I know where the best balls are, and no, this isn't a gay bar review. I'm talking about freshly deep-fried falafel balls, so take your mind out of the gutter, will ya? I'm talking about a tiny Middle Eastern kitchen inside the Berkeley Organic Market. I just happened on this spot as I was walking and feeling peckish in the family-friendly Elmwood neighborhood. One woman was behind the counter, so I assumed she was not only the face of Badan, she was Badan. I ordered the $9.99 Falafel Plate with three freshly deefalafel balls, hummus, baba ganoush, and a salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, turnip, pickles, and feta cheese (photo). It came with a fluffy pita quartered for easier scooping. The market only has one table out on the sidewalk which I shared with a young mother and her daughter. I can say unequivocally that everything tasted fresh. I believe the woman who prepared my plate made everything that morning, and it made me want to come back and try the shawarma, the lentil soup, and the wraps. Great balls. You're welcome. FOOD - 5 stars...truly fresh combo plate with standout falafel balls AMBIANCE - 4 stars...not much room here but a relaxing to-go option SERVICE - 5 stars...she was great TOTAL - 5 stars...psss, it's in the market RELATED - Exploring Berkeley? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2CbVh8u read more

See all

Went in for the first time and they have great things! Love their huge drink section. Will definitely be back!

Ice Tea was Tea-licious very cool and refreshing just right amount of sweetness felt rejuvenated after words :) will try again;)

I gave a low rating because the customer service I experienced was poor. The lady who took my money at the cash register had the vibe of an annoying politician. I tried to give her signals that I just wanted to make my purchase and go, but (like a politician can be) she kept telling me things that I tried to signal to her that I wasn't interested in hearing. When I saw that she didn't take my signals that I totally did not want to engage in her unwanted conversation she ended our encounter by making her point anyway. I hope if she reads this that she realizes someday that if you keep doing this it could hurt your business in the long run regarding customer service. read more

Berkeley Organic Market and Deli is a hidden gem! The food is absolutely incredible! A must-visit for good food and good vibes!

A delightful little market featuring organic produce, an array of gourmet organic goods from noodles to chocolate to beans to rice to chips and so on. If you are gluten free - they got you. For all sense of the words, it truly is a Berkeley bodega. It's got everything but it's all bit "crunchy and healthy". Alas, they have little deli/lunch counter (no seating). I went after their Zatar wrap was getting a little bit of fame and it was dee-licious and an inexpensive light lunch. I do believe they have some new people who have taken over the lunch counter in this small market and they've added salads and a chicken shawarma wrap to the menu. The shawarma wrap ($10.50) with a side salad was a wonderful light lunch. If you're a big eater, this is more of an appetizer, but so is the price, these days. I can't confirm, but I'd hope all the eats are organic as well. It was thoughtfully prepared, super fresh and full of flavor. A crisped wrap full of warm spiced chicken shawarma and a bit of sauce. Overall, a great spot to pick up some healthy items if you're in the hood. In addition, a great little spot to grab lunch to-go if you're looking for a more reasonably priced and healthful eats. read more

Berkeley Organic Market and Deli - Updated menu - Delis Near Me - Berkeley, California

I've walked by Berkeley Organic Market and Deli a dozen times before finally stepping in--and now I'm wondering why I waited so long! This place is a hidden gem for anyone who loves fresh, healthy food and a laid-back, no-frills vibe. First off, the produce section is small but mighty. Everything is super fresh, clearly sourced with care, and there's a good variety considering the store's size. I grabbed some heirloom tomatoes and local kale that tasted like they were picked that morning. The deli is what really makes this spot shine. The sandwiches are legit. The staff behind the counter were friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to make recommendations. Highly recommend stopping by for a sandwich and browsing the aisles. It's a local treasure for sure! read more

