Corso is an Italian-style trattoria located on the quieter eastern side of University Avenue, near Party Sushi and Chic Salon. Started by Wendy Brucker and Roscoe Skipper of Rivoli, the restaurant is elegantly decorated. Stepping inside is akin to being in an eatery in Florence, Italy. The chefs here work hard behind the back counter cooking all food to order. A full wine bar is available.
It seems like there's always something going on at Fellini Ristorante. Monday through Thursdays have nightly bar specials; Thursdays are Spanish nights, featuring paella, sangria and salsa dancing; weekends offer a vegan-friendly brunch featuring such items as Vegan Benedict. Try a microbrew, a Soju vodka cocktail, or an organic espresso from Fellini Coffeebar next door, with Fellini's local, organic Mediterranean fare.
Riva Cucina, a Michelin-rated restaurant, focuses on locally-sourced organic ingredients to create its northern Italian fare. The space has a converted industrial feel, but warmly painted walls and dramatic curtains lend an inviting and dramatic feel. The patio shares its space with a fountain and pre-school. The menu changes daily, and Thursday nights feature Sagre menus in honor of the Italian food festivals of the same name. Reservations can easily be made online using Open Table.
This authentic Sicilian-style bistro is located in a quiet building at the edge of the Gourmet Ghetto in downtown Berkeley. From homemade Italian meatballs to baked Alaska and Tiramisu, the restaurant offers an array of food in an atmosphere reminiscent of a small bistro in Italy.
Kip's Restaurant is located on Durant Avenue in Berkeley. It is everything a college bar should be. During the day, Kip's Restaurant is a bar and restaurant serving pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches and even a few Asian dishes. At night, Kip's Restaurant turns into a bit of a dance club. So whether you're looking for a bite to eat or you're out for drinks with friends, stop by Kip's Restaurant.
Espresso Roma, a beloved local cafe and gathering place for people of all ages, is a great spot for a sandwich, panini or a cup of coffee. It has 28 tables situated outside on a tree-shaded, expansive patio and customers can expect to linger with friends or a computer, thanks to the free Wi-Fi. If the weather doesn't cooperate with outside seating, then the 18 inside tables offer a comfy refuge. Food items include fresh pastries, sandwiches, breakfast croissants and bagels, salads and panini sandwiches. Coffee is the staple here, but tea, Italian sodas, water, juice and sodas are also available.
