Let's just say I'm glad I didn't just look at the star rating and move on! This place takes a hit for some service snaffoos but when it comes to the actual food, reviewers call breakfast at this place some of the best in the Bay and I'd have to agree. My pancakes were perfectly fluffy, my bacon was just lip smacking delicious, and my eggs could not have been cooked any better. Even the basic black coffee was top notch. I found the service to be fast and quite friendly, though not particularly attentive (would have loved a water or coffee refill). Because the place seats 36 (prominently displayed) I wouldn't make this my weekend breakfast/brunch spot of choice with a group but if you're dining solo or stopping by on a weekend, come spend some time with mama! read more

Mama's Royal Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Oakland, California

Best breakfast place on planet Earth..... The coffee is the strongest best tasting... Fried potatoes with sour cream and garlic salsa. Omelettes with fruit toast and potatoes. Apricot crumb pancakes. read more

This place is so cool and it used to be a Chinese restaurant. So, it's got some of the original decor with the booths and some of the Asian influenced interior design work. It's charming. The staff is always great and very efficient. A very extensive menu from breakfast to lunch with several items. I've been here several times and I always have enjoyed my food. However, my veggie impossible burger bun today was not very good, but one bad bun doesn't kill the fun or spoil my good run! I also prefer individual packets of condiments, rather than the large bottles that everybody touches, especially ketchup. You may want to ask if they have any available. Today I had a side dish of grits with melted butter, reminds me of cream of wheat when I was a kid. Yummie! A great place to have breakfast or lunch when you're getting your car washed across the street at that Broadway Chevron station. There are two bathrooms that are clean, with a very nice handicap accessible one as well. There is an impressive awards wall that's worth a gander. It's a great spot- go check it out. read more

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Was pleasantly surprised to see that this past favorite of mine was still open. My daughter and I went here after a trip to the DMV. After the stress and chaos of the DMV the relaxed atmosphere of this restaurant was just the thing we needed. It is still quaint and the decor quirky. The small booths and old style music machines (these don't work) in each booth are cute and fun. I wanted to try the fried catfish and eggs but I ended up having the eggs (sunny side up), chicken apple sausage, homestyle potatoes, and toast Everything was cooked well and was delicious. The potatoes were yummy with green onions (if you don't like green onions this may not be good for you) The price was reasonable and service was excellent, attentive, and not bothersome. I would recommend this restaurant because the food is good and it is wonderful supporting an independent. read more

My spinach / mushroom omelette was delicious! The home potatoes were cooked to perfection and the side fruit salad was fresh and yummy. Everyone enjoyed their meals and the generous portions. read more

We visited Mama's Royal Café on a busy weekend morning and had a disappointing experience from the start. When we arrived, the host appeared visibly stressed and there was no clear seating process, so we were initially told to order to-go. While we were waiting, a table opened up that would have been perfect for my daughter and me, but we weren't offered it. When we asked for menus, there seemed to be some confusion about whether we were dining in or taking food to go. The interaction felt a bit disorganized and not very welcoming. After we placed our order, we asked if the corned beef hash could be made without onions, and we were told that it wasn't possible because the onions are already mixed in. The response felt very firm and not flexible, which added to the overall frustration of the visit. From start to finish, the experience felt rushed and not very accommodating, which was disappointing given the reputation of the café. We ultimately decided to leave and went to Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe where we had a much smoother experience and were able to customize our order without issue. Overall, this visit just didn't feel welcoming or organized, and we likely wouldn't return. read more

No idea why the reviews are low on this place. I had avoided it before in part due to the reviews. I was so wrong. Best breakfast/brunch I have had in the bay area since I moved here. Service was great considering how busy they were. Full house close to noon on a Saturday, people waiting outside shortly after noon. Friendly nice staff. The food was good excellent. I got a chorizo green onion and cheddar scramble. Fresh fruit was sweet, ripe and good. Lots of food, great flavor, friendly staff. Anytime I need breakfast or brunch this place is at the top of the heap. Loved it. read more

