraph Ave. south of Channing	848-8652
A popular hangout for the university crowd, this place offers mostly decent food in good size portions and many choices of beer. Inside can get very noisy when crowded, but what's special about this place is the lovely tree shaded back patio that is an oasis of calm. Try it when you want some simple food, a cold beer, and a retreat from the craziness of Telegraph Avenue.

Cafe Intermezzo
2442 Telegraph Ave. north of Haste	849-4592
There's always a line out the door of this bustling storefront close to campus, and with good reason! The hordes line up for huge portions of delicious, incredibly inexpensive soups, sandwiches, and especially healthy salads. Open from 10 AM until 9 PM, it's fine for an early dinner also. Unsophisticated, unpretentious, unglamorous, not a place to linger, just great food at great prices. Full of Cal students, but anyone is welcome here.

Unicorn
2533 Telegraph Ave. at Blake	841-8098
Not far from campus, but difficult to see because of a poorly lit sign, this small jewel of a bistro features Asian Fusion food, influenced by Viet Nam, Malaysia, and the Chao Zhou region of southern China, with many vegetarian choices. Nicely decorated, with an intimate upscale atmosphere and friendly service, the prices are moderate. The "two person minimum" combinations are a really good deal! Worth a try, for sure.

Bateau Ivre
2629 Telegraph Ave. at Carleton	849-1100
An old favorite of many. Located in a charming house, this has an informal lunch and dinner cafe in the front section, with very well priced selections of good simple food, and more expensive and fancier dinners in the back section. Coffee and pastries are available all day. Tables are nicely spaced, and there's classical music playing softly for a romantic treat. I prefer the informal cafe for a simple and tasty meal. There's a patio for warm weather too.

Kirala
2100 Ward St. on Shattuck	549-3486
This is a very popular Japanese restaurant, with a sake bar and robata grill. The decor is modern, the service quick, and the food excellent and expensive. It offers a very large selection of wonderful sushi, small plates of grilled food, as well as more traditional choices. There's a lively crowd, and the noise level gets high when this place is crowded, which is most of the time.

Shen Hua
2914 College Ave. north of Ashby	883-1777
This is a large modern Chinese restaurant in the Elmwood area. It is usually crowded and very noisy, but it offers a varied menu with many unusual dishes, and the cooking level is high. The daily specials are worth a try. The prices are definitely upscale, but the portions are generous. The atmosphere is usually welcoming and service is swift, but everything can falter when the place is mobbed. Open for lunch also, when it is quieter.

La Mediterranee
2936 College Ave. north of Ashby	540-7773
Middle Eastern food in the Elmwood, inexpensive, good for families. Open for lunch and dinner. There is a street-side patio which is heated and can be very pleasant in the evenings or late mornings. The food is quite tasty, the service quick and friendly. The lamb and chicken dishes are nicely spiced. There are lots of vegetarian choices, too. This place gets very crowded on weekend nights, so there is often a wait.

Rick and Ann's
2922 Domingo St. opposite Claremont Hotel	649-8538
A very informal American place for terrific breakfasts, good lunches, and decent dinners. Outdoor tables for sunny days. Prices moderate. This is a good place for families with children, since the choices range from hamburgers to more sophisticated fare. The classic dishes on the main menu are preferable to the specials. The place is mobbed on weekend mornings.

Yak and Yeti
2985 College Ave. south of Ashby	981-8145
In a small storefront space in the "Elmwood Row" of ethnic restaurants, you will find this extremely informal and friendly place offering the food of Nepal. It is usually not crowded at all, which is a mystery to me. The dishes are unusual and wonderfully spiced, the atmosphere quiet, the prices moderate, and the service solicitous. This is a good place to have an intimate dinner that is different.

Trattoria La Siciliana
2993 College Ave. south of Ashby	704-1474
Another Italian on "restaurant row" in Elmwood, this small two level storefront cafe is hugely popular, very noisy, and generally has a line out the door waiting for tables. What draws the crowds are large portions of hearty garlic infused pastas, along with salads, antipasti, and meat and fish dishes. The prices are moderate, except for the wine, which is quite pricey. Service can be slow, so be prepared. Credit cards not accepted. Open for dinner only.

Downtown

TukTukThai
2466 Shattuck Ave. at Haste	540-6360
In a high ceilinged simple storefront space, not far from downtown theaters and shopping is this inexpensive informal Thai cafe. The large menu features food that is delicious, fresh and tasty. The tables are nicely spaced, service is prompt and friendly, and there are lots of vegetarian choices. Wonder of wonders, they are open daily until very late, which makes it one of the few places to get a meal after midnight. It’s not haute cuisine, but at midnight on a Sunday, who cares!

