"The whole hyper-seasonal California thing can feel rote and overdone (we've had too many rapini, sunchoke, or goat cheese-topped tartines and pizzas to count). Thankfully, this is never the case at Standard Fare in West Berkeley. The food at this breakfast/lunch spot from a Chez Panisse alum tastes exciting and new every time thanks to a menu that changes daily (lunch is typically a vegetarian sandwich, a meat sandwich, salad versions of each, and a special of the day). Another reason is the ingredients, from rockfish and turnips to spiced sausage and fennel, that are the most impeccable, freshest versions of themselves—and simply done to maximize flavor. Order a cappuccino to go with everything, and then grab a seat inside or on the shaded patio out front." - Lani Conway
