It's fine and enjoyable but not worth a wait. Be sure to get here before opening or use the Yelp Waitlist. The tables are also pretty small so be ready for some coziness with your party
Mykle M.
Went here today for my wife's birthday today and it looks like it is unfortunately closed! The whole restaurant was cleaned out. This was our favorite restaurant in Jack London and so much better than Burma Superstar. You will be missed Grocery Cafe! **EDIT** Spoke with the owner William last night and he informed me that their rent was doubled and thus they were forced to closed. He also let me know that they have/will have new locations in San Francisco, Orinda, and Oakley. They hope to return back to Oakland in the next several months as well, however, unsure if it will be the same location or around Jack London
Paul V.
Love Burmese food in general and always like to check our new Burmese spots. This one was great! Vegetarian Samosas were delicious and a generous size portion. Classic tea leaf salad was great as well. Make sure to try Ume Plum tea. Amazing presentation and flavor.
Hilary E.
From the moment I walked in I felt like I was going to get real authentic Burmese cuisine and this place did not disappoint. Our server took the time to explain everything we were interested in ordering and once it arrived, he went into even more depth which made us appreciate the dish even more. The location is great in Jack London Square with lots of traffic and I wish them all the best sharing Burmese cuisine with the world!
Jake Puzycki
Food was a little pricy (as you'd expect for JLS) but the portions are big enough for two meals so it's completely worth it.
Christopher V.
This place is amazing. Basically every single entree is one of the best things I've ever eaten. We had the mango chutney pork stew, catfish, and oxtails last time we were here and I had a hard time trying to decide which one was better. Each one had a great sauce and overall flavor that was almost surprising in how good it was. You pretty much can't go wrong here. If you're ever in Oakland--hell, if you're ever anywhere in the Bay Area--do yourself a favor and go here.
Irina P.
Probably the worst food I had in last 5 years. Should have realized it from the old/ smelly place completely empty but no... I trusted both yelp and Eater that mentioned it as a good one. Everything was tasting bad, from the over fried Samos to the tea leaf salad. Both my boyfriend and I felt very very sick :( sad that had to go all the way there to waste my time and be sick!
Eunice Y.
I've always been meaning to try this little restaurant in Jack London Square. I was so excited to see that the menu had tons of family style plates that you can share easily with two or more people. Their tea pots and flavors were also delicious and I would definitely go back for those. I highly recommend the mango pork chutney plate that can easily be shared by two people I also tried the vegetarian soup which was so flavorful and delicious. I will definitely be back I am just sad that I didn't discover this place sooner.
Yi-Hsin Lin
Good food but service was very slow. Only a couple of vegetarian entree options, but the tea leaf salad was good.
Darrell Burden
The spices smells and flavors are incredible if you're in Jack London you've got to come in if you're vegetarian you're going to go berserk the spicy mango pork and oxtail soup is to die for something for everyone
Got some Roti and the tea leaf salad here. Both were fantastic! Will add this place to the rotation for JL.
Joyce Z.
When you spend your birthday in Mau`i, it becomes birthday month and beyond when I get back to the Bay. My cousin took us to Grocery Café in the old Hahn's Hibachi space in Jack London. Like most people, it is puzzling as to how the name relates to Burmese food and I probably passed it by before thinking it sold groceries and sandwiches by the name alone which is probably why it was so empty. Once you entered though, you are greeted with some nice décor and delicious scents that will make you hungry. My cousin might have gone a bit overboard as she ordered 3 apps, 4 entrees, and the rainbow salad for just 3 of us. Everything had its on distinct flavor which is great. Personally, I liked the appetizers more than the main dishes with my favorites the soft shell crab Myanmar, followed by the samusa and rainbow salad. The dipping sauce for the paratha was so good I couldn't help keeping it to pair with other dishes. The egg curry was a bit too salty for me and the mango pork stew less flavorful than I expected while the lamb masala and artichoke pork belly was less heavy than expected in a good way. We shared a pot of ume plum tea and was pleasantly surprised that with each cup, the dominant flavor changes, from floral to fruity and finally some tartness towards the end. Overall, good food, friendly and attentive service, and would return again now that I know what they serve.
Lisa H.
Delicious Burmese food in Jack London Square. We went on a weeknight and there were plenty of seats. The interior was very warm and welcoming and had this wonderful spiced scent. Order: -Paratha: The paratha was so good! It was a delicious appetizer that was flaky with many layers and has some density. There was a yummy lentil bean dip. The best part was that it came out pipping hot! -Burmese chicken masala: Portions are HUGE it could feed 2-3 people easily. I enjoyed the sauces and spices in the meat. It also came with potatoes. The dish doesn't come with rice so you have to order it as a side. The rice had a slight coconut flavor in it and paired well with the meat. There was plenty of leftovers to take home since we all each ordered a dish.
A.K S
We were there looking for a Thai restaurant but found this Burmese one. What a 'good find'! Clean place (we were their first customer of the day), Friendly service, Delicious foods, Reasonable prices. I would definitely go back there and update. Also it's just a couple of blocks away from the Amtrak train station.
Joe M.
Cozy and welcoming Burmese right on the Embarcadero. They have a charmingly eclectic decor, and equally eclectic selection of teas. Samosas were top notch, with a creamy interior, crisp exterior and spicy-sweet sauce. The curry chicken noodle soup was warmly spiced and very rich, and they provided a sizable portion, along with sharing bowls. Masala curry chicken was tender and rich and the coconut rice hit all the right sweet and salty spots. The owner was very helpful, even gave us a taste of a special dessert on the house. It was terrific!