Mama's Royal Cafe - Chorizo, Green Onions & Scrambled Eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Oakland, California

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Hidden gem that I just happened upon. Food was delicious. Finally someone who can make my eggs right. Perfection. All the fruit was fresh. Mocha was amazing. Staff were pleasant. Funky little place, lots of character. Highly recommend read more

Mama's Royal Cafe - Radio & doorbell - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Oakland, California

Food was fantastic! Service: we had just taken our last bite of food. The waiter came by and said there was a person waiting in a wheel chair and ours was the best table for him. No problem. But instead of asking us to move ( there was an open table) he asked us to leave. Really not okay. It made a lovely breakfast quite a bit less lovely. read more

Very average hot links, a bit too stiff/hard to cut not the best, eggs were very good, pancakes also average. Service was good, I'd only recommend if you're near and craving either a link or pancake but nothing else. read more

Excellent, tasty brunch! Ordered freshly squeezed oj, eggs blackstone & a black coffee. My dad ordered the american breakfast w/ a side of whole wheat toast. Love the cozy & warm/homey atmosphere -- all of the staff were attentive, kind & welcoming! Highly recommend for the classic diner vibes. Note, the atmosphere is a bit on the noisy side (music and general chatter) but it didn't bother me. read more

Mama's Royal Cafe - eggs blackstone and american breakfast w/ whole wheat toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Oakland, California

Amazing brunch, well worth the wait! Creative delicious frittata. Endless coffee frequently served. Friendly staff.

Was taken here for Mother's Day by my fam. This place had been a staple of mine and my son's life since he was little. I thought they had closed it forever but looks like not! Yay!!! So damn delicious and amazing. Service is on point and fabulous. Can get packed. Can get loud. But who cares cause the food is soo damn good! Don't let parking discourage you. It's worth it! read more

My boyfriend and I ate here 2 hours ago and he is vomiting nonstop and I feel extremely sick. We ordered the same thing; the catfish breakfast with potatoes, grits, and fruit. Do not eat here. Didn't know food poisoning cost $70 until I ate here read more

Some of the best breakfast potatoes I have ever had in my life. Great breakfast and great service. Definitely recommend

The waiter didn't put my order in and it took them 30 minutes to come back by my table and discover this. This is on a regular Monday, not weekend or something crazy. Another guest asked for more water multiple times and it took 10 minutes before he ever got his cup filled. This is a basic diner, nothing complex being cooked up back there, no reason service should be this bad/slow. read more

My friend suggested this place. I wasn't very pleased with the food on my end but my friends did enjoy their food. They ate everything and I brought leftovers and tried to finish it at home, after the next day I pretty much just threw it out. Their country potatoes my friend ordered was good but a bit on the burnt side, surprisingly it only looks burnt but taste good. The mimosas were for us to serve ourselves, luckily I used to be a bartender, so I knew how to pour our drinks. My friend kept making them over flow with bubbles so I had to step in and serve us. The OJ was just a glass for the 2 of us but they did give us another and didn't charge it. Honestly we thought they were going to charge it because under the bottle on the menu it said $2 for OJ. Service was ok nothing stood out for me to say this place is so good and great I would want to come back. They were pretty full of customers but I don't see why for me. It's just a regular breakfast spot and was a bit pricey I would say. The seating is kinda cramped and parking is street parking so best walk or catch a ride if you plan to visit. My friend at the end wanted to gram a bakery item at the end and they didn't charge us, she later saw that it was free because we ate there but at first we thought was because they just wanted to get rid of it since they were close to closing. read more

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The food was great, the service was even better, and the atmosphere has been nice for years.