Back and Better Than Ever! When I first moved to the neighborhood three years ago, I raved about Berkeley Organic Market--great location, good selection, and a friendly vibe. Sadly, over time it really went downhill: the "fresh" produce wasn't fresh, shelves were often bare of the basics I needed, and the staff went from upbeat and helpful to clearly not wanting to be there. Prices kept climbing, too. Eventually, I only stopped in when I was desperate. But great news: the store is now under new ownership--and what a turnaround! It's being run by the two amazing women who opened Casa Do Petisco (the delicious Brazilian small plates café tucked inside the market), and they've completely revived the place. The produce is fresh again, the grocery section is thoughtfully stocked with high-quality and interesting items, the staff are warm and welcoming, and the prices are actually competitive. I'm so happy to have this gem back in the neighborhood. I've started shopping here regularly again--and recommending it to friends! read more

This place is AWESOME. The owner is so kind and all of her employees are amazing and helpful. They will even hold items or order things if requested. Small town feel! read more

Owner Barbara makes the best Brazilian empanadas fresh each day, and the smell of them cooking is heavenly! Lovely staff and good selection of food. read more

Badan is inside the Berkeley Organic Market and Deli. they didn't have the "pizza" i read about on nosh. there isn't any signage, just a menu. at the bottom, there's a note they serve organic, plant-based eats. offerings: soup of the day. wrap, hummus, house made spicy baba... eats: mannaqueesh flatbread (5.50) -has a few exotic spices mixed with huumus, sliced avocado, tomato, argula, cucumbers, on a round flatbread. -it wasn't as messy as i thought it would be. (no sauces) they recommended this item in lieu of the "pizza" that wasn't available. -yummy. didn't order anything else since i didn't understand the menu when i saw it. i also didn't know about serving size since there were no pics. take outs: -dining tables available outside -short menu. read more

Just in the heart of Elmwood! We came across this when walking through the offshoots from College. This tiny market has local goods across all sorts of cuisines, diets, and more. Crunchy mama bodega LOL They offer everything across produce, made-to-order items, and wellness products (vitamins, supplements)-- even at the front, they sell a small variety of fresh-cut and live plants. Prices are a bit higher as they offer specialty, artisanal items, but very worth the cost. Not much higher if you go to Whole Foods on the regular. read more

Badan opened in May inside the Berkeley Organic Market & Deli. It's a plant-based kitchen (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/badan-at-berkeley-organic-market-and-deli-berkeley?select=vTPovZ8x3o1PDIfkB8aoxA) with a short menu - a soup, a za'atar and hummus wrap, and sides of hummus and babaganoush (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/badan-at-berkeley-organic-market-and-deli-berkeley?select=wSkTHnJEmVKi5gox_isWKQ). They bake the whole grain pitas to order in a small countertop oven (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/badan-at-berkeley-organic-market-and-deli-berkeley?select=nHzk92DXosKtjeZrP1_t7w) and all of the ingredients are super fresh! The wrap is a very good value and $4.50 standard or $5.50 with avocado (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/badan-at-berkeley-organic-market-and-deli-berkeley?select=BTQU_LmNl32Ly4Rc4frWZg). I liked the combo of flavors of the za'atar (which is put onto the pita dough before baking) with the hummus and veggies, but thought it could use some zhug or something to kick things up a notch. I also got the hummus side (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/badan-at-berkeley-organic-market-and-deli-berkeley?select=I3uG7OMM95lkYDRKEmn50Q). This also comes with fresh baked pita wedges (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/badan-at-berkeley-organic-market-and-deli-berkeley?select=jWSLcG52mB1-RGRwzYU3PA) and was just OK. It was really creamy in texture, if somewhat thin in "viscosity." Even with the za'atar and olive oil on top the flavor was a bit bland. I think some salt and lemon juice would give it more pop? I'm interested to try the manakeesh, which was mentioned in the Berkeleyside article I saw (https://www.berkeleyside.org/2021/05/05/smokehouse-mural-alameda-county-permitting-home-kitchen-operations), but would probably pass on the standalone hummus in the future. read more

