After a day of running errands, my brother was giving me a ride home when he says, "I need to get some flatbread..." I remembered a place on Jackson Street that I had gone to 5 years ago that had a tremendous selection - looked it up on Yelp and it was no longer on Jackson, but was listed in Castro Valley. So we went thought we'd go by and give it a try. Great decision! The "new" store in Castro Valley is much brighter, cleaner, nicer than the old location. I think the old location had more stuff from Eastern Europe, but this new location seems to have a broader selection, with more stuff from Western Europe and the Middle East. The guy behind the counter was very friendly and helpful - always willing to answer questions and even give tips on how to use the products that they sell. And his recommendations have been great - we asked him about which tahini and zaatar to get (they have many different brands/types of each...) and the ones he recommended have been way tastier than any of the brands that you find in most markets. Especially good was his recommendation on lebnah - he said that the brands they carry are all good, but they have some that they package in-house that was special. I tried it - it was less expensive than the other brands, but was the very best lebnah that I have ever tasted! Richer, creamier, with just the right amount of tang. Wonderful stuff! Anyway, Crossroads is a nice, clean, well-lit place with a great selection of unique products, and friendly, knowledgeable sales staff. Well worth a trip! read more

This place has great middle eastern and other international food choices. Balkan yogurt Halal prepared foods. Great ice cream too.

Tons of European groceries here. Happy of them I done even have any ideas of what they are. It was nice to go through the store. Ended up getting some pelmini and chocolate banana gummies from Croatia. They have all the stuff for your Dubai chocolates. And panettone! Will be back to try other stuff. read more

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Don't go there. They are rude. I had bad experience with the old store and thought they would be better in the new one, this is not true. The workers they look too serious. I told him the Tahini was bitter this is why it was discounted and I bought but when I fixed it, it was bitter tasting. I'm middle eastern and I know they do this stuff. read more

Very interesting! I saw this store in one of the social media so decided to check it out. They are clean and organized. They carry many products that other stores don't which came from different countries. Some of them are pricey but could be great gifts. I went on Saturday but didn't see that many customers but I hope they stay in business read more

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Crossroads has a huge variety of European delicacies. Good price and fresh. The chocolate variety is amazing. Especially for the holidays. You can't go wrong. They also have an extensive variety of olive oils. They are helpful locating what you are seeking. Easily accessible. Great hostess gifts. read more

Really nice people always working. Stocked with a nice selection of items and prices are fair and reasonable for being a specialty store. Grateful to have them In our neighborhood but it's a hidden gem. read more

I have read so much about this store and needed to check it out. I had a craving for baklava and knew they offer them. They have in prepackaged and individual serving behind the deli counter. The nice man at the counter chose their three most popular pieces fit me. Also browsing the around the store had so many items to go back for more. For now, the baklava made me very happy. I definitely will be back for more. read more

Crossroads Specialty Foods - Baklava three hand chose pieces - Grocery Near Me - Castro Valley, California

This place is absolutely lovely, they have so many different products, so many I've never seen, very unique. The cashiers are kind and communicative. They only lose a star because I'm not crazy about how the store is merchandised, it feels congested in some areas, but I understand that it's because they lack space, my concern is that having so much of the same product stacked so high, it's at risk of being damaged, and really it's an eye sore. I don't come in here too often, but when I do, its always a treat. I never really see anyone in there, I hope they stay in business, they have great products, especially sweet treats! read more

I like coming here because they are the only store that sells the Czech beer my family loves (Kozel). Seriously, I can't find it anywhere else and I love to support local businesses. Also, everytime I stop by I always get a few pieces of baklava from the counter. All flavors of baklava are delicious! Plus the staff is super friendly and warm. read more

