If you're in Oakland, you absolutely must visit Café Noir at Prescott Market--it's a culinary gem that deserves all the accolades! Recently, I had the pleasure of indulging in two standout dishes: the mushroom fettuccini with a shrimp protein add-on and the braised oxtail. Both were seasoned to perfection, showcasing the chef's mastery of flavor. The mushroom sauce enveloping the fettuccini was warm and savory, creating a comforting experience that left me craving more. The shrimp added a delightful touch, enhancing the dish beautifully. The braised oxtail was another triumph. Served atop velvety, whipped mashed potatoes, each bite melted in my mouth. The richness of the oxtail paired flawlessly with the creamy base, making it a dish that truly stands out. Having traveled extensively through the South and around the World, I can confidently say these dishes rank among the best I've ever had. To cap off this incredible meal, we indulged in the lemon ricotta doughnuts. I can only pray for my waistline because these heavenly bites are simply irresistible--so good I could see myself door dashing them daily! Prescott Market itself is a charming venue that beautifully blends indoor and outdoor family gatherings. With Café Noir as its anchor restaurant, it's a place you'll want to revisit again and again. Don't miss out on this fantastic dining experience.Service was excellent!! read more

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I had a lovely lunch at Cafe Noir! I ordered the lunch special which was a quesadilla with what I believe was a shredded red meat. I also ordered a drink which was the Sorrel Sorrel was life changing. I ordered it cold: it's a hibiscus drink that has notes of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Wow... the best drink I've had in years. It tastes like a warm hug from the spices, yet refreshing from the hibiscus! The Quesadilla was delicious! Just what i needed, flavorful & juicy! I appreciated the perfect cheese: meat: & vegetable ratio. My only feedback would be to slight break a part the meat more for slightly more even distribution. read more

Found this cute little place inside Prescott Market during my walk. Their menu looks and sounds delicious but I opted for a sweet treat. Lemon Ricotta donuts. It came with chocolate and caramel dipping sauces. I got the small (4pc) and I wish I got the large. The light crispy outside with a warm and moist lemony center. Omg to die for! I will definitely be back and trying more on their menu. Sorry I don't have a picture to share. Once I started eating them I couldn't stop. Also the service was amazing. Fast and efficient and they were SOOO Sweet! read more

Had the braised beef over mashed potatoes- bomb dot com!! So flavorful. Tasty gravy, al dente veggies. Delicious comfort food. The vibe in Prescott Market is also definitely worth stopping in for! read more

Cafe Noir - Braised Beef over Mash - Comfort Food Near Me - Oakland, California

I loved the rice. There was also live music being played. Great spot and I would go back there again.

Cafe Noir is conveniently located in the Prescott Market. They offer Nigerian and Panamanian fusion for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner. I held off on writing this review until I was able to try at least two of their menus. Today, I finally stopped by to say their Brunch menu and had previously had something off their Dinner menu for takeout. Let me start off by saying that the staff at Cafe Noir are the most hospitable and welcoming staff in the Prescott Market! *that is not to say that the other businesses are not welcoming* This morning, I ordered a Sausage Biscuit Sandwich that came with country potatoes for $18. It took about ~20 minutes and my food was ready. Their food is served takeout style, but always beautifully plated with a home style cooking visual. The sandwich was resting on a bed of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside country potatoes served with a side of ketchup. When I took my first bite of the sandwich, I was pleasantly surprised with how light the biscuit was and how much housemade sausage patty & egg was jammed in there. The eggs were nice and tender and the sausage patty was well seasoned. I would've loved to top it off with some Tabasco but I was too busy chowing down. A few weeks ago, after Care Noir hosted an event in collaboration with Yelp, I ordered a Jerk Salmon bowl to go. The presentation was gorgeous. I cannot emphasize enough how much love they put into each dish that you can see and taste. I did not eat it that night, but instead I took it to work for lunch the next day and microwaved it for 2-3 minutes. I was worried that it would dry out the salmon, but to my surprise it was still tender and juicy. I appreciate that they did not overpower the flavor of the salmon itself with seasonings, instead they used the natural flavor and married it well with their jerk mix. It also was blackened perfectly. The plantains and mango salsa brought just the right amount of brightness and sweetness to the dish. I enjoyed building a bite with the coconut rice, salmon, and mango salsa into one. I am truly looking forward to returning to try something from their lunch menu. read more

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This place is very very expensive I don't know how but that's cool nice little hidden location you know I have variety of food to choose from indoors they have plenty of sitt feeding outside do you want me to make contact person is pretty cheerful read more