La Note
2377 Shattuck Ave. south of Durant	843-1535
A charming Provençal cafe, open for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch, with dinner on the weekend. The food reflects quality ingredients, with lovely French accents. Large portions of salads, sandwiches and main lunch entrees are moderately priced, although dinners are more expensive. A small wine list, fairly priced. Lovely background music, good service. A peaceful sunny patio out back is ideal for lunch or brunch when it's warm.

Venus
2327 Shattuck Ave. north of Durant	540-5950
This very informal brick walled cafe has healthy American breakfasts, lunches with a moderately priced small menu, offering soups, salads, and heartier fare. At dinner there is an interesting menu with somewhat high prices for both food and wine. The food is generally organic, the service personal and friendly. A good selection of vegetarian fare too. Can get noisy. Located near downtown theaters.

Beckett's Irish Pub
2271 Shattuck Ave. near Bancroft	647-1790
This is a two story Irish pub and restaurant in the heart of downtown Berkeley. The decor is woodsy, with portraits of famous Irishmen looking down from the walls. The downstairs area is a noisy sports bar, but upstairs, when it is open, is quieter. Service is quick and friendly. The selection of beers is wonderful, the moderately priced food decent. There is often Irish music. Open late.

Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen
2261 Shattuck Ave. north of Bancroft	548-6900
In a convenient downtown location, you will find this informal restaurant featuring the cuisine of Louisiana. Red brick walls, photos of New Orleans, and jazz music enhance the food experience. The hush puppies are really good, as is the gumbo, jambalaya, Po-boys, and fried oysters. People rave about the barbecued ribs, too. Prices are moderate. A great place for lunch or dinner. There's even Louisiana beer now. The ever present owner is really friendly too.

Great China
2115 Kittredge St. btw. Oxford and Shattuck	843-7996
A small Chinese restaurant with many choices, unusual special items and moderate prices. This is extremely popular with Asian students. Near the downtown theaters, usually very crowded and very noisy, service can be slow and disorganized. But you will find dishes here that you cannot find elsewhere, so be patient and understanding, and you will be rewarded. This is also a good place for lunch, with low prices and generous servings.

Cancún
2134 Allston Way btw. Oxford and Shattuck	549-0964
A downtown favorite of many, this extremely informal Mexican cafe offers a wide variety of generously portioned inexpensive food. The fish burritos are especially good here. You order at the counter, and service is quick. A plus is the serve yourself salsa bar, with a large choice of sauces of varying spiciness. This place can get very crowded and noisy at lunch when the hordes of students descend, so go at an off hour or for dinner!

Orso
2175 Allston Way at Oxford	649-2950
Opposite campus and named for the Cal bear, it is open for both lunch and dinner. The space is enormous, the tables widely spaced, and the service friendly. Food is decent, prices are moderate, including wine choices. This would be good for a large group, either at lunch or dinner. Dinner choices range from pizza and pasta to more substantial choices. Lunch adds sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Usually not crowded at all.

Jupiter and Panini
2181 Shattuck Ave.	843-8277
Jupiter is a multi-tap 2 level brew pub and restaurant, located in a historic Berkeley building. There is a patio out back, which is a great choice for lunch. The food is variable, but not very expensive. Most people order one of the interesting pizzas. There is live music at various times. Usually crowded, this place is very noisy. In the same courtyard is Panini, a sister cafe, where you order at the counter from a wonderful array of sandwiches, soups and salads, all good and none expensive.

Alborz
2142 Center St. btw. Oxford and Shattuck	848-8877
Conveniently close to campus, this is the only Persian restaurant in Berkeley. It's open for lunch and dinner, offering tasty spiced entrees, and especially good appetizers. Prices are high at dinner, but much less expensive at lunch. The house wine is very good, too. Nicely decorated with tables well spaced, there are outdoor tables for good weather.

Tomatina
2132 Center St. btw. Oxford and Shattuck	991-7392
Close to campus, and part of a small East Bay chain, this place offers very quick service, tasty inexpensive pastas, pizzas and piadine (warm flatbread sandwiches with various fillings). Nothing is too expensive, and there are outdoor tables for warm weather. This is not a place for high end gourmet food, but it's good for what it is.

Downtown
2102 Shattuck Ave. at Addison	649-3810
A large and very handsome restaurant, bringing a little bit of glamour to the Berkeley theater district. The food is Mediterranean inspired, the cooking is really good, and sometimes excellent. The main menu prices are overpriced, as is the wine, but the bar menu is more moderately priced. There's often music later in the evenings. Open for lunch most weekdays, this is a nice if pricey downtown choice. There's a back room available for large groups.

