East Bay Restaurants's topics - tribe.net

Good lunch spots in Berkeley/OaklandAlameda/Albany, etc?

Isara — Sun, 15 Jan 2006 00:20:01 GMT

Does anyone have any recommendation for favourite lunch spots around here? I have my tried and true basics, but I'm looking to branch out a bit.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 21 replies

Where to find good Vietnamese food

Martin — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:35:04 GMT

My wife is a great fan of Vietnamese food having grown up near a good one in San Diego. However she hasn’t been able to find one in the Bay area that she likes nearly as well. The problem is (as I understand it) most Vietnamese restaurants are actually owned by Chinese and as such have Chinese cooks. She swears there is a difference in flavors and I have heard the same from other people.

So, does anyone know of an authentic Vietnamese restaurant in the bay area? Or perhaps you have a local favorite restaurant where the chef (regardless of origin) has the right touch!

Many Thanks!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 11 replies

Havana

pengrin — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:20:34 GMT

Has anyone tried this place?

Havana Restaurant
1518 Park St
(between Santa Clara Ave & Times Way)
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 521-0130
www.havanarestaurant.net

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 4 replies

Outdoor Eateries

Maggie — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:21:25 GMT

What are some good places to eat and drink outside on our rare warm evenings?

These are a few of my favorites with outdoor seating, but I would love some new ideas:

A Cote (College)
Crepevine (College)
Raleigh's (Telegraph)
Le Bateau Ivre (Telegraph)
Fonda (Solano)
Pub (Solano - just drinks, no food)
Jupiter (Shattuck)
La Note (Shattuck)
Cafe Rouge (4th St.)
Julie's (Park St., Alameda)

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 16 replies

Furnezu, Adeline and 40th

HUNNYDUMELONS — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:29:00 GMT

Dont waste your time! Dont waste your money! So-so food, shitty service, and high prices! Dont go!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 4 replies

Favorite EB Restaurants

alliepinkandsparkly — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:48:17 GMT

I'm so bored with all my usual places to eat. I'm looking for places new. What are some of your favorite east bay restaurants? Favorite date night places? Favorite places for kids? Favorite place to grab a quick bite?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 21 replies

YELP

angelartz — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:14:46 GMT

Since joining Yelp I have almost no need to check out this tribe and some other suggestions..i LOVE YELP!

anyone here that loves yelp? in the bay area?love reading reviews.

www.yelp.com

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 5 replies

GOOD Burmese?

dbs — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 21:34:49 GMT

I've had Nan Yang in Rockridge-I thought it was overpriced and unimpressive.

I tried the one in Alameda also unimpressed with the food.

I miss Burma Superstar and Mandalay from SF!!! Anyone know of anything that compares in Oaktown? I heard a rumor that there is a Burmese Restaurant in downtown Oakland but I haven't found it. I NEED a good Rainbow Salad or a good Green tea salad on a fairly regular basis!

Please help!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 7 replies

Best Chinese

minorswing — Wed, 22 Jun 2005 01:06:38 GMT

Where are your favorite spots for down-home non-fusion Chinese cookin'?

I like Jade Villa (when my family used to go), and the Sun HK restaurant in Oakland Chinatown for their won ton soups.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 18 replies

Thanksgiving dinner?

Janet — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:11:25 GMT

Miraculously I find myself without family obligations for Thanksgiving, so my squeeze and I are thinking of simply treating ourselves to a nice meal. Has anybody got a recommendation for a lovely Thanksgiving dinner in the Oakland/Berkeley/Emeryville area?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 7 replies

kid friendly AND healthy??

cooldawn — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 01:00:31 GMT

We always go out for dinner some place special on birthdays. My daughter's birthday is in a week and a half and she's just been put on some pretty serious dietary restrictions..... her cholesterol is through the roof so no butter, no cheese, nothing fatty. I was thinking someplace vegetarian, but the only one I know isn't very kid friendly. I'm sure there's gotta be someplace in Oakland or Berkeley that fits the bill... any suggestions?

thanks for your thoughts!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 4 replies

best hispanic place?

pengrin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:19:38 GMT

any suggestions?

I went around Grand St, Alameda and I saw an opening of the Cuban restaurant.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 5 replies

Best Ethiopian/Eritrean

eiburamu — Wed, 22 Jun 2005 23:07:30 GMT

I've been to 'em all and I still like Cafe Colucci the best. How about you folks?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 29 replies

best steak house

pengrin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:14:58 GMT

Anyone has any suggestions?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 5 replies

sushi house

pengrin — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 14:14:56 GMT

http://www.e-sushihouse.com/index.html

Thoughts about this place? I always see this place packed.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 10 replies

Best Thai in the Bay Area

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:49:28 GMT

Anyone have any nominations??

Pad Kee Mow is a prerequisite.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 9 replies

Good restaurant by Grand Lake

alliepinkandsparkly — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 04:29:34 GMT

Can anyone recommend a decent, not too expensive restaurant near the Grand Lake Theater for Friday night? I'm open to all ethnicities. It is for a large group of about 12 women. All we really need is some good food, great drinks, and a hot waiter.

