Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 The authentic Italian marketplace |
1843 Solano Avenue Berkeley, CA 94702 United States +1 510 559 6860 http://www.agferrari.com |
Whether you are looking for a quick pannini sandwich or the fixings for a gourmet Italian meal, this place fits the bill. Stocked full of gastronomic delights from all over Italy, you will find bronze-died pastas from Naples, tomato sauces from Tuscany, rare olive oils from Vinci, the finest vinegars from Moderna, prosciutto di Parma, and all manner of other imports. At the counter, order from a selection of prepared foods like fresh tagliarini and divine desserts. Made-to-order pannini sandwiches are available. And the vast cheese and wine selections cannot be beat. It also caters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Food Court with a Twist |
2519 Durant Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704 United States |
In the mood for Asian cuisine? Head over to this small food court. Circling around an outdoor seating area are a collection of 10 small Asian restaurants (also a donut shop and a gyro place) so you can grab what you like and enjoy it al fresco, although some restaurants have indoor seating. Find everything from King Pin Donuts (deep-fried, sugary glazed dough since 1939),to teriyaki and bean curd, as well as noodles and soups to pearl tapioca drinks to Korean BBQ. In between there is satay, curries and Kung Pao and Mu Shu. The gyro place may stick out in this garden of Asian delights, but it also offers biryani rice plates. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Baked delights |
1400 Shattuck Avenue Berkeley, CA 94709 United States +1 510 644 1601 |
From early morning till early evening, this place bakes up breads, pizzas and rolls, and makes great salads, sandwiches and breakfast goods. There are several small tables perfect for one or two, but many get items to go. It offers several sandwiches like Turkey Avocado, Roasted Eggplant and Chicken Breast Tarragon. Try one of the small pizzas like its Four Cheese, Margherita and Pugliese, perfect for a hungry one, or a light meal for two. Also find omelets served all day, salads that range from Caesar to Mediterranean, as well as fresh fruit smoothies. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
A Taste of Italy |
1820 Fourth Street Berkeley, CA 94710 United States +1 510 644 0444 http://www.eccolo.com/ |
This restaurant is one of the popular Italian restaurants in Berkeley. Chef Christopher Lee serves authentic Italian food, and his specialties include Mozzarella-stuffed Zucchini Blossoms, Pan-fried Oxtails and Halibut in saffron broth. Weekends are busy and reservations are highly recommended. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mary Hodder  |
 Photo: Molly Kenefick |
 Photo: Helen Ip |
|
Coffee and Calzones! |
2960 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94705 United States +1 510 644 3773 http://www.espressoroma.com/ |
For decades, this large coffeehouse on the corner of Ashby and College has been a veritable institution in Berkeley, like the University itself. A place for students to study over excellent espresso, and artists and writers to create while munching on a croissant. The floor is Tuscan tiled, the ceiling vaulted. Order at the coffee counter and seat yourself at a table, at the small circular bar, or at one of a handful of tables outside with the view of the College/Ashby foot traffic. Try the large, stuffed calzones filled with cheese, meat, veggies and fresh sauce. Note: Cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Benjamin Harrison |
 Photo: Jonathan D. Leavitt |
 Photo: Claes Buckwalter |
|
Build your own pasta dish |
5400 College Ave Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 601 8646 http://www.filippos.biz |
The inexpensive menu is set up so that you can pick out the pasta you want and match it up with the sauce of your choice, making endless variations are possible. Choose Capellini, Gemelli, Ravioli, Fusilli or Linguine. Even Gnocchi and Polenta are there to choose from. Add Pomodoro (tomato basil sauce), Milanese (scallops, basil, cream), Sausage, Bolognese (meat ragout and fresh herbs), Frutti de Mare and much more. It also offers healthy pastas that use only light oil and no butter or cream. The setting is small and comfortable with the added bonus of sidewalk seating. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Elegance on College Avenue |
5356 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 595 4000 http://www.garibaldis-eastbay.... |
Chef Julia Drori pleases discriminating diners using seasonal ingredients with a strong Italian influence, as well as the occasional Asian-Fusion kiss. Casual elegance abounds with a wood oven that spreads a hearty warmth, and murals that hint at a rustic Tuscan countryside. The service excellent, friendly and above-and-beyond helpful. The menu changes monthly and seasonally, assuring you the freshest ingredients. Past appetizers have included Grilled Salt Cod Fritters. Some of the entrees have included Grilled Duck and Saffron Risotto. The wine list features several dozen Californian and international vintages, with bottles ranging from USD25-175. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Victoria Shephard |
|
Garlic braids and woven flasks |
5427 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 594 0798 |
Garlic wreaths and dried peppers hang in the windows. Bottles of Chianti and herb-infused olive oil sit on each table. This small, Italian bistro has 14 tables, opens for dinner only, and serves up delicious meals in a romantic setting. Find a nice selection of standard Italian fare and daily specials. Start off with the delicious Zuppa di Pomodora e Aglio, vegetable soup with crostini. Entrees include creative pasta dishes like the Fettucini Popalina and traditional meat dishes like Osso Bucco. Find a nice selection of Californian and Italian wines, but go for the house Chianti, which complements every dish. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Glories of gourmet |
