50 Best Cafes in Oakland

“Mother Tongue Coffee Roasters is one of those rare finds that feels both approachable and extraordinary at the same time. From the moment you step in, the space carries an artistic, community-focused vibe that immediately sets it apart from your typical coffee shop. It’s warm, welcoming, and filled with the comforting aroma of freshly roasted beans.

What truly makes Mother Tongue shine is their dedication to sourcing and roasting coffee with care. Every cup feels intentional. I tried both their pour-over and a flat white on separate visits, and each drink highlighted the unique flavor profiles of their beans—bright, complex, and beautifully balanced. Their single-origin options are especially impressive, showcasing the diversity of regions and farms they partner with. It’s coffee that not only tastes amazing but also tells a story.

The staff is equally memorable. They’re passionate, approachable, and eager to share their knowledge without being pretentious. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or someone who loves diving into the details of origin and process, they make the experience enjoyable and engaging.

Another thing I love about Mother Tongue is their commitment to inclusivity and community. It’s not just about serving coffee—it’s about creating a space where people feel connected and inspired. Between the exceptional drinks, the thoughtful mission, and the friendly atmosphere, Mother Tongue Coffee Roasters is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.“

“Cool, versatile spot — serve wine, tea & coffee so perfect Friday spot ;-) Sometimes get a bit loud if you’re really trying to focus on work.

They even carry Blue Willow tea, a quality, local brand based in Berkeley. Check out their stuff.“

“Kudos to the crew at Thornhill Cafe. Thank you for always taking good care of me. I love your green smoothies. They're refreshing and just make you feel good and your breakfast bagels are awesome. It's my favorite place to stop when I'm working in the hills of Oakland. Doesn't seem to matter how many people are in there. You still get us in and out in no time. You're the best!!“

“We came to Town Fare for the first time after finding out about the restaurant from the Bay Area KQED check please show. We were thrilled to try their chicken sandwich which came with breast meat and some coleslaw. The meat was very tender, cooked to perfection, the coleslaw had really nice flavors, and the buns were good too. The mac and cheese was also very good; the cheese had good flavor. The restaurant has a very open, clean, organic modern atmosphere. Many seating options inside and outside. The staff were nice. They have street parking around the museum and a museum parking garage. 10/10 Recommend.“

“#AmazingCoffee #RedBayCoffee 🥰🥤🧋☕🫖“

“It is close to Ashby Bart Station. They have all kinds of sweets and drinks too. I like the decorations too.“

“the place is very nice plus the view across the street is like a gigantic mirror ! you should see it for yourself !!! it really is something to look at while having your coffee.... it is spectacular !!!! and of course, the staff were super sweet !“

“#AmazingCoffee #RedBayCoffee 🥰🥤🧋☕🫖“

“Easy to recommend despite the price floor, can't imagine spending under twenty for the basics of eggs and toast here after tax and tip which does fit California but not quite the high crime rate risks of this area. Will hope these great people can stick it out, we were taken care of quickly and had no issues from the attentive staff. Took to a good selection, pancakes, French toast, egg scramble, and avocado toast, showed up timely and looking too ripe for the grams. I noticed my crispy thick bread upholding big standards for bakeries. Delicious and savory, the others had no complaints either unless it's four dollar for a biscuit? That must be the inflation I keep hearing about! I suppose we hitting above our weight zone for the morning but it felt right to treat ourselves to first class. It's a splendid space and open wood, big windows, and lots of texture gives clean easy going vibes for a fun atmosphere. Parking wasn't too bad for a late Saturday morning but can bet it's not the easiest normally.“

“My loves. Scrambled egg shrimp. Assorted meats over fried rice. Salt pepper wings. Swiss wings“

“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!“

“Walkable Great eats Lululemon next door“

“Cool drinks, yummy baked goods, awesome staff, sweet vibe. A real neighborhood joint with lots of great choices, including not just bona fide Vietnamese phin coffee, but also vegan and caffeine-free options. They also have boba, pudding, and jelly add-ins, with coconut, pandan, ube, and black sesame items. Just do it :)“

“100%recomendado lo mejor el café ☕️ super rico 😋 👌 lo mejor muy bonito el lugar“

“Absolutely my favorite little coffee shop. It’s ran by the most lovely brown mamas who’s loving energy radiates into everything they do. Super queer friendly and the most amazing Chipotle Sandwich and Cafe de olla around.“

