Photo by Nojo Ramen TavernChicken-based ramen is Nojo’s specialty, and broth options include soy, tomato and spicy. Additions are unique and include things like truffle oil, Grana Padano cheese, and a braised chicken leg. It’s close proximity to San Francisco’s City Hall means that it gets busy right around opening, but you can put your name down and place your order before you’re seated, which is great for certain dishes that sometimes sell out before the night is done.
Global ramen brand Ippudo landed in downtown Berkeley a few months ago and the buzz hasn’t died down yet. If you’re curious about what ramen tastes like in Japan, try Ippudo’s version of house-made Hakata noodles and Shiromaru Classic dashi broth. With 60 locations across the globe, and a new restaurant opening up in San Francisco soon, Ippudo sets itself apart by allowing diners to select the chewiness of their noodles and even gives hungry diners the option to order another batch of noodles for any remaining broth.
Photo from YelpFairly traditional ramen is served at this small, but busy restaurant, near shops and other downtown activities. Look for various width and style noodles in their Tonkotsu and Yuzu Shoyu soup, and lots of toppings like lotus root, mushrooms, and egg. The dining room is small so expect a bit of a wait. Don’t forget to order some spicy chicken wings and takoyaki (fried octopus balls).
Photo from YelpThe proximity of this new ramen spot to BART makes it super convenient to stop in before heading home from work (or a night out). Soup bases include chicken, creamy chicken, miso, and vegetarian. Deviating a bit from the norm, Ushio ramen aims to appeal to non-traditionalists by adding things like Brussels and eggplant to their vegetarian broth. Lots of wonton options too.
The ambitious couple behind Shiba Ramen, located steps from Oakland’s City Hall, opened this location in early 2017, not long after it opened its space in the Emeryville Public Market. They’re also the duo behind the popular sake wine bar, The Periodic Table, also in the Emeryville Public Market, which has gotten lots of accolades for its clever chemistry theme, a nod to their prior careers. When they set out to create Shiba, they intentionally designed the logo (after their two dogs) and menu to be more approachable and less traditional Japanese.
One of the owners of this popular four-year-old ramen spot is an alum of Chez Panisse so it’s a given that ingredients are hyper fresh. Care and detail are also exemplified in the assortment of California-driven toppings. Noodles are made in-house, and appetizers, rice dishes, and desserts are just as creative as the ramen. We’re talking ramen bowls like Yuzu Duck Shoyu Ramen with smoked breast, braised leg, cardoons, shoyu marinated egg, leeks and mizuna. If you don’t like lines, go during off hours.
Explore early California history at the Casa Peralta and San Leandro History Museum.Inside Casa Peralta, built in 1869, you’ll find antique furniture, original bookcases, dress closets and portraits of the Peralta family.Tours of Casa Peralta are available on Saturdays and Sundays between 11am and 3pm, based on docent availability. Call (510) 577-3975 first to confirm tours are available.
With its large covered patio and alley location, Café Claude exudes vintage Paris. The all-day menu means you can pop in for some sustenance while shopping in Union Square or before taking in a nearby performance. There’s also live jazz on the weekends if you want to make an evening soaking in the food and atmosphere. Look for classic French dishes like mussels, steak and fries and trout amandine.
Residents of Glen Park rely on this charming French restaurant to welcome them, make them feel at home, and offer up a delicious meal in the retro dining room. It’s just fancy enough for a special occasion meal (and the table side service is a bonus), but still casual enough to pop in on a weeknight when you crave bouillabaisse, steak tartare or beef bourguignon.
With blue- and white-checkered tablecloths and bistro chairs, this Parisian-theme bistro would be at home on the Champs Elysees, but lucky for us, it’s only a quick walk from the Lafayette BART station. Enjoy classic cozy French fare like French onion soup or confit duck leg with potatoes. The wine list includes classic French varietals, offered by the glass and in 375 ml carafes. It’s a lively atmosphere, appropriate for the whole family and a popular spot for locals.