Berkeley Bowl

Berkeley Bowl is like four regular grocery stores under one roof. The indie market first opened in 1977 as a small neighborhood shop—now it sprawls across 40,000-square-feet (and has a second location across town). The expansive selection features organic dairy products, meat, seafood, flowers, baked goods and prepared foods. But it’s the produce section that makes the Bowl destination-worthy. The array of organic fresh fruits and vegetables, most of it sourced locally, is the largest in the Bay Area. On any given day, you’ll find 15 different kinds of apples, 10 varieties of pears, and half a dozen styles of artichokes. The bulk selection encompasses beans, lentils, nuts, pasta, rice, seeds, tea and spices, as well as bulk cooking mixes for dishes like hummus and chili. There’s a particular emphasis on rare Asian ingredients and gourmet items, as well.