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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown Oakland

Cafes

A change of scenery and a quiet table are all that is needed to get some work done or just sit with a book.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated April 2026
01
ID Cafe image 1
ID Cafe image 2
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Indian restaurant

Basement cafe offers a casual vibe with simple interiors and self-service seating. Focus on authentic dosas delivers crispy, flavorful South Indian meals. Clean, modest space suits quick dining and keeps flavor front and center.

Focus lies on authentic South Indian dosas and idlis that taste great. The cafe keeps things simple with a clean setting and prioritizes flavor over ambience.

People are saying

"The Indian food here, especially the dosas, is amazing."

"I thought the mango lassi was delicious and perfect."

"The dosas at this Cafe are flavorful and perfectly made."

Good to know

1

ID Cafe offers unlimited vegetarian dosa nights on select days.

2

The restaurant is located in the basement level of the Ramada Inn.

3

Prices at ID Cafe are reasonable compared to other Indian restaurants.

02
The Caffè by Mr. Espresso image 1

Blending Italian style with American flair, this coffee shop offers exceptional coffee in a cozy atmosphere. Bright, modern design and lively music create a welcoming vibe perfect for relaxing or taking away.

Coffee quality stands out as exceptional, making it a favorite spot over other renowned shops. The cafe offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in downtown Oakland.

People are saying

"The coffee here is reliably excellent and high quality."

"The cafe's drinks are unique and creative, especially the butterscotch latte."

"I thought the espresso was the most delicious in the US."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so consider using public transport or ride-sharing.

2

The café offers a unique variety of coffee flavors not found elsewhere.

3

Seating is limited, especially during peak hours, so arrive early.

03
Kinfolx image 1

Gorgeous space with afro centric artwork creates a warm, lively vibe. Enjoy delicious drinks and a wine bar option while working or relaxing. Frequent live DJs add laid-back energy near public transit, making it a strong community spot with standout restrooms.

Offers delicious drinks with a wine bar option and plenty of seating. Located near public transit, it serves as a strong community spot with standout restroom facilities.

People are saying

"It's a thoughtful, calm space that feels right for working."

"I loved the breakfast and the cozy, inviting atmosphere here."

"This cafe is a warm, inviting, and inclusive community space."

Good to know

1

Kinfolx does not accept cash; only credit cards and mobile payments are allowed.

2

Wi-Fi at Kinfolx is restrictive and blocks many popular websites.

3

Arrive early to secure a seat, especially during busy hours.

04
City Cup Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Cozy spot with early opening hours and wifi access suits work needs. Offers spectacular sandwiches and almond croissants at great prices. Welcomes a casual crowd near downtown with great customer service and a New York cafe vibe.

An adorable mom and pop spot with a New York cafe vibe and wifi available for work. Offers great customer service and a little bit of everything in a cozy setting.

People are saying

"The coffee here is strong and flavorful."

"This cafe has a little bit of everything I needed."

Good to know

1

The cafe opens early, making it a great spot for breakfast.

2

Expect a casual atmosphere suitable for meetings or relaxing.

3

The cafe offers a variety of coffee and food options.

05
Oaklandia Cafe x Bakery image 1

Spacious cafe offers a chill vibe with vibrant decor and comfy sofas. Unique sci-fi vending machine adds fun, while outdoor tables provide fresh air. Perfect for meetings or remote work with plenty of outlets and a colorful menu featuring distinctive sandwiches and pastries.

Vibrant decor and a colorful menu create a lively atmosphere. The cafe also offers reliable catering services and serves as a solid spot for working on a laptop outside of typical chains.

People are saying

"The pastrami sandwich was a perfect lunch after a stressful day."

"The lattes here have amazing, deep flavors."

"The Cafe's chicken sandwiches are tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

The cafe is located inside an office building on the ground floor and is accessible via street parking.

2

The parking situation is not good.

3

Drinks and pastries are reasonably priced, especially compared to a $10 Starbucks matcha latte.

06
Sana'a Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Cozy space with authentic Yemeni decor offers a calm vibe perfect for studying or relaxing. Rich Adeni chai and delicious cheesecake fuel work sessions. Quiet back area suits meetings or prayer, supported by plenty of outlets and fast WiFi.

