Gourmet Ghetto, Berkeley

Gourmet Ghetto is a stretch of Shattuck Avenue, a main north-south artery in Berkeley, with an abundance of restaurants, delis, and bakeries. Most of the food here is organic, local, and super fresh. Some of the eateries are sidewalk cafes though the large main road outside and the way the street lies in a shadow doesn't make this area as cozy, sunny, or separate as Solano Avenue or College Ave, with its bright cafes and coffee shops. Still, your taste buds will thank you if you make your way to this stretch of Shattuck Avenue, from the 1500 block and to the north.

Chez Panisse is the most famous and expensive eatery here. Epicurious Garden is an indoor mall of stores offering delicious treats- check out Lush Gelato and its garden with waterfall in the back. The Cheeseboard Pizza, one of the first to open in the late 60s, offers slices of gourmet pizza for only a few dollars. La Note offers the cuisine of Provence, France along with Jazz jam sessions and a garden. Jupiter has a happening feel in its outdoor beer garden and offers wood-fired pizza. The yummiest place of all, where we can't stop ourselves from returning, is Crepevine. This place is amazing! If there's two of you, split a savory crepe and a dessert crepe. Try the Thai Crepe for your entree and then have the Jamaican Crepe for dessert. It will blow your mind! You can sit outside or inside where the pale wood decor and casual atmosphere make it pleasant for groups of students from UC Berkeley or families with young kids alike.
Take a stroll along the side streets after your meal- there are some historic homes with pretty gardens filled with flowers.
Afterwards, head over for a romantic walk at the Berkeley Rose Garden. Or bring the kids for a wild play at Codornices Park.

Directions

Take Highway I-80 East to Berkeley. Exit at University Avenue. Go east on University Avenue for 1.5 miles. Turn left on Shattuck Avenue. After a few blocks, park along the road.
Crepevine, 1600 Shattuck Ave, call (510) 705-1836.
La Note, 2377 Shattuck Ave, call (510) 843-1535.
Chez Panisse, 1517 Shattuck Avenue, call (510) 548-5525.
Epicurious Garden Food Court, 1511 Shattuck Ave, call (510) 548-2466.
The Cheeseboard Pizza, 1512 Shattuck Ave, call (510) 549-3183.
Jupiter, 2181 Shattuck Ave, call (510) 843-8277.

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