Oakland, and the East Bay in general, has lots of breakfast options. I've been to Mama's twice now and both experiences were fantastic. The food is solid, very tasty, and has lots of options. The jalapeño and carrot salsa on the table is a generous addition, not too spicy and definitely filled with flavor crystals. I loved the NY sharp cheddar and cremini mushroom omelette, banked with home fries and a slice of Acme sourdough toast. The service was friendly and attentive the whole time --which says a lot at 11am on a gorgeous Saturday morning. The crew feels like family and they clearly know how to run a morning rush that feels easy and well coordinated. I also like how real the place feels. Black and red floor tiles from the 50's? Ornamental headboards from some past iteration as a Chinese restaurant, and super comfy seats and booths. Solid. read more

Mama's Royal Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Oakland, California

My first time back in years. I forgot how much I liked this place. It has charm and warm that you just don't experience at other restaurants. All of the employees are attentive, happy and through. I had my old favorite - N.Y. SHARP CHEDDAR, GREEN ONIONS & SCRAMBLED EGGS with Acme Bakery sour Levain. Just like I remembered. The coffee is excellent. Matt says, I've missed my old friend. read more

Flavor could be better but proportions are good. Not sure because I just left a workout but I think a bit of salt could help. The place is cute but seating is tight. Some confusion on where to pay bill. read more

this is a really cute brunch spot in oakland. very cozy and homey. the servers are super friendly and accommodating. the food is amazing!! i ordered the french toast and it was really yummy. can't wait to come back. read more

I've bee coming here for years, the staff is nothing but kind. The food is pretty good, I especially like trying the specials they have. They also have great prices! read more

The food was good and the next day when I ate the rest it tasted like I had just bought it.

Very very cute vibe to this place, wall colors are bright, booths are cozy. The menu is your classic breakfast menu, though they also have specials that change every time I've come, usually interesting stuff (like kimchi/kalua pork omelet i think?) but i don't think i've ever had any of them. i had the two eggs with potatoes and fruit, with a biscuit on the side. Classic, filling. E had a waffle with fruit, which he was also a fan of. Servers here are always kind and attentive. But I must say the food is a bit overpriced here -- at least for me. two eggs with bacon for almost seventeen dollars is about as bay area as it gets. But if that's what it takes for this place to stay open, so be it. read more

Mama's Royal Cafe - 2 Eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Oakland, California

Mama's cafe gas a great atmosphere. The staff were friendly and they kept checking on us to see if we needed anything. The French toast was really good: the toast was light and fluffy. They do have ADA compliant doors. read more

Wonderful breakfast! I had the waffle combo (one egg and two bacon) and it was very good. The waffle was thin and dense, just the way I like it. I've never been a fan of thick and fluffy waffles. Too much air. The atmosphere was very friendly and the waiters were great. I'm going to go back very soon! read more

If there's anyone in town who doesn't know that there are still simple, honest and near-perfect places to have a meal, try this one, especially for brunch. The food is good beyond describing. The coffee (and other beverages) ditto. Special food needs and preferences are understood and honored. The prices are fsir and the staff is gracious. The ambience is charming. The bathrooms are well-designed; though one of them is tiny, it's efficient. Parking can be an issue because the place is well-loved and it doesn't have its own lot. Enjoy it, and share. read more

The only problem with this place is deciding what to order! Everything looked amazing? Come with a group and share a bunch of dishes. All was delicious!! We got the chilli Verde and french toast and a couple of specials and raspberry curd pancakes. Very friendly service and amazing food! Also easy street parking. read more

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Came in with my husband for breakfast and initially was really enjoying my meal (fried catfish with eggs and grits) all until I bit into a piece of raw catfish. Informed with waitress who apologized and asked if I wanted a new meal. At this point, I had totally lost my appetite so declined the offer. She advised the meal would be removed but when we went to the register it was only partial removal of approx & 7.00. We paid & didn't question it but as for myself- I will never return. read more