Any suggestions?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 11 replies

Flints or E&J's

Bandstalker — Thu, 10 May 2007 04:46:30 GMT

Never have eat'n at Flints.
Eat at E&J's on Fruitvale all the time.

Which do you like better?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 18 replies

Temescal Cafe

Isara — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 03:58:52 GMT

I can't remember if it was on this Tribe or the 94609 Tribe, but I remember people *hating* Temescal Cafe.

WELL! Turns out, they're remodeling, due to the business being sold. I talked to Alison over at Bakesale Betty's about it and she was very optimistic about the new owner. Guess they're setting it up with a full kitchen, catering, and new menu. Due to be open around December sometime.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 1 reply

Yak and Yeti Kitchen - Nepalese cuisine in Elmwood

Isara — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 21:19:03 GMT

I just got back from lunch here, and WOW! Really, really good! I work nearby, and we decided to try it out finally and we will be going back! Very relaxing and tasty.

Our tea (like chai, but not as spiced) was served in lovely porcelain tea sets. The food took some time, but we were happy to sit there and sip while waiting. I and another person ordered one of the specials, the veggie daal bhaat, which came with lentil soup, rice, a vinegared spinach dish, fresh spicy chutney, and our choice of mushroom or homemade cheese daal. I got the cheese, and she got the mushroom. Both were excellent and I took half of my meal to go.

My other coworker got a noodle dish with some sort of meat with vegetables. I didn't sample it, but she was raving about it.

We're eager to go back and try some of the mom (dumplings).

We were the only ones in there at lunchtime, but they said they're busy during the evening hours and had only started offering lunch. The decor is lovely and it's very peaceful in there. Service is a bit slow and it's a bit pricer than other area lunch menus, but I thought it was worth it.

It's across from House of Curries on College in the Elmwood district:

Yak & Yeti Kitchen
2985 College Ave
Berkeley
510-981-8145
Hours:
Sun-Thursday - lunch 11-3, dinner 5-9:30
Friday-Sat - lunch 11-3, dinner 5-10:30

(another review here: http://italianintheus.blogspot.com/2007/09/ristoranti-asiatici-in-berkeley.html )

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 0 replies

Bakesale Betty!

KnowMatterWhat — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 01:53:35 GMT

I looked, and didn't see a thread dedicated to this ...

A friend took me to Bakesale Betty's today for her signature Fried Chicken Sandwich. OMFG, What a yummy, sinful sandwich.

Not the healthiest meal I've devoured, but it's (almost) worth clogging the arteries for. Looks like they have some yummy desert treats as well as a fun, friendly staff.

You can't miss 'Betty,' (her real name is Alison) she wears a neon blue wig and speaks with a faint Australian accent.

They're located at 5098 Telegraph Ave in Oakland ~ the south/east corner of Telegraph and 51st.

I'm warning you, prepare yourself for a sinful treat!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 29 replies

Good Pho in Oakland ~ Pho Ao Sen~

shannon — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 20:08:40 GMT

We were driving through through Oakland on International and came across a Pho Restaurant called Pho Ao Sen. We were a bit relunctant on going since we didn't know much about this place. However, the kicker that drug us in was there was a sticker on the door (get this) saying that "yelp loves us". How and why that made it okay, I am not so sure. However, I am sure glad that we did go in. The place was good!

We ordered thier beef noodle soup, Rare Steak & Flank ((number 14)) and their Charbroiled Pork, shrimp, egg Baked with broken rice ((number 27)). The Pho is fresh and the rice plate was yummy. Reasonably priced too!

Yay!! Good Pho in the East Bay!!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 3 replies

new Indian food joint on Lakeshore Ave

tracy — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 09:38:06 GMT

Hmm, driving up Lakeshore tonite (on the right, past Peet's), I noticed a brand new Indian restaurant...didn't even catch the name. Love to hear any scoop if anyone's tried it. I'm sure to go soon so I will post when I do. Happy eating...namaste.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 3 replies

Neecha Thai on Grand Ave

tracy — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 08:29:59 GMT

I love the SF one.....see there is now one locally....
has anyone been?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 3 replies

New West African place on Telegraph?

timbo — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 18:34:11 GMT

I was walking down Telegraph the other day and happened past a new West African restaurant where a sushi place used to be...can't remember the location but I'm thinking somewhere around 30th? 37th? Maybe across from the Scandinavian food store? It wasn't open yet though. If anyone eats there, please post the name and location along with any other helpful info!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 0 replies

La Taza De Cafe

pengrin — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 03:28:56 GMT

http://www.latazadecafe.com/

Any thoughts about this place?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 4 replies

BLUE NILE

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 02:00:24 GMT

WOW I miss this place. I am back living in Santa Monica and Imiss this place so much. I cant wait to take a trip up to the BAY so I can see my ladies of the BLUE NILE

YUMMY

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 2 replies

Mediterranean food

alliepinkandsparkly — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 21:32:47 GMT

My friend is in search of great Mediterranean food in the East Bay. Hole in the wall kinds of places to top notch fancy places. Any and all of your recommendations would be great. He is originally from LA and seeks similar quality Mediterranean food as is apparently found there.

