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The Hidden Cafe

4.5 (312 reviews)
Open • 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

THE HIDDEN CAFE · YELP ASSISTANT

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What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - The Hidden Cafe

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Inside
Kassandra S.

This cafe is hidden! Almost turned around because we couldn't find it, but no worry, just keep walking around the building where the big open field is and you'll see it! Once we found it, we really enjoyed the vibe! It's a cute, cozy little spot with a relaxed atmosphere, and the surrounding open space makes it feel really peaceful. It's definitely a nice place to sit and enjoy your food without feeling rushed. The food was really good and everything tasted fresh. We enjoyed what we ordered and thought it was a great little spot for breakfast/brunch. The staff was also friendly and welcoming, and the service was good. Food: Carrot cake is not too sweet, has seeds & minimal berries. If you're looking for something sweeter, this might not be for you! The mozzarella basil scone was very tasty! More savory & very soft Overall, I'm glad we didn't give up looking for it because it ended up being a really cute hidden gem in Berkeley! Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.

Strawberry milk and matcha
Liliana H.

Overall amazing park ambiance and great service! Really enjoyed the space inside and the park area. Strawberry flavor tasted very fresh not artificial with the milk. Matcha could've been sweeter for my taste but it was good. Less one star because no bathrooms indoors. The ports potties closed and had to go to the park bathrooms and they were traumatizingly dirty. Not the cafes fault but know that it's limited options.

Kaycee C.

This place was nice. I love the large park/field in front of the café. There's plenty of space to enjoy. My husband got a turmeric latte and loved it. I ordered an americano and it was really good. We also ordered 2 cookies, one oatmeal and one chocolate and they were perfect. I loved the vibe inside and the staff was super friendly.

The logo
Ana M.

The Hidden Cafe is the perfect spot to grab coffee and a snack and study, meet up with friends, take your dog out, make art, chill etc! Pretty much any scenario fits this cafe. The food is not only delicious but also there are many vegan and gluten free options. Local restaurants often host pop ups here as well. The service is friendly and fast. Inside looks like a home library in a fairy forest and outside is a majestic park with a creek the drip offer before 12 is like 3-4 dollars, which let's be honest where can you really find that in the bay anymore? Every drink I've had here is made to perfection as well. A local favorite

Matcha Latte
Surbhi S.

My friend and I stopped in and ordered a hot matcha latte and a cappuccino and both drinks were honestly spot-on. Everything tasted creamy, smooth, and most importantly not overly sweet. The matcha had a clean, mellow flavor and the cappuccino had that perfect balanced richness. What really elevates this place is the location. It sits right next to a large park, and the whole area has such a vibrant, feel-good energy. People were lounging outside, sipping coffee, and just soaking in the day, it made the whole visit feel extra cozy and lively at the same time. Inside the café has a serious charm. There's a massive bookshelf filled with books (huge bonus points for including kids' storybooks too), which gives the space a warm, community feel. Service was quick and efficient even though the place was buzzing. Fair warning: it's clearly a favorite among students but somehow it still works with the vibe rather than against it.

Perfect place to read.
Sagruilla P.

Dreamy cute café with books, shells, old curios, and dried flower as decoration. I was able to get seating on a stool looking out the window at the park. It was a rainy day and quite the vibe. The 5 stars are all for the decor. There is also outdoor seating and the entire park when the weather is nice. My coffee drink was good and reasonably priced for the era and area. I ordered a lemon bar which looked fabulous with thin slices of lemon. The lemon curd top was tart and tasty, though the high price and crust were a little disappointing. I would not order it again. Ordered drinks can be served at the to-go window or inside. Keep an ear out and an eye on your drink order, as the park access makes it easy for drinks to walk away. Do note there is limited indoor seating, and it is tight to navigate.

Kokuto Latte and Magic Purple Square
Jacqueline Z.

I needed to be in Berkeley for an event in the evening, so I decided to come up and work from this cafe earlier in the day. I chose this spot since it was further from campus and figured it'd be easier to snag a seat. There were a few seats open when I arrived on a Thursday around 2:30 PM. The wi-fi is also good (I had to take an impromptu Zoom meeting and didn't have any issues). I decided to order the Kokuto Latte, which was delicious and not overwhelmingly sweet. I also got a Magic Purple Square, which contains ube and coconut, but it was quite dry and not really my preferred pastry. The aesthetics of this cafe is nice and it's located next to a park, so there's plenty of outdoor space. I would come again next time I'm looking for a cafe in Berkeley!

The Hidden Cafe's little patio facing a greenspace, just a short stroll north of Strawberry Creek
Rich S.