I've been coming up from LA for many years to visit family & am so glad to have found Mama's Royal Cafe years ago. It's a small, cozy establishment with tons of character. Service is great & food is well-cooked & beautifully presented. I especially like their delicious house-made gluten-free bread. Their hot cocoa is exceptional - mixed right there, not made from a packet with water. And the menu offerings are much more than "run-of-the-mill." read more

We have been coming to Mama's for over 30 years and the food is consistently great. While the kitchy interior has changed over time, many of the menu items remain. I miss the napkin drawing contest decorated walls and the old counter but the booths are still there. We always get the huevos because it's not something that everyone does well. The tomato and pepper topping is just right and the eggs are perfectly over easy so that you get the ooze when you pop the yolks. Our preference is home fries versus refried beans because who doesn't like their potatoes with yolky goodness? I've been here for lunch with friends and I always end up getting the huevos. The salads and sandwiches look great and friends have all enjoyed them On this visit with hubby, I changed it up and got the corned beef hash. Nice chunks of tender corned beef and what can I say about the poached egg? It was perfect. Another enjoyable meal at Mama's. We had no wait and service was friendly as usual. Cash only. Support these nice local businesses serving great food. read more

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Cozy Café located on Broadway in Oakland. What does that mean it means street parking. But don't worry even though it might take an extra spin around the block you will ultimately find parking. Now let's talk about food. This place has your basic breakfast place with a little added pizzazz. The menu is straightforward with a few special surprises like the open faced breakfast. I feel like a Montecristo give this place I could try! read more

Mama's Royal Cafe - Monte Cristo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Oakland, California

I've been coming here for years and never had a bad meal. My go to is the basic breakfast. The hash browns are amazing. Service is wonderful and coffee is on point! Cute space too. read more

Back in the day, when I lived near by, this was my all time favorite breakfast restaurant. It's been many years but I decided to stop in today for breakfast. It's always such a treat when something you really liked is just like you remember. Obviously, the staff has changed but the new to me staff was great. My waiter quickly took my order and I was drinking the delicious coffee that I remembered in no time. Their coffee will definitely get you going; nice and strong like I like. I ordered my usual which is two scrambled eggs, house potatoes with sour cream and a scone of the day (strawberry and pecan). In addition I always ask for their homemade salsa. Everything was just as good as I remembered. The atmosphere is relaxed; the kind of place where you can just kick back with your coffee for a little bit. Oh, and I was told that as of about 6 years ago, they started accepting credit cards - love it! read more

Cute cafe. Good food. Green eggs and ham special was excellent. Great place for breakfast or lunch.

We have come to Mama's Royal Cafe a couple of times now and we always have had a great experience and the food is delicious! We always bring our friends or family to enjoy the meal with us and we have never had any complaints. We've tried the Huevos Rancheros, Croque Madame, Omelettes, French Toast, Pancakes, Combo (meal with eggs, choice of meat, etc.), Corn Beef Hash, etc. Everything is so delicious and filling and a great deal for the price. It's a cute little restaurant that has the best diner food and extensive options for everyone to choose from. We will definitely be back here again! read more

Mama's Royal Cafe - Huevos Rancheros - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Oakland, California

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Really solid breakfast and lunch food. Omelettes are good, burgers are good, sandwiches and burgers are good too. I like the potatoes and biscuits. The biscuits and mushroom gravy are a favorite, as well as the spinach and mushroom omelette and chicken sandwich. They have house made salsa if you ask for it which is definitely worth it. read more

Mama's Royal Cafe - Grilled chicken sandwich with avocado, tomato, and Mayo with a side of potatoes. Really large sandwich, enough for 2 meals. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Oakland, California

Staying in the neighborhood and got breakfast here this morning and everything was great. Service was kind and quick, food was delicious, prices were reasonable :) We got French toast and a breakfast sandwich - biscuit was great and the home fries were perfect. Highly recommend! read more

Retro diner with the best food! So happy I stumbled upon this place. I don't know how they make their potatoes so crispy!