Thanks!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 9 replies

herbivore in Berkeley finally opened!

angelartz — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 22:18:34 GMT

yay! i haven't been yet, but i LOVE the SF location and go all the time....they have lots of options...shwarmas, veggie shish cabobs, curries, soups, amazing salads, amazing desserts....and i just realized last week (when at the SF location) they have a breakfast menu!!! tofu scarmbles galore, a breakfast burrito, etc...

My friend had the "veggie ceviche" and i have to admit, i LOVED it...it used oyster mushrooms and tofu in place of fish and it was good..

The yelp reviews aren't the best, but i have never had anything bad here, i hope the berkeley one is good!

2451 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 665-1675

http://maps.google.com/maps?rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGIC&um=1&q=herbivore&near=San+Francisco,+CA&fb=1&view=text&latlng=37864911,-122267478,1550841767368442613

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 2 replies

good pizza for delivery in berkeley?

Monica — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 18:15:37 GMT

Hey, so I'm moving tomorrow and buying my crew pizza. Does anyone know of a good pizza place in berkeley that delivers? (I abhor most west coast pizza, so really don't know any of the places.) i'll be near ashby bart.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 2 replies

Bite me, Jon Jon Sushi on Solano Avenue

thebrillianthen — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 04:59:01 GMT

So, there's this place called Jon Jon sushi on Solano. I popped in there when I was thirsty, hungry and in a hurry on a hot day. The sushi looked a little scary, but I figured I'd at least grab a little bottle of apple juice while I figured out what else to eat.

Like a fool, I cracked it open without asking how much it cost. Four fifty.

Goodbye, Jon Jon Sushi. You made your lifetime profit from my business.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 3 replies

Cheap Eats

mitch — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:15:07 GMT

Does anyone have a good rec for cheap lunch in Oakland?

How about cheap happy hour in Oakland?

finally, a place where I can get a beer and read?

thanks.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 1 reply

Breakfast/Brunch Places?

Rebecca — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 05:05:53 GMT

I'm on a new breakfast adventure. Any favorites out there, aside from the very basics?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 31 replies

Dona Tomas

angelartz — Tue, 08 May 2007 20:49:28 GMT

Damn this place is good! and their "sister restaurant" Tacu Bayu on 4th st is amazing!

there home made margaritas are good! i went for Cinco De Mayo last weekend and my honey and i "shared" the chicken tortilla soup and Carne Asada plate...and they gave us 2 bowls and 2 plates...they divided it up for us already which i thought was awesome! it was just enough food and some leftovers...

only complaint: there kale was over cooked....but i tend to undercook my veggies...so...oh well....

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 13 replies

family-friendly restaurant?

pengrin — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:25:29 GMT

Anyone have any recommendations?

What are your thoughts about Buttercup Grill & Bar? http://www.buttercupgrillandbar.com/locations.html

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 5 replies

Sushi in the afternoon?

PrincessLara — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 22:56:39 GMT

Is there anyplace out there that serves sushi between 2:30 and 5:00? I get off work at 3:30 and would like some sushi....Thanks!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 6 replies

asian markets...

pengrin — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 01:22:54 GMT

I need to know where my fellow cooks find their goods.. please add your markets...

I found a pretty good and very clean asian shop and they were friendly to me too. Check it out and tell me what you think...

Sun Hop Fat
501 E12st, Oakland, CA 94606
510.763.8888

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 2 replies

Any recomendations in Alameda?

dbs — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 19:24:53 GMT

Hi tribe, a friend, vegetarian, and I are looking for a place to eat tonite in Alameda? Mid range to cheap. We love most types of Asian food...but anything with a decent veggie selection would work. thanks!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 7 replies

Manila Bbq Restaurant on Broadway...

Spins — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 02:38:11 GMT

Has anyone tried this restaurant? Is it good?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 1 reply

chef edwards....

pengrin — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 12:46:48 GMT

I just went to his new location - 1915 San Pablo Ave. I guess he's been there for a year there. I've never seen a BBQ place so clean like his place. He's a very nice man.

I enjoyed the BBQ and the side dishes - collard greens, green beans, okra,corn & tomatoes and stuffing (interesting texture)

I'm not sure about the sauce though. I tried the mild sauce and it was quite sweet and tomatoey. I tried the hot sauce and it was quite peppery.

What do you think?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 3 replies

Oakland Chinatown vs SF Chinatown...

pengrin — Sat, 19 May 2007 01:11:33 GMT

Wow, I didn't think it could be real because I'm from NYC and I think Oakland Chinatown is the dirtiest one.

I was trying to find some Thai ingredients and I'm definitely having a hard time getting it. Not just 'cause it's not as available due to popular demand but I found some of their products expired on their shelves about 2 years. I will not name the place but there are flies buzzing around in this store as you go around the aisles. You can hear the fly zapper killing them in the back of the store. NASTY... Also, their produce looks pretty old and damaged too considering the price the consumers are buying it for I find it a bit outragous.

Sorry that's my 2 cents. Perhaps this is not the right tribe to talk about it but I need to share this with my fellow foodie folks out here.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 9 replies

Champa Garden

Amber — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 21:39:48 GMT

a no frills small neighborhood place.that's combo lao/thai.i'm no expert but the food is really good, prices reasonable, and if you want something made to order they try to oblige.