La Rose Bistro
2037 Shattuck Ave. near Addison	644-1913
In a small two level storefront, close to the University and downtown, you will find this charming place. The cooking is California Asian Fusion, and it is good, with moderate prices too. Open for lunch and dinner, the atmosphere is quiet, the tables nicely spaced, the service friendly. This is a place to think of for a fine lunch, as well as before going on to the theater or a downtown movie.

Taiwan
2071 University Ave. below Shattuck	845-1456
Chinese, with some unusual country dishes on the large menu. The cooking is not particularly refined, but is tasty and generous. This place has good value for a really inexpensive downtown lunch or dinner, and it can handle large groups too. Open late every night -- one of the few places to go when everything else has closed. Also, weekend Chinese brunch is a specialty. This is a popular place for takeout food, with convenient parking out the back door, in the city lot.

Anh Hong
2067 University Ave., below Shattuck	981-1789
In a very large space close to downtown theaters is this Vietnamese place which features a moderately high priced menu with many interesting choices, along with a large bar. The decor is cool and sophisticated, the service professional and quick, and it is rarely crowded. A special feature is "do it yourself" rice paper rolls filled with all kinds of tasty things -- a fun, if messy way to dine.

Turkish Kitchen
1986 Shattuck Ave. north of University	540-9997
Close to campus, this informal storefront place is Berkeley's only Turkish restaurant. The food is delicious and unusual, and very moderately priced. The owners and servers are really friendly and helpful, and willingly explain the menu to neophytes. It is popular and crowded at lunch, but quieter at dinner. It is now one of my favorite downtown places for an informal and delicious meal.

Zatar
1981 Shattuck Ave. north of University	841-1981
In an exotically decorated narrow storefront close to campus you will find this small quiet restaurant featuring large portions of Mediterranean cuisine. Unfortunately the spicing has become pretty bland. Entrees are expensive, wines outrageously priced. Less expensive sangria or mint tea are alternatives. Service is slow and leisurely, but friendly. No credit cards.

Triple Rock Brewery
1920 Shattuck Ave. one block north of Univ.	843-2739
A busy hangout not far from campus. Beer and ale made on the premises. The Pub food is surprisingly good -- excellent sandwiches and great soups and chili at lunch, more substantial grub at dinner. Nothing too expensive, and very informal. Open every day. In warm weather the "rooftop garden" is popular. One of the first of the brewery cafes in the area, it is one of the most successful -- be prepared for crowds, noise, and sports on the TV.

Liaison
1849 Shattuck Ave. at Hearst	849-2155
Very popular, this French bistro is located close to campus and the downtown theaters. The decor is charming, the service professional and warm, food prices moderately high, wine prices high. This place offers good bistro food, onion soup, oysters, mussels and frites, and more. It can get very noisy when crowded. Reservations recommended, even for lunch. Now open weekday mornings for coffee and pastries. Outdoor tables for nice weather.

Chaat Cafe
1902 University Ave. at Martin Luther King	845-1431
This informal storefront cafe is very popular, especially at lunch. It features a wide variety of tasty inexpensive Indian small plates, along with a selection of Indian sandwiches, breads, salads, and a daily choice of larger plates accompanied by rice and naan. Beer and wine are available also. You order at the counter and the food is brought to your table. The inexpensive lunch prices last until 5 p.m., so it's a great place for a cheap early dinner!

Venezia
1799 University Ave. at Grant	849-4681
This lively Italian restaurant is a Berkeley favorite. The menu features pasta with a number of delicious and varied sauces, moderately priced. There is a daily selection of more expensively priced chicken, meat or fish dishes, but it's the pasta that you should eat here. This place can get pretty noisy at times. Dinner reservations are accepted, and children welcomed. It's open also for lunch and Sunday brunch. There is a private back room, good for groups.

West Side

Pomegranate
1585 University Ave. above Sacramento	665-5567
This restaurant has a large menu comprising a variety of appetizers and sandwiches, pastas, pizzas, and Mediterranean "specialties". Stick with the Mediterranean food, and you will have a really delicious fairly inexpensive meal. Portions are generous, the wine very reasonable, and it's generally not crowded. Open for both lunch and dinner, there's parking in the adjacent lot. This is also a place to think of for a large group, since there's a private back room available.

Digs Bistro
1453 Dwight Way just below Sacramento	548-2322
A mainstream restaurant brought to you by 3 former underground chefs, this unusual place features a changing menu of delicious organic seasonal food. The location is out of the way, and the space consists of 2 small homelike rooms, a tiny bar, and a small kitchen. Service is friendly and informal, and the food is inventive and somewhat pricey, as is the wine. Reservations, especially on the weekends, are a good idea.

