Berkeley Bowl is a true East Bay institution, and the produce section is the main reason we keep coming back whenever we're in the area. The fruit selection here is exceptional. A must for us every single visit is the Honey Glow pineapple -- if you haven't tried one, you're missing out. They are incredibly sweet, almost like biting into pure sugar, but in the most natural and refreshing way. It's the kind of fruit that's hard to find at your average grocery store, and Berkeley Bowl delivers consistently. Beyond the pineapple, the quality across the board is impressive. The blueberries are plump and flavourful, the oranges are bright and juicy, and the wider fruit selection never fails to catch our eye. It's clear that real care goes into sourcing what ends up on those shelves. For anyone living in or passing through the East Bay, Berkeley Bowl is absolutely worth a stop. It's one of those places that makes grocery shopping genuinely enjoyable, and the produce alone is reason enough to visit. read more

I haven't been at the spot in really long time. And every time I come here I remember why I used to love it so much. They have absolutely everything and the price is a reasonable. Not as reasonable as they used to be back in the day, but reasonable enough. I love the bulk section of foods. And I love the fact that the organic food is not as expensive as it is in other places, but it has a really good quality. They have a nice selection of foods and you can get a lot of different things. They do have some specialty sections, such as English foods, Italian foods, Mexican foods, Asian foods, etc. I can cook something from another cuisine and often find those ingredients there. I could find lime leaves for a dish that I was making and they only cost $.99. They also have banana leaves that I can buy if I want to use. The meat counter is nice and the people who work there are generally very nice. Another thing I like about the store is that it's nice and clean. The aisles are OK and you can pass by. And when waiting in line for your food if people are shopping, it can get a little crowded, but it's not uncomfortable. The only thing I would tell you not to do here is to return something because they do not want to give you your money back even when you do have a receipt. And when they do give you your money, you get all kind of attitude. I would suggest coming here, which is something that I do when I'm in the area. I usually go to the other Berkeley bowl because it's closer to the freeway and I can drive up quite quickly. But I forgot, this used to be a Safeway, so unlike their original location, which is now a car dealership, and before that was a bowling alley, this space was built for retail of food. I like that I can always find something here when I need to. read more

Berkeley Bowl Marketplace - So bright now! This is a cold case for prepared foods - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I finally tried their burrito. Very unique. Create your own $10.99. Red rice or cilantro rice. Cilantro rice got a tiny kick. Black beans. Chicken mole has a sweetness with chunks of white meat. Pico de gallo salsa. Mild green sauce so hugh that I dont know how he wrapped it up. Tortilla was soft. Burrito was gigantic and split into two meals. Yummy. I got a vegan carrot zucchini muffin. My friend found it to be dry but I thought it was moist and delicious, not too sweet. I paid at the bakery counter and ate outside at their tables. Went back inside and went to their bargain bin vegetable section and found strawberries for .99 a box. I bought 3 19 box too because it was so fragrant. I wanted to buy onigri but I forgot. It seemed like it was a best seller. I was eyeing on the mochi muffins and sandwiches. All their food seem so delicious . Love this place. read more

Berkeley Bowl is THE BEST one-stop-shop grocery store, likely in the world! They have everything, and the highest quality of it all. The produce section is their foundation, with options ranging from better than Safeway to organic farmers markets. The meat and cheese counters are as good as any specialty stores. Plus they have everything in between at non-inflated prices. Shopping anywhere else is just painful and so disappointing. read more

Berkeley Bowl Marketplace - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

How....could...I ...have ...missed ...a review for Berkley Bowl Marketplace?! This place has been one of my favorite grocery spots (25 years!) for the incredible selection of produce....You need mushrooms? They probably have 7 different varieties to choose from other than a button one! Beans? Peppers? Greens and choy? Asian produce....Check! Great selection of cheese and their prepared soups are always made fresh and hit the spot. My fave are the spicy lentil and New England Clam Chowder. The best! Meat and seafood counter is always fresh and well stocked. Berkeley Bowl Marketplace is for anyone who loves to cook or explore new ingredients. Service is efficient and no nonsense. Weekends are packed so if you can visit during the week or when they first open you'll have a better shopping experience. 2nd location in West Berkeley Small lot parking with plenty of street parking. read more

Berkeley Bowl Marketplace - Buddha Hand - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

