50 Best Cafes in Oakland

“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!“

“This cafe is speaking my language. It was buzzing but still easy to chat at our table during the morning of Tues Aug 11 when I went in for a meet-up. Spacious outdoor seating and energizing indoor decor & lighting. Ample bike parking to boot. The person I met loved their drip coffee and my flaky, flavorful guava cream pastry (sourced from SF's The French Spot) crackled & peeled with each layer.

Their intriguing cocktail menu will have me coming back next time after work.“

“Amazing hole in wall. Very pleasant individuals explaing their menu. The coffee is very good; Honey Laveneder latte seems to he their signature and it doesn't disappoint. From the menu we tried the Avocado Toast and Ful plate. Both items were tasty and it was enough to share between two. The Ful came with warm bread, possibly freshly baked. It was an enjoyable experience. Definitely worth the visit and a must try.“

“i come here often to study with some friends and the workers are always lovely. the place itself is beautifully decorated and truly welcoming. despite it being always busy i somehow always also find a seat, and i somehow also always run into friends. it is a community hub.

this all being said, the coffee is also delicious. there’s a variety of options for food that i have not yet tried, but i have very strong feelings about spending money on coffee that tastes worse than the one i can make at home and i keep returning and spending my money. i have no regrets.“

“Great local and family owned coffee shop. It's small but we appreciated the space and the wonderful service very friendly and she made our breakfast sandwiches to order. They take cash, Venmo, and Zelle just a heads up but that wasn't an issue for us. Would highly recommend to anyone.“

“Really great spot for some Egyptian food. The restaurant is tiny and has an authentic feel to it but is fine for take way for very small group dining. We tried the shawarma and it was amazing. One of the best shawarma I've ever had. Very unique. The sauces and the veggies really make it but the chicken itself is very tasty too.“

“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…“

“Inviting, vibrant, and warm, Charlie May is a great spot to grab a cold brew, hibiscus tea, and/or delicious baked good! The owners are true Town folks who provide space for great local caterers, artisans, and dog lovers alike. This spot may be off the beaten path, but I assure you, it’s a gem worth the trek!“

“the baristas and service staff are always so nice and accommodating
atmosphere is very calm, great for getting work done, and the outdoor seating is great for 2 person convos
when i was sitting awaiting my sandwich expecting a somewhat modest sized unit then the barista brought out this zilla i was pleasantly shocked
a staple of pill hill and oakland telegraph, close to the frequent 6 bus“

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

“Best breakfast sandwich in the area, and best prices too!!
Today’s special was chorizo and I was thrilled they let me add chorizo as the meat option to the breakfast croissant.
This was the best tasting breakfast sandwich, truly cooked and assembled to perfection, and the service is friendliest in the town for sure. Thanks Dimond cafe!!“

“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 !“

“This place is phenomenal, not only is the coffee exceptional, the staff is so warm and inviting. Visiting from out of state, I’m sad that I’m leaving because the two interactions that I had made me really want to become a regular here. I’ll be back house of phin!!! I’ll wear your merch with pride :) and if you want to expand to the east, I’ll be your guy LOL“

“I was driving by when I saw a big sign that said MEXICAN FOOD BREAKFAST so you know I whipped right around.

I couldn’t decide if I wanted red or green chilaquiles so they gave them to be divorciado— half and half. I also got a lovely vanilla iced coffee which ended up being HUGE— I took half home and put it in the fridge for tomorrow.

Everything was sooooo flavorful and the place is nice and cute and clean and the owner Samuel was so kind and patient. I felt like I got a lot of value for the amount I paid.

I’ll definitely be back!“

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

“Dawit is the best! Truly a great guy and great coffee, I enjoy our conversations and always come back. I enjoy the habesha coffee, it reminds me of my family back home in Sudan and the same spices we use. Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.“

“I mean what more can you ask for.

Brioche was perfectly toasted.

Sausage was juicy and delicious.

Sauce was creamy and tangy.

Egg were well seasoned and very tender.

All for less than $10

What a gem.

Bonus the iced late was smackin'“

“The best Brunch! Everything was delicious.“

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

““Noble kava, hand-pressed in house the traditional way, enjoyed for 3,000 years socially and in ceremony.”

