Freshmen Food Guide: The Berkeley restaurants every Cal student should know (2024)

Between dodging flier-armed club recruiters on Sproul Plaza and rushing between classes after taking on far more units than you could handle, it’s easy for food to become an afterthought in your first chaotic weeks as a UC Berkeley student.

I would know. During freshman year, I distinctly recall eating the hot dog-and-scallion buns from the Sheng Kee on Telegraph Avenue four times a week, not because they were great, but because I was too drained to look any further —much less hunt for the southside spot with the fluffiest pancakes or the coziest coffee shop.

To help you get acquainted with Berkeley’s vibrant food scene, Nosh has created a guide that highlights essential eats, restaurants with portions big enough to guarantee leftovers, late-night bites, and reliable study spots. You’ll also find a few upscale options — perfect for when someone else is footing the bill — and food-related activities to enjoy for an afternoon or a full day.

The guide has been designed for first-year Cal students, but is useful for any Berkeley newcomer, and even long-time residents will likely find something new to try. Dig in.

Cheese ‘N’ Stuff

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.

Fava

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.

Mezzo

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 Italiana

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.

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 Park

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.

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.

Delah Coffee

Delah Coffee launched in 2022 in downtown San Francisco. Since then, the Yemeni coffee shop has expanded to Berkeley and Oakland, and has plans to open in Elk Grove. Its ornate and spacious Berkeley location, tucked away in quiet Northside in the former Brewed Awakening storefront, has become an unofficial living room for Cal students to catch up with friends and on readings. (Yes, there are electrical outlets and wifi.)

The comforting adeni chai, which you can get a cup of for under $5 or a large pot to share for about $18, is a great pick-me-up on a chilly day. Or try the mofawar, a coffee that’s upgraded with cardamom and cream.

Alum’s Advice: The Yemeni desserts are nice, too; start with the bee bites and work your way to the kunava.

Delah Coffee; 1807 Euclid Ave.; open daily 7:30 a.m. to 11 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.

Chez 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

La Note

This Provençal restaurant is a popular breakfast and brunch spot. The small indoor space, while homey and rustic, can get quite noisy on weekends. Sit on the lush back patio if you can; it will almost make you forget that you’re in the heart of downtown Berkeley. Brunch will typically cost between $20 and $30 per person.

Alum’s Advice: I’m partial to the tender and rich lemon gingerbread pancake, which is topped with tender poached pears.

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.

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.

Wat Mongkolratanaram

Head to South Berkeley on a Sunday morning, let the aroma of curries and stewed meat guide you, and you’ll find yourself in a lively food court in the backyard of Wat Mongkolratanaram, or “Thai Temple.”

Resist the urge to jump in the food line right away. You’ll need to first exchange cash for a Dixie cup of red and green plastic tokens —your currency for food and drinks. A good start for two people is $30. If you don’t use up all the tokens, you can trade them back for cash later on.

You’ll find a variety of Thai food from curries, pad thai, fried chicken, taro fritters to kanom krok (coconut rice pancakes). Thai tea and coffee are also available for purchase. I’m fond of the pumpkin curry and, on cold mornings, the beef noodle soup with a choice of thick or thin noodles. Stop by the condiment table for chili sauce and pickled peppers to brighten up the otherwise muddy broth. Once you’ve properly fueled up, head to Grove Park across the street for a game of tennis or to shoot some hoops.

Alum’s 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.-1 p.m.

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 Kitesto 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.