The food here is so good and the service was amazing. The koshari was perfect. Great new spot!
Christopher G.
Stopped by this place for some lunch on a thursday, and overall had an awesome experience. My girlfriend ordered the 7-Spice Chicken, and I ordered the Lamb Meshwi through their website to order ahead for pickup. I'm a huge fan of the Lamb Meshwi but the 7-Spice Chicken was also very good. The location is in the heart of downtown, but there is street parking available in the front of the entrance. This was my first time having Egyptian food and I'd definitely be coming again.
Ahmed Nagaty
Amazing food , Great quality and amazing team ! Must try out !
Leila H.
I love this spot soooo much and I miss it since I've left Berkeley. They have so many incredible vegan dishes and even a vegan shawarma which I'm obsessed with. The owners and staff are so kind and it's a wonderful place to study in too! Please support this local business at this time especially
Yinja L.
I've been looking into incorporating more plant based items into my diet! I've always heard of People's Cafe but I had no idea that it was all Plant Based! They have a solid menu with tons of yummy items to choose from! My bf and I opted for the breakfast burrito, acai bowl, and a blueberry donut! The acai bowl is so refreshing and super filling! The breakfast burrito is delicious as well. I would recommend sharing it and adding on another item to have more variety! I was super surprised at how delicious the blueberry donut was! I never had the best experiences with vegan pastry items so I was super happy this was so delicious! I will definitely be back here again!
Rohmer E.
I like this place and the menu - simple and mostly vegan save for a couple of egg dishes. They have breakfast items, many of which use the vegan "just egg" product. I am surprised to see how many folks are using these sorts of faux vegan products in their menu. They also have salads and "sandwiches" many of which are actually wraps. Flavors lean Mediterranean.I got the Zaatar Chicken salad (vegan). It was a gluten free vegan chicken with quinoa, spices, and dressed spinach. Despite lacking in appearance due to it being plopped in a to go box, the taste was delicious. I am a huge zaatar fan, and while the zaatar flavor was not strong, overall it was flavorful. I look forward to trying some of the other menu items when I am back in the area. Especially the vegan shawarma. Definitely a healthier change from all the vegan fried food that is in vogue. Try them out and support local vegan spaces that are healthy!
Ed U.
** The following review reflects my experience prior to the shelter-in-place order currently in effect. **In our pre-pandemic days of innocence which seems so long ago now, the scene here consisted of armies of students on their laptops alternating with yoga enthusiasts carrying their rolled-up mats. The scene was classic Berkeley, so is the proletarian name, and there was rarely an empty seat during the school year. That's why I came in here very early on Saturday, so I could enjoy the relative calm over a $2.35 Drip Coffee and a Strawberry Vegan Donut (photo: Although the service was a bit on the curt side, it was the laid back experience I was seeking, that is, until a yoga class let out.COFFEE - 3 stars...yep, it was coffeeAMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...still a bit of disarray without the crowdsSERVICE - 3 stars...transactionalTOTAL - 3 stars...coffee for the masses? I guess...RELATED - Looking for coffee in the East Bay? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed:
adrian b.
This place seemed really mismanaged when I went (sometime last year). Here's a list of observations I made in chronological order, trivial annoyances at first but slowly escalating, like a frog in a pot of water being brought to boil:1. They were out of chicken, so I got a soyrizo breakfast burrito2. They had exactly one cook at first3. There was no line, but I eventually noticed that nearly everyone in the place who was there before me had no food and had a number on their table4. Someone who showed up after me got their cooked food before me5. A second cook showed up and started to screw around with the music. Billy Joel was too upbeat and he wanted to listen to something kewl like Nirvana. Granted, both are fine choices, it's just funny to see someone screwing around with the music selection like that's more pressing than serving the dozen customers who've been waiting 30 minutes. I can't imagine this happening with an actual manager around.6. The smoke alarm went off as the cooks started a modest fireThe one redeeming quality was whoever was working the register and bringing people food. He was friendly and also clearly apologetic about the wait as if he actually cared.I'm not asking for much here. I just wanted a breakfast burrito without waiting for 45 minutes. I'd forgive all of the goofy stuff I observed if my burrito were ready in 15 minutes.
Carla B.
