Picante
Picante is a Berkeley classic, and to this day it remains one of the best Mexican restaurants in the Bay Area. Located on 6th street, Picante offers open seating and an outdoor space — both of which are currently closed due to COVID-19.
Smelling perpetually of fresh tortillas, the restaurant is known for its welcoming and festive atmosphere. It has a diverse selection of Mexican foods, ranging from fish tacos and mole enchiladas to cochinita pibil. Picante is also a great environment for the entire family, as children can watch the staff make tortillas and even receive a free one. When it comes to Mexican food in Berkeley, Picante is hard to beat.
Plate to Try: mole pork tamales with chipotle salsa.
Order Options: curbside pickup.
Brazil Cafe
The Brazil Cafe may look unassuming at first glance, but don’t be fooled by its diminutive size. Located at the top of University Avenue, the Brazil Cafe is a tiny yellow pop-up with outdoor seating that serves unique and bright Brazilian flavors. Featuring what many deem the best tri-tip in Berkeley, along with smoothies, it is a great place to grab a quick bite. If you aren’t in the mood for a grab-and-go meal, the Brazil Cafe also has restaurant seating further down University.
Plate to Try: Pedro’s favorite tri-tip sandwich.
Order Options: takeout and delivery.
Comal Next Door
Even though they share a name, Comal Next Door is unlike its big brother, Comal. While the larger restaurant serves expensive food and cocktails, Comal Next Door offers the same quality and bold flavors without breaking your bank. Comal Next Door has shocked Berkeley with its incredible tacos, burritos, and soft-serve ice cream. Located near the Downtown Berkeley Bart station, Comal Next Door has everything you could want for a takeout dinner and is a great place to stop by if you’re near Bart.
Plate to Try: chicken burrito.
Order Options: takeout and delivery.
Platano
Located on University Avenue, Platano is Berkeley’s best when it comes to Salvadoran food. With a bright interior, helpful staff, and ample parking nearby, it’s an easy place to pull over and grab a bite. Platano has a wide variety of dishes to choose from, including pupusas, tamales, and much more. In addition to their excellent selection, everything is top-notch quality. The restaurant is especially known for its authentic homemade pupusas which come with eleven possible fillings. If you find yourself near Downtown Berkeley, Platano is definitely a restaurant you shouldn’t miss.
Plate to Try: any pupusa.
Order Options: curbside pickup and delivery.
Tacubaya
Tacubaya is a smaller Mexican restaurant with all-around interesting food, colorful design, and affordable prices. Located on 4th Street, Tacubaya has a welcoming atmosphere amidst a bustling commercial district. The restaurant is dedicated to serving simple, traditional, and beloved dishes in the style of Mexican home kitchens and street vendors. The menu offers a wide selection of choices, including pollock and aioli tacos, enchiladas with tomatillo sauce, as well as goat cheese and asparagus quesadillas. Tacubaya is one of the best when it comes to authentic Mexican food with a unique twist.
Plates to Try: taco al pastor and sopa de tortilla.
Order Options: takeout and delivery.