KAOKAO Grill

4.7 (193 reviews)

ModerateBarbeque, Asian Fusion

Open • 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Updated 2 months ago

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KAOKAO Grill - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

KAOKAO Grill - Upstairs dining area - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

KAOKAO Grill - Takeout KaoKao Chicken ($17.43) - served with rice and chickpea curry - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

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KAOKAO Grill - Takeout KaoKao Chicken ($17.43) and Kaokao Char Siu ($18.54) - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

KAOKAO Grill Popular Dishes

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KAOKAO GRILL ATMOSPHERE

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Casual

Moderate noise

Dogs allowed

Outdoor seating

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Emily X.

I recently went to KAOKAO Grill with my boyfriend and I was really excited by their bbq meats. Before you even walk in, you can smell the dreamy aroma of the bbq. This place is located in the Elmwood area and has lots of indoor seating. You place your order at the counter and the server will bring you your food. Water, napkins, and utensils are self serve. We were really hungry so we got the Stir Fry String Beans and eggplant salad as an appetizer. The eggplant salad has a great savory/smokey flavor and the eggplants were tender. We also enjoyed the string beans which had a mild garlicky flavor. My boyfriend got the char siu bowl set and it was a good portion for the price. The meat was super juicy and had a nice bbq glaze on the outside. I got the bbq brisket noodles but instead of brisket I got chicken because they didn't have anymore brisket that day. The skin on the chicken was crispy and cooked to perfection. The noodles were perfectly cooked and they're handmade daily! Overall, this place is great for a casual bite to eat with friends or small groups. The meat is standout and the service is friendly.

Perfect location everything everything. Walk in and smell that awesome almond smoke. Better than traditional ie. American bar- b- cue. Food is to die for. Thank me later.

Grace Y.

This spot has been in my bookmarks forever after I saw it got featured in the Sf Chronicle. I love BBQ, so I was sold when I saw they put creative twists on Asian classics. Our favorite was the char siu set - this was so smokey and had the perfect level of char/sweet glaze. The brisket noodles were also delicious; the brisket melts in your mouth. I thought portion sizes were pretty fair given how heavy / rich the meats were. New fave spot in Berkeley!

Johnny W.

Summary: Flavorful, too salty meats Details: I'd been meaning to try KAOKAO for a while now, but the lines were always a major deterrence. Fast forward a few months and the initial hype seemed to have died down, to the point where we ate in a mostly empty shop when we went. Having tried both their chicken and char siu, I'll say that they're amazingly flavorful, with lots of depth and in-your-face flavor, but as one might expect from me by now, I found them a bit too salty. That said, the char siu in particular paired quite well with the noodles, slightly balancing out the salt levels as well. While probably not a spot I'd go back to myself, I would imagine that most folks wouldn't find their seasoning too heavy-handed, so it's certainly worth trying yourself! Accessibility: The downstairs area is on the smaller and more narrow side, with a handful of accessible tables. More seating upstairs, but not accessible.

Laura C.

I wanted to like KAOKAO more! Coming on New Year's Day, they had some supply chain and logistical challenges. We ordered and paid at the counter and later found out that two of our dishes were not available. Luckily we were able to get refunds and order alternative dishes instead. I wish the ventilation was a bit better as it does get quite smoky instead. The char siu set is super tender and worth ordering.

Michele L.

Wow, Kaokao has blown us away with their delicious food. We were looking around for lunch and came across Kaokao on Yelp and it looked amazing, so we decided to give it a try. My brother-in-law actually had this place bookmarked for a while so it was right up his alley too. We came for a pretty late lunch, probably around 2PM-ish so there weren't that many people in the restaurant. How it works is, you place your order at the counter first and you're free to sit wherever you want. They have both bottom and top floor seats available. Between the four of us (+ a toddler), we ordered BBQ Brisket Noodle x 2, KaoKao Char Siu Set x 2, Stir Fried String Beans, Eggplant Salad, and Cold Cucumber Salad to share. - Stir Fried String Beans: So much wok hey. Smokey and delicious! Not overcooked and still slightly crunchy. - Cold Cucumber Salad: This was a little too spicy for my palate, but it was refreshing. They even peeled off the outer layer which was surprising to me because I never see it served like this. - BBQ Brisket Noodle: I believe they said their noodles were made in-house. They're chewy just a tad thick, and they don't get soggy. It was great. The briskets were thick, tender, and had a good mix of meat and fat. Definitely recommend! - KaoKao Char Siu Set: This was amazing as well! Especially the end bits that are slightly charred. Wow, it reminded me of the Bo Ssam from Momofuku. Just as good. Whatever they rub as the seasoning / sauce, it was amazing. Definitely recommend this one too! The sauce from the char siu gets mixed into the rice, so it makes the rice extra tasty. - Eggplant Salad: Of all the veggie dishes, I would choose this one - not because the rest isn't delicious, but I think this one is a little more unique. The sauce that comes with these eggplants was a little nutty, a little spicy, a little creamy. But the eggplants were super soft. Service was friendly and amazing too. We will definitely come back in the future when we're around Berkeley!

Eddie A.

I've been here three times already! I went twice with my wife, and we both loved the char siu set and the BBQ brisket noodle soup. The soup was super flavorful! The char siu set is seriously some of the best pork you can find in the Bay Area, especially if you're looking for a laid-back vibe. The only thing is that it can take a bit of time for your food to arrive, but it's totally worth it!

Kaokao Char Siu The best I've ever had outside of HGg! Trust!

David N.

I looked forward to the BBQ brisket noodle soup. It's 1:30pm on a Friday. No soup available, well no broth. Not really sure what to think.

Samantha C.

Came here because my friend wanted to check out the char siu. We were going to try both the chicken and char siu, but by the time we got there (~2PM Sunday), they were sold out of the chicken. This was my first time having char siu using pork belly, so I anticipated it to be succulent and falling apart considering it is cooked low and slow like an American style bbq. While I got the smoke, the pork belly was overcooked and I thought the bark was too hard given the size of the pieces served. I also wish the pickles were more acidic and that they served more glaze because that was the star of the show. Overall, good flavors but let down by the texture especially at $20+ per plate.

