Cheese Board Pizza sits at the heart of Berkeley’s cooperative spirit. As part of the broader Cheese Board Collective, the pizzeria operates as a worker-owned cooperative where the 50 staff members share ownership and decision-making power. This unique business model has sustained the operation through decades, and the energy of a collectively-owned enterprise infuses every aspect of the dining experience.

The Pizza Experience

The pizzeria serves one style of pizza each day, with the menu rotating to showcase different flavor combinations and seasonal vegetables. This focused approach means regulars return to discover what’s on offer, and visitors experience the staff’s creativity with fresh ingredients. The wooden-fired oven and handmade dough produce pizzas with distinctive character. The vegetarian focus reflects Berkeley’s food culture and values, while the rotating menu ensures something new with each visit.

Recent Expansion

The Cheese Board Collective completed a major expansion project in April 2026, creating a larger, improved space. The new layout offers more area for the cheese counter and baked goods, a dedicated coffee counter, and additional bakery offerings including sourdough, scones, and rolls.

The Full Collective Experience

While the pizzeria occupies one storefront, the adjacent locations include a full-service bakery and an expansive cheese shop. Visitors can order pizza and browse artisan cheeses and hand-made pasta, all from the same operation. This integration creates an immersive food experience unique to Berkeley.

Atmosphere & Community

The pizzeria maintains the unpretentious, communal atmosphere that’s made it a neighborhood gathering place for over 20 years. Long lines frequently extend out the door during peak hours, reflecting both popularity and the “one pizza per day” production model. The line becomes part of the experience—locals chat, newcomers ask regulars for recommendations, and the collective ethos permeates the whole operation.

Hours & Practical Info

Cheese Board Pizza operates Tuesday through Saturday. Arriving early helps secure a slice before the day’s offering sells out. The cooperative has occasionally opened for special events and fundraisers, such as a May 2026 event supporting Mujeres Unidas y Activas.

Getting There

Located on Shattuck Avenue in North Berkeley, Cheese Board is a short walk from many neighborhood shops and restaurants. BART’s Downtown Berkeley Station is about a 15-minute walk, and Shattuck Avenue has good local bus service.