Came by for some fruits the other day and it was a decent experience. Parking is available on the street or in the private lot. The store itself is rather cramped and felt a touch dirty. Some staff wore disposable nitrile gloves. Berkeley bowl has a wide variety of fresh produce, and some high end stuff, that a typical Vons or Ralphs wouldn't carry. Pricing is a touch elevated. Checkout was quick by the Gen Z cashier. read more

Oh yes, Berkeley Bowl. Here is my take on it: The people who prepare the various food items like burritos, etc. need to wash their hands frequently and stop using the same rubber gloves to prepare the food, clean the counters, push down the garbage, wipe their nose, handle the cash and ring up the order, etc. Let's hope they at least use discretion when they go to the restroom! It's so disgusting, there are times that I wait and watch for somebody to change their gloves before I order only to frequently leave there empty-handed. The unaware employee just thinks "Oh, I've got rubber gloves on I'm so clean"- and all they're really doing is keeping their hands clean under the rubber gloves. It's kind of like mass hysteria or collective stupidity. In fact, they outlawed rubber gloves in Washington state because of this very reason. This is a false sense of security, or blissful ignorance. Also, it's very manic in there -people run around like they have never been in a grocery store before! You know, (tongue in cheek) your typical Birkenstock sporting, mask wearing, goofy hat donning, liberal hippie New York transplants frolicking around like freaking zombies! Caution, as you may get run over by an overzealous cart pusher. Free Tibet, Namaste stickers on their Volvo and Prius's as they frantically seek a spot in the parking lot. Yikes, there goes Willow entering the wrong way off Shattuck as Bodhi yells, honks, and screams! A terrific multicultural staff, which is a rewarding and enjoyable aspect of this business. Incredible wide depth of product in their massive inventory. As good as it gets but there are some caveats. The number one grossing independent grocery store in the country, (if not the world) and everybody thinks everything's such a great bargain which is not always the case. Maybe local Berkeley residents could have those stupid obnoxious, cement blocks like the ones at the end of several city streets put at the end of some of the aisles to slow down the traffic? Write a letter to your city councilman. Oops,I mean councilperson! (Don't forget, this is the town where the "manhole" has been renamed to "maintenance entry point"!) Yeah,it's an impressive grocery store but it's no Shangri-La. Great produce section where you'll find the ingredients for "whirled peas" like the bumper sticker says. read more

Berkeley Bowl Marketplace - Popular Berkeley bumper sticker when Namaste stickers are sold out - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

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A young man and woman working the same checkout when I arrived. I had multiple squash that could have easily been weighed together, but they were so engrossed in their conversation that they weren't paying attention to what they were doing or to the customer standing right in front of them. As I tried to bag my own groceries, the conveyor belt at the end of the register just kept moving, pushing my groceries farther and farther away while I struggled to keep up. I finally asked if there was any way to stop it, and Aris simply pressed a button. It took one second. That made it obvious that they hadn't been paying attention to the customer experience at all. A cashier should notice when someone is struggling, especially when the solution is that simple. Everyone gets distracted sometimes, and I understand people have different communication and attention styles. But customers still deserve basic attentiveness and service. The level of inattention during this transaction was excessive and made what should have been a quick checkout unnecessarily frustrating. read more

Beware of Berkeley Bowl! Take your hard earned money elsewhere. Their lack of customer service when it comes to property damage is outrageous! Last weekend, I went to Berkeley Bowl for my weekly grocery run and I parked my car right in front of the store. Another dumbass driver sideswiped my car when trying to park in the spot next to mine and ending up parking elsewhere. I called the cops to file a police report. That jerk went inside and made a purchase, but the staff doesn't want to assist the cops in helping me find the guy who scratched my car. They just lost a loyal customer from the lack of customer service. read more

Berkeley Bowl Marketplace - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I love Berkeley Bowl , it's so special to have a place to shop that sells so much amazing produce, meats... everything. It's hands down my favorite grocery store. However, I want to say that their pre-made cold sandwiches, especially the ones I got today, are not so great. The first one I tried, the ham and cheese, had waterlogged bread with like 1/2" of ham with some oldish looking cheese and a lot of not so crispy lettuce. It wasn't really edible. I went to customer service and asked for an exchange and got a pastrami and cheese. The bread wasn't soggy but the pastrami wasn't so great and overall was like a sandwich you'd expect a 6th grader to pack himself for lunch. I won't be buying those sandwiches anymore, but I will return for most everything else! read more

