Special Place, Excellent Food Social distancing and safety approved! I first visited Cafe Leila as part of a knitting group and instantly fell in love. The coffee and tea offerings are unique and they have so much variety you can try something new every visit. My staple is the Same Pablo Tea and even though I try to make it at home, my effort doesn't compare. I suspect it is the love they add. Coming here feels life returning to a friend's kitchen and relaxing in the lovely garden. On to the food. I love the Alex breakfast plate and will sometimes switch up and get the Chorizo. I'm a creature of habit but each time I visit or introduce someone to the cafe they try something new and they are always happy with their selection. read more

the most amazing gorgeous garden. the shalaby steak (basically Mediterranean fajitas) is the bomb. fancy iced teas are fun. I love it for birthdays and other gatherings cause you all order at the counter and theres usually space in the garden to eat together. read more

Nice breakfast burrito, and fantastic caffeine buzz! I stopped in this morning fore a bite to eat and some caffeine. Looked at the menu, and spoke with the owner for a few minutes. He was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable, and and suggested the chilled Guayusa. I am very thankful for his recommendation! The Guayusa (which he had imported from Ecuador) was absolutely wonderful! A nice, understated woody tea taste, a very light tannin structure, over ice. It skipped the "hay" taste that yerba can have, which was nice. The buzz from the Guayusa was next level. Warm, lovey euphoric feelings physically, paired with cognitive enhancement, and nice anxiolytic stimulation. Paired that with the Breakfast Burrito, which was brilliant! The textures were fantastic, bright herbs and the heirloom tomato's in the salsa stunning. I left with a smile, and a half pound of Guayusa, which may be my new favorite thing. I am bringing my girlfriend here asap. read more

Café Leila - Guayusa, drink, inside - New American Near Me - Berkeley, California

The outside patio is really nice really spacious I wouldn't say that at the tables are 6 feet apart but overall it was really nice and clean. There are no heat lamps so if you're going on a chilly day layer up. The food was really good fresh and still came out warm. it was really good, and the food got to the table quickly read more

Café Leila - Leila Burger - New American Near Me - Berkeley, California

Awesome food, atmosphere and great outdoor seating. My only complaint is that there's only a single register and often a line of people out the door who haven't looked at the menu by the time they get to the front! Beyond that, there are so many good things to say about the owners, the staff, and creating a relaxing outdoor space that is dog-friendly. The Chicken Tyab is my go-to. One of my favorite places in Berkeley! read more

The usual good food. Had links & eggs with fruit instead of potatoes. Came for midweek breakfast during mid morning. This is our first time back since the pandemic rules started 6 months ago. They are following all the safety rules. If you order a meal they will serve you in large patio. See photo. Restroom clean & regularly checked by staff. read more

Café Leila - Patio dining area mid morning during midweek during pandemic. - New American Near Me - Berkeley, California

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The ambiance rocks here! It's my favorite feature. I love how many outdoor tables and chairs there are, so on a nice day, you're sure to get a lovely space outside. Our group of three got three different lattes and three different scones. I must say, my latte was excellent, and my scone was super average. But that didn't matter. I liked being able to hang out there! What I'm looking forward to next time is ordering a breakfast dish or two to try! And maybe try a coffee item! read more

Think happy thoughts. So happy and so very Berkeley. This brunch place in West Berkeley has a good vibe. The garden is gorgeous, though wet on that particular day we showed up. Food was quite simple and delicious. The finding your own table business makes this place quite efficient. I remember how hard it once was to find a table to eat in Berkeley on weekends. This place was hassle free. Better yet, N let me take photos of the food and the backyard garden without finding me geeky and tedious. Thinking to come back for a casual dining expedition before visiting Urban Orc, next. read more

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Stopped by here on a whim and loved it! The food was filling, unique, and delicious! The drinks are also very good quality! The staff make sure to ask you what you do/don't want to include so they seem very conscious of diet choices as well as allergies :) Also, what a unique environment! Come here on a day with good weather because their outside seating is characteristic, plentiful, and so comfy! Lots of people come to have a quiet peaceful space it seems. My only warning is the small parking lot, scope it out first! Overall, I HIGHLY recommend if you want to have a quiet breakfast date or a calm drink with friends read more

