Berkeley Bowl Marketplace

I go here twice a week. The produce is incredible in terms of quality and selection. I usually buy a vegan bran muffin for breakfast and the vegan tacos for lunch. Can't say enough good things about Berkeley Bowl. It's near Ashby BART and Tarea Hall Pittman Library

Amazing variety of fruits and vegetables. Very big store, they have all the groceries you may need.

Berkeley Bowl is a standout grocery store that truly lives up to its reputation. Known for its impressive selection of organic, fresh, and local produce, it’s a paradise for health-conscious shoppers. The variety is unmatched, offering everything from unique fruits and vegetables to hard-to-find spices and international ingredients. The store is well-organized and spacious, making it easy to browse through aisles that are packed with quality products. What really sets Berkeley Bowl apart, though, is the quality of its customer service. Staff members are friendly and knowledgeable, always willing to offer advice or direct you to something specific. Whether you’re a culinary expert or just looking to try something new, you’re bound to find something that excites your taste buds. Another highlight is their diverse selection of specialty items, including an extensive range of dairy alternatives, vegan products, and bulk items. And, of course, the prepared food section deserves mention – it’s convenient and always delicious. All in all, Berkeley Bowl is an exceptional grocery store with a little bit of everything, making it an essential stop for anyone in the area. It’s not just about shopping; it’s about the experience!

I see the reviews here and am amazed no one mentions how expensive Berkeley Bowl (BB) has become. I understand eventually someone will comment here that this is an independent grocery store and there are different ranges of prices for various products and costs are up due to inflation and/or price hikes are due to other distributors or the rent has gone up or that other chain stores might get a better price rate because they move more product at the same time that BB moves less but when it comes to the deli/hot bar that is not actually true IMO but the whole point of shopping here was because it was less expensive than Whole Foods and Safeway but that is no longer the case. For example, the hot bar meat by the pound went from $9.99 to $13.99 a pound. No joke! Whole Foods is still $12.99 a pound for the meat in hot bar. I remember the original owners and that store and mentality of what they wanted for BB is no longer the case; sad.

These overpriced  but high-quality products are here. It could have been done on purpose to ensure that wealthy people would never run out of high-quality food.

The best produce/fruit. The meats are pricey but clean and you can find a majority of rare/clean versions of most things you like. It's a great store for that... the clientele is always weird as all get out. Nobody will ever say excuse me, most people look scared and make everyone else feel weird... so they all scare each other. The mental stability of the store is not high.... it's the weirdest shopping experience you can find. I still go weekly...because the products are great. So keep it up BB. it's not your fault

A great supermarket with an amazing variety and selection of everything! Take banana for example, they carry more than 10 kinds of bananas. They also have some mushrooms that I, as a mushroom lover, never knew before! Sushi there was tasty too! Believe it or not, way better than some sushi buffet or warehouse sushi.

Berkeley Bowl is a long time tradition in the East Bay for a local grocery store with outstanding produce. I think the produce section here is better than anywhere else I have been, in terms of selection and quality. They also have a hot food are with great burritos and a great meat and fish department. The parking is terrible though, and I thought about deducting one star just for that, but I wont. Go at off times if you dont want to spend 5-15 minutes stuck in the tiny parking lot waiting for a spot to open up.

Still love this place, just here to review the teriyaki chicken fried rice Chicken is chewy in a good way. Less char than other teriyaki chicken which I like. Perfectly sauced, sweet sauce. Fried rice has a lot of ingredients, perfect amount of veggies. Like panda express but better. And its warm, not as warm has the hot foods but warm enough. Altho I did get them right after they restocked the chicken and rice. It was good, I finished all of it, got nice and full. Extra They Ask if you want teriyaki sauce The meal itself was a 4/5, I like a meal that can beat me up until I cant eat anymore and need to pack leftovers. While giving me a great experience But store is always 5/5

