SF East Bay | City Guide

Where to eat, drink, shop, and stay in the SF East Bay

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I was born in San Francisco, California, but primarily grew up in Berkeley, so this city guide is probably the most personal one I’ll write. I’m sharing my very favorite local places to eat, drink, shop, and explore. Since there are so many East Bay treasures, this is by no means a comprehensive list, but it’s a good start and representative of my tried and true faves. Get ready to see the words local, and seasonal a lot. Let’s go! 

Comal - Reserve a spot on the stunning tree-lined patio and treat yourself to the best specialty cocktails in town. I suggest skipping the entrees here in favor of the superb smaller bites like housemade guacamole, papas fritas, and mushroom quesadillas. 

Yonsei Handrolls - Run, don’t walk. Located across from the Fox Theater in the heart of Uptown Oakland, Yonsei Handrolls serves open-faced Japanese sushi handrolls made of crisp nori, seasoned sushi rice, and top-notch fish. I would eat here every day if I could. Notes: Snag yourself a ressie in advance. Parking sucks.

Wood Tavern - This Rockridge institution has the best service in town and consistently delivers perfectly prepared classics like chopped salad, pan-roasted chicken, and housemade desserts. A great special occasion spot or just drop in for a cocktail and lively conversation at the bar. Note: Not ideal for vegetarians. 

Pizzaiolo - Our family fave for wood fired pizzas, beautiful salads, the best meatballs of all time, and a great buzzy vibe. Post-dinner head over to Curbside Creamery for a homemade chocolate waffle cone and the best scoop in town. A perfect night! Note: Outdoor seating available. 

Ramen Shop - A popular and trendy spot for bountiful bowls of ramen made with seasonal and organic ingredients. I always get the herby, spicy fried rice (so special!), and little gem salad and the kiddos lap up the kid ramen and dumplings. 

Zachary’s Pizza - This bustling gem is a true institution and a great neighborhood gathering spot. Zachary’s has been serving up chicago-style pizza since the 80’s and is 100% worker owned and operated. Super friendly service and a nice casual vibe for gathering with friends and family for a pie (or several!). Note: I much prefer the OG location on College Ave in Rockridge. 

Chez Panisse - Alice Waters is credited for launching the slow food movement fifty years ago in this converted home in Berkeley. It’s a very special place that highlights local, organic, and seasonal ingredients and sources ingredients exclusively from local farmers, gardeners, foragers, and ranchers. Notes: I prefer the upstairs cafe to the more formal pre-fixe restaurant. Skip the pasta and go for anything highlighting vegetables. Don’t miss the seasonal galette and finish your meal with a tisane. 

King Yen - We’ve been supporting this family-run neighborhood gem since we were wee ones (it’s been a staple for 40 years) and Jordan and I even had our wedding rehearsal dinner here! Super casual, but always delivers. Specializing in Chinese comfort food, including mandarin, hunan, and szechuan favorites. We especially love the hot and sour soup, crispy potstickers, hunan beef, fried rice, and house special tofu. Note: Limited outdoor seating available. 

Soi 4 - Fun fact: the pad thai from this Bangkok eatery was the number one craving I had with both of my pregnancies. Makes for a great casual lunch or dinner in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood. High marks for the turnip cakes, pan fried dumplings, and lemongrass chicken. 

900 Grayson - I’ve been dining here with my kids since the day they were born. A hidden gem in West Berkeley serving up breakfast and lunch classics including a top notch burger, chicken and waffles, and perfectly fluffy eggs with crispy potatoes. Notes: the service can be a bit surly but it’s worth it for comfort food that always delivers. Outdoor seating available. 

Tacubaya - Another family fave. This sprawling spot in Berkeley’s 4th Street district dishes up traditional Mexican staples highlighting the best local ingredients. Prepare to wait in line and try to grab a spot on the sunny patio for prime people watching. Don’t sleep on the black refried beans, plantains, and crispy potato cakes. Outdoor seating available. 

Kiraku - Owner Daiki Saito strives to deliver a genuine izakaya experience complete with beer, sake, Japanese small plates, and conversation. The seasonal menu changes daily but staples include rock shrimp tempura, chicken karaage, grilled black cod, and albacore tataki, all served on beautiful homemade stoneware. Daiki has a Kikizake-shi license, the sake version of a sommelier so sake lovers will be in good hands. Note: reservations highly recommended and food minimum may apply. 

Belotti - A tiny neighborhood spot showcasing the best in simple Italian cooking. The homemade pastas are all excellent and the seasonal salads never disappoint. I always order the agnolotti di lidia or the pappardelle ai funghi with a big salad. Note: make a reservation even for lunch as this tiny spot fills up quickly. Note: Outdoor seating available. 

Jo’s Thai - Not your average Thai restaurant, Jo’s menu was designed by chef Intu-on Kornnawong, who cooked at Michelin-starred Kin Khao. The modern take on Thai classics makes for a unique and memorable dining experience in a lively and stylish dining room and outside patio. The menu rotates but frequent staples include coconut cakes, crispy catfish salad, and an incredible lobster pad thai. Note: Outdoor seating available. 

Fournée - The best French pastries in the Bay Area. Full stop. Also don’t miss the baguette sandwiches of the day and incredible country loaves.

Standard Fare - Did somebody say buttermilk biscuit? Standard Fare is a Berkeley original, preparing some of the freshest soups, salads, sandwiches, and pastries in town. This is a local favorite so prepare to stand in line. Note: limited seating. Uber casual. Outdoor seating available. 

Fava - A pint-sized lunch venue with outdoor seats that serves vegetable-centric cuisine in the gourmet district of Berkeley. Order a flatbread sandwich paired with hummus or sweet potatoes, and don’t sleep on the mango or meyer lemon lassi. Note: Only limited outdoor seating. 

Cheeseboard Pizza Collective - This worker owned co-op has been making vegetarian sourdough pizzas with seasonal ingredients since 1971. Get the slice of the day and enjoy live music, casual vibes, and a truly Berkeley scene. Finish with a goat milk ice cream cone. Note: limiting seating, no substitutions, and only one pizza and salad option each day. Outdoor seating available. 

Snail Bar - A wildly popular natural wine bar and bottle shop located in the Temescal district of Oakland. Come for the wine, stay for the small, seasonally driven food menu. Notes: The food is pricey but outstanding. Reservations are a must, often well in advance. Outdoor seating available. 

Ordinaire - Trendy wine bar, bottle shop, and meeting spot - a favorite of natural wine lovers. Outdoor seating available. 

Donkey and Goat - This friendly and convivial tasting room is a great place to sample handcrafted wine at a working winery! Come for wine flights and an assortment of snacks in the spacious cellar or beautiful urban backyard. Note: Join the community block party on the First Friday of each month, for wine tasting, live music and a rotating cast of Bay Area food pop-ups!

Friends and Family - One of my favorite spots to meet a friend for a cocktail and a nibble. Order your favorite drink paired with a great grilled cheese, crudo, or little bites like warm olives and umami popcorn. Note: walk-in only. Outdoor seating available. 

Bombera - Mexican heritage cooking and cocktails in a stunning space, Bombera makes for a great date night or gathering with friends and family. Blue corn quesadillas, shrimp tacos, and spicy roasted carrots are among my favorites. Note: reservations suggested and outdoor seating available. 

Atomic Garden - Elevated essentials including home goods, apparel, and jewelry. Home of every basket and ceramic I love and covet. 

Morningtide Shop - A postage-stamp sized shop selling curated home accessories, gifts, clothing, and jewelry by independent designers and craftspeople.

Mrs Dalloway’s - My favorite family-run bookshop. Grab a signed copy of Minimalista while you’re there! 

The Vintage Rug Shop - A one stop shop for beautiful gifts and home goods including candles, tabletop, coffee table books, and textiles. 

Slash Denim - Floor to ceiling vintage denim since 1979. The owner will help you find your perfect pair. A true one of a kind local treasure, I’ve been shopping here since I was a teenager. 

Marisa Mason - Jewelry boutique showcasing a collection of bohemian-style necklaces and bracelets all made by hand.

Esqueleto - Super chic shop in Temescal Alley displaying a curated selection of jewelry, art, and home accents all crafted by area artists.

Good Neighbor - Curated goodies for hair, skin, body, and home in a beautiful space. 

The Gardener - Wide array of home and garden goods in a beautiful space. Great for picking up a unique gift - complimentary gift wrap is exquisite. 

Erica Tanov - Beautiful clothes by the designer as well as curated goods for the home, body, and beyond.

Mercy Vintage - Vintage jeans, t-shirts, and accessories in a sunny little former dry cleaner's space? Yes, please. 

Marcus Books - Oakland is proudly home to this iconic Black bookstore, named for Marcus Garvey, that has remained a destination for leading Black literary and cultural voices and discerning customers for more than 60 years.

The Claremont Resort and Spa - a massive stately property atop the Elmwood neighborhood in Berkeley, this hotel is a bit outdated style-wise, but decked out with all the amenities including a massive pool, multiple restaurants, tennis courts, and spa. Pop across the street for the best French pastries at Fournee, comfort food at Rick and Anns (cheesy potato pancakes or bust!), or a stroll to Star Meats for sandwiches that have a cult-like following. 

Rockridge Casita - Perfect little retreat for a solo or couples trip. The casita is nestled in the back of a family home in a lovely Oakland neighborhood, walkable to shops, restaurants, and cafes. A well appointed, stylish, and cozy spot with a wonderful local host. 

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Have a favorite East Bay treasure you’d like to share? Please post in the comments below.