Anja's has delicious German food prepared with Chez Panisse level ingredients at prices for ordinary diners. Extra plus, you can eat in their rose garden. I had the Fisherman's Salad - lots of fresh briny Bay shrimp from Oregon served atop a salad of mixed greens with a lovely light creamy dressing. Had the roll and butter on the side. Roll was just dense enough and reminded me of the great bakeries in Germany. We ate in a gazebo in the rose garden at the back of the restaurant which made it feel like a special lunch even though the price of less than $20 is not much more than what a sandwich in Berkeley costs. Will definitely be back. read more

This spot is really really cute. I was in the area to get some work done, and I saw that this was near the coworking space I was at, so I stopped by for lunch. I got the soup, which was full of rosemary, and the egg sandwich open-faced style. The sandwich was honestly a bit awkward to eat because it was open-faced, but I ordered it that way and hindsight is 20/20 lol. What stood out to me about the sandwich, though, was the bread! It was crisp without being so hard that it'd scratch my mouth, and you can never go wrong with butter. Also, I saw a massive spider while I was ordering and it took me everything to not have a full-blown panic attack. The person handling the register took care of the spider even though it looked terrifying and saved me from a public meltdown. To that person, if you're reading this, I'm half exaggerating and half really not. Thank you ;-; read more

Anja’s - Soup and pasteurized egg sandwich - German Near Me - Berkeley, California

Delicious food, quaint atmosphere, friendly small local restaurant. And the owner is right there cooking and running things. Great German beer selection, too. read more

I loved Gaumenkitzel when it was the the place to go for German food in Berkeley, and I was sorry when it closed. Fortunately, a few months later, the chef and owner opened Anja's, a smaller cafe with a smaller menu but with the same commitment to Slow Food principles. Today I had Anja's Schnitzel Vienna Style plate, which was as delicious as any example of schnitzel I've had in Vienna. It's served with her carefully made macaroni salad and golden beets. I ate it in the rose garden at the back of the restaurant. It could not have been a better experience. read more

Anja’s - Schnitzel Vienna Style - German Near Me - Berkeley, California

Anja is delightful and humors my bad German. The food is delicious, especially the soups and fruit tarts! Wonderful patio with shade, sun, and rose arbors. read more

First time at Anja's (and not my last), it's a charming eatery cafe. I had breakfast and ordered a 1/2 schnitzel sandwich, egg casserole and a coffee. I chose to eat in the back patio area. Wow, it's a beautiful place. You are surrounded by roses in a lovely garden patio. The food was delicious. Service and warm and kind. read more

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I just love this place. The prices are very reasonable and it feels like the food is prepared with love. Everything I've ordered there has been delicious! They offer delivery, but if you can go in person, go on a nice day and eat out back in the big rose garden. It's like taking a little vacation in Berkeley! I just ordered food and it arrived hot. That is remarkable! Don't walk, run! read more

Everything about this place is wonderful. Especially Anja, with Nicole at the counter. So welcoming and making everything fresh to order. A compliment for the streudel was my German-born dad told Anja that she must have his mother's plum cake recipe. If they have a special fish, you will be glad you chose it. The halibut was incredible. A half sandwich on the homemade bread was plenty. They were out of the wurst/sausage so others of us had the pork schnitzel, which was excellent. My dad said better than what he had recently in Vienna. On Saturdays they do a German French toast like pastry that is divine. Eating in the rose garden is a delight. Plus they truly practice sustainability. Thanks Anja and Nicole! We will be back soon. read more

Delicious food and great outdoor dining area! Very kind and quick service. I will definitely be coming back!

This is a tiny place, with only one employee: the owner is the chef, and server, and dishwasher, etc. We thought we'd order the eggs and spinach, but Anja said she didn't have any spinach left, so we shared the chicken and spinach special, which came with potatoes. The chicken was a little overcooked, but ok. The spinach and potatoes were tasty and filling. We also shared the French toast, which was magnificent. Custardy, topped with just a slight dusting of cinnamon sugar, not to be missed. My friend had the chicory coffee; I enjoyed a nonalcoholic Hefeweizen. We sat inside, but there's a nice sunny back patio. Would definitely go back. read more

My wife and I stopped into Anna's for a quick breakfast and had a lox sandwich and one with Anja's homemade marmalade, both on her whole wheat buns. Everything was fresh and delicious. Anja is friendly, and so is the sparkling clean interior of the restaurant. We'll go back! read more

