Bay Area Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Reviews

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City	Type	Name	Recommended Dishes	Comments
Berkeley	Asian	Grasshopper 6317 College Ave. Oakland, CA (510) 595-3557
Berkeley	French	Chez Panisse 1517 Shatttuck Ave. Berkeley, CA (510) 548-5525
Berkeley	Indian	Ajanta 1888 Solano Ave. Berkeley, CA
Berkeley	Indian	Breads of India 2448 Sacramento Berkeley, CA (510) 848-7684
Berkeley	Indian	Viks Chat House (5 stars) Best of Indian Restaurant 2005 724 Allston Way Berkeley, CA 94710-2230 (510) 644-4412	Goan Fish Curry Sea Bass kabobs Chola Bhatura Chicken Briyani Chai	You will not be disappointed. Their fish is flavorful, moist, and no fishy smell. The preparation is number. It bests all the high priced Indian restaurants in the bay area, hands down.
Berkeley	Thai	Chiam (3 star) University Ave.	Green curry Chicken Basil chicken Pad Thai	This had been my most favorite Thai restaurant since I discovered Thai while doing undergrad at Berkeley. However, the last couple of times I went there, the food all seemed to have the same taste, nothing distinctive.
Berkeley	Thai	Siam Cuisine (4 1/2 stars) 1181 University Ave. Berkeley, CA 94702 (510) 548-3278	Siam Basil Chicken Ginger Chicken	Went there for lunch on 12/19/05. Clean, spacious restaurant. Food was delivered hot, and looked and tasted fresh, clean and vibrant. the Siam Basil Chicken was ordered medium hot, and was the favorite dish. I'd probably order it hot next time. This is a better place than Chiam if you have a large party.
Berkeley	Mexican	Juan's Place (1 star) 941Carleton St. Berkeley, CA (510) 845-6909	Nothing to recommend	Went there in September 2005, because we were looking for a place that could accommodate 18 people, and I remember this place being popular while an undergrad at CAL. What a let down. The only thing the place offered was quantity. The food had no flavor.
Berkeley	Mexican	Mario's La Fiesta (3 star) 2444 Telegraph Ave.	salsa	Haven't been since my undergrad days, buy my nephew says it's still good.
Berkeley	Pizza - Chicago Style	Zackery's (5 star) 2 locations - Berkeley & Albany College Ave Solano Ave	Spinach and Mushroom deep dish. I prefer with less cheese.	Best Chicago Style Pizza in the bay area. Takes 20 minutes to cook. Always busy.
Castro Valley	Pizza	Pyzano's Pizzeria (4 star) 3835 E Castro Valley Blvd Castro Valley, CA 94552 (510) 881-8878	Thin crust with sausage.	Show the owner compete on the Food Network Show. These guys have won tons of awards, I've tried it twice now. the first time I ordered the thin crust with sausage and I thought it was above average. The second time we ordered the regular crust with chicken and artichokes, it was a bit bland. However the crust was good. I still prefer, Zackery's and Anitca over Pyzano's.
Castro Valley	Mexican	The Burrito Shop (5 star) 3843 Castro Valley Blvd. (510) 538-11577	Thai Chicken Burrito	Mom & Pop. Fresh Vegetables, that are not overcooked. Creative dishes that are flavorful. When you are in area and hungry pick some up to take home. The place has no atmosphere.
Dublin	Italian	Fuzio's (5 star) 4930 Dublin Blvd Dublin, CA 94568-7594 (925) 833-7124	Calamari Dish	Local Chain. The one at Embarcadero center in SF, is more lively, but the one in Dublin is more kid friendly. Very clean. The Calamari noodle dish is fabulous. Very rich.
Fremont	Cafe/Bakery	*LEES Sandwiches** 5200 Mowry Ave., Ste Q Fremont, CA 94538 (510) 791-7888	turkey sandwich	It's a chain, but what's unique is it's Vietnamese style sandwiches on freshly baked baquettes.
Fremont	Cafe/Bakery	Panera Bread (4 star) 2650 Mowry Ave. Fremont, CA 94538 (510) 742-1200 (510) 742-1331 www.panerabread.com	French Onion Soup Frontega Chicken	This is a new corporate owned franchise. The decor and bakery items draw you in. I'm looking forward to trying their spinach and artichoke soufflé. Their staff is very attentive and positive.
Fremont	Chinese	Ho Chow Restaurant (5 star) 47846 Warm Springs Blvd Fremont, CA 94539-7459 (510) 657-0683	Glazed prawns	Mom and Pop. Clean upscale atmosphere. Food qualify has been consistently great over the last 10+ years that I've known about this place. It's more pricey by a couple bucks per dish.
Fremont	Chinese	Pickupstix (2 star) 43337 Christy St. Fremont, CA (510) 668-1499	Avoid, yes it's clean and modern, but there's no flavor, it's greasy. I gave it two stars only because the fortune cookies were good.	Chain - very hip and modern looking, but very disappointed by the quality. Tried it two times before writing this.