Let me start out by saying that I am a New Yorker from Long Island. We have plenty of Supermarkets and many of them large... very large. The isles are big and the selections are plentiful. We also have very large parking lots with plenty of maneuverability and a very easy in and out off the main roads. This store is big and bright which makes it easy to move around and pick your items. I was very impressed with the selection of fruits and vegetables. There is a much wider selection of items than NY. I have never seen such an extensive collection of Oranges and Potatoes. There are more Apples then I've ever seen anywhere else. Also, there were plenty of meats and fish. The amounts certainly compared to those in LI except price wise. Our food costs are definitely less expensive in both these areas in NY. BBM clearly had a much larger section of organic, both food and household items, but clearly at a greater cost. There is a great bakery and wonderful hot foods. If I was a native Berkley person this wold definitely be my spot. Great selections and terrific staff to help. I'll be traveling back and forth now for visiting and I know where I'll be picking up my food supplies. KUDOs to the team at Berkeley Bowl Marketplace.

We had to stop coming here because of one employee. Older guy keeps leering and honestly it's uncomfortable. It's clear no one cares and I literally just want to buy food and he's always there. Two stars for the guava juice they always have in stock.

Based solely on these yellow mangoes they continue to sell that are ROTTED!!!! Literally EVERY TIME I've purchased these mangoes I'll get one out of 6 that buy that isn't Rotten!!! And without receipt they don't exchange or refund your purchase and I normally opt out of paper receipts. They need to send you receipt via text or email and be able to track your purchase with the card used like WF DOES AND TRADER JOES DOES. Worst Mangoes ever

One of the best grocery stores ever! Don't think I've found a spot that beats Berkeley Bowl. This has everything you need and more. My partner and I come here regularly for our produce and specialty goods. Their produce section is SO extensive. And rotates items regularly. Whenever we're feeling adventurous, we pick out an interesting ingredient and try to make a dish out of it. Their vegetarian options are also a huge plus. Love their selection of non-dairy products and meat substitutes. We've been introduced to so many brands that have become staples in our fridge. Albeit some items are pricier, IMO it mainly goes towards supporting local, ethical vendors and businesses. I don't mind paying a bit of a premium knowing that it's backed by a good cause.

The one. The true. The OG. Amazing range of high-quality fresh conventional and organic produce, great bulk section with huge selections of nuts, grains, spices, loose leaf teas, and more. Great prepared foods. Very reasonable prices.

Thanks Berkeley Bowl - from now on I will walk through any Whole Foods in disgust - thats how spoiled you made me. For years my lawyer neighbors told me to go here. It took till today - because I was just across the street to get Girlfriends Accord an oil change. For years I went to Oakand Honda - but I don't like the changes since Cardinal took it over. So yes, I drive past 3 Honda dealers to get to the one I like - and I would do the same and drive past 3 cities for this grocery store also. Never been to an Erewhon but I imagine this to be the same - although less stuffy. Erewhon is the benchmark grocery store but other than being stuffy and probably a bit more expensive I don't think they could offer more. I like all the people working here. I didn't notice any crazy uniforms or goofy unnecessary nonsense. Overall the people working here were energetic and happy looking. I liked that. Spoiled isn't the word for what this place will make you become. Endless variety in the produce section or anywhere else for that matter. I was shocked to see Josey Baker bread - I love that place but don't have it often since its across the bay on Divis. I believe that is the most flavorful bread around - its Tartine quality but lesser known. They are one of the very very few that use fresh milled local organic grains. The bakery is another section you will be impressed with. The most beautiful fruit tarts I've ever seen and I grabbed the last mango mousse cake. Haven't tried it yet but look forward to my 'Hand Crafted Cakes by Karl.' I personally am so tired of that 'signature' butter cream utilized at WF. Its so uninteresting and sold everywhere - somehow I've told myself that it tastes like Amazon. I picked up what I could in a short amount of time and noticed at 5:55 that I needed to be across the street to scoop up GF Accord before the Honda dealer closed at 6pm. I raced to the front - noticed one cashier with a big sign 'in training' - i'm sure that person was ok - but wasn't going to take any chances. Shopped around for more seasoned looking cashiers that could check me out quick. Was out in another couple minutes and my purchases were neatly placed in a beautiful box that my Mr Moose made his new home the minute he saw it. Probably the biggest (not Amazon big but by options and floor space) and best grocery store around. And thankfully they don't do things The CardinaleWay.

