Homepage

About me

Moving to the Bay Area from a small town in late 2021 was both the best move of my life and also a very difficult transition at first. With so many options as to what to do and where to eat, I was both overwhelmed and overjoyed to now be a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area.

It occurred to me at some point that there were others--fellow newcomers, current residents, and tourists--all who would like some tips and pointers as to where to try next, particularly places that don't cost a fortune.

This blog is devoted to doing exactly that; it is a journal to document all of the enjoyable experiences I have in my day-to-day happenings, currently being based in Berkeley, that are notable because they were positive experiences, particularly restaurants (affordable ones) I think you should try. I only write about places that I think are worth documenting as great places to go. I do this for my readers so that they can come to my blog and see which places I believe are most worthy of their interest.

I aim to give honest and unbiased opinions. Occasionally, restaurants invite me for complimentary meals so I can learn more about their food and experience. When a meal is hosted or provided by a restaurant, I will clearly disclose it in the post. All opinions are my own.

This blog is constantly under construction, as the Bay Area has a large variety of great places to explore. As somewhat of a newcomer myself, I am often discovering new places to recommend, and I always appreciate a nice comment from a reader who wants to steer me in the right direction.

Please enjoy and feel free to contact me if you have questions, suggestions, or concerns. I value your readership! This blog is here to help you figure out where to start on your journey through the Bay Area. 

Restaurants featured on this blog are encouraged to share, quote, and link to reviews and social media content. I love supporting local businesses and appreciate attribution when my work is used.

Restaurants featured on this blog also have my permission to repost blog content, photos, videos, and review excerpts for promotional purposes. I ask that restaurants do not claim authorship of my work and give credit when possible.

Without further ado, here is my ever-growing list of places to try and why to try them!

BAY AREA RESTAURANTS:  

Best Indian Food

ID Cafe  (Berkeley and other locations)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the spot for fast, healthy, affordable, and delicious Indian food in Berkeley near the campus! It's a wonderful discovery.

Best Irish Food

St. Stephen's Green (Downtown Mountain View)

St. Stephen's Green is a sports bar that serves authentic Irish dishes in downtown Mountain View. It's a great place to grab a drink or watch a game!

 

Peasant Pies (Chain with a spot in Mission Bay, San Francisco: Best place to grab a pie)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although not strictly Irish, this restaurant may be the best place to grab a small, traditional pie. With small sweet and savory pies, plus soups and salads, this restaurant keeps it simple, tasty, and affordable.

 

My Top Mediterranean Food Picks

Mediterranean/Kurdish 

Rojbas

Rojbas is a wonderful place in Berkeley to enjoy delicious Mediterranean food for a reasonable, low price. This family owned hidden gem is a personal favorite!

Mediterranean/Greek 

Olympus Caffe and Bakery

Olympus Cafe and Bakery is a Mediterranean restaurant in downtown Mountain View that is also a bakery and has a full espresso bar. They serve great breakfasts (including French toast) and perhaps the best white chocolate mocha I've ever had.

Mediterranean/Algerian

 

Gusto

Gusto is an awesome new addition to Berkeley's restaurant scene! Proudly serving delicious Algerian flavor, Gusto serves memorable, satisfying dishes you will not want to miss out on!

 

Best Tibetan Food

Cafe Tibet

Cafe Tibet is an authentically Tibetan and restaurant located in Berkeley that tastes amazing! It's an impressive hidden gem whose menu is vegan due to the proprietor's deep concern for the environment. It's a simple, family-owned business that brings exquisite Tibetan cuisine to Berkeley. 

Mexican Food You've Got To Try

La Mission

The Mission is a popular and authentic place to grab your favorite classic Mexican dishes in Berkeley. It's truly delicious.

Where To Find Korean Food in the Bay 

Manna (SF: Most interesting menu)

Manna is a fantastic, small restaurant in San Francisco that features delightful Korean cuisine! The restaurant is operated with real attention to detail and pride. The food is served hot and delicious!

Korean Superette (Berkeley: Cutest shop/restaurant) 

This Korean restaurant doubles as a fantastic market. Come here for Korean favorites, complete with bold flavor and succulent meats.

My Top Italian Food Choices in the Bay

Pasta

Marcella's Lasagneria (Dogpatch, SF: My all time favorite pasta place in the Bay!)