Kevin H.

Small portions, slow service, somewhat bland food. Fairly standard price for college but still felt a bit much. Honestly, it was mostly the portions that brings it down for me. There could have been a bit more pasta in my dish or rice in others. I should not be paying more than 20 and leaving still hungry. I do enjoy the small room and atmosphere.

Kristin N.

Finally stopped in and had the most amazing dinner. Value here is A+++! We started with the marinated cucumbers, spicy and refreshing. I could have eaten 3 plates. The eggplant, such a luxurious texture and mouth feel. I could have eaten 3 plates again! The sauces on both shared plates were fantastic. The star of the show was the char sui, and WOW some of the most amazing rich, sticky, sweet flavors. The pickles with it -perfect. How is there not a line out the door?! Server was super nice and attentive. This is an order at the counter place. Very excited for the next time they offer Peking duck. I will ABSOLUTELY be ordering

James B.

The char siu was textually wonderful -- sticky, a little hard and crunchy from char, and fatty. Flavor good as well, though I wish they'd index less into 5 spice and more into sichuan peppercorn. Comes with some salty cucumber pickles that weren't too vinegary so complemented well. The yogurt marinated chicken was textually good as well, really tender, but flavor profile was not as interesting to me. Chili oil + peanut sauce noodle was an interesting combo. I'll come back here and probably just get the char siu. To me, it was that good and earned them 5 stars by itself.

anne p.

They make their noodles fresh every day. They are amazing to try soup pork was delicious. The crust was great highly recommend.

Char Siu smoked over apple and cherry wood.

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Ngan B.

169

2 years ago

The food here is really good! They only have 2 entree items on the menu, 1 is chicken and the other one is char siu. The pork belly was very tender, and the chicken was cooked well, smoked to perfection. My only feedback is that the pork could be too sweet at times. Overall I like this place and am happy to support a local business! read more

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Joseph G.

1 year ago

Everything was delicious. The noodles, the eggplant and cucumber salads, the pork belly. Everything. They even made a special off menu lemonade for my toddler. Only downside is that the seating area upstairs has some peeling paint and water stains. It could really use a touch up. But, you came here for the food, not the ambiance. And that food was excellent. read more

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E F.

4 years ago

We were lucky to have walked into this 4-day old new restaurant with superb BBQ chashao smoked onsite. I have cooked Sichuan sauce at home but his version is definitely much tastier and freshly made! I love both the cucumber and the eggplant salads. Definitely worth your time to give it a try. Good luck to chef Tony! read more

KAOKAO Grill - Restaurant posters - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Michael V.

Elite 25

2 years ago

If you love char siu you have to visit this spot in the Elmwood neighborhood of Berkeley. So rich and delicious! The pickled cucumbers help give the dish balance and serve as both an acid and palate cleanser to enjoy such a hearty meal. Staff are friendly and accommodating. The space is homey and perfect for a quiet weeknight meal! read more

KAOKAO Grill - Kaokao Char Siu and Kaokao Chicken - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Kevin R.

522

3 years ago

I've been meaning to try this place for awhile and glad it finally happened! I came in on a Sunday afternoon and it wasn't too busy at all, though parking can be tricky in this area. The setting is fairly casual with a simple system, you order first and take a number to a table. By the register, there's an area to pick up your utensils, napkins, and water. There's a decent amount of seating available with there also being a small section upstairs. Eggplant Salad: Solid appetizer option, pretty flavorful with a hint of spice thanks to the chili oil sauce. It is served cold, but I find that it pairs well with the char-siu. Char-siu Rice Bowl: I expected it to be a bit crispier but it was super tender and kind of just melted in your mouth as well. I'm personally not the biggest fan of the bbq sauce, but besides that, I enjoyed it a lot! The cucumbers on the side are a nice touch and I think it was a solid serving of char-siu and the perfect portion size for a nice simple lunch meal. Overall, the staff were really friendly, attentive, and helpful as well. I'd definitely recommend giving this place a try! read more

KAOKAO Grill - Eggplant Salad - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

KAOKAO Grill - Kaokao Char Siu - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Michael Z.

532

4 years ago

I happened to find this place while browsing Yelp since I wanted to eat near Elmwood and was feeling a new place. It did not disappoint! FOOD - 5 stars - We tried the chicken plates and the cucumber side. The cucumbers were so crisp and the chili oil so tasty. I could've eaten a bucket of it. Super refreshing between bites of everything else. And when the chicken plate arrived, I was shocked. I'd never seen something so nicely plated for $12. Not only was it plated beautifully, it tasted great. A little smoky, very tender chicken, flavorful curry, fluffy rice. Everything was amazing. AMBIANCE - 4 stars - Nothing too impressive, but nothing to complain about given how affordable this place is. The servers were very polite and service was fast. A solid amount of seating too! OVERALL - 5 stars, simply amazing value read more

KAOKAO Grill - Chicken plate - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

KAOKAO Grill - Cucumbers - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Ryan Y.

561

3 years ago

The first thing I noticed about this restaurant is how amazing it smells~ It's like you're standing in a wood fired backyard smoke out surrounded by friends, family, and sunlight. The cuts of meat are very tender and the presentation of the dishes are superb. Value is strong too! Expect to spend $15-$30 per person here read more

KAOKAO Grill - char siu - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Dustin B.

163

140

3 years ago

Simply superb. Great hole-in-the-wall spot on the North side of College. The chicken and char siu were grilled to perfection - the meat was juicy and perfectly smoky. If you're in the area, definitely stop in. read more

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Alexandra S.

2 years ago

Was looking around the Bay for the best bbq and didn't know I'd find it at a small and lowkey place like this! The char siu pork is out of this world and the eggplant side dish is addiction-worthy. (But you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.) The staff are super kind and took time to chat with us after we ate. I'll be back as often as possible! read more

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Ruth L.

