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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown Oakland

Tea spots

A warm cup of tea alongside a meal is the best way to slow down the afternoon.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Sana'a Cafe image 1
Sana'a Cafe image 2
Sana'a Cafe image 3
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Coffee shop

Small space with authentic Yemeni decor and traditional seating creates a cozy atmosphere ideal for studying or relaxing. Plenty of outlets and WiFi support work, while a quiet back area suits meetings or prayer. The vibe is welcoming and calm, attracting students and friends catching up.

Food offers excellent quality with many different choices. Coffee and desserts like the pistachio ice latte stand out as stellar options.

Adeni chai stands out with its rich flavor and consistent quality. The milk tea is also flavorful and pairs well with pistachio milk cake.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the rich and flavorful coffee here."

"The Adeni chai here is rich, flavorful, and made with care."

"The food here is fantastic and delicious."

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.

02
Desilicious image 1
Pakistani restaurant

Small space with an open kitchen where cooking is visible creates a family-owned vibe and cozy atmosphere. Warm, welcoming environment feels like a hidden gem with homely charm. Upstairs area offers additional seating for small parties.

Food here is freshly made and extremely tasty without feeling heavy. Prices stay reasonable while delivering amazing flavors that stand out.

Chai comes dum style, simmered lightly with a milky taste rather than bitter. They prepare chai directly in your cup on request.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly balanced with spices."

"The naan here is crunchy and sprinkled with sesame seeds."

"I loved the strong and tasty chai here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant can have a wait time of up to 20 minutes for food.

2

Expect to pay over $100 for a meal for 2-3 people.

3

Credit card payments incur an extra 10% fee, which is illegal in California.

03
Biryani Tika Kabab (برياني تكا كباب حلال)Halal Indian & Pakistani Cuisine image 1

Spacious Indian restaurant with colorful Pakistani decor and an authentic vibe creates a warm, family-like atmosphere. The place balances a cozy sit-down experience with a focus on takeout. The energy feels inviting and homey, reflecting rich cultural elements.

Food here is consistently fresh and flavorful with a focus on Halal dishes. The Biryani Tika Kabab stands out for its rich taste and quality at a low price.

Chai here is authentic Pakistani chai with a rich, creamy flavor. The doodh pati chai stands out as outstanding and pairs well with dishes like biryani and lamb curry.

People are saying

"I thought the biryani was the best Indian food I've ever had."

"The lamb biryani was perfectly spiced with tender lamb and fluffy rice."

"You have to try their doodh pati chai; it was outstanding."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers authentic Pakistani cuisine with generous portions.

2

The total cost is around $42 with tax and tip for two people.

3

The prices are very good for the generous servings.

04
ID Cafe image 1
Indian restaurant

Basement cafe with open kitchen and simple interiors offers a casual, welcoming vibe. Seating is self-service with about six tables in a clean, modest space. The atmosphere suits quick, authentic South Indian meals with a focus on crispy dosas.

Offers authentic South Indian cuisine with delicious, fast food served warm and well-packed. Staff explains dishes kindly, making it easy to enjoy genuine comfort food with great service.

Chai captures attention with its rich flavor that holds focus until the last drop. The tea pairs well with dosa, creating a satisfying combo.

People are saying

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

"The South Indian food here is so authentic and comforting."

"I enjoyed the nice tea and dosa here."

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.

05
Boba Binge Uptown image 1
Bubble tea store

Tiny shop with a positive vibe and tidy atmosphere offers quick service and well-priced Vietnamese sandwiches and bubble tea. Customers order easily from a picture kiosk, and the space feels cozy despite its small size. Fresh ingredients and perfectly cooked tapioca pearls stand out in the menu.

Meatball sandwich with egg and char siu banh mi stand out as solid food choices. The menu offers great food without overcharging, balancing decent taste with reasonable indulgence.

Tea here features excellent boba milk tea with a smooth flavor. Options include oolong milk tea and mango green tea, plus three non-dairy choices like lactose free that keep the taste intact.

People are saying

"Their taro milk tea with pearls is delicious."

"The banh mi here is super tasty and filling."