Genki
1610 San Pablo Ave. at Cedar	524-1465
Located in an out of the way spot, next to a motel, this Japanese restaurant and sushi bar is worth the trip. Nondescript decor, extremely simple atmosphere, but the food is good, the portions large, the service friendly, and the prices moderate. The menu features a large selection of sushi. The sashimi and tempura are fine, too, and there is usually a big choice of daily specials. Often crowded and noisy, popular with Asian families. Easy parking in the motel lot.

Sea Salt
2512 San Pablo Ave. south of Dwight	883-1720
A seafood restaurant, with a few meat dishes now added. Part of the Lalime's family, this is a large beautifully decorated place. The food has a New England heritage with a California twist, with such traditional favorites as lobster rolls and clam chowder. Prices are high but the portion sizes are small. Everything is fresh and tasty. A special treat offers Oysters at $1 each from 4 to 6 p.m. every day. There's an enclosed back deck that is a lovely space for dining.

900 Grayson
900 Grayson St. at 7th	704-9900
In an industrial part of town and open for breakfast and lunch only, this is a popular and "with it" place offering cool decor and moderately priced delicious California food with an Asian touch. The menu terms are somewhat whimsical, but don't let that deter you from the terrific food. It is hectic and crowded at peak times, so go early or late, or be prepared to wait. There's a back patio for warm and sunny days, too.

Riva Cucina
800 Heinz Ave. at 7th	841-7482
Out of the way in a plaza in West Berkeley is this delightful quiet place featuring the food of Northern Italy. Everything is really tasty, the prices are moderate for the quality, and it is an undiscovered gem. Open for lunch and dinner, but closed on Sundays. Service is professional and warm. It's definitely worth the trip to dine here.

Bucci's
6121 Hollis St. in Emeryville	547-4725
Emeryville has many wonderful cafes and restaurants. This is one of them -- good Italian pizza, pasta, small dishes, desserts and salads. Nightly specials are usually terrific. Prices are moderately high, and the atmosphere "with it" and sophisticated. Portions are generous. The decor is trendy, the service professional. When there's a crowd, this place gets very noisy, although the back room is somewhat quieter. Parking available in the adjacent lot.

Emeryville Market
5800 Shellmound in Emeryville
Across from the Amtrak station is this terrific, crowded complex of a multiplex movie theater, a huge food hall with a wide variety of interesting inexpensive ethnic cuisines, a large book and record store, and more. Go for lunch and join the crowds from the nearby software firms. The location is also not far from IKEA and Trader Joe's, so you can escape from shopping. A good place for families with children. Lots of parking.

Bay Street Emeryville
off Shellmound St. in Emeryville
An upscale complex, featuring a multiplex movie theater, a huge book store, and a large number of specialty shops. There's also a small complex of restaurants on a sunny upper balcony area, with many food choices, all at moderate prices. One of the best is the Zao Noodle Bar, but Rubio's Baja Grill is good for fish tacos also. At street level there are some good places too. Located near both IKEA and Trader Joe's. Large parking garage.

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto
1919 4th St. just north of University	845-7771
This Berkeley favorite has a huge menu and a daily "fresh list" of fish. The ancient old Spenger's waiters are gone, and service is decent. The chef may be working towards more fresh and modern cooking, but the food is only so-so. Prices are high end. It is usually crowded, reservations are generally necessary, and it remains popular all over the East Bay, although not with me. Large parking lot across the street.

O Chame
1830 4th St.	841-8783
A favorite of many in Berkeley, this restaurant resembles an exquisitely decorated Inn, with carefully prepared classic Japanese country cuisine, some unusual appetizers, and artistic presentation. The menu is small, featuring inexpensive large bowls of noodles with varying healthy ingredients, and a few more expensive special choices of grilled meat or fish. The quality of the latter is superb, but the portions can be modest.

Eccolo
1820 4th St.	644-0444
Part of the Fourth Street shopping experience, this California Eclectic restaurant features the cooking of Christopher Lee, a former chef at Chez Panisse, who is the chef-owner. The menu reflects high quality seasonal ingredients, cooked with elegance. Portions are decent, food prices are unreasonably high, wine prices outrageous. The space is lovely, although it is very noisy most of the time, and especially so when there is music. Service friendly and professional.

Bette's Ocean View Diner
1807A 4th St.	644-3230
Great '40s atmosphere complete with noisy juke box and plastic counters. Good fresh food, terrific American breakfasts and lunches. Very popular, there's often a wait to be seated. Not open for dinner. Located near a hugely popular array of interesting shops and discount stores to explore before or after a meal. Nearby is Betty's "To Go" where you can pick up all kinds of wonderful food when you are on the run.

