Best Restaurants for Quiet Conversation in Berkeley

Price

££
£££
££££

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchIndianChinese

Regions

East BaySan Francisco

Areas

BerkeleyChinatownDowntown / Union SquareFinancial District / EmbarcaderoMarina / Cow Hollow / PresidioNob Hill

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

11 restaurants available nearby

1. ZINO

4.3

Awesome(415)

££££Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Berkeley

Booked 7 times today

A Modern Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar located in the heart of Downtown Berkeley. ZINO features a rotating menu of cuisines, complemented by a modern cocktail program infused with Mediterranean flavors and spices. ZINO is a gathering place for people of the community to socialize, celebrate, and share in the unique flavors of one of the most diverse regions of the world.Vegetarian menu available.For Parties of 9 or more, please contact the restaurant directly.

A photo of Julia's Restaurant restaurant

2. Julia's Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1685)

££££Price: Expensive

• French • Berkeley

Booked 8 times today

Teatime Tuesdays | 12pm-2pmIndoor DiningLunchWednesday - Saturday | 12pm-2pmDinnerTuesday-Saturday | 5pm-7:45pmLocated on the second floor of the Berkeley City Club, a Julia Morgan Historic Hotel, Julia's boasts a beautiful over-sized fireplace, and ornate details true to Morgan's iconic Moorish Gothic architectural design.Julia's offers an innovative, creative, contemporary approach to your dining experience and is inspired by local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. Our diverse wine list complements our menu featuring wines carefully selected from regions around the world.

A photo of Bellanico Restaurant and Wine Bar restaurant

3. Bellanico Restaurant and Wine Bar

4.7

Exceptional(2078)

££££Price: Moderate

• Italian • Oakland

Booked 8 times today

Bellanico Restaurant & Wine Bar saves some tables for walk-ins, please call Bellanico directly for large party reservations. Bellanico is a continuation of Chris Shepherd & Elizabeth Frumusa’s successful restaurant in San Francisco, Aperto in Potrero Hill. Bellanico is a neighborhood restaurant located in the Glenview district of Oakland. The name Bellanico is derived from their daughters’ nicknames, Bella & Nico. The Bellanico staff take great pride in food, service and wine. We serve rustic Italian cuisine that changes seasonally. We are dedicated to serving the best seasonal, local, sustainable and organic products that they can find. Bellanico features Pitman Farms Chicken, Prather Ranch Meat, Duroc Pork and only wild caught fish and seafood. It also features a wine bar offering Old World wines with an emphasis on Italian wines. There are more than 25 wines by the glass & 6 different flights of wine.

4. China Live

4.6

Exceptional(3282)

££££Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 83 times today

China Live, Eater's "Restaurant of the Year," features fresh, seasonal Chinese cuisine cooked from specialized stations that merge traditional Chinese and Western culinary equipment. Our main dining area, with views of our exhibition kitchens, plays centerpiece, appointed with chairs and tables all handcrafted in China from reclaimed Chinese elm. We also offer outside dining.

A photo of Amber India - San Francisco restaurant

5. Amber India - San Francisco

4.5

Awesome(2896)

££££Price: Expensive

• Indian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 16 times today

At Amber India in downtown San Francisco, we blend the rich traditions of North Indian cuisine with a modern dining experience. Our menu features favorites like butter chicken, aromatic biryanis, and tandoori specialties, all crafted with authentic spices and techniques. Whether you prefer vegetarian dishes or hearty meats, there's something for everyone.Our three-story restaurant, with vaulted ceilings and a lively LED light show behind the bar, offers a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. We can host up to 140 guests, with a private dining room for gatherings of up to 25. Located near Union Square, Amber India is ideal for a casual meal or special celebration.For over 20 years, we’ve been a beloved part of the Bay Area dining scene, known for our flavorful food, excellent service, and warm hospitality. Join us for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch to experience what makes Amber India a local favorite.

