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Ashby Marketplace
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Steve K. said: "Amini's is a convenient spot for breakfast or lunch for those who live or work in the Richmond Marina area. They are more of a general store than a restaurant and have a little bit of everything. The outdoor patio is perfect on nice…" read more »
39 reviews for Ashby Marketplace
Review Highlights
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"A vegan sandwich on gluten-free bread." In 7 reviews -
"The hummus sandwich and lebni sandwich are AMAZING." In 3 reviews -
"A great little market for those in the neighborhood." In 9 reviews
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39 reviews in English
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Review from Chris A.
Oakland, CA
1/11/2012
I moved my office to the Elmwood neighborhood in Berkeley a few weeks ago. One day I was hunting for a nice, affordable place to grab lunch (although Elmwood has tons of nice restaurants, everything is pretty pricey), and came across the Ashby Marketplace.
Super nice people work there, and their deli rocks. The California Dreamin' sandwich is one of the best damn sandwiches I've ever had, and surprisingly it has no meat (I'm a carnivore by the way ;). At only $6.50, it's chock full of avocado, hummus, sprouts, and all kinds of other goodness, and it's super filling! The paninis are also really good, and only $5.
There's also a grocery store inside, with a small produce section. If you're in Elmwood, I highly recommend popping in for a sandwich! -
Review from Amy H.
5/12/2012
TIP #1: Perfect $5 sandwiches if you're hungry in Elmwood but don't want to fork over a giant wad of cash for lunch, or if you don't have time to sit down at a restaurant.
TIP #2: Awesome bulk items and tons and tons of different types of chocolate bars as well.
Definitely a hidden gem and a local favorite. The deli is within the store. In the time that I decided on a roast beef panini with spicy ginger sauce, three other people had come in and placed their orders. Most sandwiches cost between $5 to $6.50.
And it was a good sandwich! It's easy to mess a sandwich up but all the ingredients had been placed with care and I could taste the freshness in each bite. My roast beef with spicy ginger sauce on wheat was delicious. My boyfriend's pastrami on focaccia was yummy as well. I just wish they had been a tad bit larger, but I was satisfied.
Great in a pinch! (Parking is crazy, of course, because it's right at College and Ashby.) -
Review from Jen W.
Oakland, CA
2/6/2012
This store is extremely clean and well-organized. I'm a nerd about going into stores, especially those that offer a lot of natural/organic stuff. Pleased to see their large selection despite the less-affordable prices on grocery.
Got a sandwich for dinner, the California Dreamin' (added turkey too!) Pretty good, the hummus I think is homemade and very creamy. Was a decent size, I could only eat half. Basically 2 meals for $6.50! Always love that.
Can't wait to do some real shopping here since I just moved to the neighborhood.
P.S. In case you need to know, you can totally by a level here. For, like, construction work. -
Review from Greg B.
Berkeley, CA
5/8/2012
Ashby Marketplace opened its doors around the same time I moved to the Elmwood neighborhood of Berkeley. It's gone through many changes, but one thing that remains constant is the quality of their sandwiches. While you're waiting for your sandwich to be made, you can chat with the staff or browse their various teas, chocolates, and snacks. There's no seating at the deli, so be prepared to take your sandwich to your favorite outdoor spot to enjoy.
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Review from Luna H.
Albany, CA
7/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
So...to the bitch thats complaining about shit that doesn't make any fucking sense....first of all. Idk why you keep going back if you think so poorly of the place. Second of all. Throwing a tantrum about the bread and the chicken is just stupid. They clearly have the meats and breads listed on their "create your own" sandwich menu. So ordering something that you saw wasn't on the menu is all on you, not them. And thirdly, they are never out of jalapenos...trust me I would know. And for them being completely out of produce in the deli....HA! Its called having to PREP everything in the morning. They want their stuff to be freshly cut. Yeah sometimes they run out of things later on in the day, but I guess that would make them an awesome deli that everyone wants to go to, now wouldn't it. So I recommend you just stop going back there if all you're going to do is bitch.
But as far as my opinion goes. They are an awesome place. They have tons of products throughout the store. And the deli...oh my god their sandwiches are fantastic. I def recommend trying the Lebni Soecial, the Ginger sesame roast beef, and the California Dreamin. Bomb! -
Review from Garrett H.
