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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown Oakland

Tea spots

You want a proper cup of tea without having to settle for a lukewarm bag in a paper cup.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Sana'a Cafe image 1
Sana'a Cafe image 2
Sana'a Cafe image 3
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Coffee shop

Cozy space with authentic Yemeni decor offers a calm vibe perfect for studying or meetings. Rich Adeni chai and flavorful milk tea pair well with pistachio milk cake. Plenty of outlets and WiFi support work and relaxation.

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."

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

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

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
Golden Tea Shop image 1

Shop offers an enormous loose leaf selection with drinks made from real teas and fruits. Extensive menu features dozens of toppings and dairy-free milk options. Atmosphere has an other culture vibe with teapots and curios, all at reasonable prices.

Tea offerings include an enormous loose leaf selection with strong options like Tieguanyin and puer. Drinks use actual teas, fruits, and herbs rather than powders, with standout choices like Jasmine green tea and Hong Kong milk tea with boba.

People are saying

"I found their tea used actual fruits and herbs, not powders."

"I was impressed by the huge menu and vegan-friendly choices."

"They had amazing dairy-free milk options like almond, soy, and oat."

Good to know

1

They offer dairy-free and vegan milk options such as almond, soy, oat, and coconut milk.

2

The price of the boba drinks is reasonable, around $5-6 per drink.

3

Everything is customizable with over a dozen toppings to choose from.

03
YOKEE MILK TEA image 1
Bubble tea store

Tiny shop buzzes with steady lines, offering oat milk milk teas that balance strong tea aroma and smooth milkiness. Real taro shines in the taro milk tea, while fruit teas and toppings stay fresh and high quality. No indoor seating means quick, self-service orders.

Milk teas have a strong tea aroma without bitterness and a good balance of tea flavor and milkiness. Taro milk tea uses real taro, and fruit teas and toppings maintain high quality.

People are saying

"I kept coming back for the quality of this milk tea."

"I found the bubble tea here to be extremely good."

"The oolong tea flavor was perfect and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times if you order food too.

2

There is no seating inside, just a couple of chairs outside.

3

They offer online preordering and have an ordering system in store.

04
Boba Binge Uptown image 1
Bubble tea store

Tiny shop offers quick service and a tidy atmosphere with fresh Vietnamese sandwiches. Bubble tea shines with perfectly cooked tapioca pearls and smooth flavors like oolong and mango green tea. Non-dairy options keep taste intact for all.

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."

"I loved the fresh, crispy vegetables in my Banh Mi."

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.

05
Desilicious image 1
Pakistani restaurant

Small space with an open kitchen creates a family-owned vibe and cozy feel. Chai is made dum style, simmered lightly with a milky taste and prepared fresh in your cup. Upstairs seating offers a quiet spot for small parties in a warm, welcoming setting.

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.

06
T4 Oakland image 1
Bubble tea store

Cozy spot serves customizable milk tea with unique options like Thai Jasmine Milk Tea. Affordable prices and a busy vibe make it great for casual hangouts. Freshly fried popcorn chicken stands out, though some snacks like spring rolls lack flavor.

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.

07
Biryani Tika Kabab (برياني تكا كباب حلال)Halal Indian & Pakistani Cuisine image 1

Spacious Indian restaurant offers a warm, family-like vibe with colorful Pakistani decor. Authentic doodh pati chai shines, pairing perfectly with rich dishes like biryani. Cozy sit-down and efficient takeout balance comfort and convenience.

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.

08
Alice Street Bakery Café image 1

Bakery offers a cozy, Alice in Wonderland-themed setting perfect for casual chats. Savory buns and cakes blend traditional Cantonese and western baking styles. Strong Hong Kong milk tea and balanced boba tea complement the menu well.

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."

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

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

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.

09
Quickly image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion spot shines with quick service and affordable prices. Enjoy refreshing milk teas like lychee with boba and jasmine green tea. The vibe is down-to-earth in a historic Chinatown, perfect for cold noodles and snacks.

