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Ajanta
1888 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707 · 510-526-4373
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SOLANO AVENUE. Highlighting the cuisines of different regions, Ajanta expands Berkeley's culinary horizons with a monthly changing menu. Elegant décor gives the restaurant an authentic feel that's suitable even for special occasions. On the mneu you'll find numerous vegetarian options, along with some unusual choices that are well worth trying. Samosas and pakoras are always welcome starters, but try something a little different, such as succulent tandoori asparagus. Biriyanis, kormas, and masalas are all wonderful – in other words, virtually everything on the menu is wonderful. And don't miss the garlic naan!
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GOURMET GHETTO. Café de la Paz's hip, tapas style menu is ideal for showcasing the cuisines of Latin America, and the festive décor perfectly complements the food. The idea is to try many items, sharing and tasting throughout the meal. Highlights include fried plantains with ancho créma, Brazilian goat cheese turnovers, the signature primavera salad with roasted corn, pumpkin seeds, and avocado, and an awesome marinated pork shoulder chop. Weekend brunch is quite popular too. Try the Cachapas de Jojoto – Venezuelan corn pancakes with green onion, red chile crema, and queso fresco. Other standouts are cinnamon French toast with coconut almond raisin sauce and a mean chilaquiles. Do not leave without dessert – the Chocolate-Mocha-Kahlua Experience is divine.
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César
1515 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709 · 510-883-0222
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GOURMET GHETTO. This festive Spanish hotspot attracts a diverse clientele with sensational tapas and excellent wines and cocktails. Small-plate delicacies are much more than delicate though – they're boldly flavored and rich in appeal. Savory options include pickled anchovies, elegant Serrano ham, grilled shrimp, and herb-tinged potatoes. Couple them with an inventive drink made by César's talented bartenders. Salads, sandwiches, and pastries are also available. Reservations not accepted. Smart casual dress. BART: Downtown Berkeley or North Berkeley
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Fonda
1501 Solano Ave, Albany, CA · 510-559-9006
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SOLANO AVENUE. Another trendy tapas place, Fonda has the distinction of being owned by the same folks who brought us Jimmy Bean's and Lalime's. The festive two-story restaurant is roomy and fun, with a mixture of furniture styles and colorful accents. Menu stars include a dish of toasted peanuts and pumpkin seeds with garlic and lime, duck and pomegranate tacos with arbol salsa, grilled skirt steak with blue cheese, and tiradito, a tuna carpaccio with minced Serrano chiles and wedges of lime. Be prepared for a (worthwhile) wait dudring peak hours, because reservations are only taken for groups of six or more.
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Khana Peena
1889 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA · 510-528-2519
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SOLANO AVENUE. Fans of Indian cuisine will definitely not want to miss Khana Peena. The relaxed yet elegant dining room is great for gatherings of family or friends, but for something a bit more private, reserve one of the curtained booths at the back. Breads are notable, especially cashew golden raisin naan, garlic naan, and protha, pan fired whole wheat bread stuffed with spiced potatoes or cauliflower. Among the tandoori options you'll find a beautiful vegetable platter, venison chops, wild boar chops, lobster tail, fish and lamb; biryanis and masalas are also quite good. Several Indian beers are available, too.
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Big and boisterous, this Mexican eatery appeals to adults and kids, with a menu of familiar favorites liberally sprinkled with more traditional dishes. Quesadillas and nachos are reliable, especially with fresh house-made salsa. Enchiladas verdes are second to none, and chiles rellenos are about as authentic as you'll find in the States. Adventurous diners will like the less commonplace selections, such as sopes de hongos (masa cakes filled with creamy mushroom ragout), red snapper tacos, and butternut squash-poblano tamales. And weekend brunch here is great when you've grown weary of plain old eggs and bacon. Try the Enfrijoladas or chilaquiles, along with a cup of Mexican hot chocolate – that'll perk you right up.
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GOURMET GHETTO. It's just been one of those days: you slept through the alarm and were late to work, you've been on the phone or in meetings all morning, you've got a ton of errands to run, and it's already 2pm and you haven't even thought about lunch yet. You need something quick, healthy, and satisfying, and Truly Mediterranean fits the bill. Kabobs and shawerma are reliably good, but for something a little different, try the Mansaf, lamb cooked in yogurt sauce, sprinkled with pine nuts and almonds. There are many vegetarian options, too, including tangy dolmas, Mojaddara, and a vegan treat of seasoned lentils and bulgur with caramelized onions.
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Udupi Palace
1901-1903 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704 · 510-843-6600
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UNIVERSITY AVENUE. This small local chain is a favorite with vegans and vegetarians, but if you're a carnivore, don't let that stop you. You will never miss the meat, honestly. The utilitarian décor may not be particularly interesting, but the food will transport you to a different place anyway. Fans love that the menu has lots of dosas, and that virtually every dish can be made vegan by request. Bear in mind though, that when they say spicy, they really mean spicy!
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Zax Tavern
2826 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705 · 510-848-9299
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TELEGRAPH AVENUE. What used to be known as Zax Restaurant in San Francisco's North Beach area is now called Zax Tavern, and it's in Berkeley! The contemporary décor made the move, along with much of the European-American menu. The signature twice-baked goat cheese soufflé appetizer is as sublime as ever, and the duck liver salad with bacon and a warm poached egg is a Francophile's dream. Entrees are fresh and unique, like braised lamb with caponata and mascarpone polenta, or halibut with risotto, English peas, Manila clams and crispy leeks.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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