Best Comfort Food Restaurants in Berkeley

37 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bardo Lounge & Supper Club restaurant

1. Bardo Lounge & Supper Club

4.8

Exceptional(489)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Oakland

Booked 21 times today

Recommended in the MICHELIN Guide for California 2021-2023. Located in Oakland’s historic Grand Lake District, Bardo is a neighborhood lounge and restaurant inspired by the comfort and camaraderie of a mid-century dinner party. Drawing on the celebration and elegance of old school entertaining, we envisioned a space for friends and neighbors to enjoy amazing food, cocktails, conversation and great music. Our lounge is a swank living room, furnished with hand-picked finds from antique and vintage markets from Palm Springs to Portland. Our mezzanine dining room features a rotating menu of fresh, seasonal supper-fare with local and sustainably sourced meats, fish and produce. While we think the food, drinks and atmosphere are all great reasons to visit us, it’s the relationships with our friends, neighbors and guests that is the driving force behind Bardo.

2. MUA

4.4

Awesome(1382)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Oakland

Booked 35 times today

MUA is known for its open atmosphere, eclectic décor, art events and, of course, its delicious food. Ideal for large parties or intimate gatherings, the spacious dining room creates a relaxed, casual vibe for guests to enjoy their meals. A large selection of wines, cocktails and beers make MUA a great spot for an evening out with friends. Family owned and run Mua was one of the first restaurants to open in what was then Auto Row in Oakland, in 2008. After their first 2 restaurants, Pastoral in Berkeley (first opened in 1982 while still students, 37 in the architecture program at Cal and San-Ju painting at SFAI) then later Soizic (Jack London Square, 1996), they wanted to shift gears from heavily curated menus to more comfort-based fare catering more to the eclectic and artistic community in Oakland. Today you’ll find people of all ages and backgrounds, from Too Short to Jerry Brown.

3. Juanita & Maude

4.8

Exceptional(1757)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Albany

Booked 31 times today

An intimate neighborhood restaurant, Juanita & Maude features Chef Scott Eastman's personal take on American Cuisine. The daily changing menu highlights classic dishes including Michelin Guide's top 5 hamburger in California. His refined comfort food is matched with seasonal craft cocktails and an international wine list. Juanita & Maude's lively dining room or serene outdoor patio is the perfect spot for a night out, celebration or special occasion. Conveniently located near the corner of Solano and San Pablo Avenues.

A photo of Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt restaurant

4. Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt

4.7

Exceptional(667)

Price: Moderate

• American • Oakland

Booked 42 times today

May and David Wasem's flagship location Grand Lake Kitchen location offers American classics and warm hospitality. An all-day cafe specializing in brunch and dinner! Maximum party size for regular reservations is 8 at Lake Merritt and 15at the Dimond location.Grand Lake Kitchen at Lake Merritt has a full bar, bustling dining room, outdoor patio, take-out counter, and The Bubble Room (private dining)

5. Casa Orinda

4.7

Exceptional(2525)

Price: Expensive

• American • Orinda

Booked 39 times today

Casa Orinda has been serving the finest Western and Italian food in the area for the past 84 years. We are famous for our fried chicken, prime beef, and classic Italian pasta, chicken, and veal dishes -- everything being made from scratch in our kitchen using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients. Our full service mahogany bar is a popular stop for locals and visitors looking for a nice refreshment and a hearty meal in a cozy, friendly atmosphere. We have three dining rooms, each with a slightly different character afforded by our hand-formed brass hearth fireplace, Western original art collection, famous antique gun collection, and alluring floral arrangements.

A photo of alaMar Dominican Kitchen restaurant

6. alaMar Dominican Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(197)

Price: Expensive

• Caribbean • Oakland

Booked 18 times today

alaMar is a Contemporary Dominican Kitchen located in the hip Uptown Oakland area. Bravo TV's Top Chef Season 18 Contestant, Chef Nelson German, dives deep into his Dominican culture at alaMar by offering a regional menu of foods he grew up on that his mom, grandmother, and Aunt Maritza would cook and NYC-style Dominican street foods he enjoyed as a child. German brings a unique take to family recipes with his contemporary NYC twist on traditional dishes, including his popular braised oxtail dish. There is indoor seating and a dog-friendly patio with heaters for al fresco dining. The not-to-be-missed craft cocktail program reflects Caribbean influences such as the signature Mamajuana cocktail.

