Berkeley Bitty House Guidebook
Eats
These are a few of our favorite local places to dine-in, take-out or eat al-fresco!
Delicious and elegant french brunch location with cozy back patio. The wait can be over an hour on the weekends between 11-2.
80 locals recommend
La Note
2377 Shattuck AveDelicious and elegant french brunch location with cozy back patio. The wait can be over an hour on the weekends between 11-2.
Middle Eastern style sandwiches and sides from seasoned chefs. Grab a falafel sandwich or pint of hummus and pita to go.
10 locals recommend
FAVA
2114 Vine StMiddle Eastern style sandwiches and sides from seasoned chefs. Grab a falafel sandwich or pint of hummus and pita to go.
Interesting french style sandwiches, salads and poutine! Take away only.
71 locals recommend
Grégoire Restaurant
2109 Cedar StInteresting french style sandwiches, salads and poutine! Take away only.
Local favorite for pizza, breads and cheeses. The line often looks daunting, wrapping all the way around the corner, but it moves along and you can always chat with locals while you wait! The Cheeseboard is a Gourmet Ghetto favorite.
317 locals recommend
The Cheeseboard Pizza
1512 Shattuck AveLocal favorite for pizza, breads and cheeses. The line often looks daunting, wrapping all the way around the corner, but it moves along and you can always chat with locals while you wait! The Cheeseboard is a Gourmet Ghetto favorite.
This is THE local restaurant for foodies and those looking for a special night for a special occasion. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations required, book far in advance for dinner.
337 locals recommend
Chez Panisse
1517 Shattuck AveThis is THE local restaurant for foodies and those looking for a special night for a special occasion. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations required, book far in advance for dinner.
The food is so so good. A bit pricey, but for a group or family looking for a variety of unique tastes to share, and a cozy and elegant ambiance, this is the place.
36 locals recommend
La Marcha Tapas Bar
2026 San Pablo AveThe food is so so good. A bit pricey, but for a group or family looking for a variety of unique tastes to share, and a cozy and elegant ambiance, this is the place.
For a very good Japanese dinner, Kirala is well-known in Berkeley. You'll sit in close quarters with other guests, but the food is worth it. It is best to line up when before the doors open, otherwise you may be waiting a bit.
79 locals recommend
Kirala
2100 Ward StFor a very good Japanese dinner, Kirala is well-known in Berkeley. You'll sit in close quarters with other guests, but the food is worth it. It is best to line up when before the doors open, otherwise you may be waiting a bit.
This is my husband John's absolute first choice on most nights. Most dishes have a kick so the selection for those with milder tastes is limited, but the food is truly unique and authentic. It's better to eat-in, as takeaway just doesn't do it justice.
6 locals recommend
Wojia Hunan Cuisine
917 San Pablo AveThis is my husband John's absolute first choice on most nights. Most dishes have a kick so the selection for those with milder tastes is limited, but the food is truly unique and authentic. It's better to eat-in, as takeaway just doesn't do it justice.
Pretty good pizza to go, close to the Berkeley Bitty House. It is not easy to find good pizza in California (that is our opinion as New York transplants). They don't do special requests, but their own creations are pretty yummy. Our number one choice for pizza in Berkeley however is a place called Emilia's. They are takeaway only, and it's a one person show so you'll have to either visit the website around 9am and cross your fingers that there is still a time slot for pickup, or call after 3pm. The rules aren't consistent, but the pizza is consistently mind-blowing.
43 locals recommend
Gioia Pizzeria
1586 Hopkins StPretty good pizza to go, close to the Berkeley Bitty House. It is not easy to find good pizza in California (that is our opinion as New York transplants). They don't do special requests, but their own creations are pretty yummy. Our number one choice for pizza in Berkeley however is a place called Emilia's. They are takeaway only, and it's a one person show so you'll have to either visit the website around 9am and cross your fingers that there is still a time slot for pickup, or call after 3pm. The rules aren't consistent, but the pizza is consistently mind-blowing.
A historic local favorite for brunch and lunch. It gets crowded on the weekend but the wait is manageable since it is on 4th street and there are plenty of shops to keep you occupied.
76 locals recommend
Bette's Oceanview Diner
1807A Fourth StA historic local favorite for brunch and lunch. It gets crowded on the weekend but the wait is manageable since it is on 4th street and there are plenty of shops to keep you occupied.
It's a local favorite! Not far from the Berkeley Bitty House at the tail-end of Solano Ave, all the flavors are cashew based making for a delectable vegan treat for kids and adults.
7 locals recommend
Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Creamery
1116 Solano AveIt's a local favorite! Not far from the Berkeley Bitty House at the tail-end of Solano Ave, all the flavors are cashew based making for a delectable vegan treat for kids and adults.
So many delicious and unique beers on tap. A perfect place to go with a group or family, with kids or pets. Plenty of seating and the atmosphere is always friendly and casual. There is usually a food truck parked out front.
