Best Restaurants for People Watching in El Cerrito

This was a great find! Brand new, only about a month old, at Pier 3. We decided to go with heavy apps. Everything was simply amazing and delicious! And our server, Rebecca, was just absolutely wonderful...attentive, engaging, knowledgeable and energetic! The rest of the staff were just as attentive and friendly! We had a great evening!

A wonderful dinner for Beaujolais Nouveau day. We started with salad verte and fried calamari followed by lobster bisque and ended with 1lb moule frites that all was in a garlic, wine & spinach sauce. We ended with a very large & delicious tart au citron with fresh raspberries. Thank you all.

We went to Coqueta to celebrate my niece's birthday. They were not very busy mid-day on a Thursday. Service was exceptional, attentive, helpful, simply lovely. My favorite dishes were the steak, patatas bravas, boquerones, octopus, the beet and kale salads. The Manchego with grapes, grape must jam (?) was delicious, as well as the croquetas de jamon. The cocktails were great. I had one of the gin and tonics (Balta?), and heard good things about one of the Margaritas and the white wine selected by my sister. The Catalan style vegetables with nuts and raisins was good, but I am used to spinach instead of broccoli and would have preferred that. The Marcona almonds were fresh, but very salty. Their menu has something for everyone, though it was a challenge to accommodate the preferences of an 11 year old grand niece who does not like seafood, mayonnaise (aioli on croquetas and by patatas bravas. Look forward to returning.

Love this location. Right across from the lake, so maybe a long walk before or after, right? Great lunch. The Brussels sprouts are delicious!

Cassava is truly a gem in San Francisco, and my recent visit only reinforced why it’s such a beloved spot. The food was simply outstanding—every dish was beautifully prepared, flavorful, and clearly crafted with care. From the first bite to the last, it was a culinary experience that delighted all my senses. What made the evening even more special was the presence of the owner, who was not only visibly helping her staff but also warmly engaging with every table. She attended to our needs with such genuine care, answering questions about the menu and making us feel like treasured guests. It’s rare to see such dedication and passion, and it elevated the experience to something truly unforgettable. While it’s bittersweet to know Cassava is closing temporarily, I’m counting the days until it reopens. This restaurant is a treasure, and I can’t wait to return for more exceptional meals and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. Cassava, we’ll miss you and eagerly await your comeback! M & W