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    The Cultured Pickle Shop

    4.6 (92 reviews)
    ModerateSpecialty Food
    Closed 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

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    Dessert
    Donna T.

    This was a really unique experience. My friend and I love pickles and it was her birthday so what better what to celebrate than to visit a business that makes so many pickled goods in house? The space itself is charming and intimate. There are only a few seats at the prep station/bar, which is why making an appointment in advance is essential. I could tell there were a few regulars who frequent here which is a strong testament. I really enjoyed some pickles like the kimchi but didn't personally like some of the others like the citrus peels. They also had kombucha which looked tasty but we didn't indulge this time. My favorite part of the experience was the chefs/owners explaining the process behind making all their products. Even the ceramics they sell in store and use for plating are made by the owner's son. Would recommend this spot to anyone who enjoys pickles, wants to learn more about their process, or just wants to try a nutritious meal made with love!

    It really bothers me when I can't rely on a business's posted hours. I have a very busy life, like most others. That's not a brag, it's an unfortunate reality. I wish I had all the time in the world to drive to random pickle shops, and come back another time if they happen to be closed an hour early. Alas, I do not. Not only are their online hours posted as open until 6pm (Tue-Fri), but so were the hours posted on their shop window. However, shortly after 5, they were closed (although in peering through the window, I actually saw a worker in there with airpods on). I get stuff maybe happens. But I literally just don't have time for doing this with what is already a very specialty/niche product run that is quite far out of my way. At least make me feel a little seen with a "sorry we closed early sign," or something. Le sigh. Was going to put 1 star but since it could be an otherwise amazing shop (I'll never know), I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt.

    Rice & Pickles Bowl weekend of 12/6 & 7
    Jennifer L.

    The husband, myself and the 10 year old headed here for the weekend restaurant pop-up, Rice & Pickles. (After emailing to reserve). They convert their weekday work space into a dining space. The staff were friendly and educational. The food was so delicious. I'm the family member that loves pickles the least, however I found everything delicious. The husband who loves everything pickled and spices was in complete bliss. The ten year old who primarily eats her veggies pickled also enjoyed her dish, however wasn't able to tolerate a few of the spicy items. The kombucha flavor of the day (pomegranate parsley) was mild and refreshing. Dessert was to die for. And the fermented rice drink was warming and comforting. Definitely recommend. It's a whole experience not worth missing.

    Pistachio Amazake Pusding with tangerine and fennel seed honey.
    Robbie P.

    This was one of my favorite food experiences I've ever had! The folks working today were incredibly kind, even while short-staffed. It felt especially meaningful that they were willing to take our meal slowly, explaining each element of their projects that made up the incredible salad. The pistachio amazake pudding was one of my favorite desserts ever. This was a meal and experience that will be living rent-free in my head for the foreseeable future.

    Interior
    Emily X.

    This is a super unique food experience in Berkeley. I stumbled upon this place while I was going to the coffee shop across the street. I like fermented foods and pickles so I thought I'd come here to try their lunch set menu. Everything served on the menu was made in-house. I made a reservation a week beforehand and I'd highly recommend the indoor experience because you get to see where they make all the pickled items you try during the meal. There is a takeout option as well if you don't want to dine in. I didn't have too much of an issue finding street parking because there were some options on the same block and around the block. The lunch set menu came in with a soup, rice bowl, and a dessert for $30 per person. There are add-ons that you can buy as well. We paid for the Goma Dofu add-on which I highly recommend if you like sesame and tofu flavors. The service was prompt and very educational. One note is that the seating area inside is a bit small because the dining area is also their work area. From explaining what was on our plate to educating me on the pickling process, I thought that this dining experience was worth it.

    Taylor L.

    Had a wonderful experience at this shop. Went here for their brunch and had a wonderful meal, and got to hear more about the complexities behind what made our meal. Grabbed some extra goodies on our way out, definitely recommend!

    Inside
    Holly H.

    If you couldn't tell by the name, this place is all about pickles. Now this isn't referring to classic pickles you'd have with your pastrami sandwich. This is pickled ANYTHING (in fact, every pickled thing I had was NOT the traditional pickle). Now I love the traditional cucumber pickle as much as the next person (or possibly slightly more). But I can't say that extends to ALL pickled items, which was this whole meal. Get your sour pickle face ready, because that was what I was making the whole time while eating the bowl of assorted pickled items. Would have loved to have something else to cut through the strong flavor - my tongue was overwhelmed because there was TOO much flavor. Wasn't too impressed with the kombucha but the black sesame amazake (cold dessert drink) was a huge hit in my party. Would highly recommend the latter. The restaurant will let you book a reservation outside if their indoor section is fully booked out BUT DON'T DO IT. Part of the experience is being inside at the bar seating and seeing them prep the bowls, talking about all the items. My party was sitting outside for almost an hour missing all of it, so it was a very slow and painful experience compared to what was happening inside. The staff was apologetic and helped us squeeze inside for dessert which was much appreciated. I don't know if I'd be back in a hurry since it's almost too much pickle (even the kumquat on the dessert is sour), but anyone who visits can't help but appreciate that what they do here (pickling) they do it WELL.

