If you want a breakfast or brunch chock full of the freshest and most locally sourced ingredients, you can't go wrong with a brunch at Gather. As the name suggests, this modern but inviting restaurant emphasizes the central importance of food in our everyday lives. You'll feel the care and craft that goes into every organic bite, from brunch staples like their classic Spicy Bloody Mary (vodka, tomato, horseradish, chili, pickle) to their Community Grains Amber Wheat Pancakes (charred apples, ginger, maple syrup.) If you want a breakfast or brunch that considers the health of the whole planet as well as your own health, be sure to check out Gather.
Recommended for Berkeley's Best Breakfast because: Gather is essential Berkeley - good food locally grown - and a must-stop for any foodie.
Tom's expert tip: Start with the Market Omelette (chèvre, cremini mushroom, spinach) and you'll forget why you ever needed plain ham and eggs.
Although it was founded as a private business, the Cheese Board philosophy has always been that of a collectively owned and operated enterprise. Each member owns an equal share of the business, contributes an equal number of hours, and has a position on the board of directors. Perhaps since everyone has so much of themselves invested, the shop and café have been amazingly popular and successful. Along with an astounding variety of artisan cheeses, the shop specializes in out of this world homemade breads and pastries. There are a few tables out front where you can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee or tea, along with a muffin, scone, or tasty sandwich.
Recommended for Berkeley's Best Breakfast because: Although best-known for pizza, The Cheeseboard Collective's bakery is also a my breakfast option.
Tom's expert tip: Try the Berkeley buns that come with "assorted mystery cheeses" if you like something savory for breakfast.
At Henry's you'll find great food, a comfortable atmosphere, and friendly service from morning to night. Breakfast is a surefire hit — the Chef's Hangover Special (cheese omelet, pancakes, bacon, fried potatoes, and coffee) is a steal. For something a little different, choose the corn-flake crusted French toast with cinnamon butter. Lunch and dinner options include fabulous burgers and sandwiches, plus entrees like fish 'n chips, meatloaf, and pasta. The pace picks up at night, when Henry's really shows its sports bar side. Draught beer choices include European favorites such as Boddingtons, as well as domestics like Fat Tire and Sierra Nevada.
Recommended for Berkeley's Best Breakfast because: Henry's, located in the Graduate Hotel, has been a UC Berkeley eating institution since 1928.
Tom's expert tip: Dig into the Henry's Continental Breakfast, which includes two pastries, fresh fruit, sweet better, and fruit preserves.
This respected and popular restaurant has a well-deserved reputation, especially when it comes to breakfast or brunch. Whether you're an "eggs and bacon" type or a pancakes person, Venus has got you covered. Fresh fruits and veggies play a role in many breakfast dishes, as do homemade sausages and breads. There's even a vegetarian tofu scramble that will knock your socks off — it's brimming with mushrooms, peas, cauliflower, and other good things. Dinner is a surprisingly enchanting affair, replete with innovative salads, succulent roasted meats, and unusual sides. And everything is organic and free-range, to boot. Superlative location right on always happening Shattuck Avenue.
Recommended for Berkeley's Best Breakfast because: Not only a great romantic option for dinner, Venus serves a killer breakfast, too.
Tom's expert tip: Try the Venus Benedict: homemade english muffin, topped with two poached eggs, sliced tomatoes, spinach & hollandaise sauce.
Breakfast is served until 2pm at Saul's, so if you find yourself craving an omelet at noon, this is a great option. Try an open face deli omelet with pastrami, corned beef and salami, potato latkes with apple sauce and sour cream, or even kippers and eggs. Grilled deli sandwiches are also good, especially the Reuben and the Mega Mushroom, and they make a mean tuna melt. If you're watching your carbs, there are several big salads available, too. Smoked fish platters and daily specials are the way to go at dinner time.
Recommended for Berkeley's Best Breakfast because: Saul's is both a great breakfast place and a Berkeley institution.
Tom's expert tip: Check out "Eastern European Roots Music" on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month.
