the food is definitely one of the pros of living in berkeley, not surprisingly. it is very different from portugal, but there is so much choice, and i’m loving exploring our city and around. i find that in the bay area there’s a different lunch concept than what i’m used to, and i like it just fine – most restaurants don’t really do lunch, opening for dinner and some  for breakfast/brunch.

i thought i would share my absolute favourite places for midweek late breakfast/quick lunch (in no particular order). i’m an avid reader of 7×7 and eater sf. also, have you heard of the new app spot – for all the best spots recommended by your friends :)

pizzaiolo – for the best avocado toast (when in season), their frittata is insane and so are their pastries and toasts. they make their bread in house and serve four barrel coffee, one of my favourites. pictured above their delicious cheese and chive biscuit and their ricotta, honey and almond toast :)

bartavelle – for all day breakfast, right up my alley. i’m obsessed with their persian breakfast – sheepsmilk feta hidden under a bunch of greens and herbs, cucumbers, house made fig jam and za’atar (a middle easter spice blend i can’t get enough of).

sweetgreen – for the most delicious salads and grain bowls. each location works with local farmers, using seasonal ingredients. so lucky this fast casual chain recently opened in berkeley. i’m a creature of habit and always go for the kale caeser and sub the chicken for avocado.

fournee bakery–  i feel like this is berkeley’s best kept secret and i landed right on it – we stayed at the claremont for a month when we first arrived and would literally have breakfast here every day. for a month.  i swear by everything they make, breads and pastries. they do sandwiches and pizzas by the slice too, from tuesday to saturday – oh the kale pizza!

beauty’s bagel shop – montreal inspired wood fired bagels, i’m no bagel specialist but these are are out of this world and will fulfil your bestest bagel cravings. i go for the open faced classic, with lox, cream cheese, red onions and capers. and have yet to try their shakshuka :)

also, i recently discovered standards fare, a spot focusing on take out, with a few seats and a menu that changes daily.  they use some awesome ceramic take-home pots that you just slide in the microwave or oven. and if julia is off school, we will occasionally go to summer kitchen baker shop, they are super kid friendly and have a good wood fired pizza.

are there any places i am totally missing out in the east bay? i usually keep to berkeley and oakland but would love to explore further :)

ps – our first month in berkeley, almost 1 year ago, and my favourite coffee shop in san francisco