Seemor
Saul's Restaurant & DelicatessenA-Worth Trying
1475 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709
· Jewish restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Traditional American restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (2266 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Beloved Berkeley deli with standout pastrami, matzo ball soup, and many vegetarian options; lively service with occasional hiccups and prices that feel premium for portions.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Saul's Restaurant & Delicatessen delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by benchmark pastrami and matzo ball soup, paired with attentive, knowledgeable service. Reliable execution and a loyal multi-year customer base reinforce its standing as a neighborhood anchor on North Shattuck. The grade reflects strong fundamentals across all dimensions, though occasional peak-time service delays and modest space constraints prevent the distinction needed for grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, with booths, a bakery case, and that nostalgic deli energy. Servers are often friendly and attentive, guiding choices and handling allergies; one diner summed it up: "The Reuben and matzo soup hit the spot." Longtime regulars call it a neighborhood anchor on North Shattuck. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional with Mediterranean accents: deli classics meet malawach, shakshouka, zhoug, and harissa. Expect quality ingredients and confident seasoning rather than theatrics, a fit for diners who love comfort with a flavorful twist. Families do well here: there is a kids menu, and familiar items like bagels, pancakes, schnitzel, and turkey keep younger eaters happy. Vegetarians have depth (malawach, shakshouka, kasha varnishkas), while full-on vegan choices exist but are fewer; consider simple bagel builds or veggie plates for picky eaters.
At a Glance
- Benchmark pastrami Reuben and matzo ball soup
- Extensive vegetarian options and strong bakery program
- Prices can feel high relative to portion size
- Peak-time waits and occasional seating/service hiccups
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- classic_deli_meets_Middle_Eastern_influences
- deep_menu_for_vegetarians
- decades_long_local_following
What People Love
- Nostalgic deli vibe that feels lively
- Pastrami Reuben that delivers satisfying heft
- Matzo ball soup with comforting dill aroma
- Bagels and lox that rival local favorites
- Middle Eastern touches that keep the menu exciting
Points of Concern
- Pricing is premium and portions can feel modest to some
- Busy times bring waits and occasional host stand confusion
- A few isolated quality misses (dry slices, overcooked eggs)
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters if avoiding deli staples and Middle Eastern spices
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Value route: share a hearty sandwich and add a cup of matzo soup
- Vegetarian dinner: Malawach or Shakshouka plus a seasonal veggie side
- Splurge: Brisket entree with mashed potatoes and Riverdog veggies
Perfect For
- Brunch with friends who love deli classics
- Casual dinner with vegetarians and omnivores
- Solo pastry-and-coffee stop
- Out-of-town guests seeking a Berkeley staple
Location Insights
Area: Lively, food-focused North Shattuck corridor that draws locals and food lovers; casual, neighborhood feel.
Safety: Well-trafficked, generally safe with good lighting and steady foot traffic.
Nearby: Near Gourmet Ghetto staples, shops, and a farmers market on some Thursdays.
Downtown BerkeleyThe dining scene in Downtown Berkeley is diverse, featuring everything from casual cafes and ethnic eateries to upscale restaurants. The area is characterized by a youthful and progressive vibe, influenced heavily by the nearby university community. It is a walkable neighborhood with a mix of long-term residents and transient populations, fostering a dynamic social atmosphere.
Gourmet GhettoLocated just north of the main downtown strip, the Gourmet Ghetto is renowned for its concentration of artisanal food shops, innovative restaurants, and specialty markets. It attracts diners seeking high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and a more curated culinary experience.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–21:00
Tuesday08:00–21:00
Wednesday08:00–21:00
Thursday08:00–21:00
Friday08:00–21:00
Saturday08:00–21:00
Sunday08:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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