Café Leila - Hummus Lettuce Tomato Cucumbers and Onion Bagel, Falafel Wrap, Espresso, superfood smoothie, raw brownie (dried cherries, walnuts, cacao) - New American Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cafe Leila was great. Rainy day so we ate inside in the back. I had the spinach and chicken salad which was good. My two companions also liked their food. read more

Breakfast at this café is always such a treat. Mom and I shared the Greek omelette and some scones. Delicious and perfectly cooked. My latte was also just perfect with a lovely heart included. The garden in back is my favorite spot to meet with friends. read more

Café Leila - Latte made with heart - New American Near Me - Berkeley, California

The outdoor seating was so beautiful and really nice to sit at. However, the food was alright and the matcha was too milky. The vegan tofu scramble wasn't as good as I was hoping but it was still good. I'm also just not a huge fan of eggs and a ton of their breakfast meals included eggs so my options were a little limited. read more

Café Leila - Vegan Tofu Scramble - New American Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Yummy breakfast spot with plenty of outdoor garden seating. My favorite picks are Alex in the Morning (your typical breakfast plate - eggs, meat, potatoes, toast, fruit) and the pesto sandwich (comes with fries). Service is friendly and parking is available in private parking lot for free, though space is limited so you may have to find street parking. read more

From the outside, it looks like a regular neighborhood cafe. However I was wrong--very wrong. Once you step inside, you realize there's an amazing, large outdoor patio area (garden seating) in the back of the cafe. The food is also a big surprise. So delicious and everything tastes so fresh. This really is one of many gems in Berkeley. read more

Café Leila - Baklava - New American Near Me - Berkeley, California

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The food here is always delicious. The garden dining atmosphere is lovely. Lots of vegetarian options.

The Chicken Pesto Burger was smackinnn', it was my first time going and I wasn't disappointed. Their mango paradise smoothie is also pretty bomb. read more

Café Leila - Grilled Chicken Pesto Burger - New American Near Me - Berkeley, California

This cafe, receives a two star rating due to their amazing patio alone. All additional aspects of this location are underwhelming, if not downright unpleasant. The owners, who seem to hang out in the front or run the register everyday, are not only "gruff", but incredibly rude to their employees as well as some customers. They make a huge fuss over using anything but cash, don't provide wifi, and really take away from any magic this place may have to offer. Not to mention everything is incredibly overpriced. Decent pastries, food is meh ($17 burger and its small), coffee is ok. There is always new staff being trained, which is not a problem as they are by far the nicest ones there (high turnover likely indicative of the owners/managers). We have tried MANY times, but can't seem to find them on a "good day" read more

This place was such a nice find during COVID times. There was plenty of space in the patio garden between tables and it was nice and quiet despite being on a busy street. The lady working was great, so friendly and accommodating... if our interaction was with her alone, it would have been 5 stars, easily! When we first arrived we asked if the patio was dog friendly and she said yes, so we found a seat then ordered. We ordered breakfast burritos which were good and a spicy chai latte which I loved! The lady said they make their own chai tea so it was very flavorful. The only downside to our experience was the man, who I would assume was the owner. After us being there for about an hour, he tells us that dogs are not allowed and yelled at me for trying to waterfall some water for our dog from my cup. I understand not wanting us to use their cups which is why I was pouring the water out... but we were also told there were dog bowls outside... which there were not. I just think the lady who we initially interacted with had such a great attitude and personality, I wish she was the only one I interacted with. Overall, I did like this place and will definitely be willing to go back and update my review... but will hopefully steer clear of that man! read more

Chicken Tyabb is the best mediterranean dish in Berkeley. You can eat it outside in their glorious backyard while getting work done on a laptop in the shade of an umbrella. read more

Café Leila - New American Near Me - Berkeley, California

Been here 3x - garden is beautiful, food is ok, service was kind the first two times and today very rude, plus their water glasses are dirty (their was lipstick on the rims). Service matters to me so I will not be returning. read more

Great dining spot for Covid-19! Ample outdoor seating, in a garden environment. Really good coffee. Got the breakfast burrito, and it was delicious and filling. After eating at 9 am, I didn't need to eat again until 3. Last but not least, Cade Leila has a private parking lot, which makes it a lot more convenient than most Berkeley restaurants. read more