Elite 26

2 years ago

One of the things I look forward to most during the special holidays is ordering a whole smoked duck from KAOKAO. I've gotten it twice already and it is absolutely delicious - great smoky flavor and not too salty. Keep an eye out on KAOKAO's Instagram Page for when you can make pre-orders next - you won't want to miss this! read more

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Elliot K.

1 year ago

Mediocre at best char siu, flavor is passable but the texture and quality of meat is subpar for the price.

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Paul S.

2 years ago

Amazing food, especially the charsiu pork! Super friendly and attentive service. Ambiance is pretty basic but it's all about the food! We'll be back!! read more

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Ella A.

1 year ago

While the food was flavorful, delicious, and tender (and the service was wonderful) the chicken was unfortunately undercooked, and my partner and I suffered a horrible and violent bout of food poisoning the next day. This was the only meal we both had together that day, so we can say with confidence it was KAOKAO. Our stomachs were churning for hours, we were in the bathroom the whole day essentially, and we had to take medication to alleviate the symptoms. The flavors were great! The medical pain afterwards, definitely not. read more

Business owner information

Anthony H.

Hi, we’re sorry to hear that happened!…

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Shari S.

2 years ago

Love their food! Always delicious and everything on the menu is good. Appreciate the ease of ordering on line snd pick up.

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Winston S.

2 years ago

I rarely come to write these reviews but this business 100% deserves a five star review. Pork is amazing and tastes a lot better than its very affordable price. Chicken is also 10/10. Service is always amazing. A true gem! It's the place I always take out of town visitors and considering how many amazing options we have for food in the east bay that means something! read more

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Toni M.

Elite 25

2918

456

3 years ago

Inspired by Lisa K's review, I bookmarked Kao Kao Grill and Nina and I met here for lunch today. She was already seated when I walked in. We discussed what to order. I was interested in the char siu bowl and the chicken bowl Lisa had mentioned, but when we went to order the lovely young woman told us that chicken would not be ready until 2:00, so it may not be part of the lunch offerings. We also ordered an eggplant salad, based on Lisa's mention of it. Nina was concerned about the sodium content and they very kindly brought us a sample so she could taste it. It didn't seem too salty, so we ordered it as is. There are no hot drinks, only cold ones, so Nina had water to drink and I had nothing. This space used to house the Trattoria. There is seating on the ground floor and upstairs. We opted for downstairs seating so as not to have to climb the stairs, but it was pretty cold and a hot cup of tea would have helped. The eggplant salad was served first and soon the char siu bowls, which were warm and fabulous. There was a tasty sauce on the side, which the young woman suggested putting on the rice. We did that and the dish was so, so good, the char siu crispy on the ends and so flavorful. Along w/ the char siu and rice were thinly sliced cucumbers. It made for a wonderful lunch. Neither of us was as excited about the eggplant salad, which was good but not as transcendent as the char siu. We might order one of the other salads to try in the future. There is one gender neutral bathroom downstairs, past the kitchen. The door is unmarked, the bathroom itself is spare but immaculate. The wall on the hallway leading to the bathroom is filled w/ graffiti-like written greetings and well wishes from customers, which I thought was a wonderful touch. read more

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Sophia C.

227

3 years ago

Owners were kind and said DoorDash messed up the timing of my pickup order so the food was cold, but I had one bite of the sandwich in the car and couldn't stop eating until I finished it (planned on just tasting until I got home). Even though I was stuffed, I took a taste/bite of the char siu meat platter, and it was amazing too. They offered to heat it up or make me a new one, but no need!!! No photo bc ate it all up too quickly. read more

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Dre S.

2 years ago

Outstanding dinner. Get the char siu. I'm a local and regular The cucumber is a winner too read more

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Zoe R.

254

2 years ago

Went back today for the first time in quite a while and sad to say the quality definitely isn't what it was. We got the char siu dish and the meat was quite dry burnt and chew with lots of fatty pieces. Hoping it was just an off day but I'm disappointed since this was one of my favorite new spots in Oakland! That said, the smoky flavor was still there, it just reminds me more of pulled pork less char siu. We also got cucumber salad and chickpea curry which had good flavor! Overall decent but nowhere near as good as it was. read more

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B.D. O.

119

3 years ago

Kung Hei Fa Choi! Delicious special-order duck smoked over apple and cherry woods. Crispy on the outside, pure luscious indulgence inside. Pairs well with Veuve Clicquot If you like bbq, you gotta try this place, pronto! Exceptional veggie options (particularly the melt-in-your mouth eggplant...and I'm fussy about eggplant). read more

KAOKAO Grill - special order smoked duck - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Nicole D.

2 years ago

The Char Siu was really delicious and exactly what I expected. Tender, clean, sticky skin with bbq, good fat. If it smelled, had too much fat or was tough, I wouldn't score it well. This meal was just right and would be back if craving a good meat with rice meal. A little expensive but if you pay cash there is a discount. Really tasty and pleased. Thank you! read more

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Mary L.

Elite 26

241

347

4 years ago

I was picking up food from Humbowl when I walked by this place. The name and little menu attracted me to take a look. Simple menu - only a few items, but that made it all more easy to pick something. I was really looking for a small snack, but something told me to choose the chicken dish. I'm so glad I did because it was really good smoked chicken. Not only did it come with a generous amount of chicken - 2 drumsticks and 2 thighs. This dish was only 12 bucks too! I wasn't expecting the amount of chicken, but what struck me the most was the flavor! It was extremely flavorful - I can't even describe the spices because it was a bit of everything plus some spicy elements. It was in a roasty dark chickpea sauce that complemented the smoked chicken so well. Every bite was divine. I said yum with each bite that probably irritated my hubs while he ate his Humbowl (which I also love dearly). Anyway, I'd love to go back to try more of their dishes. I bet the prices will go up soon as they gain more customers, so hurry! read more

KAOKAO Grill - Chicken plate takeout - best smoked chicken in town! - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

KAOKAO Grill - Inside - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Mega M.