Café Rouge
1782 4th St., but enter on the side street	525-1440
Also part of the Fourth Street Scene, this lively and noisy restaurant features an oyster bar and California eclectic cuisine, with excellent meat. There is a connecting high end butcher shop and Italian deli. The dinner menu is limited and the prices are expensive. Lunch prices are more moderate, as is the popular hamburger at dinner. A recent addition is $1 oysters on Wednesday nights. This is definitely an "in" place in Berkeley. Upstairs is less noisy.

Tacubaya
1788 4th St., but enter on the side street	525-5160
Hidden away in a corner, in the popular Fourth Street Complex is this upscale "order at the counter" Mexican cafe. It's an informal branch of Oakland's Dona Thomas, and features a wide choice of small plates. Open for breakfast, lunch, and now early dinner too, the food is truly delicious, carefully and artfully prepared. Beware, though, ordering a substantial meal can result in quite a high bill. The atmosphere is charming and lively, the service quick and pleasant.

Seabreeze Market
598 University Ave. west of the freeway	486-0802
Informal in the extreme, this deli market offers groceries along with great sandwiches, fried fish, clam chowder, and more. It's close to the freeway, with lots of parking, and it is popular not only with commuters, but hikers and bikers too. There are a number of picnic tables and chairs scattered around outside, and it's a fine place to have an oyster burger or some fried clam strips on a sunny day. Open all day.

Skates on the Bay
100 Seawall Drive at Berkeley Marina	549-1900
Lively bar, beautiful view. A huge restaurant with a varied menu -- something for everyone, but pricey. Although some people think the food is great, I am not among them. The clam chowder is pretty good, though, so go for that, or drinks, snacks, and the sunset. This is popular for families and young dating couples. Wide variety of beers. Serves late at night when other places are closed, but check first before going.

North Side

North Side
Euclid and Hearst
In a quiet, unhurried area at the north edge of campus can be found a number of cafes and small ethnic restaurants, all of them informal, unassuming, and inexpensive. Some are clustered around a sunny deck, nice for an informal lunch. You can find pizzas, burritos, crepes, falafel, hot dogs, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking, as well as soup and sandwiches, and a decent espresso cafe.

Corso
1788 Shattuck Ave. north of Delaware	704-8004
In a storefront with high ceilings and modern decor is this wonderful but very noisy place opened by the owners of Rivoli. It features a small menu of excellent Rustic Italian food. Close to campus, and busy at both lunch and dinner, everything is delicious and really well priced for the high quality. This should not be missed, so join the crowd, and save the conversation for later. They now take reservations.

Taste of the Himalayas
1700 Shattuck Ave. at Virginia	849-4983
You will be warmly received at this place featuring the food of India and Nepal. The decoration is lovely, the atmosphere calm and quiet, and the food well priced and tasty. Do not miss the unusual momos. Lots of good vegetarian choices, along with more familiar Indian food. Open for both lunch and dinner every day.

Da Lian
1674 Shattuck Ave. north of Virginia	883-1883
A Chinese place in a refurbished space, offering a huge menu of large portions of not only standard Chinese fare, but also some unusual and delicious Chef's specials. Prices are a little high for Chinese food, but worth it for the quality and portion size. Often crowded and noisy, especially on weekends, it is definitely worth a try.

Café de la Paz
1600 Shattuck Ave. at Cedar	843-0662
This upstairs restaurant features the cooking of Latin America and has its own separate entrance near the complex of shops and cafes. Many choices of tapas, and a good selection of unusual dishes, with good vegetarian choices. The cooking is good, but not great. Atmosphere is light and airy, sometimes noisy. Tables are close together, but prices are moderate, service friendly, and you can take the children. Downstairs there is a private space available for large groups.

Barney's Hamburgers
1600 Shattuck Ave., on Cedar	849-2827
A branch of a popular chain (others are on Solano Ave., Piedmont Ave., and College Ave. just north of Rockridge BART). Good for huge hamburgers with all kinds of toppings, soups, large salads, milk shakes, wine and beer. The French fries are terrific, and a half-order is plenty! There's an outdoor patio for sunny days.

Grégoire
2109 Cedar St. above Shattuck	883-1893
A small storefront with a picnic table outside, with upscale take out lunch and dinner. It is enormously popular. Everything is fresh and tasty, and the menu offerings change with the seasons. The prices are quite high end for take out, although the quality is good. Call ahead and bring your choices home in an esthetically pleasing box, or sit outside and join the happy people munching away. There's also a branch on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland.

Cha Am
1543 Shattuck Ave. near Cedar	848-9664
Small charming restaurant featuring Thai food, nicely done. The spicing is often more complex and delicate here than in other Thai restaurants. The daily specials are usually very good. Popular and often crowded, so be prepared for a wait. Service can be abrupt when busy. This is also a good place for take out. There is a separate room for large parties. Open both for lunch and dinner.

