freshfunk5 "gastronomique magnifique!"

When you think Italian food has been overdone, come to Trattoria!

My friend and I discovered this while randomly driving down College Ave. I praise that day when the Gods smiled upon me.

Their food is very tasty. I find myself returning for the Bisteca (steak) and simple dishes like the Penne Giulietta. They do the the simple and complex very well. I once had the honor of having some lasagna (not on the menu) which was fabulous.

This place is family run and the owner’s are great. They are also sicilian. So don’t mess lest you find yourself sleeping with the fishes. Capisce? ;)

I would give them 5 stars but sometimes you can get european style service if they’re busy. And if you go on a busy night, be ready to wait. I recommend the cafe down the street.

Talk to anybody who went to Berkeley and they will know of Cafe Intermezzo.

Intermezzo is known to have THE best salads throughout Berkeley and maybe even the Bay Area. I highly recommend getting the poppy seed dressing. The first time I had it, I saw the light and took up religion!

You don’t have to be a hippie to eat here. If you want something fresh, light, tasty, and healthy, they have what you want — nah, what you NEED.

I’m also a fan of the hummus sandwhich. Mmm mmm delicious! Oh yeah. They’re cheap too!! College prices rule.

Cheese & Stuff might as well change their name to Savings & Load because they help put college kids through school. They do this because their food is so awesome yet so cheap! I don’t think I could’ve paid for school had it not been for this place.

Location in a prime location (especially if you’re a Unit 3 freshman (hahahahhaha.. sorry kids I had to laugh)), you may never know if it since it’s in an alley.

But words get around fast about this place. There are long lines during the busy lunch hour but they move fast, quick and efficiently.

Like many here, my friends and I discovered Charanga because the wait at Cha Cha Cha was ridiculously long. I thank the Gods it happened.

Charanga has flavor. It has that cuban/latin-american flavor.. the kinda that shakes your booty and wiggles your tongue. You’ll pay more than you would at Cha Cha Cha, but you taste buds will thank you for it! Try the mussels, fish and other assorted seafood. Get something fried. Almost everything I’ve had here has been either delicious or interesting.

One warning though: the restaurant does not seat many so get here early or be prepared to wait if you’re going on a weekend night. It’s worth trying at least once!

In the mood for French? This little delight can be found on Solano Avenue. The restaurant is on the small side so call for reservations unless you plan on having a late supper. The atmosphere is on the nicer side of things and people dress nicely (although there is no requirement and I came here dressed casually). There is definitely an older crowd feel.

Prices vary on the higher side (entrees around $20 +- $5). I had the flat iron steak which was great (although I was wondering where the other half of my steak went) while my girlfriend had salmon with pesto on top (mmmmm!!!).

In the mood for dinner while listening to some jazzy singers? This is the place to go. Your meal will be on the pricier side, but not exorbitantly so. If you’re going to a nearby theatre, this is a great place to have dinner (check for reservations as it does get a bit crowded).

They have some interesting desserts and a variety of interesting entrees to choose from. Their food is fancy Californian faire. Take your time with dinner, listen to the jazz band and hold the hand of your SO. You can still manage a conversation provided you don’t sit right next to the music.

I love this place! It’s a great place to go to if you’re looking for a casual dinner with your friends or want to pick something up for an easy dinner at home. They serve cambodian cuisine and I highly recommend the fish over bean thread with veggies.

It can get quite busy on the weekends but is an easy place to go to during the weekdays. Prices are moderate. The owners are very friendly and open to questions.

I’ve been going to Le Cheval for several years now and it’s become a reliable place to get decent Vietnamese food. This is not just a pho/vermicelli shop, but feature many interesting entrees (curries, soups, meat, seafood).

My favorite dish is the cube beef steak. The Oakland restaurant is HUGE, but can get crowded on busy weekend nights. Weekdays and weekday nights are managable and service is very quick. There have been a few exceptions where I’ve gotten poor service due to the restaurant being large. If you have a large group, call for reservations.

It’s date night and you want to impress that special someone. Village California Bistro (really a mouthful of a name, if you ask me) is a place worth considering.

They’re a bit on the pricier side (it IS on $antana Row), but they feature some interesting dishes (think New American fare). Get a glass of Chardonnay with a fish or perhaps a nice Pinot and some lamb.

The locale is perfect for after-dinner drinks/dancing which can be had down the street.

One never has any problems finding indian food in the bay area. If you’re looking for a place that has a nice atmosphere and high quality food, then Amber is the place to go.

If you’re looking for something more casual and cheaper, I’d recommend Grand Indian Buffet. Amber is a good date place or a place you’d eat at before going out for a night on the town.

My only gripe about the Amber on Santana Row — vs the other one in Mountain View — is that it costs a bit more (granted the place IS nicer.. i mean check out the sinks in the bathrooms).