À Côté
5478 College Ave, Oakland
www.acoterestaurant.com/

Specializing in Mediterranean-influenced small plates (pommes frites and mussels are among the more popular dishes), À Côté offers an intimate, warm yet bustling environment inside and plentiful outdoor seating on the heated patio that is an ideal spot for larger groups. Excellent beer and wine selection.

Barlata
4901 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
http://www.barlata.com/

Barlata's menu covers the whole Iberia Peninsula. Specialties include a wide selection of Spanish wines and a wonderful vegetarian paella, plus a wide assortment of more adventurous tapas (pigs feet anyone?). NO RESERVATIONS.

Bocanova
55 Webster St. (Jack London Square), Oakland
http://bocanova.com/index.shtml

Combining the vibrant flavors and savory ingredients of Central and South America, the aromatic flavors and ancient inspirations of the Mediterranean, and the best and freshest sustainably grown and raised foodstuffs of the Bay Area, Bocanova is known for it's innovative Pan-American cuisine.

Boot & Shoe Service
3308 Grand Ave, Oakland
http://bootandshoeservice.com

The sister restaurant to Pizzaiolo, Boot & Shoe Service is meant to be a local hangout. The name comes from the signage for the former tenant and the restaurant caters to walk-in customers. Also focusing on Italian cuisine (including some of the best pizza in the area!), Boot & Shoe has expanded hours, offering lunch and a weekend brunch as well as dinner service. NO RESERVATIONS.

Burma Superstar

4721 Telegraph Ave, Oakland

http://www.burmasuperstar.com/index.html

A San Francisco institution, this East Bay outpost opened a few years ago and the lines have been out the door since day one. The Tea Leaf and Rainbow Salads are must orders. NO RESERVATIONS and be prepared to wait, but it's worth it!

Comal
2020 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
www.comalberkeley.com

California-inspired Mexican food in a gorgeous downtown Berkeley space. Tortillas are made fresh daily on site. Plates change often to include seasonal and/or high quality ingredients. Comal is one of the only places in the area where one can have a tlayuda, a kind of Mexican pizza. Full bar offers 10 signature cocktails. Margaritas are a favorite among diners. NO RESERVATIONS.

Everett & Jones
126 Broadway, Oakland
http://www.eandjbbq.com

A true East Bay institution, Everett & Jones has been serving up some of the best bbq in the Bay Area since 1973.

Gather
2200 Oxford St., Berkeley
www.gatherrestaurant.com

Just across Oxford Street from the UC Berkeley campus, Gather has enjoyed a loyal following since first opening its doors in 2009. Ambiance combines casual (the bar and tables are made from reclaimed wood) with the sophisticated (table cloths and California wines). While the basic or often unusual pizzas are what many come for, there is always an assortment of entree plates made up of fresh ingredients for the omnivore and herbivore alike.

Mua
2442 Webster St., Oakland
www.muaoakland.com

Mua (Korean for “another world”) stands in a large, unassuming building on Oaklandʼs auto row, but once inside, the ambiance reflects the energy and enthusiasm that can be found a few blocks West. Since itʼs opening, Mua has gained a reputation for offering fare on par with some of San Franciscoʼs busiest gourmet spots at a fraction of the price. Bright salads, highly rated burgers and signature cocktails make this a favorite Oakland spot.

Pizzaiolo*
5008 Telegraph Avenue(near 51st St.), Oakland
www.pizzaiolooakland.com

In the heart of Oakland's bustling Temescal district, this popular pizza joint offers wood-fired pies, pastas, and other Italian-inspired dishes, crafted from organic and sustainably sourced ingredients. Exposed brick walls in this 140-year old former hardware store feature local artwork, and the atmosphere is at once rustic and hip. Squid pizza, fried chicken, and juicy meatballs are not to be missed. Artisanal cocktails and wines are also excellent.

Potola Vegan Restaurant
1045 San Pablo Avenue
Albany (between Gilman St. and Marin Ave., about 2 miles from the hotel)
http://www.potalavegan.com/

Dinner is a set course of soup, grains, beans, vegetables and salad made from organic ingredients. You order by the size that you want. Includes all the kukicha tea you can drink. Menu changes daily and is available on the website. NO RESERAVATIONS.

Saul's Restaurant & Delicatessen
1475 Shattuck Avenue (at Vine), Berkeley
www.saulsdeli.com

A New York-style Jewish deli with a California twist in Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto. Delicious beef brisket, reuben sandwiches, and egg creams. Friendly, low-key, and reasonably priced. NO RESERVATIONS.

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto*
1919 Fourth Street, Berkeley
http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/Locations/berkeley-california/FourthSt.aspx

For seafood your grandma loved, in a kitschy atmosphere, head to Spenger's. This restaurant has been a Berkeley institution since 1890. Located near the hotel on Fourth Street just off University Avenue.

T-Rex Restaurant & Bar*
1300 10th St., Berkeley
http://www.t-rex-bbq.com/

T-Rex Restaurant & Bar was built to be a Berkeley barbecue hot spot, where taste meets comfort. Providing amazing food that mixes the traditional barbecue taste with new flavors. From meat to veggies we not only please the brisket lovers, but bring spice to the greens-goers as well. It's a place to have fun with family and friends, where you can always kick back and watch the game. A family friendly space that not only has delicious food, but good beer and great cocktails.

Vikʼs Chaat Corner
2390 4th St., Berkeley
http://www.vikschaatcorner.com

This is a no-frills, no fuss (in fact, no forks; sporks keep costs down) Indian spot that has been a Berkeley staple since 1989. Itʼs off the beaten path and does not advertise, but that doesnʼt keep people from around the Bay Area and beyond (Indian people living in Fremont make the trip regularly) away from the delicious street food that makes Vikʼs a local favorite. Ingredients are fresh, the food is outstanding and most plates are well under the $10 mark. NO RESERVATIONS.

Zatar*
1981 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley
http://www.zatarrestaurant.com/home.html

Zatar offers an eclectic Mediterranean cuisine influenced by the Iraqi upbringing of Chef Waiel Majid. Dishes commonly reflect the savory spices of Morocco, Lebanon, and Syria, as well as other parts of North Africa and the Middle East: Having lived and travelled all over the Mediterranean, the Majid's also find inspiration in Spanish, Southern French and Italian cooking. Above all, Zatar emphasizes the use of fresh, organic, seasonal ingredients of the highest quality. CASH ONLY.