Around Shattuck Avenue (from Rose to Delaware streets) Berkeley, CA 94704 United States |
North of downtown Berkeley, this area features some of the best in fine cuisine and gourmet shopping in the city. Locals looking for food that is a cut above head here for the best in ethnic and local dining. The keystone is definitely Chez Panisse, known throughout the world as the place to eat in the Bay Area. You will also find some of the best tapas can be found at Cesar, sushi at Toyo and authentic Thai at Cha Am. There are also several vegetarian options, like the Japanese Cha-Ya, and great breakfasts and lunches at Smokey Joe's Cafe, to name just a few. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: _e.t |
 Photo: overlapgreen |
|
Pints & Slices |
2033 San Pablo Avenue (at University Avenue) Berkeley, CA 94702 United States +1 510 845 1652 http://www.lanesplitterpizza.com |
At this East Bay beer and pizza joint, located on San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley, patrons can feast on thin and crispy slices while momentarily evading the bustle of the noisy neighborhood intersection outside. Begin your meal with a big salad full of fresh veggies and topped with your choice of house-made dressings. The pies here are strictly New York-style (some with names like "Carnivore," "Garbage Pie" and the cult classic, "Heartstopper" with bacon and Gorgonzola), and regulars will attest that Lanesplitter does it right. Plenty of tables and a ton of barstools mean there's almost always a spot for you, and there's even a charming patio out back complete with heat lamps and picnic tables. On the stereo: rock 'n' roll. On the walls: a rotating collection of locally produced artwork. On tap: a rotating selection of more than a dozen locally produced microbrews (including Russian River Brewing Company's Damnation, a favorite of regulars). See website for menu and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Superb Italian Cuisine |
5655 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 547 5356 http://www.oliveto.com |
Chef Paul Bertolli's magical use of local, seasonal products has created the type of highbrow Italian menu that reportedly causes sound-minded adults to fall to their knees and weep openly from the taste bud euphoria. So as to assure absolute freshness the menu changes daily. Past entrees have included spit-roasted lamb (USD30) and roasted northern halibut (USD30). The wine menu rates as superb. For a more casual atmosphere, opt for the restaurant's adjoining café. Reservations are strongly suggested. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Pasta al fresco |
5500 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 923 0900 http://www.pastapomodoro.com/ |
Part of the well-known Bay Area chain of restaurants, this hip and stylish restaurant serves up tasty homemade pastas and delectable seafood and meat dishes at decent prices in a hip setting. Try the Frutti Di Mare with its generous helping of shellfish. Be prepared for dinner conversation to turn to shouting over your capellini, however; things are a bit quieter on the large patio that offers many tables beneath the stars and beneath the heat lamps on particularly chilly nights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Tuscany on College Avenue |
2985 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 848 5544 |
Looking for a bit of Northern Italian cuisine in the Elmwood district? Come here. Little touches lend an air of Tuscan romance, like the imported wines, risottos, garlic, mushrooms and oils in the window. The statuary and artwork, the murals on the rustic walls and the hearty setting of an off-the-beaten-path trattoria will transport you from the craziness of Berkeley. Being northern Italian, the cuisine favors robust gnocchi, polenta and risotto over pasta. Try the Ravioli Rustica, the Polpette with Gnocchi or one of the many Pizzas like the Napoletana, Gorganzola or the Calzone of the day. Only cash is accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
An Italian Jewel |
1539 Solano Avenue Berkeley, CA 94707 United States +1 510 526 2542 / +1 866 496 2489 (Toll Free) http://www.rivolirestaurant.com/ |
Locals looking for Italian cuisine that is a cut above, yet without pretension, come here for exceptional food, comfortable decor and sophisticated service. With its comfy seats and bar, and nicely-pruned backyard garden, it is the perfect place for dates or business trips. Everything from the Portabello Mushroom Fritters to the Roast Pork Loin to the exquisite Spinach Salad and Grilled Artichokes is remarkable and made from the freshest local, organic ingredients. Good bottles of wine are also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Beckie Tran |
|
Gourmet pizza at its best |
5422 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 654 1601 |
Few if any places create such a vast menu of traditional, gourmet and specialty pizzas like this eatery. From the classic Four Cheese and Margherita, to its own creations like the Ambrosia, Cajun and Provencal, as well as succulent rotisserie chicken and panini. You will know this place by the classic Doric column out front. Inside you will find casual and comfortable seating, pictures of the Italian countryside hanging on the walls and a dessert case that tempts you from the get-go. Weather permitting, there is limited seating on the sidewalk. Review © 2007, Wcities |