132

3 years ago

Mmm the chicken was cooked perfectly! I also highly recommend the eggplant dish. Everything was delicious and fresh. I can't wait to go back to eat in and try their other dishes. I'm definitely going through all the items on their menu. Solid 10/10! read more

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Steve F.

3 years ago

(i never write reviews but this place inspired me!) First, they were so accommodating to my food allergy: I had called in to see if they had anything gluten free (I have celiac's). The chicken was gluten free, but the chef told me if I had called ahead or do next time, I could get the marinade to the pork subbed for a gluten free version because they make it to order from scratch. The chef brought our dishes and remembered my call and told me he'd be more than willing to accommodate in the future. Second, the food was incredible at reasonable prices: I ordered the chicken with chickpea curry and my wife ordered the pork. The plates were plated so beautifully, the chicken spiced perfectly with crispy skin but still very juicy. My wife said the pork was incredible. It looked amazing with perfect carmelized ends and tender inside. I was not expecting this at all because the inside decor was similar to what you'd find in a normal takeout spot. But this place really is a hidden gem. I will be going back as soon as I can. It was like a 5 star experience for takeout prices. I would highly recommend it. Especially if you are not vegetarian! read more

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Lexie S.

175

3 years ago

Wow wow KAOKAO! Seriously, some of the most mouth-watering smoked meat I've ever had. My husband and I went here the day after our wedding, exhausted and looking forward to some alone time and good eats. We stumbled upon this gem and are so glad we did. The pork is delectable, the accompanying vegetables a perfect balance to the rich flavors. We can't wait to try the chicken and the breakfast sandwich! Don't sleep on the cucumber salad, it's a perfect companion to the meal. Susan, Randy, and Tony were such a kind, welcoming team. They clearly want to create a homey place where you can enjoy exceptional food and good company--and they're succeeding with flying colors. Seriously, GET TO KAOKAO. read more

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Rashid I.

3 years ago

Amazing Asian smoked bbq chicken . Very flavorful tangy, spicy sauce and juicy tender chicken meat. The absolute best BBQ chicken . And for $ 6 I had extra chicken pieces. Great lunch . Cucumber and Eggplant are great healthy side dishes. read more

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Aaron W.

Elite 24

390

118

3 years ago

KAOKAO Grill is the latest addition to Elmwood. I was excited to try this place since it's so close to Berkeley and seemed promising and cheap, per an Instagram reel I saw. I ordered the char siu pork bowl (almost $18 -- much pricier than I thought). It's served over rice, with a side of pickled cucumbers and a very enjoyable gravy. The pork was tender and caramelized, but a bit fatty, and it didn't have the sweetness nor redness of char siu I'd grown up eating. Though I enjoyed the bowl, I was left still hungry. For the price, I don't think it's worth it, but I'm glad I tried this place out anyway. read more

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Cindy F.

120

2 years ago

I went here with my kids and we thought that it would be normal but when we got there the food was amazing and we LOVED IT and there is only 2 main dishes because of that they are SO GOOD and we recommend the eggplant, chicken, and the pork. In all we loved it and the people were super good and nice read more

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Rosanne C.

3 years ago

Elevated Korean BBQ in an informal restaurant. Delicious and generous amount of food. read more

KAOKAO Grill - Kaokao Chicken - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Sia M.

2 years ago

Holy crap. This place is absolutely a 10 out of 10. PROPER BBQ! Reasonable prices. Honestly I'm shocked it didn't have a line out the door. I'm sure it will soon. We just stumbled upon it by chance and we will definitely be back! read more

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C C.

170

108

4 years ago

Hardcore flavors for a soft opening! My brother got the char siu and said it was great. He got two of the sandwiches to go for the next day! I don't have much else to say about the pork because I don't eat meat. My partner and kids had the cucumber, eggplant, and curry. The curry was a touch too spicy for one kid, but the other kid gobbled it up and asked for more. This is the first curry either has happily eaten (FINALLY), so we're pleased about this progress, though I am a little disappointed I had to share with him because I fully expected him to turn it down. The cucumber was solid and the eggplant... wow. The sauce for the eggplant was garlicky and delicious and full of umami, and I was trying to use the eggplant to sop up the sauce. I would have licked the plate clean if no one was looking. We were told that vegetarians have a lot to look forward to, including house-made tofu and soy milk! What a dream! I have been obsessively checking their social media for updates on this. The service was prompt and attentive, but not overly so. My favorite restaurants are the ones where customers are in charge of getting their own utensils, water, and napkins (I have weird feelings about being served and I don't know why) and this is one of them. They let us write on the wall afterwards, which the kids loved. I usually hate, hate, HATE Asian fusion. Like, why would you do a bunch of things poorly instead of doing one thing really well? After decades of feeling absolute conviction in my antipathy for fusion, KaoKao has finally proved me wrong. Looking forward to great things from this new venture! read more

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Joelene C.

4 years ago

We tried the two entrees the chicken and pork both were smoked and amazing. We also tried the cucumbers and eggplant definitely did not disappoint. We will be back! read more

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T C.

156

857

3 years ago

The KaoKao Char Siu is addicting! The amazing black bean, shallot and ginger stir fry sauce ladled over - that goodness needs to be sold by the jar! Massive umami flavor which makes you crave for more! Definitely worth a return trip to come back for this, again and again. The KaoKao Chicken is tasty too with a nice chickpea curry sauce. Don't let the small exterior fool you. Step in and make your tummy happy! read more

KAOKAO Grill - Char siu pork, brined with Sichuan spices and served with black bean shallot sauce. Served with rice and pickled cucumber. - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

KAOKAO Grill - KaoKao Chicken and KaoKao Char Siu - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

KAOKAO Grill - KaoKao Chicken: yogurt marinade infused with South Asian inspired spice blend, smoked over applewood. Served with rice and chickpea curry. - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Dan B.