Chez Panisse
1517 Shattuck Ave. north of Cedar	548-5525
California-French, emphasizing fresh organic food, this can be superb or merely uniquely special, depending on the set menu for the night. Good wine list. Very very expensive. Reservations imperative, far in advance, although the menu is known only one week ahead. This has become world famous, and the prices reflect the fame. There is a somewhat lower-priced set dinner on Monday nights, which can be quite wonderful.

Chez Panisse Upstairs Café
1517 Shattuck Ave. north of Cedar	548-5049
Light, bright, lively, more casual dining than downstairs. Great for pizzas, soups, salads, and more sophisticated substantial fare. Everything is quite delicious. Open for lunch, dinner and later. Upscale prices, excellent professional service. Reservations are generally required. All Berkeley seems to convene here at one time or another.

César
1515 Shattuck Ave. next to Chez Panisse	883-0222
North Berkeley's place to see and be seen, this tapas bar is very popular. There's a limited menu, with Spanish influenced small plates, and upscale prices. If they're on the menu, do not pass up the fried potatoes! There's a huge list of cocktails, beer, sherries, and non alcoholic drinks, as well as pricey wines. The space is beautiful. It's a lively, noisy, and eclectic crowd, with friendly seating at the bar. Open daily for lunch and dinner late into the night.

Chez Lucille
Berkeley near Tilden Park	unlisted
Wonderful food available at all hours of the day and night, emphasizing freshness, creativity, and the warmth of the chef. A recent addition is the delicious low carb, low fat diet menu. The cooking is California French with some vegetarian choices, but caters to all tastes. The wine list is limited but well priced. The portions are generous and diners always take home leftovers. Everyone, including children, love this place. Unfortunately dining is only by personal invitation of the chef.

Epicurious Garden
1511 Shattuck Ave. south of Vine
North Berkeley's gourmet food hall, with an assortment of stalls offering a choice of delicious expensive food ranging from soup and sushi to gelato, chocolate, and tea and noodles. Picoso offers delicious and inexpensive Mexican food. There's even a cooking school hidden away upstairs. Not much seating is available, since this is mostly geared for takeout, but there is a lovely back terrace if you can snag a seat. Next door is Mint Tea, a pretty good Indian restaurant.

Cheese Board Pizza
1512 Shattuck Ave. south of Vine	549-3055
Follow the crowds lined up at lunchtime in front of this Berkeley institution. What they're after is a slice or two of crisp crusted pizza fresh from the oven topped creatively and always delicious. You can order a whole pie to go, but you'd miss the unique ambiance, the piano player, the people picnicking on the grassy strip in the middle of the street. Next door is a great cheese and bread store, where you can buy the pizzas half baked.

Saul's Delicatessen
1475 Shattuck Ave. north of Vine	848-3354
This is Berkeley's attempt at an East Coast Deli, and it is sort of successful. There is a large take out counter featuring all kinds of upscale treats, as well as a sit down area. The free half sour pickles are not very good, but the pastrami and corned beef are OK. Prices are moderate, service quick. This gets very crowded on weekend mornings.

Fat Apple's
1346 Martin Luther King Way at Rose	526-2260
The place for breakfast or a hamburger and apple pie. Some people feel that they have the best brunches and burgers in town. Often a wait for a table, but the service is fast. Open until 9 p.m. on weeknights and Sundays, and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. In an adjoining space is a bakery with pies and pastries for sale, where you can also order anything on the menu "to go".

Solano Avenue

Khana Peena
1889 Solano Ave. near The Alameda	528-2519
This popular storefront Indian restaurant features a varied and tasty menu. The tables are close together, but the service is quick and the cooking good, if not creative or sophisticated. Prices are very reasonable, and the lunchtime fixed price buffet is actually quite good. If you know what to expect, this should be an enjoyable experience.

Ajanta
1888 Solano Ave. near The Alameda	526-4373
This is one of the best Indian restaurants in the area. The atmosphere is quiet, refined and elegant, and the spicing can be to your taste. Each month unusual dishes from different regions are featured, and they are usually delicious. The service is personal and warm. The location is the increasingly lively upper Solano Avenue, and it's fun to stroll and shop before or after a meal. Prices moderately high for this cuisine.

Cactus Taqueria
1881 Solano Ave.	528-1881
A lively Mexican restaurant on upper Solano, this is a branch of a College Ave. restaurant. The food is fresh and inventive, with a sensitivity to health. The daily specials are usually quite good. You order at the counter, choosing from an array of delicious fillings, beans, rice, and tortillas. There is a good choice of beers, and also coffees and soft drinks. A hit, it can get crowded and noisy, but it is great for families, and for a quick, tasty meal that is not expensive.