Cozy space offers a peaceful and zen atmosphere ideal for working or studying. Coffee and pastries stand out, especially the rich Adeni chai and delicious cheesecake, paired with welcoming and generous staff.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the rich and flavorful coffee here."

"I loved their vast selection of delicious pastries and baked goods."

"This cafe is so cozy and welcoming, it's perfect for relaxing."

Good to know

1

Sana'a Cafe is open until midnight, making it a late-night option.

2

The cafe is dog-friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

3

WiFi and power outlets are available for those who want to work.

07
modern coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Small, stylish coffee shop offers high quality coffee and a bright, quiet atrium perfect for work or meetings. Reliable wifi and good seating create a calm vibe that lasts even after hours. Secluded courtyard adds a peaceful touch.

Stylish coffee shop with high quality coffee and a bright, quiet atrium. The cafe stays open after hours with working wifi.

People are saying

"I found the coffee and lattes here to be amazing."

"The burnt cinnamon latte with oat milk at this cafe is so yummy."

"I loved the burnt cinnamon latte with oat milk."

Good to know

1

The wifi works well, making it a great spot for remote work.

2

The bathrooms are clean and well-maintained.

3

There are a few tables and bar top seating available.

08
Good News Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Small hole in the wall coffee shop with efficient pick and go service and friendly crowd. Known for exquisite egg, sausage, and cheese muffins and fresh bagels and coffee. Offers reasonable prices and limited outdoor seating.

Small and efficient, this cafe offers pick and go service with fresh food and fast service. Bagels and coffee stand out, and the staff are kind and community-focused.

People are saying

"I loved their delicious Vietnamese coffee."

"Their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is a must-try."

"I came here for the great Vietnamese coffee at this cafe."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers a variety of breakfast options for quick service.

2

Prices are very reasonable for the quality of food offered.

3

Limited outdoor seating is available for customers.

09
Alice Street Bakery Café image 1

Bakery blends traditional Cantonese and western baking with a cozy, Alice in Wonderland-themed decor. Atmosphere feels quiet and safe, with comfortable seating suited for casual chats and quick snacks. Menu offers a wide range of savory buns, sandwiches, and cakes, attracting families and locals alike.

People are saying

"Des helped me get exactly what I wanted for my custom cake."

"You can choose your sauce for the shrimp sandwich."

"I discovered the Cafe's popcorn chicken was super hot and tender."

Good to know

1

The bakery offers a large sandwich menu with meat and vegan options.

2

You can order through UberEats for delivery.

3

They accept credit cards and have a rewards program for customers.

10
Coco Cafe Oakland image 1

Small cafe with a quaint atmosphere and friendly service serves decent coffee and simple fare. Early hours bring a steady crowd for customizable breakfast and hearty sandwiches. Space feels unpretentious and functional with mixed seating and a quiet vibe.

A quaint and charming spot with friendly service and decent coffee. It offers simple fare and doubles as a general store with snacks and desserts.

People are saying

"I loved the breakfast burrito with meat, eggs, and guacamole."

"I ordered a vanilla latte with my breakfast burrito."

"The Cafe's breakfast burrito is delicious and customizable."

Good to know

1

Coco Cafe Oakland opens at 7am, which is helpful for early risers.

2

The cafe also functions as a general store with packaged snacks and desserts.

3

There is limited seating available, so plan accordingly.

11
Motivāt Coffee Roasters image 1

Quiet patio with plenty of outdoor seating invites relaxation or coworking. Friendly, cozy vibe shines in a hole-in-the-wall setup with affordable prices. Good wifi and a cute parklet make it perfect for work or casual visits.

Affordable prices and a quaint, hole-in-the-wall vibe stand out here. The cafe features a cute parklet and includes a co-working space alongside the coffee shop.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be delicious and very good."

"It's a nice little spot with plenty of pleasant outdoor seating."

"This cafe is so cute, especially the parklet."

Good to know

1

Motivāt Coffee Roasters has no indoor seating; all seating is outdoors.

2

The outdoor seating is limited, so arrive early for a spot.

3

They offer a rotating menu of coffee beans for variety.

12
Cafe Uccello image 1

Walls covered in customer drawings create a creative vibe while spacious seating offers both energy and calm. Breakfast sandwiches use high quality ingredients with gluten-free options, and cold brew with lavender syrup adds a unique twist. Weekend hours boost convenience.

