Best Historic Restaurants in Berkeley

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchSpanish

Regions

East BaySan Francisco

Neighborhoods

BerkeleyDowntown / Union SquareFinancial District / EmbarcaderoFisherman's WharfMarina / Cow Hollow / PresidioNob Hill

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

37 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant

1. Historic John's Grill

4.6

Exceptional(7568)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 52 times today

John's Grill has been a San Francisco tradition since 1908. This historic restaurant is one of the city's oldest and most famous and is a favorite of celebrities who enjoy great steaks, expertly prepared fresh seafood with excellent service and a one of a kind atmosphere. John's Grill was a setting in author Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon.

A photo of Julia's Restaurant restaurant

2. Julia's Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1734)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Berkeley

Booked 9 times today

Teatime Tuesdays | 12pm-2pmIndoor DiningLunchWednesday - Saturday | 12pm-2pmDinnerTuesday-Saturday | 5pm-7:45pmLocated on the second floor of the Berkeley City Club, a Julia Morgan Historic Hotel, Julia's boasts a beautiful over-sized fireplace, and ornate details true to Morgan's iconic Moorish Gothic architectural design.Julia's offers an innovative, creative, contemporary approach to your dining experience and is inspired by local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. Our diverse wine list complements our menu featuring wines carefully selected from regions around the world.

A photo of three.one four pizzeria restaurant

3. three.one four pizzeria

4.7

Exceptional(231)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Pizzeria • Berkeley

Booked 24 times today

We are located in the historic Lalime's space in the Westbrae neighborhood of Berkeley, CA.Our intentions with three.one four was to create a dining experience that is so captivating, it transcends all others. Our menu features small bites, salads, and World Class rustic pies from acclaimed Chef Mario Vollera. We utilize high quality Italian cheeses and fresh local products in our food and our menu is partnered with a carefully curated wine list featuring an extensive by the glass offering. We believe that our elevated food paired with our warm, intuitive, yet unobtrusive service style will help make three.one four a buzz-worthy neighborhood destination for many years to come.

4. Skates on the Bay

4.5

Awesome(7593)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Berkeley

Booked 89 times today

Skates on the Bay is a beautiful and historic waterfront gathering place for fresh seafood and unmatched views of the San Francisco Bay, offering lunch, brunch and dinner dining year-round. Originally opened in 1984 in the Berkeley Marina, the reimagined Skates on the Bay now boasts a modern and stunning decor, a new Raw Bar, elegant Private Dining Room and innovative local-driven menus.

A photo of Bardo Lounge & Supper Club restaurant

5. Bardo Lounge & Supper Club

4.8

Exceptional(543)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Oakland

Booked 31 times today

Recommended in the MICHELIN Guide for California 2021-2023. Located in Oakland’s historic Grand Lake District, Bardo is a neighborhood lounge and restaurant inspired by the comfort and camaraderie of a mid-century dinner party. Drawing on the celebration and elegance of old school entertaining, we envisioned a space for friends and neighbors to enjoy amazing food, cocktails, conversation and great music. Our lounge is a swank living room, furnished with hand-picked finds from antique and vintage markets from Palm Springs to Portland. Our mezzanine dining room features a rotating menu of fresh, seasonal supper-fare with local and sustainably sourced meats, fish and produce. While we think the food, drinks and atmosphere are all great reasons to visit us, it’s the relationships with our friends, neighbors and guests that is the driving force behind Bardo.

6. The Peach

4.6

Exceptional(35)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Oakland

Booked 1 time today

We are a joyful, feel-good restaurant: The Peach, a vibrant all-day brunch spot at the historic Lakeshore Ave brought to you by the award-winning team behind Jo’s Modern Thai. The Peach reimagines your favorite American brunch classics with bold Asian twists, like Curry Shrimp Congee (a fresh take on shrimp and grits) and Smash Fried Chicken and Pancakes.Our team provides warm, welcoming hospitality in a variety of unique settings—whether you’re dining in our cozy indoor dining room, soaking up the sun on our peach-hued patio, or hosting a special gathering in our tiger wallpapered private dining room.Come experience The Peach for yourself—where brunch meets creativity and every visit feels like a celebration.

A photo of Claremont Lobby Bar restaurant

7. Claremont Lobby Bar

4.4

Awesome(38)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Berkeley

The historic Claremont Lobby Lounge & Bar sets the tone for a sophisticated evening, serving up signature craft cocktails, light bites and a selection of local craft beer and wine. Join us after dinner for a nightcap, or gather with friends over a glass of champagne while you take in the sweeping San Francisco Bay views.

A photo of CoCo Noir Wine Shop & Bar restaurant

8. CoCo Noir Wine Shop & Bar

4.8

Exceptional(17)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Wine Bar • Oakland

Booked 1 time today

Discover CoCo Noir Wine Shop & Bar, the Bay Area's premier wine destination nestled in Downtown Oakland's luxurious Atlas apartment highrise within the historic Black Arts Business Movement District. Our signature offering—the region's largest diverse selection of wines from Women and BIPOC makers—has earned our founder recognition as a Wine Enthusiast Magazine 2024 Top 40/40 Tastemaker and a City of Oakland Proclamation. Our CoCo Noir culinary team designs exquisite artisanal charcuterie boards and tapas bar snacks perfectly paired with our exceptional wine flights. The luxury atmosphere features intimate seating areas and a cozy private tasting space, perfect for first dates, anniversaries, or gatherings with friends. We offer non-alcoholic options and private event services for special occasions. Experience our passion for diverse voices in winemaking while enjoying unforgettable moments in our upscale setting.

A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant

9. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

4.3

Awesome(2517)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • SOMA

Booked 22 times today

Featuring innovative intercontinental cuisine, the famed Garden Court offers a superb dining experience in a glorious setting. This historic landmark serves Breakfast daily, 2 Course Prix Fixe Lunch Monday-Thursday and an enchanting Afternoon Tea on Friday and Saturday. The Garden Court features a stained glass dome, Italian marble columns, Austrian crystal chandeliers and is noted on San Francisco’s Historic Register as Landmark #18. Our Executive Chef invites you to try our signature crab salad lightly dressed in our own Green Goddess Dressing, a true Palace original created in 1923.

A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant

10. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(4402)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 118 times today

Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
ChristineVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •66 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Chose to eat here as it was close to the theater. We were pleasantly surprised. The food was really good and it was nice to have some live music during our meal. An old (1908) and funky place, but a lively vibe. We will be coming back. Thank you!
More info
Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.6
N
noriko
Hawaii •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Everything was delicious, meatballs and fried bread was outstanding! The creamy pasta, Caesar salad and maestro pizza was fabulous. We will definitely be back!
More info
three.one four pizzeriaPrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• Berkeley
•
4.7
K
KarenVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Skates has always been consistent with the quality of their food and service. Can't beat that view!
More info
Skates on the BayPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Berkeley
•
4.5
J
June
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jun 1, 2025
Second time getting pre fixe menu, seasonal and delicious.
More info
Bardo Lounge & Supper ClubPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Oakland
•
4.8
P
PamVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 31, 2025
My granddaughter, 11 yrs old, loved the dinner - 1/2 chicken with broccoli & potatoes, chocolate lava cake & orange cake, Julia's salad and especially the rolls! The servers are very friendly and helpful. We went early and it's so beautiful.
More info
Julia's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Berkeley
•
4.6

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