You can’t talk about East Bay dining without mentioning Alice Waters and Chez Panisse. Waters, often referred to as the godmother of Californian cuisine, opened up the seminal restaurant in 1971 with film producer Paul Aratow. When we talk about farm-to-table? She started that concept by emphasizing ingredients and direct relationships with local farmers, ranchers and dairies, as opposed to technique. But the East Bay truly offers the world in terms of culinary experiences. These are our East Bay Best Dinner picks, selected by our editors.
Feature Photo: Homeroom Mac + Cheese
In and Around Berkeley
800 Heinz Ave # 19, Berkeley
Bangkok by the Bay is a new Thai spot that recently came to Berkeley, and they’re aiming to do exactly as the name implies by bringing Bangkok to the Bay Area. They serve Bangkok street food staples and Thai cuisine classics, as well as a happy hour five days a week. And to compliment the authentic bites, the modern, slightly elevated atmosphere makes for a pleasant dining experience.
2512 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley
The Tipsy Yeti is stationed in Berkeley and is sharing a unique fusion of Himalayan/Nepalese cuisine with American. There is a Nepali mains section on the menu with dishes like okra masala, and another section called California Comforts includes options like creamy cajun pasta. There’s also pizza, soup and burger options. Get a drink to pair too and enjoy the fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
Every week is a different menu at Chez Panisse: Dishes rotate as the seasons change and new fresh ingredients fall into the kitchen’s hands. While the bottom floor has a prix fixe menu, above the formal restaurant is a more casual a la carte cafe.
41 Tunnel Rd., Berkeley
Located in the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley Hills, Limewood serves regionally-sourced cuisine with an incredible ambience and unbeatable Bay views. Go for sunset to have an unforgettable dining experience. We recommend the baked oysters and halibut. Pro-tip, make sure to book in advance on Open Table, they do not accept walk in’s except for drinks and small bites on Friday’s and Saturday’s from 2:30pm to 4pm.
2020 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley
Come for the lively atmosphere, stay for the chips and homemade guac. Comal has a great outdoor bar and patio with picnic tables and heaters to enjoy margaritas as long as you’d like. We recommend the fresh fish tacos and did we mention the chips and guac?
2190 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
Chinese food in a hip and modern setting. Great China is known for their Peking Roast Duck, it’s a must. We also recommend the Double Skin and if you can dine-in rather than take-out.
1512 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley
Since 1971 when its original owners sold the business to their employees, the Cheese Board has always done things their own way. Now the worker-owned collective’s (so Berkeley!) pizzeria, located a few doors away from the cheese shop and bakery, is a go-to destination for anyone with foodie inclinations. Every night it’s open, the pizzeria serves just one insanely delicious vegetarian pizza and salad combo until they run out, and lines are often out the door. The newly added live music performances at both lunch and dinner makes the wait more enjoyable, however. You never know what you might get, but one recent combo — an artichoke, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, arugula and lemon vinaigrette pizza served with an organic watermelon radish, goat cheese, sunflower seed salad with herb vinaigrette — should give you a good idea. You can also take partially baked pizzas to go from the bakery until 4pm to enjoy at home, and vegan and gluten-free options are available.
2514 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley
As the name might suggest, Lao Garden in Berkeley brings Laotian culture to the Bay Area. Their menu is expansive, ranging from small plates to start your meal off to soups, laab (a spicy minced meat salad), noodles and more.
1335 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley
Sol Taqueria brings authentic Mexican flavors to Berkeley with a menu serving everything from breakfast to dinner. The menu has burritos, plates and tacos, of course, but also has other options such as tortas, or sandwiches.
In and Around Oakland
5900 College Ave, Oakland
A new location of Forge Rockridge has opened in Oakland, serving the same trusty American comfort and drinks. Stop by for lunch or dinner and check out the pizza menu, with the classics as well as a couple of more interesting flavor profiles like crispy eggplant or cauliflower. There’s also an extensive selection of options for the table, with everything from Wisconsin-style cheese curds to blistered shishito peppers.
3308 Grand Ave, Oakland
Oakland gets another new eatery with Sirene, a seafood-forward spot with an emphasis also on their bar service. Come to sip on a cocktail or a glass of wine with a plate of oysters, tuna, shrimp, or another seafood of your choice. There’s also a part of the menu dedicated to choose-your-own-adventure fried chicken, where you can customize your plate from a selection of sides, sauces and add-ons.
5299 A, College Ave, Oakland
Looking for authentic Thai flavors? Located in Oakland, Delicious Thai Kitchen promises to live up to its name, with an extensive menu including classic dishes like curries, noodles, rice plates and even a section with their signature dishes. The outdoor patio has a comfortable ambience as well, with colorful paper lanterns and flowers to establish a fun, homey feel.
