6 Eateries in Northside Berkeley That Are Worth the Walk

Northside Berkeley is a charming area filled with artisan shops, small businesses, and restaurants with beautiful sunset views. Whether you’re a local or just out for a leisurely stroll, it’s the ideal place to spend a weekend afternoon. The architecture is colorful and historical, catching your eye before you feast. Northside is also home to the renowned “Gourmet Ghetto”, the birthplace of the farm-to-table movement that promotes the use of fresh, locally grown produce in restaurants.

North Shattuck

Starting from North Gate on campus, the walk through the quaint neighborhoods to the bustling street is quiet and peaceful. Check out the following restaurants for a taste of what North Shattuck has to offer!

Grégoire

Established in 2002, Grégoire serves French-inspired gourmet sandwiches and salads in a high-end takeout style. With only enough room to order inside and two small outdoor tables, it’s perfect for grabbing your food to-go and having a picnic. The signature potato puffs are a must-try, with a crisp, fried outer shell and hot mashed potatoes inside. Dip them into the savory garlic aioli for some added flavor. While you wait for your order, you can watch them grill the sandwiches and catch the scent of barbecue meat wafting out the open window.

Eggy’s Neighborhood Kitchen

Nestled behind a food court, this Mexican-American brunch fusion spot reveals an aesthetic and flavorful dining experience. The outdoor patio resembles a lush garden oasis, flourished with bamboo stalks and a trickling stream. Its most popular dishes include the tres leches French toast, made with soft challah bread, and the birria tacos, served with a rich consommé. On weekends, a line of eager customers flows out into the hallway, with wait times up to 30 minutes. Despite the long wait, its creative dishes and sunny atmosphere will have you coming back for more. 

The Cheeseboard Collective

The Cheeseboard Collective is a 100% worker-owned cooperative that features a truly unique vegetarian pizza flavor every day. The pizzas are founded on thin sourdough crusts and topped with an exotic array of cheeses from Cheeseboard’s very own cheese store, just two doors down. Creativity is a huge source of pride for this pizzeria, motivating it to produce out-of-the-ordinary flavors ranging from roasted eggplant with mozzarella, to corn and poblano chile, to cremini mushroom with truffled Pecorino cheese. The pizza is served hot at the counter in generous portions, sometimes even with an extra slice or two as a kind gesture. You can also enjoy some groovy live music from local bands while you wait in line.

#SpoonTip: Dip your slice in Cheeseboard’s signature “green sauce” for an extra kick!

Euclid Ave.

Located directly across the road from North Gate, this jam-packed block of restaurants and hole-in-the-walls is a tasty escape between classes or during study breaks.

My-Oh-My

This Canadian shawarma spot is perfect for grabbing a hearty, filling meal to fuel you through those weary afternoons on campus. Aside from the typical shawarma wraps, platters, and bowls, Canadian poutines also make an unexpected appearance on the menu. All items have customizable spice levels and you can choose your own fresh toppings for the wraps. Don’t miss out on the fries—their lightly battered crunch and soft centers, dipped in garlic sauce, create a match made in heaven.

El Talpense

El Talpense, named after the city of Talpa in the Mexican highlands, is a sit-down restaurant that welcomes everyone—from large parties to casual lunch-goers to cocktail sippers—to settle in and unwind. The vibrant, colorful interior, adorned with hand-painted chairs, creates an inviting atmosphere where people can gather to enjoy traditional food and each other’s company. In typical familial fashion, it boasts enormous burritos and plates that will guarantee leftovers for tomorrow. Taco Tuesday and Happy Hour are weekly deals that attract a loyal crowd. Also, the complimentary chips and salsa are a refreshing starter while you browse the vast menu.

Delah Coffee

Stepping into this Yemeni cafe, you’re hit with the enticing aroma of fresh coffee and spices. It serves fragrant drinks including the specialty Yemeni latte, Adeni chai, and Arabian qahwa. The comfy seating, warm ambiance, and wide array of baked goods invite you to sit and stay a while. Fan favorites include “bee bites”, a honeycomb-shaped cheesy bread drizzled with honey, and milk cake, available in delicate flavors like rose and pistachio. You can always find students studying, families chatting, and sometimes even kittens playing in the cafe. Its proximity to campus makes it a cozy retreat to sit and work while enjoying a drink and snack.

If you’re ever in the Northside Berkeley area or want some fresh air, come over and check out these local hotspots. There are plenty of opportunities to learn about the culinary and neighborhood history, including how the original Peet’s Coffee transformed the scene. Whether you’re craving a mouthwatering meal, a charming atmosphere, or just a place to relax, Northside has so much to offer. 

Correction: December 13, 2024. A previous version of this article had a minor spelling error.

• Brunch
• Canadian
• Coffee
• French Food
• Mexican Food
• Pizza
• Restaurant Roundup
• Restaurants
• Sandwich