Serving authentic Indian and Nepalese delicacies, Mount Everest puts together a menu of two cultures, closely intertwined, for the foodies to savor. Relish traditional spices and condiments, each one with a distinct flavor and texture, as one bites into juicy Chicken Momos, or tangy Fish Curry. The Daal Saag is also a wholesome dish, made from lentils and spinach and combining the benefits of cereal and vegetables. Wine and beer, imported from Nepal, are served here in generous quantities. The venue is a casual place with large windows overlooking the streets.

Berkeley Thai House comes across as a decent enough place to placate Thai cuisine cravings. The staff efficiency fluctuates as the week progresses but manages to find you a table even on crowded days. Those who don't know their Thai food should stick to the house favorites of imperial prawns, tamarind fish, duck curry or chili beef. The House does not have a drinks menu but the desserts are worth a shot. Those looking for service with a smile will do well to skip this place.

After spending an expensive Sa night on the town, a delicious, ethnic, and more importantly, cheap meal to start the next day can be found at Wat Mongkolratanaram. Known to the locals as the Thai Temple, an eccentric array of Thai cuisine - Mango with Sweet Rice and Spicy Green Beans with Tofu, to name a few. Customers start lining up cafeteria style at 9a to buy tokens at the entrance. Three vegetarian/non-vegetarian entrees will cost a mere $6 and are able to feed at least two people. All proceeds count as donations to the temple, so there's no sales tax or credit cards accepted.

At this East Bay beer and pizza joint, located on San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley, patrons can feast on thin and crispy slices while momentarily evading the bustle of the noisy neighborhood intersection outside. Begin your meal with a big salad full of fresh veggies and topped with your choice of house-made dressings. The pies here are strictly New York-style (some with names like "Carnivore," "Garbage Pie" and the cult classic, "Heartstopper" with bacon and Gorgonzola), and regulars will attest that Lanesplitter does it right. Plenty of tables and a ton of barstools mean there's almost always a spot for you, and there's even a charming patio out back complete with heat lamps and picnic tables. On the stereo: rock 'n' roll. On the walls: a rotating collection of locally produced artwork. On tap: a rotating selection of more than a dozen locally produced microbrews (including Russian River Brewing Company's Damnation, a favorite of regulars). See website for menu and more.

Dine at the mystical and sophisticated ambiance of O Chame. True to it's name, this restaurant is indeed, lively and charming. The Japanese cuisine is worth relishing with unique and fantastic dishes and their noodles can't be beat. Pair your meal with a glass or wine or sake.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch or brunch at this neighborhood favorite that was once a bank. The actual vault is now prominently displayed and stores dry goods. The Vault's dining room has high ceilings and brightly lit environs with large windows. The service is down-to-earth. You will find traditional egg and bacon dishes, build-your-own omelettes, a bagel and lox platter, and short stacks. It also serves an array of sandwiches and burgers, and occasionally special entrees in the afternoon like meatloaf, pasta and chicken.

Chaat, the Hindi word for snacks, are the stock-in-trade of this bright blue warehouse on Berkeley's industrial West Side. Every day, two dozen varieties of chaat are chalked up on the whiteboard, tasty little morsels ranging from Vadu and Chole to Pakoras and Samosas. The eatery has been discovered, big time, but the counter service is fast enough to handle the big lunchtime crowds. Insider's tip: on weekends, order the Masala Dosas, huge lentil pancakes with spiced potato fillings in a thin lentil soup.

The name's a bit misleading. Not only is there no ocean view, but this is not your ordinary diner. Though it has streamlined aluminum and black-and-white tile, and the fare is inspired by diner cuisine, the ingredients are the freshest available and the dishes are prepared with care and imagination. At breakfast, the cooks do wonderful things with the humble buttermilk pancake, and the scrambled eggs and tortilla chips are memorable, as well. At lunch, it is sandwiches and plate specials, which often feature a fresh fish filet. The to-go counter next door, offers sandwiches and mini-pizzas.

This spacious, diner-style dining room has green marble tabletops, high ceilings and hanging plants. You will always find parking in the restaurant's own parking lot. The kitchen prepares a variety of dishes, from low-calorie treats to sinful entrees. The breakfast portion of the menu is the highlight; however, the lunch menu is also a strong contender with homemade soups and grilled chicken sandwiches. But the shining stars are the delicious egg dishes dripping in Hollandaise Sauce. Try the Crab and Artichoke Benedict served with a side of perfectly cooked home-style potatoes, topped with a dollop of sour cream.

Fine restaurant connoisseurs from all over the Bay Area frequent this Berkeley hot spot. It is a great place for a romantic or family dinner, or just appetizers at the bar with friends. Built on stilts right over the water, it offers unforgettable views of San Francisco, the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge. The menu is filled with a vast selection of seafood, fish, chicken and pasta entrees. Try the grilled sirloin steak and roasted garlic prawns. The wine list features California selections.