7. Oeste

4.6

Exceptional(62)

Price: Moderate

• American • Oakland

Booked 11 times today

Oeste is a 100 seat bar and kitchen with a rooftop deck, located in the heart of Old Oakland. At Oeste, we are committed to providing an inviting and inclusive atmosphere, offering food for the soul, and pouring the highest quality spirits, wines and beers. We offer exemplary dishes by focusing on fresh, organic and sustainably farmed ingredients, fusing California cuisine with Latin, Southern and Asian influences. Enjoy one of our signature tap margaritas while lounging on the deck or watching a Warriors game at the bar. Come solo or with friends and family and enjoy what Oeste has to offer!

A photo of Bellanico Restaurant and Wine Bar restaurant

8. Bellanico Restaurant and Wine Bar

4.8

Exceptional(2068)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Oakland

Booked 20 times today

Bellanico Restaurant & Wine Bar saves some tables for walk-ins, please call Bellanico directly for large party reservations. Bellanico is a continuation of Chris Shepherd & Elizabeth Frumusa’s successful restaurant in San Francisco, Aperto in Potrero Hill. Bellanico is a neighborhood restaurant located in the Glenview district of Oakland. The name Bellanico is derived from their daughters’ nicknames, Bella & Nico. The Bellanico staff take great pride in food, service and wine. We serve rustic Italian cuisine that changes seasonally. We are dedicated to serving the best seasonal, local, sustainable and organic products that they can find. Bellanico features Pitman Farms Chicken, Prather Ranch Meat, Duroc Pork and only wild caught fish and seafood. It also features a wine bar offering Old World wines with an emphasis on Italian wines. There are more than 25 wines by the glass & 6 different flights of wine.

A photo of Harborview Restaurant & Bar restaurant

9. Harborview Restaurant & Bar

4.5

Awesome(1449)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 99 times today

Located at Four Embarcadero Center, Harborview Restaurant & Bar serves quintessential Cantonese Cuisine and traditional yet innovative dim sum and banquet menus, with impeccable service in an elegant and relaxed atmosphere. With a main dining room seating more than 200, Harborview also features a full bar, patio, private dining and special event space. Harborview is a combination of traditional Cantonese classics and our own original recipes, using the finest ingredients. We look forward to serving you soon!Harborview Restaurant Team

A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant

10. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(4238)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 107 times today

Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Theresa
London •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The best food and scene in Oakland. It's noisy...but fun!
More info
MUAPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Oakland
•
4.4
N
NancyVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We enjoy Casa Orinda for the comfort food and being able to get great Fried Chicken, thank you.
More info
Casa OrindaPrice: Expensive• American• Orinda
•
4.7
T
Tim
San Francisco Bay Area •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Another great evening at one the best restaurants in the country. The consistently innovative menu with flavors and combinations from around the world but united by a Bay Area perspective always has great choices and is unfailing delicious. Great vibe and comfortable atmosphere starting with Nick at the front of the house to every member of the staff.
More info
Juanita & MaudePrice: Very Expensive• American• Albany
•
4.8
C
Carla
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 1, 2025
I have been to Grand Lake Kitchen 3 times in the last month. Everything tastes amazing from the Mocha Espresso, Pastrami Benedict, the Salmon Benedict and cannot forget to mention the french toast. We were completely happy when we dined there. The last waiter was so good and attentive I gave him an extra tip. I highly recommend making a reservation because this place is packed!!
More info
Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake MerrittPrice: Moderate• American• Oakland
•
4.7
A
Amitava
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 28, 2024
I went to Bardo Lounge & Supper Club on 27th December with my family. There were 5 of us. We were not celebrating any occasion. In one simple word, our impression was that the food was outstanding! Starting from the first course, the Pickled Seasonal Veg, Apple & Parsnip soup, the Fall Salad and the main entre, we devoured the food. Four out of five of us had the 6 oz, Bardo Burger, which was delicious. Incidentally, we noticed only one dish based on fish, with hardly any sea food in the menu! The service was good! All in all, this was a restaurant where we will go again and again with friends and family!
More info
Bardo Lounge & Supper ClubPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Oakland
•
4.8

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37 restaurants available nearby

1. Bardo Lounge & Supper Club

2. MUA

3. Juanita & Maude

4. Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt

5. Casa Orinda

6. alaMar Dominican Kitchen

7. Oeste

8. Bellanico Restaurant and Wine Bar

9. Harborview Restaurant & Bar

10. Original Joe's - San Francisco

See what locals rave about

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