3 years ago

Got takeout for our small office during KAOKAO's soft opening. Limited menu (just two main dishes: chicken and pork). Both are delicious. Flavor profiles on the grill are bold and balanced. The spicy cucumber side impressively has not just heat but the specific floral notes of the dried peppers. Service was very friendly if slightly slow (not the best choice if you're in a rush, especially for a larger party). At $12/entree the prices are lower than you'd expect for Jan 2023. Overall a great value and definitely plan to return! read more

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Eric W.

4 years ago

MM that pork was smokin! So glad they're in the neighborhood! Have already been back several times since my first visit. read more

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Annette S.

1 year ago

This place is such a great neighborhood spot! The char sui is cooked to perfection every time and they always give you a generous portion. Definitely recommend read more

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Lily A.

4 years ago

This is the best char sui I've ever had in mg forty+ years of life. It's smoked, just so lightly sweetened and ever so perfectly juicy. oMG. My 11 year old son gobbled up my order. Will have to come back four more times his week to satisfy this crave. Thank you for coming to Elmwood read more

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Bryan M.

3 years ago

One of my favorite spots in Oakland. Excellent chicken and pork dishes that will leave you full. The owner is incredibly nice and you can tell that they take pride in the quality of their dishes. 100000% worth the wait as you don't want to rush perfection. We bring our friends here when they're visiting from out of town and they always want to come back the next time they're in town. read more

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Yvonne F.

229

4 years ago

Dayum! That was yummy! We are always looking for a place to eat after a Berkeley Playhouse show (go now if you haven't been). This place is 5 days old and had 6 five star reviews so we walked down and were not disappointed. Small, perfect menu and everything we tried was delightful. My only regret is not ordering the cucumber salad (we tried everything else). The house Strawberry Lemonade was just right/not too sweet and the eggplant almost made me cry it was so perfect. The owners/chef were so kind. Run here now before it is so packed you have to wait in line. And sign there wall to prove you tried it in the early days! We will definitely be back. read more

KAOKAO Grill - Chef/Owners - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

KAOKAO Grill - Chicken - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Drew B.

3 years ago

The menu is specialized so everything is really good and the cooks are very friendly and attentive! I've been multiple times and am looking forward to the next time! (The cucumber salad is really good but very spicy so watch out if you're sensitive to that) read more

KAOKAO Grill - Char shu pork - Barbeque Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Page 3 of 5

2993 College Ave
Berkeley, CA 94705
Elmwood
Directions
(510) 960-0851
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order

Full menu

Hours

What time does KAOKAO Grill open?

KAOKAO Grill opens at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.KAOKAO Grill opens at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does KAOKAO Grill close?

KAOKAO Grill is closed on Monday.KAOKAO Grill closes at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.KAOKAO Grill closes at 8:30 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon ClosedTue-Sun 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Payment methods

Does KAOKAO Grill take Bitcoin?

No, KAOKAO Grill does not take Bitcoin.

Does KAOKAO Grill take credit cards?

Yes, KAOKAO Grill takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does KAOKAO Grill have catering options?

Yes, KAOKAO Grill does have catering options.

Does KAOKAO Grill have a drive thru?

No, KAOKAO Grill does not have a drive thru.

Does KAOKAO Grill have a happy hour?

No, KAOKAO Grill does not have a happy hour.

Does KAOKAO Grill serve alcohol?

No, KAOKAO Grill does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does KAOKAO Grill allow dogs?

Yes, KAOKAO Grill allows dogs.

Does KAOKAO Grill have TVs?

No, KAOKAO Grill does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does KAOKAO Grill have bike parking?

Yes, KAOKAO Grill has bike parking.

Does KAOKAO Grill have outdoor seating?

Yes, KAOKAO Grill has outdoor seating options.

Does KAOKAO Grill have parking?

Yes, KAOKAO Grill has parking options. Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Is KAOKAO Grill wheelchair accessible?

Yes, KAOKAO Grill is wheelchair accessible.

Does KAOKAO Grill have free WiFi?

No, KAOKAO Grill does not have free WiFi.

Ask the Community - KAOKAO Grill

Gluten free options?

I'm gluten free and I had their chicken and cucumber salad

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Is there an outdoor seating area ? Is it dog friendly to eat there ? Thx

I believe there's an option to place a small option outside if you ask the owners and then you can sit with your pup outside. For dogs inside the restaurant itself I suggest… Read more

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Burma Berkeley

would like to commend on the high quality of the food and the cleanliness of the establishment…read more Furthermore, your staff members were exceptionally professional and welcoming. Based on this excellent experience, I will certainly recommend your restaurant to others. Thank you for providing such great service.

4 stars $16 Black…read morePepper Tofu with $3 brown rice was: pretty good. I got spicy which was in fact spicy. Oily though; this fell just shy of good enough to eat on repeat, so maybe just shy of 4 stars.

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Kitchen Story

4.0(1.4k reviews)

1.1 mi•North Oakland

•$$

Living down the block for years this is the first time I've been to kitchen story. The weekends…read morewhen I would drive by seems like there's always a lot of people here so I made a reservation reservations online and you have the option to choose if you want to sit outside inside or upstairs. I reserved for three to sit in the main dining room. The next day we arrived right on time for our reservation and still had to wait about 10-15 minutes and was asked if we could sit outside and then we were seated upstairs. I was a little bummed we didn't get to sit in the lower dining room like I booked on our reservations. It was still cute upstairs and good company always makes brunch even better. The servers were quick and helpful. I wanted something light so I just ordered the chicken and waffle bites. My husband got French toast and a side of chicken and my friend got a main entrée of a sandwich with some fries and a little soup. All of the food that came out looked amazing even at other people's tables. For brunch, the price is a little pricey, but I would like to come back to try other entrées when I'm more hungry. We asked one of our servers if he had a light as I brought a little candle to celebrate my friend's birthday, and as he lit it, he also decided to join in with us as we sang happy birthday, which I thought was really sweet. He did not have to do. He even got other tables around us to sing happy birthday as well. It felt like a special moment for my friend, which was a nice surprise. I did really appreciate this part and look forward to coming back.

