Saul's Restaurant & Delicatessen in Berkeley is a longstanding spot that does Jewish deli food seriously—the kind of place where the matzo ball soup actually tastes like it came from someone’s grandmother’s kitchen. They work with real vegetables, seafood, legumes, and fruit throughout their menu, and it shows in the depth of flavor. You’ll find classic deli sandwiches alongside dishes that reflect the broader tradition of Jewish cuisine, which means you get interesting variety beyond the usual suspects.

The outdoor seating area is where things get good if you’re coming with your dog. It’s genuinely set up as a place where dogs are welcome, not just tolerated. You can sit out there, order a proper meal—whether that’s a sandwich, soup, or something more substantial—and your dog can hang with you while you eat. The atmosphere feels relaxed and communal, the kind of place where people linger and actually enjoy their time.

What impressed me most was that this doesn’t feel like they’re doing the dog-friendly thing as a marketing angle. It’s just part of how they operate. The staff treats dogs like normal customers, which makes a real difference in how comfortable you feel settling in for a meal. The outdoor area has decent shade coverage too, which matters on those warm Berkeley afternoons when you want to eat outside but not bake in the sun.

If you’re in the neighborhood—the restaurant sits in a location where you can easily walk to nearby shops and streets—it’s worth stopping by. Bring your dog, order something that sounds interesting from the menu, and expect to actually taste the care that went into making it. You don’t need reservations for the outdoor area, though calling ahead during busy times isn’t a bad idea.