Cafe Noir - Front desk - Comfort Food Near Me - Oakland, California

The phrase hidden gem was invented for places like Cafe Noir. If you do not believe me, go try it. Maybe the vibe is partly an act, but the staff genuinely come across as people who love food and care about what they make. The menu feels thoughtful instead of trendy, and everything I have tried tastes excellent. For Oakland, the prices are reasonable. Last year this cafe was on my way home from work and I stopped in whenever I wanted to treat myself to something a little nicer than my usual takeout. I always left happy and well fed. It is easy to appreciate a restaurant that focuses on good ingredients. Cafe Noir does that consistently. I am glad it has become part of the neighborhood and I plan to keep going back. read more

I attended my first Yelp Elite event here. The staff were super friendly, and you could tell they were very passionate about their work and the food they served. The jollof rice was very flavorful and had a nice kick to it! Along with the shrimp skewer! Although this was an event, I definitely want to come back and try more of their food options, especially their jerk salmon! The vibe is very chill and seems to be surrounded by other great restaurants along with great events that happen there, including farmers' markets, bingo, and other events. Such a great find in Oakland definitely check this place out. read more

Cafe Noir - Shrimp skewer and jollof rice - Comfort Food Near Me - Oakland, California

You know that feeling... You're wandering around the food hall, circling, pacing, your thoughts are divided. Which one should I choose? What is the best menu item? Should I hedge my bets and order from more than one stall? Finally, you make your selection, but thats of no consolation- you've are now certain that you've just made the biggest mistake of your life. All of these things were swirling through my mind today when I ordered the Prescott Bowl with Blackened Shrimp from Cafe Noir. Let me tell you the feeling of relief and pride swelling in my chest as the bowl hit the table. I did it. I ordered the best thing at the food hall. The bowl is a full, balanced meal. Comforting, but nuanced in that my taste buds did not become complacent- each bite tickled my pallete in a new way. The composition: hot black beans and farro as the base. Both well seasoned and complimentary texturally- loved the toothsome bite of the farro paired with the creaminess of the black bean. Above you have arugula, blistered cherry tomato, pepper relish (it's a fresh crunchy kind) permeated with a delicate tangy remoulade. The blackened shrimp and crema top it off. The shirmp were prefectly blackened with a nice snap. It was also hearty enough for my husband and I to share, a welcome surprise. The staff were friendly, checked in on us and the whole vibe was on point. Be your own hero and visit Cafe Noir soon! read more

Absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. The food was perfectly seasoned, fresh, and full of flavor. Every dish was prepared with clear attention to quality and detail. The staff was personable, welcoming, and very attentive, which made the entire visit even better. Service was timely and thoughtful without feeling rushed. I will definitely recommend this place to others and will be returning soon. read more

Cafe Noir - Andouille Shrimp and Grits - Comfort Food Near Me - Oakland, California

Stopped in to Prescott Market today for lunch and a beer after a pleasant stroll through West Oakland Farmer's Market. I was hungry and excited to peruse the several restaurant choices before deciding on what to eat. I'd scoped out Cafe Noir's dinner menu while at Prescott Market a couple months ago and was intrigued, so went straight to their menu- they were serving brunch. I love that they have several choices for potato lovers, and I chose the potato hash. Breakfast burrito- you're next! OMG these people know how to cook! The potatoes and everything else in the dish were perfectly prepared. Potatoes were crisp on the outside, soft but not mealy on the inside. They seem to pay attention to how each ingredient adds to the experience, e.g. the peppers and onions were cooked to just the right amount of crisp to keep the flavor and add the fresh consistency. The eggs were also perfectly cooked. The portions of each ingredient were ideal IMO. I typically love me some salsa with my eggs and potatoes, and though they serve this dish with a side of ketchup, they were kind enough to offer a habanero sauce or mango salsa when we asked if there was a hot sauce option. The mango salsa was delicious and refreshing while eating outdoors on an unseasonably warm day. Not surprisingly the habanero sauce was super spicy. The mango salsa was not. Both were great obviously depending on your goals. Now that I've been enlightened on Cafe Noir's culinary skills, both from my one experience and those of so many who've also left 5 star reviews, I can't wait to come back and try many more items from each of their menus! read more

Wow! This is my first time trying The jerk salmon! It is a 10/10 absolutely delicious!