We visited Kitchen Story for a spontaneous Mother's Day brunch. I will say this is a popular brunch…read morespot, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. We arrived shortly after 10am and our wait was just under 30 minutes. The restaurant is cozy (on the smaller side) but has an interesting layout. There's seating both indoors, outside, and upstairs. You may have to squeeze by a few tables to make your way to the restroom. Customer service was friendly and attentive. Pricing for food & drinks was a bit high. Our total for 2 entrees and 2 drinks was $60 before tip. We ordered two drinks (orange juice and an iced mocha) which were provided promptly. The orange juice was a little too sour and my mom had to add some sugar to improve the taste. The iced mocha was good, not too sweet. One thing to note the wait for our food took much longer than expected, and it may have been due to how busy it was. My mom opted to order the salmon yuzu benedict and I got an egg plate (scrambled eggs) with a side green salad. My mom mentioned the potatoes lacking salt but she enjoyed the salmon benedict. I thought the scrambled eggs were good, but slightly bland & needed salt and pepper. The side green salad was alright, but the vinaigrette had a bitter aftertaste. Overall, the meal was pretty good and timing wasn't the best. I'd likely return for brunch on a non-peak day. Definitely recommend joining the yelp waitlist prior to arriving if you can!

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Mascarpone Stuffed Deep Fried French Toast the outside was more crunchy than expected. Was a bit tough to chew.

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Korean FC & Waffles Breakfast

Kiraku

4.4(1.8k reviews)

0.6 mi

•$$

Came here for dinner with my sister and brother-in-law at their recommendation, and I can…read moredefinitely see why they keep coming back. The restaurant was packed and seating is pretty limited, so I'd highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time. The atmosphere is lively and energetic with casual Japanese eatery vibes, and service was friendly throughout the meal. Everything felt creative, rich in flavor, and very texture-focused. Here are the highlights: * Ankimo Mousse (monkfish liver) with sweet potato chips - Made with truffle paste, capers, and chives. Absolutely delicious. The mousse was rich and savory but surprisingly fluffy in texture -- honestly a savory girl's dream. The sweet potato chips added just enough sweetness and a snap to balance the richness of the liver. 9/10 * Bluefin Tuna & Tsubugai Sashimi Nuta - Bluefin tuna, sea snail, broccolini, and fresh wakame tossed in a sweet Kyoto yuzu miso vinaigrette. Kind of like a sashimi-seaweed salad. I really liked the vinaigrette and especially the texture of the sea snail. I'm not sure all the ingredients fully came together cohesively, but it was still enjoyable overall. 7.5/10 * Yuba (house-made tofu skin with ikura and uni) - Served as single bites on spoons. SO good. You can really taste the difference between house-made tofu skin and store-bought. It's much more delicate, creamy, and tender, with a mild soybean flavor that balanced the richness of the uni and salmon roe beautifully. The textures in this bite were incredible. 9.5/10 * Iberico Pork Jowl Skewer with miso marinade - I honestly prefer pork jowl over pork belly. The fat and meat are more integrated instead of layered, so every bite is tender, juicy, and flavorful with just the right amount of chew. So good. 9/10 * Clam & Cilantro Ramen - I've never had a ramen broth quite like this. It was slightly creamy and deeply flavored from the clams, and the cilantro added a lot of depth and freshness. The noodles had a great texture too -- chewy and bouncy. Everything worked together perfectly. 9/10 * Uni Carbonara Pasta - Pasta with parmesan, uni, and ikura. They do not skimp on the uni or roe here. Super creamy and rich with bursts of saltiness from the ikura. The texture was great, but I honestly wished it had just a tiny bit more salt to really make all the flavors pop. It was almost there for me. 7.5/10 * Desserts - We tried two desserts, including the sweet potato brûlée. Both were delicious. One had a silky panna cotta-like texture, while the sweet potato brûlée was creamy, lightly sweet, and had the perfect crackly sugar top. 9/10 Overall, such a fun meal with a lot of unique dishes and flavor combinations. There are still so many things on the menu I want to try next time. I'll definitely be back.

I've been to Kiraku twice before this visit, and I felt like the food quality was stronger prior…read more The food comes in a timely manner, staff is mindful to not fill your table as it's a small space. The standouts were the corn tempura, the sushi and the beef okonomiyaki. The skewers were good but not great; I felt the pork belly was a tad salty, and some of the pieces of the beef were slightly overcooked + chewy. The black cod was flaky but I wish it was marinated a bit more with the miso for stronger flavor. I wish I did not order the spring roll or the foil wrapped salmon. The spring roll was soggy bc the filling inside was so damp and lacked seasoning & flavor. The salmon was very dry, but the mushrooms were flavorful and juicy. Definitely recommend reservations or be ready to wait at least 45 minutes. The inside is quite small, tables as well, so be ready to sit pretty close to your neighboring patrons. Very lively atmosphere that can get loud, but could also be fun!

Photos

Ankimo chips & dip

Nigiri sampler

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Oken

4.5(61 reviews)

0.5 mi•Rockridge, North Oakland

Planned a friend date and suddenly I knew what it felt like to be a guy…read more With no context of what the girl likes, and judging by her taste in make up, catalog of stamps from around the world, and a diverse palette Bob Ross could paint with, I provided two options. Oken was 1st choice while the 2nd choice was somewhat more casual. MAGURO CARPACCIO - FRESH MAITAKE TEMPURA - Great texture, not greasy BAECHU SALAD - lots of flavor and love a crispy topping WAGYU KALBI SHORT RIB SSAM - TENDER af, great flavor STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE - subtle, not too sweet Asian fusion can sometimes be a hit or miss but Oken executed every dish beautifully. Make reservations because this place fills up quick. Good date spot. Great service. Amazing food.