The Hidden Cafe hides on the park-side of a grey-siding and red-brick building a block south of University Ave. The line can get long, but there was no line at noon on a Tuesday (Oct 2025). They have a small tasty selection of baked goods that changes frequently, often including great coffee cake and sticky buns, creative bars and brownies, and some savories including savory scones. On the weekends they host guest chefs! We had their delicious coffee, and chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies. We love their fresh baked goods and the well-made coffee with the right grind and right amount of extraction, for a non-acid non-sour non-bitter brew. We had our first "dirty" chai, tea with espresso. It's a good / interesting flavor. I'm more a coffee person :-) They have handful of outdoor tables for around 12, and a bright homey indoors with seating for around 16. We had a sweet relaxed time watching people picnic and play in the greenspace out front. Then we took a short stroll south past a cute bubbling creek to the fun playground at Strawberry Creek Park. The Hidden Cafe is a quiet treasure with plenty of free street-parking.

Lil B.

Small and very popular cafe especially on a sunny weekend. BTW no restroom here but walk further into the park and two public restrooms are available. Enjoyed a Paloma and a cookie. Definitely limited seating inside but bring a blanket or some folding chairs for Strawberry Creek park right outside (the grass/ ground was damp).

Interior
Jessica T.

This coffee shop looks like something out of a Studio Ghibli film. It's so quaint and adorable and it's definitely someplace I'd love to curl up with a good book! I visited on a weekend and there were many families and people walking dogs in the little park area right outside. Only downside is that it gets very crowded and there are limited seats available, so we had to take our drinks to-go. Would come back again!

Hojicha latte and americano
Tasha H.

Super cute cafe with outdoor and indoor seating and a park with lots of doggies running around. They do have a bathroom but you need a key and it's on the other side of the building. Cheddar scone - moist and flavorful Choc chip cookie - a stunner. Crisp edges and chewy center; this is amazing. Hojicha latte - not a ton of flavor, would not order again.

Menu
Emily X.

This place is so cute! I love how this place is tucked away in a brick building next to the park. The vibes here are immaculate. I came here with a couple of friends around 4pm in the afternoon on Sunday. There is small parking lot by the park but when I went it was full so I had to circle around a bit to find street parking. The service was friendly and efficient. You place your order inside and then wait for your order outside where you can pick up your drink from a pickup counter. There were some indoor seating options and I saw some people doing work on laptops inside. I ordered the Kokuto latte and one of my friends got an iced matcha latte. My kokuto latte was smooth and had a pleasant sweetness from the Okinawan brown sugar. I tried some of my friend's iced matcha latte and it tasted average. It was a bit clumpy and the matcha taste was present but not too strong. The highlight is definitely the cafe's proximity to the huge green space from the park. My friends and I sat down on grass and soaked up the sun. It was a perfect way to end an afternoon out.

matcha latte

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3 months ago

It's so dang cute. Inside and outside. The drinks are good, yep, but the ambiance? Stellar.

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The Hidden Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - The Hidden Cafe

Is it spacious inside? Looking for a good place to study.

The cafe itself is very small inside, but there are some extra tables/seating areas outside the cafe. I personally prefer to be inside where I have access to a full size table and outlets, so I wouldn't recommend as a study spot.

What's parking like?

Street parking nearby, you might find better luck off Allston way & walk through Strawberry creek park to get there :)

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Sesame Tiny Bakery - Pop-up at Bartavelle

Sesame Tiny Bakery

4.8(52 reviews)
0.8 mi•West Berkeley

Finally got to try Sesame Tiny Bakery and kind of wish I knew about this place earlier!…read more The ambiance is super cute and cozy. I loved how soft and open the space felt, especially with all the pretty flowers around. Also... LOTS OF PARKING!!! Which is always a huge plus for me We ordered the chocolate chip cookie and plum cake. The chocolate chip cookie was crispy around the edges but still soft and moist in the center. The plum cake was definitely my favorite. It was so light and airy and, most importantly, not too sweet!! I'm not a huge fan of overly sweet desserts, so this was perfect for me. One thing I really love about Sesame Tiny Bakery is that their cakes are made with seasonal fruits and organic products, and the flavors change every month depending on what's in season! It makes me want to come back just to see what they'll have next. Such a cute little bakery and definitely a spot I'd come back to. Can't wait to try next month's cake! The service was amazing, everyone is incredibly kind :)

