Berkeley Restaurants

Established in 2008, Gecko Gecko Thai Eatery is the original Thai fusion restaurant in the East Bay, offering authentic Thai cuisine along with innovative fusion dishes "with a twist." Located in the iconic Berkeley Arts District, Gecko Gecko is ideally located for a splendid meal before a show at nearby Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Aurora Theatre, Freight & Salvage Coffee House, or the numerous local movie theatres located close by. A unique wine list perfectly compliments the dishes here, or enjoy an ice cold beer with your spicy meal!

There is nothing intimidating or vicious about T-Rex Barbeque. In fact, its open, two story floor-plan and warm décor are quite inviting. T-Rex is “Berkeley Barbeque” – using only antibiotic and hormone-free meats, sustainable fish, and organic produce (whenever possible) – no bull whips to be found here, folks. You will find a Pulled Pork Omelette, Oysters on the Half Shell, and Grilled Steelhead Salmon. T-Rex also has an international beer selection worthy of applause, and a weeknight happy-hour schedule that encourages you to put it to the test.

Making the most of a simple, rustic interior with strong influences of the bayou thrown in, Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen focuses on authentic Creole and Cajun eats. Seasonal crawfish boils make this East Bay eatery a must-do in terms of Louisiana cuisine. Chef Brandon Dubea brings a lifetime of Louisiana upbringing to the kitchen of this local establishment, located just a stone’s throw from the Berkeley Public Library. Make sure that after a big ol’ bowl of steaming gumbo, you save room for a New Orleans classic, Angeline’s award-winning beignets, cooked to order.

Embracing the term “Local” and running with it, the folks at Gather excel in sourcing locally grown and raised ingredients for their menu that boasts it’s 50% vegetarian. Located in the David Brower center, the greenest building in the East Bay-- Gather possesses a casual yet elegant atmosphere to cater to just about anyone. The interior consists of mostly reclaimed materials from the surrounding area, accenting their open kitchen. Boasting an ever-changing seasonal menu, Gather offers everything from vegan “charcuterie” to a grilled half chicken. Open for brunch on the weekends and lunch and dinner nightly, Gather sources up good …

Don’t let the size fool you, the intimate space of Trattoria La Siciliana really hums. Resembling more an authentic Sicilian kitchen than a bustling Berkeley eatery, this tiny restaurant buzzes with conversation and huge portions of Italian cuisine. In a world full of just restaurants, it’s nice to find a place where one can feel at home. Saucy, garlic-laden comfort food is the order of the day in this cash only establishment, but make sure there is room for dessert… tira misu is not a dish to be avoided lightly.

Mount Everest Restaurant in Berkley offers authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine in a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Open for both lunch and dinner, this restaurant offers monthly and daily specials, kid-friendly options, and an abundance of vegetarian selections. Each lunch special is served with fresh naan, rice, garbonzo beans, and the Thali house salad. The Chicken Tikka Masala is a favorite among locals: Boneless chicken breast delicately spiced, grilled in a clay oven, and cooked with a creamy sauce. Most dishes are offered at a range of spiciness, including mild, medium, spicy, and extra spicy. Try the Paneer (homemade Indian cheese) …

In the heart of Berkeley you will find Comal, an authentic Mexican restaurant, and at the heart of Comal you can find Executive Chef Matt Gandin. He brings a modern twist to southern Oaxacan food and is inspired by neighboring coastal states as well. This is evident on the menu with Local Halibut Ceviche, Wood-Grilled Fresh White Shrimp, House-made Chicharones and Compressed Watermelon and Padron Peppers. There are traditional Quesadillas, Enchiladas, Tamales and Tacos, but also “Platos Fuertes”. These are large plates for two to three people like a Whole Spit-Roasted Fulton Valley Chicken. A wide variety of Mexican craft …

The Hotel Shattuck, in downtown Berkeley, is home to a sophisticated restaurant that incorporates all of the senses into the dining experience. Five is an elegantly spacious modern American bistro and bar defined by massive columns that rise up to support the intricately recessed ceiling, grandly lit chandeliers, and beaming floor-to-ceiling windows that cast everything in the glow of luxury. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are similarly well-designed with refined dishes that are both sophisticated and welcoming. Executive Chef Howard Scott melds opulence with familiarity in dishes like the Deviled Surf and Turf Eggs and the Short Rib Pot …

Chef and Owner Wendy Brucker and Owner and General Manager Roscoe Skipper are the dynamic duo behind Rivoli, in Berkeley. They met, wed, and plunged into the world of restaurant success in 1994, with fresh and earthy fare that strikes a balance between unique combinations and traditional techniques. The “secret garden” lures patrons in, and the healthful and satisfying cuisine keeps them coming back. Dishes like the Saffron and Pimenton Risotto and the Pan Roast Chicken are quite memorable, but with a seasonal menu that changes every three weeks there is always something new to try, and love.

Doing its part to be environmentally sound and organic is Lalime’s philosophy: local farmers markets and small distributers provide the restaurant’s produce, and the availability of such ingredients directly influences the menu. This health-conscious mindset manifests itself in a menu that balances freshness and flavor. Cold appetizers like the Cold-Smoked Scottish Salmon highlight fresh, natural flavors , while the Rack of Sonoma Lamb satisfies the appetite and fuels good intentions. Local regional wines also have a place on the menu, and are balanced nicely between Old and New World varieties.

When Chez Panisse was conceived in 1971, it was the most atypical of restaurants in America, designing its menu daily based on the freshest seasonal and local ingredients. Though this unique approach to food has since gained momentum, Chez Panisse is still one of the most influential proponents of the move towards a more sustainable approach to food. With Alice Waters at the helm, Chez Panisse stays true to its initial vision, serving one fixed price menu daily, based on what is freshest at the moment. Still in its birthplace in a converted house in liberal-minded Berkeley, Chez Panisse retains …