San Francisco, CA
11/26/2011
I found this market to be more than just a great deli/market. It has become my home away from work. I spend my lunch time there 4/5 days a week for the most part.
First is the deli=perfect. I can get a wonderful Panini for $5. but not limited to just those. So far all have been awesome.
Second is the market is just right. Great selections for this town of people. Coffee being my fave.
Last is the owners and employees. I am very comfortable with them. They are So helpful, caring and just nice to be around.
Recommended for sure. -
Review from henry k.
Berkeley, CA
7/7/2011
Great service, selection, and sincerity from the owners--father and son. I usually buy just a few items and bring my bike inside while I shop.
They treat me like a valued customer and when I want something they do not stock they do their best to stock it. WF, TJ or Safeway are a not friendly or sincere, just corporate mandates to be friendly.
The new deli counter is great and asking for variations is no problem. To those who gave low ratings because of non-vegan or not having the bread you wanted, I say "get a life" as these are your issues not the owners. -
Review from Eric R.
Berkeley, CA
9/24/2011
I really like this place. Why?
- The owner and his son are really nice, genuine people.
- It's a local shop! I'm looking at this new huge safeway that's supposed to go in on College and thinking...what's gonna happen to our neighborhood stores? And to the one star review below, YES people in this neighborhood like our little stores, so it's not crazy to see reviews that say "go here instead of 7-11" "go here instead of Safeway" "Go here instead of TJ's"
- This store is open fairly late.
Yes, it's more expensive. I certainly can't afford to do all my shopping here. Berkeley Bowl is still for the big stuff. But if I need to pick up a little something, I'll come here.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL STORES! -
Review from Sara H.
Berkeley, CA
5/19/2011
Fanciest little grocery store! Tons of organic food, so many cheese options, great selection of spices, dry goods, and fresh veggies. Is this place more expensive than a Whole Foods? Sure but it's a small family run business. Everyone who works there is super friendly and it is nice to see the same people day after day. I feel really lucky to have place right down the street where I can go pick up all the little things I need.
Annnnd as if that weren't enough! They opened a deli! (You'll have to forgive me for being a late comer to this, I was in Virginia for 5 months.) I noticed it when I stopped by for milk one day. There was the glorious menu with the magic words: Fig & Prosciutto. YES PLEASE! Sadly, I already had sushi for lunch. (Shout out to Manpuku!)
We ended up going back to grab sandwiches for dinner. They were out of almost everything! :-( (Looks like there are still some supply ordering hiccups that need to be worked out.) So we got a turkey sandwich and a pastrami sandwich. They were excellent. It is one thing to make a great sandwich with fancy Italian-sounding ingredients, but these were just plain sandwiches that were plain ol' delicious. Great pickles!
Try it! -
Review from crystal h.
Martinez, CA
3/7/2012
I LOVE this place. We eat from here at least 3 days a week. The sandwiches are AMAZING. I do miss the fig and pear one, but everything else is great. The produce is always fresh and the owner is so friendly. It's really hard to get a good $5 sandwich anymore, and you can here!
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Review from Ryan K.
Oakland, CA
2/28/2011
Ashby Marketplace just started making vegan sandwiches in the deli. The hummus sandwich is great. There is a "ham" and a "turkey" sandwich also, both very tasty. They heat the bread up like a panini, and keep all vegan sandwich parts separate from anything non-vegan, so you don't have to worry about getting sick. Really good sandwiches!
Not a vegan owned business, but caters to vegans. Can't give it 5 stars because they serve meat, but they are headed in the right direction by adding vegan options. Keep going!Listed in: Vegan East Bay
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Review from Charlotte D.
New York, NY
10/31/2011
A lot of people here are emphasizing the great selection of gluten free options at Ashby market. While they are most definitely correct, as an individual who eats (quite a bit of) gluten, I'd like to offer another perspective.
Ashby market has an AMAZING selection of food with wonderful ingredients. I'm so accustomed to turning a box over and seeing "Red lake number 5, hydrogenated palm oil, flavor, carageenan..." etc. But at Ashby market, everything is Real Food. I love the packaged food that is healthy AND yummy. But my favorite part of this place is their tea wall. They have an entire wall, from floor to ceiling, dedicated to tea. Their selection trumps Whole Foods. As an avid tea drinker, I love perusing this gigantic selection and discovering a new blend to sample.