2102 8th. Ave
Oakland CA, 94606
(510) 238-8819

more info here:
www.champagarden.com
www.yelp.com/biz/Jlt5w5ItA8ugiXif2VVQ5g

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 6 replies

Louisiana Fried Chicken...

pengrin — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 01:27:16 GMT

Hmmm, not sure if there is a comment about this place I'm having a hard time searching for this topic... I must say their fried chicken wings were seasoned very deliciously and yummy...

I'd pass on their side greens were ok... and their rolls were stale

Yams were tasty though...

http://www.louisianachickenbayarea.com/

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 6 replies

Indus Village

Anne_Mama — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:55:47 GMT

We went for some Halal Pakistani food last night at Indus Village on San Pablo (at University), and it was seriously the best meal I've had in a very long time.
www.eastbayexpress.com/search...nts.php
I had a combination of a beef dish (Jalfrese I think) and Chicken Tikka Masala which I always order (it's an addiction). It was perfect. I totally want to go back soon. It was also incredibly cheap. Four of us ate for under $50, and that includes 4 Naan (one garlic) and rice, and even one more dish than we needed (5 dishes in all). You can't beat that.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 0 replies

tamarindo?

pengrin — Thu, 10 May 2007 20:55:00 GMT

http://www.tamarindoantojeria.com/

What do you guys think of it? I thought it was okay and the dishes were a bit pricey for small plates.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 0 replies

Flints!

Amber — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 04:17:28 GMT

according to the current issue of the east bay express, flints (on shattuck) has re-opened, and the san pablo location should be open by june. there is also a small restaurant review, and it sounds like i need to check out the place soon. :)

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 8 replies

big summer salads

Bandstalker — Mon, 07 May 2007 22:28:16 GMT

boy it was hot yesterday.
longing for a place that i can get big dinner salads as entrees.
anyone have any recommendations?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 3 replies

great burritos!

dbs — Fri, 04 May 2007 20:50:39 GMT

Taqueria Zamorano
4345 International Blvd @ High ST
Oakland, CA 94601
(510) 261-9125

AMAZING! food. I got the super burrito and it is by far the biggest burrito I've ever seen. It is not possible to eat it all in one sitting. I just had the 2nd half of mine today for lunch and couldn't finish. Chicken was all white meat and VERY fresh. Green salsa is spicy good! They have a take out window and sit down. I can't wait to go back.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 2 replies

Neecha Thai?

Amber — Thu, 03 May 2007 02:53:59 GMT

3236 Grand Avenue
Oakland, CA 94620
(510) 451-9419

anybody had a chance to check this out yet?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 0 replies

Korean Groceries at Oakland

napagurl — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 07:03:36 GMT

As i know two of Korean groceries at oakland, but both of them has closed?!

Eugene International Gateway Foods
900 Market Street
Oakland, CA 94607
510.208.3260

Koreana Plaza
2370 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA 94612
510.986.1234

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 5 replies

April 26 Dining Out for Life

pengrin — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 22:32:07 GMT

http://www.diningoutforlife.com/home.php?city=29

Help out if you can...

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 7 replies

Ole's Waffle House in Alameda

Spins — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 15:42:31 GMT

Went last night and it was kind of a mixed bag. I didn't love the waffle we got, but the tapioca was fabulous. Also, I ordered the meatloaf dinner and the meatloaf was really nummy. You can't beat the diner atmosphere, and the breakfasts looked good.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 1 reply

India Chaat & Sweets cheats their prices

Martinote — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 06:37:45 GMT

The place on university & 6th st has decent food and lousy service but I went there for the first time in more than a year.

They charged me $4.99 instead of $3.50 for pakoras and $13.99 instead of $12.99 for a shrimp biryani.

When the guy was correcting my bill, I remembered why I stopped going there--they overcharged me twice in the past.

It's not an accident.

Luckily there are many other good options in Berkeley.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 1 reply

Indian Food in Richmond/Albany/El Cerrito area

Anne_Mama — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 22:54:57 GMT

It's been a long time since we have had good Indian food, and we are looking for a place near Richmond, Albany, or El Cerrito. We will most likely be doing take out, so ambiance is of least importance.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 13 replies

best burgers?

pengrin — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 20:52:03 GMT

Who has the best burgers?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 19 replies

Best salsas in the East Bay?

timbo — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 03:46:24 GMT

I just visited Picante in Berkeley again and the salsas have improved immensely and are now the best that I've had in Berkeley. La Pinata in Hayward used to occasionally have competition quality salsas (although Hayward's Pinata is probably still cooking with lard...authentic but most folks in this forum probably want Cali-Mex hybrid food and not heavy, old-style rancheria dishes).

Where can I go for outstanding salsas besides Picante? Picante had three good ones...that is indeed rare in any salsa joint in the East Bay...also, the sound is now turned down in the back room so one can enjoy the food and company much more than in years past. Christophe's on San Pablo near the Albany border is not close. Also good at Picante was the Tamarindo fresca. Downside? Ya gotta pay for your corn-chips...