Tiny restaurant with very limited indoor seating but a lovely garden with lots of tables outside. Don't come on a rainy day. Food is good, but the menu is mostly standard breakfast items. Some exceptions: the schnitzel (which is -- strangely -- a side order) is outstanding. As good or better than anything I had in Vienna. A double order of schnitzel sides and some spaetzle would make a great German meal. Beverages include a good selection of Bavarian beers and Gluwein -- spiced heated wine (great if the day is chilly). All in all, probably the best German food in Berkeley. Pity they're only open for breakfast and lunch. read more

You can feel there is something special about this quaint place before you even walk in. Once you walk in, you realize that that something special was the owner pouring her heart and soul into her interactions with customers and her food. Simply delicious food. Simply a delightful experience provided by the sweetest person you'll probably meet all day. You can't go wrong in choosing this place for a quick bite. Your day will improve ten-fold after experiencing the warm heart of Anja. read more

Thank you Anja for adding *delivery*!!! Yesterday I ordered a couple of my favorites from the Gaumenkitzel days, the mushroom ragou and bread. Both just as delicious as I remember. As I increasingly need delivery these days, I feel like the sky has just opened up with warmth and joy, and I can't wait to revisit more of my wish list. Missing Anja's caring warmth though, so will keep on trying to visit in person. read more

After reading Berkeleyside's article earlier this month about Anja's, the new cafe named after the chef and owner of the now closed Gaumenkitzel, I put it on my calendar to walk over and check out the food. (I always meant to dine at Gaumenkitzel, but just never made it over.) I neglected to take a pic of the menu posted in the window, but it had breakfast items such as oatmeal, muesli, and I think yogurt & granola parfait. The menu also had different salads and at least one soup. (Some items were marked coming soon. Today was their opening day.) I make myself granola & yogurt at home, and wasn't in the mood for a salad, but some pastries inside caught my eye before I could walk on. I think it was Anja's husband who warmly greeted me, and offered me samples when I was trying to decide on a pastry. I tried a sample of their almond cookie, which I have a weakness for in general, and it was incredibly soft, and definitely a winner. I ended up getting the "Vanilla-Cinnamon Almond Cookie" ($3.50), and "Egg & Golden Potato Muffin" ($5). (The muffin is essentially a sizable quiche bite. They had some with gruyere and one with cheddar.) There were also two types of bar cookies in the case, apple and poppy seed. The space had a some seats in the front, offering a nice spot to enjoy a light lunch. Anja made eye contact with me from her work spot at a food counter in the open kitchen and wished me a happy Tuesday. She was very warm and welcoming. I'll definitely be back to try more of their pastries, and I'll bring friends next time! read more

Anja’s - Egg & Golden Potato Muffin (with gruyere) - German Near Me - Berkeley, California

The food is so delicious and all homemade. When I order for takeout I usually order a ridiculous amount so I can have leftovers for another couple meals. It's that good. It's a Berkeley institution! read more

Beautiful German breakfast and lunch food. One day I hope to eat jaeger schnitzel again. read more

The only place you can get authentic kaiserschmarrn in Berkeley and it's amazing!! Be sure to preorder at least the day before to get them. Not only that, the balcony seating felt so peaceful, beautiful, and ambiance was definitely spot on. read more

Glad I found out this place exists. We were fans of Gaumenkeitzel for years and sad when it closed. Anja has created a cute little European-feeling cafe with great food! The patio is 10 out of 10 for sure. I wish I had time to eat here 2-3 times a week. I'll be working towards that goal, haha! read more

Delicious food, homemade bread (and pastries), fantastic German beer on top, charming service, and an unbeatable garden patio dining area. very reasonable prices, considering the quality of the fresh ingredients. One of the best places in the Bay Area for outdoor eating, surrounded by fragrant roses. read more

What a beautiful place! I enjoyed coffee and the porridge in the lovely rose garden. It was delicious and peaceful. Service was very kind and quick. read more

Anja’s - Oatmeal porridge - German Near Me - Berkeley, California

We were walking on University in Berkeley today and almost passed Anja's. We were heading to lunch at another place but stopped to check the menu. Seeing that it was German food (with German draft beer), we went in and were pleased to find that the owner/chef was formerly of Gaumenkitzel, one of our favorite restaurants which has since closed. As they had outdoor seating in the back (and draft REAL German beer) we decided to make it our lunch destination. The food was excellent as expected, as was the beer. We will be back again and again and again! read more

Anja’s - Delicate fish medley in creamy dill mustard sauce. - German Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cute little German inspired cafe that recent took over the soup/sandwich spot next to Rose Pizza on University. Friendly owner at the front to take your order while she's setting out the yummy looking pastries. We had the curry wurst, bay shrimp salad and the poppy seed strudel and everything was delicious! The salad didn't look like much when it arrived at the table, but was bright, punchy, and flavorful. The currywurst was comforting, familiar, and filling, and though I have not been to Germany, it was exactly what I would imagine curry wurst to be. We were almost done devouring the strudel before I had a chance to snap a photo which is always a good sign. we grabbed an extra piece to go. + Has great outdoor patio seating in the back among rose bushes. Can't wait to come back and try more items. read more