    Pickles and rice bowl
    Michael G.

    Talked our way into last minute reservations for an 11am seating (thank you!) I had no idea what to expect, but lunch was a blast! The owners have been fermenting foods for 30 years, and it shows. The variety of flavors in their pickle bowl is astounding. They vary from mild (the Rutabaga & Sweet potato base) to sharp and spicy (Beet Green Kimchi). I highly recommend getting a seat at the counter--Kevin assembled a bowl component by component, describing each item in loving detail, including the exact ingredients and fermentation process used for each. It was quite the show! My understanding is that the menu changes based on whatever strikes their fancy, so be prepared for anything! We did get a few add-ons (Goma Dofu with 2022 Beet Kasu, Avocado with Jalapeno Kasu and Green Apple-Green Umeboshi), and also as a drink of Warm Amazake with Ginger, and they were all *well* worth the price.

    Nancy P.

    Great fun, very healthy and a must try experience. Loved the fact that every part of the vegetable was used whether as a main dish or an enhancer. Our host was amiable and explained everything so well.

    Lunch bowl
    Audrey S.

    Beautiful lunch bowl! I made a reservation through email and make sure to ask for any availability at the main table. Kevin will walk you through the meal and answer any questions you may have. Be sure to like pickles -- even for a pickle lover, this is a lot of pickles! Its an amazing experience, but there will be some sour ones. All together with add ons for two people was about 100 dollars. Parking was very easy in this area. They got popular recently so theres some wait involved even if you made a reservation. Overall a wonderful experience.

    Dashi and menu
    Jolene H.

    Great date spot! This is a family owned shop that only opens for rice & pickles on the weekend, normally operate as a shop during the week. Alex and Kevin and their family are so knowledgeable -- it was so interesting hearing about how they prepare and source different ingredients. I loved the texture of the goma tofu and the bowl gave me a greater appreciation for pickled foods. It was a bit spicier than I initially expected but manageable. I would bring my friends and family here in the future :)

    To go items
    Lauren C.

    WOW! What an experience! If you enjoy fermented vegetables, run/fly/catch the next train over here immediately. The Cultured Pickle Shop came on my radar when I was canvassing the Bay Area for local kombucha, but they provide so much more than that! They are primarily a production facility for fermented vegetables. They also make kombucha and other ferments such as amazake. On Saturdays and Sundays, they do seatings for rice bowls that are topped with an array of their pickled items. I made a reservation and brought two friends and we were all enthralled. How cool to walk into their shop with giant fermentation vessels everywhere with filled with brightly colored liquids and various leaves and unidentifiable plant matter in various stages of decomposition. Even better that we got to pull up stools and start asking questions and eating one amazing fermented item after another. The kombucha was good - unconventional flavors like beet/hojicha and carrot/rooibos. On the less sweet side and outlandishly fizzy. Our favorite times on the rice bowl were the beet kasu (evocative of gochujang, although it didn't have any peppers!), the apple umeboshi, and the black sesame amazake pudding. This was such a unique experience with incredible food and really warm, accommodating service (fantastic for my friend who has a nightshade intolerance). I would return any time I am remotely close to the area.

    Kristine Z.

    rice & pickles is the definitely among the most special and amazing experiences ever! I emailed to reserve a spot for lunch on the weekend and was lucky to get a table spot near the counter where they make the bowls. Alex and Kevin as so knowledgeable and kind -- they explained everything that went into the bowls even down to the origins of the rice vessel and produce farms. It is so inspiring to hear about how they use many parts of a vegetable/fermentation. This place definitely feels like the kind of wonderful, third place in a community where anyone can meet anyone else, exchange fermentation ideas and share their life stories. the bowl is so beautiful and delicious! It is so much fun to mix and match all the different flavors and textures! all the items are quite unique and balanced. The dashi was very gentle and warm. The final dessert is also really unique and tasty -- ours was aged celery honey with apples and amazake caramel (like if sweet potato and caramel combined?)

    Amazake drinks with apple slices.

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    What a fun experience! I would highly recommend checking out the pickle shop. Great food and we left so full

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - The Cultured Pickle Shop

    Review Highlights - The Cultured Pickle Shop

    The kombucha and kimchi from here sat very well in my stomach, I'm assuming the bacteria enjoyed their stay!

    Mentioned in 14 reviews

    Read more highlights

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