50 Best Cafes near El Cerrito

“drinks are always good and it’s never a hit or miss. i always get the same thing but it’s always good or better than the last time never a one hit wonder! the sandwich i got which was the turkey avocado sandwich was okay. a lot of avocado and onion but little turkey. i’m sure you ask for your specific topping preferences that wouldn’t be a problem. found out about this place a couple weeks ago and have been a regular ever since. my new favorite boba place ever since the first time i came. highly recommend! (the boba in the picture is the devil zang zang, if you like boba and oreo and don’t know what to try definitely get that. it’s also the middle boba picture on the window.)“

“the hot beverages & sandwiches 😋“

“One65 was an amazing discovery on our trip to San Francisco. Having spent the first half of our life in Montréal, Québec, Canada where it was hard to find a bad restaurant, we were absolutely amazed by this Bistro which looks more like a high end dining experience. The menu online & the photos attracted us to this location but we were amazed by the well timed service, the crisp white tablecloths, the table setting and the pleasant and calm atmosphere. My choices of charcuterie platter was perfectly sized; the chicken & the pork rillettes where a wonderful surprise. My husband had an onion tart with the crust as perfect as they get & which I envied. He loved his halibut, moist and tender and I raved over my grilled half lobster, so tender that I found myself munching on the shell parts as well. My bread pudding was not of overwhelming size & perfectly flavored. Don chose the Affogato (scoop of vanilla gelato « drowned » with a shot of hot espresso). We wanted to go back today but they are closed on Sundays.?“

“My fiancé and I came here for a rare morning coffee date, a perfect pause in our busy lives as parents. Parking was easy and free just around the corner. We grabbed a sunny table outside, soaking in the morning light and each other’s company, while sipping lattes topped with delightful foam art. Warm, bright, and full of life, the Mother Tongue was inviting and cheerful, with wonderfully friendly staff. It was a lovely, and simple, a great and sweet experience.“

“San Francisco’s most hidden gem“

“Amazing burritos. Bomb.com“

“Good food, friendly service, and a comfortable space overall. I enjoyed the breakfast sandwich, the cookies, and the hot chai. I'm looking forward to going back again soon. 😊“

“Cafe de Casa offers an exceptional Brazilian culinary experience. It offers countless meal and snack options for people from all over the world to learn more about this delicious culture. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.“

“wonderful owners. good concept.“

“Incredible sandwiches. The bread is fresh and fluffy and all of the combos we tried were delicious and perfectly balanced. We had the rueben, turkey and Cubano and all are going on my to eat again list. I couldn't event wait for a bite of the rueben before I got a picture. Don't miss.“

“It's a mom and pop shop, and the owners are extremely friendly. After realizing it's my first time here, they introduced menu items to me with passion and even offered extra toppings for what I ordered. I got a chicken teriyaki bento and a soba noodle bowl for my family. The food is really good with great portions, at a very reasonable price point. I will definitely come back.“

“If you can get a table in this place, you are a very lucky person because all the dishes are fantastic.
You can still hope for a table on the sidewalk if the weather is clement.
All pastries and savory dishes are of the highest quality and the highest level. You cannot go wrong here!!!
Of course, the price is correlated to the quality but it is all worth it!“

“Lovely place- would come back and recommend! Good spot to read or work with plenty of outlets, free wifi, open bathroom, and table space upstairs and downstairs. I got the cheese/green onion scone and a warm date latte and enjoyed both. Service was great and atmosphere was calm & relaxing. Came in on a Tuesday from 12:45-2:45pm and was very quiet and not very busy. I essentially had the whole upstairs table to myself for a couple hours.
Note: it seems like oatmilk substitute costs an extra 75 cents.“

“we made a reservation ahead of time and ordered the prix fixe brunch, and they customized the menu to accommodate our dietary restrictions (pescatarian). the food was delicious, the atmosphere was so sweet, and the staff was incredibly thoughtful. 100% would go back! (personal faves: iced ube espresso, lava eggs, smoked sturgeon dip, prawn and fish stew, beignet with ube condensed milk and warm soy milk and bean drink)“

“Five bright stars, Lissa darling!“

“Four of us tried out Cairo Station for the first time before the Patti Smith show at the Fox. We all agreed the food tastes great, the portions are big, and the place is very cool with Egyptian jazz setting the vibe. Very friendly, a great find. We will be back!“

“The best place ever. Love them ❤️ 💕“

“One of the cutest little cafes across from my hotel. Very nice staff. I love how they welcome you in and offer suggestions. They’re kind, smiling and it makes me feel welcome. I got the egg and cheese with avocado on a croissant. Coffee and a chocolate muffin. Everything was delicious! I’m so happy I tried them and they’re def my go-to for the remainder of my stay.“

“Good coffee, good food, and a great focus on the community- with plentiful seating and great ambiance. All around, a fantastic place to get some work done or socialize, with one other feature I've never encountered in other cafes or restaurants: a bathroom with a full BIDET. A truly unparalleled luxury. Spend your time and money here.“