My second favorite part of this store is the owners. They readily take feedback and are very interested in stocking their store with brands/products their customers love and request. This is amazing because I honestly have never encountered this before, even at other small local stores. These guys really want to take care of their customers.
On top of it all, almost every time I go in, they throw in some freebie samples at the checkout: tea, lotion, you name it. My favorite corner market. -
Review from Stephanie S.
Berkeley, CA
5/21/2011
Love this place! I work in the neighborhood, and I am in LOVE with their sandwiches, and their basic grocery items. They've got organic chocolate milk, and agave sweetened root beer. Serious must haves if you're trying to take a step back from all the processed foods and artificial sweeteners.
The hummus sandwich and lebni sandwich are AMAZING. I'm not a vegetarian, but I can't bear to order anything else because these are out of this world.
Come here. Seriously. The owners are really friendly, they've got great stuff.
I don't even want to talk about pricing. (Ok, I'm still going to) Because honestly, whatever the pricing compares to, it's worth it. You are paying the cost of REAL food (not artifical, subsidized, or mass-market/chain stuff), and for the great service you receive. The sandwiches are the same - or cheaper - than others in the neighborhood, and like I said before - AMAZING.
Stop by on your way to campus; don't go all the way down to Telegraph; STOP SNACKING AT 7-11. This place has all you need. And if they don't have it, ask them. I'm sure they'll be helpful. -
Review from Christina B.
Oakland, CA
10/27/2011
The tea selection alone is worth 5 stars - really great variety and much more than you'd expect at a small market. They also have a great deli - I've been really happy with my sandwiches. Fresh, great bread, good selection. The owners are really friendly and I will definitely be back. I work nearby but live in Oakland - I don't have a neighborhood market near me so I'll do my shopping here before heading home!
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Review from John d.
Oakland, CA
11/9/2009
This place is beautiful.
Please support these guys and all neighborhood grocer's. When you shop Safeway your money is going into huge corporate salaries and Washington lobbyists, Trader Joe's is owned by a huge German company and has very very vague quality standards (check what Natural really means).
All over the country little stores go out of business because of stores like TJ's, Safeway and the like.
Stand up for the little guy. -
Review from S v.
Berkeley, CA
6/12/2011
Fantastic sandwiches by someone who loves making them! Something for anyone - vegan, veggie and carnivore.
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Review from Pook M.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 12/15/2010
This store has changed a lot since they first opened. The owners take the feedback of their customers seriously, and frequently add newly requested products! It's quite exciting. They recently started selling Daiya vegan cheese (hell yes!) and soon they'll be offering organic coffee for $1 and vegan (and non-vegan) baked goods from local shops (Pebble's Donuts, Nabolom, etc).
They're building a deli in the store that will offer all sorts of sandwiches, including vegan ones, and all for a reasonable price (under $6, I think). I am really looking forward to trying their new food!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/29/2010
I really like this not-too-tiny store. It's great for getting the basics or when having a culinary… Read more »
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Review from Paul L.
10/4/2009
It's an organic grocery and pet store that just opened this past week.
The food seems nice enough, but a little too pricey. It's at a convenient location, but with Safeway just a few streets over and Trader Joe's a little further down the road, I don't think I would get my groceries here. I think a box of Kashi crackers was like $4! -
Review from Kelly M.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 7/8/2011
I have been back several times since my last reviews and I stand by all I have written in previously. This place is not as hot as all these fake yelp users would have you believe. Who would join yelp just to write a review for this place? And why does nearly every positive review say the same stuff (i.e. bash other markets)? Obviously yelp agrees with me, since a majority of their reviews are filtered.
To summarize my experiences: Wanted foccacia, they didn't have any. Wanted jalapenos, no luck. Tried to buy deli chicken and they were out. Attempted to by roast beef but they couldn't remember when it had been cut. Went in to get heavy cream and found 2 pints that were both expired. Once waited more than 4 minutes at a deli counter in the empty store before anyone realized I was there.
They might make great sandwiches. You might be willing to put up with this crap and high prices because you care that they are a family-owned business. I am not and I don't think many others are, either.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/23/2011
They lose a star -- I went back today for jalapenos and some nice bread. They had no jalapenos, or… Read more »
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Review from Jenny O.