Marcella's Lasagneria is a small restaurant devoted to top-quality lasagna and other pasta dishes in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco. You can't beat this taste and texture! It's a unique and local small business that will make you crave more!

Italian Homemade (Elmwood, Berkeley: Best affordable high-quality pasta)

Italian Homemade is a nice Italian eatery that lets you customize your pasta bowl in the Elmwood neighborhood of Berkeley. It favors homey, elegant bowls of pasta for a good price.

Caffe Chiave (Berkeley: Most classic Italian American cafe)

Cafe Chiave cafe devoted to coffee and Italian-American comfort food near San Pablo and Dwight Way in Berkeley (also available in Oakland). It's yummy and satisfying every time. Don't forget to try the pasta.

Pizza

Bobby G's Pizzeria (Downtown Berkeley: Cheapest pizza by the slice)

Bobby G's Pizzeria is exactly what a college town like Berkeley needs: a reliable place to get cheap but yummy pizza near downtown Berkeley! It's hard to beat the convenience and the price, and the flavor hits every time.

State Flour Pizza (Elmwood, Berkeley: most versatile)

State Flour Pizza is a simple, laid-back, and private place to eat great pizza in Berkeley. The menu is extensive enough to have a pizza for almost anyone. It even features a focaccia-like gluten-free crust. You'll want to come again.

The Cheeseboard Pizzeria (Most famous)

The Cheeseboard Pizzeria is a well-known Berkeley pizza joint that offers live music and gourmet, vegetarian pizza. Come see what the hype's about! 

Lucia's (Most authentic)

Lucia's is not to be overlooked! It's a higher-end Italian eatery featuring pizza, pasta, and other Italian classics in downtown Berkeley. The food is made with great care for authenticity, taste, and texture.

My Top Japanese Food Choices in the Bay

Mastuyama Shabu House (Japantown, SF: My most enjoyable overall dining experience) 

Matsuyama Shabu House is a hidden gem that specializes in shabu shabu, the Japanese traditional hot pot dish and is a highlight of Japantown SF. The eating experience where they cook the food in front of you is worth trying, and the food tastes incredible! They even have specials that make it affordable to eat here. The service at this unique restaurant is great.

Kamado Sushi (Berkeley: The swankiest but also possibly the best quality on this list)

Kamado Sushi moderately upscale and completely delicious choice that serves a variety of yummy Japanese dishes in Berkeley! Authenticity meets quality in this quiet but impressive restaurant. The prices are a bit higher here, but they are completely justified. The eating area is very elegant, quiet, and welcoming, and the service is fantastic. 

Moshi Moshi (Dogpatch, SF: A personal favorite with great service that has me coming back a lot)

Moshi Moshi has a large menu full of yummy Japanese favorites, including sushi, sashimi, katsu, tempura, teriyaki, and udon. It is located in the Dogpatch neighborhood of Berkeley, where it brings its unique blend of traditional and modern sushi rolls to the neighborhood. With many mid-range prices, this is one of my personal favorites! They even have nice touches like great rice and miso soup, and the eating area is quiet and beautifully decorated for a very tasteful dining experience. 

 

Kui Shin Bo (Japantown, SF: Most variety and one of the most affordable)

Kui Shin Bo is a small and inexpensive restaurant with a lot of cheap but very good Japanese dishes to choose from in Japantown in San Francisco. It's a little-known secret kept by the select few who like to come back for the modern Japanese menu. They have a wide menu of traditional and modern items, including sushi, udon, okonomiyaki, and sushi burritos. Nothing on the menu will make you break your bank, however.

Nijiya Market (Best Japanese supermarket chain in Bay Area)

Nijiya market is not just any supermarket. It's a supermarket devoted to Japanese products that feature some of the best ingredients for cooking Japanese cuisine, and it's available in several locations across the Bay Area. Prices here vary, but they are totally reasonable. They have a small counter where they offer made-to-order options like the gyudon (pictured above).

Best sushi 

 

Sumo Roll (Berkeley: Affordable with a great ambiance)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sumo Roll in Berkeley is a comfortable place where you can taste delicious Japanese and Japanese-inspired cuisine for great prices. The chefs pay attention to detail, and the restaurant itself is beautiful.

 

Manpuku (Berkeley: Unique because it's easy, fast, and affordable)

Manpuku is a small Japanese restaurant with a big menu and low prices that serves many different delicious Japanese dishes in the Elmwood neighborhood of Berkeley. You'll never believe how low the prices are given the quality!

