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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown Berkeley

Soup and food spots

Made for those who view a bowl of soup as the primary requirement for a satisfying meal.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Rojbas Mediterranean Grill image 1
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Mediterranean restaurant

Small, cozy Mediterranean restaurant with sunny storefront and comfortable seating creates a warm, welcoming vibe. Atmosphere feels homey and relaxed, enhanced by friendly hospitality and pleasant background music. Known for authentic, fresh flavors and generous complimentary items like tea.

Creamy lentil soup stands out with a rich texture and well-balanced flavor. Some prefer it blended for a smoother consistency.

Fresh ingredients create incredible Mediterranean flavors with perfect texture. Mixed grill dishes impress groups with excellent variety and consistent quality.

People are saying

"The salads here are fresh and delicious."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly."

"I loved the delicious lentil soup here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers complimentary tea at the end of the meal.

2

Prices are very reasonable for the quality of food.

3

Portion sizes are large, comparable to typical American servings.

02
Anja’s image 1
Lunch restaurant

Small restaurant offers a cozy, charming atmosphere with garden patio seating surrounded by a quiet rose garden. The vibe is calm and inviting, blending German influences with local ingredients. Guests find it a warm haven amid a busy urban area, ideal for relaxed breakfast and lunch.

Soups feature fresh, flavorful ingredients with options like bean and sausage and rosemary and cannellini bean varieties. They pair well with light dishes such as egg potato muffins and smoked salmon.

Food features traditional German recipes made with fresh California ingredients. Dishes come out well cooked and homemade, including delicious cakes and filling meals.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating felt like a magical garden oasis."

"The food here is delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

"The soup here feels so warm and inviting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The menu features German-inspired dishes made with local California ingredients.

3

Expect generous portions, especially for the sandwiches and desserts.

03
Tsuruya image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small, cozy ramen restaurant with a compact interior featuring bar seating and tables. Atmosphere feels friendly and lively, with a family-run vibe and genuine care for food quality. Known for authentic, flavorful ramen that draws steady crowds despite limited seating.

Ramen soup features a rich flavor with special spices that stand out. Clear soup carries a lovely aroma from truffle oil and fried garlic, and noodles stay firm and chewy, clinging well to the broth.

Fresh, flavorful dishes deliver authentic Japanese cuisine with consistently top-notch quality. Staff contribute to a transformative dining experience.

People are saying

"I found the spicy tonkotsu ramen to be phenomenal and deeply savory."

"The ramen here is thoughtfully crafted with perfect noodles and tender chashu."

"The ramen soup here is flavorful and rich."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and seating is available in a clean alleyway.

2

Parking can be difficult, so plan to arrive early.

3

Expect long wait times as Tsuruya gets busy quickly.

04
Razan's Organic Kitchen traditional and classic shawarma. image 1

Small cafe with open kitchen and upstairs cozy seating offers a friendly, homey atmosphere reminiscent of a Mediterranean family kitchen. The vibe balances clean, casual comfort with a welcoming energy suitable for relaxed meals. Organic ingredients and fresh-made wraps define the experience.

Split pea soup offers layers of flavor and comes hot with fresh parsley and sumac on top. A half sandwich and soup combo pairs well for a filling meal.

Food comes fresh and flavorful with a focus on organic ingredients and authentic Middle Eastern dishes. Many options are prepared right in front of you using the freshest ingredients.

People are saying

"I found the falafel here to be the best I've ever had."

"The food here is so fresh and bursting with flavor."

"I thought the falafel was possibly the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers pickup and take-home options only, no dine-in service.

2

There are plenty of Halal options available on the menu.

3

Vegan options are clearly labeled on the menu.

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.

Food features authentic Hunan cuisine with rich flavors and a notable spicy kick. Dishes come out quickly and consistently deliver a delicious experience.

People are saying

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

"I loved the authentic Hunan and Szechwan food here."

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

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
Masa Ramen Bistro image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant offers an open, crisp atmosphere with Hawaiian music creating a calm and sweet vibe. Seating accommodates groups but front seats feel uncomfortable. Broth stands out as rich and flavorful, paired with craft noodles that suit many palates.

Oxtail soup stands out with its rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked meat. Ramen soups feature chewy noodles and a deep, savory taste, though some find the noodle texture varies.

Hearty, flavorful dishes include miso-based ramens and authentic Hawaiian comfort food. Food quality and service stay consistently excellent.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be very tasty and rich with flavors."

"The ramen here is authentic and the broth is so good."

"I thought the oxtail soup was great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but arriving before 7pm helps avoid long waits.

2

Parking can be challenging, so consider public transport or rideshare options.

3

Expect some menu items to be sold out, especially during peak hours.

07
Nash Café image 1
Chinese restaurant

Family-run Chinese restaurant offers authentic cuisine with a cozy, lived-in vibe and inexpensive prices. The menu features grilled skewers, noodles, and soup dumplings, with a notable house-made chili oil and spicy dishes. Open late until midnight, the atmosphere stays lowkey and warm.

