Amazing staff always are in a great mood and they are always making sure you enjoy your food…read more Very cute little shop with a lot of places to sit and open later than anywhere around which is amazing!

Food - I wanted tofu pudding but they said they don't have it. So I ordered read bean soup with…read moremochi, which was good:) Service - it was fast and I loved the lady working there did not rush me to leave so I was able to stay there for a bit:) Ambiance - nice :)

I had to update my review because Gregory's is absolutely the best bakery in town!…read more First of all, Gregory is incredibly kind, and his desserts are AMAZING. A few years ago, there was definitely a dip in communication when I was trying to order a birthday cake, but since then, I've had the pleasure of enjoying Gregory's treats many times. His cheesecake is truly unlike any I've ever had. The chocolate brownies and chocolate chip cookies are so good, they'll make you feel like you're not even on planet Earth! Seriously, they're that delicious. And the chocolate cake? It tastes like it was baked by a sweet Southern grandmother. It literally melts in your mouth. I'm almost embarrassed to admit that every time I go, I buy all four items and happily eat them over the next few days! Hands down, Gregory's is the BEST BAKERY IN OAKLAND. If you haven't been yet, you're missing out!

What did I do in my life for my taste buds to experience such gloriousness?! I usually don't eat…read moretwo desserts in one sitting, but BOTH the Snickerdoodle & Peach Cobbler were calling my name! Neither one of them made it home... You best believe I'll be back to try the Sweet Potato Cake & Peach Cobbler Cheesecake. I can't even imagine what BOTH cobbler and cheesecake would taste like married together?! There's only street parking and there's a garage right across the street. The bakery is definitely hidden and located downstairs/underground. Try not to miss it when driving!

Stopped by Mohka House in Oakland and honestly really liked it. The spot is owned and run by two…read morebrothers, which gives it a chill, personal vibe. We went mainly for drinks and tried a latte, tiramisu latte, and a Spanish latte. The tiramisu latte and Spanish latte were both really good and definitely my favorites. Smooth, flavorful, and not overly sweet. You can tell the coffee quality is solid. We also tried the matcha drinks in vanilla and strawberry. I liked the strawberry matcha more. It comes unsweetened, so I asked for it to be sweetened and it was great after that. The vanilla matcha was fine too, just not my top pick. They're also dropping a new Ramadan drink soon, a date latte, which sounds really good and I'll probably come back just to try that. Overall, great drinks and a nice place to hang out.

If I was purely reviewing the kind and wonderful staff and possibly coffee and tea, then 5 stars…read more But I ate a selection of pastries and chai, so I have to grade on that. I loved the ambiance, it felt we was in another country. The place was packed I have no idea where everyone parked haha. Very hard to find parking. The Adeni Chai I had was wonderful and I would get again. The lemon pastries I had were good & I would possibly get again. Both cheese pastries & meat pocket I didnt care for so much. I undetstand they are an acquired taste but me being Middle Eastern we have our own versions and I think that's why I didn't like as much. I would definitely go back and try more sweet pastries. They had a large selection I couldn't try them all haha. I would love to try more tea and coffee options as well. Go and try out several different pastries and discover what you like. It's cheaper than buying an airplane ticket to try another countries culture and delights. They also have outside seating which is especially nice on a beautiful day. Pro tip: take an Uber if you can. Parking is hard to get.

If you have a sweet tooth and find yourself in Berkeley, U Dessert Story is an absolute must-visit…read more From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is cozy, inviting, and perfect for catching up with friends or ending the night with something special. The desserts are not only beautifully presented but incredibly delicious. Every bite tastes fresh, creative, and thoughtfully made. The Mango Sticky Rice Bingsoo was a standout--light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. The portions are generous and perfect for sharing, and the variety on the menu means there's something for everyone. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made the experience even better with their great service. U Dessert Story turns dessert into an experience. If you're looking for a place that delivers on taste, presentation, and atmosphere, this spot deserves five stars. I can't wait to come back and try more of the menu!

We used to visit their other location in the city, but we've been coming to this location more…read moreoften lately because we feel more comfortable in this area. Overall, it's been a good experience every time. Parking can be challenging depending on the time of day. Most of the parking is on the street, so you'll need to keep an eye out for pedestrians and bicyclists while looking for a spot. That's probably the biggest inconvenience of visiting this place. There is usually a 15 to 20-minute wait whenever we come for dessert, but we've always been seated within the quoted wait time, which we appreciate. The restaurant itself is fairly small, so the dining area can feel crowded. Tables are very close together, and you're practically sitting back-to-back with other guests. Because of this, the noise level can get pretty high, and it's easy to overhear conversations from nearby tables. The desserts are the highlight here. The BingSu is excellent, and the lava cake is one of our favorites. The menu is accessed through a QR code, making ordering simple and convenient. Food portions are decent, although prices are definitely on the premium side. Service is efficient, and the food and desserts usually arrive pretty quickly. We used to go to their city location regularly, but over the years we've found ourselves visiting this location more often because the area feels more comfortable and convenient for us. That has made this our go-to spot whenever we're craving dessert. Overall, this is a great place for dessert. The quality of the desserts keeps us coming back, but the difficult parking situation and cramped seating prevent it from being a full 5-star experience. Would definitely return for the BingSu and lava cake.

