50 Best Cafes in Berkeley

“I stumbled across this café in Berkeley. I was in the neighborhood and wanted a cup of coffee and a bite to eat. Customer service was outstanding. Very friendly. I ordered a Americano café and a classic half plain bagel with cream cheese to go.
When I got to the car and opened up the box with the bagel, I was pleasantly surprised at what I was looking at. I had to take a photo. Even more surprised when I took the first bite. This was the best bagel I’ve ever had! The taste was amazing. Everything was so fresh. I took a sip of my coffee and that too was really good!
Thank you guys the copy and the food made my day! I will return when I’m back in town.“

“As a huge fans of acai bowl or any smoothie bowls, I really recommend this place. Among smoothie bowl places that i’ve been visited in Bay Area, this place has one of the most aesthetically pleasing bowls. The price is a bit higher compare to other smoothie bowl places, but it is worth it since they offer great variety of topping. The taste and the texture are okay. For me, I have anothe smoothie bowl place that I like more than this place in term of the taste, however, aesthetically-wise this palm-acai cafe is the winner“

“Was is town visiting family & tried this great new place for post Thanksgiving breakfast. It was super! Order at the counter was quick & easy. Had a very nice flat white & blueberry muffin to start. Followed by squash shakshuka that was excellent. Talked to owner Jenny and she said food is sourced locally & they use in season produce, thus squash instead of the traditional tomato for the Shaksuka, that was served in a hot, small cast iron skillet made for fun presentation that kept the dish warm as I went back & forth from my coffee & muffin. Jenny does the baking & the muffin top was sweet with a tasty crust and the blueberries big & delicious. Behind the counter is an open kitchen where we could Benji (co-owner & spouse) hard at work. Interior is clean with ample breakfast seating, great for families, singles & couples. Art work from local artists featured on the walls, as well a unique LED clock. Was tempted to sit in cute outdoor courtyard but the morning chill kept us inside. Fast, friendly & attentive staff. Muffin was so good that I got a chocolate chunk cookie for the road & wish that I had bought several, so buttery good, crisp on the outside, soft on the inside with the right balance of chocolate chunks. You may need to search a little harder for Ukbar but it is definitely worth a trip & will be on my list for lunch when I’m back in town.“

“Mille-feuille extraordinaire! I could tell upon viewing everything it was going to be a gastronome's extravaganza. Since it was my first visit I had to start with the benchmark comestible, a plain croissant. It was exquisite with the perfect balance of butter, and flaky exterior. I will be back. It is l
'il Paris indeed!!“

“What a gem! In the courtyard of the Anthropology Museum, you’ll find this charming oasis. Everything from the furniture, landscape, menu, and soundtrack are all thoughtfully procured. Afternoon tea consisted of 3 refreshing flavors of tea and 3 sweet dishes. The chia seed porridge was a generous portion with a delicious flavor profile as well as texture. The toasted hazelnuts added a tasty crunch. Blackberries and gooseberries were a nice palate cleanser, and the chia seed flour brownie bites were addictive! The black walnuts and coarse East Bay salt were a perfect combination! I’m thankful they don’t sell these individually otherwise I would be eating them daily. In bulk.Not only was the meal unique and delicious, we also learned some Ohlone history and words as well as heard some lovely songs and spoken word that were pre-recorded. It’s such a nice experience and so much more than just food and drinks!“

“We got a Vietnamese latte, Mexican mocha, chorizo burrito, and chipotle sandwich for about $26. The sandwich was sooo fresh, flavorful, and practically melted in my mouth. The burrito was smaller than I’m used to, but it was also amazingly seasoned and delicious! Both drinks were smooth, flavorful, and tastefully sweet without being overpowering. The service, atmosphere, prices, and food are all 10/10 and make me want to come back daily.“

“I tried the Hojicha Tiramisu, it's like a hojicha latte but comes with tiramisu cream and a biscoff cookie. You can also switch to oat milk with no additional charge for those who are lactose intolerant. The drink is super creamy and delicious, but you can only choose no sweet or sweet. The sweetened one is more like a dessert drink.