MJ Sushi (Palo Alto: Best quality) 

MJ Sushi is a sleek modern restaurant devoted to classic and specialty sushi rolls in downtown Palo Alto. Fresh and expertly crafted, these rolls will satisfy your sushi craving! Prices are moderate, and quality is high.

Kura (Bay Area chain with a spot in Berkeley: Most modern aesthetic)

Kura is a "guru guru" or revolving sushi bar with a great selection in downtown Berkeley. Here you can order fresh or select from the enticing options on the conveyor belt. Because each plate is sold separately, you can decide easily how much you want to spend (assuming you have self control, of course).

Kansai (Oakland: a favorite because it's lively, popular, friendly, and cheap) 

Kansai is a sit-down restaurant in Oakland where you can order a number of classic and specialty rolls as well as their take on many other Japanese dishes, one that always hits the spot and has a special happy hour sale. We are always coming back for more because the prices are great, especially at happy hour!

Sushi Arashi (Downtown Mountain View: Best quality in area)

Sushi Arashi is a high quality restaurant in Mountain View with very fresh sushi and sashimi. It has traditional, savory, and umami vibes. I'd say the prices are moderate, but the food is great! (Start your meal with their miso soup; you won't regret it!)

Araki Sushi (Downtown Palo Alto: Cutest and most affordable in area)

This is downtown Palo Alto's go-to for affordable Japanese comfort food. Made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes and with a cozy interior, it's a lovely place to enjoy a reasonably priced meal.

 

Best noodles

 

Tsuruya (Downtown Berkeley: BEST RAMEN) 

 

Tsuruya is a  downtown Berkeley restaurant whose simple menu has some of the best ramen in the area! It's a real hidden gem with very reasonable prices! I would rank it as the best place to get ramen that I have tried in the area.

Marugame (Downtown Palo Alto/Berkeley: Best udon/gyudon) 

 

 

Marugame is a Japanese place where you can customize your udon or rice bowl! They have multiple locations in the Bay Area, and they deliver a consistently satisfying product for a low price.

Best rice triangles

Onigilly (Downtown Palo Alto: real value for money)

Onigilly is like fast food, but for onigiri, the small and triangular Japanese treats! Stop by one of the Bay Area locations for an inexpensive and fast small, savory treat!

Oori Rice Triangles (Downtown Berkeley: Fastest)

Oori Rice Triangles is a small stand selling a variety of different onigiri (triangular stuffed rice balls popular in Japan and Korea) with locations across the Bay Area. Small but packed with flavor, the rice triangles never disappoint.

Chinese Food

Zhangliang Malatang (Downtown Mountain View/Downtown Berkeley: best custom soup/stir fry)

Zhangliang Malatang is a casual make-your-own-hot-pot place in several locations in the Bay Area including places like Berkeley and Mountain View. I love selecting my own hot pot ingredients and choosing my ideal spiciness!

Fu Lam Mum (Mountain View: Best variety in an elegant setting)

Fu Lam Mum is a relatively fancier Chinese restaurant that specializes in delicious food, served in its elegant dining room. It's a fine dining experience available in downtown Mountain View.

Seasons Noodles & Dumplings Garden (Mountain View: Best dumplings)

Seasons Noodles and Dumplings Garden is a somewhat casual place to get Chinese dumplings and noodles in downtown Mountain View. These dumplings are hard to beat!

Hong Kong East Ocean Seafood Restaurant  (Berkeley: Best seafood options and fanciest)

Hong Kong East Ocean Seafood Restaurant is a luxurious Chinese restaurant with fresh seafood and an incredible view from its dining room. It is a fine dining experience, but you get what you pay for!

Best Thai Food Finds In The Area

The Noodle (Downtown Berkeley: Best variety)

The Noodle is a personal favorite of my family. Here, you can get incredible Thai food with fast service and reasonable prices. It's located in downtown Berkeley, where it draws a steady stream of loyal customers like us. The service is very fast and polite, and the quality is high!

Anchalee (Berkeley: Most elegant place to dine)

Anchalee boasts a tasteful selection of Thai dishes served in a small but elegant dining area. It's a more upscale Thai option available in Berkeley.

