Easterly-Berkeley — Restaurant in Berkeley

Juan Xiang is a hidden gem in Berkeley, offering authentic Hunan cuisine that’s perfect for those craving a taste of home or wanting to experience the unique flavors of Xiang cuisine. The restaurant’s decor is simple and cozy, infused with a strong Chinese ambiance—an ideal spot for gatherings with friends or family.

The dishes are truly exceptional. Their signature dishes, like the Steamed Fish Head with Chopped Chili, Mao’s Braised Pork, and Spicy Stir-Fried Beef, are all must-tries. The fish in the Steamed Fish Head with Chopped Chili is tender, and the spice level of the chili is just right, pairing perfectly with rice. Mao’s Braised Pork is rich and flavorful, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that balances fat and lean beautifully. The Spicy Stir-Fried Beef has a bold, spicy kick, and the beef is both tender and chewy—ideal for meat lovers.

The service here is also commendable. The staff is warm and attentive, providing thoughtful recommendations that make you feel right at home. Additionally, the pace of service is well-balanced—not too fast, nor too slow—allowing you to savor each dish at leisure.

Overall, Juan Xiang isn’t just a haven for food lovers but also a place where you can feel the warmth of home. Whether for a big gathering or a quiet drink, Juan Xiang offers a genuinely welcoming and memorable...

I honestly have no idea why this restaurant has such high ratings.

We went on CNY Eve, arriving at 7p and were told the wait would be 40 mins for a party of 2. We killed an hour, only to check in at 8p and be told there were still 3 tables ahead of us as apparently everyone was taking their time. Clearly, the restaurant was not prepared for the holiday rush.

When we finally got seated, we started ordering—only to be told that half the menu was sold out. At this point, it was obvious they didn’t plan properly for NYE.

Then came the food…..Some dishes were clearly pre cooked and arrived almost cold; Others were extremely salty, as if they were rushed or over seasoned. The worst part? After waiting almost an hour and we had almost finished everything, then we were told our main dish had just sold out! I asked if we could order something else since it was our main dish, and they just said, “The kitchen is closed.” Seriously?! On NYE?!

The only saving grace was that the service was good, but it couldn’t make up for the absolute failure in food quality and preparation. One star and will...

After re-opening at this new location, Easterly has become our new go-to when we've wanted a great meal. Our favorite is always the perilla leaf boiling fish 紫苏水煮鱼 which is super flavorful and comes with big portions.

Also, another new item to this location are the scallion pancakes, which are honestly some of the best we've ever had.

Dishes can be made not spicy, which is a nice option, and portions are generous—we had enough leftovers for another meal.

The place has been busy each time we’ve gone, but the new location is more spacious and easier to find parking than the previous one, which makes for a more comfortable experience overall.

Also the staff is super friendly and helpful. I really appreciated their attention to detail when they helped us pack and with the sturdy takeout containers that they provided for our leftovers.

I would definitely recommend this place, especially for...