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 13 replies

Neldam's Bakery

pengrin — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 21:43:52 GMT

http://www.neldamsbakery.com/

DELICIOUS!!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 2 replies

Charcuterie, Anti-Pasti, and Deli Food

Billy Shears — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 05:37:09 GMT

I would like to have a list of all the quality shops, cafes and restaurants where I can find great cold cuts and salamis, great cheeses and great pickles and cold salads.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 9 replies

nation's

pengrin — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 13:24:20 GMT

Ok, I think their burger is ok.. BUT their pies... WOW, it's really good..

http://flickr.com/photos/pengrin/446822208/#preview

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 1 reply

pho soup- oakland - berkeley

angelartz — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 22:22:52 GMT

where !?

I live in NORTH oakland...there are like 5 vietnamese places within 2 miles..which one to try? which ones suck? i love me some traditional pho soup.....where to go?

for my vegan pho i like golden lotus...amazing stuff
for my non vegan there is this place at ranch99 that i love....but i know there is somewhere closer to get my fix!
??

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 6 replies

Pizza

Fri, 08 Jul 2005 23:45:17 GMT

What are your favorite spots to grab a slice/or whole pizza in the East Bay?

My current favorite is Arizmendi on Lakeshore in Oakland. Great place to grab a pie or a slice. The pizzas change daily. They serve up pizzas that feature a thin, sourdough, crusty, crust loaded up with veggie toppings, cheese, nuts, etc. It's also a Co-op, which may be the reason that the prices are relatively low compared to equivalent gourmet pizza spots. You can order by the slice, the half, or the whole. Seating stinks but there are plenty of spots to sit outside or on the sidewalk. There are a few related bread co-ops, Arizmendi in SF and Emeryville and also the Cheeseboard in Berkeley.

One day it'll be:
arugula, gorgonzola, red onions, balsamic vinaigrett, toasted walnuts

on another,
spinach, onions, goat cheese, kalamata olive tapenade

or,
zucchini, pasilla peppers, sweet onions, cilantro pesto

or,
wild mushrooms, parmesean, roasted garlic, garlic and thyme oil,

or...okay I'm at home hardly working and thinking about food, but you get the idea. Go to Arizmendi.

Arizmendi Oakland
3265 Lakeshore Avenue
Oakland, CA
(510) 268-8849

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 26 replies

zazoo

pengrin — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 19:10:00 GMT

Anyone been here?

Zazoo's
15 Embarcadero W
(at Fallon St)
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 986-5454

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 1 reply

Best Thai in Oakland/Berkeley?

Mon, 28 Mar 2005 07:37:50 GMT

Okay this is simple but may generate some heat: what's the best Thai in Oakland/Berkeley? Cha-Am? The little place by the Grand Lake theater? I find Lotus on Piedmont Ave. inconsistent but good when it's good - in fact, consistency seems to be a pretty common problem with Thai places - and the atmosphere is pleasant.

Any hard core advocates of any particular places out there? Any favorite dishes? I guess my affection for Thai food but my own lack of a favorite is what prompts me to ask the question.

F.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 61 replies

tomatina

pengrin — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 23:33:50 GMT

I was surprised with all the positive reviews. I went there and I thought the food was pretty bland.

http://www.tomatina.com/

What are your thoughts?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 6 replies

Best comfort food restaurant

pengrin — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 20:22:23 GMT

Any recommendations?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 8 replies

hawaiian food?

pengrin — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 17:34:07 GMT

any out there?

I went to Hawaiian Walk In and that was okay...

You know I did notice there's not a lot of franchise restaurants around Oakland but in the outskirks...

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 2 replies

carvel ice cream

pengrin — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 01:58:26 GMT

I didn't even know about this until I saw someone else's posting. East coast ice cream shop has opened already in the Bay Area!
If anyone would like to check it out please DO: http://flickr.com/photos/pengrin/181321912/in/set-72057594062438670/ I usually get the vanilla soft ice cream with rainbow sprinkles.

CARVEL STORE (510) 665-8300 2516 Bancroft Way, , Berkeley, CA 94704

Tell me what you think of carvel ice cream.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 8 replies

Any good Indian buffets?

winane — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 22:55:45 GMT

I'm looking for some yummy indian buffets in the East Bay...any suggestions? thanks

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 15 replies

best dessert?

pengrin — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 01:56:12 GMT

where are the best dessert places?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 6 replies

Breads of India in OAKTOWN

tracy — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 16:46:40 GMT

who's been? (across from le cheval downtown oaktown)
I hear mixed reviews (unlike the berkeley one, which seems to be universally good), and haven't rushed out there, but i am jonesin good indian food in oakland. ain't found any yet.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 7 replies

good new sushi place

Janet — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 06:00:09 GMT

I've now paid a couple of visits to Sushiya, on Broadway near 40th (a few doors from Art's Crab Shak, across the street from Mama's Royal Cafe).

The place features delicious, fresh sushi made up in innovative rolls. My partner, a non-sushi eater, was delighted with his crisp, greaseless tempura. The environment is clean, bright and unpretentious, and the owner friendly and charming. They're open late, too.

They're new and struggling, so now would be a great time to check them out before the crowds discover them.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 42 replies

$30/person dinner restaurants in the East Bay?

Isara — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 18:12:47 GMT

Any recommendations? I'm asking for a friend. Price should probably include drinks, tax, and tip.

Right now, I think we've got Chez Panisse Cafe (theoretically..), and A Cote (also theoretically).