“The BEST coffee I've ever had outside of Italy. A variety of rich, complex, nuanced roasts, plus a strong freshly brewed cup in-store. I have loved and been loyal to them since 1988 (formerly Royal, where the kind owner Michael was a baristo)“

“The best bahn mi I’ve had in the east bay!!! Fresh veggies, amazing flavor, hella vegetarian options!!! Also loooove the mint matcha. My partner is a big fan of the smoothies, particularly the almond butter one. The staff here are always so welcoming and kind. The vibes are great for a quick bite or to hang out and get some work done. Love this place.“

“The delightfully friendly staff serve up truly delicious caffeinated concoctions...a wonderful way to start the day.“

“First time having Ethiopian food, and wow am I dying to try some more. Got the vegetable platter that came with injera (sour fermented flatbread) and it was not only plentiful, but also healthy and full of flavor! If I was from this area I’d come to this place every week. Very nice staff as well.“

“This was a great find for a quiet Saturday morning breakfast spot! We were looking for pancakes but also enjoyed their chilaquiles. The games were a pleasant surprise and we enjoyed a round of mancala. The coffee was delicious and my sons enjoyed the fresh fruit on top of the pancakes! Reasonable prices and they also have WiFi available! Decent location on the corner but we had to park a couple blocks away.“

“One of my favorite places“

“First time here today with my son. I had an English Muffin with egg, cheese and sausage. I was pleasently surprised with the portion size and felt it was a great deal for the price. My son 11 yr old had a breakfast burrito and could barely finish it and he's a big eater. Friendly staff, good prices, big portions of tasty food, pretty sure I'm going to spending some more time here soon!“

“Stopped in for lunch and got the Caesar salad with chicken & Vietnamese iced coffee. Salad was ginormous & both were delicious. Staff were all super friendly and engaging. The space was cute & airy with lots of seating. Will be back!“

“Best coffee in NorCal, amazing staff. We love coming out to Oakland just for this coffee.“

“great location downtown Oakland. price is good. Food is good.“

“Yesterday was our first time here. Staff was friendly & helpful. Ordered a chicken rice plate, shrimp rice plate and a Gyro. All of it was tasty. We all agreed we would gladly eat here again. We sat on the street, watching the world go by while shoveling in the delishness. Affordable & we paid with card. Could use some fresh paint & some deep cleaning though. Bathroom needs a gut job reno.“

“The classes are fun and energetic, the staff super nice, and I love getting to grab a healthy snack after class!“

“I walked in, I was welcomed by the warm and cozy atmosphere that instantly made me feel at home. The space is inviting, with a charm that reflects Filipino hospitality—genuine, friendly, and full of heart. The owner and staff greet you like family, and the vibe is perfect whether you’re meeting a friend or just enjoying a quiet coffee break. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer.“

“This place was a two minute walk from the Marriott where I was staying, and I ordered a custom egg, bacon, and cheese croissant.

Staff was friendly, food came out fast, fresh, and delicious. With bottled tea and tip, it came out to $15-- much less than the hotel.

If I have any complaint, its that I would have rather had one folded piece of scrambled egg so it didn't fall out of the sandwich. No harm, it tasted just as good out of the croissant as in it.“

“Great atmosphere. Clean and pleasant. Great place to have meetings and/or study. Really comfortable booths and open seating. Plugs at tables. Great selection of foods and drinks. Had a green iced tea and a black iced green tea that were great. Breakfast sandwich was wonderful too. Not greasy or heavy but it was a large portion.“

“Shapeshifters is a great place for seeing artistic ideas, either to give or to get and the beer isn't bad either. Come out and support local artists they'll be glad you did and so will you.“

“The proprietress runs a quality operation all by herself. The vegetarian sandwich which we've had several times is excellent. The service is top notch. And the location is right by Lake Merritt with a great View. I highly recommend this place.“

“Lovely neighborhood cafe with a sunny back patio garden! Service is wonderful. Their wraps are so delicious and great portion to share. Both the sauce options (peanut + spicy cilantro) are delicious. Friends have raved about the thai tea croissant!“

“Thank goodness amazing Yellow Door came on the scene in Montclair. Efficient, healthy & delicious are just a few ways to describe this delicious eatery. Kale Chicken Caesar, Miso Chicken Bowl, the Breakfast Sandwich are just a few of our families faves. Don’t miss this local gem!“

