These Bay Area suburbs are perfect for foodie families.
Food is serious business in San Francisco. From the celebrity chefs to the vineyard-inspired dinners to the enormous movements in everything from going local to farm-to-table and more, there’s no shortage of amazing eats in the city—but, as any good foodie knows, that’s just the beginning. Head out to the Bay Area suburbs, and the world class eats don’t stop…
#1. Berkeley
When you think of Berkeley, chances are you think of classic Chez Panisse Café, Alice Waters’ acclaimed flagship. But that’s only the tip of the edible iceberg. Newcomers like Comal, a “gathering place” in the Berkeley Arts District is one of the must-get reservations of the moment.
Also popular? The expansive Asian cuisine offerings. San Francisco Chronicle loves Ippuku, a very authentic Japanese eatery.
#2. Lafayette
Postino is one of the area go-tos for fine dining. Here, you’ll find classic Italian cuisine mixed with modern fare, all in a stunning, intimate location that draws diners from the neighborhood and far beyond. Another popular spot? The Cooperage American Grille is owned by locals and serves an inspired menu of amazing comfort food, vintage cocktails and more. And if you’re more in the mood for something a little less traditional, opt for any one of the Asian restaurants in the area. From Chinese to Japanese to Thai and more, there’s something for everyone.
#3. Oakland
Known for its diverse eats, there’s virtually nothing you can’t get in Oakland. From Vietnamese (try Da Nang Quan, one of San Francisco Chronicle’s top rated spots to eat in the Bay Area), to Burmese at Grocery Cafe, to Spanish tapas at Duende, to Barbados-inspired Miss Ollie’s, there’s truly something for every palette.
Source: East Bay Express
Need a drink? Breweries like Drake’s Dealership are popular among the younger crowd, though millennial families complete with strollers in tow are a common sighting. Another must-try? Comfort food with a Japanese kick at Hopscotch, a retro diner uptown.
#4. Alameda
Alameda also offers a surprisingly diverse number of cuisines, all tucked away in a charming suburb families can’t get enough of. Popular among families and foodies alike is Mama Papa Lithuania, the only Lithuanian restaurants in the western U.S. Other unique cuisines on-hand include German at Speisekammer, Burmese bites at Burma Superstar and even a tiki bar at Forbidden Island.
#5. Mill Valley
What can’t you get in Mill Valley? When it comes to food the answer is simple: nothing. Puerto Rican food is always on the menu at Sol Food, with locations in San Rafael and Mill Valley. Playa is a go-to for Mexican and top-shelf margaritas. And, since 2009, Buckeye Roadhouse has been serving up classic bar bites in a casual setting—expect crowds of locals plus people coming back from a day in Wine Country.
#6. San Mateo
Another cultural hotspot, San Mateo restaurants serve up food from every corner of the globe, including Japanese, Indian, Brazilian, Mediterranean and more. When you’re touring, don’t miss All Spice, a popular Michelin-star rated Indian restaurant that offers menu items even the biggest foodies like haven’t sampled before.
There are hundreds of towns to choose from. How do you figure it all out? You simply don’t, without getting a Suburban Jungle Strategist to help you through it all. Schedule here for your strategy session with our innovative suburbs strategy team. All services are completely free.