91 locals recommend
Fieldwork Brewing Company
1160 Sixth StSo many delicious and unique beers on tap. A perfect place to go with a group or family, with kids or pets. Plenty of seating and the atmosphere is always friendly and casual. There is usually a food truck parked out front.
A great outdoor place to go for brazilian small bites, beer, a pitcher of sangria. Great for kids --the entire area is enclosed and there is a small walled space with chalkboards in the back, but you would need to bring your own chalk.
56 locals recommend
Westbrae Biergarten
1280 Gilman StA great outdoor place to go for brazilian small bites, beer, a pitcher of sangria. Great for kids --the entire area is enclosed and there is a small walled space with chalkboards in the back, but you would need to bring your own chalk.
Classic icecream parlor near the Berkeley Bitty House on Solano Ave. Currently take-away only but they have a few tables set up on the sidewalk.
13 locals recommend
iScream
1819 Solano AveClassic icecream parlor near the Berkeley Bitty House on Solano Ave. Currently take-away only but they have a few tables set up on the sidewalk.
A good bagel, like pizza, is hard to find in California. But Beauty's is pretty delicious. Try their open face lox sandwiches, breakfast options or grab a bag of bagels to go.
122 locals recommend
Beauty's Bagel Shop
3838 Telegraph AveA good bagel, like pizza, is hard to find in California. But Beauty's is pretty delicious. Try their open face lox sandwiches, breakfast options or grab a bag of bagels to go.
The best pho we have had in the east bay. There are two locations in the area, and we feel that the one farther from the Berkeley Bitty House, in Oakland, is better.
16 locals recommend
Phở Ao Sen Restaurant
1139 E 12th StThe best pho we have had in the east bay. There are two locations in the area, and we feel that the one farther from the Berkeley Bitty House, in Oakland, is better.
Berkeley has a vibrant Ethiopian community and lots of choices for Ethiopian restaurants. However, our favorite is Cafe Colucci. It’s delicious but seating is limited. There is a small area to eat out front on nice days and a few seats inside.
53 locals recommend
Café Colucci
5849 Telegraph AveBerkeley has a vibrant Ethiopian community and lots of choices for Ethiopian restaurants. However, our favorite is Cafe Colucci. It’s delicious but seating is limited. There is a small area to eat out front on nice days and a few seats inside.
An Indian market with cafeteria where you can get very good food to eat in their large paved seating area outside. Great place to go with kids and dogs.
84 locals recommend
Viks Chaat
2390 Fourth StAn Indian market with cafeteria where you can get very good food to eat in their large paved seating area outside. Great place to go with kids and dogs.
A large banquet style Chinese restaurant with Peking duck among some of they’re popular dishes. If you’re spending a day on or near campus, this might be a good choice to end for dinner whether you’re one or a table of six (they only allow reservations for six or more).
32 locals recommend
Great China Restaurant
2190 Bancroft WayA large banquet style Chinese restaurant with Peking duck among some of they’re popular dishes. If you’re spending a day on or near campus, this might be a good choice to end for dinner whether you’re one or a table of six (they only allow reservations for six or more).
A cozy traditional yet modern Italian restaurant that makes its own ricotta. A great place to go both for a special occasion or for a casual lunch. They also have a nice wine and cocktail list.
41 locals recommend
Belotti Ristorante E Bottega
5403 College AveA cozy traditional yet modern Italian restaurant that makes its own ricotta. A great place to go both for a special occasion or for a casual lunch. They also have a nice wine and cocktail list.
Wide open Jewish delicatessen with plenty of seating and deep roots in the neighborhood. Great for breakfast or lunch --think lox bagels, latkes, falafel plates, and their cheesecake is amazing.
Saul's Restaurant & Delicatessen
Wide open Jewish delicatessen with plenty of seating and deep roots in the neighborhood. Great for breakfast or lunch --think lox bagels, latkes, falafel plates, and their cheesecake is amazing.
Great coffee and pastries, a long-standing Berkeley favorite.
48 locals recommend
Bartavelle Coffee & Wine Bar
1621 San Pablo AveGreat coffee and pastries, a long-standing Berkeley favorite.
Not just a bakery, we love Casa Latina for mole, burritos, and brunch plates. Dining-in is easy with a variety of casual tables and a laid back atmosphere.
20 locals recommend
Casa Latina Bakery
1805 San Pablo AveNot just a bakery, we love Casa Latina for mole, burritos, and brunch plates. Dining-in is easy with a variety of casual tables and a laid back atmosphere.
Sightseeing
So fun for kids or adults who are kids at heart. Ride a miniature steam train through the woods for a breezy 10 minute escape. A perfect stop if you're in the area for all the hiking and biking that is available.
45 locals recommend
Redwood Valley Railway (Tilden Steam Train)
2481 Grizzly Peak BlvdSo fun for kids or adults who are kids at heart. Ride a miniature steam train through the woods for a breezy 10 minute escape. A perfect stop if you're in the area for all the hiking and biking that is available.
