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Guide to Berkeley

Authentic cafes

Made for those who seek out cafes that prioritize traditional brewing methods over the polished, corporate aesthetic.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Heyma Yemeni Coffee image 1
Heyma Yemeni Coffee image 2
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Spacious coffee shop with modern Arabic decor and Yemeni seating creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Lighting and music set a calming, beautiful vibe that feels like a cultural journey. Plenty of comfortable seating and power outlets support both socializing and studying.

Coffee and tea offer an authentic taste of Yemen with unique, aromatic flavors. The café feels welcoming, reflecting the spirit of a genuine Yemeni coffee shop.

Warm, inviting ambiance with sidewalk seating creates a relaxed vibe. Coffee offers exceptional flavor that stands out in the area.

People are saying

"I loved the rich and smooth coffee here."

"You have to try the Yemeni coffee at this cafe; it's the best."

"I found the coffee and tea here to be truly authentic."

Good to know

1

Heyma Yemeni Coffee offers a wide assortment of baked goods.

2

The cafe is open late, making it a rare find in Berkeley.

3

Prices for drinks start at $6.99, plus tax.

02
Qahwa Time image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop blends modern and cultural vibes with a serene, paradise-like ambiance. Aromas of herbs and freshly roasted beans fill the air, creating an exotic, welcoming atmosphere. Plenty of comfortable seating and free WiFi support both relaxation and work.

Blonde Arabic coffee offers an authentic and excellent taste. Yemeni latte and Mokha coffee deliver rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced flavors true to Yemeni tradition.

Herbal aromas fill the air, creating a vibe that feels like a trip to Marrakesh markets. The cafe offers a cozy atmosphere that stands out among other coffee shops, with a focus on Yemeni coffee.

People are saying

"The Yemeni coffee here is rich, smooth, and full of authentic flavor."

"The blonde Arabic coffee here is authentic and excellent."

"The blonde Arabic coffee here is authentic and excellent."

Good to know

1

They roast their beans every day on site for the drip coffee.

2

Qahwa Time offers disability access and welcomes service animals.

3

They are open until 11 pm.

03
Belmo Café image 1

Small bakery with outdoor sidewalk seating and a Franco-Algerian vibe creates a relaxing, unrushed atmosphere like a European or Middle Eastern vacation. Lively community energy fills the space, making it feel like a family home. Colorful lights and authentic pastries add to the charm.

Pastries and desserts capture authentic Algerian and French flavors with a taste similar to those in Paris. The menu includes authentic halal North African merguez and simple, genuine sandwiches.

Offers a very good collection of pastries including buttery Apricot Squares. Serves Turkish Coffee and hearty sandwiches like the spicy sausage.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh, authentic French and Algerian pastries."

"The pastries at this cafe are delicious and fancy."

"I found the pastries here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Belmo Café is open until midnight, making it a late-night option.

2

Seating outside is limited, so arrive early for outdoor dining.

3

The café offers a variety of gluten-free options, but ask for details.

04
Roast & Toast Cafe image 1

Cafe offers airy, open space with plenty of natural light and both indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming, suitable for working alone or socializing. Arabic pop music plays quietly, enhancing the Arabian-inspired vibe.

Kunafeh matches the authentic version from Jordan with rich flavor. Arabian Ice Cream (Booza) is stretchy and creamy, topped with pistachio, kunafa, and rose petals.

Arabian-inspired ambiance creates a unique cafe vibe with stretchy Arabian ice cream served at a cute food stand near the entrance. The cafe offers fresh, very good food and reliable wifi, making it a cozy spot for studying or writing.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be top level."

"You have to try the booza ice cream at this cafe; it's amazing."

"I loved their authentic, stretchy, creamy booza with pistachio."

Good to know

1

Booza is a unique offering not found in most cafes in the area.

2

Prices for ice cream are $6 for one scoop, $12 for two scoops, and $18 for three scoops.

3

Wi-Fi is free for customers, with details on the receipt.

05
Cha Thai Tea image 1
Bubble tea store

Small shop with minimalistic modern decor and friendly atmosphere offers a chill vibe suited for sitting or working. Limited seating and a simple menu focus on authentic Thai drinks and snacks. Music taste adds to the relaxed, clean environment.

Thai Milk Tea with Boba offers a very authentic taste that closely matches the flavors found in Thailand. The drinks consistently deliver super authentic Thai flavors that stand out.

Small cafe offers a cute interior with a nice vibe. Specializes in Thai drinks and desserts with plenty of snacks.

People are saying

"This Thai Tea is creamy, flavorful, and just sweet enough."

"I loved the authentic Thai drinks and sweet teas here."

"I found the Thai Milk Tea with Boba to be very authentic."

Good to know

1

Seating at Cha Thai Tea is very limited.

2

The drink is pretty expensive at $9.50, making it more of a treat.

3

The menu had limited options, which seemed more suited for college students.

06
Bench Café • Pâtisserie image 1

Cozy cafe with handcrafted artwork and a curved iron staircase leading to a quiet mezzanine. Bright, airy space filled with natural light and fresh pastries made in-house. Calm atmosphere with great music and spots for reading or working upstairs.

Cakes here follow authentic recipes that avoid excessive sugar. Cookies and pastries taste genuine, reflecting traditional baking methods.

