Best Restaurants for People Watching in Berkeley

16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt restaurant

1. Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt

4.7

Exceptional(653)

Price: Moderate

• American • Oakland

Booked 34 times today

May and David Wasem's flagship location Grand Lake Kitchen location offers American classics and warm hospitality. An all-day cafe specializing in brunch and dinner! Maximum party size for regular reservations is 8 at Lake Merritt and 10 at the Dimond location.Grand Lake Kitchen at Lake Merritt has a full bar, bustling dining room, outdoor patio, take-out counter, and The Bubble Room (private dining)

A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant

2. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.8

Exceptional(6006)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 136 times today

The Rotunda serves afternoon tea seven days a week beginning at 2:30 p.m. (1:30p.m. Sundays). A tea experience reservation is necessary to enjoy our daily tea service. Any dietary restrictions must be noted at least 24 hours in advance of your reservation.Please use link below to reserve your tea experience.https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=889&restref=889&experienceId=35326Let THE ROTUNDA® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.*February 22, the outside elevator is under construction. Enter through any of the outside NM entrances, take any elevator to the 4th floor.

3. Starlite

4.4

Awesome(143)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 48 times today

Starlite is a historic San Francisco cocktail bar with nearly a century of vibrant stories. Renowned for hosting lively parties and attracting iconic figures like Alan Ginsberg, Starlite invites guests to the Beacon Grand’s 21st-floor, featuring refreshed interiors by San Francisco designer Alice Crumeyrolle. The atmosphere is set with rich velvet fabrics and a jewel-tone palette inspired by the Art Deco Era, paying homage to the city’s icons. Crafted by Scott Baird of Trick Dog fame, the cocktails are both playful and meticulously made. Michelin-award-winning chef Johnny Spero curates a menu that celebrates San Francisco’s culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from international fare. Enhancing the experience are nightly, all-vinyl DJ sets by music director Nina Tarr.

A photo of COQUETA - San Francisco restaurant

4. COQUETA - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(3339)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 32 times today

Brought to you by Award Winning Chef Michael Chiarello and located at Pier 5 on the bustling San Francisco Waterfront, Coqueta is inspired by the cuisines of Spain. Chef Chiarello feels that Spain’s signature ‘small plates’ coupled with the social vibrancy of their dining scene is the perfect combination for San Francisco, which has its own deep-rooted history with the country. Focusing on regional dishes from Madrid, Catalonia, the Basque Country and beyond, the menu will feature Chiarello's interpretation of traditional Spanish cuisine and, as has always been his tradition, will highlight the bounty of fresh, local ingredients from land and sea.Coqueta means “flirt” or “infatuation” in Spanish, and represents Michael Chiarello and his team’s exploration and interpretation of Spanish Cuisine, wine and inspired cocktails, while highlighting the bounty of Northern California.

5. Bon Delire

new

4.6

Exceptional(60)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 8 times today

Bon Délire’s chic yet approachable atmosphere draws inspiration from the cafés, lounges, and bistros of Paris. The interior boasts a sculpted horseshoe-shaped wooden bar, plush banquettes, and vibrant, European-imported furnishings that invite intimate dining and lounging. Guests can enjoy indoor seating with views of the Bay Bridge, or relax at the outdoor cafe-style seating, framed by planter boxes and umbrellas, perfect for people-watching along the Embarcadero.At night, the space comes alive with flickering projections of vintage French films and a relaxed, nostalgic soundtrack of throwback French and American tunes, making Bon Délire a sophisticated yet cozy setting for private and semi-private events.

A photo of Left Bank - Jack London Square restaurant

6. Left Bank - Jack London Square

4.5

Awesome(527)

Price: Moderate

• French • Oakland

Booked 28 times today

Inspired by the birthplace of the original Parisian brasseries along the Left Bank of the Seine River, Left Bank Brasserie is an authentic Parisian-style brasserie by Chef Roland Passot. Left Bank pays homage to the joiede vivre that is synonymous with the Left Bank neighborhood in Paris. Guests are invited to step intoFrench culture, in a vibrant, social atmosphere that captures all the charm of traditional brasseriesand iconic alfresco dining of France. An all-day menu features authentic French cuisine utilizingseasonal, local and organic ingredients, and consists of iconic lighter fare such as oysters, tartare andprawns provençal, in addition to heartier classics like coq au vin and beef bourguignon. Inspired by theParisian-style Bar Américain, an extensive cocktail menu features classics of a bygone era, along with awide range of rotating taps, seasonal drafts and bottled beer, and an expertly-curated wine selection.

