Few communities can boast a gourmet culture as rich and diverse as that of the East Bay. From Solano Avenue in North Berkeley to Lake Merritt in our southern neighbor Oakland, we have countless options to indulge — trendy brunches, artisanal handmade noodles and hole-in-the-wall bars, to name a few.

Feeling hungry yet? Turn the page to discover our top picks from local favorites. In a creative mood? Check out our recipes to quickly enhance your homemade meals. Want to know more about beverages? We’ve got that covered, too, with a handy guide to tea pairing and an in-depth discussion on beer.

But remember, it doesn’t matter what you choose: Whether you’re eating French, Italian, Japanese or Thai, you’re eating some of the best of the Bay. Enjoy it to its fullest!