Wonderful food! We've tried the ramen, some baked goods, and chai. I'm not much of a kombucha person, but the samples I had were good. The person next to me last time was eating an açaí bowl that looked tasty. I'll try it next time. Great ambiance for working a few hours or after a class at Yoga for the People. My new favorite spot in Berkeley.
Devin H.
Service wasn't great. The man at the counter barely spoke to us when he took our order. He gave us a number, but did not bring out food out even though he brought others their food. Paid $8 for avocado toast with no flavor, and the lattes were subpar. I definitely would recommend going to another place for breakfast.
Come here with my friend and his wife. At the weekend, it's so crowded. The WiFi is weak, the reason may be that so many people are there. It's famous for vegan food. I want to try it next. Only 5 minutes from the Berkley man station by walk. Good access!
Chloe C.
A bit on the pricey side and matcha latte tastes nothing like matcha. Nice atmosphere with free wifi and good food though!
Annie T.
Love this cafe! Wasn't super crowded when I went (closer to dinner/closing time) and good for a lowkey catch-up with a friend or a chill place to study. Has a nice, calm ambiance and the people working there are pretty nice as well! Haven't been for breakfast/lunch, but the vegan ramen is really good -- brought a couple of friends who are non-vegan, and everyone all enjoyed their meal. Including tax is less than $10 and it's a p good bowl (size + flavor wise) for the price and speed of service. Would recommend :)I got my vegan ramen without green onion, but it usually includes spinach, green onions, corn, mushroom, bamboo, tofu, and nori sheet! Spicy Miso + Black Garlic (I believe) are the two soup base options, and my friend and I got both and enjoyed both
Jasmine L.
Needed to find a spot with outlets so i can work on my assignments and this place had just that! Plus a really great coffee and tea menu. I had the golden milk and it was so gooood. A little pricey at 6.50 for a cut of coffee but I guess I wouldn't expect anything less. WiFi cut out a few time while being there but if you can find a place to sit and work, it's pretty nice. Oh also the music was a bit daunting for a coffee shop in the afternoon, not sure how i felt bout that
Tracy L.
A Berkeley staple with great food (lots of vegan options and a full breakfast menu) run by well meaning folks. Love the Peoples Cafe
The food here is so good and the service was amazing. The koshari was perfect. Great new spot!
Stopped by this place for some lunch on a thursday, and overall had an awesome experience. My girlfriend ordered the 7-Spice Chicken, and I ordered the Lamb Meshwi through their website to order ahead for pickup. I'm a huge fan of the Lamb Meshwi but the 7-Spice Chicken was also very good. The location is in the heart of downtown, but there is street parking available in the front of the entrance. This was my first time having Egyptian food and I'd definitely be coming again.
Amazing food , Great quality and amazing team ! Must try out !
I love this spot soooo much and I miss it since I've left Berkeley. They have so many incredible vegan dishes and even a vegan shawarma which I'm obsessed with. The owners and staff are so kind and it's a wonderful place to study in too! Please support this local business at this time especially
I've been looking into incorporating more plant based items into my diet! I've always heard of People's Cafe but I had no idea that it was all Plant Based! They have a solid menu with tons of yummy items to choose from! My bf and I opted for the breakfast burrito, acai bowl, and a blueberry donut! The acai bowl is so refreshing and super filling! The breakfast burrito is delicious as well. I would recommend sharing it and adding on another item to have more variety! I was super surprised at how delicious the blueberry donut was! I never had the best experiences with vegan pastry items so I was super happy this was so delicious! I will definitely be back here again!
I like this place and the menu - simple and mostly vegan save for a couple of egg dishes. They have breakfast items, many of which use the vegan "just egg" product. I am surprised to see how many folks are using these sorts of faux vegan products in their menu. They also have salads and "sandwiches" many of which are actually wraps. Flavors lean Mediterranean.I got the Zaatar Chicken salad (vegan). It was a gluten free vegan chicken with quinoa, spices, and dressed spinach. Despite lacking in appearance due to it being plopped in a to go box, the taste was delicious. I am a huge zaatar fan, and while the zaatar flavor was not strong, overall it was flavorful. I look forward to trying some of the other menu items when I am back in the area. Especially the vegan shawarma. Definitely a healthier change from all the vegan fried food that is in vogue. Try them out and support local vegan spaces that are healthy!