The team at Cafe Noir are the hardest working people in the Prescott Market. Steven is always in bright and early doing food prep and Marisa remembers all the usual suspects who hang out at the Prescott Market. She is made for front of the house and the flavors coming out of the kitchen keep you coming back. The focaccia sandwich with grilled veggies is fabulous. It's the only spot in the market a vegan gal can get breakfast with a delightful tofu scramble. While they don't have an official vegan dinner item, they whipped up some rice, plantains and veggies that blew me away. Even the rice, which was whiter than me, had serious depth of flavor. I saved a plantain to eat last so the flavor would linger. Everything is terrific and I will always be back and bring friends. They seem to love the jerk salmon. read more

From first walking up to the register I had a great experience. Great customer service! Just friendly in general but also accommodated a menu item alteration. Had the sausage biscuit breakfast sandwich. So good! Everything made in house, bountiful, great biscuit and bacon jam!! Thank YOU Cafe Noir read more

Cafe Noir - inside the box is the Sausage Biscuit Sandwich - Comfort Food Near Me - Oakland, California

Have been wanting to get down to the food hall and specifically Cafe Noir for quite sometime. Was able to order pretty quickly and take a seat at the counter. There is also plenty of indoor/outdoor seating in the food hall itself. I came down on a Sunday which is also the same day that the Farmers Market happens. Staff was super friendly and attentive to details. I ordered a ginger beer drink (lemonade/ginger combo) and one of the workers there noticed that during the preparation that an important ingredient was missing. She requested that the preparer make it right. I appreciate that a bunch ! For my main meal, I ordered the fried chicken sandwich which is topped with coleslaw, pickeled jalapeños and chipotle aioli. This sandwich comes with fries also. The chicken was super juicy and tender and the sweetness and spices were kickin where they need too. Super yummy sandwich ! The brunch menu runs from 9-4pm and the lunch starts at 12 noon. Wow what a great new spot to get my grub on !!! read more

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Food is pretty good! It's a little over priced but hey that comes with gentrification am I right? And the ambience is very chill! However. The owner or maybe the manager. She's a rude ladie. Today I called in and she didn't hung up and I heard her say "god stop calling". So lol I did! Won't ever be eating there again. Unfortunately read more

I have mixed feelings about this place. The food is generally good and innovative. The biggest issue is the incredibly slow service. The cook staff openly stands in the kitchen talking to each other. This happens to the point that they fall get into the weeds completely behind on orders. It took them almost a half hour to put out our two orders. This was with only one other order ahead of us. Way too long for a fast casual to go restaurant. Primarily because the cook was just talking and joking around the entire time. If you come for the food just be prepared to wait a long time. read more

I'm telling you... the food is consistent every time. Every bite, every meal every time fantastic. Y'all better make your way. read more

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When I go to the farmers market outside on Sunday's we come here. I have tried the oxtails, shrimp and grits as well as the Prescott bowl. I liked the garlic broccoli so much I got a side. The owner is always super kind and engages with my baby. When I went my last visit the chef's where both dancing and super happy! It made me feel good watching them. It is black owned which is needed in West Oakland/The world. I told my son she was the owner and he smiled. Definitely check them out you might see me I will be going weekly its that good! read more

The Potato Hash that I had was very delicious. This was my first time at Cafe Noir and the the staff was really friendly and welcoming. I'll definitely try other things from their menu read more

First time here. Oh my goodness!!! The French Toast was amazing! Also tried the Shrimp and Grits. A definite must have. Potato Hash was delicious as well. To wash it down you have to try the green juice. The owner is absolutely a blast. She made my visit even more special. I definitely recommend you stop by and check them out. read more

The Prescott bowl was delicious and filling! Excellent customer service and the market are as bustling and casual. read more

Cafe Noir - Outdoors - Comfort Food Near Me - Oakland, California

Found this place thru TikTok and I fear the algorithm knows me too well because this place was delicious! You can order at the counter or from your table. I recommend at the counter so you get some five star conversation and customer service. I ordered from my phone but went up to get a cup or ice and was greeted by no less than three people. One of the team members even brought our food to the table (they send a text when food is ready or call out your name), and then came to check towards the end of our meal how everything was, and that's the final touch that ensured I'd be back again and again! I don't have any pictures because we dug in but we got the Banana Bread French toast (10/10, eat right away while The toast is crisp and the syrup is warm, and the candied walnuts = perfection, maybe don't share like we did because we were fighting over the whipped cream lol). We also got the BBQ Chicken Taco Salad (amazing, fresh, HUGE), the Cran Apple Salad with Chicken (filling, fresh, citrusy and again with my favourite candies walnuts) & the Prescott Bowl w/ Blackened Shrimp (well-seasoned, filling, and an explosion of flavour). The vibes were immaculate, couldn't ask for better ambiance, food or service. Walk don't run, you want to experience all Cafe Noir has to offer! read more