Lunch breaks are very short; therefore,
the
restaurants on this list are not recommended
for lunchtime dining. Lunch options will be
listed in conference material given to attendees
upon signing in.
2190 Bancroft Way (at Oxford)
548-1322
A new Thai restaurant close to campus, this relative of northside's
Cha Am offers a huge variety of dishes, all of them with complex and
delicate spicing. Prices are quite moderate except for the specials,
which are high-end for this cuisine. Hua-Hin is especially good for
large parties, with two areas that provide some privacy from other
diners. Service is quick and friendly.
2115 Kittredge Street (above Shattuck)
843-7996
A small Chinese restaurant with many choices, unusual special
items and moderate prices. Near downtown theaters, Great China is
often very crowded and noisy, and service can be slow and
disorganized; but you will find dishes here that you cannot find
elsewhere, so if patient and understanding, you will be rewarded.
Inexpensive.
2142 Center Street (between Oxford and Shattuck)
841-4047
In the heart of downtown, close to campus and theaters is this
delightful French bistro, complete with outdoor tables. The
cooking is wonderful and the prices moderately high. This is
a good place for a relatively quick lunch, since you order and pay
at the counter and within a short time are feasting. Dinner brings
friendly and competent table service. Dining atmosphere
informal but sophisticated. Do not pass up this terrific place!
Closed Sundays.
2132 Center Street (between Oxford and Shattuck)
981-8373
Via Centro is another addition to the refurbished Center Street
downtown corridor. This cafe features tasty Italian bistro food in
an eclectically-sophisticated setting. There are outdoor tables for
lunch in the sun. Table service is friendly, the menu small and
select. Prices are high-end for both food and wine, but the cooking
is good. This is a popular place for dining before the theater and
is definitely worth a try. Open Sunday evenings.
2126 Center Street (between Oxford and Shattuck)
845-4020
Very close to campus, this new storefront restaurant serves very
good and moderately-priced Vietnamese cuisine. The menu
features a wide variety of dishes and many choices of soup, salad,
noodle- and rice-plates: all of them very tasty. The decor is warm
and inviting. Initially, service was friendly but slow, but things have
improved a lot.
2134 Allston Way (between Oxford and Shattuck)
549-0964
A downtown favorite, this extremely informal Mexican cafe offers a
wide variety of generously-portioned, inexpensive food. The fish
burritos are especially good. Orders are taken at the counter, and
service is quick. A plus is the serve-yourself salsa bar with a large
choice of sauces of varying spiciness.
2377 Shattuck Avenue (south of Durant)
843-1535
A charming Provençal cafe, La Note is open for breakfast, lunch and
weekend brunch, and serves dinner on Thursday, Friday and
Saturday. The food features quality ingredients with lovely French
accents. Salads are delicious. Sandwiches and main dishes are
moderately priced, although dinner specials are more expensive.
The small wine list is priced fairly. Tables are well spaced and
service is good; lovely background music adds to the ambiance.
A peaceful sunny patio out back is ideal for lunch or brunch.
2327 Shattuck Avenue (north of Durant)
540-5950
This very informal brick-walled cafe offers healthy American
breakfasts and eclectic lunches with a small, moderately-priced
menu. The menu expands at dinner, featuring a variety of
delicious soups, salads, and heartier fare. The service is personal
and friendly and the prices still moderate; what's more, there is a
good selection of vegetarian items. Located near downtown
theaters,Venus can be noisy when crowded, but no one
seems to mind.
2271 Shattuck Avenue (at Kittredge)
647-1790
This is a terrific two-story Irish pub and restaurant in the heart of
downtown Berkeley. The decor is inviting and warm, with portraits
of famous Irishmen looking down from the walls. Many of the
friendly staff speak with charming brogues, and service is quick.
The selection of beers, not surprisingly, is wonderful, and the
moderately-priced food traditional, hearty, and good. Irish music
plays in the background and the crowd is lively; everyone has
a good time. Open late.
2240 Shattuck Avenue (at Kittredge)
540-6351
A great location for an old-fashioned favorite, Mel's is open for
breakfast, lunch and dinner and is one of the very few places
downtown open late. Go after a movie, select some 50's songs on
the jukebox, have a milkshake with your burger and fries, and wallow
in nostalgia. The food is simple, generous, and good value for the
money. The onion crisps are especially tasty. This is not the place
for an intimate date, but kids and teenagers love it.