Service was relatively quick despite a line, and the cafe has some indoor benches and some outdoor seating.“

“Love this place. The start of a great meal is good quality ingredients ❤️“

“The olive bread was amazing, as well as the croissants and other pastries. The service was off the charts, truly exceptional! Highly recommended.“

“wonderful owners. good concept.“

“I have worked around the corner from Bench for years. I only recently got into coffee and so I've tried pretty much ever coffee shop in the near vicinity and this is by far the best latte in the area. Don't forget there is an upstairs seating area with a table and chairs.

The only thing that I would prefer is to have a couple comfortable chairs upstairs. If I could sit in a cushy chair I'd be so happy! But it's comfortable enough to be my go to spot now!“

“Very good cappuccino: not just a small latté. Lox, egg, capers, on gluten-free toast was well done. Lots of Palestinian baked goods.

Nice corner location on Shattuck. Great light and solid wood tables. Outdoor tables too.

Order in-person or by touchscreen.

The EDM playing is on the mellow side.“

“Best coffee by far in this part of Berkeley“

“Go to Tanzie if you’re looking for a different experience! The food and drinks are creative and definitely highlights the flavor of the food.

The wait time is a variable, but it’s definitely worth the wait time😁. Unless you get there early expect 30 minute plus wait time.“

“I'm visiting Berkeley for a few days. I ordered a cup of coffee while I waited for my bike to be repaired at the bike shop right next door. It was literally the best coffee I've ever had. Plus, overall very good vibes! I can't wait to come back!“

“Had a delicious mocha here this morning😋😋😋“

“I live their expert roasts!“

“I love this place so much, it's great to play board games (they have 700+ games) or just to hang out and study. Open pretty late at night as opposed to other cafes. I appreciate the sustainable approach with reusable cups and such. The staff are also very nice and welcoming. There are also many events that they have weekly.“

“Cozy, flavorful, and full of heart

We stumbled upon this cozy Iranian restaurant in Berkeley and were instantly charmed. The atmosphere is intimate but lively — soft lighting, warm décor, and that unmistakable aroma of grilled kebabs drifting from the kitchen.

The food was outstanding. The kebabs were incredibly juicy — perfectly seasoned, tender, and full of flavor. The saffron rice was fluffy and fragrant, and even the side salads and dips were fresh and beautifully balanced.

Surprisingly, their cocktail menu was just as impressive. The drinks had a Persian twist — refreshing, creative, and well-made, not overly sweet.

The service was friendly and unpretentious, making the whole evening feel personal and relaxed. Whether you’re craving authentic Iranian comfort food or just looking for a warm spot to unwind with friends over a good drink, this place is a gem.“

“Loved the chai and sweet potatoe hash brown. Next time I’ll try the bean samosa!“

“Best scone I’ve ever had! Stacy and Sara have the scone recipe perfected. It’s a must try.

The vibe here is wonderful. You’ll feel welcomed and nourished. The cafe has greenery inside and out.

They also host community events like the Paella Party with live cooking and education.“

“Estubo delicioso el almuerzo 💯 recomendado 👌😋😋😋“

“Amazing waffle & flavour and lovely atmosphere. Would definitely recommend you check them out!!!!!“

“Great cafe with a laidback/chill atmosphere. Love that it offers both food, pastries, & lots of drink options. 9/10 score for me. Would love to see more ‘snack-like’ options for those who prefer to eat lighter, and maybe open a couple hours later.“

“I appreciate when a restaurant gives you a reasonable amount of food on your plate. My breakfast was the right size to feel satiated and not overly full. The potato wedges were well cooked and tasty. Coffee is self serve, so no worries about cups being empty. It's a bit small inside, so seating might be an issue if they are busy. Definitely a great breakfast place“

“You can't get food with such quality cappuccinos, and espresso shots are exquisitely pulled anywhere else in San Francisco suburbs. The foam can hold in my adult sippy cup for over any hour I spend commuting back or forth from the peninsula. I am astonished by the rarity of the lost dinner or dive to have a cup of coffee tasting like my grandmother Thanksgiving dinner. Thank you for being wonderful people with personality that enchants the atmosphere, and your service makes a comb slick my hair back in a greased lighting.“

“This place is always consistent when it comes to food and service. The people that work here are friendly and it really feels like a cozy neighborhood coffee shop/diner. Great place to get work done or come have breakfast with your family. Thank you!!“

