Make sure to spend some time in the "Gourmet Ghetto" on Shattuck Avenue in North Berkeley. At the top of the list of the neighbhorhood's many restaurants is undoubtedly the acclaimed Chez Panisse-the supposed birthplace of California Cuisine-but Café de La Paz is a more affordable choice if you're in the mood for something with Latin American flavor.
Burger lover's should visit one of the Bay's Barney Burgers-with two in Oakland (on College and Piedmont Avenues); and two in Berkeley (on Shattuck and Solano Avenues). The plethora of burgers and generous salads are good enough, but where these joints really stand out is with their three different kinds of French fries (the spicy curly fries are the best) and perfect milkshakes/malts, including one made with blackberries.
For an expensive, but worth it night of South Pacific drinking and dining, head to Trader Vic's on the Emeryville waterfront on Anchor Drive. The restaurant has bay views from most seats, an entire menu of exotic drinks, and wonderfully prepared Tropical and Asian delights-including some outstanding appetizers.
For a spartan atmosphere but some of the best Chinese you'll ever have, head to Damo in Richmond's Pacific East Mall off of Central Street. About a dozen seafood tanks, incredible dumplings and pot stickers and an open kitchen where you can watch the kitchen team in action.
Berkeley's trendy Fourth Street is a great area with a handful of very good restaurants. Café Rouge is a casually elegant, pleasantly lively spot serving hip Continental and Euro fare; for something a bit more old school, try Spenger's Fish Grotto, which serves good seafood in a classic maritime atmosphere.
Tapas fans should spend an evening at Fonda on Solano Avenue in Albany. This hip and lively two-floor eatery has seating that ranges from comfy couches to barside spots where you can watch the meals being prepared, and the creative small dishes-ranging from pork tostaditas to wonderful small salads-are perfect for sharing; an entire menu of beer, wine and drinks is another bonus.
Yoshi's in Jack London Square is a classy, but colorful destination with frequent live jazz and wonderful sushi, plus some Japanese fare fused with California-fresh ingredients. The desserts, like a pumpkin crème caramel, are worth saving some appetite for.
For arguably the best Italian in the East Bay, go to Oliveto's on College Avenue, with a boisterous café section downstairs and a fine dining area upstairs. The restaurant is situated in the trendy Rockridge neighborhood, a fun visit day or night.
