Fava is an excellent grab and go lunch spot in the Gourmet Ghetto. Run by two Chez Panisse alums, it somehow manages to feel thoughtful but also, unfussy. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Order at the counter, grab a seat at orange cafe seating outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Their puffy flatbread is made in-house daily with whole wheat flour and finished on a plancha. The pita is airy, chewy, crisped at the edges, and has a toasty flavor. It's the base of an excellent falafel sandwich with flash-pickled purple cabbage, yogurt, hot sauce, and a top layer of fresh mint, parsley, and dill. (They also have lamb and chicken versions of this sandwich.) The line moves fast, the staff is warm and genuinely friendly and engaging. The mango lassi was delicious. One of the better casual lunches I've had recently, at around $22. read more

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Had to try out this popular lunch spot in Berkeley before leaving the area for good. I ordered the braised lamb wrap, and my boyfriend got the chicken plate. Of course, I also had to order a tahini chocolate cookie, which ended up being the star of the show. The braised lamb itself was tender and juicy, but to be honest there were way too many herbs on top (dill, parsley, mint). I enjoyed the wrap and purple cabbage. The chicken plate was just okay...the chicken was a little dry and the rest of the ingredients didn't feel the most cohesive. Tahini chocolate cookie was thin but massive in surface area. Great nutty flavor, enhanced by the dark chocolate. It was the perfect in between of slightly crispy exterior and soft, dense interior. Would come back just for this cookie. read more

Fava Restaurant - Salad Near Me - Berkeley, California

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The perfect lunch spot to grab a salad or sandwich. If you like salmon the poached salmon here is supreme. The chocolate chip and tahini cookies as well as whatever the special of the day is are all safe bets. Seating is outdoors only and service is quick and efficient. read more

Healthy, quick, and a convenient option. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a to-go and pick up spot, hole in the wall I found on TikTok.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I surprisingly liked it. The infamous spicy chicken sandwich is really filling, just a bit messy to eat. It came out in 5 minutes but there are online order options. I've also heard their mango lassi and juices are good. My friend and I ordered the spicy chicken sandwiches with hummus on the side. With good quality ingredients, the price is worth it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There aren't many seating options but you can sit outside on a nice day out.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'll be back to try their juice and a plate next time. read more

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Wow! I had a falafel plate to-go from Fava and it was insanely delicious...and nutritious: *Falafel with Bulgur, Broccoli, Sun Gold Tomato, Cabbage Slaw, Hummus, And Herb Salad. ADD: egg [[HIGHLIGHT]]Someone picked it up for us so I didn't get to experience the cute interior that people mention.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] But my order was packed neatly in a sturdy compostable container. I opened the container to find a rainbow of colors, and a mountain of fresh herbs...a feast for the eyes and nose. They could probably do with fewer herbs and still make the same impact. And then I dug in, and it was certainly a feast for the tastebuds. The portion was generous and everything was perfection: crispy falafel, lightly steamed broccoli, creamy hummus...Dreaming of that hummus now and need to return for more! If I lived closer to Fava, I would frequent this spot and make my way through their menu. Delish! read more

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This would be 10x better if they removed some of the parsley and mint mountain and replaced with like tomato , cucumber , pickles .... read more

Fava Restaurant - Salad Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is a pick up and go place - you order at the counter from the sidewalk and pick up at the next counter. [[HIGHLIGHT]]You have a full view into the small kitchen behind the cashier, where several employees are hard at work grinding out the orders for everyone.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This is a place where you can get fresh, quality ingredients. We tried the falafel and mango lassi while here. The falafel was super moist inside with a perfectly crispy exterior that wasn't greasy at all. It came with a side of yogurt dipping sauce. The mango lassi was dense, super smooth and creamy. Not super sweet, very refreshing to drink on a warm day. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Such a great wholesome spot to grab lunch![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We stopped here to grab a quick lunch on our road trip. We got the falafel, spicy chicken, and green juice! Prices were reasonable and green juice was amazing! I loved how they used fresh herbs, you can tell their food is high quality. Unfortunately the spicy chicken did not taste spicy to me! I think maybe a spicy sauce on the side would be awesome. I recommended this place and would come again! read more