This is by far the best grocery store I've been to in the Bay Area. I will drive over an hour just to visit here. The selection of produce here is amazing and definitely seems to last way longer than these other retailers. I was so fascinated by the different types of noodles, nuts, fruit, cookie dough, beer and so much more that they carry. You may come in looking for some peanuts but walk out carrying butter toffee covered peanuts instead, by the way those are amazing. The staff here are very helpful and pleasant and can quickly direct you to where you need to go. My new favorite I've recently discovered is tea by the pound, the Yerba tea and chai tea are my absolutely go to and I highly recommend. Even stop by their hot food area, such a great selection. I grabbed a pizza and some lumpia on the way out! read more

Berkeley Bowl Marketplace - Pepperoni pizza - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is my absolute FAVORITE grocery store and I don't mind making the drive! I go through every single aisle each time I go because there is so much to see and try. The produce section alone is impressive with plenty of organic options. In addition to things you don't typically see at other grocery stores like multiple types of fruits and vegetables. I counted like eight or nine types of melons. Including yellow meat watermelons. There's a bargain area with deep discounts on "eat now" fruits and vegetables which is great as food prices continue to rise. I like the self serve area for beans, spices, teas and granolas. There's also an end cap of spices from Oaktown spice shop (Yay!} The meat and seafood section are pretty good and they sell caviar. There's a hot food section and bakery with vegan options. Lots of cheese too, There's also a variety of ales and sake. They have everything here! **It does get VERY busy so be prepared for that but totally worth it. read more

I wish I lived nearby.It is a wonderful market. They have an amazing selection of fruits and vegetables. read more

The best place ever in the world. I'm am so glad we stop here. The parking is horrible but other than that it is great!!! Fast courteous service as well. They have the best selection of everything grocer related that I have ever seen out of any store anywhere. read more

Berkeley Bowl Marketplace - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

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. read more

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It's a grocery store in a suburb Many suburbs of Boston and many places ..North america ..nice quiet Basic suburban grocery store ...not part of a big chain read more

Forgot to buy cold cuts on my last grocery trip, looked for the nearest place it turned out to be this one. The selection of products here is diverse, many bulk nuts and spices, import things among any other domestic products. I must however say that the Yerba Mate loose leaf sold here steered me away from buying it here. It lacked so much more info that mate imported from Argentina (please visit empanada shops in the area maybe they might give you a crash course). Store was busy and nothing looked messy, however cashier lacked customer service. No hello, no how you doing, have a good one, nothing. Would i recommend this place? Depends on what you looking for and if you don't mind rude cashiers read more

Berkeley Bowl Marketplace - Bologna, chocolate - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

Produce paradise with chaotic parking If you can survive the parking lot, you'll be rewarded. Spaces are tiny, it's always crowded, and getting a spot feels like a mini battle. Once you're inside though, it's a different story. The produce is the best in the Bay, with tons of super fresh fruit and vegetables, plus varieties you don't usually see, so you end up discovering new stuff. Floor staff were pleasant and genuinely helpful each time I needed something. The health and beauty section is surprisingly solid too -- I even found great hair care and snapped pics of a few facial creams to grab next time. For food on the go, the deli and hot bar are clutch for lunch, a quick dinner, or picnic supplies. The drink aisle is a playground if you like trying new beverages. Dessert section goes hard as well -- I grabbed a sweet potato cake that I would 100% buy again, diet or not. Also, the bagel selection in the refrigerated section is standout. This was my second visit and I'm already excited for the third. When I'm driving through Berkeley, I make a point to stop. There are two locations, and I've heard the West location has easier parking. Pros: elite produce, helpful staff, strong health/beauty aisle, great prepared foods, fun drink finds, legit desserts and bagels Cons: parking is rough, spaces are tight, it's busy Overall: 5 stars for what's inside, with a side-eye at the lot. read more

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Avocados - here are the avocados I just bought here tonight and it felt like the best one read more

Berkeley Bowl Marketplace - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great vibes and quality food products. They have pretty much everything at the store. Reliable produce.