"The boba here is amazing, especially for first-timers."

Good to know

1

Ordering online is easy and recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

Non-dairy milks are available for drinks.

3

The uji matcha latte is priced at $6.50 without additional toppings.

06
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.

Food tastes very delicious and comes with a variety that suits many tastes. Both in-person and delivery orders maintain excellent quality.

Strong Hong Kong milk tea stands out with a rich taste and classic style. The boba tea offers a good balance, and the volcano and strawberry smoothie add variety to the tea options.

People are saying

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

"I loved the rich, strong Hong Kong milk tea."

"I found the food here to be very delicious."

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.

07
Ming's Tasty image 1
Chinese restaurant

Dim sum spot with authentic dishes and friendly, casual atmosphere. Interior feels spacious yet simple, contrasting with a rundown exterior and yellow lighting that softens the space. Busy and lively at lunch, it quiets down while maintaining a genuine vibe.

Food shows careful preparation, like leaving a hole in the fried dim sum box to keep texture crisp. Siu mai stands out as a notable dish with good flavor and fair pricing.

Freshly steamed buns come with tea, enhancing the experience. A pot of hot jasmine tea starts the service, with four types available for one dollar each. Staff notice when cups are empty and offer prompt refills without asking.

People are saying

"I thought the dim sum here was truly tasty and amazing."

"I loved most of the food dishes we ordered, especially the dumplings."

"They kept my tea topped up and it was hot and tasty."

Good to know

1

Arrive early on weekends to avoid long lines; expect wait times during peak hours.

2

Parking is limited; nearby public parking is available and affordable.

3

Prices are very reasonable, offering great value for dim sum dishes.

08
Saint Anna Coffee Shop image 1
Cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style cafe)

Cha chaan teng offers Hong Kong-style dishes with a good variety and reasonable prices. The atmosphere has a great vibe and draws many locals. Payment is limited to cash or Venmo only.

Food comes out hot and fresh with an authentic Hong Kong-style flavor. Prices stay reasonable while delivering consistently good meals.

Lemon tea stands out with its full-bodied flavor and lemon zest aroma that balances well. Milk tea offers a distinct tea flavor but tends to be on the weaker side.

People are saying

"The food here is good and reasonably priced."

"I enjoyed the lemon tea; it was well balanced."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash or Venmo for payments.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality and portion size.

3

The menu offers a good variety of Hong Kong-style dishes.

09
Nature Vegetarian Restaurant image 1
Vegetarian restaurant

Vegetarian restaurant offers calming atmosphere with beautiful decor and peaceful vibe. It serves vegetarian Chinese food praised for its taste and variety of meat substitutes. Portions are large and affordable, attracting both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Vegetarian and vegan Chinese food comes with great variety and fresh preparation. Dishes are well made and well spiced, served promptly with friendly service.

Tea arrives promptly with the meal and is included in the lunch deal for $12.50. Hot tea suits cold days and pairs well with dishes like honey walnut prawns.

People are saying

"I found the vegetarian Chinese food here to be amazing."

"I found the vegetarian Chinese food here to be amazing."

"The lunch deal includes an entree, rice, soup, and tea."

Good to know

1

The restaurant recently opened for dine-in after being takeout only.

2

The lunch deal costs $12.50 and includes an entree, rice, a spring roll, soup, and tea.

3

The portions are generous and prices are very reasonable.

10
Shan Dong image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, simple space with hand-pulled noodles made in view and tight seating creates a bustling, noisy atmosphere. The vibe is cozy and functional, packed during meal times with a diner-like charm. Authentic flavors and a strong vegetarian selection define the experience.

Food arrives quickly, about five minutes after ordering, and offers authentic Chinese flavors. Dishes are consistently delicious and the overall quality is incredible.

Hot tea arrives quickly once seated, served as a complimentary touch. It offers a pleasant pause while waiting for food.

People are saying

"You've got to try the dumplings; they're juicy and delicious."

"I found the Chinese food here to be the best I ever had."

"The Shan Dong Chicken is so good, perfectly crispy."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Shan Dong accepts credit and debit cards, but not Apple Pay.