Best-described as an upscale diner, Rick & Anne's stands as a departure from the area's other high-profile eateries, eschewing haute cuisine for more traditional American fare. Owners Rick and Ann strive for "dishes we relished in our childhood." Among the top-flight comfort dishes highlighting the menu are macaroni and cheese served with sautéed spinach and a meatloaf sandwich with chipotle aioli, sweet peppers and grilled onions. Breakfast appetites, meanwhile, take solace in dishes like potato-cheese pancakes, red flannel hash two eggs any style, and hearty omelets. The setting meanwhile is relaxed and comfortable, making it easy to see why so many locals make multiple stops here each week.
Recommended for Berkeley's Best Breakfast because: Rick and Ann's is a great option for those who want a simple but delicious breakfast.
Tom's expert tip: Breakfast and lunch only. Hours are 7:30 am till 3 pm.
Formerly Jimmy Bean's, Lama Beans continues the tradition of serving excellent food at reasonable prices. Brother to Lalime's and Fonda, this casual eatery is deservedly popular at breakfast and lunch. The menu focuses on traditional American favorites prepared with the freshest seasonal produce, with plenty of healthy options too. Egg dishes are scrumptious, with Southwestern flair — along with your two over easy and fried potatoes, you get fresh salsa, chipotle sour cream, and cilantro pesto. Breakfast burritos, several versions of eggs Benedict, and French toast (made with cinnamon challah) are noteworthy, as well. Reservations not accepted. Traditional look but very eco-friendly.
Recommended for Berkeley's Best Breakfast because: Lama Beans was a local favorite for years as Jimmy Bean's, and that excellent tradition continues.
Tom's expert tip: Try the Chorizo Sausage Scramble with chorizo, salsa fresca, and cheddar cheese.
Tex-Mex breakfast dishes are popular at Sconehenge, but the baked goods are awesome. Drop by for a scone or a fruity pastry, and you'll be hooked. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, so you may find yourself returning more than once. Many of their products are also available in local supermarkets. Great location on the corner of Shattuck and Stuart, so you can either sit down to a full meal or grab that delectable pastry to go and start your day immediately. Don't pass up their special English Tea Scones, which can be ordered and have even received rave reviews from Europeans, who know a thing or two about scones.
Recommended for Berkeley's Best Breakfast because: Sconehenge Bakery and Cafe puts lots of love and attention into every pastry they make.
Tom's expert tip: Heuvos! Whether it's the house special or "con Chorizo," you can't go wrong with huevos.
Earthy colors and a rustically elegant ambience suit this Provençal restaurant admirably. Country French cuisine receives expert treatment here, no matter what meal you're having. Breakfast and brunch are hugely popular, and you may encounter a wait, but once you sample the lemon gingerbread pancakes or cinnamon brioche French toast with lavender honey, or a perfect omelet, you won't be sorry. Lunch and dinner find classic French sandwiches and bright salads on the menu. A fun starter to share might be a platter of fruit and cheese, charcuterie, or crudités, and entrees include ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and snapper with a delicate mustard sauce. This being Berkeley, you'll also find plenty of vegetarian options.
Recommended for Berkeley's Best Breakfast because: La Note has been one of Berkeley's favorite breakfast spots for years.
Tom's expert tip: Start off with a simple pleasure: basket of assorted breads (brioche, croissant and baguette.)
Breakfast and lunch never had it so good! Bette serves up all the traditional favorites, like pancakes, waffles, and scrambled eggs, but since it's all made with the absolute freshest ingredients it tastes that much better. No limp, heat-lamped flapjacks here! Make no mistake, this is classic diner food, with the classic diner ambience to go with it, but everything is a notch above. The counters sparkle, the napkin dispensers gleam, the jukebox rocks, and the food sings. A visit to Bette's will not only include a memorable taste for breakfast, but patrons also get a real taste of what Berkeley is all about.
Recommended for Berkeley's Best Breakfast because: Bette's has been serving up delicious and nutritious Berkeley breakfast since 1982.
Tom's expert tip: Lines for breakfast can start as early as 6 am, so get there early!