Emeryville

With quick access to the Bay Bridge, a free city-operated shuttle to nearby MacArthur BART Station, publicly accessible bayfront, a boat marina, great shopping (Ikea, West Elm, Urban Outfitters), a 16-screen AMC movie theater, food halls and gleaming parks, tiny Emeryville is big on living well. With just over twelve thousand people, Emeryville is home to Pixar headquarters and several large biotech companies that draw thousands daily.

The housing stock is limited—Emeryville has a small neighborhood of classic bungalows and Craftsman homes, but inventory mainly consists of loft conversions (converted warehouses with high ceilings, exposed brick, open floor plans) and modern condos (newer construction with amenities like fitness centers, rooftop decks, parking). The small residential footprint means most people come here for work, shopping, or dining.

Bay Street Emeryville has been freshly reimagined since 2022 with all-new dining, fresh retail, and Tokyo Central Specialty Market opening summer 2025 (the Japan-based grocer's first East Bay location will feature premium imported Japanese goods, ready-to-eat meals, and an upscale sushi restaurant). The Bay Break Dining Terrace on the 2nd level operates as the new go-to gathering area.

The food scene delivers serious variety. Fogo de Chão serves Brazilian churrascaria. Flores opened both a sit-down restaurant and grab-and-go taqueria. Pippal brings regional Indian cuisine. Saucy Asian and Mumu Hot Pot offer Asian options. Uchiwa Ramen serves quality ramen. Shake Shack delivers burgers. Humphry Slocombe scoops inventive ice cream. Hong Kong East Ocean Seafood Restaurant brings dim sum. Dipped (opened 2023) serves caramel apples, s'mores variations, and Dubai chocolate cheesecake with pistachio cream. Tipsy Putt combines nine-hole mini golf, 40 craft beers on tap, and classic video games.

The Emeryville Public Market functions as a food hall with multiple vendors. Le Marine Fish & Grill (opened February 2025) serves grilled seafood including fish and chips and crab burgers. Trader Vic's anchors the waterfront for bayside Mai Tais, while Rudy's You Can't Fail Cafe serves morning (or midnight) breakfasts.

Shopping spans Ikea, West Elm, Urban Outfitters, and Bay Street's retail mix. The publicly accessible bayfront and marina offer walking paths and views. The free Emery-Go-Round shuttle connects throughout Emeryville and to MacArthur BART.