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 8 replies

what happened to Grasshopper on College Ave?

tracy — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 08:45:33 GMT

I was gonna meet a friend there last nite, we looked at the website, said it closed, and the phone was not working.

Very strange, this joint rocked and was always packed. Anyone know wassup? Bummer.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 3 replies

Niles restraunts

matteoknew — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 16:57:28 GMT

Has anyone tried the 2 new eateries in Niles? I know much of this list doesnt explore the East Bay beyond B-Town and Oakland, but perhaps there is a few that do? Cici's Italian restraunt looks great from the outside, but I havent been in there yet. and The Essanay Cafe is the other place Id like to hear about. When I walked by after hours, I peeked in and it kinda reminded me of the Full House cafe in the Laurel District. The menu sounded great too! Well,,I may post my own reviews as soon as I can find the time to commit bon appetit!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 3 replies

BBQ in Oakland

ctp — Wed, 26 Jan 2005 23:26:16 GMT

I just now finished a Piggly Wiggly sandwich from Chef Edward's BBQ on San Pablo, at 20th I believe.

Sooooo good...and not as expensive as a lot of other BBQs along San Pablo.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 11 replies

Cocina Poblana, in Emeryville

tracy — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 07:22:50 GMT

Ok so this joint is pretty new in its up n coming loftomania hood, 65 and hollis in e-ville.

I liked their menu online and they seemed to get good yelp reviews and the like, so we went last nite.....oooh la la, it's dope! High end mexican, without the crazy prices....like, a gorgeous and yummy scallop entree for $13, a huge plate of guac for 1.50. Plus, they have a full bar, decent tequila selection, nice salsas.

The only downside, imo, was the overly bright lighting and over-eager servers, who kept trying to remove my plate before i was done ( i eat slowly!).

More good options in Emeryville is a good thing, and I love swanky yummy Cali-Mexi food.

Check this place out!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 0 replies

Best delivery pizza in Oakland?

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 15:24:55 GMT

Who makes the best pizza that can be delivered around Oakland? I've been looking and looking...

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 13 replies

Sushi in Albany?

hexkitten — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 00:43:17 GMT

I'm a sushi freak, and I recently moved to Albany from the North Bay. I was *really* spoiled with my fave joint up there, and am wary of trying a new spot without some local recommendations...BTW, I'm walking distance to Solano & San Pablo.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 11 replies

thoughts on zatar?

lu — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 02:54:15 GMT

i know they grow most/all of their own vegetables and the place looks adorable from the outside. been itching to try it..... anyone convince me?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 4 replies

the CRAB thread

mapezaid — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:25:38 GMT

Hey all
Any suggestions of where to best enjoy some fresh crab in the east bay while the season is on? Spengers? Skates? Chinatown? Cook it myself?!
What do y'all think?
matt

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 12 replies

Anyone been to Adagia Restaurant?

hexkitten — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 15:52:21 GMT

At 2700 Bancroft, Berkeley. I'm always looking for organic, slow food establishments...was wondering if anyone's reviewed this place yet.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 2 replies

New Indian Place on Oakland/Berkeley Border

Janice — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 03:47:49 GMT

Flavors of India has been open a couple of months, and I've eaten there a few times. I've enjoyed it every time, so I thought I'd mention it here.

With about 10 tables, the restaurant is open for lunch and for dinner and has veggie and meat items on the menu. Decor is pleasant (warm colors and uncluttered), and wait staff is friendly. They ask how spicy to make your food, and they are very good about following requests accurately. Unlike some places where everything tastes kinda the same, the dishes at Flavors of India are nicely distinct from each other and consistently very good. Yummy appetizers and bread, too. There are lunch specials, and a la carte dinner prices are very reasonable -- a quick glance at the menu shows most entrees in the $8-10 range. It's located at 3211 College Ave., Berkeley, near the corner of College and Alcatraz.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 3 replies

healthy restaurants, NOT vegetarian restaurants.

Aliza — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 18:33:17 GMT

What about restaurants that have a "healthy" menu, but aren't vegetarian or vegan? I get the occasional craving for a health-food style restaurant (grains, veggies, meats, fish) that are NOT smothered in processed sauces or cooked in a tub of oil or butter (moderate amounts would be fine though). Every time I search "health" food I get results for vegatarian options, but I really dont equate the two at all. Any suggestions for east bay restaurants that fit that bill?

Thanks!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 11 replies

Christmas Eve

alliepinkandsparkly — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 23:42:31 GMT

Does anyone know of any good restaurants open on Christmas Eve?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 0 replies

frugal foodies tuesday night

philipg — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 18:54:23 GMT

i will be the guest chef at frugal foodies in berkeley tomorrow evening.
basically i designed a menu, the host buys the ingredietns and the guests cook it all up. fun fun fun!
the menu is
pistachio crusted tempeh w/ shitake gravy
roasted acorn squash miso soup
collards sauteed with black olives, capers and wine
apple tarts with walnut date vanilla crust
and one other dish i cannot recall at the moment :)

check out http://frugalfoodies.com to sign up

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 0 replies

Scary restaurants

alliepinkandsparkly — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 22:31:04 GMT

Have you ever driven by a restaurant and wondered to yourself, "who in the hell eats there?" I call those scary restaurants. Those restaurants you'd never ever go into but some how they manage to stay around year after year.

