Kensington: Semifreddi’s; restaurant review

80 North

Semifreddi’s  

372 Colusa Ave., in Kensington, (510) 596-9935.  Daily 7:30am-3pm; $. 

exterior of Semifreddi's bakery in Kensington, California

Now headquartered in Alameda but still family-owned and –operated, this little bakery shop situated by the Kensington round-about has been in business since 1984.  Many customers stop by for a fresh baguette and some of the European-style pastries to go (the delicious cinnamon morning muffin is a personal favorite).  Others opt for a coffee or a sandwich from the enticing selection.  I usually pick up a rustic sour loaf--which is sliced upon request--and sometimes a bag of super garlic croutons.  I also call my order in early in the day because they do tend to run out of items before closing.  Inside seating is minimal, but a small, pleasant free area provides some outside seating.  

morning bun from Semifreddi's bakery in Kensington, California

pecan swirl from Semifreddi's bakery in Kensington, California

2020 pandemic update:  A socially-distanced line is usually waiting outside.  Ordering and pick-up occurs just inside the door in an area with plenty of protective plastic windows.  However, the credit card machine requires you to hold on to it while swiping a credit card, and no hand sanitizer is provided so be prepared with your own.  

socially-distanced line at Semifreddi's bakery in Kensington, California

More pandemic updates.

More things to do in nearby Berkeley.

Way more things to do in nearby Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Kensington: Benchmark Pizzeria; restaurant review

80 North

Benchmark Pizzeria  

1568 Oak View Ave./Colusa Ave., in Kensington. (510) 647-9724.  D daily. 

Located just off the Kensington Circle, this simple spot features red walls, black wood tables, grey tile floors, and big windows that let in plenty of light.  Popular with families, Benchmark Pizzeria is cheery and noisy.  The specialty is crispy-crusted Neapolitan-style pizza pies made with local ingredients and baked in an 800-degree wood-fired oven.  The menu changes daily.  Antipasti choices are especially interesting—perhaps house-pickled vegetables, olives and almonds, or house-pulled mozzarella.

house pizza at Benchmark Pizzeria in Kensington, California

Pizzas measure about 12 inches and include the simple namesake Benchmark as well as one with housemade sausage and also a folded-over calzone.  A few pastas are available, and dessert includes Straus soft-serve ice cream—my favorite is vanilla topped with butterscotch.



More things to do in nearby Berkeley.

Way more things to do in nearby Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers