Eating around Berkeley has always been just like tripping around the world.

Berkeley’s food scene is a treat all on its own, reserved for those who appreciate tastes acquired from different corners of the globe. Thanks to UC Berkeley’s international student population and Bay Area’s multicultural diversity, cafés and restaurants in the East Bay have always celebrated a feast for the palate. When I went to school, my favorite restaurant was an Ethiopian eatery right on Telegraph Ave. Although it no longer exists today, the city remains to welcome new chefs and restauranteurs committed to sustain traditional authenticity with modern twists. Keep an open mind, indulge in every curious bite.

Chez Panisse

1517 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, 94709, USA

Arguably the best restaurant in Berkeley is Chez Panisse, created by the legendary Alice Waters. With farm-to-table approach highlighting Californian cuisine with French influences, Chez Panisse has always been at the forefront of working with local farmers and seasonal ingredients that result in a daily changing four-course set menu. Take the traditional French bœuf bourguignon as an example, Chez Panisse’s spin braises Stemple Creek Ranch grass-fed beef shank in red wine. Then pair it with pommes purée, cranberry beans, and glazed carrots.

Also, don’t miss Waters’ signature salads or head upstairs to the café where à la carte dishes are served.

La Marcha

2026 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, 94702, USA

For sublime Spanish tapas, check out La Marcha headed by Chef Sergio Monleon and Emily Sarlatte, both recreating Spanish cuisine with Californian twists. Diners must order La Marcha’s signature paella that includes several varieties of meat and vegetables. From traditional mixta (prawns, chicken, chorizo, garlic, peppers) to Tres Cerditos (pork chorizo;) all made with house stock, saffron, bomba rice and tomato sofrito. Both chefs also frequently participate in charitable work, so that a meal at the restaurant is, in one way or another, paying it forward.

Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya

2451 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, 94704, USA

Right on Shattuck Avenue is Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya where contemporary Japanese cuisine is brought to life with local West Coast ingredients. The restaurant spotlights umami spin on traditional favorites like tempura and miso. The sashimi plates display some of Bay Area’s best catches of the day, while other dishes are served with beautiful presentation. Expect a curated sake list and Japanese liqueur to perfectly accompany each meticulously designed dish.

Top Dog

2534 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704

Top Dog represents counter-culture with one of the most iconic American foods: hot dogs. Since 1966, this tiny joint has been grilling some of the best flavors near Berkeley campus. Perfect for a quick lunch break or after a night of debauchery. From Lemon Chicken, Smoked Chicken Apple to Mango with Jalapeno; every kind of sausage is savory and hits the spot. Best part is, each top dog is made with low salt, low fat and no preservatives.

Comal

2020 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704, United States

A trip to California isn’t complete without outstanding Mexican food, and Comal is where travelers should go. Located in the Arts District near Downtown Berkeley, the restaurant resides inside a building from 1927 with a beer garden and a fire pit as well as a back patio featuring a full bar.

Chef Matt Gandin reinvents Mexican favorites with premium ingredients, like: Enchaladas with roasted duck, Quesadilla with hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, Tacos with wood-grilled rock cod…just to name a few. Its impressive cocktail program encompasses house-made sangritas, and a wide selection of mezcal. They sure keep loyal crowds coming back for more.

Iyasare

1830 4th St., Berkeley, 94710, USA

At Iyasare, Chef Shotaro Kamio brings his Tohoku heritage to the East Bay. The menu caters to a wide range of appetite, from simple starters like Little Gem Miso Caesar (lolla rossa, parmesan, miso, caesar dressing) and Iyasare Kakiage Tempura (burdock root, onion, sweet potato, shiitake, shungiku, bonito soy broth and black tiger shrimp,) to yaki (skewered grilled meats,) donburi (rice bowls) and ramen. The drink menu includes innovative cocktails, sake, craft beer and wine.

Yogurt Park

2433 Durant Ave A, Berkeley, CA 94704

To say that Yogurt Park is beloved by the Berkeley community is an understatement. The family-owned yogurt shop has called the college town home since 1977, to this day, it continues to serves creamy and flavorful frozen yogurt with daily-changing flavors: Ghirardelli Chocolate, Crème Brûlée, Thin Mint Cookie, Caramel Macadamia Cappuccino…etc. The best part might just be the fun toppings: cookie crumbs, sprinkles, Oreo cookies, chocolate chips…and so much more.

Great China

2190 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States

When in the Bay Area, travelers know that delicious Chinese cuisine awaits. While in Berkeley, the place to go is Great China where northern Chinese dishes are served in hearty portions and tasty fashion. Opened in 1985, two brothers James and Tai are taking after what their parents began, making sure students and locals leave their restaurant satisfied. Try one of the duck dishes: Half Tea-Smoked Duck, Peking Roast Duck, or the Bone-In Roast Duck are all guaranteed to be mouthwatering.

Vik’s Chaat

2390 4th St., Berkeley, 94710, USA

Indian cuisine cannot be forgotten, Vik’s Chaat reminisces India with flavorful spices and fragrant herbs. Eating at the restaurant feels like warm hospitality inside an Indian home. The family-run business is committed to preserving rich heritage through aromatic dishes, each comes with a cultural narrative.

Biryani, for example, is part of the menu since on streets leading up to the mosques are lined with vendors selling the dish in huge clay pots, customarily on Fridays – Holy Day for Muslims. Another popular dish on the menu, Dahi Papdi Chaat (flat papdis, potatoes and garbanzo beans smothered with yogurt and chutneys) is typically sold on pushcarts in North India during mid-afternoons.

Chicha San Chen 吃茶三千

2400A Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94704

For fans of bubble tea, Chicha San Chen takes the Taiwanese treat to new heights with stations that showcase authentic dripped tea. Each tea is tested with a thermometer before leaving the machine. The cups even come with sustainable to-go handles. Not only are the choices limitless, the customization also puts Starbucks to shame. The entire tea salon serves as a concept store, with screens and wall displays that explain origins of tea leaves and Taiwanese tea culture.

Tacubaya

1782 4th St., Berkeley, 94710, USA

An excellent taqueria needed to be included on this list. Right on 4th Street is Tacubaya, named after the architect Luis Barragan’s neighborhood in Mexico City. The sister restaurant to Temescal’s Doña Tomas, Tacubaya recreates Mexican dishes commonly enjoyed with street vendors or inside a local’s home.

For breakfast, definitely order Chilaquiles (tortilla chips sauteed in guajillo chile sauce & cheese with scrambled eggs, onions, queso fresco, cilantro and crema.) For lunch or dinner, get stuffed with Taco al Pastor (spit-roasted Niman ranch pork, adobo marinade, pineapple & avocado salsa) and Taco de Lengua (Niman Ranch beef tongue, tomatillo salsa.)

Ippuku

2130 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94704

In Japanese, Ippuku means “a cup of tea,” which symbolizes harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Enjoying a meal at Ippuku feels like being transported to Japan, with beautiful woodwork and lower tables that require shoes to be taken off. Understated yet intimate. Yakitori is the main star here, indulge in all types of skewered grilled meats and animal parts, from chicken liver to gizzards. Don’t miss korokke (crab croquettes) and pair it with delightful Japanese whiskey.