See all

Went here on my last trip up to Berkeley and the new owners have really changed it for the better. Love the changes they've implemented and continued freshness of all the food. read more

I love what the new owners have done with this market. Beautiful! Finally an upgrade to a beloved long time part of Berkely. The produce is fresh and lots of organic choices. The Brazilian food served in the deli is amazing. Visited ion a Sunday when they had some live music. Just lovely. Can't wait to go back. read more

love this market, I eat gluten free and organic, so there is so much great stuff here. The service is great and the new owners are wonderful. read more

Wonderful deli food and fresh organic produce. Great place to have some lunch as well as stock up on items for home. I will definitely visit on my next trip to Berkeley and every visit after that. New owners really care about the community and the changes they made reflect that. read more

The grocery selection is amazing for what, from the outside, looks like a small store. Most everything you need is there without having to trek all the way to the grocery store. But, the ready to eat food selections are really the gem!! 5/5 read more

Was on the hunt for grapes leaves (unstuffed) in brine. Found it here and a bunch more! They have the full range of Bob's Red Mill products. Tiny little place and easy to miss. Service was fine. read more

In few words "best falafel pita sandwich" I had today! I love it so much! It wasn't overly sodium like a lot of places and price was just right. What's in the pita was fresh vegetables and hummus was just right. It came with a side salad. It was so refreshing. I cannot wait to eat this all the time now. Thank you for the man that made my falafel today. Everyone was so helpful and kind that works there. Unlike most places and restaurants/cafe in Berkeley people are mean and rude because they hire these college students that is lacking the customers service. read more

The coxinha is like REALLY GOOD also they are like the sweetest people ever please go here

The staff are always friendly and its a great place to grab groceries. Also, the falafel wrap is so good, the pita used for it is the best I've ever had and I will definitely be back soon. read more

Explosion of flavor, probably the best wrap I had for years made of fresh wheat dough with a lot of organ ic ingredients and LOVE fir sure!! read more

Berkeley Organic Market and Deli - Zatar Mana'esh wrap - Delis Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is going to be my new neighborhood spot. We are happy to be moving in a block away and very thrilled for the convenience and great little local store. I've been by a few times in the last two weeks - a little bit of whatever you need. And then there's amazing baba and hummus inside. Excited to become a regular here and grateful for this little store! read more

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Hafez at the deli counter is true magic. Everything he makes is plant based, and from scratch, including the flatbread. He rolls is out and baked it right in front of you, like FRESH!!!! The market is stocked with great produce and tons of organic, gluten free, vegan options as well as your pantry staples. This family owned local business is a great addition to the Elmwood neighborhood. You can't beat their prices at the deli for a healthy yet tasty meal. I'm definitely doing my weekly shopping here instead of going to any of the major chain places. read more

See all

My wife and I stopped by here for a quick bite for lunch and we both got the chicken shawarma. Wow! Absolutely delicious. We go to SF frequently for lunch and dinner, but few of the meal left the same impression as this one. 10/10 highly recommend the chicken shawarma here. read more

Such an awesome neighborhood spot! The nicest people working there and they make the best wraps. Easily the best deal for lunch in the neighborhood. An organic, veggie wrap for $4.50 is impossible to beat these days. We always make a stop in here when we are in Berkeley! read more

Berkeley Organic Market and Deli - Zaatar Wrap - Delis Near Me - Berkeley, California

Amazingly fresh Mediterranean wrap. The bread is baked fresh to order. These are made and prepared with so much care and love every time. This place is one block from my best friends house and I didn't understand how she was so excited about a veggie wrap until I tried it. Now I have to get multiple every time I'm in town to visit her. Very special place and people read more

This is by far the best spot in town. Not only does the grocery store have every healthy, organic food and snack you could want from a local market, but the Za'atar Classic Wrap is flavorful, fresh, and made with care by the welcoming people working there (special shout-out to Hafez). Even if you're not hungry for a full lunch, the Spicy Baba with flatbread directly from the over is to die for. You can't visit Berkeley without stopping by! :) read more