Nikkos (from the diner post) reminded me of this. It looks scary so I've never been. Recently I ventured into another one of these scary restaurants.

We ventured into Travino's on San Pablo just north of the El Cerrito Del Norte BART station. It is advertised via a large vinyl sign hanging out front as Mexican and American food. I'm always wary of those dual cuisine places. But, ya know what? It was actually pretty good. Homey Mexican food like Juans in Berkeley. Not fresh Mex. Each dinner came with soup AND salad. The chips were fresh. The salsa was yummy. It was pretty good if you like that kind of down home mexican food. I happen to love it.

That got me thinking I should try some of the others. My boyfriend and I decided we're going to do the San Pablo scary restaurant tour. Next on the list: Hacienda in Richmond (on San Pablo at MacDonald). Anyone ever been there?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 38 replies

Chinese delivery in the Fruitvale?

dbs — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 17:43:46 GMT

Can anyone recommend any good Chinese or other Asian delivery or even takeout in the Fruitvale district. I just moved from SF, into a house between 35th and 38th and I love to decide at the last minute not to cook!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 6 replies

Thanksgiving Restaurants?

Sat, 04 Nov 2006 19:29:10 GMT

My in-laws will be in town for Thanksgiving. Due to recent abdominal surgery my house will not be in any condition to prepare, let alone eat, a festive Thanksgiving dinner.

Any suggestions for a good place to do Thanksgiving dinner? Pasta Pelican in Alameda is our default but I would like to try someplace else. My in-laws are not adventurous when it comes to food. Would prefer less than $75 a head after tax and tip (not counting alcohol). Restrooms with changing tables are plus. We are hoping for some place in the Alameda/Oakland/Berkeley-ish area.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 0 replies

korean food -- sahn maru on telegraph

Max — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 03:29:48 GMT

Mmm, I had heavenly kimchi soft tofu soup with pork. Also jun seafood pancake, and bul ko ki bbq beef with all the trimmings, lots of yummy pickles and things. At the end of the meal, we were surprised with a delicious sweet drink made with cinnamon, ginger and brown sugar, garnished with pine nuts and chinese dates. Everything was delicious, and the service was superb.

Sahn Maru Korean BBQ
4315 Telegraph Ave.
(510) 653-3366

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 4 replies

La Note, on Shattuck

Mon, 21 Aug 2006 06:03:46 GMT

Anyone have any experiences with brunch at La Note in Berkeley? Never noticed it before, but saw the huge crowd outside this morning and looked it up. The menu looks good. Any thoughts?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 10 replies

good salads and sandwiches in Elmwood district

Isara — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 15:53:29 GMT

I work over by Ashby and College and every so often, I just want a salad or a sandwich. I don't like going into A.G. Ferrari's (too expensive and bland), and Fillipo's selection is limited.

Anyone have any suggestions?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 7 replies

Chez Panisse

minorswing — Thu, 26 May 2005 23:27:39 GMT

Earlier this year, I got to try Chez Panisse after hearing friends and family and random people rave about it. So anyways, after finally getting a reservation I tried it. Guess what? It was fantastic!!! Great food, great service, great ambiance.

Thumbs up from me! :)

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 22 replies

mussels - where can i find them?

Monica — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 17:51:20 GMT

i've been craving mussels - anyone have any restaurant recommendations? i've been told Luka's Taproom is good - any opinions? I also thought about trying Sea Salt in Berkeley.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 9 replies

Gelateria Naia!

jenni — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 18:03:44 GMT

Hooray for dessert! I had been hearing about this place forever, but never made it over there until last night, and it was awesome. I think I tried every flavor of soy gelato and sorbetto, before going with the soy niocolo (I can't spell, but it tasted like nutella and was awesome), kiwi, and melon. Super intense flavors, and very, very light on an already full tummy from dinner.

The fact that it's staffed by UC Berkeley hotties totally doesn't hurt, either.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 24 replies

Yummy Yummy in SF Aug 21st

pengrin — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 18:19:36 GMT

Just extending the invite from SF restaurants events since Michelle is in town. All are welcome to join in on some delicious Vietnamese food.

http://sanfrancisco.tribe.net/tribe/servlet/template/pub%2CEvent.vm?eventid=7002a7cd-7caf-4e3b-8b54-9d85c5ec4523&published=true&nextpage=http%3A%2F%2Fsanfrancisco.tribe.net%2Flocal

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 0 replies

Locando Olmo

justiceputnam — Sat, 17 Sep 2005 17:15:45 GMT

I've been to Locando Olmo quite a bit since it was bought in 2003; but I haven't been in over six months. it is located in the Elmwood district of Berkeley across from the just re-opened Elmosood Theater near the corner of Ashby and Colleg Avenues. My lady friend and I went last night and it was, we both agreed, the best food we've had in a long time.

As usual, a large pitcher of lightly carbonated water with orange and lemon slices floating in it is brought to the table with home-made bread. (Everything is house made, by the way.) A lovely spread of cannelinni beans and sundried tomotoes with just a hint of olive oil and lemon accompanies the bread. The spread changes seasonally as does the rest of the menu.

