Zarris Delicatessen
1244 Solano Ave, Albany, CA 94706, United States
So Ill start by saying I really, really try my best to give unbiased, factual reviews. With that said, Zarris has unfortunately fallen to the wayside over the years. Im giving three stars just due to the fact I have fond memories of coming here when I was younger. I really wish I could give them a better review, however, there are some things seriously lacking in their approach and in the products they offer for sell.The wait staff were standoffish and Im not sure why. Upon my arrival I was met with Akward silence and blank stares. The counter person skipped me in line and attempted to serve the guy behind me as if I was invisible. Fortunately, the gentleman behind me spoke up and told her I was first in line. I wasnt going to say anything because Im definitely not a confrontational person.The sandwich was just Okay. There was really nothing of substance to mention. The sandwich wasnt horrible but the sourdough bread was hard and as sharp as glass (Cut my gums).Being one of the few old school delicatessens left in the area, I really want Zarris to succeed! Please take this review to heart and perhaps learn from it and apply new business practices in the future.
Top other services in Albany:
Brezo
1111 Solano Ave, Albany, CA 94706, United States
Had brunch with my wife here because they just opened up in Albany. We shared the scone, I ordered the Chilaquiles and my wife ordered the breakfast sopes.Everything was delicious and food came out in good timing. The staff was also attentive and gave us space to eat and chat.Would come here again!We also ordered the Tri Tip Sandwich and the Chicken Gordita to-go. Also super tasty! Really though, try this place out yourself!Update: Feb 11, 2024Went back for lunch with my wife to try different items on the brunch menu. Wife got the Mt.Tam Potatoes, I got the banana French toast (both served in a generous serving size). We couldnt help ourselves so we got a scone to share, a blueberry pancake and a banana pancake with fried chicken on the side.Everything came out timely and tasted amazing. Consistency is something we feel demonstrates whether a restaurant has their stuff down or not. Second time ordering the scone was not a disappointment. The service was also consistent, they were readily available but we didnt feel rushed. We will continue coming here!
Kuriya Japanese Kitchen
809 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706, United States
Didn't know this place opened up recently, my wife found out through Instagram. Came here for dinner. They just opened up for the evening, so it was pretty quite. The waitress was very polite and prompt in getting us seated and making sure we had something to drink. The gentleman behind the counter was also very polite and greeted us warmly.We started out with tea, sake, edamame and tempura. The edamame had bite and mouthfeel and didnt taste like it was sitting in a fridge for days. The tempura wasn't the typical flaky breading but crispy and tasted fresh - not fishy. My wife ordered the brown rice green tea and I ordered the jasmin green tea. Both came in a generous pot to self pour and both were well brewed.We then proceeded to order out rolls: Kuriya, Salmon Lover, Cherry Blossom, San Pablo and Negihama. We were pretty blown away by the portions and most importantly, just how fresh the fish was. There was no “fishy” smell coming from the fish (like that has been sitting for a few days). The cut of the fish was made well, the fish almost seemingly melted in our mouth. The sushi rice was cooked well - not too hard, not too soft, not too much vinegar nor sugar.Like I said, this place just recently opened and could really use the business. Compared to Sugata, around the corner, this place definitely has the superior service and ingredients. Their prices are reasonable in contrast to the portions. My wife and I definitely plan on going back, I'd highly recommend you check this place out!
Lao-Thai Kitchen
1406 Solano Ave, Albany, CA 94706, United States
Great location, Solano avenue in Albany is just a foodies dream, with a multi-cultural selection. Parking isnt hard to find, around homes, heck the Safeway parking lot. For the restaurant aesthetic, its cozy between a laundromat & fishing store, truly melts into this small town. The interior isnt large, our 6-party group had to squish into a 4-guest table, we were able to enjoy our appetizers before another table opened up; the wonderful staff put 2 tables together for us. When the food came, they pretty much came out the same time. Some of my relatives are picky, but they enjoyed their servings. I had the Pad See Ew (with Tofu), 3 had the Ka-Boon (noodles), while my Father had Pho (for some reason). I was able to finish my mothers Ka-Boon, and the coconut milk broth was amazing, the right amount of sweet; not to much; not to little. Almost everyone finished their meal. My Father kept asking us to try his Pho, hes picky about his Pho. I was stuffed, but wanted more; of everyones plate. Highly recommend to those who want something new, or simply loves South-East Asian cuisine. It should be familiar to those who love Thai-Food (hence Lao-Thai restaurant). Price wise I considerate it above average; not for my siblings, there was 6 of us for about $90. For my alone it was a solid average dine out, about $18. Enjoy.
Shangrila Buddha Organic Vegan Restaurant
755 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706, United States
Im not vegan but was invited to experience what had been advertised as one of the best vegan restaurants in Oakland. There were 3 of us having lunch. My two friends received their soup promptly and then their entree. Yet I was without food. Flagging down the waiter, she appeared to have forgotten my order. I dropped the entree and just had the pureed soup which I admit was tasty. So my friends enjoyed their entrees. All I can say was the service was terrible.