Great ambience, but the food is overpriced for what you get, and though I didn't receive the worst of it, I can definitely corroborate the attitude problem with guests. It's a nice space, but the lack of hospitality towards people who haven't spent $20 for a tasteless omelette is unnerving and unnecessary; this isn't a part of town swarming with students (ie. it's not Downtown Berkeley), and the space is quite large. I live in the neighborhood, but I prefer my coffee without gross vibes, least of all at a locale where I've spent a hefty sum on unsatisfying food already. I won't be going back. read more

So went to Café Leila for a meeting. When I went to order beverages for the group there were at least 7 people in front of me in line. Line moved slow, not a big deal, came to my turn, made my order and as the cashier handed me my receipt to sign she mumbled something about not staying more than 30 min. Not trusting that I had heard properly I asked her to repeat herself a couple of times before I could believe my ears. I pointed out to her that she did not said anything about a 30min time limit to anyone else in line before me, not to mention the café was less that half full. She mumbled something about the people before me ordering lunch or breakfast. Mind you it was 10am - past breakfast and way to early for lunch for me. Odd coincidence; all the people before me were white, except one young lady who was there with a white man...I am not white. Weird how that happened... read more

One of my favorite spots to frequent when I'm in Berkeley, specifically for breakfast. The outdoor dining space is dynamic, yet so comfy and inviting. You order and pay for the food up front, and an employee delivers the food once ready. Though, customers are responsible for cleaning their own table. Nonetheless, it's not uncommon to see line out the door for this yummy and convenient local gem. read more

I adore the ambiance of the outdoor setting of this restaurant. I had the Reuben sandwich and the hot & spicy Curcumin latte. The sandwich was pretty darn good and the latte was exceptional. great vibe and good place to meet friends read more

Fantastic & eclectic food, good variety of healthy drink options, really wonderful courtyard & ambiance. Live jazz on Sunday.

The vibe is definitely good - if possible, highly recommend to sit outside. There's a big backyard that's nice and leafy. Unfortunately, the food itself doesn't meet the level of the atmosphere. So, I'd say it's good as a nice place to meet some friends. It's a counter-service restaurant - no table service. I actually think this is a plus. Overall, I can imagine going back and recommend the place for a social rather than culinary experience. read more

Their Cla$$ic Burger keeps getting better and better! Their Salmon Tyab is one of the Best Mediterranean Dishes I have ever had! read more

The most expensive chai latte I have ever had in my life...$7.15. Not very good either. I don't think they should call this a latte. It's tea with milk. They don't stir or foam it up or anything. And their to go cups are useless. The top pops off, and you get hot tea all over you. Even when you hold the top on, the liquid leeks out. The barista was nice and friendly. The person who checked me out was not. I would not recommend getting a chai latte here to anyone. read more

Food was decent and the outdoor seating is nice. However, the mask police are in force here even after the mandate has been lifted. Glad the virus knows the difference between standing in line without a mask vs eating without one indoors. read more

For everyone complaining about spending minimums in this cafe: Stop complaining. Reading all of the poor reviews because people were upset that they couldn't sip their morning coffee and dawdle on their laptops is sickening. You all should be ashamed. Businesses are doing what they can to stay open for their respective communities and all you people can think about is your selfish wants. You want to sip coffee outside? Take it to go and go for a walk or a hike. If you need to study or work, go to a library or a park if your home isn't good enough for you. Your $3 coffee isn't going to maintain their business. It won't pay their employees wages. Respect that the outdoor seating is for eating. Most places only have a handful of outdoor tables and little space to work with. Most people are doing what they can during these times to keep everyone safe but your whiney complaints are not helpful. Keep up the attitude and you won't have anywhere to go but Starbucks. Have fun with that. read more

Massive plates of food. Willing to accommodate nearly anything. Tradeoffs allowed. Wonderful community olace. They went out if their way during oandemic read more

Loved our breakfast here. We both ate off the specials menu. I had a vegetarian scrambled egg dish, the home fries were excellent and plentiful. They served tea in small or large pots (I got a large), and the Masala Chai was delicious- no sugar added. Not every restaurant knows how to make good tea, but they nailed it at Leila's, the tea was the right strength. You order and pay before you choose your table and the cozy entrance is only the beginning of this delightful place. The main dining room is warm and was bustling so we stepped out back to the garden. I loved the fountain and the casual layout that invited us to stick around and enjoy the morning. Several families with small children soon joined us. It was a delightful. read more

