San Francisco Restaurants : Berkeley

Chez Panisse

Address: 1517 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709 (Map) - Tel:(510) 548-5525

When Chez Panisse was conceived in 1971, it was the most atypical of restaurants in America, designing its menu daily based on the freshest seasonal and local ingredients. Though this unique approach to food has since gained momentum, Chez Panisse is still one of the most influential proponents of the move towards a more sustainable approach to food. With Alice Waters at the helm, Chez Panisse stays true to its initial vision, serving one fixed price menu daily, based on what is freshest at the moment. Still in its birthplace in a converted house in liberal-minded Berkeley, Chez Panisse retains a feeling of hominess, offering diners welcoming service and superb French-inspired cuisine.

Trattoria La Siciliana

Address: 2993 College Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705 (Map) - Tel:(510) 704-1474

Don’t let the size fool you, the intimate space of Trattoria La Siciliana really hums. Resembling more an authentic Sicilian kitchen than a bustling Berkeley eatery, this tiny restaurant buzzes with conversation and huge portions of Italian cuisine. In a world full of just restaurants, it’s nice to find a place where one can feel at home. Saucy, garlic-laden comfort food is the order of the day in this cash only establishment, but make sure there is room for dessert… tira misu is not a dish to be avoided lightly.

Gather

Address: 2200 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 (Map) - Tel:(510) 809-0400

Embracing the term “Local” and running with it, the folks at Gather excel in sourcing locally grown and raised ingredients for their menu that boasts it’s 50% vegetarian. Located in the David Brower center, the greenest building in the East Bay-- Gather possesses a casual yet elegant atmosphere to cater to just about anyone. The interior consists of mostly reclaimed materials from the surrounding area, accenting their open kitchen. Boasting an ever-changing seasonal menu, Gather offers everything from vegan “charcuterie” to a grilled half chicken. Open for brunch on the weekends and lunch and dinner nightly, Gather sources up good times and delicious eats.

Lalime's

Address: 1329 Gilman Street, Berkeley, CA 94706 (Map) - Tel:(510) 527-9838

Doing its part to be environmentally sound and organic is Lalime’s philosophy: local farmers markets and small distributers provide the restaurant’s produce, and the availability of such ingredients directly influences the menu. This health-conscious mindset manifests itself in a menu that balances freshness and flavor. Cold appetizers like the Cold-Smoked Scottish Salmon highlight fresh, natural flavors , while the Rack of Sonoma Lamb satisfies the appetite and fuels good intentions. Local regional wines also have a place on the menu, and are balanced nicely between Old and New World varieties.

Rivoli

Address: 1539 Solano Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94707 (Map) - Tel:(510) 526-2542

Chef and Owner Wendy Brucker and Owner and General Manager Roscoe Skipper are the dynamic duo behind Rivoli, in Berkeley. They met, wed, and plunged into the world of restaurant success in 1994, with fresh and earthy fare that strikes a balance between unique combinations and traditional techniques. The “secret garden” lures patrons in, and the healthful and satisfying cuisine keeps them coming back. Dishes like the Saffron and Pimenton Risotto and the Pan Roast Chicken are quite memorable, but with a seasonal menu that changes every three weeks there is always something new to try, and love.