Imm Thai Street Food (Downtown Berkeley: Best place to choose spice level)

Imm Thai is a popular Thai spot specializes in "no-frills" but yummy Thai food. Open late and always busy!

Bua Thai Kitchen (Albany: Great prices)

Bua Thai Kitchen, located in Albany, has a surprisingly pretty interior and serves inexpensive Thai favorites with excellent service. 

My Top American Food Choices 

Best restaurant burgers and more

Bandit (Dogpatch, SF: makes a killer cheeseburger and other sandwiches)

Bandit is a small hole-in-the-wall in the Dogpatch that serves American favorites, including some very good burgers and sandwiches. Everything is affordable and delicious; plus, it all can be whipped up so quickly it's hard to believe.

Gather  (Downtown Berkeley: Best organic burgers)

 

Gather is a local farm-to-table restaurant that serves yummy American fare from fresh, local, ethically sourced, organic ingredients. They offer great pizzas, burgers, and salads.

Original Pollo (Downtown Berkeley: most classic American diner)

Original Pollo is a down-to-earth American diner in downtown Berkeley with good, inexpensive food. It gives off nostalgic, old-fashioned vibes. The food quality is rock solid. The burger is not to be forgotten.

In the Wood (Elmwood, Berkeley: Most relaxed casual environment) 

In the Wood is a casual eatery in the Elmwood neighborhood of Berkeley serving American favorites like burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas. The menu is full of salty, savory, and satisfying options, but the burger is a safe bet. 

Barney's (Downtown Berkeley: My favorite, thick gourmet burger)

Barneys is a famous sit-down restaurant that specializes in gourmet burgers and fries in downtown Berkeley. They also have fantastic milk shakes! These are some of the best burgers in Berkeley; I find them hard to resist!

Eureka! (Downtown Berkeley/Downtown Mountain View: Most sophisticated burger recipes)

Eureka is a sit-down restaurant that brings out some of the tastiest, most elaborate burgers with convenient locations in places like downtown Mountain View and downtown Berkeley. The food here is sophisticated but still standard and what you would expect.

Best Fast Food Burgers

Gott's (Berkeley/Mission Bay: Most satisfying)

Gott's is a premium spin on the classic fast-food burger. Simple, satisfying, and crave-worthy, these burgers and fries always hit the spot.

In-N-Out (San Francisco: The most classic)

In-N-Out is the California fast food classic that keeps it simple, elegant, and satisfying! For an incredible price, you get a burger experience that is hard to beat! It's hard to get enough of the few menu items they specialize in.

Mel's Express (Currently closed but worth remembering: Best prices)

Mel's Express is a chain with inexpensive but yummy burgers and shakes. It's a very good burger for an unbeatable price!

iniBurger (Berkeley: Best texture combo)

IniBurger serves delicious, reasonably priced, and satisfying fast food burgers. It's pretty much love at first bite!

The Melt (Palo Alto: Best cheese) 

The Melt serves fast food burgers made with cheesy, gooey, yummy goodness! These burgers are slightly cheesier and more sophisticated fast food burgers.

Burgerim (Berkeley: Thickest and sauciest)

Burgerim is an amazing place to get a cheap but gourmet burger. It's a chain that operates in Berkeley on University Avenue. The fat, juicy burgers and crispy, thick-cut fries make an excellent combo.

Burger stands

 

Station Smashburgers (Berkeley: Best informal family vibes)

This burger stand is popular and worth its salt! Every item on the menu is masterfully crafted and served in a lively, informal environment!

 

Steamer Lane Supply (Santa Cruz: Best views)

Steamer Lane Supply is a stand near the beach in Santa Cruz that serves great burgers, hot dogs, and fish tacos, among other wonderful munchies.

Sandwiches

Crave Subs (Berkeley: Most creative theme)

Crave Subs has a menu that offers a variety of elaborate meat, vegetarian, and vegan subs that will quench your hunger in downtown Berkeley along Shattuck. These sandwiches are expertly crafted and addictive.

Ike's (Berkeley: Most options)

 

Ike's has almost an endless supply of options of satisfying, craveworthy subs! The chain has several locations, including downtown Berkeley, along Shattuck Avenue. 

 

Best snacks

Endless Summer Sweets (Most nostalgic) 

Endless Summer Sweets is a small shop along Shattuck in Berkeley featuring all sorts of nostalgic summertime favorites like milkshakes, kettle corn, ice cream, and corn dogs. Great for kids and kids at heart!