“Terrific little cafe hidden away inside the 450 Sutter Building that has truly friendly service, excellent coffee and perhaps the best sandwiches in SF! The Black Bean Veggie Patti is a taste tour de force (healthy too). Def worth searching out if you’re in the area.“

“اكل حلال اسعار في متناول اليد تعامل قمة في الذوق“

“Highly recommend Best coffee in San Francisco ☕️“

“Small breakfast spot with great food at a really good price and it is open on Sundays. We tried three different breakfast places during our stay but this one was the only open on Sunday. Food was great, price very good, just that there is barely any space to sit. So we had a table outside.“

“Petit Cafe is a hidden gem! The warm ambiance, delightful pastries, and rich coffee make it the perfect spot to unwind. The staff are friendly, and every visit feels like a little escape from the hustle and bustle. Highly recommend!“

“Great little find while touring the city! Had to stop by three times in two days. Fantastic sandwich’s and great pastries.“

“Ordered catering for a bridal shower of about 35-40 guests. Wish I had taken photos because the food came packed and presented to serve with beautiful printed cards for each dish. Every item we ordered -- lamb, chicken, cauliflower, roasted potatoes, squash, salad and mezza plate -- was phenomenal. All the guests loved the food and appreciated that there was something for everyone -- vegans and GF guests alike. We also ordered their chocolate cake with tahini buttercream and sesame toffee and it was incredible. Jennie and Benji were communicative, informative and kind throughout all of our interactions. Can't rave about this place enough. A true gem!“

“Manitas is just around the corner from me. Not usually into Mexican food, but the huevos rancheros was actually really good. Tacos were decent too, and the horchata is sooo refreshing.“

“Great atmosphere, extremely friendly, and delicious food. Shout out to the strawberry lavender matcha latte, very tasty. Just the right portions, didn’t leave hungry but didn’t over eat. Vegetarian friendly with substitutes. Some of the most refreshing water I’ve had.“

“Got two boxes from this eatery as part of the Too good to go initiative. Would otherwise have never heard of this place or ventured in, as it is inside one of those big downtown buildings that one has no business visiting unless one works inside. There is no seating for the eatery itself, it’s basically a order counter for to go orders. The man taking orders and preparing the food is super friendly and very efficient. Food itself was tasty although I only tried whatever was in the surprise box so it wasn’t any of the actual menu choices.“

“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.“

“Amazing service and amazing ambiance. The rolls are HUGE and delicious. They are also beautiful and vibrantly colored with the different types of rice wraps. The atmosphere is something straight out of a lo-fi music video…“

“Had my first Ethiopian breakfast! It was really delicious and I got some guidance about how to eat it. Got decaf spiced tea and my daughter who can’t have dairy got an oat milk with honey. And there’s a cozy rocking chair. Such a lovely neighborhood place.“

“I came in with my daughter for breakfast. They have the best bagels and sandwiches. My daughter got her self a sausage burrito. She said it’s the best burrito she’s ever had. They use very fresh ingredients and it is a very cute cafe. The inside is very clean and organized. I ordered an egg bagel and it was so delicious and toasted. The interior is very fascinating and incredible.“

“Cafe International is a welcoming cafe in Lower Haight. The delightful owner, Zahra, is inviting and warm. The food is as outstanding as the coffee, making it the perfect spot to checkout. Be sure to stay for the live music.“

“Local, family owned & operated new coffee shop with delicious coffees - alt milk options available (almond, soy, oat) chai & matcha lattes, tea, pastries and more focusing on the individual experience and quality served in a welcoming and friendly environment. Just hop in Varney Alley off of 3rd near the Shell gas; you won’t be disappointed!“

“Came here around 9:30am from coffee. This coffee shop is in the lobby of an office building. Pretty easy to find and the staffs were very friends. The pastries looked good but we didn't get any since it is later in the morning. I ordered a Latte, 12oz. I was originally going to order their 16oz latte but the barista told me that it's a quad shot, nevermind. Good latte, not bitter, darker roast, no complains. Will definately come back again.“

“I’ve only had their smoothies and tasted the ice cream . It’s pretty good haven’t been disappointed . Thai tea ice cream is fire 🔥 . They do close early , earlier than their posted hours though sometimes a half hour early so best to arrive over an hour before they close . I haven’t tried their banh mi but they do seem pricey at nearly 18 dollars each!“

“Great view of Coast Guard island !“

“I haven’t been to this place for about 6 years. A coworker reminded me of this place so I went for lunch and MAN! I forgot how DeLIcIOuS the chicken Caesar wrap was! They changed the process. You order at the cashier now and they use to have tomato or spinach wrap options. The staff there are the same and they are SO NICE! I LOVE them! I’m glad the wraps are reasonable $$. Also, they are HUGE and LOADED! A wrap is about a footlong. I swear it’s like a 10lbs dumb bell. I always get the chicken Caesar wrap with no croutons. It NEVER disappoints. My photos don’t do justice but this was just half the wrap. I would’ve taken a better photo but I was ready to devour this thing! I’ll update my pictures the next time because I’m for sure coming back!“

“great value and delicious on- the- go breakfast selections. An independent establishment that enhances the neighborhood.“

“🤯 Biscuits are better than Khanfectionary in the Mission. The jalapeño biscuit for the breakfast sandwich was delicious and comes with a nice arugula side salad.