Zachary's Chicago Pizza
1853 Solano Ave.	525-5950
Jam-packed and informal. The specialty is stuffed thick pizza but the regular pizza is the best in town according to some. Good for take out if you can get them to answer the phone -- if not, go in person and wait your turn. During the day you can buy a very inexpensive "single slice" which makes a terrific snack, or even lunch. Kids love this place. The branch on College Avenue is a neighborhood hangout -- the weekend crowds there are phenomenal!

Vanessa's
1715 Solano Ave. at Tulare	525-8300
A terrific Vietnamese restaurant named after the chef. She cooks the food she loves, and we are lucky that she does. The place is small, and has a lovely long bar where you can have a quick informal bite if you wish, and a few outdoor tables for warm nights. The food features beautifully seasoned small plates, generally well priced. The whole family pitches in to serve, and everyone is friendly. Recommended!

King Tsin
1699 Solano Ave. below Colusa	525-9890
A favorite of loyal clientele, this family run restaurant has been updated with a clean, bright, and modern atmosphere. There's an extensive menu of delicious moderately priced Chinese food. They are now offering Dim Sum too. It's very popular, and can get noisy when crowded, but the service is friendly and fast. If you have a special favorite that's not on the menu, ask for it and they will prepare it to order. Portions are generous. This is also a great place for takeout.

Cugini
1556 Solano Ave.	558-9000
This small family run Italian restaurant is worth a try. The menu features pizzas with a variety of toppings, and an interesting choice of delicious pastas, calamari, salads, and desserts. The calzone is great! There is a daily risotto special, along with a variety of appetizers. Atmosphere is convivial and noisy, service friendly. It's open for lunch too, with large portions of panini, salads, and pizzas.

Rivoli
1539 Solano Ave.	526-2542
This is one of the best restaurants in town for California cuisine. The space is light and airy, the food is divine, innovative, and the prices high. The waitpersons are knowledgeable, the wines well chosen, and dining here is altogether a fine experience. Reservations imperative, since it is deservedly very popular. Although the tables are close together, and it can get noisy, it is still one of my personal favorites.

Fonda
1501-A Solano Ave. in Albany	559-9006
Quite popular, this lovely restaurant is part of the Lalime "family". It focuses on small plates of South of the Border cuisine, along with special cocktails, wine and beer. The atmosphere is warm, service professional and solicitous. The prices are rather high for the portion size, but the food is well prepared and very delicious. When crowded this can get very noisy. It's definitely worth a try. It's open for lunch too.

Bistro 1491
1491 Solano Ave. at Curtis in Albany	526-9601
In the location of the old Walker's Pie shop is this bistro. The food is quite delicious, well priced, and the wines are really reasonable. The chef is young and knows how to cook. Service is friendly and personable. Unfortunately the decor is simple in the extreme, with bright lighting, which does not reflect the sophistication of the food. It's definitely worth a try as long as you are not expecting a dimly lit romantic setting.

6 Degrees
1403 Solano Ave. at Carmel	528-1237
An eclectic menu, featuring a large variety of well priced small plates, a few entree choices, and a variety of cocktails as well as very well priced wines. The atmosphere is warm, calming, and quiet, tables well spaced, service solicitous. The food is tasty, presentations lovely, and the portions very generous. Also open for lunch. It's worth every penny! Recommended.

Sushi Solano
1373 Solano Ave. above Ramona	528-5000
This is a Japanese restaurant in a large space offering a huge menu with many choices of sushi and sashimi, special rolls, and more standard menu items. The combination choices are moderately priced, but ordering lots of sushi can really add to the final bill. The cooking is of high quality, the atmosphere peaceful, and the service friendly. It's rarely crowded, and worth a try.

Britt-Marie's Wine Bar
1369 Solano Ave. in Albany	527-1314
An informal cafe, open late, featuring hearty European cuisine. The half duck is an especially good deal. The prices on the regular menu items are moderate, but the specials are higher. The wine selections are interesting, with many available by the glass. The portions are large and worth the money. Also, you can make a good light meal out of a choice of appetizers. The place has a loyal following. No reservations. Open for lunch on most days during the week.

China Village
1335 Solano Ave.	525-2285
This is a Chinese restaurant which offers both a large generic menu with the usual selections that one can find anywhere, and an exciting and spicy Szechwan menu with some chef's specialties that are unique. Portions are generous. Prices are not that high for the quality. Be adventurous and try something different here.

Solano Grill and Bar
1133 Solano Ave. in Albany	525-8686
This spacious restaurant features large portions of "fusion" cuisine with beautiful presentation. There is a full bar, too. The atmosphere reflects an elegant and sophisticated touch, with friendly and knowledgeable service. A la carte prices are at the high end, but a wonderful feature is a three-course prix fixe menu, along with a good selection of not too expensive wines -- a good deal. A good choice for lunch also.

