Address: 1511 Shattuck Ave.
Pricing: Varies by venue
Phone: None; Check with individual restaurants
Hours: Varies by venue; open during business hours, with some extended hours
Parking:Metered street parking
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Epicurious Garden: Food court for food lovers
Jul 7, 2010
If you’re hungry and short on time, the options aren’t so slim in Berkeley’s “Gourmet Ghetto.” Not with the likes of Epicurious Garden offering a new spin on take-out. In close proximity to Chez Panisse, Lo Coco’s, Saul’s, Café de la Paz, and others on the northern end of Shattuck Avenue, Epicurious Garden is the place to go for something quick, but no less savory.
Epicurious Garden is not one restaurant, but several dining possibilities in one. Touted as a one-stop spot for gourmet food on the go, the building houses a variety of restaurant options, including Kirala, Picoso, Soop and Imperial Tea Court.
Kirala offers everything from sushi rolls and bento boxes to sashimi and deluxe combos, with prices ranging from $3.50 for a roll to $20+ for a combo meal. Picoso prices are a bit more reasonable for a meal. The Mexican cuisine here comes in large portions and with a tasty palette of flavors, and nothing costs more than $10.
Soop offers a variety of – you guessed it: soup. The artisan options change daily and come with delicious toppings and garnishes. Prices range from $5.75 to $8 for a pint of soup, and $10.50 to $16 for a quart.
Most of these restaurants are grab and go, but they also offer stools at the counter where you can sit. You probably won’t want to stay inside though, when there’s a beautiful and intimate multi-level courtyard outside with shaded seating. Out here, the people seem relaxed, taking time off work or enjoying part of the weekend to appreciate the flavors of food. Dogs are welcome here, where seating can be found around a table, on a bench, or even on the oversized steps. The garden and waterfall make the area even more pleasant.
Also on the premises is Mint Leaf, more of a sit-down restaurant for authentic North India cuisine, with a full bar, live musical performances, and a dance floor. And no place is complete without dessert options – here you can grab gelato at Lush or chocolate at Alegio, and if you’re not into sweets, there’s a flawless cup of tea waiting for you at the famous Imperial Tea Court.
HelloOakland Tip: Check in with the North Shattuck Association for a listing of ongoing events and classes offered in the Gourmet Ghetto by clicking here.
- by Renee M. Rutledge, San Francisco Reporter for HelloMetro
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Renee M. RutledgeRenee M. Rutledge currently writes articles on local travel and culture for Red Tricycle, Parents' Press, Oakland Magazine, and Alameda Magazine.