🥚 We also had the huevos on crispy little tortillas. Very good, especially with the chipotle sauce on the side.

☕️ pour over coffe was also lovely

🥰 the owner stopped by our table to check on us and she is a delight. She spent about a decade in Berlin, Germany, and brings some international flair to the café menu, ambience, and playlist.

🤤 the everything biscuit, the apple pie biscuit, and the Matcha strawberry biscuit are also worth trying. I personally like the everything biscuit the best, but if you want something a bit more sweet go for the 🍎apple pie biscuit, and if you want a lot more sweet (think bear claw level sweet) then go for the Matcha strawberry option. You better grab a coffee with that one though ‘cause it is SWEET.

🛋️ the place has eclectic seating, with a couple of couches a few two top tables and a few four top tables. Great to pop in on your own, or with a few friends.“

“Café Rx is truly a hidden gem tucked away in the Presidio, and once you find it, it’s absolutely worth the visit. The food quality is outstanding — everything tastes fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and genuinely made with care. Favorites like the tuna melt, vegetarian quesadillas, and the house-made chai latte are consistently excellent and easy to see why they’re so popular.

One of the biggest strengths of Café Rx is its value. The lunch combos are very reasonably priced for the quality and portion size, often including a fresh side salad, which makes it an especially great option for a satisfying weekday meal.

The service deserves special mention. The staff are friendly, efficient, and welcoming, with owner Rogelio and manager Danny frequently praised for their warmth and attentiveness. Even during busy lunch hours, the team keeps things moving smoothly.

While the indoor space is simple and cafeteria-style, the peaceful outdoor courtyard more than makes up for it. On a sunny day, dining outside feels calm and relaxing — a perfect break from the workday. The café can be a little tricky to find at first, but that only adds to its charm.

Overall, Café Rx stands out for its fresh ingredients, rotating seasonal menu, organic options, and genuine hospitality. A fantastic weekday spot for breakfast or lunch — just arrive early, as popular specials tend to sell out.“

“Love this place. It’s always good and fresh. The Nutella/ strawberry 🥐 croissant is yummm, a must have.“

“I’ve lived down the street from this place my whole life and I’ve never been here before. I just went in for the first time this morning. The owner was Very friendly and made my food exactly how I wanted it. I’ve been craving a chicken Caesar wrap for weeks and haven’t found one the way I like it and they did a perfect job. I can’t wait to come back with my family for breakfast.“

“I came here before heading to the Caltrain station. There isn’t as much food around this area as I was guessing but Cafe Buenos Aires was a real gem.

It’s a pretty small space, with seating for maybe 10-15 people total including chairs outside. The staff working seem to have a number of regulars, as while I was there (for about an hour), multiple people came in and chatted with them, which was nice to see!

They have a pretty expansive menu of empanadas, with lots of veggie options and a good selection of vegan options. You order at the front and they heat them for you before serving — it took about 5 minutes to get my order after ordering.

The empanadas themselves were amazing. I ordered a Humita and a Nopales empanada. Both were delicious, and the Humita was a type I’ve never had before. Next time I’m in SF, I’ll come back to try more of them!!“

“I’ve been to Ruby’s a lot over the years and the food and staff are consistently top notch. I’m a fan of the coffee, those delish chocolate chip cookies and the curry chicken salad sandwich.

I was so enamored with the croissant one time that I asked the manager where they sourced them. I thought they baked them on site! But the little secret is they are from Semifreddi’s based in Alameda!“

“Such a great little store. The guy working here is a delight, and I got a decently sized pastrami sandwich for around $8-9. Soft and toasted bread with lots of pastrami, really nice pickles on the side. The guy also gave me free snacks. This genuinely made my entire day, trust that I will be returning“

“I love that my work allows me to travel the bay and find awesome little lunch spots like this. I was met by extremely friendly staff who explained their menu a bit and also that they had been open for almost 3 years. I ordered a pancake breakfast and decided to try the cinnamon coffee which was wonderful change of pace for me. This would totally be a go to spot if I ever have business around here again. The neighbors are very lucky to have a wonderful Cafe like this nearby.“

“Cute place with delicious matcha. I went right when they open at 10am and note that if you want boba in your order, it’s not available until 11am. I was sad I couldn’t add boba to my drink but the matcha with dragonfruit was still good with almond jelly. The take out bag was good too, none of the drinks for me and my friends spilled in my 4 block walk back to my hotel and everything stayed cold“

“We stayed across the street at the Hilton for Valentines Day. In the lobby the breakfast bagel was 18 bucks. We walked across the street, RIGHT ACROSS the street, 2 bacon breakfast sandwiches and an apple fritter, 22 BUCKS!!! EXCELLENT SPOT!!! CASH ONLY!!!“