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Local picks in Berkeley

Soup and fish spots

Made for those who insist on pairing the lightness of fish with the depth of a carefully simmered soup.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Butterfish Sushi image 1
Butterfish Sushi image 2
Butterfish Sushi image 3
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Sushi restaurant

Small dining space with dimmed lighting and light music creates a cozy, buzzy atmosphere. Tables sit close together in a beautifully designed interior featuring thoughtful Japanese aesthetics. The place fills quickly, making reservations advisable for a lively, intimate experience.

Miso soup comes with many dishes and is well made with a heavenly flavor. Staff quickly replace it if spilled and help clean up.

Freshness stands out with vibrant jewels of fish and perfect cuts. Rolls like the salmon avocado come with large portions and no extra rice padding, just more fish.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best I'd ever had."

"I enjoyed everything I ordered, the fish was delicious."

"I found the soup and sushi to be perfect."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's small size.

2

Expect high prices for sushi, with some rolls costing around $20.

3

The restaurant emphasizes sustainability by using minimal plastic.

02
Nikko Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small local sushi spot offers a quiet atmosphere with pleasant decor and affordable prices. The menu is limited but focused, featuring fresh sashimi and smooth dry sake. Afternoon visits provide comfortable space away from busy surroundings.

Miso soup comes hot and freshly prepared, often served after the appetizer and main course. It pairs with meals like bento boxes and shrimp tempura rolls.

Fresh fish stands out here with every bite. Quality and taste show in the incredible flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The fish here was so fresh, I'm still thinking about it."

"The miso soup here is always freshly prepared."

Good to know

1

Prices at Nikko Sushi are affordable for sushi in the area.

2

The portion sizes and quality offer good value for the price.

3

The menu is relatively small, limiting choices for diners.

03
Royal Egyptian Cuisine image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Food truck with outdoor seating under trees creates a relaxed and welcoming setting with soothing jazz music playing softly. Atmosphere feels warm and friendly, like dining in a peaceful, quiet home. Tables and chairs are set up nicely, inviting leisurely meals without rush.

A hot bowl of vegetable soup arrives right when you approach the food truck. The chef offers warm soup before ordering and sometimes gives it for free along with bottled water.

Fish arrives fresh from Egypt with perfect seasoning. Dishes include a whole fish and a seafood platter featuring mussels, shrimp, and crawfish alongside rice and slaw.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and generously portioned."

"I was welcomed with a warm bowl of soup."

"I had the best fried fish, bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

The average meal price is around $15, offering good value.

3

Two out of six menu items may not be available at times.

04
Chengdu Style Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Dining room blends traditional and modern Sichuan decor with a cozy, warm atmosphere that feels like being in China. The space fills with lively energy from a busy crowd enjoying authentic Sichuan cuisine prepared by Sichuanese cooks.

Soups here come very hot and flavorful with options like beef noodle and lamb soup that are tender and rich. The fatty intestine rice noodle soup tastes authentic and pairs well with guokui, while the tofu veggie soup offers a lighter choice.

Fish dishes feature tender, flaky white fish cooked just right, melting in the mouth with no fishiness. Spicy sauces balance Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili to highlight the fish's natural sweetness.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese food here to be so authentic and delicious."

"The fish here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The lamb soup was tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available for free during events.

2

The restaurant offers fast-food-style Chinese meals in boxed lunches costing around $11-14.

3

Portions are generous, providing excellent value for money.

05
Easterly-Berkeley image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large, airy space with bright lighting and sophisticated decor creates a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. Crowds gather eagerly, especially for authentic Hunan cuisine served cafeteria-style. The environment feels clean and elegant, making it suitable for big group dinners.

Soups feature fresh fish and a spicy bone broth with simmered flavors. Options include a shrimp and pork dumpling soup with seaweed broth, wonton soup, and a coconut chicken soup with tender chicken.

Grilled fish stands out for its delicious taste and good value. The spicy roasted fish and chopped chili fish head offer bold, balanced flavors with a notable kick.

People are saying

"I found the Hunan cuisine here to be really authentic."

"The coconut chicken soup is so delicious and tender."

"The grilled fish here is super delicious and cost-effective."

Good to know

1

There are parking spaces available in front of the restaurant.

2

The dishes are reasonably priced, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

06
Asaka Sushi & Bar image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant with a cozy modern interior and welcoming atmosphere featuring fresh, high-quality seafood. Music plays a bit loud, creating an energetic vibe. Offers environmentally friendly packaging and a broad menu with inventive rolls.

Miso soup arrives as a perfectly prepared starter that sets the tone. It pairs well with a salad dressed in sesame, complementing the meal nicely.

Fresh fish stands out with every dish. Portions stay fair and ingredients balance well for sushi and nigiri.

People are saying

"The sushi here is exceptionally fresh and delicious."

"The salad dressing here is a wonderful take on the classic."

"The miso soup was a perfectly prepared starter."

Good to know

1

Asaka uses paper packaging instead of plastic.

2

Prices for sushi are affordable compared to other restaurants in the area.

3

The restaurant is located in a quiet part of town, away from the hustle.

07
Sichuan Style image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Sichuan restaurant with intricate artwork and a spacious, clean interior creates a comfortable, authentic atmosphere. The space suits family and friends dining and includes a kid- and dog-friendly outdoor area. Seating is ample and the vibe stays relaxed with a traditional touch.

Soups include hot and sour and spicy fish varieties. Lamb and onion soup also appears alongside bean and eggplant dishes. Occasionally, a fly may be found in the soup.

Spicy fish dishes stand out with options like Szechuan water boiled fish and soft tofu fish that balance heat and flavor well. Portions are generous, often enough to share between two.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and delicious."

"The spicy Szechuan fish here is bursting with flavor."

"I loved their spicy fish soup and bean dishes."

Good to know

1

Sichuan Style offers a Monday through Friday lunchtime special for $12.95.

2

Expect a friendly queue with wait times around 20 minutes during peak hours.

3

Lunch specials range from $13-17, available from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

08
Mainichi Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a cozy and spacious interior with a casual yet luxurious atmosphere suited for groups and casual dates. The menu is huge with many choices, featuring fresh and authentic sushi praised for quality and generous portions. Free miso soup and orange slices accompany meals, adding a simple but thoughtful touch.

Complimentary miso soup comes with every meal, served before ordering. Meals also include a cold orange dessert at the end.

Tasting courses feature very fresh fish throughout. Chirashi don offers a large variety of fish, including some uncommon types, but the fish-to-rice ratio leans heavily toward rice.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"I enjoyed the complimentary miso soup with my meal."

"The fish here is so fresh, especially in the tasting course."

Good to know

1

Parking is available directly in front of the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers free miso soup with each meal.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere on Wednesday evenings.

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Berkeley, California

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