Very extensive menu with a lot of vegetarian and health-conscious options. I just wanted a solid cup of coffee and something good to eat and that's definitely what I found here. I ordered a cappuccino to see how well they can make a standard cup and to taste their coffee in it's purity. Because it was very busy at the time, the milk foam was a little rushed with big pockets of air but the coffee itself tasted very good. For a place with such a complex menu, I'm happy to say they make a decent cup. I also got the Lamb Burger which I would definitely recommend. The sweetness from the caramelized onions with the gaminess of the lamb and the creaminess of the goat and fetta cheese was a symphony of flavor and one that I really enjoyed. I sat with a few friends outside among many different decorative antiques and artwork which added plenty to the conversation. The staff was also very enthusiastic bringing the food which I appreciated. But it's more of a café environment so there wasnt any particular waiter that helped us, it was literally the lady who made my coffee that brought me my food. I paid $23 for a lamb burger and a cappuccino which isn't the cheapest but considering the range of dietary options on the menu and compared to many other brunch cafés I've been to, prices are pretty standard and one I definitely wouldn't mind paying again. read more

Good food . Nice garden area for dining. Prices too high for what you get. Nice selection of teas and health drinks. Need more soft drink , favored water options. No wait staff to speak of. read more

Thank you for bringing the order to me outside to the curb when I couldn't find any parking. This place gets packed. It's always really good food. read more

We came here with a 9-month old toddler for a Sunday brunch and enjoyed it very much. The tofu scramble was good, but I wish the toast served would've been something better from a local bakery, sourdough etc. Regular ol' plain toast just doesn't cut it anymore. We sat at the back of the big, whimsical patio and had plenty of space to spread around. We had asked about the sweetness of the blueberry matcha lattes before ordering them and the cashier said they're not too sweet, but oh my goodness, they were horribly sweet, had to add more water to get even some of it down. There's just no need to add so much syrup to these things. It's a good idea to keep them unsweetened/lightly sweetened and then if someone wants more sweetness they can request that or add it themselves. All in all, great laidback ambiance and really enjoyed the patio seating. Will be back another warm day again. read more

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So I didn't try any of the food at this aesthetically pleasing cafe. My primary reason for entering was to work on a paper for school while waiting for my car at the car shop across the street. I read that to use the WiFi I had to make a purchase of $8 which I totally understand. Sustaining a business is pricey and I wouldn't want a bunch of people coming in just to use the WiFi. So I told one of the servers there that I would order something later into my stay (I wasn't hungry or craving coffee just yet). I told her twice just so she would be assured; I could tell she wanted to make it clear that I had to purchase something to be there and to use the Wifi. She gave me the WiFi password. I later took a seat and worked on my paper. I had brought lunch with me that I would have taken with me to work and eaten at work, but my car needed more time to be worked on (which I had not anticipated). I didn't mean to be rude or cheap but as I was just about to eat my lunch, the same server put me on blast saying I could not eat any outside food. She looked kind of upset but I honestly hadn't meant to break any of her cafe etiquette. So I apologized and put it away. She looked peeved and she would occasionally glance over in my direction (probably to make sure I wasn't going to leave without purchasing something). I was a little annoyed and offended that she had not taken my word that I would purchase something. So I got up and started packing my things. And she approached me and asked what I would like. I told her I would order at the front. She may have misheard me but she then said I wasn't welcome there. I walked to the front cashier and she attended me, visibly upset. I asked for an iced chai latte. She asked what milk and if i wanted it spicy. I asked her how she recommended it to ease the tension and she said spicy. She relaxed after that question. I then asked for a slice of coconut orange cake and she happily served me. I spent a total of $11 on the drink and chai, including tip. She seemed taken aback by my chill attitude but I did what I told her I would do. I don't know the rationale behind her being so guarded but maybe she's had people not purchase anything and walk out. Regardless, im not sure I'd come back after that interaction. It was a bit awkward, stressful, targeting, and uncalled for. The chai was a bit watery but indeed spicy and fresh. The cake was also good. I wish I would have the future opportunity to try the food here. It's truly unfortunate because it is such a gorgeous spot. read more

Had a fantastic birthday celebration in their very pleasant garden. Service and food were excellent!

Omg this place is so cute.. and the people are so nice. I literally sat down and chatted with the owner til my friend got there and had a full conversation about travelling to the Philippines. They had a super cute relaxing garden and a spacious dining area. Definently coming back. read more

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