Fremont	Chinese	Uncle Chong (4 star) 36659 Fremont Blvd Fremont, CA 94536-3629 (510) 792-1668	Garlic Pea Sprouts Salt & Pepper Shrimp Garlic Chicken Mongolian Beef Mongolian Chicken	Mom and Pop. Atmosphere - Dated, needs to be cleaned up and refreshed. Ask for Cecilia, the owner, for recommendations.
Fremont	Greek	Zorba's Deli (4 1/2 star) 46505 Mission Blvd. Fremont, CA 94539 (510) 490-2227	Everything is great	Mom and Pop. about $8/person. Good Greek food, but even the hamburger's are good.
Fremont	Indian	Chaat Cafe (4 Star) 3954 Mowry Ave Fremont, CA 94538 (510) 796-3408	Chicken Wrap is the only dish I like here, so stray at your own risk. Lassi and Chai are also good.	The have a couple of locations. atmosphere is like a deli. Funny thing the bathroom odors (of Epsom salt) remind of India.
Fremont	Indian	Copper Chimney Cuisine-India (3 star) 5255 Mowry Ave # O Fremont, CA 94538 (510) 505-9003	Sag Paneer and Naan - excellent.	Mom and Pop. Atmosphere - needs to be cleaned up, place looks worn-out and dirty.
Fremont	Indian	Chatpatta Corner (5 star) located within Dana Bazaar 5113 Mowry Ave Fremont, CA 94538-1055 (510) 742-0555 2nd location in Fremont 34751 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont, CA 94555 (510) 505-0400	Pani Puri	Mom and Pop. Inside this Indian grocery store you'll find a chat vendor. She's only there from Thursday to Sunday. This is good spicy food, served to you like they would in bazaar's of India. Enjoy!
Fremont	Indian	Golden Peacock Bistro (3 star) 3681 Peralta Blvd. Fremont, CA 94536 (510) 494-9460	Chicken Wrap	The place is primarily a banquet hall, but they have this small bistro as well. I only tried the chicken wrap, and it was good. it tasted better than Chat Cafe's version.
Fremont	Indian	Savera South India Restaurant (3 star) 34145 Fremont Blvd Fremont, CA 94555 (510) 792-8609	Masala Dosa Channa	Mom and Pop. Atmosphere - dungy, needs to be cleaned. Best for take-out or catering.
Fremont	Indian	Udipi (4 star) 5988 New Park Plz Newark, CA 94560-5237 (510) 794-8400	Rava Masala Dosa Uttapam - onions & peppers Vada	Local Chain. Clean Atmosphere.
Fremont	Mexican	Chipolte (5 star) 2760 Mowry Ave. Fremont, CA 94538 (510) 791-8411	crispy tacos - any filling, but other the corn salsa and on top of that the medium or hot salsa.	It's a new chain, like Baja Fresh, the food is clean and fresh. Unlike Baja Fresh - there is no salsa bar.
Fremont	Thai	My Thai (5 star) 34265 Fremont Blvd Fremont, CA 94555-3300 (510) 797-8980	Chili Pepper (Chicken or Vegetarian)	Mom & Pop. Best Thai in Fremont, Newark and Union City. Known for their spicy dishes. If you order is hot, and complete the dish, they take your picture.
Milbrae	Dim Sum	Fook Yuen Seafood Rsaurant (4 star) 195 El Camino Real Milbrae, CA 94030 (650) 692-8600	Dim Sum	Food was fresh. Would repeat the place, however didn't receive anything that was unique or especially flavorful. atmosphere is very crowded and noisy and busy.
Milpitas	Dim Sum	May Flower Restaurant (5 star) 428 Barber Lane Milpitas, CA 95035-7914 (408) 922-2700	Dim Sum. Chrysanthemum Tea	3 locations. In the to Ranch 99 shopping center in Milpitas, another in the Great Mall, and a 3rd on Geary St. in SF. They have The one in Milpitas has a hug hall, is very clean, and service is quick.
Milpitas	Dim Sum	May Flower Restaurant (5 star) 222 Great Mall Drive Milpitas, Ca 95035 (408) 935-6999	Dim Sum. Chrysanthemum Tea	Prefer this location over the other two. Cleaner.
Newark	Sushi	Kioku Sushi (4 star) 6180 Jarvis Ave., Ste V Newark, CA 94560 (510) 796-7088	The best sushi in Newark, Fremont, and Union City.	Mom and Pop.
Orinda	Sandwich	Brooks Cafe (5 star) 63 Moraga Way Orinda, CA 94563 (925) 254-7704	Basil Chicken	Small Cafe and Bread shop in downtown Orinda. Food was very fresh but a bit pricey.
Palo Alto	Chinese	Jing-Jing Szechwan Hunan Gourmet (4 star) 443 Emerson St Palo Alto, CA 94301-1605 (650) 328-6885 http://www.jingjingonline.com	Mapu Tofu Braised Eggplant	Mom and Pop. Clean atmosphere. They don't have a problem with small kids. Sometimes their consistency is off. Last time we went there they put too much salt in the Mapu Tofu.
