Growing up in the East Bay, I took delicious food for granted because it was literally everywhere. Now that I’m away for college, the restaurants just can’t compare, and I’m already planning out my meals for when I go back home for spring break.

1. Metro (Lafayette)

Metro is the place my family goes for celebrations. This restaurant definitely has the fanciest vibe out of everything on this list due to a very professional and friendly staff, a nice venue, and a diverse menu. The food ranges from spaghetti Bolognese to black cod to duck. The appetizers and dessert have to be the best part though with a selection of truffle fries, duck spring rolls, roasted bustle sprouts, and my favorite thing ever, caramel pudding.

2. Homeroom (Oakland)

As the queen of carbs, how could I not love this place? Homeroom is known for specialty mac and cheese. There are 12 pre-made combinations such as Sriracha and goat mac and cheese, but if that doesn't suit your fancy, you can literally select from any type of cheese you desire along with a selection of 25 different toppings. Comfort food at its finest.

3. CREAM (Walnut Creek)

Cookies rule everything around me. As a dessert lover, CREAM had to be included. Freshly baked cookies are pulled out of the oven right in front of your eyes. You get to choose from a selection of seven cookies, 20 flavors of ice cream, and 15 toppings. The ice cream is placed between two hot cookies for the perfect bite of ice cream sandwich. Yummmm.

4. Oyama Sushi (Lafayette)

This restaurant isn’t just your typical sushi place. They only serve the freshest ingredients and their specialty and sauce will make your taste buds tingle. The fish is so delicate it’ll melt in your mouth, and the sushi rolls they make are custom to this specific restaurant. I highly recommend the baked scallop roll and the salmon belly.

5. Cinnaholic (Berkeley)

I grew up disgusted by the processed cinnamon rolls from a can, but once I tasted Cinnaholic I could never go back to hating them. These are freshly gourmet cinnamon rolls, with 18 choices of frosting and 20 toppings. Gone are the days of a generic bun with sickly sweet frosting. Cinnaholic offers such a wide variety of options so there’s something for everyone. And the best part about this place? It’s 100% vegan! What a perfect guilt-free treat for any time of the day.