I absolutely LOVE this place! I have an unnatural love for all things pickled. They have EVERYTHING under the sun! Lots of European sweet and savory treats. A variety of legumes, pastas, foods both frozen and jarred. They have a HUGE variety of beverages, teas, syrups, alcohol, juices - something for everyone! I love that everytime I visit its not bombarded with people. Yes, there are people but it doesn't feel hurried or rushed. The noise level with the music is just perfect. They have LOTS of stuff for anyone's sweet tooth! I love that they have soooo much biscotti, crackers and biscuits to choose from! This is my new favorite place to just treat myself! read more

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This is my 3rd time here within 1 year i think. I have family members who are visited from Ireland and Philippines and we(husband and I) hosted a dinner for 12 people. I have planned a greek menu. First I have prepared a small appetizer tray that consisted of hummus, pita bread, greek cheeses, olives and artichokes. Then main entree includes greek salad, Pork souklavi, chicken Gyro, and beef estifado. Some of the items and ingredients and wine too are bought from this store for my meal preparation. I love this store since they almost have everything for my Europian and Mediterranean dish needs. The place is clean and pretty small but still have huge variety of collections and stocks. Highly recommend it! read more

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Had my first visit recently and have not been back. I was able to find some great spices which is good. But the reason I have not been back is that one of the 2 men behind the counter was horribly dour and gave off unwelcoming vibes. The other man was really helpful and friendly for which I am grateful. But his graces do not counter the dour counter guy. read more

I was looking for cold smoked mackerel as my friend suggested I try it (as I am a fan of sashimi to tinned fish). This market came up on my search and I am pleasantly surprised of the amount of items offered here. Coming here on a Friday afternoon, parking was plentiful and the market wasn't all too busy. I was able to take my time to wander around the store to see the vast amount of varieties offered. Everything was very nicely organized and clean despite being a bit compacted with so many products, I love it! It was probably about 15minutes before I had my fill of light browsing and went to grab a mackerel. While I was checking out, I think it was the owner that I chatted up told me about the popularity of pistachio butter and the chocolate trend online. It's very nice to see that a shop still care about their local customers and he stopped allowing bulk purchases (probably a reseller?) so that everyone can have access to some. By the counter, there's a bunch of desserts that I could not resist. I do have a weird tree nut allergy and I appreciated the owner looking for nutrition facts to see the allergens. I was able try 2 kinds of turkish delights, kiwi and orange - it was a very delightful treat... a little on the heavier end, but definitely something I'd want to get again to share with others. Final Thoughts: I'll definitely be back to check out more of the jams, teas/coffees as well as other goods here! Another stop to add to my list of favorite markets now! read more

I visited this morning and what was originally intended as a 30-minute stop turned into a 90-minute perusing of the aisles 3x over while my new bestie ChatGPT and I had conversations that started with "What can I do with..." or "What brand of Dubai chocolate should I..." or "What's the difference between French puff pastry and regular puff pastry?" It's alllll here! I wound up picking up some garlic hummus which is better than my homemade version, pita bread, Turkish delight, French puff pastry and almost had my hand on some pistachio cream but that's for next time. I ran out of the free version of ChatGPT. Some bestie. read more

Newly reopened and has everything and more just like it used to have back in the old location in Hayward. Exceptionally clean and organized - a very pleasant shopping experience. Beer, wine, Christmas cookies and candies from Europe, German saurkraut and some great cold cuts from the refrigerated section filled my basket. There are so many options and it is so well stocked - set aside a little time to look it all over during your visit. Its in a smaller shopping center and parking was easy as could be. From the main roads it is visible on the corner but somehow easy to miss unless you are looking for it. During the pandemic I enjoyed going to the old location so much. I avoided all the crazy that was in regular grocery stores at the time with the cleared out shelves. For the most part most every food need you have can be bought here. Been waiting for a couple years for this to reopen. So thrilled its only a mile away from home now. read more