I love their selection of bulk items--delicious trail mix, yogurt covered pretzels, butter toffee almonds, you name it. While the aisles are packed tight, the selection of both fresh produce and pantry goods is an excellent array. Workers are friendly and happy to help you find any specific items. Checkout is also fast and easy! There's nothing to dislike about Berkeley Bowl. read more

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. read more

This is a dream market. The selection is amazing. Look at all the beautiful produce. This place is bustling with people on a Saturday morning. The price point is similar to Whole Foods. Some things are cheaper but it's pretty much on the same echelon of organic food market. read more

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Berkeley Bowl is honestly one of the most disappointing grocery experiences I've had. The store is crowded, dirty, and chaotic the aisles are narrow, and parking is a nightmare. I've even seen flies near the produce and meat section, and some of the meat looked old and unappealing. On top of that, the customer service is terrible. Staff are often rude or dismissive when you ask for help, and when I questioned a price that rang up higher than the shelf tag, I was treated like I was the problem. For a place that charges premium prices, this is unacceptable. Between the lack of cleanliness, poor quality control, and the expensive prices, I won't be shopping here again. read more

I worship at the church of Berkeley Bowl whenever I get the chance. All the best produce, bread, cheese, prepared food, cookies, treats, wine, beer, and thou. Service is lovely. I'd say the prices are fair, and the store layout is easy to navigate. Shop here and have a core Berkeley experience. read more

Cashiers are rude and unfriendly. Most things except produce are over priced. Paying more wouldn't be such an issue if service was better . Store employees mainly cashiers act like they are being forced to work there read more

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 read more

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Berkeley Bowl is my favorite grocery store. The produce section is awesome. The meat department is excellent while I don't buy many prepared food they have quite a selection of premade foods. The checkers are friendly, efficient and quick. It's so popular that parking can be an issue but I make do read more

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. read more

Best grocery store in the United States. I always find what I'm looking for. This place never fails me. Good beer selection, too.

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. read more

Bought these on Sunday. FYI These are not from the dollar section paid abt $6 or 7z. Berries can't go bad in just 2 days. Disappointed read more

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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. read more

Berkeley Bowl Marketplace - Cherimoya! - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

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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! read more

Berkeley Bowl Marketplace - Burrito - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Just watched an employee at the deli section act incredibly rude and unhelpful to an old man clearly struggling to figure out how to pay w his card. She just stood there watching him struggle for at least five minutes, clearly not caring while he was obviously confused. Someone had to step in and pay while she stood there. Really tough to see and it paints the whole establishment in a bad light. read more

The offerings were great. Love the choices, and plentiful amounts of many things. J didn't care for the male sounding voice who wasn't helping me at all on the phone, when I was wanting to get to the BBMarketpkace . I was on College Ave by Rockridge BART . When I had been on a bus going the wrong way, I seriously needed some help. I didn't get the feeling like the person answering the phone cared to help me. I got to the store, finally by using Lyft. In the store, I could not find an associate to help me to find a couple things. I looked for about 15 min off and on while getting other items. So I can only give the store 3 stars because of lack of decent customer service I'm going to see what the Berkeley Bowl West store is like sometime in April. I live 40 min away by BART so I dont go into Berkeley too often. read more

I used like shopping here maybe twice a week bc they have many variety of produce, but my main concern is that half the time they overcharge me on items that are on sale. Then I have to deal with that rude elderly black lady at the customer service desk, and that Middle Eastern supervisor guy is just as rude, like I made a mistake, never apologize, gives me that smirk look like I did something wrong. I'm so tired of their employees that I no longer want to shop here. They ruin my day every time I shop here. I'd give them 0 stars, but I have to put one star to leave a review. Not worth going through this drama with their employees every time I go to get a refund due to their cashier overcharging me for items. This is unacceptable when it happens every week for the last 8 months. read more

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. read more

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! read more

Berkeley Bowl Marketplace - Outside - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

At least it's not whole foods Nightmarish and badly over-hyped, but with a few pros. Namely, their produce is okay, they stock some local brands, and some of their prepared food can be good, though last time I found a piece of plastic in a tofu cake!!!! Downsides are as follows: They sell unethical brands/ non-natural junk, They don't seem to be especially community oriented, imo grocery stores should have an ethos Parking is impossible Store is very crowded Checkout lines are unbelievably long Plastic in tofu cake (something that probably wouldn't happen if employees were under less pressure/treated better) It's local and sells some health food, but appears weirdly uncommitted to any serious ethical standards read more