Solano Ave, Northbrae

Came here to Solano Avenue to go to Rivoli, which is listed in SF Gate’s Top 100 Bay Area restaurants.I am not that familiar with Berkeley, being more of a Stanford gal myself. However, I love this area in North Berkeley. It just has a very European feel.

Rivoli is great. Don’t be fooled by the name, it is not an Italian restaurant. They actually serve a Western menu--what is called “California comfort food” by SF Gate. I had the grilled yellowtail and for dessert the strawberries and cream panna cotta (which I was supposed to share but didn’t).

My friend who I went with tells me that this section of Solano is an especially popular spot for Sunday morning brunch, especially during spring and summer. With a Copy Central and a 7-11, it definitely has a college town feel. There are also some cute little restaurants and shops down there that I want to check out.

Apparently the Northbrae neighborhood is home more to graduate students and young married couples though there are still a lot of people who are somehow involved with the university.

I will definitely have to check it out again sometime and add to this review.