Fava Restaurant - Spicy chicken - Salad Near Me - Berkeley, California

Had Fava to go. Someone else picked it up so I didn't get to experience the vibe or anything but the food came in a quality to-go container. Opened up my braised lamb sandwich and was met with a bounty of herbs. Wasn't expecting that but was actually pleasantly surprised, as I love herbs. Very fragrant. Took a bite and it was very flavorful. However, I did have a bit of difficulty discerning the lamb in the sandwich. Actually had to dig through the herbs to find it. While flavorful, I do wish the portion of meat was a big more to balance the wrap and all the herbs as I felt like it was disproportionate. read more

Fava Restaurant - Salad Near Me - Berkeley, California

Came here with a Foodie Tour group and had a sample of the mango lassi and falafel. They were both delicious! [[HIGHLIGHT]]It looks like such a cute place and everyone seemed really nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have a couple of cute tables outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'll definitely return to try more menu items! read more

FAVA is an amazing lunch spot located in Berkeley's Northside! They're open 11am-3pm (Tues-Sat) and operate off a window where you order. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The have a few small tables outside where customers can sit but it's definitely more of a grab & go place in my opinion.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I've tried their falafel sandwich which was delicious! Loved the combination of fresh herbs (mint, dill, parsley, + more) and delicious falafels. Service was pretty fast when I went at noon on a Friday, but I heard that you can also order online to skip the wait completely. I'd love to come back and try more items from this charming lunch spot! read more

Fava Restaurant - falafel sandwich - Salad Near Me - Berkeley, California

I had a great time at Fava! I came here with my family after graduation and we placed a pretty big order. I've been meaning to go here for a while, so I'm glad I finally got the chance. We waited about twenty minutes until our order was ready, and walked home to enjoy the meal. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Fava does not have much seating, and there were about three tables outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] When we got home to try the food, we realized that they misplaced one of our orders! Instead of falafel, we got a chicken wrap. We should have checked our order before leaving. Regardless, the rest of our dishes were correct and we ate away. The mango lassi was very thick, but not sweet. It could be that mango is not in season, but I wished I had a bit more mango flavor. The Salmon Plate was pretty good! I thought the salmon was tender and the veggies and grain all pair well together. It lacked a bit of something, but I added some hot sauce from home and that fixed the issue. The chicken gyro was also very good! Again, needed that hot sauce but I liked the chicken and sauce. I also tried the soup, and it was very hearty. I appreciate my time trying Fava, and though it is a bit pricey, the food was overall good. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute spot. Wanted to try since I saw so many people stop by.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Got the lamb plate with an extra flat bread. Lamb was stewed. Highlight was all the fresh vegetables! But meat was alright. Nice service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Kinda hard to find somewhere to sit during lunch hr because all outside seats were taken.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Receiving the item is a bit slow since we went during peak time. It felt like 20 min? Ill be back to try the other items on the menu! read more

I've bee I've been here twice in the last three days for lunch because once I had it, I couldn't stop thinking about it! This is seriously one of the freshest and most delicious spots in Berkeley. I'm a total falafel fanatic, and this is honestly some of the best I've had. I highly recommend the falafel pita sandwich--it's packed with herbs and flavor, and the pita itself is to die for. I've also had the lentil soup, which was amazing. Don't skip the mango lassi--I get it every time because it's so yummy. The food always comes out super fast, too! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Only thing to note is that it's probably not ideal for big groups since the seating is pretty limited (just a few tables outside).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]There is something beautiful about seeing a crowd gather on a narrow Berkeley sidewalk just to eat food from a window.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] That's the magic of Fava. It's been my favorite lunch spot since 2020 because they do things the right way--focusing on seasonal ingredients, supporting local farmers, and caring deeply about their community and the world at large. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe is quintessentially Berkeley: vibrant, communal, and delicious.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] If the line looks confusing, just ask someone where it starts; everyone is friendly because we all know the reward is worth it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]If you have a chance, sit at their orange sidewalk tables to truly soak in the best of Berkeley.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Don't miss on out on trying FAVA! read more

Fava Restaurant - Salad Near Me - Berkeley, California

Our favorite lunch spot in Berkeley and we come over and over and over. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It feels like you are in a European country, eating the best food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food is superb, fresh and high quality ingredients, great service. I would come everyday, if I could. It's a true gem. This is a business I feel great supporting. read more

Fava Restaurant - Outside of Fava - Salad Near Me - Berkeley, California

Excellent food, friendly staff. The falafel plate, soup and roasted sweet potato were all very tasty.