“They had fresh bagels and a customer service attitude in comparison to Bagley Street Cafe on Telegraph in Berkeley down the street from campus. I live on Telegraph and I will go to Lox Stock & Bagel which is several blocks farther away for a fresh bagel and a smile.“

“Outdoor patio Salad Lunch Breakfast Brunch“

“There were three in my party. We ducked in here to take a break from the cold rain. We ordered a chai, a golden/turmeric chai, and a caffé latté, all with oat milk. It’s our first try of oat milk. We all liked it a lot. The foam on my golden chai was lovely. I’d reorder it anytime. I tried my mate’s latté with oat milk, I can recommend it. The pastries we ordered were all worth the consumption. I’m so glad there was one pretzel cheese bun left. It was delicious even though it wasn’t warm. I highly recommend them. We also ordered a quiche, a chocolate croissant, and an almond pastry. They were all superb. The almond pastry which was super light and flaky tasted like baklava more so than an almond filling. I liked the vibe here. So often I want to grab my order and split, not here. I felt fine taking refuge from the outside environs. The staff were sweet regardless of their spoken English being nearly impossible to understand. It was cool assuming they were part of the refugee program. It felt good being a patron there and the inspired conversation it led to. I am sure my party was surprised I was already knowledgeable about the topic on current refugees. That made our café and conversation time only that much more enjoyable.“

“Tasty less fattening food. Good coffee - delish food“

“it's a great place, especially if you're looking for a place to work and eat/drink“

“The chicken chipotle sandwich was so good, it was actually spicy. I got the oat horchata matcha(regular sweetness level) I enjoyed it but next time I’ll get it sweeter. I love sugar lol. My partner got the dulce de leche latte and loved it, delicious and creamy. The people who work there are quick and professional. My first time going and will definitely be back!“

“I've been here twice. First time was amazing, second time was really good. Both times the sandwiches were 5 stars and plentiful. I would go here regularly if it was closer. The staff is pretty good and welcoming especially being a first timer and not really understanding their process or knowing the menu. I wish the place was more organized. If it's busy, I can understand that things get a little disorganized but when it's slow, toddy things up. Definitely plan to go back.“

“Stopped by this café in Berkeley and loved it. The place has a warm, relaxed vibe with just the right amount of buzz from people studying and chatting. The coffee was excellent—smooth, rich, and clearly made with care. I tried their cappuccino and it was perfectly balanced. The staff were friendly and seemed to genuinely enjoy what they do, which adds to the atmosphere. There’s plenty of seating, good Wi-Fi, and a nice mix of indoor and outdoor spots. Great place to work for a few hours or just hang out and unwind. Definitely coming back.“

“Most delicious cup of coffee on campus!“

“#AmazingCoffee #RedBayCoffee 🥰🥤🧋☕🫖“

“I’ve been going to 4th street for years and stumbled on this place after Googling “salad”. It wasn’t even the first result, but it’s everything. The food is healthy and yummy. You can add chicken to all the salads. The staff is kind. They serve up beautiful espresso drinks with organic milk on a Strada machine. Indoor marble tables and a patio with sun and shade. I don’t consider the lunch places in the area very good but this place is in a league of its own!“

“Warm staff and cozy space for a fresh morning ?
First time having apple cider as hot drink and it taste amazing

Their tuna poke tasted really good but it’s relatively pricey with the small portions (almost $19)

# Hot apple cider ?
# Ahi Tuna Poke“

“a lot of places serve great coffee, but there really is something especially good about the coffee here. The espresso is a bit better than other places I’ve tried while visiting Berkeley. All the employees have been very warm and friendly, and the food and pastries were yummy as well! Such a cute neighborhood spot. Highly recommend.“

“It was yesterday morning when my daughter asked me where I wanted to go for breakfast. After naming a few places, my daughter asked if I was interested in going to Fourth Street in Berkeley. I replied that that was a fabulous idea. As soon as we arrived on Fourth Street, we were thrilled to find a parking space a few steps from Oceanview To Go.

The place was packed. My daughter immediately registered us. It was going to be about a 20-minute wait. Twenty minutes later, the server approached and asked us if we would like to be seated at the counter or at a booth, in which case there would be an additional 10-minute wait. We, of course, opted to be seated at the counter, and that turned out to be an amazing experience because while we were waiting for our food to be prepared, we had a full view of the kitchen area and watched the entire scene of the execution from beginning to end of the diner chefs in action in preparing food for a full house of hungry customers, and for the servers to double-check the order before picking up the plates to deliver them to the customers in the booths.