Finally made it to Berkeley bowl in Berkeley, and it definitely lives up to the hype. Easily one of the most sustainable grocery stores I've ever been to--makes Whole Foods look like a beginner. The selection is amazing, but the best part? The people. A mix of hippies, scholars, and everyone in between, all coexisting in this eclectic little hub of conscious consumerism. Definitely a Berkeley experience.

One of the coolest grocery stores I've ever been to! There is truly something for everyone here from the vast selection of colorful produce to artisan bread to locally prepared foods. While some items are a bit pricey, you can definitely shop here on a budget if you know what to pick. Additionally, the store is both vegan/vegetarian friendly and I think has a great policy on waste. Many items like cashews are kept in bulk to reduce on plastic. If you like fresh food or simply a solid unique grocery store, the Berkeley Bowl is the way to go!

Hands down the most beautiful grocery store I've ever been to and I've been to many all over the world. They literally have everything... things I'd never heard of, colors of veg I'd never seen, fruit I'd never seen before, so many varieties of apples they have their own entire section, grass fed beef, waygu, regular feed, incredible seafood, a big Asian section, bulk out the gazoo, fresh pasta I could go on and on. If my county had this store it would put all the others out of business and we have some pretty special grocery stores here so. Yeah. I was impressed with prices as well.

Whaaa? This grocery store is the bees knees. It's like Your Dekalb Farmers Market (Atlanta based) joined with Wegmans (East Coast), and had a threesome with WinCo. From Cassandra's desserts in the bakery section, to the prepared foods, this store is amazing! If you ever venture to the frozen aisle, you must try an Antico or Del Popolo frozen pizza - it's the best I've ever tried! Please, if you have not tried this place yet, I'm not sure what you're doing with life.

so I went here a few days ago, chaotically busy as usual but that's to be expected... i walked past this cute shelf with all these mochi and other Asian candies. this was there and my daughter was born in the year of the snake so of course I got it for her. when she opened it she asked me 3 times if I'm sure this is a mochi. i said no but was 99% sure bc it was next to the other mochis. she took a bite, we think it's soap. maybe the people at Berkeley bowl can try to label things for people who can't read Chinese bc I thought I was right that it was a mochi.

My favorite market anywhere! they have probably the best selection of everything and the produce alone is worth going to. You will see things you have never seen before. And as a former Chef it's pretty awesome and the prices aren't bad either because of the need to turn over all the products. They also have different prepared foods like Latin, sandwich deli, Asian, etc. The meat and fish counter is also a highlight with just about everything including sushi grade fish. Hint: there is a discount produce area in a back room for even better valve. Two locations with the southern one off of Ashby better with underground parking.

let me start by saying Berkeley bowl has a vast selection of organic fruits and vegetables which is always fully stocked. I also appreciate their large selection of yogurts which I haven't found in any other stores anywhere. I always enjoy coming here for my grocery needs.

MY BEAUTIFUL FAMILY LOVES MOCHI But unfortunately Berkeley Bowl has led us astray once again. Upon waking up I received a text from my girlfriend explaining the horror her daughter received when she bit into what appeared to be a snake shaped Mochi bought at your store. She took one bite and immediately died. IT WAS SOAP. Why would you sell soap next to the mochi? You've changed my life forever but in a bad way, Berkeley Bowl. I'm so disappointed in you.

This place just to good .... Came in to get some food and saw they have a new item at the sushi place. Now they have inari sushi with chopped scallops and tuna. 4 pieces for $7.50!!! Such a good price. Recently, I went to a place that sold Thai kind of inari and they sold it for $5.50 for a piece, so Berkeley bowl had the better deal! And more delicious of course!!!