Crossroads Specialty Foods - First time at new location - Grocery Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I'm a huge fan of Crossroads Specialty Foods and used to frequent the previous location on Jackson/CA-92 thru Hayward for items such as Middle Eastern spices, Mediterranean ingredients phyllo, various cheeses, sausages, Italian sauces and pastas, baklava and European items. First visit to this new location in Castro Valley and place is brighter, spacious, well organized with a variety of sweets, spices, snacks, refrigerated and frozen items along with a display of Turkish delights. No produce or fresh meat counter offered. Staff is helpful directing to locate items but not well versed on type of ingredients used for specific region. Not an issue and will check online and see if they carry it. I found items that I was looking for: kataifi (shredded phyllo), sweet cheese, ghee, orange blossom water, (to make knafeh) pomegranate molasses (to glaze Cornish hens) and Middle Eastern spices to make beef kefta ...they also had kunafa pastry coloring but decided to pass on that. I'll definitely return to buy ingredients to make my own dishes as it's expensive dining out these days! :) It would be great if the store had a small cafe or had a day to offer samples of their products and how to use ingredients. Regardless, I managed to be a little overzealous in buying items to try: Schaller & Weber pate, Davidoff instant coffee, frozen warbat with qishta, Diamond brand baklava...smh Plenty of free lot parking in a small strip mall right off the freeway along E Castro Valley Blvd. Credit cards accepted read more

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This spot it cool got hella cool stuff in there will tell peoples to come they have the Dubai chocolate I love the big one read more

Crossroads Specialty Foods - Big Dubai chocolate was hella good - Grocery Near Me - Castro Valley, California

This grocery store has a little bit of everything from many countries across the Middle East and Eastern Europe. For example: About 6 types of zaatar ( 2 in bulk bins, others in shelf). Each from a different country Labneh--4 types of spreadable. Also one in a jar of oil-- little balls as I've only seen sold at roadside stands in Israel Candy and chocolate-- takes you to Russia, Hungary Wine--Hungary, Russia, Georgia and elsewhere Olive bar Bulk dry goods Pastas, beans, lavash, pita The employees are friendly but not knowledgeable. Clean new space in castro valley close to Trader Joe's!! read more

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I highly recommend this store. You can find food, cookies, legumes, cans from many countries Argentina Turkey Russia Italy And the list goes on... Customer service is excellent and the store is very clean and organized. Very good vibes read more

One word: FABULOUS! Anything you need from spices to sweets for all cultures. Specifically lots of Mediterranean delights read more

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crossroads specialty foods opened recently in Castro Valley in a small commercial space that includes Caspar's, Domino Pizza, & Warriors Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. it's operated by David, nephew of the a similar named grocery in Hayward that's closed. though the space looks smaller, it shelves over 5,000 items from Eastern Europe, Europe, and the Middle East. crossroads has combined many distinct ethnic grocery stores into 1 all inclusive speciality store. I was greeted immediately by the owner/cashier upon my entrance. so much to choose from. partial listing: teas, coffee, picked/salted fish, condiments, spices, pastries, sweets, chocolates, beers, wines, spirits, frozen/fresh/ready to eat meats/entress (pelmemi, sausages, etc.), fruit preserves, marmalade, pastas, breads... buys: lokum (bularian delight, 3.99) 179gm, 12 pieces -taste mostly sugar & rose water flavor from glucose water, wheat starch, -texture similar to jelly like candies/pastries that all countries make. drink: Das Bock (Eibauer-german, 3.99) 6.7% alc., 16.09 oz. -tasted light ala lager, smooth, doesn't have typical beer profile. -suitable for pairing with seafood..... Double Bock (Primator-Czech craft, 3.69) 10.5% alc. 16.09 oz. -tasted bold ala double ipa... my fav. -no harshness, very smooth...great with bbq, steaks, cheese, or by itself. take outs: -small parking lot, -lots of choices in alcohol, teas, sweets section. -prices reasonable. -some Eastern European type products made in Canada, U.S.... read more