Came here on a Friday night and had to wait over an hour to get seated at a table. Highly recommend…read moremaking reservations ahead of time if you don't want to wait. We ended up seating at a shared communal table for dinner. We ordered maguro tuna carpaccio and hamachi hand roll set as appetizers to start. Carpaccio was very thinly sliced with interesting Asian fusion flavors. I loved the hamachi handroll set; well seasoned thick cuts of fish. We also shared the ocean trout and mentaiko pasta for entrees and both were good. Crispy skin on the fish was excellent. The pasta was buttery but felt like it was missing something. We got yogurt soju and Sauvignon blanc wine, both were really good. Small restaurant with small tapa style plates. Great vibes and suitable for date night. Prices were high for the amount of food but amazing service!

Photos

Beautiful deco and lights. There are 3 tables for 4, 6 tables for 2, a table for 6, a communal table for 8-10?

Mentaiko Pasta- Spicy cured pollak roe, garlic, chive, butter, shiso, nori, ramen noodles. Instagram.com/maryelda

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YUKHWE ONIGIRI - two piece crispy rice, beef tartare, quail egg, perilla $17

Belly

4.2(148 reviews)

0.9 mi•Rockridge, North Oakland

•$$

I used to come to Belly for the burritos but finally tried some new things this time! The burritos…read morehere are soo good and come in big portions. We ordered the truffle fries and tater tots this time as an appetizer and they were both super yummy! If I had to only get one though I'd get the truffle fries every time. Miso butter spaghetti was also good - they were very generous with the noodles!

Belly had expanded options for vegans so updated review…read moreLatest dish I tried: Silk Road Spaghetti Garlic, Ginger, Green Onions, Yunnan Chilies, Sweet and Spicy Sauce Added tofu unbreaded Tasty and filling. Nice balance of sweet and spicy for added punch. Belly has added more vegan options and this one was very satisfying. Next will try the Asian Crunch Salad Veggie bowl was first experience. Great spot for mixed non vegan and vegan diners. Really like there non alcoholic drinks like seasonal lemonade but especially Butterfly Pea Yuzu Lemonade Great friendly service and wonderful decor.

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Clean and cute bathroom

Vegan tofu burrito

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Chinese Chicken Salad

Berkeley Social Club

4.1(2.5k reviews)

1.4 mi•Downtown Berkeley

•$$

Really cool vibes at this place. The servers were very friendly and happy!…read more It's a Korean inspired fusion place - so many dishes to try! We only tried 3 of them - loved them all! The tamarindo was phenomenal!! Can't wait to come back and try more food :) We tried the gooey corn, BSC Bao and K tacos. We asked for some extra spicy sauce and they have that to us - YUM!

Made a last minute reservation for a Sunday brunch and was seated immediately. Our hotel was within…read morewalking distance of the restaurant but definitely plan ahead if driving because parking is limited near the restaurant. Inside is decorated well and makes for a cute brunch spot. Our order was taken relatively fast but the food took a while to come out. Everything was delicious but definitely rich in flavor. Love that the ube latte could be made with no coffee. Would've loved a bit more attentiveness from our server (especially for water refills and the check), but overall enjoyed the restaurant and would come again the next time I'm in town!

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Photo 3: Bar

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Yimm

4.4(441 reviews)

0.5 mi•Rockridge, North Oakland

•$$

It's a spot that takes traditional Thai flavors and gives them a modern, slightly elevated twist…read morewithout losing what makes the cuisine so good in the first place. The standout dish here is definitely the corn salad, it's not just tasty, it's visually striking too. Instead of mixing everything together, they slice off a whole side of the corn and lay it right on top, which makes the dish feel a bit more thoughtful and intentional. Flavor-wise, it's fresh and bright with a nice little kick of spice that sneaks up on you without being overwhelming. Getting there is pretty easy, too. It's conveniently located right by the Rockridge BART Station, or you can just hop on the 51B and ride it to the end of the line. Either way, it's a super accessible stop if you're coming from around the East Bay.

Amazing Thai restaurant in Oakland's Rockridge neighborhood! I'm a big fan of their sister…read morerestaurant Imm Thai, so I was really excited to try out this restaurant. This restaurant is slightly different from Imm Thai's, with a more higher end presentation, while Imm has a greater focus on street food. I decided to get their Tom Yum Omelette Rice because it looked the most enticing to me. It was delicious! I love the tom yum flavor infused in the rice and the fluffy egg on top. Do keep in mind that this is more on the spicy side (I thought it was a good spice level, but I personally enjoy spicy food). I also got to try a few of my friends' dishes including the Pad Kee Mao and the Tom Yum soup. The Pad Kee Mao is also quite spicy, but both dishes were also packed with flavor. The ambiance of the restaurant was very nice and elegant, while the service was friendly and efficient. We went at 7:00PM on a Wednesday night, and there were not that many people in the restaurant. Definitely a restaurant on my recommended list!

Photos

Atmosphere

Sweet Corn Salad ($15) - Carrots, Tomatoes, Peanuts, Green Beans, Garlic, Chili Lime Juice. It's good!

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Lord's Noodles ($17) - Steamed Vermicelli Noodles, Tofu, Pork Belly, Dried Squid, Shiitake Mushrooms, Bean Sprouts, in Sweet Soy Sauce

Delicious Thai Kitchen

4.9(59 reviews)

1.3 mi•North Oakland

I decided to come back to this place a second time because I had a good experience the first time…read more The food was good, and the server was friendly. Upon arrival, they looked full in the indoor area in the front, but they actually had seating in the back, which is where they sat the two of us. This time I got the following: Thai Tea - This tasted as expected, so that means it was good. I told them I didn't want a straw, and they remembered! I usually keep a reusable straw on me for such occasions. Mi Krob (Special) - This dish is more of an appetizer. It was tasty and crunchy; a little sweet and a little spicy. A couple of the pieces were a bit large for small bites. Thai Basil Noodle - This was very good because of how flavorful it was. It was also slightly spicy. Since they brought the dish with chopsticks, I told them I didn't need them, so they took them away. I used reusable chopsticks that I typically keep in my purse. Massaman Curry (with beef) - This was decent, though the other dishes were better. We asked them to make it mild. The curry itself tasted good, but the main issue was that the beef was a little boring and dry. Overall, this place has delicious food (aside from the beef in the curry), so I would come again. I'm glad that they use so much reusable dishware (see Eco Notes below). ECO NOTES (Dine-In) Dine-In Dishware: Reusable plates and bowls Napkins: Single-use disposable paper napkin Utensils: Metal fork plus disposable wooden chopsticks (for specific dishes, which is a smart way to save money) Water cups: Reusable glasses