Berkeley Organic Market and Deli - Delis Near Me - Berkeley, California

I would not do all my shopping here, but they have a reasonable selection and friendly staff and so super convenient when you want a quick snack or need to pick up a few items in the Elwood. (in addition to food they have paper goods and household items etc in the back--a lot like a small town general store hidden in Berkeley!). Check them out. read more

Great Little Deli but for those of us who must have baba ganoush that's the whole reason to come in. Best ever fresh made. Run don't walk

This market seems small and limited but it's actually not. For being small, they have a lot of fresh produce, drinks, canned goods, breads, snacks, and a vegan deli. I haven't tried food from their deli yet and I will. However, as soon as I walked in I was greeted by the guy at the register. I'm assuming he's the owner because he was talking about inventory to me. Their products are pretty healthy, natural and fresh. Bouquets of fresh flowers are outside for purchase as well. I love how close this market is to me and instead of eating out at a restaurant for lunch, I can go here and buy something fresh and quickly. I can even bring ingredients from here to work and make something for lunch. It's convenient. read more

I love this market! It is family owned and run, There is always a friendly welcome for me and everyone in my family that stops by multiple times a week. Delicious hummus, flatbread, wraps and soup made fresh daily. They have even started carrying Claravale Farms raw goat milk which is not easy to find! I was driving to the other side of Berkeley to pick it up and now I can walk out my door and be there in two minutes. Yay! read more

This place is a gem. The owner is great and the selection is great. It's a small market but you'll find many things. Also, they're always open. read more

Can't say enough great things about this place. Really great selection of products - including a lot of organic, vegetarian, and/or vegan options. They are really responsive to their customers and if you are looking for a product that they don't have, they are usually happy to order it. Customer service is amazing - the staff is super friendly, helpful, and always go the extra mile to make sure you are getting what you want. They also have a deli area where they make sandwiches (vegan options available) and other items for you. I feel so lucky that this place is just a few blocks from where I live. Definitely recommend! read more

I walked into this restaurant/ newsstand/ grocery store about 6 months ago, and all I can say is that I find myself often craving the deliciousness that I had inside. I don't actually really remember even what it was, but some hummus/ flatbread Mediterranean deliciousness. Somewhere between a snack and a meal. Not only that, but the man making the food was so kind and friendly and his teenage son(?) was there helping him out. It was the quintessential mom and pop experience. Apparently, they will be opening again this week, and I am so glad. Try this place. You won't be disappointed. read more

This is a gem of a family-owned neighborhood market. Thoughtfully stocked, wholesome food, tended to by a warm and generous family. I am excited to be moving within blocks of this store and look forward to becoming a regular patron. read more

I like this place - it is small, but has a surprisingly good selection of high-quality items, including fresh produce, teas, bread, sodas, chocolate, chips, household goods, etc. (Not much meat, but pretty much everything else.) The staff is friendly, it stays open moderately late, and I can walk there. (I probably wouldn't drive there, as it is near College and Ashby, so traffic/parking can be annoying. If driving I might go to Star Grocery on Claremont, which is also excellent and a bit larger.) read more

Great organic market with a fresh deli also coffee is amazing & will make you feel like home. The customer service is #1. I for sure will be coming back. read more

I stopped in today to check out the market and walked out with a delicious zaatar wrap, fantastic spicy baba, and a fancy soda. All for about $12! What!?? Yes! The wrap was exactly what I was craving. The flatbread was toasted with a generous spread of zaatar, then topped with silky smooth hummus, arugula, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and I think lemon juice and olive oil. I gobbled it on the way home, then tried the baba -- nice and spicy! I didn't need anything from the market today but loved the selection of dry goods I saw. Will definitely have to return to find myself some treats from the tea and chocolate selection. And another tasty zaatar wrap. What a treat to have this market within walking distance!! read more