Tapas Restaurants in Berkeley, CA

La Marcha Tapas Bar Spanish • $$$
2026 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Paella Marinera Seafood Paella
Arroz Negro Squid Ink Paella
Boar Meatballs in Sauce
Churros Con Chocolate
Spanish Cheese Plate
Calamares PO’Chico
Gambas a La Parilla
Mushroom Croquetas
Piquillos Rellenos
Brussels Sprouts

“Finally tried this little gem on San Pablo Avenue after passing it for years saying, ‘I gotta try that little gem’.A couple friends and I managed to get a same day reservation at the corner of the bar, which worked out perfectly.We ordered exclusively from the tapas menu, and I’m glad we did although I’m sure their paella and mains are equally exquisite.Everything from their BIMI to cheese platter, to croquettes and churros for desert were a delight. Each plate had its own distinct and satisfying flavor, and nothing we ordered disappointed.I suggested the octopus which sounded splendid, but my friends protested that octopuses (octopi?) were too smart to eat, so we compromised on their dumb cousins, squid. Dumb maybe, delicious certainly!Being a dedicated carnivore, I had little hope for the mushroom croquettes , but they were also scrumptious. Better yet were the chicken and crab croquettes, with each of us expressing a preference for one or the other. If you have to chose, I say go for the crab and my friends would say go for the chicken. The best solution is to order them both!The atmosphere of La Marcha is ‘classy casual’, and very lovely. Every table seemed to be celebrating something, much like you’d expect on a warm summer evening in Barcelona.As the saying goes, “You can judge a person by the company they keep” and I think this can be applied to La Marcha’s ownership. He/She/They must be remarkable people to attract the kind of talented chefs and servers who made our evening complete.I was too shy to ask our server her name, but I think one of the other (regulars?) called her Seejay (which isn’t a real name… I Googled it), or Cindy (a name I haven’t heard since the Brady Brunch). I’ll go with Seejay because it is as uncommon and unexpected as this young lady. Anyway, you’ll know who I am talking about when you go there. Seejay fills the room with her beauty and charisma, and she seemed to be one-person army. I don’t know if they were understaffed that day, or if Seejay just takes on the responsibility for the entire restaurant, but she seemed to be everywhere at once, and yet the level of service she provided my party made us all feel like we were sitting in the VIP section of some swanky club. I hope and trust that the ownership recognizes what a blessing they have with Seejay (or Cindy… whatever).Well, that’s about it. If you are still hesitant to give La Marcha a try, then all I can say is thatyou are more squid than octopus.“

4.2 Good223 Reviews

2
Kiraku

Kiraku Japanese • $$$
2566B Telegraph Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Chawan-Mushi w Snow Crab and Matsutake Mushroom
Grilled Tsukune Chicken & Cartilage Skewer
Ankimo Mousse w Sweet Potato Chips
Corn Tempura with Green Tea Salt
American Wagyu Beef Tataki
American Wagyu Beef Nigiri
Maitake Mushrooms Tempura
Scallion Seafood Pancake
Beef Tongue Skewer Box
Sweet Potato Brulee

“This is arguably the best Japanese Izakaya in the Bay Area. I frequently come visit from Canada and I actually make it a priority when I’m in town to visit a minimum of 1 time every 2 months. The food, atmosphere, and the staff make it the best experience- especially Angelina. 10/10 recommend to make time to eat here!“

4.7 Superb80 Reviews
Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya Izakaya • $$$
2451 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Wagyu Yakiniku and Seafood
Sea Beans & Corn Tempura
House Made Soft Tofu
Basque Cheesecake
Sashimi Moriawase
Hojicha Ice Cream
Shishito Peppers
Chicken Karaage
Agedashi Tofu
Duck Confit

“Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Price: 4/5Atmosphere: 5/5 This is still one of my absolute favorite spots in Berkeley. The food is always consistently delicious and the service is great. The ambiance is relaxing and chill. The prices are a bit higher than most restaurants, but the quality of the food is worth it in my opinion.“

3.8 Good81 Reviews
Kinda Izakaya Izakaya • $$
1941A University Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Scallops Sashimi
Large Poke Bowl
Yakitori
Gyoza