We ordered one of the most balanced white wines I've tasted. It is called "Mo." At first taste of the wine, we decided to build a "taste progression" to compliment the tones of crisp apples and subtle apricot.

We started with the carpaccia di tonno; thinly sliced ahi with onions, capers and basil. The acid of the lemon "cooked" the onion, tuna and basil to just the right level. The "saltiness" of the capers added a sublte counterpoint; it was wonderful. We then shared a crepe with ricotto and a mushroom chardonnay sauce. It has a little sage butter in it also; very savory and rich. Then we shared a tuscan lemon chicken. The vibrancy of the lemon infused in the chicken was amazing. A truly aromatic dish. All along, the wine paired with each dish as if a new wine was chosen for each taste. Fantastic!

We finished with a "chocolate loaf." I thought we were going to get a slice of chocolate cake. At first glance, I thought the portion was meager; a small pasty looking thing with cream.

It was the most mouth-filling creation I've tasted. The cream turned out to be a very subtle espresso cream that perfectly accompanied the denser than ganache chocolate. Pulverized almond was folded in the ganache-like desert, adding a surprise we were not expecting.

A truly amazing experience that made me feel fortunate to live in the Elmwood with such a fantastic neighborhood establishment!

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 7 replies

Cesar of Piedmont ave...

paulsmith — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 20:35:33 GMT

So it opened this week, and on a Monday, MONDAY, it was stacked to the gills bumping busy. Quite a shock going in, as it was just a Boudin's a minute ago. I felt transported to some movie restaurant scene, everybody was just so lively, chiseled. We, in our backpacks on a casual mosey down the street felt way out of place, hee hee...Any reviews yet?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 0 replies

Shen Hua- Berkeley

angelartz — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 18:46:35 GMT

OMG what a horrible experience i had! and i was really looking forward to this place...especially on a FIRST DATE!!!!!!!!!!

there are 4 tables we see open, and we still have to wait about 10min to get seated...then another 10 waiting to order drinks...we order asparagus and chicken in black bean sauce....they bring us spare ribs, he comes back (and they kinda sound alike) and then we say we ordered asparagus (its on the specials) and they are out of asparagus...so we get bok choy and mushrooms "can we get tofu in it please" "sure" he says, with the standard 1$ add or whatever....

they forget the tofu in the bok choy, whatever not that big o deal.

Then, we get the chicken, and OMG it was SO SALTY i couldn't eat it, and i HATE to complaing and return dishes, but this was so intense, and thsi is coming from someone who knows how to make black bean sauce!!!!!!!

So, we return that and get something they can't fuck up, like kung pao chicken....finally something really yummy!

in the end it was a laugh since it was our first date...at least they had TALL glasses of mojitos which were delicious,....i swear i would have walked out if the drinks weren't going to be good!!

anyone have any horror/ good stories about this place? isn't there one in SF?

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 7 replies

Don't throw anything at me... but..... Taquerias

Mon, 22 May 2006 07:35:40 GMT

or the trucks for that matter.... some of the best Mexican food IMHO.

I have been to the place on 14th ave in Oakland with a building and two trucks at either end of the parking lot... pretty good and spicy.

Vallejo: Tacos Jalisco on Sonoma Blvd is restaurant, but I prefer the truck on Broadway near the high school. They also have a burger place on Tennessee that I can not bring myself to try. Chicken tacos topped w/ cheese are the best of anywhere.... burritos in custom tortillas, e.g. chili pepper, tomato, etc

Vacaville: Tacos Jalisco on Cernon St. owned by the relatives of the Vallejo franchise. Chili Colorado and menudo is great.

Fairfield and Sacramento: Adalbertos... open 24 hrs a day... I reccomend the chicken quesadilla and the Sierra Mist... something different about their Sierra Mist, taste better. Most people go for the California burritos.

Sacramento: El Portal off of Airbase Pkway.... drive NE and make a U Turn when you see the place, It is past McClellan Aiforce base and right next to Pancake Circus. The Chili Colorado is excellent

Napa: Tres Hermanos.... best in Napa so far, in downtown Napa... forgot street name. Chicken is cooked really well as is the pork.

Santa Cruz: across the street on the corner from the Arcade... used to go there almost every weekend while working in Los Gatos.... Lengua Burritos are really good..... just don't look at it.

Any suggestions of other places to try will be appreciated !!!! I have been to MANY of these.... but by far the above are best.

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 8 replies

Alice Waters' Dirty Little Secret

Mike — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 09:40:16 GMT

Well, maybe it's not such a secret, but I was pretty shocked when I found out. I worked at a restaurant with a waiter who had once worked at Chez Panisse and said that the waiters and waitresses don't get tips! This DOES NOT mean that the restaurant's patrons are not tipping; it means that any money left as a tip goes directly to the house! Now, granted, a good deal of that money may be reinvested in the restaurant and may go towards the waiters' salaries, but the problem for me is the secretive aspect of it all. When people leave a tip for a waiter or waitress, they do so based on the individuals preformance and expect said person to be the only recipient. And at a restaurant like that one, you can bet those tips could keep a young waiter or waitress in food and clothing for a long time. Just a little food for thought...

posted in East Bay Restaurants - 11 replies