“The espresso drinks here are delicious and very lovingly crafted. Great pastries too. The rose tea was a little too perfume-y for me but everything else I've tried has been high quality. Nice calm atmosphere for working or reading as well.“

“Such a great vibe, beautiful local space, SUPER coffee and pastries, amazing service. Do yourself a favor and go if you are community minded and kind and love coffee and pastries.“

“Idk I know people love this place, I just don’t really get kava. If you’re like me and hate the taste there’s tons of cocktails that drown out the taste. The vibe is interesting, from the outside it looks super cool but to be honest all the furniture is kinda cheap not super comfy and the crowd just really isn’t my vibe. I kind of get a weird vibe while I’m there. This place by no means is bad, it’s just not my cup of tea.“

“Everything about this place, from the ownership to the food to the ambience to the friendly staff, is 5-star. I highly recommend Cafe 15 ;-)“

“This is the only place I go for lunch by my job. The staff are friendly and everything tastes good...everything. My recommendation would be the breakfast burrito in the Morning and the and the egg salad sandwich or Salami Sandwhich for lunch.“

“Best food and gift shop!🤗🤩“

“Customer service is always welcoming, if you're social there's always a good conversation waiting or if you want to work with headphones on that's an option. The coffee or tea is great along with good food choices.“

“A Hidden Gem!

I recently visited the Merritt station cafe and was genuinely impressed. The atmosphere is warm and inviting — perfect for catching up with friends or getting some work done. I ordered an Avocado Smoothie (green smoothie) and a California Roll (sushi) , and both were absolutely delicious. You can tell they use high-quality ingredients and take pride in what they serve. The staff was super friendly and made me feel right at home. Bonus points for the free Wi-Fi and relaxing background music. I’ll definitely be coming back!“

“Their drinks are fantastic, the food is delightful and the vibe of this place is one of the best in the Bay.“

“I love this place. Owner is very friendly and generous. I love the cappuccino and bagels with various toppings . Tuna melt is to die for! Mostly does take out so seating is never a problem and always comfy. Chill music. Also, very reasonably priced.“

“What a hidden gem! The BEST gluten free baked goods in the Bay Area (better than Mariposa!). A small kiosk at the back of 3601 Broadway, the old Kaiser bldg, free parking in lot off 38tg and lots of street parking along MacArthur/residential. There’s no indoor seating but a really lovely and large outdoor garden with ample seating. The staff and owner are really special people.“

“Hornitos are very good but outside the restaurant there is a woman who sells tamales and the other day I went to buy tamales and pupusas and I told the woman to give me salsa and curtido because that's what pupusas carry and first she told me they were $18:00 dollars and once I was there and I asked the woman to give me what the pupusas contain, she charged me $3:00 dollars more because I had asked for the sauce and curtido, but at no time did she tell me that she was going to charge me extra until that he had already put them in the bag ?️ and he told me that everywhere they were already charging me separately for everything and I told him that that was not true because I buy pupusas in several places and that nowhere did they charge me extra because that is with what goes with that meal.“

“Oak Dar has some of the best coffee I've ever had. The prices are great and the variety of coffee choices is excellent. I buy the coffee beans regularly because it really is the best coffee you can get. The service is also great, and the staff makes you feel like a valued guest. Highly recommend.“

“came here to get a oat milk latte, and it was more open and spacious than I expected very nice even though I was only there for less than 20 minutes. The atmosphere was amazing and plenty of places to plug-in if that’s your type of thing.“

“I’m touring a condo in Oakland for a client making an offer and I stop for a quick bite at a tiny sandwich place next to the Grand Lake Theater. OMG, Unbelievable sandwiches, smoked meats, homemade pickles, peppers🫑 and memorable pulled pork, etc. I hang out for a few minutes while Jerry makes my Cuban sandwich, and he has me try their smoked bacon, homemade meatballs, and more. Jerry’s the best and I love this place. Can’t wait to tell my client about it!! Check out Modigliani Cafe, next to the Grand Lake Theater. #modigliani #localbusiness #Oakland #localgem #restaurant #sandwich #grandlakedistrict #holeinthewall #localjoint #bayareafoodie #pamparkerproperties #realtor®“

“Very inviting atmosphere! Knowledgeable staff! Great products!“