Monterey Market

Monterey Market is one of my go-to spots for produce, especially if you like variety. Their selection is huge, and the mushroom section is on another level, way beyond what you see at a normal grocery store. Fun fact: this place is famous for carrying hard-to-find and foraged produce and has been a quiet favorite of Bay Area chefs for decades, which explains why half the fruits look like they belong in a cooking show challenge. That said, the quality isn’t flawless. This past summer the corn on the cob was disappointing, with a few ears already rotten at one end once you peel back the husk, so definitely inspect before buying. Also, the clientele is usually fine, but this visit featured an unnecessary checkout cameo from a full-volume Karen who felt the need to explain how standing in line works. The cashier chose silence, which felt like a statement. Still a great market overall, just keep an eye on the corn and maybe bring a little extra patience to the register.

Monterey Market – A True Bay Area Treasure If you love top-quality fruits and vegetables, this place is an absolute must. Monterey Market has one of the best year-round selections of fresh fruit in the Bay Area, including many unique and hard-to-find varieties you won’t see at regular grocery stores. What really sets them apart is the experience—you can taste many of the fruits before you buy, which shows their confidence in quality and their commitment to customers. Everything is fresh, flavorful, and carefully selected. Whether you’re a serious home cook, a fruit lover, or just someone who appreciates real quality, this market never disappoints. If fresh produce matters to you, this is the place to come. You’ll walk out inspired—and probably with bags full of incredible fruit. 🍎🍊🥭

Beautiful, farm-fresh produce market celebrating the bounty of near lands. Well-priced. A friendly, roadside farm stand feel, but stocked at the level of a large grocery. Excellent option (on a food corner) in North Berkeley.

Excellent range of quality produce at good prices. Almost no meat/fish products. Extremely crowded. Parking lot was a zoo. In this region, demand for food access is so high that people line up in the store isles to checkout, making it especially hard in small stores to get what you need and to move around. Just prepare yourself for the intense experience! I can’t imagine there is any grocery store in the region i’ll give a 5-star review to. There’s so much demand here that stores do whatever, it really explains a lot about the Trader Joe’s shopping model. Monterey Market is excellent for produce.

This is my favorite grocery store in the world, and, happily, it’s just a mile from our house. The quality, variety, and affordability of the produce here is off the charts. I don’t know how they do it, but you can buy purple and yellow cauliflower 365 days of the year, artichokes, dozens of types of greens, dozens of varieties of the most delicious apples you have ever tasted. I don’t understand how they manage to fit it all into one small, beautiful store. If you live in Berkeley, Albany, or El Cerrito, I encourage you to shop here. If you are visiting, come check it out as a wonder of local, organic, nourishing food. I wish only that every neighborhood had a store like this.

Phenomenal selection of legitimately 5 star quality fresh produce, freshly baked local bread, artisanal coffee, quality wines, and more. Every square foot of this market is thoughtfully stocked with quality products. Parking lot and the area of Hopkins st are a little busy, so you're best of biking if possible, but always worth the visit.

I absolutely love Monterey Market! As a former chef, I’m particular about the quality of produce—and this place never disappoints. Their selection of fruits and vegetables is not only diverse but also incredibly fresh and always in season. The way they display their produce is truly beautiful and inviting, almost like a farmer’s market meets fine dining. It brings back memories of the quality ingredients I once worked with in professional kitchens. A true gem for anyone who values fresh, vibrant ingredients.