This grocery store is great. Love the bulk, produce, healthy food, breads, lots of local stuff. It's like a giant Whole Foods x Sprouts x Rainbow Grocery. Interesting finds: - Cherimoya!! I haven't encountered a good one since Mexico. Found a nice heavy one and it's creamy. Slightly bitter at the edges, but I mean still overall great. - Dark Chocolate Covered Peanuts near the bulk section - I'm not sure why chocolate peanuts are kinda rare but these are delicious and only $2 for a good substantial pack. - Toasted Pumpkin Seeds in Shell at bulk section - I remember my friend from elementary school gave me some. Never thought seeds with the shell and everything would be so good. I finally found it after 20+ years. Try something new or find a nostalgia item at a good price and quality.

Incredible selection of fresh, organic produce at an affordable price, wonderful fish market, variety of ethnic foods, amazing cheese selection, delicious prepared foods! Parking can be a headache however.

Berkeley Bowl is a unique grocery store. The produce area is truly astounding. Want an avocado? You literally have 7 different varieties and sizes to choose from. Want an apple? They have 22 different types of apples! It really is an amazing place for produce. The meat area is also impressive. They appear to have a butcher in house, but I'm not quite sure. I so sometimes see a person in the back cutting up New York Steaks or Ribeyes. The prices in the meat area are moderate to high. PRO-TIP: For a special occasion, ask for the Wagu beef. Sometimes its not displayed. They sell it in large cuts and also cut to order. Try a nice Wagu tri-tip. You will never go back to anything else. You will also need to go on cholesterol medication because the marbling is insane!

Foodies heaven. They have everything here. If you want peaches, they will have all different varieties and farms you can choose from. I was walking by the pile of melons that day, and oh, I couldn't resist the sweet smell of it, so I brought one at home. So good!!! My favorite is their burrito. I always just get the regular one. It's 9 something dollars, but they are not only huge but very delicious and fresh. Must try!

I had the privilege of working with MJ of Pickup and Delivery at Berkeley Bowl West on Sunday. I had tried to place an online order on Saturday night and due to my own error, the order did not go through. I left a message with the store on Saturday night to have someone call me Sunday morning to help me straighten my error out. MJ called me Sunday morning, and patiently looked into the order I had tried to place, advised me the order had not gone through and advised me to place the order again. I did as MJ instructed and the order went through. But that wasn't the end of the story. MJ personally took it upon herself to see to it that my order was filled immediately and my original requested pickup time was met with professionalism and courtesy. In my opinion, with staff members like MJ, Berkeley Bowl is and has always been one of the best grocery stores in the Bay Area with their many fresh varieties of offerings and service and they will always have my business. Sandra

I never get tired of coming here, even after moving to San Francisco, I find myself always wanting to come out to Berkeley Bowl JUST for their amazing eclectic selection of fresh and locally grown produce at insanely reasonable prices. Honestly, I think it's worth the gas money spent in driving out here so long as the traffic across the Bay Bridge isn't too terrible. It may sound silly, but Berkeley Bowl is the only grocery store where I feel as excited about going into as I do when I attend a hobby convention or a concert (crazy, I know). It's clean, well-organized, and the parking situation isn't too awful, despite being fairly limited. There are also street parking options right outside of the Berkeley Bowl parking lot... Or you can take a quick trip to Walgreens across the street and park there and do your grocery shopping after making a purchase at Walgreens (and take a parking spot there, which is generally pretty empty in contrast). On my last trip out here, I bought an amazing loaf of bread from Josey Baker as well as a variety of plums and stonefruits (it was the tail end of summer/beginning of fall). All of them were ripened to perfection and none of the produce looked like they were already molding or rotting, which is so, so rare back in SF, especially with the price they're asking you to pay in SF grocery stores (it's almost like it's forcing you to go with non-organic produce). I will always stop by Berkeley Bowl whenever I have a chance or am around East Bay, it'll always have a special place in my heart.

Wow it took me so long to visit Berkeley Bowl but it really lives up to the hype. I was looking around for black garlic, and after checking out several stores in SF (with no luck), I was getting pretty desperate. When I walked into Berkeley Bowl, and headed towards their produce section, I was pretty overwhelmed. There were rows and rows of produce, basically everything you could need. However, I was still having trouble finding black garlic so I asked an employee. They were super helpful and knew exactly where to point me. To my surprise, it was hanging right at the cash registers. FYI it was pretty busy in there (on a Saturday, before Thanksgiving) and there were a lot of people to navigate through. Maybe it's not so bad on a normal day, but something to keep in mind if you like a more relaxed shopping environment.

This is the type of grocery store that's much more than just your standard Kroger or Albertsons. Everything is laid out nicely and the store itself is very clean. I could walk around the store for hours, just checking out their various products. The part that struck me first was their bakery, with bread that smelled unbelievably delicious. The nearby deli area had plenty of prepared food available, which also looked fresh and tasty. However, my favorite aisle had to be the snack section, with tons of inventive snack options I've never seen before. Bottom line, this place is the best for a fun grocery shopping experience. It is a bit on the pricey side, but wasn't as bad as I expected, all things considered. Most importantly, you can expect good quality for sure!

Unparalleled quality and broadest selection of food in the East Bay. Foodies and home cooks will find anything they need here. Berkeley Bowl supports our wish to eat healthy, seasonal food. Top notch fruit and vegetable produce, huge butcher counter, fish counter, deli/bakery, bulk and organic. Love Berkeley Bowl! Parking can be a bit of a challenge at times, but if you go early you can usually find a spot.

The service was super fast and I got a quick bite on my way home here! Super nice variety in foods and would love to explore more when I have the time! Their pastries from Third Culture tasted nice and pretty fresh. They have so many things including baklava and other pastries!

The people giving 5 star reviews are clearly oblivious to the scam that this grocery store is. The quality has downgraded significantly in the past few months alone, prompting me to write this review. Multiple times, I have seen MOLDED rotten fruit still on the shelf for sale, items have rung up at check out much higher than the price tag - and when I brought it up to "Customer Service" the rude black woman behind the counter accused ME of being dishonest. Talk about gaslighting. I've gotten sushi (or what they call sushi) twice and both times got an upset stomach afterwards. I will never shop at TOILET BOWL again. I feel sorry for the people still being duped by its facade. I will continue to support local farmers by shopping at the Tuesday Farmer's market. The prices are better and 100% of the money is going to the farmers, and not supporting the money laundering business of this sham grocery store. Oh and best of all, they aren't trying to sell rotten fruit at full price.

I hate to say this about the beloved Berkley Bowl, but many times I have gotten produce here that has spoiled. It's just happened too many times. I get home and that very day or evening I pull out the veggies start to snack on them or make a salad and... They're bad. I''d much rather support a local place than Whole Foods. And they have so many more varieties of fruits and vegetables. They do take returns, if you notice that your produce is rotten or moldy, and you do NOT need a paper receipt. Just tell them the total dollar amount (look it up on your phone banking app) and they can print out another paper receipt. Maybe if more people started returning their rotting produce, the store would have better quality control.

I was in today, around 6pm and there was mold in almost every container of the raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. Ive never seen it this bad.

Wow! Basically, the Berkeley Bowl Marketplace took my breathe away. Never in my life have I seen such a selection, my guess, they have 3.7 million skus. Everything under the sun. Literally. * I love the hot foods area, and butcher, but those are pretty common nowadays. * I love the baked goods * I love the dry goods and spices -- you pick'em. * I love...love...love the fruit and vegetable section. GINORMOUS. Now, it is pricey (thus the 4.0 star, otherwise, it's a 5+). In fact, they may rival Whole Foods. But in the end, the place makes me so happy.

A great selection local companies, fresh organic produce, a varied hot bar, and fresh breads and meats. Just everything. A local favorite.

Always heard about this place but didn't have a chance to drop by until recently. It definitely lives up to the hype. This place is like "if WholeFoods never was bought by Amazon and stuck to their roots, it could have been this" but actually that. I really love the variety they have. Tons of vegetables, bread, organic meat, and eggs of all types! I really like the grab and go section they have as well. The people here are always pleasant and nice, and willing to help you find things. Price wise, definitely not the cheapest place but I think for quality and to support local businesses, it's a good place to go.

