Absolutely Berkeley. Local chanteuse and chef. Jazz is homey; food is snacky.

A straight shoot from the Berkeley Marina. Pizza, salad, etc. Berkeley/family atmosphere.

Bari says: trust me, the raw food IS good. Try the miso soup; "yo soy mucho" also seems to be a favorite.

At the heart of the "gourmet ghetto," with live jazz, unique pizza and other delicious options within a block or two: Gregoire's, Chez Panisse, the "slow food court" (aka Epicurious Garden) and more.

The birthplace of California cuisine carries on with chef Alice Waters. If you cross the bay to eat, this is the tastiest choice. An epicurian delight, Chez Panisse will not disappoint. Expensive.

Up-ish scale. Fried olives. Good drinks. Close-ish. Bari recommends the steaks.

Known for their weekend brunches and especially the "pain perdu" french toast -- and sometimes long lines.

Lovely atmosphere and well-done Northern California cuisine.

Judy loves their lentils.

Closest good food to the hotel. Funky outside tables practically in the Interstate on-ramp. Fried oyster sandwiches to die for.