While being entertained and taking photos, our server brought us our food. My daughter ordered the omelet with a side order of beans, and I ordered the pasilla-chicken sandwich. My daughter was a happy camper with her order, and so was I with mine.

There was an interesting dish that the chef prepared, of which I wasn't able to take a photo, unfortunately. We were puzzled by what the dish was; it had the circumference of a whole pie or cake. Perhaps on our next visit, we might order it and take a photo of it if my daughter's friends join us for lunch since it would be too huge for two people to consume it.

À bientöt mais Amis!“

“Brown's is by far my first choice when it comes to a place to use a meal swipe at UC Berkeley. The salmon is always phenomenal and is taken over the top with the chimichurri sauce. I usually get the vegetable medley, which is always delicious, and the garlic fries, which are up there for the best garlic fries I have ever eaten! The staff is very friendly, and it is always great to see them and say hello. If they ever mess up, which is infrequent, they definitely make up for it by giving you a double portion of whatever you desire. I hardly ever get tired of the food, and I have been eating here 2-3 times a day for almost 3 years now. If you haven't tried Brown's yet, I highly recommend you do, as it will be your new lunch destination. The only downside to Brown's is that the line can get extremely long around lunchtime right after classes get out, so you either have to get there right before classes are out or use their new GrubHub option.“

“Mudraker's Cafe offers good food and coffee in a spacious, quiet environment. Owner Hazim offers friendly, personalized service and is always up for a chat with customers.

Hazim is so remarkably kind and attentive to customers that I must suspect his critics of un-cafe-like behavior that required his attention!

Drip coffee is well made and there is a full range of teas available. There are muffins and croissants and bagels for small meals. For more substantial meals, excellent salads and sandwiches are listed in the menu behind the counter.

Two outside tables get morning and afternoon sun on Telegraph Avenue. Inside seating includes a large back room where more serious students and remote workers tend to gather, as well as a German language class. The large couch in the front is comfortable seating for intimate couples and groups.

In an era dominated by cookie-cutter corporate coffee outlets, Mudraker's stands out for its originality and home-like atmosphere.“

“I enjoyed visiting Cha Thai tea! The employees are always very welcoming and helpful with their recommendations. I really enjoyed this drink (I think it was a coconut avocado special? I forgot to look at the exact name of the drink) and pandan custard toast. I also enjoyed the mango coco the previous time I came here. They have a smaller, simpler menu that's not too overwhelming but the ingredients seem very fresh and tasty! I'll definitely be back!“

“A little pricey, but high quality ingredients. The brown sugar boba is as soft and sweet as marshmallows, very good.“

“Love love love all their empanadas ! Ask for extra hot cuz they often get served warm. Just don’t burn your mouth! The drinks are mostly made with a powdered packet which is fine but underwhelming. I appreciate the vibes and kind staff! Great location for co working and spending hours on their wifi haha“

“This is a hidden gem family business! Sara and Roy are absolutely amazing. Friendly, kind, and always make sure I’ve got everything I need when I work and eat there.You MUST try to the BLT breakfast sandwich if you’re there for breakfast. And hot pastrami for lunch. Thank me later.And they are fast!“

“Amazing service from a place that actually cares about its workers and the food is delicious …got my coworkers hooked on their pastries and empanadas hehe …good veggie options … a very good assortment of teas… this place is a little hidden being back off the street, but it’s well worth the hunt and once you’ve found it you’ll be glad you did there’s a little private sitting area in front of the shop that’s surprisingly quiet for the area a perfect stop for lunch“

“This place is the best when I said extra boba they gave me have a glass of boba and they I've a lot of content I would go to this shop of you are a boba lover even if it is a thousand miles I would say to buy boba here 5 ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!“

“The owner of this cafe saved me by allowing me to charge my phone very early in the morning when my phone run out of power and I couldn’t find a power outlet all the way from the Oakland Airport to the Ashby BART station. The owner is very dedicated, friendly, and helpful. The service is warm, fast, and professional. The place is clean, tidy, straightforward, and calming. I had a very good morning here and hope to return. Thank you so much, Ada Cafe!“