Bummed that they are no longer operating in the Bay Area, but glad I was able to try Basuku earlier…read morethis year before they moved away. And yes, the cheesecake is great - probably the best rendition of basque cheesecake I've had. I love that it's not too cream-cheese-y in flavor, and the texture is smooth and creamy. Of the flavors we tried, the cookies and cream was my favorite. The coffee had a very strong coffee flavor.

Basuku has the most decadent basque cheesecakes in the Bay Area. I've been a fan for years, and…read morethey recently posted that they'll be leaving the bay to pursue other locations (Japan/Taiwan). If you haven't tried them yet, go before it's too late! I've been lucky enough to try four of their flavors, and each one showcases their signature silky texture and deep flavor. All are not too sweet! My personal favorite is the Kyoto Matcha - the matcha is high-quality, with a vivid green color and rich flavor that balances beautifully with the creamy cheesecake base. The Original is a classic for a reason with deeply caramelized top and creamy interior. I also tried the Iribancha, a roasted green tea flavor. It's intense, smoky, and unique..maybe not one I could finish in one sitting, but definitely memorable and recommend for those who want that earthy/smoky taste. The truffle was also a standout, adding just enough umami to round out the sweetness. Preorders drop via Instagram (@basukucheesecakes) and sell out lightning-fast. Otherwise, plan to line up for slices! Wishing Basuku all the best on their next chapter. Fingers crossed for a return to the Bay someday! Until then, don't miss your chance to try what might be the best cheesecake you've ever had.

Officially stamped in my Burger Passport…read more Lana's Okie Onion Smash earned a spot on my Bay Area Burger Trail, and it did not disappoint. The service was friendly, and the laid-back atmosphere made it easy to enjoy a burger. I'll be back once my Bay Area Ice Cream Trail officially kicks off this summer.

I must admit that I'm very late to the smash burger trend!…read more After a day of kids' birthday parties and lots of sweets, I fancied a burger. My husband was agreeable for once, so we took the kid to Lana's (it's one of her friends' names, haha). The location in Old Oakland is fine at the weekend. It might be difficult to find parking during the week, though. We basically parked right outside. We ordered three burgers and some fries, and just had water from the cute water station. Everything was excellent! The food was great, the staff were friendly and the bathroom was clean (a big plus!).

Bad Walter's is my go-to spot for ice cream in Rockridge! As…read moresomeone who became lactose -intolerant as an adult, I thought the limited non-dairy options at the grocery store would be the end of my ice cream experience... I'm so glad I was wrong! The flavors are insanely spot-on, and the best part is if you try a new one on a whim, you'll often discover yet another flavor you love. Flavor titles are hilarious and memorable... love the creativity! The pup cups are such a sweet touch, too, and the customer service is always so kind and personable. Also, when you get delivery, the ice cream somehow stays cold and is never melted?! If you haven't tried Bad Walter's out, you are MISSING out!

I remember back in the pandemic days when I found this hidden, pick-up only, best damn I e cream…read moreyou will ever have. And it really was. Then the amazing owner opened up the Rockridge location and it's been hard to believe but her ice cream has gotten better! I will forever be a Bad Walter's fan!

A wonderful coffee shop with a nice ambience inside…read more Friendly and spacious cafe. Try the Yemeni coffee

I've stopped into Sana'a Cafe a couple times a month over the past year and have developed a…read moregenerally positive impression. I've tried a variety of their coffee drinks along with one of the honey pastries. At their best, there's a lovely balance between sweetness, spice and coffee flavor. At their worst, the sugar and spice can overpower everything else and leave the drink feeling a bit one-dimensional. The standout for me is the Sana'a latte with slightly less sugar. That adjustment seems to unlock what they're aiming for: a really pleasant balance of spice, milk, sweetness and rich coffee flavor without tipping into dessert territory. Rich, complex and not overly bitter. The interior is polished and contemporary with chrome fixtures and bold graphic touches throughout. The overall vibe reminds me of a modern hotel lobby in a good way: comfortable, clean and easy to settle into for a while. Service has always been friendly and quick, though a touch distant. Would I call it a must-visit coffee destination? Probably not. But if you're in the area, it's definitely worth giving a shot. Especially if you're curious about spiced coffee drinks and willing to ask for a little less sugar.