It's fine and enjoyable but not worth a wait. Be sure to get here before opening or use the Yelp Waitlist. The tables are also pretty small so be ready for some coziness with your party
Went here today for my wife's birthday today and it looks like it is unfortunately closed! The whole restaurant was cleaned out. This was our favorite restaurant in Jack London and so much better than Burma Superstar. You will be missed Grocery Cafe! **EDIT** Spoke with the owner William last night and he informed me that their rent was doubled and thus they were forced to closed. He also let me know that they have/will have new locations in San Francisco, Orinda, and Oakley. They hope to return back to Oakland in the next several months as well, however, unsure if it will be the same location or around Jack London
Love Burmese food in general and always like to check our new Burmese spots. This one was great! Vegetarian Samosas were delicious and a generous size portion. Classic tea leaf salad was great as well. Make sure to try Ume Plum tea. Amazing presentation and flavor.
From the moment I walked in I felt like I was going to get real authentic Burmese cuisine and this place did not disappoint. Our server took the time to explain everything we were interested in ordering and once it arrived, he went into even more depth which made us appreciate the dish even more. The location is great in Jack London Square with lots of traffic and I wish them all the best sharing Burmese cuisine with the world!
Food was a little pricy (as you'd expect for JLS) but the portions are big enough for two meals so it's completely worth it.
This place is amazing. Basically every single entree is one of the best things I've ever eaten. We had the mango chutney pork stew, catfish, and oxtails last time we were here and I had a hard time trying to decide which one was better. Each one had a great sauce and overall flavor that was almost surprising in how good it was. You pretty much can't go wrong here. If you're ever in Oakland--hell, if you're ever anywhere in the Bay Area--do yourself a favor and go here.
Probably the worst food I had in last 5 years. Should have realized it from the old/ smelly place completely empty but no... I trusted both yelp and Eater that mentioned it as a good one. Everything was tasting bad, from the over fried Samos to the tea leaf salad. Both my boyfriend and I felt very very sick :( sad that had to go all the way there to waste my time and be sick!
I've always been meaning to try this little restaurant in Jack London Square. I was so excited to see that the menu had tons of family style plates that you can share easily with two or more people. Their tea pots and flavors were also delicious and I would definitely go back for those. I highly recommend the mango pork chutney plate that can easily be shared by two people I also tried the vegetarian soup which was so flavorful and delicious. I will definitely be back I am just sad that I didn't discover this place sooner.
Good food but service was very slow. Only a couple of vegetarian entree options, but the tea leaf salad was good.
The spices smells and flavors are incredible if you're in Jack London you've got to come in if you're vegetarian you're going to go berserk the spicy mango pork and oxtail soup is to die for something for everyone
Restaurantji Recommends
Got some Roti and the tea leaf salad here. Both were fantastic! Will add this place to the rotation for JL.
When you spend your birthday in Mau`i, it becomes birthday month and beyond when I get back to the Bay. My cousin took us to Grocery Café in the old Hahn's Hibachi space in Jack London. Like most people, it is puzzling as to how the name relates to Burmese food and I probably passed it by before thinking it sold groceries and sandwiches by the name alone which is probably why it was so empty. Once you entered though, you are greeted with some nice décor and delicious scents that will make you hungry. My cousin might have gone a bit overboard as she ordered 3 apps, 4 entrees, and the rainbow salad for just 3 of us. Everything had its on distinct flavor which is great. Personally, I liked the appetizers more than the main dishes with my favorites the soft shell crab Myanmar, followed by the samusa and rainbow salad. The dipping sauce for the paratha was so good I couldn't help keeping it to pair with other dishes. The egg curry was a bit too salty for me and the mango pork stew less flavorful than I expected while the lamb masala and artichoke pork belly was less heavy than expected in a good way. We shared a pot of ume plum tea and was pleasantly surprised that with each cup, the dominant flavor changes, from floral to fruity and finally some tartness towards the end. Overall, good food, friendly and attentive service, and would return again now that I know what they serve.
Delicious Burmese food in Jack London Square. We went on a weeknight and there were plenty of seats. The interior was very warm and welcoming and had this wonderful spiced scent. Order: -Paratha: The paratha was so good! It was a delicious appetizer that was flaky with many layers and has some density. There was a yummy lentil bean dip. The best part was that it came out pipping hot! -Burmese chicken masala: Portions are HUGE it could feed 2-3 people easily. I enjoyed the sauces and spices in the meat. It also came with potatoes. The dish doesn't come with rice so you have to order it as a side. The rice had a slight coconut flavor in it and paired well with the meat. There was plenty of leftovers to take home since we all each ordered a dish.
We were there looking for a Thai restaurant but found this Burmese one. What a 'good find'! Clean place (we were their first customer of the day), Friendly service, Delicious foods, Reasonable prices. I would definitely go back there and update. Also it's just a couple of blocks away from the Amtrak train station.
Cozy and welcoming Burmese right on the Embarcadero. They have a charmingly eclectic decor, and equally eclectic selection of teas. Samosas were top notch, with a creamy interior, crisp exterior and spicy-sweet sauce. The curry chicken noodle soup was warmly spiced and very rich, and they provided a sizable portion, along with sharing bowls. Masala curry chicken was tender and rich and the coconut rice hit all the right sweet and salty spots. The owner was very helpful, even gave us a taste of a special dessert on the house. It was terrific!