Palo Alto	Cuban	La Bodeguita Del Medio (5 star) 463 California Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 326-7762 www.labodeguita.com	Mohito's Paella de la Bodeguita	Mom and Pop. Great atmosphere. Great drinks and great paella.
Palo Alto	Mediterranean	Kan Zeman (4 star) 274 University Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 328-5245 http://www.kanzeman.com/	Chicken SHAWERMA plate	Mom and Pop. Great atmosphere. Belly dancer shows on Friday and Saturday at 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm.
Palo Alto	mexican	Palo Also Sol (4 star) 408 California Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 328-8840	Orange flavored Enchailda	Mom & Pop Quaint atmosphere. Tried the mole and orange flavored enchilada. Thought the orange flavor was unique and noteworthy. The salsas need improvement - too much vinegar.
Palo Alto	Noodle Bar	Zao's Noodle Bar (4 star) 261 University Ave Palo Alto, CA 94301-1714 (650) 328-1988	5 Spice Noodle	Mom and Pop. Clean atmosphere. Seating isn't great for kids that like to move around.
Pleasanton	Japanese	Sendo Sushi (4 star) 4555 Hopyard Road Pleasanton, CA 94588 (925) 227-9000	California roll Sake	Mom and pop. Clean.
San Francisco	English Pub	Elephant & Castle (5 star) 424 Clay Street San Francisco, CA 94111 (415) 268-3900 www.elepantcastle.com	Fish & Chips	A chain, but very authentic but without the smoke. The Cod Fish & Chips was better than anything I had in London.
San Francisco	Dim Sum	KL Restaurant (4 star) 4401 Balboa St (45th Ave.) San Francisco, CA 94121 (415) 666-9928	Chinese Broccoli Fried Tofu Shrimp Dumpling	Mom & Pop. It looks like a dive, but the food is very clean and fresh. Tried like 12 different items, and like all except 2 of them. If you like Dim Sum, you have to try this place. They do use MSG.
San Francisco	Indian	Roti Indian Bistro 53 W Portal Avenue San Francisco, CA 94127 (415) 665-7684		let the cook order for you
San Francisco	Thai	Manora's Thai Cuisine 1600 Folsom Street San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 861-6224
San Jose	Pizza	Pizza Antica (5 star) 334 Santana Row, Suite 1065 San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 557-8373	Order the pizza with chicken and artichoke and the Sour Cherry Lemonade, and warm cornmeal shortcake with fresh strawberries.	Very modern, clean, clay oven, and if its a warm day, definitely sit outside. It'll cost you about $13.00 for a pizza for two. Probably the best thin crust pizza in the bay area
Santa Clara	Indian	Dasaprakash (unrated) 2636 Homestead Rd. Santa Clara, CA 95051 Ph: 408-246-8292	told to try the Thali.	Mom & Pop. Supposed to be better than Saravana Bhavan and Udippi.
Sunnyvale	Indian	Saravana Bhavan (5 star) 1305 S. Mary Ave. Sunnyvale, CA 94087	Roti thali	Mom & pop. One of the best south Indian restaurants in the Bay area.
Sunnyvale	Indian	Turmeric Restaurant 141 S Murphy Ave SUNNYVALE, CA 94086 Phone: (408) 617-9100		haven't been there yet, but been told it's a great north Indian restaurant
Union City	Authentic Mexican	Mexico Lindo Restaurant (4 star) 33306 Alvarado Niles Rd. Union City, CA 94587 (510) 471-4525	Enchiladas	Mom & Pop. Plenty of seating. They have a mariachi band on Fridays. Fun atmosphere.
Union City	Authentic Mexican	Mexico Tipico (4 star) 3980 Horner St. Union City, CA 94587 (510) 471-3080	Filet in butter and garlic Chicken Enchiladas Chicken crispy tacos Salsa (best in bay area)	Mom & Pop. Atmosphere is ethnic, however, sometimes they choose to clean with Ammonia while you are there and the air becomes intolerable. We usually take the food out to go. Make sure you get plenty of salsa.
Union City	Barbeque	Texas Roadhouse (4 star) 15 Union Lndg. Union City, CA 94587 (510) 324-7623	Baby Back Ribs Sweet buns Baked Potato	National Chain Fun atmosphere. Always a 30-45minute. Call ahead they take reservations now.
Union City	Dim Sum	Lucky Palace Chinese Restaurant (5 star) 34348 Alvarado Niles Rd Union City, CA 94587-4454 (510) 489-8386	Crispy Mango Prawn Dim Sum is unique to this place, and just one of many we like.	Mom and Pop. Good thing about Dim Sum, is that you don't have to speak Chinese to order it, just point and nod yes.
Union City	Donuts	Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (5 star) 32450 Dyer St. Union City, CA 94587 (510) 471-6121	Hot Glazed Donuts	National Chain They only taste good hot, and they are served hot from 5pm-8am.
Union City	Pakistani/Indian	DAAWAT (4 star) 33330 Alvarado Niles Rd. Union City, CA (510) 471-0398 / (510) 471-0357	Chicken Kofta and Naan	Mom and Pop Spicy. Not the most healthiest food you'll eat but if you like curries and meat try this place. The place has no ambiance so don't expect any.