Best fancy options

 

Nola (Most unique)

Located in downtown Palo Alto, Nola is a cozy Cajun-style restaurant with a thoughtfully curated menu of interesting food, drink, and dessert options that appeal to a wide variety of people.

Beach Chalet (Most elegant and fanciest) 

Beach Chatlet fancier restaurant with high-end food and a view of the beach. You pay extra for a phenomenal eating experience.

Cafes and Coffee shops

Full service breakfast cafes

 

Sara's Southern Kitchen (Los Gatos: Best full service Southern breakfast)

This Los Gatos cafe serves an incredible Southern brunch/breakfast! Don't miss out on trying this rich, indulgent morning meal. Try the pancakes, waffles, and omelettes and see for yourself why people love this place. 

Purple Onion Cafe (Los Gatos: Funkiest and most modern breakfast)

Purple Onion Cafe boasts lots of options when it comes to coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and breakfasts. This Los Gatos favorite is a hidden gem! Among other things, try the great hot dogs, cookies, and mochas!

Cafe Etoile (Berkeley: Best Korean/French Fusion Brunch)

Cafe Etoile is a cute cafe that takes a fascinating spin on French and Korean cuisine, serving coffee, pastries, and full meals along Martin Luther King. It is a must-try, as it is one of the most well-known and signature cafes in Berkeley!

Berkeley Social Club (Downtown Berkeley: Most popular hangout)

Berkeley Social Club constitutes a lively, fun place to enjoy brunch in Berkeley! The food takes a yummy twist on traditional American/Korean cuisine to make a one-of-a-kind menu. People come here to enjoy time with friends and family and expect to be impressed by the food.

Homemade Cafe (Berkeley: Most traditional diner)

Homemade Cafe is an inexpensive Southern-hospitality-inspired diner on Sacramento. The food tastes home-cooked and comforting and costs relatively little. Try the waffles or the mochas.

Caffe Central (Mission Bay, San Francisco: Enticing with wide American breakfast/lunch variety)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This warm and welcoming cafe in Mission Bay really has it all. From a large coffee and pastry selection to breakfast classics and scrumptious salads and sandwiches, this cafe offers a great variety of classic American fare with a special emphasis on breakfast! 

 

Coffee shops

 

Dera Cafe  (Downtown Berkeley: Most fascinating theme)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dera Cafe is a new cafe that taps Pakistani cultural influence and a delicate, artistic touch to make a truly unique local business. The coffee and treats here are phenomenal, and the menu is full of interesting other options as well.

 

Helacio's Deli and Cafe (Berkeley: Best for coffee, sandwiches, ice cream, and chill vibes)

Helacio's Deli and Cafe has a nice environment to eat pastries, breakfast burritos, sandwiches, salads, paninis, soup, coffee, fresh juice, smoothies, and ice cream. It emphasizes quality, and has a relaxed vibe. It's located on the corner of Sacramento and Blake. Helacio's makes a mean cup of coffee!

Qahwa Time (Berkeley: Most beautiful and quiet interior)

Visiting  Qahwa Time is a chance to truly experience something that will move you, satiate you, and inspire you with its exotic and impressive flavor and decor. It’s a quiet and relaxing place to work, meet, or simply savor. I love the way it draws inspiration from Yemeni food, coffee, and culture. 

Penelope's Coffee and Tea (Downtown Berkeley: An elegant and high quality place for coffee, tea, and breakfast)

As the name suggests, Penelope's Coffee and Tea serves lots of coffee and tea, but it also specializes in delicious breakfasts. Located along Shattuck in Berkeley, this sleek, elegant cafe has a ton of DELICIOUS menu items, some of them drinks and some of them food.

Way Station Brew (Berkeley: Quirkiest personality)

Way Station Brew is a restaurant, cafe, and beer garden with a mysterious kind of vibe on Dwight Way. The coffee is very good, and it's a nice place to work. 

Espresso Roma Cafe (North Berkeley: Coziest) 

Espresso Roma Cafe is a cross between a casual restaurant and coffee shop that serves eggs, sandwiches, soups, burgers, breakfast burritos, and salads as well as a variety of coffee and tea options on Hopkins Street in northern Berkeley. It is comfortable, affordable, and tasty.