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Really happy I came across this place! A European and Middle Eastern market that has a variety of essential staples from spices, protein, sweets, pickled veggies, coffee, tea and culture specific speciality items. I was very happy with how clean & organized the store is. I do however wish they had fresh fruit and veggies to make it a one stop shop. Overall will be back for my international home cooking needs. read more

The baklava is amazing . Great unique foods including Dubai chocolates, milks, and great selection of beer with great and kind staff

Crossroads Specialty Foods Castro Valley CA Sat 4/1/23 © First Day Open! Credit card machine broke so cash only! Happy April FRIENDS! No fools! Love ya! European & Mediterranean Foods! Shelves stoked with Eastern European pickled everything! I walked around, spoke to the owners, they're very committed to making this grocery store a solid authentic staple! Wine & beers from Portugal, Hungary, Poland, Czech, Romania, Bulgaria, Armenia, Lebanon, Georgia, Turkey! Wide variety of international selections! Blackberry jeżyna, Raspberry malina, Blueberry jagoda, doesn't that sound delicious?! Sweet liquor type wines from Poland! Georgian unique wines in ceramic and metal decanters, semi sweet reds Kindzmarauli made from Saperavi grapes! I'll be back when I'm in the area to checkout some new goodies! Castro Valley residents, Enjoy! *I feel so free When you're with me, Baby! Baby, there's nothing holdin' me back! [ Review #757 w 2 pics on April 3, 2023 ] European, Mediterranean wines! 1st Day Open! @Crossroads Specialty Foods Castro Valley CA Sat 4/1/23 Pickled everything! @Crossroads Specialty Foods Castro Valley CA Sat 4/1/23 read more

Crossroads Specialty Foods - European, Mediterranean wines! 1st Day Open! @Crossroads Specialty Foods Castro Valley CA Sat 4/1/23 - Grocery Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Crossroads specialty food is one my new favorite stores. They have a wide range of products from around the world and at a great price. The stores is always well stocked and clean. Service is superb and my favorite section is their feta cheeses. Their french sheep feta cheese is just perfect. Definitely recommended. read more

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Ambiance: 8/10 Very organized and neat Parking: 8/10 Easy parking right in front or in the parking lot Price: 7/10 Some things can be super expensive, but it might be because these are all very unique items! Food: 9/10 Very interesting and unique! There are bakery items / candies / chips / spices / ice cream ... all sorts of things from all the world! Definitely a very special grocery store! Take a look around and try something new! read more

We bought figs yesterday. waighted the package. here is a result: 350 g instead of 397g. read more

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Great place to shop for middle eastern spices. This place looks new and well organized. I was looking for Aleppo pepper and their staff was very helpful to locate it. We also tried some of breads they have and I like the Lebanese bread which was fresh and tasty. I will definitely go back to try their olives and cheese selections. They also have a impressive selection of baklava and other Turkish delight. I will try them also next time I visit this place. read more

This was my go to place, but the past 3 months have not been the greatest. I found a lot of expired foods in the shop. The cheese, and ice cream mostly. I Was sold expired ice cream, the date seemed like there was an attempt to scratch off, brought the box back and asked for exchange because it expired months ago., but the worker checked all the boxes and they were all expired so I got a refund. I don't believe I would come back after that experience. read more

I am so glad that Crossroads Specialty Foods moved into our area in Castro. Valley. I never heard of them before, but am so thankful they picked our neighborhood to reside in. They have a tremendous variety of specialty foods that my entire family enjoy. Even better than that is the tremendous friendly service from all the staff there. In short, Thank you all. read more

Great store! I love how everything is arranged. As soon as you walk in, you see the candies and sweets. Everything is perfectly arranged neatly and the little isles are clean. There's so much international food that I'd love to try. The guy at the register is friendly. They also have a section where you can buy fresh goodies like baklava. read more

Stopped by today to check it out and wow, such a large variety of different Eastern European groceries! The clerk was very nice as well. They have a wide range of canned goods, cheeses, meats, alcohol, coffee, dry goods, and more. Highly reccomend stopping by and checking it out. read more

