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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Downtown Berkeley

Food and tea spots

A tea house that values the ritual of the drink rather than just serving hot water and a bag.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
4 Dreams Nepali & Indian Cuisine image 1
4 Dreams Nepali & Indian Cuisine image 2
4 Dreams Nepali & Indian Cuisine image 3
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Restaurant offers authentic Nepali and Indian cuisine in a calm, cozy atmosphere with tasteful decor rooted in Nepali heritage. The vibe is quiet and inviting, encouraging diners to savor their meals in a clean, comfortable setting. It stands out for its flavorful dishes and good value at reasonable prices.

Authentic Nepali and Indian flavors blend perfectly with dishes that are never too salty, greasy, or spicy. The food tastes just like home with a wonderful balance that stands out in the East Bay Area.

Warm, fragrant Nepali-style Milk Tea stands out here. Complimentary, restaurant-made chai offers a satisfying, authentic taste.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and comforting, just like home."

"The Nepali food here is so authentic, it reminds me of home."

"The chai here is traditional and tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect a short wait for food, typically around 15-20 minutes.

2

Complimentary chai is offered with meals, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred for tips.

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.

Espresso and Yemeni food stand out with beautiful presentation. The food and drinks look fantastic and taste top-notch.

Adeni chai stands out as a really good and perfect tea option. The tea selection includes Adanj chai, which is highly recommended.

People are saying

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

"The Yemeni latte here is outstanding, rich, and smooth."

"I found the Adeni chai to be really good."

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
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.

Food here is amazingly delicious with a strong focus on chai and cultural flavors. A compost bin is available for food waste, showing attention to sustainability.

Chai here stands out with authentic flavors and unique blends like Karak rose chai with oat milk. The tea pairs well with house-made pastries such as cardamom buns and paratha quiche.

People are saying

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

"I loved the karak chai, it was perfectly sweet."

"The chai here is great, especially the pink Kashmiri version."

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.

04
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.

Food here reaches a mouthwatering level with quality pastries and dishes. The atmosphere adds to the experience with its calm and cozy vibe.

A wide variety of teas includes Persian tea, banana cream chai, and Twiggy ice tea. The collection features exotic flavors like rose water and saffron alongside traditional options.

People are saying

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

"You'll love the fresh, homemade pastries and tea here."

"You'll love the freshly baked pastries and coffee here."

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.

05
84 Viet image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant offers a cozy and open space with six big television screens and a coffee bar. Atmosphere feels friendly and family-oriented, with a relaxed vibe especially when uncrowded. Seating encourages a sense of community, balancing modern simplicity with comfort.

Delicious food stands out with authentic Vietnamese flavors. Dishes come nicely prepared and plated.

Thai iced tea stands out as wonderfully sweet and refreshing. The Vietnamese coffee offers a robust and energizing flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and a great price."

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, is the best I've ever tasted."

"The Thai tea is wonderfully sweet and refreshing."

Good to know

1

84 Viet is open till midnight, with last call for food at 1 am.

2

They allow a few people to order to go before 12:30 am.

3

The restaurant uses a QR code ordering system at each table.

06
Rojbas Mediterranean Grill image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small, cozy Mediterranean restaurant with sunny storefront and comfortable seating creates a warm, welcoming vibe. Atmosphere feels homey and relaxed, enhanced by friendly hospitality and pleasant background music. Known for authentic, fresh flavors and generous complimentary items like tea.

Fresh ingredients create incredible Mediterranean flavors with perfect texture. Mixed grill dishes impress groups with excellent variety and consistent quality.

Staff serve a small complimentary cup of Turkish tea with friendly hospitality. Free tea often comes paired with Kurdish Baklava or other desserts.

People are saying

"The salads here are fresh and delicious."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly."

"The tea here is light, filling, and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers complimentary tea at the end of the meal.

2

Prices are very reasonable for the quality of food.

3

Portion sizes are large, comparable to typical American servings.

07
Royal Ground Coffee image 1

Cozy cafe with spacious seating and big picture windows offers a calm, quiet atmosphere ideal for reading or working. Eclectic mix of locals and students creates a friendly, unpretentious vibe. Reliable wifi and power outlets support study and work needs.

Food comes with good quality and decent prices. Menu offers a wide variety of options and drinks.

Offers a nice spot to drink tea and read. Serves custom-made sandwiches and a dessert selection alongside tea.

People are saying

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

"The food here is pretty cheap and decently priced."

"I enjoyed drinking tea here."

Good to know

1

The cafe closes early at 4 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

There is plenty of seating available, making it a good study spot.

3

WiFi is available for those looking to work or study.

08
Berkeley Espresso image 1

Small independent coffee shop blends calm music with intimate, chill vibes. Space offers comfy chairs and a mix of big and small tables for studying, working, or casual chats. Crowd includes students, artists, and freelancers, creating a genuine local atmosphere.

Food offers great taste and consistent quality. Drinks and dishes both come out tasty and satisfying.

High quality tea shines in the lychee hibiscus and chai latte. Both offer rich, flavorful experiences that stand out.

People are saying

"The coffee staff here is super friendly and nice."

"The food here is fast, professional, and friendly."

"I thought the lychee hibiscus tea was the best I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Berkeley Espresso is open until 8pm daily.

2

They offer free Wi-Fi and have power outlets available.

3

Prices for coffee and treats are reasonable compared to other cafes.

09
Gold Bean Cafe image 1

Cafe offers a clean, cute aesthetic with a super chill vibe and slow music suited for studying. Seating accommodates work with a relaxed atmosphere, though music volume varies. Menu features bagel sandwiches and drinks with lighter coffee flavors, appealing to those who prefer mild tastes.

Food and drinks come with excellent quality and great taste. A wide variety of options includes coffee, pastries, and other dishes that look and taste phenomenal.

Dirty chai comes hot or iced with a shot of espresso. Thai tea offers a relaxing option after a long walk. The chai here is strong and satisfying, not watered down.

People are saying

"I could actually taste the coffee in my drink."

"The food and drinks here are amazing."

"I loved the dirty chai, hot or iced, it was perfect."

Good to know

1

Using Snackpass during happy hour provides a discount.

2

Expect high prices for food items, like a $17 chicken sandwich.

3

You can order ahead on Snackpass if you're in a rush.

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