Cozy atmosphere with lots of character makes it a nice spot to relax or work. Baked goods feel home-made and pastries stand out as delicious treats alongside carefully prepared coffee.

People are saying

"This coffee spot is so cozy and relaxing, perfect for work."

"This cafe has such a cozy atmosphere, it feels like home."

"The cookies and pastries taste authentic, not too sweet."

Good to know

1

All pastries are made in-house at Bench Café • Pâtisserie.

2

Oatmilk substitute costs an extra 75 cents.

3

The café's opening hours in the afternoon are quite limited.

07
Forest Tea Bar image 1

Small tea house offers a stylish, modern interior with a calm, relaxing vibe and high-quality matcha. Limited seating encourages quiet, one-on-one conversations amid a serene atmosphere. Lines can be long, reflecting its popularity despite the compact space.

Wagashi offers a truly authentic taste, matching the quality found in Japan. The matcha stands out as the most authentic outside Japan, complemented by a beautiful, authentic ambiance.

Small size with a few tables and bar seating creates a quiet, peaceful vibe. Cleanliness and a relaxing atmosphere make it easy to unwind here.

People are saying

"I found the matcha here to be amazing and good quality."

"Watching them whisk the tea by hand is so enjoyable."

"The matcha at this cafe is delicious and not watered down."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 40-50 minutes during peak hours.

2

All lattes are made with soy or oat milk at no extra charge.

3

The matcha costs between $6.75 and over $8 per cup.

08
elaichi co. image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop offers a warm ambiance with cramped seating and authentic chai served in unique matka cups. A dedicated prayer room adds a thoughtful, serene touch to the space. The atmosphere suits quiet work sessions or casual catch-ups with friends.

Chai here captures authentic Indo-Pak flavors with every cup. The karak chai matches preferences from Karachi, offering a warm, genuine taste without flashy decor.

High-quality cream-top milk stands out here, showing care in their drinks. Warm lighting fixtures and a nice design choice create a cozy, cute vibe.

People are saying

"I loved the karak chai; it had just the right amount of sugar."

"I loved the authentic karak chai and cardamom bun here."

"The chai here is so authentic, perfectly spiced with cardamom."

Good to know

1

Xfinity offers a $7 discount on orders during April Fridays.

2

The store is open until 10:00 PM for late-night visits.

3

Finding a seat can be difficult as it is often crowded.

09
Milyar Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious cafe with ornate, luxurious interior and large windows that fill the space with light. Atmosphere stays quiet and laid back, suitable for studying or casual tea gatherings. Offers plentiful power outlets and board games, blending comfort with cultural vibrancy.

Authentic Yemeni coffee and Arabic baked goods create a genuine taste experience. The cozy ambiance adds to the authentic Yemeni hospitality.

Offers a fancy Arabic cafe vibe with nearly everything gold plated. Serves a Yemeni latte blending rich coffee flavors with steamed milk, and provides a clean, beautiful space suitable for working after 5 PM.

People are saying

"It's a great work-friendly spot with comfy seats and plenty of outlets."

"This cafe's Yemeni coffee is unique and wonderfully strong."

"You'll love the authentic Yemeni coffee and hospitality here."

Good to know

1

Milyar Coffee is open late, making it a good spot for evening visits.

2

Expect a variety of coffee and pastry options at affordable prices.

3

There are plenty of seating options available for working or relaxing.

10
Tanzie's image 1

Cozy cafe with authentic northern Thai brunch and heartwarming decor featuring a cozy fireplace and abundant plants. Atmosphere feels peaceful and inviting, with close tables that create an intimate setting. Brunch draws a crowd, often leading to a wait, reflecting its popularity for unique, flavorful dishes.

Bold, authentic Thai flavors fill every dish and drink. The food offers a true taste of Thailand with home cooking quality and no compromise on flavor.

Kanom krok offers a taste that feels like a Chiang Mai cafe. The space invites relaxed brunch chats and feels like a special treat.

People are saying

"I loved the iced jasmine Thai tea; it was so good."

"The authentic Thai flavors here are bold and delicious."

"This Cafe's food is a flavor bomb, savory and spicy."

Good to know

1

Tanzie's is walk-in only, so no reservations are accepted.

2

The wait for brunch can be long, typically 30 to 50 minutes.

3

Expect to pay a bit more as the food is on the pricier side.

11
Delah Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Chic cafe lounge with colorful murals and castle-like interior creates a unique artistic vibe. Atmosphere ranges from welcoming and relaxed to loud and crowded, attracting students and casual visitors alike. Presence of kittens and varied music adds a playful, lively touch to the space.

Arabic coffee here is authentic and true to tradition. Turkish coffee tastes good but lacks the authenticity expected by a seasoned traveler familiar with Turkey.

Unique ambience blends Yemeni and Turkish influences with beautiful interior decoration. Open late, it offers a great spot for late night studying or hangouts with outstandingly delicious food.

People are saying

"I found the Yemeni coffee here to be expertly crafted and delicious."

"It's a great work-friendly spot with plenty of seating and solid WiFi."

"I found authentic Arabic coffee and regional drinks here."

Good to know

1

Coffee prices range from $7.99 to $9.

2

The café has a nice selection of Yemeni coffee and pastries.

3

Credit cards are accepted for payment.

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