Featured: Thousand Oaks Jewel
Neighborhood:
North Berkeley, Berkeley
North Berkeley, also called the Gourmet Ghetto, is centered along Shattuck north of University. It is considered the birthplace of innovative California cuisine. This movement was led by Alice Waters of Chez Panisse, a restaurant that continues to thrive to this day.
The real estate surrounding this foodie haven is quintessential Berkeley: single family homes overflowing with lavender and jasmine. It’s a great place to raise a family, or just eat great food!
Several culinary destinations have risen up around Waters’ famous restaurant, including César, the Cheese Board Collective and Cheese Board Pizza, Cioccolata Di Vino, the Juice Bar Collective and Cha Am. New, savory experiences include take out from Gregoire and Poulet, Brazillian food at Café de la Paz, a good old Jewish deli at Saul’s, cooking classes at Kitchen on Fire, delicious pastries at Masse's, cupcakes at Love At First Bite, vegan sushi at Cha Ya and Berkeley’s version of a food court, Epicurious Garden.
And if that isn’t enough there is a weekly farmer’s market and annual North Berkeley Spice of Life Festival.
Of course, there’s no shortage of shopping in the neighborhood, with Elephant Pharmacy, North Berkeley Wine, Vintage Berkeley (in the historic Vine Street pumping plant), Black Oak Books, and plenty of groceries (Andronico’s and Safeway are both in the neighborhood). Stop for a coffee at The French Hotel, or the very first location of Peet’s.
Whatever you do, North Berkeley and the Gourmet Ghetto are great places to live – and live well.