Stop and smell the roses at the Berkeley Rose Garden. It's a great place for a meet-up or a picnic on one of the many benches that descend down into the garden. The garden is across the street from Cordonices Park with its playground and famous concrete slide.
140 locals recommend
Berkeley Rose Garden
1200 Euclid AveStop and smell the roses at the Berkeley Rose Garden. It's a great place for a meet-up or a picnic on one of the many benches that descend down into the garden. The garden is across the street from Cordonices Park with its playground and famous concrete slide.
It's famous. It hosts concerts, plays, events. A Berkeley landmark.
75 locals recommend
The Greek Theatre
2001 Gayley RdIt's famous. It hosts concerts, plays, events. A Berkeley landmark.
A really beautiful place to stroll and to find native plants. Free admission on the first Wednesday of every month.
77 locals recommend
The University of California Botanical Garden
200 Centennial DrA really beautiful place to stroll and to find native plants. Free admission on the first Wednesday of every month.
Great views. The Berkeley Bitty House is very close to Indian Rock Park, just a few minutes walk. It's a great destination when you’re on a morning walk with your coffee. Rock climbers practice here, and visitors love to climb the carved steps up to the top for a view of the bay.
121 locals recommend
Indian Rock Park
950 Indian Rock AveGreat views. The Berkeley Bitty House is very close to Indian Rock Park, just a few minutes walk. It's a great destination when you’re on a morning walk with your coffee. Rock climbers practice here, and visitors love to climb the carved steps up to the top for a view of the bay.
Neighborhoods
An abundance of shops and restaurants. Great for meeting a friend for lunch and a stroll. You can often find musicians playing across from Peet's on the weekends, or a troop selling girl scout cookies. During the holidays, the whole street lights up and it's impossible not to be in a merry mood.
184 locals recommend
Fourth Street
Fourth StreetAn abundance of shops and restaurants. Great for meeting a friend for lunch and a stroll. You can often find musicians playing across from Peet's on the weekends, or a troop selling girl scout cookies. During the holidays, the whole street lights up and it's impossible not to be in a merry mood.
A very long street near to the Berkeley Bitty House with a plethora of shops and restaurants. The food is as diverse as the shops, from persian rugs to oaxacan gifts to a chocolatier..
17 locals recommend
Solano Avenue
Solano AvenueA very long street near to the Berkeley Bitty House with a plethora of shops and restaurants. The food is as diverse as the shops, from persian rugs to oaxacan gifts to a chocolatier..
It's walkable and full of Berkeley's best eateries. You can find banks here, the post office, grocery stores, a farmer's market and bookstore, there is a lot.
65 locals recommend
Gourmet Ghetto
It's walkable and full of Berkeley's best eateries. You can find banks here, the post office, grocery stores, a farmer's market and bookstore, there is a lot.
City/town information
Wine country. Slightly less expensive and touristy than Napa. Just an hour drive north from the Berkeley Bitty House.
166 locals recommend
Sonoma
Wine country. Slightly less expensive and touristy than Napa. Just an hour drive north from the Berkeley Bitty House.
Just 30-40 minutes north of the Berkeley Bitty House, you can watch sailboats while you enjoy really good seafood.
317 locals recommend
Sausalito
Just 30-40 minutes north of the Berkeley Bitty House, you can watch sailboats while you enjoy really good seafood.
Enjoy the beach, watch the surfers, grab some casual seafood. About an hour drive south of the Berkeley Bitty House, usually through San Francisco.
280 locals recommend
Half Moon Bay
Enjoy the beach, watch the surfers, grab some casual seafood. About an hour drive south of the Berkeley Bitty House, usually through San Francisco.
About an hours drive north of the Berkeley Bitty House, towards the shore, Marshall is a great place for oysters and that salty sea air. The little town of Inverness is worth a visit, just for the famous restaurant 'Saltwater'. And if you are passing through Point Reyes Station, stop at the 'Cowgirl Creamery' to sample local cheeses or grab a delicious grilled cheese sandwich melted to perfection. The organic linen store 'Coyuchi' is also based here.
13 locals recommend
Marshall
About an hours drive north of the Berkeley Bitty House, towards the shore, Marshall is a great place for oysters and that salty sea air. The little town of Inverness is worth a visit, just for the famous restaurant 'Saltwater'. And if you are passing through Point Reyes Station, stop at the 'Cowgirl Creamery' to sample local cheeses or grab a delicious grilled cheese sandwich melted to perfection. The organic linen store 'Coyuchi' is also based here.
We could not leave out San Francisco as a nearby place to visit. There's so much to eat and drink and do..although living so close to SF, we seldom find ourselves there! If you have recommendations for us, please let us know!
103 locals recommend
San Francisco
We could not leave out San Francisco as a nearby place to visit. There's so much to eat and drink and do..although living so close to SF, we seldom find ourselves there! If you have recommendations for us, please let us know!