This place is so cute! Fava you stole my heart and your falafel sandwich stole the show! Located on Vine Street in Berkeley, Fava is a vibrant hole in the wall and hidden gem to this area. There is what seems to be a new(er) cupcake shop next door and a spot called the Filling Station to refill your own bottles of personal and household products. With limited hours (Tuesday-Saturday) from 11a-3p, Fava serves amazingly fresh "lunch from a window" with some outdoor seating if you can't wait to indulge. Two former Chez Panisse chefs started Fava and quite honestly, we're so happy they did! Handmade flatbreads, incredibly fresh ingredients with protein choices including steelhead, braised lamb, spicy chicken, and falafel. Also on the menu you can find fresh soups and sides, juices, and my personal favorite, Tahini chocolate chip cookies. To note, you can preorder your lunch ahead online for the next day if you want to just grab & go without waiting in line. It was such a seamless process and honestly quite the vibe picking up! As soon as they opened their doors, funky music was illuminated the street and I could literally have hung out there for a while listening to the tunes and enjoying the ambiance. Great service, clean food, can't wait to come back! read more

Fava Restaurant - Salad Near Me - Berkeley, California

Let's give it up for healthy, fresh eats. With the world getting ever so expensive, paying $20 for a healthy and equally delicious meal, needs some love. I went with the salmon plate featuring Mt Lassen Steelhead with tabbouleh, broccoli, beets, cabbage slaw, herb salad and yogurt. While not the largest amount of food, and I wish there were more yogurt... it was bright, fresh and so good and felt healthy. Not to mention, that tahini chocolate chip cookie? DAMMMNNN. It's a good one. This spot is to-go only, it's open limited hours, but oh so worth it if you are looking for a freshy, healthy lunch. read more

I got the lamb wrap and green juice and wow! It was so good. Definitely homemade and buttery wrap with fresh ingredients. I think, since the wrap is more open face, they could add more inside, especially for the price. I also added hummus and spicy peppers. I noticed like one bite of hummus and no peppers. Maybe my spice tolerance is too high. It was very good and would love to go back. read more

I am a huge Fava fan and a regular customer, but have to share that the last 3 orders in a row, something has been missing from our order. I strongly suggest checking your bag before you walk off, as even before these 3 orders it's unfortunately happened multiple times. They move fast, but personally I'd rather it take a bit longer and be more thorough. read more

Fava is my recent obsession. I love love love their lentil soup. Literally revives your dead winter soul and you feel reborn. Not kidding. Also, very great for sick peoples because it is hearty and full of nutrients and is satiating. I also love their tahini chocolate cookie. I tried to replicate it at home, but alas to no success. I've also tried the spicy chicken sandwich, which makes for a pleasant and light lunch. It was full of mint and other herbs. Very nice. Must gets!!! - Red Lentil Soup w/ Kale & Herb Yogurt - Tahini Chocolate Cookie read more

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Sooooooo overrated it's just crazy. I got the salmon bowl and the hummus was super simple and it's just vegetables with a slab of salmon on it. To be fair, the vegetables were fresh and the fish was fresh, but I don't know how you justify that amount of money for the simplest dish ever. My friend also did not like her falafel wrap. read more

I love Fava! Incredible food and even better people. There's nothing like walking in hungry and being served something beautiful in under five minutes. Their attention to detail is outstanding, and they source seasonal ingredients from local farmers, which really shows in the flavors. I take all my friends here when they visit Berkeley, and everyone loves it. A truly one-of-a-kind place to eat if you're visiting Berkeley. Francisco M. read more

This place is a gem for our neighborhood! Absolutely amazing food with great ingredients most importantly the best team is running this place. You can never get enough of Fava food. read more

The menu changes frequently and everything always tastes incredibly fresh and vibrant