Meat counter doesn't know what they're doing and apparently will "defend to the death" their right to never figure it out. I have never bought a prepackaged group of chicken thighs or whole legs at Berkeley Bowl on Oregon where the pieces were anything near the same size so that they will cook at about the same rate. When I called the meat counter today and spoke to Becky the manager about this she explained that they just couldn't do that. In other words when they pack up their family packs of chicken legs or thighs they simply cannot sort them to any extent by weight so that pieces that are somewhat the same size end up in the same package. So I explained that I just couldn't shop at their meat counter I'll have to go to whole foods.

Wow I have not been here for the last 10 years, I prefer the newer location on Heinz. Quality/Quantity - This is the place I used to buy my Japanese beer, to do our tastings. They have pared back to a very small selection, but replaced it with craft beers. Also their deli, bakery, etc are all being remodeled. So today, they had a slim to no selection for prepared foods. Atmosphere - Limited parking, and please be careful. Whenever I come here, there seems to be VERY poor drivers/parkers. Open 7 days a week. Departments: Huge Produce department also with an organic section. Bulk foods. Meat and Seafood. Cheese station. Bakery - currently under remodel. Deli - currently under remodel. Asian Deli - currently under remodel. Service - Good. 15 registers Price - Above average, but worth it. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since 1977. 1999 Moved to the former Safeway location on Oregon St. 2009 Berkeley Bowl West opened on Heinz.

Get a better customer service person who picks up the phone. I asked if they had something in stock and she goes "ugh I don't know... let me see" with hella attitude. Smh

The best supermarket with the best fruits variety in the world! I think this place is opened by Japanese people so there's a lot of Asian food / groceries here too, like sashimi and onigiri.

I have lived here for almost 10 years and on and off I have heard of this place. Was never on my way to anything so never really stopped by. After the 100th time of buying fruit that had no flavor at local grocery stores I decided to make the trip and see what the hype is all about. Best decision ever! Hands down 100% they have the most delicious and fresh tasting fruit! You walk in and the store has so many options of everything! It has your Whole Foods vibe, but there are plenty of items that are affordable - fresh produce and fruit! Now every week I drive up here just for their fruit and the many options that they have.

Visiting friends in Oakland, I was advised to check this place out: In one word, unique.Specially the fruit and vegetable section is just enormous ! It is apple season and I am a big fan: They really have every kind( more than 20 at least ) at reasonable prices . The produce section is equally well stocked both in quality and quantity. I noticed that if you are a charcuterie or sausage fan, you will find anything you like! The same with the cheese! I wish they had something like that in Los Angeles! Well, I did my shopping for the week and the trunk of the SUV is now full! Luckily, It is cold out there so no worries about preserving everything for a few days! PS: very Bay area, there are 2 types of bags (regular plastic and compostable) but no one except tourists like me ask for them!

Berkeley Bowl West: dLoved the quality of meats and produce, tasty hot lunches, nice coffee and desserts, space to eat and drink, nice selection of asian products, vitamins, flowers, and good parking available. My new go to market

I love the food choices and quality of produce at Berkeley Bowl. The only beef is the customer service person. She is absolutely no help in finding things and insists she knows where something is even when she doesnt but won't get out behind her desk to help you. She really brings down the service at BB which is otherwise a gem.

The produce is good but to many crazy liberals and the checkout lines are too much for me on a Monday at 1:30.

A lot of varieties, and many hard to find items can be found here. It's a big store, clean & friendly staffs. The vegetable and fruit selections takes up quarter of the store alone. I left with seven items for $50. It's very pricey here, so I only go here a few times a year here.

I used to think this store was okay. but if there is a pumpkin with MOLD all over it, and they say, "I'm not allowed to give a discount, because I can get credit for that..." that tells me customers no longer matter to this new surly crop of "supervisors." They mistakenly tried to take away the big moldy pumpkin and charge me for it, and then the manager didn't apologize!! It is unsatisfying to put money to people who openly insult you coming AND going! Really bad management!!