Roast and Toast (Downtown Berkeley: Most comfortable)

Roast and Toast is a lovely cafe with coffee and ice cream in downtown Berkeley along Shattuck. It takes a slightly different on the old classic of a yummy coffee shop, but in the end, it is a well-loved destination for coffee and quiet time.

Philz Coffee (Chain: Most customizable high quality coffee)

Philz Coffee is a chain that operates in the Bay Area and serves delicious, customizable coffee beverages and pastries. It is well-liked by many.

Peet's Coffee (Chain: Broadest appeal)

Peet's Coffee (also a popular chain) is a classic, safe bet if you're looking for a nice cup of coffee, a pastry, or a breakfast sandwich. It's reliably tasty every time.

Coupa Cafe (South Bay: Best captures Silicon Valley's personality)

Coupa Cafe i s another cross between coffee shop and sit-down restaurant, this chain serves coffee, pastries, smoothies, desserts, and full-fledged breakfast options alongside salads, crepes, paninis, wraps, and burgers and is active in the Bay Area. I'm in love with this cafe, and so are many of the people of Silicon Valley.

My Coffee Roastery (Berkeley: Cutest cafe)

My Coffee Roastery is a quaint coffee shop that looks like a cottage sticks to the basics. Located along Martin Luther King, you'll get an incredibly high-quality cup of coffee here, and you'll probably be as charmed by the ambiance as I was.

Berkeley Espresso (Downtown Berkeley: Exudes simplicity and affordability) 

Berkeley Espresso is a relaxing coffee shop with a lot of menu options and good service along Shattuck. They keep things simple and affordable, so I keep coming back.

Royal Ground Coffee (Berkeley: Some of the fastest service)

Royal Ground Coffee is another chain active in the Bay Area that sells a variety of pastries, coffee, tea, espresso, and hot chocolate drinks as well as a menu of twenty sandwiches. Here, the coffee is good, but the sandwiches are the star of the show....

Blue Bottle Coffee (Chain with Berkeley location: Fanciest and most elegant)

Blue Bottle Coffee is coffee shop that is sleek, elegant, and classy as well as delicious with locations in Berkeley and Oakland, among others. It's an unbeatable coffee shop environment (if you like clean and quiet places to sip) with good food and drink.

Gold Bean Cafe (Berkeley: Most exciting selection of drinks)

Gold Bean Cafe is a clean, quiet, and modern place to enjoy a wide selection of drinks and sweet snacks on Durant Avenue in Berkeley. The drinks are interesting and the pastries are irresistible.

Bench Cafe (Berkeley: Small but powerful)

Bench Cafe is simple cafe that serves only coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and pastries. Located on Martin Luther King in Berkeley, this cafe is unique but understated. It's small, cute, and popular. 

Cafenated Coffee (Berkeley: Chill vibes)

Cafenated Coffee is a relaxed and comfortable place in Berkeley to stay a while and have some good sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. It's interesting and sophisticated, and the menu items are equally fascinating. Don't sleep on this one.

Coffee stands  

The Coffee Hut (Downtown Berkeley: Fast and furious service on the spot)

The Coffee Hut is a simple coffee stand in downtown Berkeley along Shattuck that is not to be overlooked because it whips out great beverages and pastries! The prices are fair, and the service is fast.

Piccino (Dogpatch, SF: Best coffee shop pastries)

This small coffee shop and bakery fits into one small room in San Francisco with no seating, just great drinks and pastries! It's a perfect place to get a quick pick-me-up to brighten your day.

 

Cheap breakfast

All Star Donuts (El Cerrito: Sweetest way to start your morning)

This doughnut shop goes over the top with delicious, affordable options, including pastries, doughnuts, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee. 

Hella Bagels (Albany: Most satisfying)

Hella Bagels serves coffee and fresh bagels at its small storefront in Albany that takes pride in their high-quality products, especially their fresh bagels. You can choose a your preferred type of bagel, spread, and/or sandwich fillings. They also serve coffee.

Desserts 

Bakeries

Mariposa (Oakland: Gluten-free paradise)

Mariposa is an Oakland bakery devoted to gluten-free items. Come here for bread, pastries, pasta, and more! You'll never guess from the taste that the items are all gluten-free...

Cupcakin' (Berkeley, Mission Bay: Most addictive fresh baked sweets)

Cupcakin' is a chain that specializes in a variety of gourmet cupcakes, baked fresh each day. Sweet, sophisticated, and delicious, these treats are memorable and scrumptious. 