Great food and great people! They've done a wonderful job of creating community and I hope they'll stay in Walnut Square. I'm trying to keep my dollars in Berkeley and can't think of a better place to spend them. I like to get the combination plate with an egg or salmon, or the hearty lentil soup. I always feel like I've made a healthy choice when I eat there. Keep up the good work! read more

The best lunch! I crave the falafel and flatbread sandwich. Everything on the menu is fresh and delicious. Always get a drink and a cookie. You won't regret it. read more

Got falafel sandwich with herb salad. It was great except the sauce was too spicy for me. Wish I knew ahead of time. Fresh herbs were fantastic. Wish they had cucumbers & tomatoes as is traditional with falafel. Review only based on 1 dish. Will come back to try other options. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great vibes[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

This place is simply amazing. I know this sounds weird, but I'm a connoisseur of falafel and am willing to go pretty far to find places that make it well. Fava has the best in the Bay Area hands down. Not only that, but their lamb is soooo good! I think I over-eat when I go there because I can't pick and just get both. read more

The food at Fava never misses. It's always fresh, flavorful, and served with genuine warmth. I've been coming here for years and loved every single thing I've tried. If it were closer to my house, I'd be here all the time. The menu shifts with the seasons, always highlighting the best ingredients at their peak. Entrees are consistently vibrant and herbaceous--and don't skip dessert. It's always a special treat! read more

Fava is a lovely local mediterranean spot generally open for lunch. Limited operation but if you can catch their open hours it is worth it! Love the salad packed with fresh, local herbs, veggies and fruit. read more

Love this place SO MUCH!! My fave Summer lunch- hot lentil soup w yogurt dill, nice hot bread, mango lassie. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Eat outside in the shade.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Yummy yum yum. It's all so fresh tasting & amazing!! read more

Really good small take-out spot. I usually get the (open faced?) falafel sandwich that is absolutely stuffed with fresh herbs (dill, mint, and I forget what else!). It is simply the best. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There are some tables/chairs set out on the sidewalk, but this is a small spot with no indoor seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I usually just get food to go. read more

Friday 2024/03/22 12:30 - super busy, with a constant line at the cashier - I ordered take-out on their website but ate at one of their tables on the sidewalk Spicy Chicken Flatbread Sandwich ($15.50 + $2.00) (Add One Falafel): "Grilled organic chicken nestled in a handmade flatbread with harissa, marinated cabbage, yogurt, Serrano chilli's and herb salad" - every ingredient was super fresh, especially the abundance of mint and parsley on top - chicken thigh was tender and flavorful - they gave me what seemed like one and a half falafel, which was nice - serrano chilies were too spicy for me, so I ended up picking them out - flatbread was slightly over-kneaded, which made it too chewy Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookie ($4.00) - I saw they packed my cookie fresh from the oven and still warm; heavenly - crispy at the edges and soft inside, with ample discs of chocolate - not too sweet and very balanced with the savoriness of sesame Mango Lassi ($5.00): "12oz. Mango puree and [whole-milk] yogurt." - very creamy and mild on the mango flavor (not overly sweet or tart) read more

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Wonderful fresh food. Healthy, organic salads, etc. A great place to pick up a quick meal to take home.

Their food is delicious, super fresh, and the quality is consistent. I've never had a less than 10/10 meal here. The staff is friendly and they clearly care about the community. read more

the tahini cookie + a green juice (no ice) are my go to. EVERYTHING is amazing!! such a sweet vibe, fresh and thoughtful food & lovely people. read more

Great customer service. The owner personally reached out to address my concerns from a previous review.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]I really love this narrow little take-out place in North Berkeley.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]As casual as it is, with counter service and cafe tables on the street, the food is A+++.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I usually get salmon or chicken with veggies. The meat is always perfectly done, the veggies fresh and tender. I avoid gluten, and I don't have any problem getting delicious food here that allows me to sidestep my migraine triggers. The staff is friendly and awesome. I've had some stunner desserts here - a recent passionfruit angel food cake that blew my mind. And a coconut rice pudding. Their desserts are sweet - don't get me wrong - but they don't knock you out with the taste of sugar. Instead, the other complex flavors are at the forefront, which is what I like. This place is a gem. read more