Lots of different groceries from all over Europe. Prices are very reasonable and owners are super friendly. A welcomed neighborhood store read more

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Reasons to go to crossroads: 1. Variety: this store has an incredible variety of international ingredients at a fair price. There isn't another store within 30 miles that is able to compete with their variety of middle eastern, European, Mediterranean and Indian selections. 2. Perfect location: this is arguably the only store in castro valley that offers a wide variety of international spices, jams, wines, breads, cheeses, pickled veggies, spreads, condiments, frozen meals, etc. 3. Very nice owners: some of the nicest store owners that you will ever meet. Support local businesses that actually care about customer service. This place is amazing! read more

Brightly lit and laid out well, with a cozy ambiance. This shop has a wide variety of items from the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. The staff warmly welcomed us to the shop and was friendly yet unobtrusive. They have a thoughtful selection of beer and wine, which was quite nice. I highly recommend pairing a beer or glass of wine with some of the olives from their olive bar. The assortment of fruit preserves, pickled vegetables, sausages, cheeses (including the feta cheese selection at the counter which they'll allow you to taste), and frozen foods - including a variety of pelmeni - brought a smile to my face. They also have imported chocolates and sweets, and even had a selection of fresh lokoum/Turkish delight. I'd strongly encourage you to stop by and check out Crossroads, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. read more

Great Selection of International Foods! Always go to get the best ingredients for my bakes, super authentic food!

This looks like the place that used to be on Jackson in Hayward. It was Crossroads World Market. The companion shop in Palo Alto was the same name as this new store in CV. It was a husband and wife team that owned and managed them both. Very cool and very quiet inside...with little itty bitty shopping carts that I'd usually fill up. It's been closed for a couple of years...and our life has been so boring as a result. Olives in a jar just don't make it for us.... We cannot wait to get back here....the place we jokingly used to call "IHOP," shorthand for International House of Pickles...because they had a whole aisle of pickled everything in jars of every size. I'd spend an hour, minimum, in that amazing little store...because there was always something new to try....I had to wander every aisle! And, you will often meet some very interesting people, other customers, in the store...people from places you'll never get to visit. If someone made eye contact, I'd say hello...and perhaps learn about some exotic food that I'd not known about. I've missed the olive bar more than other things...but the variety of feta, the halvah, the breads, the sesame tahini, the harissa, the sauerkraut, the pickles, the fruit preserves and marmalade, the cookies, the chocolate...and the best pocket pita, fresh six days a week. But that's just a fraction of the delicacies...there's all kinds of pickled herring and cheeses, sausages...it's been three years now, so it's a bit hazy. Ah, did I mention the pasta? They had a fantastic assortment of Maltagliati Organic semolina pastas in sealed bags Way better than anything in Safeway or While Foods...at half the cost. I've got one remaining pound of "#346 cut ziti" that's 2-years past it "Best by date" but I know it's still going to be delicious....because it's in a sealed bag, not a cardboard box. The Latina ladies who clerked were always delightful too...and surprisingly knowledgeable about the exotic merchandise. I gave one of them my 34" flatscreen CRT TV when we bought our first LED flatscreen. I did meet one of the owners there one day...she told me about their store in Palo Alto, but I never made it there because of Covid. I did also meet her husband once...I asked him to restock the whole grain sesame tahini because it had more flavor than the regular hulled variety, but it never happened...so I'm really looking forward to finding that rare gem at the new Castro Valley store. It makes absolutely the best hummus! I'll be dreaming about this place tonight.... read more

Friendly staff, extremely well stocked store with all my favorite goodies from all over the Europe and it's under 10 minutes drive from my home. I'm so glad they finally opened again. read more

A good selection of European and Middle Eastern specialty dry goods, canned and frozen foods. The Turkish Delights are quite delicious!