A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant

7. Chotto Matte San Francisco

4.5

Awesome(57)

Price: Very Expensive

• Asian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 9 times today

Coming Soon Fall 2023! Situated in Downtown San Francisco, Chotto Matte is renowned for its signature Nikkei Cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and electric atmosphere. Chotto Matte’s chic, contemporary interior is inspired by its Japanese & Peruvian roots, making it a unique dining experience, every time. Key highlights include Chotto’s recognisable bold design, tropical foliage and theatrical robata grill.

8. Cassava

4.7

Exceptional(733)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • North Beach

Cassava is a French-Californian bistro in the heart of the historic North Beach neighborhood in San Francisco, semi-finalist of James Beard Foundation Award 2023. The dinner offers 3 experiences nightly of the signature 3 course prix fixe menu, 5 course tasting menu both with beverage pairing options, and also a la carte. Full menu is available at the bar for dining as well.Wine list focuses on classic region wines including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone with approachability and vibrant expressions. Beverage pairing menus includes wine and sake, and there are always 2 wines selected for "potentially life changing" by the glass to entice everyone.Cassava is located in the heart of North Beach that is perfect for business team dinners and meetings. The private dining room seats up to 18 guests, and the entire restaurant can seat up to 50 guests and up to 150 for standing receptions. Brunch is offered on weekends with bistro inspired menu items and the famous Japanese breakfast.

9. Taksim

4.9

Exceptional(358)

Price: Expensive

• Turkish • SOMA

Booked 18 times today

Taksim is inspired by a modern approach to authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Our team has a profound love for Mediterranean gastronomy, a dedication to refinement, and a commitment to using the best ingredients.Taksim focuses on contemporary and often playful versions of classic ideas. Our seasonal menu reflects a fresh gastronomic outlook rooted in memories, where each dish is conceived with a specific culinary philosophy.

10. Tosca Café

4.6

Exceptional(148)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 22 times today

A legendary hangout in North Beach since it opened in 1919, and even more so from the 1980's onward when Jeanette Etheredge took over Tosca. Locals including Willie Brown, Lars Ulrich and Francis Ford Coppola were regular fixtures, Hunter S Thompson wrote his column for the SF Examiner in the corner booth, Bono, Lauren Hutton, and Mikhail Baryshnikov played pool in the back room, singing Opera and drinking Tosca House Cappuccinos. When Restaurateur Anna Weinberg and Interior Designer Ken Fulk heard Tosca Cafe was closing they joined forces to save it. As the new owners and passionate fans of the original establishment their goal was to return Tosca to its rightful place as a San Francisco institution. As Mikey Rapin wrote in Bon Appétit magazine: “It’s the kind of joint Beats got bounced, Bono belted opera, and a bullet hole memoralizes the night an A-LIST actor disagreed with a rockstar's choice of music"

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Matthew
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great ambience
More info
StarlitePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.4
L
Lauravip
San Francisco Bay Area •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
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.
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COQUETA - San FranciscoPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.7
G
Gaylevip
San Francisco Bay Area •36 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We appreciate considerate and efficient service at the Rotunda. Our sandwiches were tasty and huge. It is such a beautiful setting and viewing the Union Square Christmas tree put us in the holiday mood.
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The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.8
G
Gary
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Lovely relaxing lunch with friends/colleagues in a comfortable booth seat. Service was attentive but gave us space to visit between decisions and courses. Salads and starters were delicious, and our main courses were all excellent. We tried each dessert and they were all exceptional.
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Bon DelirePrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
S
Shannon
San Francisco Bay Area •75 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Love this location. Right across from the lake, so maybe a long walk before or after, right? Great lunch. The Brussels sprouts are delicious!
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Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake MerrittPrice: Moderate• American• Oakland
•
4.7

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Berkeley

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt

2. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

3. Starlite

4. COQUETA - San Francisco

5. Bon Delire

6. Left Bank - Jack London Square

7. Chotto Matte San Francisco

8. Cassava

9. Taksim

10. Tosca Café

See what locals rave about

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