We tried the Melo Ginger, Melo Chai, Melo Chocolate and Midnight Mystic. All with a “riptide” added and a hybrid of both kava strains. They were all exceptional and unique. They make your tongue numb after a couple sips. Very fun experience with great music. The space is very welcoming. Couches or bar seating. They have an entire wall that is live plants.“

“Excellent banh mi, & must try the smoothies! Tasty, fresh, and not too sweet (no added sugar). They come with soy milk by default (high protein for the lactose sensitive). I really enjoyed the lemongrass beef banh mi. Note, we went here in the summer and it was pretty warm - we stayed for about 30 mins.“

“I wanted to try everything here! Had breakfast pastries, miso chicken bowl, desserts, and lattes and mochas on numerous occasions during my trip to the area. All were wonderful and tasted homemade. Egg tart was so smooth, flavorful, and not rubbery. I want to know their secret to this! My other favorite item is the walnut chocolate chip cookie. Omg so decadent!“

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

“This hidden gem in downtown Oakland is everything you hope for in a true mom-and-pop restaurant—and more. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with genuine warmth that makes you feel like part of the community.

The lunches are simply outstanding: hearty, nourishing, and clearly made with care. Every dish feels thoughtfully prepared and satisfying without being heavy.

What really sets this place apart, though, is the heart behind it. The owners are incredibly friendly and take the time to connect with their customers, creating a welcoming space that goes beyond just great food. It’s the kind of place that brings people together and makes downtown Oakland feel like a neighborhood.

I can’t recommend it highly enough!“

“a MUST TRY for delicious roti and veg friendly options ! i ordered the roti breakfast, sweet oakland (roti w fruit and coconut ice cream), and a vietnamese iced coffee and all three was 10/10s - though i would recommend coming with a friend or partner to split the very generous portions.

i was so surprised at how empty the place was during peak lunch hour on a weekday but im guessing they get most of their inflow on the weekends; definitely recommend stopping by any day of the week for a bright, warm, sweet or savory, filling meal.“

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

“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.“

“We never had Ethiopian food before, I don't even know how to order.
After the owner kindly suggested the most popular items, we tried the lamb & the fish, and I was blown away.
Price-wise, it's inexpensive and delicious.
Love the decor here, it's comfy and neat, you can even work here with the music and the delicious coffee or specialty healthy tea called Renaissance ( love the name).
Glad I get to try this restaurant even though I just curiously walked by.“

“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 ;-)“

“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®“

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

“So good, really enjoyed the chicken wrap and that almond croissant 🥐❤️‍🔥 Croissant is unbelievably good ( and I mean it, as I lived in Paris and I do know the real thing taste ) So now it’s my « To go » favorite place to grab food for lunch !“

“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.“

“This is truly a neighborhood establishment. The people who work here are super kind and seems to greet and know everyone who walks through the door. The man who works there offered me free refills and added a complimentary espresso shot in my ice coffee. Really warm and sweet vibes here :)“

“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.“

“Great place to go to grab something to eat. Either solo or with company. Very nice service and the food was outstanding! I got the breakfast burrito! They have parking in the back of the restaurant so you don't have to pay for meterd parking (if you don't want too).“

“Awesome place for a cup of coffee. Love the area and very friendly customer service.“

“My favorite place to come by in the mornings! Staff are super friendly and the coffee is creamy and delicious. The owner is super receptive to feedback and the space is large and welcoming to book or art clubs to utilize the space during business hours.“

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

“I had a lovely experience here this morning. The owner (I’m assuming he was the owner) was friendly and attentive, and the decor and setup inside is unique, artsy and homey. I got the Chef’s mess hot wrap, and it was SO DELICIOUS!!! The flavors were incredible. And my iced Americano was also perfect. But the flavors in the wrap were so good, it was review worthy!“

“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.“

“great food & atmosphere! 5 stars!!“

“A fantastic addition to the neighborhood and a model for a community oriented business in West Oakland! The cafe is a
chill space for coffee and treats, and the restaurant, open most evenings, offers delicious comfort food at reasonable prices.“

“📚My neighborhood spot when I want to read and study with good food and drinks beside me.

😊Friendly staff.

😋Savory yumminess and black sesame latte, just WOW!! Garlic noodles and salmon with a spicy tangy sauce on the side.“

“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.“

“I love this place so much, great place to chill or work. Their Salvadoran horchata latte is so addictive (I have ordered nothing but it since I first went there), and if you happen to be there when Azukar has their food I highly recommend it!! Their wraps and empanadas are so flavorful and incredibly unique.“

“Best breakfast burrito of my LIFE on god. The sausage one is the best. Owner is super friendly, calls everyone friend and you can tell he means it. Service is fast, coffee is good. Not much seating but it's fine. I was in the store for about 20 minutes and in that time I saw three regulars come in and he knew them all by name and I think that's a really good indicator of how good a place is. Highly recommend. I will be back“

“One of my favorite places“

“Best food and gift shop!🤗🤩“

“I started going here like 4 months ago and I cannot stop coming back their sandwiches are so fresh and they have the softest rolls. I don't know what they put on it but it is very delicious and flavorful. Their service is very fast I go there all my lunch break and it doesn't take longer than 5 minutes. The staff is also very polite.“