Berkeley for Those Looking for Fun, Not Muggings!

I am a seasoned pho EXPERT and for those looking for a clean place, with nice decor, and not too outrageous (aka, this is gross fusion and we are just going to add mangos on everything prices), I'd highly recommend Saigon Express. They are closed Sundays though so beware. Their pho is perfectly fine but what is to die for are their imperial rolls, I still drive back on occasion to eat these yummy snacks. Their cubed steak with rice are also delicious. I'd say to stay away from their desserts since they aren't THAT great. There are some other good pho places around but this is the best I have found in Berkeley and for those squeamish about cleanliness...this is the place for you.

Oh man,  this place is delicious. I moved near Cheeseboard my junior year and ate at this paradise at least twice a week. Delicious pizza (only one flavor and always vegetarian although traditional meat eaters all love this place as well), and I always love what they have. My least favorite is this lemon zest thing they do and still I'd take that over any other purveyor's any day. They also have a nice selection of healthier drinks such as Juice Squeeze, Orangina and Pellegrino. I think it is about $2 a slice or $9 for half a pizza that you can take home. One trick that I have learned when getting pizza with a friend is to always order separately instead of together since they always include a little "taster" slice of half a slice of pizza with every order for free. The music is always fabulous here as well and I always put a few dollars into the tip jar for the lovely ambiance. Seating can be crowded so if you want get a nice blanket and eat outside on the grass. Also get there early because once they run out they are out for the day and you are left enraged and hungry. I couldn't recommend this place enough! It also is one of the few pizzas that taste good when reheated, I often take home a few and put it in the fridge and it doesn't get that yucky gummy cheese consistency that other pizzas get. Go, go, go!

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Okay let me preface this by saying that I am a certified NOODLE LOVER. If you do not love noodles then you should probably stay away from this place but if you are a ramen lover like me then Ryowa Ramen is a must try. There are two locations, one in Mountain View and one in Berkeley, and I far prefer the Berkeley one although the Mountain View location isn't half bad. This is a good starter place for those who think ramen only comes in delicious packets costing $.25 to $1. In reality, these specialty ramen shops are very popular everywhere in Japan and Asia, and instead of using a MSG laden broth use very healthy, rich broths typically made out of soy or other derivatives. The ramen served at Ryowa Ramen have just the right amount of "spring" to them unlike other places which are often soggy and not nearly as satisfying. I have tried both their house "Ryowa Ramen" as well as other varieties such as buttercorn, etc., and they have all been delicious. The Ryowa Ramen comes with chasu, which is simply thinly sliced pieces of pork, veggies, a half tea egg, seaweed, and other goodies. The tables all have little jars of various spices and that you can add to the broth to make it to your liking. The soup also comes with a giant soup ladle that you use to slurp the delicious broth. Yum!

The restaurant also gives free kimchee on the side so I'd recommend asking for it (although half the time they are out). They have good lunch specials which come with fried rice and gyoza (Japanese pot stickers) although I would not recommend ordering the gyoza on their own as a side as they are not really worth it.

Give this place a try if you like regular ramen! About $10 for noodles/tip/tax and maybe a coke. It is very popular in the local area and can get busy at times but I almost have never had to wait for a table. I also just remembered that there is a big book case full of comic books and mangas for those solo eaters that require some reading material :)


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The line stretches out the door at this place at any given time of day, but it is for good reason. Cafe Intermezzo is a Berkeley mainstay among students and residents alike due to its huge portions and healthy meat, along with its awe inspiring Chef's Salad. I am not even a salad fan and I still love the Chef's salad. It contains all the works of a regular green salad with extras such as a finely chopped hard boiled egg, a piece of fruit on top if you are taking it to go, and a large piece of their famous brown bread. However what makes the Chef's salad so delicious is the generous helping of Intermezzo's cold cuts that are included in the salads...I always get the extra lean pastrami, which they chop thin into little pieces and then mix all into the salad. A big choice of salad dressings as well although I'd recommend getting it on the side since they do tend to drizzle it on and the salad will get soggy if you're taking it go.

Other than salad Intermezzo has delicious soup, and many good sandwiches (my favorite again is pastrami)—HUGE portions. They also have many vegetarian options and my vegetarian friends love this place. Top it off with their strawberry lemonade and you can keep it under $10. For newbies, I'd recommend their salad/sandwich combo, it will be sure to stuff you and give you the true Intermezzo experience.

Be prepared to tell your order more than once to the staff. They are all sweet and never rude but get the orders wrong more than right and ask you repeatedly. Also be ready for the lonnnng line but I've never found it too difficult to land a table since people tend to leave fairly quickly and a lot of people are getting takeout. A must try!

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Kirala...I cannot believe there is not a review for this place yet since it is relatively famous in the Bay Area and especially Berkeley for having some of the most delicious food around. I also believe there is now a second location of Kirala to go in the "TASTE" area (on Shattuck) of Berkeley, near Chez Panisse.

Kirala is hands down the best Japanese food I have had in Berkeley. It can be pricey and is not for those who prefer rolls (Sushi House or more locally, Sushi Ko is much better suited for that). It is simply fresh fish and other delicious dishes prepared expertly by real Japanese chefs. There is always a wait and you cannot make reservations so I suggest you get there early. I have no real recommendations since everything is wonderful and I tend not to be adventurous in my sushi anyway. But all I can say is go, you won't regret it, especially if you are a fan of Japanese food. Definitely a place to try if you are visiting, beware that it is more pricey than other Japanese food in the area, it is much more of a treat but so worth it!


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Brazil Cafe is a very popular local hot spot for students and locals alike. It serves delicious tri-tip steak among other things (I'm a HUGE fan of the tri-tip) from a lovely sidewalk cafe that has chairs outside and booming Brazilian music. It is especially nice to sit here on a sunny day and just eat your yummy Brazilian food while you people watch. This place has been written up many times as a local favorite, and even has been reviewed favorably by National Geographic.

I always get their student meal (they have a whole sign of hand painted specials) that includes a tri-tip sandwich and a cup of their delicious mango smoothie for under $10. I would recommend their smoothie to everybody. For those wary of trying new food, they also give out free samples of their tri-tip and their smoothies regularly. This place is absolutely delicious and makes me wish I still lived in Berkeley. Warning: it is closed on rainy days and will close for dinner at times if the weather is not looking favorable.

What Berkeley rite of passage of drinking yourself into a stupor and stumbling home would not be complete without the requisite visit to Henry's. It's a very clean, slightly upscale bar with friendly prices that is a good alternative for those not looking for a "club" environment and getting frisked by multiple police officers when caught waiting outside of Blake's after midnight.

The environment is clean and there are always several TVs running playing the latest sports games. There is an adjoining hotel where the bathrooms are, as well as a separate dining area where many of the visiting companies that are recruiting have their events at. Order the fries and chicken wings, have a few drinks with friends and don't break your bank. or you can just walk down the street and grab some Top Dog or La Burrita.