Take BART on a culinary adventure around the world
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Enjoy beers and bratwurst at German restaurant Suppenküche. Photo courtesy of Suppenküche.
From crispy schnitzel and spicy ramen to perfectly blistered pizza and handmade dumplings, the Bay Area is about as culinarily diverse as it gets. You don’t have to travel far for a delicious escape — just hop on BART and explore flavors from around the globe. No passport required, just a Clipper card.
Use BART’s Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.
Dine on tacos and more at Nido's Backyard in Oakland. Photo courtesy of Nido's Backyard.
Mexico: Nido’s Backyard | Lake Merritt
You’ll find vibrant Mexican cuisine at this open-air oasis near Jack London Square. Set in a colorful, industrial-chic courtyard, the menu features tacos, mezcal cocktails, and shareable plates like queso fundido and grilled street corn. With the motto: “Mi Backyard es Sú Backyard,” Nido’s Backyard is a welcoming space to enjoy Oakland’s beautiful weather, and of course, a meal and a margarita. Nido's Backyard is just 0.4 miles from Lake Merritt at 104 Oak St.
Head to the Mission District for Argentinean steaks. Photo courtesy of Mission Local.
Argentina: Lolinda | 24th St Mission
Lolinda is a bold Argentine steakhouse with the energy of a modern Mission District hotspot. From juicy ribeyes and skirt steaks cooked over a wood-fired grill to empanadas and chimichurri-drenched menu favorites, the food here is rich, hearty and shareable. Come hungry and savor Latin American plates with a California twist, just 0.3 miles from 24th St Mission at 2518 Mission St.
Taste the specialties of Japan in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of The Infatuation.
Japan: Ippudo SF | Powell St
Ippudo started in 1985 in Fukuoka, the birthplace of Tonkotsu ramen. With locations around the world, this popular eatery delivers tonkotsu ramen with a modern edge. The signature Shiromaru Classic features Pork tonkotsu broth, Hakata thin noodles, scallions, seasoned bamboo shoots, naruto and slow-cooked pork loin chashu with a deeper, delectable flavor. Inside, the decor is chic and the energy is high, making it a great date night option in the city, just 0.2 miles from Powell St on 18 Yerba Buena Ln.
For Chinese food, head to China Live in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of OpenTable.
China: China Live | Montgomery St
Created by world-renowned Chef George Chen, China Live reimagines Chinese dining with modern flair and high-end ingredients. Signature dishes include juicy xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and tea-smoked duck with crispy skin. The space is open and vibrant, and the restaurant has won multiple awards, including “Restaurant of the Year” by Eater and “World’s Greatest Places” by Time magazine. Find China Live 0.7 miles from Montgomery St at 644 Montgomery St.
Imm Thai Street Food is a delicious and affordable treat in the East Bay. Photo courtesy of Imm Thai Street Food.
Thailand: Imm Thai Street Food | Downtown Berkeley
Local favorite Imm Thai Street Food has a casual, high-quality street-style menu. No dish is over $17, making it a buzz-worthy spot for students and young families. Top selections include Pad Se Ew with egg and Chinese broccoli and Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) with chili, basil and veggies. The Red Curry is another crowd pleaser. While you're here, be sure to pick up a bottle of their Imm Chili Sauce, made from Thai chili, garlic, oil, salt and sugar. For Thai food in Berkeley, exit BART at Downtown Berkeley and find Imm Thai Street Food 0.2 miles away at 2068 University Ave.
Masala House is the place to go in Concord for Indian cuisine. Photo courtesy of R G. on Yelp.
India: Masala House | Concord
Masala House brings bold, regional Indian cuisine to Concord with a menu that blends classic North Indian dishes with Indo-Chinese favorites. Standouts include their buttery chicken tikka masala, crispy samosas and deeply spiced lamb vindaloo. The menu is vegetarian-friendly and features street food staples, including pani puri and chaat. With warm hospitality and generous portions, it’s a BARTable option for East Bay diners craving Indian comfort food with a contemporary twist. Find Masala House 0.5 miles from Concord Station at 2118 Willow Pass Rd.
Find French flavors in Rockridge at À Côté. Photo courtesy of À Côté.
France: À Côté | Rockridge
À Côté is a cozy neighborhood bistro in Rockridge known for its Mediterranean-inspired small plates. While not strictly French, the menu often leans Provençal with dishes like mussels in white wine broth, pommes frites with aioli and seasonal tartines. Their rotating wine list is extensive and also French-leaning. The garden patio is one of the East Bay’s most charming spots for dinner. Find À Côté 0.3 miles from Rockridge at 5478 College Ave.
When you're in the mood for Italian, A16 is just the ticket. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.
Italy: A16 | Rockridge
Named after the highway that runs through Southern Italy, A16 Rockridge is a cozy neighborhood gem known for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. The Margherita (and all the other pies) come out perfectly blistered and bubbling. The Southern Italian wine list is super impressive and pairs perfectly with Italian bites. Head to A16, 0.4 miles from Rockridge at 5356 College Ave., every time you’re craving rustic Italian comfort.
You'll love the Spanish tapas and more at Canela Bistro & Wine Bar. Photo courtesy of DoorDash.
Spain: Canela Bistro & Wine Bar | 16th St Mission
Tucked in the heart of the Castro, Canela Bistro Bar is a warm, welcoming spot where you’ll find unforgettable Spanish dishes. Opened in 2011 by Chef Mat Schuster, the menu features tapas, cocas (Spanish flatbreads), and raciones made with a mix of local organic produce and gourmet imports from Spain. Whether you're stopping in for a glass of Tempranillo and a few croquetas, or settling in for a full paella dinner, Canela makes you feel right at home. Enjoy tapas and more, 0.8 miles from 16th St Mission at 2272 Market St.
Savor delicious Lebanese cuisine in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of The Infatuation.
Lebanon: Mezze and Mooore | 16th St Mission
Mezze and Mooore is a fantastic Lebanese restaurant in San Francisco. Known for its authentic, made-from-scratch Mediterranean cuisine, the eatery offers a warm atmosphere and a menu that honors traditional Lebanese spices with a fresh perspective. Try the shawarma plates and wraps, mezze platters (with hummus, baba ghanouj, tabbouleh and falafel) and grilled kebabs. Find beautiful flavors 0.5 miles from 16th St Mission at 198 Guerrero St.
This East Bay eatery is a popular spot for Ethiopian food. Photo courtesy of Addis Ethiopian.
Ethiopia: Addis Ethiopian | Ashby
Addis Ethiopian Restaurant brings a touch of old-school elegance to North Oakland, offering tasty homestyle dishes in a warm, sit-down setting. Known for both its meat and vegan options, highlights include the crispy katanga (injera rolled and fried with spiced butter) and rich beef kitfo sliders. Vegetarians will love the tofu tibs and zucchini wot, both of which are slow-cooked with bold Ethiopian spices. For unbeatable value, don’t miss the $15 all-you-can-eat vegan buffet — a local favorite at Addis Ethiopian, 0.9 miles from Ashby.
For the ultimate comfort food and refreshing beers, head to German restaurant Suppenküche. Photo courtesy of Suppenküche.
Germany: Suppenküche | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Suppenküche is a beloved German restaurant in Hayes Valley, renowned for its comforting cuisine and imported beers. Dine on menu staples, including schnitzel, spaetzle and sausages served with tangy sauerkraut. The potato pancakes are pretty good, too! Don't miss this delectable German cuisine in San Francisco, just 0.7 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
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by Nicole Findlay
Nicole Findlay is a Bay Area native. As a freelance journalist, she covers travel destinations all around the world, but her favorite place to write about is home.
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