Overall? Nice location with a great outdoor patio that easily ended up being the highlight of the…read moreexperience. Indoor seating is pretty limited, but the space overall has a relaxed, easygoing vibe. Service was fast, efficient, and never an issue. Unfortunately, the food didn't quite keep up with the setting. Nothing terrible, just slightly disappointing across the board and lacking the kind of flavor that makes you want to come back Parking? Street parking. Manageable depending on timing I had: Pumpkin Curry (3.5/5): This looked far better than it tasted. Presentation was solid, vibrant colors, nicely plated, the kind of dish that makes you optimistic when it hits the table. But the flavor never really followed through. The sauce felt flat and thinner than it should've been, lacking the depth and richness that makes a pumpkin curry memorable. There also wasn't enough actual pumpkin, which feels like a weird miss for a pumpkin curry. I did appreciate that it came with rice on the side, which helped round the dish out a bit. Not terrible overall, just a curry that felt more polished visually than it did flavor-wise

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Outside / entrance

Drunken Mam with Fried Egg On Top(optional)

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Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice cream

KoJa Kitchen

4.1(1.5k reviews)

0.8 mi•Telegraph Ave

•$$

Amazingly delicious rice buns in the Koja braised beef koja burgers. Small but filling. Yummmm…read more The k fries are also delicious. Best deal is the two tacos fries and a soda for $14.25. Worth coming back soon. Very walkable.

I like the concept and vibes of this place. Service was a bit slow and we were the only customers…read morethere on a Saturday afternoon... The short rib was tender and had good flavor, and the rice bun was super crispy & yummy. I just wish the koja had more to it....it was just meat and lettuce, but it needed a cold, crunchy, and tart aspect like kimchi or something! The umami fries were not good unfortunately; they were soggy, too saucy, and I wish they layered things instead of dumping everything on top.

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Now open! Inside (June 2022)

Beef Koja Kamikaze Fries

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Strawberry mango mint lemonade

Smokehouse

3.8(768 reviews)

0.4 mi•Elmwood

•$

Ordered A double cheeseburger, 2 hot dogs, french fries, cheese fries, onion rings & a strawberry…read moreshake. Only complaint is, I asked for no pickles and they still added pickles. Food was great. Love that the french fries were crispy! Will definitely be coming back! Service was quick as hell!! lol Ambiance felt homey.

Good hamburger with lots of toppings. In addition to hamburger they have onion rings chili fries…read moreand oat milk milkshakes. Thank you!!! After placing your order you get a buzzard (?) and find a seat. The buzzard goes off when order is ready. Hamburgers were fresh and cooked to order. The onions rings were crisp and not oily. Fun to sit outside and enjoy nature.

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They take your order here

Grilled Chicken with Cheese Sandwich!

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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

10 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Grace T.

Elite 23

265

260

466

1 year ago

We stopped by for dinner on a quiet weekend at this spot, and while the atmosphere was calm, I was a bit surprised by the limited menu, which only offered a few items. We tried the Char Siu over rice and the Kao Kao chicken over rice--both dishes were undeniably fresh, with the meats cooked well and paired with fluffy rice. The char siu was sweet and tender, while the Kaplan chicken had a nice savory flavor. However, both dishes felt a bit on the pricy side for what you get, especially given the simplicity of the menu. While the ingredients were fresh and the food was tasty, I couldn't help but feel like it didn't quite match the price tag. read more

Rui H.

126

4 years ago

In town visiting family and my wife and I happen to walk by the place it smelled so great so we made it a mission to come back for lunch. We sure are glad that we stopped by for lunch! I chose the KAO KAO Chicken dish for only $12 and it looked and tasted like something I would get from a fine dining establishment. My wife got the Char Siu Smoked Pork and it was so freaking good. We ordered the plate of Eggplants and they were phenomenal. Definitely going to stop by the next time we're in town again. read more

Alan S.

2 years ago

Deeeeeelishious! We started with the KaoKao Chicken, which appears to be their flagship dish. They cook it over cherry wood after marinating it in yogurt. It comes with a small helping of riceand some chickpea curry. Cost is $15.85 before tax and tip. We also tried the eggplant salad side. It has a light sesame garlic oil dressing on top, which isn't too heavy. Cost is $7.50 before tax and tip. Overall the food was delicious and the location is fantastic. Love the simple menu. read more

Eric W.

4 years ago

Trying this place on opening day and holy "smokes" this smoked pork is so good! Reasonably priced. Great service. Definitely coming back!

Anqi C.

4 years ago

they open today，come here to try the BBQ.smoke chicken.and pork are really delicious.will recommend friends to come here to try.5 star

Sravya L.

4 years ago

We got both chicken and pork. Both really delicious. Simple menu yet delicious. I would go back again!

Cassie G.

4 years ago

First time explore this place.delicious food.price are reasonable.will definitely come back

Waynr Z.

2 years ago

The grilled taste of the chicken was quite good but the portion size was rather small.

Robert C.

3 years ago

I've been dreaming about the pork since I've had it. Been having fantasies about it.

John G.

3 years ago

simple menu, everything was delicious

KAOKAO Grill - bbq - Updated May 2026

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KAOKAO Grill

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KAOKAO Grill

Order KAOKAO Grill Takeout or Delivery

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KAOKAO Grill menu photos

KAOKAO GRILL ATMOSPHERE

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10 KAOKAO Grill reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

10 reviews that are not currently recommended

KAOKAO Grill - bbq - Updated May 2026

Best of Berkeley

People found KAOKAO Grill by searching for…

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