** The following review reflects my experience prior to the shelter-in-place order currently in effect. **In our pre-pandemic days of innocence which seems so long ago now, the scene here consisted of armies of students on their laptops alternating with yoga enthusiasts carrying their rolled-up mats. The scene was classic Berkeley, so is the proletarian name, and there was rarely an empty seat during the school year. That's why I came in here very early on Saturday, so I could enjoy the relative calm over a $2.35 Drip Coffee and a Strawberry Vegan Donut (photo: Although the service was a bit on the curt side, it was the laid back experience I was seeking, that is, until a yoga class let out.COFFEE - 3 stars...yep, it was coffeeAMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...still a bit of disarray without the crowdsSERVICE - 3 stars...transactionalTOTAL - 3 stars...coffee for the masses? I guess...RELATED - Looking for coffee in the East Bay? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed:
This place seemed really mismanaged when I went (sometime last year). Here's a list of observations I made in chronological order, trivial annoyances at first but slowly escalating, like a frog in a pot of water being brought to boil:1. They were out of chicken, so I got a soyrizo breakfast burrito2. They had exactly one cook at first3. There was no line, but I eventually noticed that nearly everyone in the place who was there before me had no food and had a number on their table4. Someone who showed up after me got their cooked food before me5. A second cook showed up and started to screw around with the music. Billy Joel was too upbeat and he wanted to listen to something kewl like Nirvana. Granted, both are fine choices, it's just funny to see someone screwing around with the music selection like that's more pressing than serving the dozen customers who've been waiting 30 minutes. I can't imagine this happening with an actual manager around.6. The smoke alarm went off as the cooks started a modest fireThe one redeeming quality was whoever was working the register and bringing people food. He was friendly and also clearly apologetic about the wait as if he actually cared.I'm not asking for much here. I just wanted a breakfast burrito without waiting for 45 minutes. I'd forgive all of the goofy stuff I observed if my burrito were ready in 15 minutes.
Wonderful food! We've tried the ramen, some baked goods, and chai. I'm not much of a kombucha person, but the samples I had were good. The person next to me last time was eating an açaí bowl that looked tasty. I'll try it next time. Great ambiance for working a few hours or after a class at Yoga for the People. My new favorite spot in Berkeley.
Service wasn't great. The man at the counter barely spoke to us when he took our order. He gave us a number, but did not bring out food out even though he brought others their food. Paid $8 for avocado toast with no flavor, and the lattes were subpar. I definitely would recommend going to another place for breakfast.
Restaurantji Recommends
Come here with my friend and his wife. At the weekend, it's so crowded. The WiFi is weak, the reason may be that so many people are there. It's famous for vegan food. I want to try it next. Only 5 minutes from the Berkley man station by walk. Good access!
A bit on the pricey side and matcha latte tastes nothing like matcha. Nice atmosphere with free wifi and good food though!
Love this cafe! Wasn't super crowded when I went (closer to dinner/closing time) and good for a lowkey catch-up with a friend or a chill place to study. Has a nice, calm ambiance and the people working there are pretty nice as well! Haven't been for breakfast/lunch, but the vegan ramen is really good -- brought a couple of friends who are non-vegan, and everyone all enjoyed their meal. Including tax is less than $10 and it's a p good bowl (size + flavor wise) for the price and speed of service. Would recommend :)I got my vegan ramen without green onion, but it usually includes spinach, green onions, corn, mushroom, bamboo, tofu, and nori sheet! Spicy Miso + Black Garlic (I believe) are the two soup base options, and my friend and I got both and enjoyed both
Needed to find a spot with outlets so i can work on my assignments and this place had just that! Plus a really great coffee and tea menu. I had the golden milk and it was so gooood. A little pricey at 6.50 for a cut of coffee but I guess I wouldn't expect anything less. WiFi cut out a few time while being there but if you can find a place to sit and work, it's pretty nice. Oh also the music was a bit daunting for a coffee shop in the afternoon, not sure how i felt bout that
A Berkeley staple with great food (lots of vegan options and a full breakfast menu) run by well meaning folks. Love the Peoples Cafe