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Delightful sequel to the much beloved Gaumenkitzel, this restaurant is smaller, cozier, but offers the same high caliber of ingredients and preparation. The owner is very honest and pleasant. Grab a seat in the rose garden out back on a sunny day, or relax and unwind inside if it's rainy I've had the fish in cream sauce and potatoes on most of my visits. Also the granola. Everything I have tried was good. read more

Wonderful! Anja and her sweet little restaurant are delightful! Had yummy porridge with fresh fruit. Yummy coffee, banana nut bread and tasty treats abound!! read more

Most beautiful courtyard for a nice lunch! A hidden gem with delicious food!! I often just get a basic salad with a pastry and it always makes for a perfect lunch. read more

Have a little taste of Europe on University Avenue. We popped in for lunch and enjoyed a bean soup, a gluten-free egg and potato tart and one of their chicken entrees. They share a back garden patio with several nearby eateries so we were able to have our dog with us. read more

Hidden gem, close to downtown. Tried the curry sausage, which was quite authentic, just like in Germany. Place looks small from outside, however features a huge (dog-friendly!) beer garden ("Biergarten") in the back. Friendly service, too. read more

This place is impeccable. Quality, wholesome, healthy food, a beautiful, clean, and organized environment, warm and friendly service. read more

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The food is truly as good and like anything home made. Largely organic , comfort food - wholesome

Great food and amazing desserts! Love the venue with tables out back. Service was great. Had the currywurst which was very good and will be back for more stollen before the holidays are over! read more

Amazing service and food! There was a beautiful garden in the back as well! 10/10. I will be back when I'm in town

Wonderful, food reflective of northern Germany. Especially appreciate the knowledge of serving organic, pastured, wild, and sprouted products. Tasty German breakfast pastries (low sugar) you won't find anywhere else. Vielen Dank fur das gesunde, leckere Essen. read more

Sweet indoor space with a great back area within a rose garden. The coffee and food are terrific and an amazing value. I appreciate the mini-muffin option as a way to taste their terrific baked goods ( made on site!). The people working there are friendly and the food came out freshly cooked and hot. read more

Cute space with a rose garden out back. Tasty food and drinks, that are clean, minimally processed, and homemade. Owners and staff are really nice. read more

Very friendly service. The food was excellent with solid and interesting choices. There are daily items not mentioned in the on-line menu so you can indulge your sweet tooth or go for savory tasty salads, or muffins. I went for the smoked salmon, salad and muffin combination. Everything is very fresh. We ate in the delightful, quiet rose garden behind the cafe. My wife said her coffee was very flavorful and she appreciated it being served in a mug instead of a paper cup. We plan to bring friends next time who drink because they will enjoy exploring the interesting German and Austrian wine selection. read more

Great fresh tasty food. Beautiful patio. Welcoming service. Excellent for takeout and tempting g desserts

I love Anja's. This is one of Berkeley's gems and an absolute must visit. The owner has clearly put a lot of thought, effort, and talent into a curated menu that is equally homely and delectable. read more

There should be an Anja's on every block of every neighborhood. Absolutely delightful little cafe is unassuming from the street, but charming inside and the best-in-show rear rose garden must be the East Bay's best-kept secret for quiet, private al fresco dining. It's a wonder Anja doesn't have people hunkered down all day, from breakfast through lunch and into early afternoon for aperitifs! The excellent food is freshly crafted in-house -- no oily plastic-wrapped muffins here. If you're lucky, there may be a beautiful full tart that you can take home and impress your dinner guests with -- I got the strawberry-rhubarb tart with just a hint of of rosemary (and a very tender crumb) and it was devoured by my guests... Not too sweet, not too rich, amazing flavor and obviously made with care. Sensational. Anja's homemade rolls for her excellent sandwiches are also available to take home, and they make fantastic packable lunch fare and toast. In addition to the great baked goods, her menu features top-tier sandwiches, salads, and warm plates. Bratwurst with sauerkraut and warm potatoes couldn't make a better lunch on a cold day (or let's be honest, ANY day), and on a special day you'd do well to add a glass of crisp German wine or beer and all is well in the world for a few minutes. Anja makes everything to order and personally delivers to your table in the garden. There's also some seating in front, and good take-out service. Parking can be a little tricky on University, but there's free street parking on the side streets so you can stay a while :-) read more

Super cute German cafe! Had the house salad with goat cheese & it was really good, the pastries are delightful as well. The owner is very kind and friendly & I will definitely be going here regularly. read more