6. Level III

3.7

Very Good(398)

££££Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 1 time today

Experience social food and modern cocktails at a new level - Level Three. An exciting and sophisticated dining experience inside the JW Marriott San Francisco. This chic restaurant and lounge features a menu of delicious sharable plates crafted from the freshest, local, seasonal ingredients complemented with an extraordinary cocktail menu custom-created by an acclaimed local mixologist. Situated on the third floor lobby level of the hotel highlighted by a 16 story atrium, you can dine on extravagant plates like Dungeness Crab Cake Benedict, Croque Madame, Avocado Toast, "The Burger", Artisinal Grilled Cheese, Filet Mignon, and our Daily Catch!

7. Le Central

4.7

Exceptional(2153)

££££Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 8 times today

Opened in 1974, Le Central has been serving traditional French cuisine for five decades, boasting the honor of being San Francisco’s most historic French bistro. Located on the edge of the Financial District, Union Square, and Chinatown in a rare one story brick building adorned with its iconic pink neon sign and crowned by a vintage “Tabac” sign. Step into this charming restaurant and be transported to a Parisian brasserie. With exposed brick walls, original imported brass bar, stained glass features, and cozy banquettes topped with brass railings. The atmosphere invites you to unwind and enjoy delicious French fare and exceptional wines and cocktails in an upscale, yet casual environment. Enjoy French classics like steak-frites, escargot, onion soup, and our world famous Cassoulet. Le Central’s cuisine is comforting yet sumptuous. Le Central is the downtown stop for locals and visitors looking for a taste of “La Belle Vie”!!!

8. Rise Over Run

4.3

Awesome(202)

££££Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 2 times today

Gaze out over sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline at Rise Over Run, the lush outdoor rooftop and indoor solarium. Share a South East Asian inspired cocktail — by local legend Danny Louie — or snack on food offerings of Executive Chef Morgan Depaulo.Walk-ins are welcomed and encouraged! Reservations are nice, too.

9. Bobo's

4.6

Exceptional(3141)

££££Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 10 times today

"Bobo's" is a stylish destination for the most exquisite steak and crab in the City. With antiqued red walls, colored glass light fixtures, and tablecloths, the restaurant is like a plush Venetian jewel box. Executive Chef-Owner Andrea Froncillo has created a delectable menu that showcases his signature steak and seafood creations. The steak is USDA-certified prime beef, dry-aged for four to six weeks - longer than anywhere else on the West Coast! Our award-winning bone-in filet was the 1st on the West Coast. The crab is Dungeness, harvested from the Pacific Ocean, and roasted in a savory garlic-butter sauce that is positively addicting.

A photo of Colombini Italian Cafe & Bistro - Nob Hill Hotel restaurant

10. Colombini Italian Cafe & Bistro - Nob Hill Hotel

4.2

Awesome(258)

££££Price: Expensive

• Italian • Nob Hill

Booked 1 time today

Featuring Fresh Seafood, Pizza & our signature Risotto dishes. All in a romantic Tuscan setting.Our wines are expressly selected for the best of Italy, Spain, France and California"s Napa Valley and served with a perfect pairing of cheese and fruit plates.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

W
walter
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
adequate number of choices for starter and main courses. Service was good. The environment is lovely -- Julia Morgan architecture building, high ceilings, noise was well controlled even though the dining room was full.
More info
Julia's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Berkeley
•
4.7
D
Davina
Austin •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great food. The duck was delicious as was the fire cracker chicken.
More info
China LivePrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.6
J
Jacob
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Delicious food! Had a great valentines dinner. Expensive but worth it. Pretty standard for sf prices
More info
Amber India - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Indian• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.5
N
NancyVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •49 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Always great. Try any starter. Ask for guidance on their nice wines.
More info
Bellanico Restaurant and Wine BarPrice: Moderate• Italian• Oakland
•
4.7
M
Melinda
San Francisco Bay Area •18 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 Jan 2025
A gem that more of us should know about. The food was creative, flavorful and beautifully presented, our service was attentive and bespoke and warm thanks to Ella, who was delightful and made our evening so nice. It was pretty quiet, but of course it was Monday night, a holiday, and inauguration day, so people may have been hunkered down at home. I would encourage everyone to give it a try, the steak was delicious, the lamb ribs were crispy and great, and we had a really nice hummus and appetizer. Give Zino a try!
More info
ZINOPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Berkeley
•
4.3

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