Holy frangipane! This place is amazing, right around the corner from other amazing. And, this one…read moretakes the cake. That's a pun; the cake here looks rediculous. The cute little signs taking you on a field trip are not to be missed. The hand calligraphied menu lists are in the same style, and invite you into a whimsy-laced, multilayer experience. It's an industrial kitchen, a real 5 star bakery that clearly bakes for the other best restaurants and destinations in the world, which, of course are here in Berkeley and Oakland. Today they have some jazz playing inside, as I sit at the smaller of two tables, across from the bench. The people watching is mostly for the half dozen bakers that are smiling back from the open air space. One of the bakers washes her hands to come up and take your order. And the food... I ordered a buckwheat cocoa, a tea they have here. Too hot, haven't tried it, but there is a zero chance I'll be able to pair it with my tomato, gruyere, and corn danish. Zero chance because I'm eating it way too fast. The savory herbs, the two kinds of sesame, the pine nuts, the blistered, juicy tomatoes, the sweet corn, the savory, heavenly flavors. I've had tarts with... well, some of these flavors, but mixing it with this perfect crispy lamination is truly otherworldly. I can't wait to return for something sweet next time. After all, cakes seem to be their bread and butter!

Photos
Sesame Tiny Bakery - Pop-up at Ramen Shop

Pop-up at Ramen Shop

Sesame Tiny Bakery - Interior

Interior

Sesame Tiny Bakery - They always have a cookie pack @ Joodooboo

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They always have a cookie pack @ Joodooboo

Pâtisserie Rotha - Gâteau Nautais

Pâtisserie Rotha

4.7(336 reviews)
1.2 mi
•$$

Rotha is quite the institution in Albany is a devoted line of customers every Saturday morning…read morebefore opening. Very good croissants and pastries, and got a box to give to a family friend in Sacramento. Prices are reasonable and the service setup is efficient. Recommended!

This little charming patisserie sure knows how to whip up some delicious croissants. So good that…read morepart of me doesn't even want to post about it--just to keep the line short! If you've ever had Arsicault, then you'll understand what I mean when I say this place is a true contender. And the best part? You don't have to travel far, pay that toll bridge, or deal with expensive gas. Save all that and give this place a try! Do note: Canelé -- available Friday to Sunday Pastel de nata (Portuguese tarts) -- available Saturday & Sunday What I've tried: Croissant -- Yum, yum, yum! From end to end, it has that perfectly crunchy exterior, and not a hollow bite in sight. Every bite is flaky, buttery, and satisfying. Chocolate Croissant -- A must if you love chocolate. Rich, flaky, and indulgent. Almond Croissant -- Another delicious contender. Nutty, sweet, and absolutely worth it. Apricot Croissant -- Not bad at all. The apricot adds a nice touch without overpowering the pastry. Bostock -- This one was a miss for me. It looked beautiful, but it was missing that little finesse that makes you want another bite. Gâteau au Fromage (Basque Cheesecake) -- A bit pricey, but so worth the splurge because they really know how to nail it. One bite and you won't be able to stop until it's gone. Pastel de Nata -- Crispy edges with a delicate, creamy, and delicious filling. That crunch is everything. Canelé -- These babies sell fast, so make sure to get there when they open. I love the crunchy exterior paired with that soft, custardy inside. Yum, yum, yum! Chocolate Fondant -- Not bad, but not my favorite. I've definitely had better elsewhere. Chocolate Hazelnut Cake -- The flavor was nice, but I found this one just a tad dry. Bottom line: While not everything was a home run, their croissants, canelés, Basque cheesecake, and pastel de nata are absolutely worth coming back for. A hidden gem that delivers big on flavor without the long drive. Definitely worth the visit!

Photos
Pâtisserie Rotha - Croissant

Croissant

Pâtisserie Rotha - Caneles, Traditional Brioche, Orange Brioche, Egg Tarts, Pain au Chocolat, and Almond Croissant

Caneles, Traditional Brioche, Orange Brioche, Egg Tarts, Pain au Chocolat, and Almond Croissant

Pâtisserie Rotha

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Masse's Pastries - Mango mirror mousse cake

Masse's Pastries

4.3(1.1k reviews)
1.3 mi•North Berkeley, Gourmet Ghetto
•$$

I have been shop forever and I'm finally here. The store is kind of small, but it's very cozy and…read moreyou can tell that they decorate it themselves. The chef was outside helping out and he was super nice very friendly. He was very enthusiastic about his dessert and was introducing it to us. We went when the store is almost closing, so there wasn't that many selection left, but we got the vanilla custard and that was so good full of the vanilla flavor. It's not overly sweet and feel very light. It was so good that I even got another one to take home with me. They also have a good selection of Macaron and they are not overly sweet. They are very light and the seasoning was really well. The cake was also really good. I got one of the chocolate walnut cake and that one was very rich with coffee flavor. I love it. I will definitely come back again.