Oakland, CA
5/19/2011
i often drive out of my way for a gluten free sandwhich from this family run deli. the owners are super friendly and really care about the customers.
I LOVE the GLUTEN FREE sandwhiches, where else can you get a deli style gluten free sandwhich? great place!! -
Review from Melisa L.
Berkeley, CA
1/20/2010
Incredible selection for the size :D
Their organic, fair trade bananas are cheaper than Berkeley Bowl's! $0.99/lb. vs. $1.09/lb.
When I need a good snack, I stop by the Ashby Marketplace :) -
Review from Hana J.
1/25/2010
I just poked my head in here just to see what little nibbling items I could find, and then I came out with a wonderful bottle of cucina & amore evoo for only $8, half off! A lot better than what I usually find at Trader Joe's, which the market owner thinks sells complete trash! haha
All the other sale items were still a bit pricey. But I love nothing more than saving a couple of extra bucks, so I'd be willing to make the trip here every week or so to see what else is on the bargain list! I guess some argue that time is money, and I'm better off getting all my goods at one place (I think that was one of the tips on "saving money while grocery shopping," a column article in Every day Rachael Ray), I still need some excuse to stop by and say hello!
They carry a good array of ethnic foods that's hard to find elsewhere. Next time I'm in the mood to cook some Middle Eastern delicacies (which is very rare) I'll be first hitting this little store. -
Review from Shelly J.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2011
Ramiz and his Pop are great and hard workers.
The store is clean, well stocked, and reasonably priced.
I love the deli sandwiches. They are fresh and tasty!
I feel better doing business here than at the food giants around the corner- Whole Foods, B Bowl, Safeway and Adronicos. -
Review from Manny H.
Bay Area
10/4/2009
While indeed on the pricey end, the attention by the store owner reminded me of the kind of service one doesn't encounter any more: he was open past his closing time and, before throwing away some muffins, asked me if I wanted them. I took them for my son (since I don't eat muffins myself). I was very impressed that he made a point to ask me my name (saw him do the same thing with the previous customers who left before me). I hope he can sustain the same level of service moving forward.
With 7-11 being the only convenience store in the area, when you want to get something small (maybe not for large grocery shopping -Trader Joe's and Safeway in Rockridge would be best for that) this comes in as a welcome new place in the Elmwood neighborhood. -
Review from DeAnna T.
Oakland, CA
5/7/2010
I have mixed feelings about this place. We don't live right near it, but we get sushi takeout nearby pretty regularly. It is convenient to grab a few things here when we don't need much. As others have said, the prices are high, but this is forgivable for a little specialty market.
What I don't like is that they can be a little pushy about getting us to buy things, claiming that it is a better product than the one are looking to buy. It has not been true yet. In fact, we have even thrown out some things that they convinced us to buy. They are actually very nice, even if a little pushy, which is what bumps them up to 4 stars instead of 3. I will continue going there for treats and between-shopping trip items. -
Review from Nasser H.
San Francisco, CA
2/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is as G00D as it gets... Great Grocery store with the finest foods. The Deli they added is great and the salads are massive - good for two! My girlfriend especially likes the Gluten Free section they have -=) Owner is friendly and very talkative Thanks for the roast beef sammy =)
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Review from chris b.
Oakland, CA
2/2/2011
This place is prime, and I mean divisible only by itself because i can't find another market like it! If you are gluten free they got what you need. trust me, the selection is impressive. Not to mention the friendly and attentive service of the staff, the immaculate cleanliness of the store, and the phenomenal deli they just installed. Quality is the only word i can think of to describe this place in short and it is apparent from the moment you walk in the door until you leave the market satisfied and smiling.
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Review from stuart b.
Berkeley, CA
6/16/2011
Their California Dreamin' sandwich is one of the best veggie sandwiches I have ever had.
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Review from Alex N.
Berkeley, CA
3/25/2010
These guys are great, and it's very convenient having a food store in the Elmwood. The stuff is very good quality, and they go with the healthy stuff. Plus I like supporting local independent businesses.
Update: They have built a Deli Counter, and it's great. I got a Hummus sandwich, and it was terrific. Thanks guys! -
Review from Cat O.