Masse's Pastries (Berkeley: Proudest family owned bakery)

Masse's Pastries is a small European-style bakery featuring exquisite breakfast pastries, cookies, and macaroons in Berkeley. You owe it to yourself to try it at least once!

Dessert N Spice (Berkeley: Most luxurious) 

Dessert N Spice is a luxurious small bakery that also serves coffee in Berkeley. The desserts here are next-level! Try the cookies and the carrot cake...

Ice cream

Salt & Straw (Palo Alto: Best gourmet/free samples)

Salt and Straw is a fantastic chain that is a real find! It features gourmet flavors--and free samples, as many as you like. You'll want to be back for more! 

Cruz Creamery (Santa Cruz: Most comfortable)

Cruz Creamery is a yummy and comfy ice cream shop in Santa Cruz. You'll probably like it as much as I do!

Scoop N Chill (Berkeley: Most addictive)

 

 

 

 This adorable ice cream and dessert shop is delightful and is hidden in Crave Subs! It's top quality and has great service.

 

Chocolates

 

Ghirardelli Square (San Francisco: Most iconic)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No blog on exploring the Bay Area would be complete without a mention of Ghirardelli, the San Francisco Bay Area’s most historical and iconic chocolate brand. Expect moderate prices and to be thoroughly impressed by the sweetness and decadence of their desserts.

 

See’s Candy (Chain with locations scattered through the Bay Area: Best variety of truffles)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I would be remiss not to mention the South San Francisco brand of fancy chocolates. Known for having a great variety of fillings inside their signature truffles, it’s fun to pick and choose. The prices are also moderate, but the product is impressive.

  

These are some of my personal favorite places to go in the Bay Area. Am I missing something on this list? Please let me know in the comments! 

 

Cool shops:

Three Stone Hearth (Berkeley)

Three Stone Hearth is a Berkeley market devoted to providing the healthiest options.

Talavera Ceramics and Tile (Berkeley)

Talavera Ceramics and Tile is a much-loved Berkeley shop selling artistic Mexican-import tiles and ceramics along University, near Three Stone Hearth.

The Curiosity Shop (Berkeley)

The Curiosity Shop is a fun shopping experience full of odds and ends in a small shop along Martin Luther King in Berkeley. Cute, interesting, and eccentric, this shop will provoke your curiosity!

Thrifty Cat (Closed, but once in Berkeley)

Thrifty Cat is a thrift store with intentionally low prices with the hopes of making clothing more affordable along Martin Luther King in Berkeley  

Museums:

Museum of Craft and Design (Dogpatch, SF)

A museum in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco with interesting rotating art exhibits and a great gift shop! Watch for free days! 

Winchester Mystery House (San Jose)

Winchester Mystery House is a well-preserved eclectic mansion in San Jose that is rumored to be haunted. Historical, fascinating, beautiful, haunting, and perhaps haunted, a tour of this mansion will stick with you.

 

Plant stores:

Dig Gardens (Santa Cruz)

Dig Gardens is an extensive Santa Cruz plant shop that also sells cute gifts.

Summer Winds Nursery

Summer Winds Nursery is a cool chain with locations in the Bay Area that feature a ton of wonderful plants. The selection is very extensive, and the staff are knowledgeable!

Parks:

Cesar Chavez Park (Berkeley)

Cesar Chavez Park has several trails with some of the best views of the bay from along the Berkeley Marina! You can see the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Richmond Bridge from this park, plus the cities of San Francisco, Richmond, and Berkeley. 

Other attractions:

Tool library (Berkeley)

The tool library is a great resource for borrowing tools near Grove Park in Berkeley. It's a great concept that can really come in handy.

These are the places I wanted to share with you. Are there others I should include? Please tell me in the comments.

Contact

If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please comment on a blog post or write to me at travel.blogger.2022.email@gmail.com. 

Privacy Policy

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me.

We may collect personal information such as your name or email address if you choose to provide it (for example, when leaving a comment).

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Cookies are small files stored on your device that help analyze web traffic and personalize content.

We may also use third-party services such as analytics tools that collect, monitor, and analyze usage data.

You can choose to disable cookies through your individual browser options.

By using this website, you hereby consent to our Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.

This policy may be updated at any time without notice.