Rendez-Vous
1111 Solano Ave. above San Pablo	527-4111
This friendly French Bistro is a welcome addition to lower Solano Avenue. Open for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast, the food is influenced by the flavors of France, and it is usually quite good, and really moderately priced for the quality. The vegetarian offerings are generally really tasty, as are most of the dinner choices. Lunch is more variable. Service is friendly, the atmosphere informal, and it deserves to be very popular.

Sugata
1105 Solano Ave. at San Pablo	526-3516
Small, wonderful Japanese food -- some of the best around, in my opinion. Terrific sushi bar, authentic atmosphere. This is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants. The portions are larger than at other places. You can reserve the tatami room, take off your shoes, bend your knees, and have a true Japanese experience with your meal. The prices are moderately high. This place can get crowded at peak times. Not open on Sunday.

Nizza La Bella
825 San Pablo Ave. just north of Solano	526-2552
This is a terrific bistro, beautifully constructed and decorated, featuring French-Nicoise food. It is deservedly popular. The service is friendly and professional. The owner is often on the premises, and she has put much love and thought into having a wonderful authentic atmosphere. Prices moderately high but worth it for the quality of the food and wine. Do not pass up this place, it's a favorite of mine!

Lalime's Cafe
1329 Gilman St. in Albany	527-9838
A gem, one my favorite restaurants in Berkeley. The cooking is Mediterranean-French -- everything is terrific, prices not that high for the quality. Airy space, friendly service, I always have a wonderful time here. Each month, there is a changing choice of enticing appetizers, main courses, desserts, and good wines. There are frequent special theme dinners, too. Get on the mailing list for the great monthly narratives, as well as the featured menu choices.

T-Rex BBQ
1300 10th St., at Gilman	527-0099
An upscale barbecue restaurant from the Lalime family, this two-level architecturally gorgeous place is esthetically pleasing. Noisy downstairs, it's quieter on the second level. Open throughout the day until late at night (yeah!). The food is rather expensive, but generously portioned and tasty. The daily 3-6 p.m. Happy Hour is a bargain. The waitpersons are friendly and personable. Open for Sunday brunch also.

Pyramid Brewery
901 Gilman St. below San Pablo	528-9880
This huge place features a variety of wonderful beers and ales, and a large and varied menu of mostly decent, well priced food. Industrial chic decor, with a two level warehouse sized dining area, a lively bar, and a small outdoor patio, this is the place for families, large boisterous groups of students or sports enthusiasts, and just folks looking for a lively time. Noisy, but fun if you know what to expect. Easy parking.

Jimmy Bean's
1290 6th St. at Gilman	528-3435
A very informal cafe brought to us by the owners of Lalime's. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For all meals you order at the counter. The menu has flavorful soups, salads, sandwiches, and quesadillas, as well as omelets, fruits and drinks. Prices are moderate, but dinner specials are more expensive, as is the wine. Located near a number of discount outlet stores, and usually not too crowded. A few outdoor tables, too.

Picante Taqueria
1328 6th St. south of Gilman	525-3121
Out of the way, but still very popular, with a wide choice of burritos, tacos, quesadillas, tostadas, and other platos. There's beer as well as wine margaritas. The cooking is fairly westernized, and the spicing pretty mild. Prices are moderate, and there is a fun informal atmosphere. Order at the counter, sit and enjoy. There's a lovely patio for sunny lunches. Also good for take out. Dress down for this place!

Post Meridian
Colusa Circle in Kensington	525-1350
Open for dinner daily and weekend brunch, the chef was trained in France, and offers French Bistro influenced food which she calls Cuisine Bourgeoise. The prices are moderately high and the food can be wonderful or just good, depending on what you choose. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, the service thoughtful -- you should give it a try.

Kensington Circus
Colusa Circle in Kensington	524-8814
A British restaurant with a very informal atmosphere, a varied menu, good salads, hamburgers, shepherd's pie, and fish and chips. There's a nice pub type bar on the premises too, with a dart board. This is especially child friendly, complete with toys. Prices are moderate. A very likable, comfortable place, in an out of the way spot.

Pacific East Mall
3288 Pierce St. on the Bay side of Albany Hill	527-3000
Forget the airline ticket and get yourself to this huge Asian Mall to experience culture shock cheaply. At the center is an immense supermarket with completely unfamiliar items, a busy take out counter as well as a fish market where you can choose a whole fish and have it fried to order! There are restaurants with food from all over Asia. In the same parking lot is Daimo, a wonderful Chinese place with a huge traditional menu. Don't miss this experience!