3

The restaurant offers a large selection of vegetarian options.

11
Shooting Star Cafe image 1

Hong Kong style cafe with bright, bustling energy and modern, cute decor featuring star lights on the ceiling. Small, cozy space with a lively, vibrant atmosphere reflecting multicultural influences. Sounds of kitchen sizzle and clinking teacups add to the warm, inviting vibe.

Menu offers a huge variety of classic Hong Kong cha chaan teng style dishes with fresh, satisfying flavors. Portions come larger than expected and the food suits casual dining with good value.

Extensive selection of boba drinks includes classic milk tea, fruity flavors, and adventurous options. Drinks like taro milk tea and matcha lattes balance sweetness and creaminess well, with chewy tapioca pearls. The Hong Kong Milk Tea features a strong tea base and just the right sweetness.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The milk tea here is excellent and wonderful."

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.

12
Quickly image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion spot offers quick service and affordable prices with a down-to-earth staff. The atmosphere reflects a slice-of-life vibe in a historic Chinatown district. Popular for cold noodles and milk tea, it also serves a variety of snacks and drinks.

Food includes fried items that taste really good. Some issues with food hygiene appear, like hair found in the food. Staff do not remake orders without charging again.

Milk teas come in lychee with boba and jasmine green tea varieties. Prices stay around $8.99 including snacks or cold noodles. Drinks offer a refreshing taste.

People are saying

"I loved their milk tea, especially with boba."

"I found the food here to be really delicious."

Good to know

1

Quickly offers a wide range of affordable drink and snack options.

2

Expect fast service, making it a great spot for a quick lunch.

3

No reservations are needed; just walk in and order.

13
Kinfolx image 1

Gorgeous space filled with afro centric artwork and comfy seating creates a lively atmosphere where many work on laptops with headphones. The vibe is warm and welcoming, reflecting a strong sense of community and culture. Frequent live DJs add to the laid-back, energetic environment.

Food here is consistently immaculate with fantastic flavors. Both dishes and drinks deliver great quality every time.

Chai and matcha lattes stand out with their rich flavor and creamy froth. The spot offers a versatile tea selection alongside coffee and wine, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

People are saying

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

"The food here is immaculate and fantastic."

"Their chai lattes are excellent, rich with flavor and creamy."

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.

14
T4 Oakland image 1
Bubble tea store

Cozy space offers customizable milk tea with affordable prices and a busy atmosphere that benefits from ordering ahead. Food options include freshly fried popcorn chicken and fries, while some snacks like spring rolls lack flavor. The vibe suits casual hangouts or relaxing with friends.

Food arrives fresh and tastes good. Service can be slow, with orders sometimes given out without calling numbers, and occasional issues like finding a hair in the food.

Offers a wide variety of milk teas including Thai Jasmine Milk Tea exclusive to this location. Popular choices include taro milk tea, salted cream milk tea, matcha latte milk tea, and hot peach tea.

People are saying

"I loved their milk tea and popcorn chicken combo."

"I loved their Thai iced tea and milk teas."

Good to know

1

Ordering online is recommended to avoid long wait times during busy hours.

2

Prices are relatively affordable compared to other boba places.

3

The level of customization with ice, sugar, and dairy options is high.

15
Kamdesh Afghan Cuisine image 1
Afghan restaurant

Spacious Afghan restaurant with traditional decor and cushion seating creates a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. The place offers prayer space and caters to large groups, blending home-style warmth with authentic Afghan culinary spirit.

Food here is full of flavor and consistently excellent across all dishes, including vegetarian options. The cuisine offers an authentic taste of Afghan cooking with a professional touch.

Chai stands out as a notable choice here, worth trying on its own. Hot tea is served well and sometimes offered complimentary when issues arise with orders.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, with incredible flavors."

"The atmosphere here is so cozy and inviting."

"The tea here was good, just like the flavorful food."

Good to know

1

They offer a $22 buffet during special occasions like Ramadan.

2

Reservations are recommended for large groups and special events.

3

Expect generous portions, especially during buffet service.

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