“Excellent selections and tastes. Not too expensive and high quality dishes. We tried a number of dishes and surprisingly everything was wonderful. Really! Atmosphere is jovial and a bit noisy, but in a good way. Definitely worth a visit, even if you are not a Japanese food fan.“

4.3 Superb105 Reviews
Beta Lounge Lounges • $$
2129 Durant Ave, Berkeley

“I found this place on yelp, my wife and I decided to go. The place is cozy, the food average, wine a bit expensive, the bartender was nice and attentive. I'll give a 4 out 5. I can recommend this place but they have to improve a few things on the menu.“

4.4 Superb31 Reviews
Oori Triangles Japanese • $
2177 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Teriyaki Rice Triangles
Short Rib Triangle
Edamame
Plate

“Incredibly delicious, affordable, and filling rice triangles. I love stopping by to order here whenever I’m in the area. The food is delicious and a perfect meal. Personally, 2 rice triangles fills me up just right, I get the teriyaki chicken ones personally.“

4.3 Superb41 Reviews

7
Fonda

Fonda Mexican • $$
1501 Solano Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Skirt Steak
Chicken Flautas

“Wow! That should encapsulate everything I'm about to say. To start things off to a strong warm welcoming for me, duck as a protein is a sign that this place was meant to be. The duck tacos with guacamole and pomegranate seeds were a nice end to my day. I confess I'm now using pomegranate when I roast a duck! At Fonda, the meat is tender, juicy, and so flavorful. An unexpected treat! The fried plantains are delightful and they're paired with black beans, cream, and salsa molcajete. If you're not a fan of overtly spicy things, like me, get the salsa on the side as I will in the future but regardless, all things were tasty! The drinks are well made and thoughtful. It didn't feel like I was just ordering from a generic drink menu. The Fonda drink was delightful. Overall I suggest this place for lovers of Latin food. On my try list: mushroom empanadas, tuna tartare, and fish tacos. I believe I shall pair it with an Idle Hands cocktail! Great job to the chefs and staff at Fonda!“

4.2 Good37 Reviews
Vanessa's Bistro French • $$
1715 Solano Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter Egg Noodles
Crispy Saigon Chicken Rolls
Prawns with Garlic Noodles
Shaking Filet Mignon Salad
Shaking Beef Salad
Salt&Pepper Tofu
Beef Carpacio
Tofu Dish

“Incredible experience, delicious food, fantastic atmosphere. Big thanks to the entire Vanessa’s team for making tonight’s event a special one. It couldn’t have been better!We had a group of 20 for a birthday party. Vi created a special menu for us. From the salad to the prawns, the garlic short ribs, to the garlic crab noodles, everything was impressive. They were even able and happy to accommodate some dietary restrictions.Again, thank you to the entire Vanessa’s team!Vegetarian options: Great vegetarian and pescatarian optionsDietary restrictions: They were cognizant of dietary restrictionsParking: Free street parking after 6p“

4.2 Good41 Reviews
4bells Public House Tapas/Small Plates • $$
984 University Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Cheese

“We went to watch the game and this place was packed and fun! Menu had a large variety of food and is very creative. I enjoyed the oxtail mac and cheese - creamy and delicious. The portions are large, and pricing im is fair. Service here is amazing, i will plan on going here more often.“

3.9 Good106 Reviews
KoKoLo Donburi Berkeley Japanese • $
2237 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Kokolo Signature Chicken Wings
Baked Katsudon Bowl
Sauce Katsu Don
Mixed Tempura
Fried

“I ordered the Curry Tonkatsu Bowl with chicken and I enjoyed the chicken. The chicken katsu was crunchy and thick with meat. The meat also wasn't dry. The curry flavor had a strange taste. It was very sweet compared to normal curry. The proportion size compared to price is pretty average. The restaurant is self service. It's actually a very good place to sit and study with friends because the tables are huge and I think the restaurant is generally not too crowded. The ambiance is also very casual. I would come back just to hang out with friends again and try another thing on the menu.“

3.5 Good51 Reviews
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