Breakfast sandwiches stand out with high quality ingredients and gluten-free options. The cold brew with lavender syrup offers a unique coffee experience, and the cafe stays open on weekends for convenience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The coffee here is amazing, especially the egg coffee."

"The coffee and breakfast bagels at this cafe are great."

Good to know

1

They offer plant-based and halal options on the menu.

2

The cafe has free wifi available for customers.

3

Expect a wait during busy hours due to catering orders.

13
Tierra Mia Coffee image 1

Spacious cafe with high ceilings and a historic vibe offers varied coffee options including caffeine-free. Loud reggaeton music creates energy but seating with hard-back chairs supports work or study. Welcoming atmosphere blends style and function well.

A beautifully designed cafe with a welcoming atmosphere offers a variety of coffee options including caffeine-free choices.

People are saying

"The coffee here is delicious, especially the horchata-inspired drinks."

"It's a great work-friendly spot with cozy seating and outlets."

"The horchata latte at this cafe is amazing."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop strictly closes at 5pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

There is ample seating available, but it fills up quickly during peak hours.

3

Wi-Fi is available but can be slow; consider this if you plan to work.

14
Caffe Teatro image 1

Family-run cafe with a hole-in-the-wall vibe offers a cozy atmosphere and outdoor umbrellas for seating. Small indoor space opens to a rotunda view, but loud customers can disrupt the calm.

A family-run coffee shop with a hole-in-the-wall vibe offers a small, intimate indoor space and outdoor seating with nice umbrellas. The cafe opens to a cozy area with a view of a cool building inside, though it can get loud at times.

People are saying

"The coffee here is rich, smooth, and always well-made."

"The staff here is so friendly and welcoming, it feels like a family spot."

"The cafe's coffee is always strong and hot."

Good to know

1

Caffe Teatro offers a variety of healthy sandwiches and loose leaf teas.

2

They have vegetarian lunch options available.

3

The cafe is family-run, providing a friendly atmosphere.

15
Café Gabriela image 1

Bold flavors like pulled pork adobo shine in sandwiches with fantastic bread. Casual vibe suits quick lunches and catering, with a responsive team handling orders smoothly. Limited dine-in space means a COVID-style walk-up window keeps things easy and safe.

Responsive and flexible team handles orders easily. Food looks gorgeous and tastes delicious. Great spot for lunch and catering.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches here to be insanely good."

"The Cafe's boxed lunches were a hit for our event."

"The coffee here is great, served by kind people."

Good to know

1

The 1/2 sandwich and salad combo is a great value at $12.

2

Vegan sandwich options are available upon request.

3

The café has a walk-up window for ordering.

16
Shooting Star Cafe image 1

Bright, bustling Hong Kong style cafe shines with star lights and a lively atmosphere. Menu boasts hearty signature dishes and extensive drinks. Friendly, attentive service keeps the cozy space vibrant and inviting.

Offers a diverse menu with hearty signature dishes and extensive drink options. Service is friendly and attentive, making it a lively spot with quick service and satisfying portions.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's beef chow fun has amazing wok hay."

"The mango sticky rice dessert is sweet, creamy, and perfectly balanced."

"This cafe has authentic Hong Kong-style dishes you can't find elsewhere."

Good to know

1

The lunch special deal is only available for dine-in customers.

2

A 15% gratuity is automatically added to the bill regardless of party size.

3

The place is open late, making it convenient to grab a bite.

17
Blue Bottle Coffee image 1

Minimalist space with modern industrial design offers a calm spot for work despite no power outlets. Premium coffee and high-quality pastries shine here. Enjoy a quiet, clean atmosphere with a street view, though bathroom supplies can be inconsistent.

Offers premium coffee with a focus on quality brews. The beautiful area adds to the cafe's appeal, though the bathroom sometimes lacks toilet paper.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be consistently great."

"The cafe staff here is so friendly and attentive."

"It's a quiet place with a comfortable atmosphere."

Good to know

1

The facility provides easy access for handicapped individuals.

2

The coffee house is dog-friendly.

3

There are no power outlets available to charge devices.

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Downtown Oakland, Oakland

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