Beef noodle soup stands out with rich broth and tender meat. Soup dumplings offer a flavorful, juicy bite that pairs well with other dishes like lamb skewers and minced meat noodles.

Authentic Chinese cuisine shines with grilled Asian street food featuring many varieties. Food stays great late into the night and tastes wonderful throughout the day.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here are super good."

"The Chinese food here is great, especially as a late night spot."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until midnight.

2

Nash Café accepts both card and cash payments.

3

Parking at Nash Café can be a pain because street parking is luck-based.

08
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.

Food shows high quality and freshness with consistently delicious flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"I had the best sushi I've ever had in my life."

"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.

09
Saigon Express image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Casual Vietnamese restaurant with a focus on quick service and classic dishes like pho and banh mi. Atmosphere suits college crowds, offering affordable prices and vegetarian options. Food features well-marinated meats and crusty bread, with a clean, well-maintained setting.

Soup features a delicious flavor with a touch of lemon added for brightness. It suits cold days well and offers a comforting option even for those not usually eating pho.

Vietnamese cuisine features prominently with Pho standing out. Food arrives fresh and fast, offering large portions at reasonable prices with a focus on healthy, high-quality ingredients.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, is the best I've ever tasted."

"I thought the Vietnamese food here was super good."

"I loved the delicious, steaming hot pho soup."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including pho and banh mi.

2

Vegetarian options are available, which is uncommon for Vietnamese restaurants.

3

Prices are reasonable, with many dishes under $10.

10
Marugame Udon image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Cafeteria-style seating with a self-service condiment island creates a casual, efficient dining experience. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, though sometimes loud and spacious. Many enjoy the customizable toppings bar and authentic udon made from imported Japanese wheat.

Soups feature a fragrant broth with a solid base that tastes authentic. Options include curry Nikutama and clear soup versions, both paired with soft noodles and tender meat.

Food comes out hot and fresh with consistent quality matching or exceeding other locations. Dishes taste delicious and satisfying every time.

People are saying

"The katsu curry rice was a favorite, with tender meat and crispy coating."

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The udon soup noodles were chewy, soft, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Customers need to pay before sitting down, which allows everyone to pay separately.

2

The place has wheelchair access and is easy to maneuver inside for those with mobility difficulties.

3

Parking can be difficult because it's mostly street parking nearby.

11
Zhangliang Malatang image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright and clean space offers a self-serve sauce table with fresh options and vegetarian soups. Atmosphere feels comfortable and fun, suitable for casual meals and study sessions. Food features rich, spicy broths and well-prepared proteins, creating a satisfying experience.

Tomato soup stands out with its rich flavor, while the bone soup offers a deep, savory taste. A wide selection of soup bases lets you customize your meal with various noodles and vegetables.

Food here is fresh, flavorful, and fully customizable. It tastes like authentic Chinese cuisine and maintains consistent quality across visits.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"This lunch spot has fresh ingredients and good value."

"I loved the tomato soup here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is self-serve, allowing you to customize your meal.

2

Prices are based on weight, so be mindful of your selections.

3

There are several vegetarian and vegan options available.

12
The Noodle, Thai Restaurant image 1

Small space with close tables and soft lighting creates a warm, relaxing atmosphere. Noise level varies from quiet for studying to lively with clinking silverware. Regular crowd fills the place early, drawn by authentic Thai flavors and generous portions.

Thai noodle soup stands out with a very generous serving size. The coconut soup offers a rich and comforting flavor. Curry noodle soup also delivers a solid taste.

Food here is super flavorful, rich, and savory, cooked in an authentic Thai style by Thai workers. Meals come fast and taste delicious, making for a satisfying experience.

People are saying

"The food here is super flavorful, rich, and savory."

"I thought the Thai food here was spicy and flavorful."

"The coconut soup was rich and comforting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The restaurant closes at 9pm, and no new customers are admitted after 8:30pm.

3

Parking is available a few minutes' walk to the west of the restaurant.

13
Katak Thai Chicken Rice image 1

Cozy space with self-order screens and flavored rice sets a casual, inviting tone. The vibe includes fun, lively music and a mix of authentic Thai chicken rice dishes served with generous portions. Seating is limited, focusing on quick service rather than full table service.

Chicken soup stands out with its deep flavor and tasty profile. Combining it with rice creates a satisfying meal featuring extra thigh pieces.

Food here offers big portions under $20 with authentic Thai flavors. The chicken serves as a comfort food that stands out during busy lunch hours.

People are saying

"The chicken and rice food here is amazing and crispy."

"This authentic Thai chicken rice tastes like home."

"The chicken soup here is one of the best I've had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portions for the price.

2

Most customers prefer takeout or delivery over dining in.

3

Prices are reasonable for the portion sizes offered.

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