Standard Fare

2701 8th St./Carleton St. #118, West Berkeley, (510) 356-2261. B-L M-Sat. M-F 8:30-5, Sat 9-3.

The fare at the Standard Fare catering company is anything but standard. And you’re never sure what you’re going to be offered because the cafe-bakery menu changes every day so (you can check the current day’s menu ahead online). I adore the scones, which always seems to be different. Today it was a perfect candied grapefruit-currant version. I also picked up some baby biscuits with jam and butter for later. Other past items have included a really good breakfast biscuit sandwich, cookies, brownies, pickles, rutabaga soup, and a sandwich with chicken pate, roasted chicken, and pickled vegetables. The menu offers vegan and vegetarian options, and eaten in house are served on attractive earthenware bowls and plates. Seating in this part-cafe/mostly-bakery venue is minimal--think a small window-ledge table with just a few stools. I advise planning to take your order to-go.

Just next door are another pastry bakery and a bread bakery:

●La Noisette Sweets

#116 (510) 813-8300

La Noisette Sweets makes fabulous French pastries, including a pistachio-raspberry and a smoked-salmon croissant. Cakes, including a fruit-topped cheesecake, are also available.

●Morell’s Bread

#114, (415) 302-8609

Morell's Bread is also superb. Try the crispy-crusted sunflower whole-wheat loaf with a soft, moist interior, or the delicious rye. Watch the bakers prepare the bread.

exterior of Standard Fare bakery in Berkeley California

counter at Standard Fare bakery in Berkeley California

daily menu at Standard Fare bakery in Berkeley California

baked goods at Standard Fare bakery in Berkeley California

baked goods at La Noisette Sweets bakery in Berkeley California

●Third Culture Bakery

2701 Eighth St., (341) 333-2640

Barbie would enjoy a visit to this pretty pink venue, where mochi products made with glutinous rice flour rule. Muffins are dense and chewy with a crispy crust, and lighter custard cakes and donuts are presented frosted in amazing colors. These housemade items are distributed to cafes throughout the Bay Area, but you can order here to go, or stick around inside or out and maybe also enjoy a matcha latte to wash it all down. The shop is small, but some outside seating is available.