Oakland, CA
2/15/2011
Ramiz is the sandwhich master plus him and his dad are a delight. The kind of place you feel good doing business with, and it's delicious.
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Review from Raymond W.
Berkeley, CA
10/14/2009
A great little market for those in the neighborhood. Most of the food is high quality and the produce is all organic. The ambiance is clean, comfortable and cozy, and best of all, the owner and his dad seem to always be there to make you feel at home.
Prices can be a bit high and it's not really big enough for the major shopping of the week, but for everything else, it's a convenient and excellent alternative to the local super markets. -
Review from Robert C.
San Francisco, CA
2/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great selection of high-quality foods. The deli just opened, and the two sandwiches I've tried are the best I've had in Berkeley, despite the very reasonable prices.
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Review from Caitlin L.
Oakland, CA
4/27/2010
Great little market with a surprising selection of high end organic and ethnic products for the pint-sized space. It's like a mini mini Whole Foods. And reasonably priced too. I wish their produce dept was a little better stocked, but other than that, I found everything I was looking for.
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Review from Michael P.
Berkeley, CA
11/12/2009
It's about time that a market like this opened up in Elmwood! Good selection. Nice owners. Open till 9pm. And fresh organic produce. They also carry GUS (Grown-up sodas), which are my favorite and Whole Foods stopped carrying. I also heard through the grape vine that the dog food is human grade...thinking about serving it at my next party.
Comment from Ramiz H. of Ashby Marketplace 11/14/2009
"Ashby Marketplace" has the largest supply of Organic and… More » -
Review from Katie S.
Berkeley, CA
5/21/2011
i go to school right up the street and its GREAT for lunch. I'm a gluten-intolerant vegan, so sometimes finding food can be a challenge. especially on college avenue. i always find fantastic things. i had my first sandwich at Ashby Marketplace today. A vegan sandwich on gluten-free bread. I told the guy at the deli counter to put whatever he wanted on it. (i believe he ended up making the California something sandwich. you'll know what I'm talking about when you go get your own sandwich, because trust me, you will.) it was absolutely amazing! i wanted to give everyone i knew a bite of it, just to share the love, and at the same time, i wanted to keep the whole thing for myself. not only was the sandwich AMAZING, but everyone there is so friendly and it really made my day just to be in there. everyone smiles and chats with you while they make your sandwich or even just ring you up. its an all around fantastic place to eat, get any ingredients you might need, or just make a new friend.
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Review from Sara H.
Aliso Viejo, CA
3/20/2011
Love this place!! It's a perfect addition to the neighborhood, and they are constantly expanding too -- they have all the grocery necessities, really amazing sandwiches (from a newly built fresh deli), good fruits and veggie selections, etc etc. Try the pastrami sandwich if you can :) Ashby marketplace really does carry everything you'd need for a grocery run, or to cook a healthy filling meal -- if you're into a higher-quality, gourmet, ethnic, or organic kind of way of living, that is. They are a move in the right direction -- less processed foods and crap from far away places! Definitely satisfies my foodie urges and can only expect them to get better and better.
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Review from Melissa K.
Berkeley, CA
6/9/2011
Best Gluten free sandwiches! I drove through traffic to get here to try this place and I ordered three to take home, next time I'm ordering more! This guy makes the best gluten free deli sandwich. It was so nice to find an easy place to just grab a sandwich that I'm not allergic to. He can stack it high with all the good stuff all over it with no nitrates in anything. While he was making it I shopped around and bought lots of their other gluten free goodies. They are extremely friendly and warm family business. I left a very happy camper and will be returning next week to stock up!
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Review from Amy K.
Berkeley, CA
7/1/2011
For a little store, they've got a great selection. But the thing that I like best is that it is a haven for gluten intolerant people. I can order a deli sandwich on gluten-free bread and it's GOOD. There's a huge selection of gluten-free products. I always end up making a lot of spontaneous purchases there.
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Review from Eric B.
Yosemite National Park, CA
12/8/2009
the owners of this store clearly put alot of thought into everything they stock -- nothing but organic and high quality packed into this small space. super friendly and accomodating father and son business. while it is a little more expensive, I think you get what you pay for,. this is a welcome useful addition to a neighborhood that is getting a bit over-run with not-so-useful boutiques.
