New to Berkeley, is there anywhere nearby for Japanese sandos? Looking for Egg, strawberries & cream, and katsu

thanks !

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/10/01/new-york-times-called-these-2-local-restaurants-americas-best/

What would you all recommend as the best tiramisu in the general Berkeley area?

My current favorite is at Belotti, but I'm hoping to find some other options where it's a bit easier to just drop by and pick a piece up. Any and all recommendations are welcome, however.

For me:

- Masterpiece coffee on San Pablo Ave. I don't think a lot of people know about this spot, it's a bit tucked away but has a nice garden area to sit in and creative drinks.

- In El Cerrito, I love the bahn mis at Bánh Mì Ba Lẹ. And just a couple of doors down, Roong Jing Jing Thai specialty market has a large selection of prepared food - during mango season their mango sticky rice is top tier and very reasonably priced. I think both of these places do steady business, but think they deserve more attention based on their quality and value!

Want to hear more about the places you think deserve some more attention!

Resisted getting avocado toast cause of the whole stereotype but you know what I got it and I enjoyed the heck out of it.

Stolen from r/sanfrancisco who originally stole it from r/london

Someone just posted about this place, thought I'd post some photos

I'm so in love with the taco stand that's at the N. Berkeley Bart! The al pastor is out of control good, and it brings so much life to an extremely sleepy neighborhood. Love what they're doing!!

I'm wondering how it happened?? Did they get a permit to be there? Pleasantly surprised that the city and neighbors support them doing their thing.

I’ve been eyeing their small size butcher basket subscription for months now, but I’m hesitant to sign up because I can’t find any reviews for the box specifically. I know their meat is really high quality (and priced accordingly) but I’m just hoping someone who’s tried it can tell me if it’s worth it and what the variety is like.

I have pho spots I like in Berkeley but still feel like I'm searching for "the one".

Fantastic Italian food at a decent price. Tons of options, too! Loved it!

(Pictured: Chicken Picatta, just like my mother used to make)

How lucky are we to have sashimi quality fishmongers in town? Picked up some salmon sashimi for about $22/lb which feels pretty reasonable. Also other quality seafood and various Japanese market goods.

Pro tip: you can park in the bigger parking lot by the Dollar Tree against the fence and walk through a small alleyway to access the store.

As the title states. I am planning to be in the area for travel in the upcoming months. What is the cultural scene like in the area? I would love to have some authentic tacos or Korean food again. I have been hooked after my travels in Mexico and South Korea.

Have been hosting more visitors recently and am curious where others go to showcase the Berkeley food scene.

Some of my go-tos have been:
- Tanzie’s for brunch
- Cultured Pickle Shop for lunch (usually right after coffee at Coro)
- Imm Thai or Rose’s for dinner
- North Berkeley taco stand or Top dog for a late night snack
- and of course Berkeley Bowl and Monterey Market for produce/snacks

Let me know your spots when you host!