Irum’s guidebook
Neighbourhoods
The Gourmet Ghetto is a colloquial name for our neighborhood, known as the birthplace of California cuisine. Early, founding influences were Peet's Coffee, Chez Panisse and the Cheese Board Collective. Alice Medrich began her chain of Cocolat chocolate stores there. The neighborhood is anchored by Alice Waters' Chez Panisse, became the center of farm-to-table food sourcing, using selected locally grown produce, especially naturally and sustainably grown—preferably organic—ingredients. Waters and a loosely organized left-leaning coterie of friends and colleagues actively promoted the idea of socially conscious eating. Many former staff at Chez Panisse have gone on to start their own restaurants, bakeries, and food shops in the wider San Francisco Bay Area.
After coalescing in the mid-1970s as a culinary destination, the neighborhood received its "Gourmet Ghetto" nickname in the late 1970s from comedian Darryl Henriques.
Developments that can be traced to this neighborhood include specialty coffee, the farm-to-table and slow/local food movements, the rise to popularity in the U.S. of chocolate truffles and baguettes, the popularization of the premium restaurant designed around an open kitchen, and the California pizza made with local produce. The business district, also known as Gourmet Gulch, is more formally referred to as "North Shattuck," also the name of our local BART station.
65 locals recommend
Gourmet Ghetto
The Gourmet Ghetto is a colloquial name for our neighborhood, known as the birthplace of California cuisine. Early, founding influences were Peet's Coffee, Chez Panisse and the Cheese Board Collective. Alice Medrich began her chain of Cocolat chocolate stores there. The neighborhood is anchored by Alice Waters' Chez Panisse, became the center of farm-to-table food sourcing, using selected locally grown produce, especially naturally and sustainably grown—preferably organic—ingredients. Waters and a loosely organized left-leaning coterie of friends and colleagues actively promoted the idea of socially conscious eating. Many former staff at Chez Panisse have gone on to start their own restaurants, bakeries, and food shops in the wider San Francisco Bay Area.
After coalescing in the mid-1970s as a culinary destination, the neighborhood received its "Gourmet Ghetto" nickname in the late 1970s from comedian Darryl Henriques.
Developments that can be traced to this neighborhood include specialty coffee, the farm-to-table and slow/local food movements, the rise to popularity in the U.S. of chocolate truffles and baguettes, the popularization of the premium restaurant designed around an open kitchen, and the California pizza made with local produce. The business district, also known as Gourmet Gulch, is more formally referred to as "North Shattuck," also the name of our local BART station.
Elmwood
Lovely neighborhood to walk through and for endless eateries.
Food scene
We love take the BART down to Embarcadero in SF and going for a brunch or late lunch at the myriad of food stalls in the Ferry Building.
18 locals recommend
Ferry Building station
We love take the BART down to Embarcadero in SF and going for a brunch or late lunch at the myriad of food stalls in the Ferry Building.
Chez Panisse
1517 Shattuck AveThis is a local favorite for a special occasion. Culinary delight.
Peet's Coffee
2124 Vine StThe original, destination, Peet's Coffee shop.
We love the Pizza but also the history and politics of this local employee-owned business.
317 locals recommend
The Cheeseboard Pizza
1512 Shattuck AveWe love the Pizza but also the history and politics of this local employee-owned business.
Sightseeing
Book a campus tour and soak in this charming and historic university: https://visit.berkeley.edu/category/campus-tours/
19 locals recommend
University of California, Berkeley
Oxford StreetBook a campus tour and soak in this charming and historic university: https://visit.berkeley.edu/category/campus-tours/
Loved taking my toddlers here. Recommend for little ones.
14 locals recommend
Habitot Children's Museum
5689 Bay StreetLoved taking my toddlers here. Recommend for little ones.
Entertainment
If you are into Theater. You will enjoy the off-beat plays at this venue.
127 locals recommend
Berkeley Repertory Theatre
2025 Addison StIf you are into Theater. You will enjoy the off-beat plays at this venue.
If you have older children, this is a must visit and a family favorite.
816 locals recommend
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse DrIf you have older children, this is a must visit and a family favorite.
For older kids, teens and really any age... team bonding for your start-up. For a fun, experiential day!
432 locals recommend
Exploratorium
Green StreetFor older kids, teens and really any age... team bonding for your start-up. For a fun, experiential day!