I like Berkeley Bowl, I just wish their aisles were bigger. Every time I come into Berkeley Bowl it's an absolute madhouse. It's busy all the time, whenever you're here, rain or shine. And they definitely did not design in any way for it. If anything the aisles are smaller than a Safeway aisle and the carts are huge comparatively, with people packing up significantly over by the meat counter, where you don't really have enough room to edge through if two carts are side by side. Sometimes the lines are so long they're almost at the back of the store. That being said, I love the brands they carry here, you can find kefir, Mr Dewies, and the those specific to Zero Grocery hotlinks that I can never find anywhere else. And although the service is never particularly personable like you find with Trader Joes, it's usually fast. All in all I do love buying the brands I like from Berkeley Bowl, but the space is so poorly designed that it makes it incredibly not fun to visit.

Came by the other day and it was a phenomenal experience! Parking is available in front of the grocery store along with the alley and on the street. There were a couple homeless people on the street asking for money... The actual marketplace felt very safe with hand sanitizer station at the front door, staff properly wearing masks covering their mouth and noses and almost all of the staff wearing gloves with boxes of gloves everywhere around the front door! The marketplace had a huge assortment of produce and fruits. They had a good selection of organic, free-trade chocolates from TCHO! Their chicken selection included both Mary's regular as well as organic!

Go for the produce. You rarely find better for the price. Meat counter is ok. Avoid packaged chicken as it is often not local Eggs are the best anywhere. Been shopping here since 1988. Biggest drawback is the two stores don't carry the same items. Go figure.

Oh man this has got to be THE COOLEST grocery store I've ever been in Berkeley. You can't tell from the outside but it is big on the inside. Their bakery items are so good but get there early because they run out at around 1PM. They have a great selection of pretty much anything. Every section has a few specialty items. I don't recommend coming here to shop for regular stuff because you can definitely find it cheaper elsewhere. My favorite part The Berkeley Bowl is the produce section. Holy moly they have the absolute freshest produce I have ever seen. A BIG produce section at that! I really think they are farm to table produce. The peaches still had a thick layer of fuzz, the apples were not beat up, the strawberries were so fresh and fragrant, and the blueberries were big. They have self-service for blueberries like regular produce. Most times blueberries come in the plastic containers. I like that I can pick out my own blueberries. I think I spent $30 JUST on produce, haha! Man, I wish I lived closer. I would shop here every week if I could!

The selection here is *chef's kiss*. No other supermarket can compare. I discovered the bulk section today and it felt like I entered a new world... the world of bulk purchasing all the grains, dried mushrooms, granolas, teas, and spices that I only need 2 oz of for a one-off recipe and I don't want to spend $10 and a heavy bag on. I do wish the asian tea bulk selection were a bit more expansive but it still beats any other supermarket I've been to. The produce section is enormous and I would've bought the 5 different types of nectarines and 10 types of apples if I had more mouths to feed. Alas, I still walked away with more produce variety than I had in the past year and I am so excited for my homemade tropical fruit platter. I came here with the intention of purchasing some fish for sushi at the fish counter, but my post-meal clarity brain talked me out of it and I purchased a salmon don to satiate the cravings instead. I'm pretty sure Berkeley Bowl does not make the sushi themselves but this was a grrreat (I bought some cereal too) sushi bowl. For $12 and the quality and amount of fish and roe I got, I would rather get my sushi take out here than most restaurants in the area. I can't wait to come back and try some more tea and seasonal produce. Make sure to bring a backpack or a car to lug home the ton of groceries you'll inevitably purchase. I will unironically suggest Berkeley Bowl as a lunch spot to my friends moving forward.

ICONIC. Berkeley Bowl is where it's at. Hands down the best grocery store in this city and the next!! Those who know me know I love grocery shopping and I love affordable groceries even more. In the Bay Area, the latter is very hard to find. This makes Berkeley bowl all the better. The prices are the best in all of Bay Area and the variety is amazing. The produce is fresh and they have both organic and non organic options. If your a student looking for good deals, don't come here for pantry items or fresh meat. Really what's the best here is the produce!