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.

10
Sweetheart Café & Tea image 1
Bubble tea store

Mom and pop bubble tea shop shines with rich milk teas like brown sugar and black milk tea with soft pearls. Spicy popcorn chicken offers generous portions and bold flavor. Discounts for Pokemon Go players add a unique pricing touch in a clean, cluttered space with 90s candies.

Milk teas stand out with brown sugar and black milk tea with boba offering rich, soft pearls without ice. Barley tea creama suits hot weather, while Hong Kong style milk tea balances sweetness well.

People are saying

"The brown sugar milk tea here is the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Popcorn chicken is priced at $7.55 for half size and $10.25 for full size.

2

Pokémon Go players receive discounts ranging from 5% to 20% based on their level.

3

Regular-sized rose, oolong, and barley tea creama are on sale for $3.45.

11
The Corner Nail Bar image 1

Small, intimate nail salon offers massage chairs and a wide color selection for gel manicures that last long. Freshly brewed tea with a protective lid adds to the clean, comfy vibe. Appointments are needed due to limited availability.

Freshly brewed tea comes with a protective lid. Warm tea is part of the amenities alongside water and specials. The salon keeps things clean and offers tea sometimes.

People are saying

"The staff here are so friendly and sweet when doing your nails."

"My gel nails lasted three weeks and were still durable."

"I loved every moment of my visits here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for all services; call ahead to book an appointment.

2

Expect a separate charge for special nail designs; confirm with the technician first.

3

Payment is quick and easy, with credit cards accepted.

12
i-Tea Oakland image 1
Bubble tea store

Small bubble tea shop serves strong tea flavor in milk teas like panda and jasmine with soft boba. Fruit teas taste artificial and powdery. Seating is limited and not very comfortable, but good accessibility helps despite tight parking.

Milk teas like panda and jasmine come with boba and have a strong tea flavor. Fruit teas, including peach, taste artificial and seem made from powder rather than real fruit.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the boba tea here; it was great."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Expect a long line during peak hours, but it moves quickly.

3

The venue is accessible for people with disabilities.

13
Saint Anna Coffee Shop image 1
Cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style cafe)

Cha chaan teng serves Hong Kong-style dishes at fair prices in a lively setting loved by locals. Lemon tea shines with its bright zest and rich flavor, while milk tea offers a lighter taste. Cash or Venmo only keeps payment simple.

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.

14
Shooting Star Cafe image 1

Hong Kong style cafe buzzes with bright energy and star lights overhead. Offers an extensive boba selection with creamy taro and strong Hong Kong Milk Tea. Small, cozy space hums with kitchen sounds, creating a vibrant atmosphere blending multicultural vibes.

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."

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

"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.

15
Ming's Tasty image 1
Chinese restaurant

Dim sum spot offers authentic dishes in a friendly atmosphere with a spacious interior. Freshly steamed buns pair well with hot jasmine tea, served with prompt refills. Busy at lunch, it stays genuine and lively throughout.

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."

"You have to try the wonton soup; it's a must-order."

"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.

16
ID Cafe image 1
Indian restaurant

Basement cafe offers a casual vibe with open kitchen and simple interiors. Crispy dosas shine as the authentic South Indian meal. Rich, flavorful chai pairs perfectly, making it a satisfying combo for quick bites.

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."

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

"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.

17
Kinfolx image 1

Gorgeous space with afro centric artwork and comfy seating creates a lively, welcoming vibe. Rich chai and matcha lattes shine among versatile tea options. Frequent live DJs add laid-back energy, making it a warm spot for work and culture.

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."

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

"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.

18
Shan Dong image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space buzzes with hand-pulled noodles and tight seating. Hot tea comes fast, a complimentary touch that soothes the busy vibe. Strong vegetarian options and authentic flavors make it a cozy, packed spot.

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."

"The hand-pulled noodles in the Chow Mein are amazing."

"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.

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Downtown Oakland, Oakland

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