2337 Broadway, Oakland
If you haven’t thought of trying Oaxacan food before, you’ll change your mind for Mixé Uptown (pronounced “mee-hay”), a new espresso and mezcal bar in Oakland. There’s an impressive menu of cocktails and other specialty drinks made in house with mezcal drinks of course — try the Oaxacan Old Fashioned. This new hotspot also boasts a mouth-watering menu, with entrées that mirror the Oaxacan inspiration.
1405 Webster St, Alameda
New Alameda Thai restaurant PEAK serves as a brunch spot in the morning and a dinner spot in the evenings. Their brunch menu features two options to choose between — healthy and sweet, with plates like chocolate Ferrer Rocher pancakes to burrata salad. The dinner menu leans a bit more towards traditional Thai, featuring meals like pad see ew and homemade fried rice.
422 24th St, Oakland
Jaji in Oakland is the first-ever modern Afghan restaurant in the Bay Area, with a majority halal menu that blends traditional and contemporary. Owners Sophia Akbar and Paul Iglesias are already known for their first endeavor, Columbian restaurant Parche. And while alcohol is illegal in Afghanistan, Jaji has an expansive alcohol menu with specialty drinks and cocktails.
Your new favorite spot for Latin American comfort food has just opened in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood. 9 Julio Empanada Kitchen sells beautifully folded and perfectly golden empanadas from a menu that combines fresh and local ingredients with a global palate. Taste Cuban picadillo, Jamaican beef or Peruvian chicken, or some of the many veggie options.
3859 Piedmont Ave., Oakland
Multi-Michelin Star restaurant, Commis, specializes in new American cuisine. Chef James Syhabout’s curated multiple course menu is made up of innovative dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. For an unforgettable dining experience, Commis will blow you away. Make sure to make a reservation in advance, they do not take walk-ins.
6118 Medau Pl., Oakland
Daughter Thai Kitchen has an incredible attention to detail with the décor creating a one of a kind ambience. The plating of the meals and drinks are equally impressive. They serve both traditional and unique Thai dishes. If you’re looking for a spot that does traditional Thai spice justice, you’ve come to the right place. We recommend the 24-Hour Beef Noodle Soup and the Daughter Thai tacos.
400 40th St., Oakland
Mac n cheese galore at Homeroom. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone in terms of mac n cheese toppings, although you can’t go wrong with classic cheese, we recommend adding tender BBQ pork or breadcrumbs or any of their other eighteen add-in options.
3766 Piedmont Ave, Oakland
Opening in along the foodie friendly main drag of Piedmont in Oakland, Laughing Buddha offers Chinese vegetarian cuisine on what they call “secret garden patio dining.” Their dishes include treats like green dumplings, basil tofu fried rice or numbing spicy Ma Po tofu.
With four locations around the Bay Area, this location continues to serve their beloved French cuisine. There are hearty options like the half roasted chicken or grilled pork chop, and some flavorful sides like French lentils or truffle fries.
4133 Piedmont Ave, Oakland
Oakland gained a new Thai favorite for locals and visitors alike; Nua Thai blends Thai street classics with a modern twist. There’s a wide selection of curries, a street food menu and more. Try their khao soi — a creamy Thai soup made with a little bit of coconut and a hint of spice. Theirs has been said to be one of the best out there, so be sure not to miss out.
In and Around Livermore
136 Maple St, Livermore
Cured: Fish Bar is one of the latest additions to the abundance of seafood bars cropping up in the Bay Area. Offering raw bar bites, oysters, crudos and other seafood dishes, Cured: Fish Bar utilizes Japanese curing methods and ingredients to make its culinary creations unique and tasty.
With a modern American cuisine with a focus on steak of course, there are a slew of of options from the LB steak tartare to various cuts of steak, wagyus and more. There’s also a cocktail menu, for those looking to pair their meal with a creative drink.
In and Around Walnut Creek
1275 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Located within Walnut Creek’s Broadway Plaza is California-Mediterranean gem Sipeos. While the robust menu certainly makes the visit worth it, so does their inclusivity — there’s a non-alcoholic and low-ABV bar alongside the beer and wine selection, and a vegetarian menu with vegan options available as well.
1387 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Looking for a lively pub to hang out in? Walnut Creek’s recently added Gibsons Irish Pub is a good choice, with tasteful menu options that honor the Irish name and a combination of elevated cocktails and beer or wine, of course including the classic Irish staple of Guinness. There’s occasional live music and dueling pianos for a fun, interactive twist to your evening.
2065 N Broadway #100, Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek gets a new Mexican fusion restaurant with La Ezkina. On their menu, you’ll find classics like tacos, and options with a more unique twist, such as their halibut kiwi ceviche.