Juanita & Maude
825 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706, United States
5 years after this lovely little place opened just a block from me, Im pleased as heck to update my review to 5 stars. Theyve deserved it off and on over the years, with the biggest fluctuations in quality and consistency being in the cocktails. But now they have a really solid bar team doing innovative and delicious things, and as this joins an always-outstanding food program, I couldnt recommend it more highly.Chef Scott is *still* producing great food at a generally reasonable price point (for this level of quality), with a variety of Latin and Asian influences keeping things interesting. And now the cocktails measure up as well! The Glass cocktail on the current menu, with strawberry-infused gin and sabayon custard is unlike anything Ive had before, unique and delicious. And the previous cocktail menu also had some real stand-outs. The wine program has always been solid, as I understand it, but Im a cocktail guy, so... ?On recent visits the food has been consistently inventive and delicious, with some memorable recent bites including the King Salmon Onigiri, Filet Mignon (they actually make it interesting and worthwhile!), and the now sadly departed (but mind-blowing) Umami Burger.The desserts, meanwhile, have *always* been excellent, and remain so with the combined team of Marvyn and Juliana bringing their respective experiences and cultural influences to create a more varied and exciting dessert menu than ever. The Smoked Chocolate Ganache was one of my favorites of late, but its ever-changing, so just trust that almost anything you try will be great. The stranger and more interesting it sounds, the more you should try it! Parmesan ice cream? Yes! (one of my favorite things ever from a prior dessert menu)The interior is nicely appointed and a good mix of casual with just the right amount of upscale feel to be good for date night, etc. The bar being situated right next to the door is a bit non-ideal however, since you get a regular blast of cold air as people come and go. The bar seats also arent particularly comfortable to lean back in, despite having seat backs which is not always to be found in bar seating. Nevertheless its nice to have a first-come bar option and a full bar at that.The back patio is the real win as far as seating goes, though. Covered and sheltered, but still open, nicely designed, good spacing between tables, heat if needed, but its usually not too chilly. A great outdoor, COVID-safe option!And the staff, well, theyre all delightful. This has always been a tight-knit and supremely welcoming group of people. Service is down to earth, professional but comfortable, and not at all stuffy. Lovely people.So J&M is highly recommended. Its now one of my favorite restaurants in the Bay Area!
310 Eatery- LA Style Street Food
747 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706, United States
I’m not usually someone who goes back to the same restaurant over and over, but this place is an exception. Having hunted all over the Bay for the perfect beef noodle soup to satisfy that deep hunger for a childhood comfort food, I’ve finally found it here. I fully intend to bring my mom here to have her try it, which is the highest praise I can offer a restaurant ?We’ve yet to have a dish that they didn’t knock out of the park and we’re determined to try everything they have to offer. But of course, what keeps my partner and I coming back is that the service is stellar and genuine.
Tacos El Autlense
601 San Pablo Ave #2, Albany, CA 94706, United States
Oh, let me tell you about a little slice of heaven tucked away in the heart of Albany, California – Tacos El Autlense! Now, Im no stranger to culinary escapades, but the Lengua Burrito here is like a love letter to your taste buds.Picture this: a warm, golden tortilla cradling succulent, slow-cooked lengua thats been marinated in secrets only whispered among the taco gods themselves. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, a dance of textures thatll make your taste buds tango with joy. Its like a culinary adventure that takes your mouth on a whirlwind tour of flavor town.And dont even get me started on the salsa bar – its a veritable playground of spice and zest, a treasure trove of condiments that can elevate your burrito experience to heights previously thought impossible. Want a kick? Theyve got a salsa for that. Craving a tangy twist? Oh, theyve got a salsa for that too. Its like a salsa rainbow, and each jar is a pot of gold waiting to be drizzled over your masterpiece.Now, lets talk ambiance. This isnt some fancy-schmancy, pretentious joint – its an oasis of authenticity, a humble corner where flavor takes center stage. The folks behind the counter arent just servers; theyre artists, crafting edible masterpieces with love and passion.So, whether youre a seasoned burrito aficionado or a culinary wanderer seeking new horizons, Tacos El Autlenses Lengua Burrito is a revelation you wont want to miss. Go on, take a leap of faith and let your taste buds embark on a journey theyll thank you for. Five stars? Ha, Id give it ten if I could!
BUA THAI KITCHEN
1045 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706, United States
Bua Thai Kitchen in Albany, CA, is a culinary oasis that deserves every bit of its five-star rating. From the moment you enter, the aromatic blend of spices and the warm, inviting ambiance transport you to the heart of Thailand. The menu is a tantalizing journey through authentic Thai flavors, beautifully presented and bursting with freshness. Each dish is a masterpiece, crafted with care and attention to detail, catering to a variety of palates and dietary preferences. The staff embodies hospitality at its finest, providing attentive service and expert recommendations to enhance your dining experience. Whether youre a seasoned Thai food enthusiast or a first-time visitor, Bua Thai Kitchen never fails to impress. A must-visit destination for anyone craving exceptional cuisine and genuine hospitality.
Everest Kitchen
1150 Solano Ave, Albany, CA 94706, United States
Its a nice authentic Nepali restaurant. Food and server both were good ?. The price was right as per the potion. They offered us complimentary lentil soup and if you like spicy ask for their spicy sauce.