The descriptions and prices are not marked on the display case, but the employees (owners?) there…read morewere more than happy to list them all out. Honestly, they really need to include signs and probably allergen information as well. But I'm not sure if the owners opt to omit the signage on purpose to encourage conversation. The cakes were good and the pricing was fair. Limited seating available. Overall, I enjoyed the pastries and would come back if I'm craving some European style cake.

Photos
Masse's Pastries - Raspberry chocolate

Raspberry chocolate

Masse's Pastries - Hazelnut chocolate cake

Hazelnut chocolate cake

Masse's Pastries - Chocolate raspberry cake

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Chocolate raspberry cake

Acme Bread Company - Inside the bakery

Acme Bread Company

4.6(823 reviews)
0.6 mi•West Berkeley
•$$

I will forever rave about Acme Bread. Also, yes- the line is absolutely worth the wait, plus it…read moremoves fairly quickly! Every time it's finally my turn to pick out the best breads to take home, I am greeted with the glorious smell of freshly baked bread. All kinds too, but my absolute favorite is their cheddar biscuit! Savory, buttery, and soft. Grabbing a half dozen of those biscuits to eat throughout the week or pair it with a nice chili really makes me jump for joy. I especially love how when entering the building, there is so much bread, literally everywhere, that you have less than a 10x10 space to stand in. It is actually very comforting to know that everyone who visits is welcoming the warm and fluffy embrace of Acme's delicious bread. Special shoutout to the giant bread ring that they had one day that I brought to a concert to share with friends. It was a wonderfully tasty experience.

Don't let the line intimidate you, it moves pretty fast, and it's worth the wait! I've gone on…read moredifferent days and at different times, and there is ALWAYS a line. PROS * Super fresh bread with a great daily selection. Some sweet stuff as well. * Great prices * Two types of pizza specials * Helpful, knowledgeable staff KEEP IN MIND * There's pretty much always a line, but it moves * The parking lot out front is limited, but there's a back lot too Inside, it's small and BUSY. Bread is constantly being made, to-go orders are getting picked up, and customers are being helped. There's a lot happening in a little space, but they have their system down pat! Honestly, the line has become part of my strategy. It gives me time to scope out everything in the window and plan what I want before I get to the front. The freshness of the bread is hard to beat, especially for the prices. Between the selection, helpful staff, and quality, this is one line I don't mind standing in. Bottom line: See a line? Get in it. Then start studying the window.

Photos
Acme Bread Company - Olive oil cake with apricots

Olive oil cake with apricots

Acme Bread Company - At the register

At the register

Acme Bread Company - Cherry puff

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Cherry puff

U :Dessert Story - Mango Sticky Rice Bingsu. Added extras: mango ice cream, bananas, coconut cluster, pandan sticky rice, cornflakes

U :Dessert Story

4.2(1.2k reviews)
1.1 mi•Gourmet Ghetto, North Berkeley
•$$

Welp, it's been a long hot minute since I last came here (a little over four and a half years, to…read morebe exact), and U: Dessert Story still wows me. I've always been a fan of bingsu, and the fact that they offer Thai-fusion versions sealed my devotion. I'd always thought the mango sticky rice was their best bingsu, but boy, was I wrong. I'm so glad I tried the boba Thai tea version because, lawd, it was SO good I couldn't stop eating it. The flaky milk ice was rich with Thai tea flavor and paired perfectly with the whipped puff cream on top. The condensed milk added just the right sweetness, while the boba and grass jelly brought a fun, chewy contrast to all that soft creaminess. I simply couldn't get enough. The salted yolk bread dessert was also delicious; you can't go wrong with sweet and salty. The pandan fondue, on the other hand, didn't do it for me. Maybe I was expecting a different flavor profile, but I found it a bit bland, and the soft bread cubes would've been better lightly toasted. Service was great as usual, and the ambience was casual and relaxing.

Cute, spacious and aesthetic venue with the best shaved ice - our favorite is the Volcano Bingsu…read moreand Thai Tea Lava Toast! The service is friendly and depending on the time pretty quick too. Another plus is that they're open until 10pm Monday + Tuesday and 12am the rest of the week, perfect for late night munchies! Parking can be a bit tedious, I recommend trying to find a spot in the neighborhood to avoid the meters. It might be a small walk to and from, but gives you time to digest after indulging on dessert.

Photos
U :Dessert Story - Salted Egg Yolk Toast

Salted Egg Yolk Toast

U :Dessert Story - Ube Mochi Waffle

Ube Mochi Waffle

U :Dessert Story - ORGANIC CHOCOLATE MATCHA LAVA CAKE

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ORGANIC CHOCOLATE MATCHA LAVA CAKE

The Hidden Cafe - coffee - Updated November 2026

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