The restaurants, boutiques, and galleries along Shattuck Avenue and Vine Street in North Berkeley emphasize unique, artisan-production, and it’s sidewalk cafes, flower stands, bakeries and fine food purveyors lend the area a European ambiance. The area is alive with music at the Cheeseboard Pizzeria, Mint Leaf, and Chester’s Tapas Bar in Walnut Square, and wine tasting each afternoon at Vintage Berkeley Wine Shop.

Gourmet Dining & Take-Out

The North Shattuck area has been popularly known as the “Gourmet Ghetto” since the 1970’s because of its concentration of innovative restaurateurs including Alice Waters, whose world renowned Chez Panisse Restaurant is considered the birthplace of California cuisine. Other pioneering businesses are the original Peet’s Coffee and Tea in historic Walnut Square, the collectively owned Cheeseboard bakery and cheese shop, and Poulet, offering distinctive roasted chicken and salads. Two Chez Panisse alums opened Cesar, a lively tapas restaurant and bar which stays open late. Gregoire offers fine French-inspired gourmet take-out items from a tiny shop on Cedar St., a historic former water pumping station has been transformed into Vintage Berkeley Wine shop, and Café Gratitude has joined the mix with a selection of raw, vegan foods and organic wines. More neighborhood favorites include the French Hotel Café, Cha Am, Masse’s Pastries, LoCoco’s Sicilian, and Saul’s Delicatessen. Epicurious Garden opened in 2006 and added a collection of gourmet take-out, including Kirala Sushi, Picoso Taqueria, Soop, Lush Gelato, and Alegio Chocolate – which can be enjoyed in their secluded courtyard – along with sit-down restaurants Mint Leaf and the Imperial Tea Shop. The Kitchen on Fire cooking school is upstairs, offering a range of culinary classes. Most recently Rivoli’s Wendy Brucker brought her renowned talent to the district with the opening of the casual Italian bistro Corso Trattoria, and Bay Area favorites Crepevine Café and Philz Coffee opened at the corner of Cedar and Shattuck.

Galleries & Artisans

North Shattuck is known for it’s high quality shops, jewelers, and galleries with an emphasis on unique, artisan-produced wares. Twig and Fig specializes in custom letterpress printing and has a unique line of cards and gifts for all occasions. The 50-year old A.C.C.I. Gallery presents the work of California artists and craftspersons and hosts a lively monthly opening, while the new Firehouse North Gallery shows work and offers classes in a variety of mediums. Handmade celtic jewelry and crafts are found at Celtic Inheritance, and Baubles and Beads offers an array of beads from around the world, as well as beading and jewelry making classes

Boutiques & Jewelry

On and around Vine St., Earthly Goods, Molly B., Lobelia, Bryn Walker/Pacific Cotton, and the Walk Shop carry distinctive women and men’s clothing and shoes, while It’s the Children offers their signature line of European children’s clothing, and Kid Dynamo offers eco-friendly children’s clothing, gifts, and furniture. Next door to Chez Panisse, M.Lowe & Co. offers an eclectic selection of fine jewelry including high carat gold and pearls. Sala Boutique, near Delaware St., features clothing, accessories, and jewelry from local designers. Ethnic clothing and jewelry can be found at several area shops, including Tibet Himalayan House near Rose St.

Health, Beauty & Wellness

North Shattuck is also home to many unusual health and wellness oriented businesses, including Shen’s Chinese Herbs, the Accupressure Institute, and the YogaKula Healing Arts Center. A range of holistic practitioners also have offices in the area, and there are a number of salons and spas offering a range of natural beauty treatments, including Vine St. Salon, Peter Thomas Hair Design, and Panache Day Spa. In Walnut Square, Holistic Hound offers homeopathic remedies and natural pet products.