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    The Hidden Cafe

    4.6 (304 reviews)
    Open 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

    The Hidden Cafe Photos

    THE HIDDEN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - The Hidden Cafe

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    Kaycee C.

    This place was nice. I love the large park/field in front of the café. There's plenty of space to enjoy. My husband got a turmeric latte and loved it. I ordered an americano and it was really good. We also ordered 2 cookies, one oatmeal and one chocolate and they were perfect. I loved the vibe inside and the staff was super friendly.

    Strawberry milk and matcha
    Liliana H.

    Overall amazing park ambiance and great service! Really enjoyed the space inside and the park area. Strawberry flavor tasted very fresh not artificial with the milk. Matcha could've been sweeter for my taste but it was good. Less one star because no bathrooms indoors. The ports potties closed and had to go to the park bathrooms and they were traumatizingly dirty. Not the cafes fault but know that it's limited options.

    The logo
    Ana M.

    The Hidden Cafe is the perfect spot to grab coffee and a snack and study, meet up with friends, take your dog out, make art, chill etc! Pretty much any scenario fits this cafe. The food is not only delicious but also there are many vegan and gluten free options. Local restaurants often host pop ups here as well. The service is friendly and fast. Inside looks like a home library in a fairy forest and outside is a majestic park with a creek the drip offer before 12 is like 3-4 dollars, which let's be honest where can you really find that in the bay anymore? Every drink I've had here is made to perfection as well. A local favorite

    Perfect place to read.
    Sagruilla P.

    Dreamy cute café with books, shells, old curios, and dried flower as decoration. I was able to get seating on a stool looking out the window at the park. It was a rainy day and quite the vibe. The 5 stars are all for the decor. There is also outdoor seating and the entire park when the weather is nice. My coffee drink was good and reasonably priced for the era and area. I ordered a lemon bar which looked fabulous with thin slices of lemon. The lemon curd top was tart and tasty, though the high price and crust were a little disappointing. I would not order it again. Ordered drinks can be served at the to-go window or inside. Keep an ear out and an eye on your drink order, as the park access makes it easy for drinks to walk away. Do note there is limited indoor seating, and it is tight to navigate.

    Kokuto Latte and Magic Purple Square
    Jacqueline Z.

    I needed to be in Berkeley for an event in the evening, so I decided to come up and work from this cafe earlier in the day. I chose this spot since it was further from campus and figured it'd be easier to snag a seat. There were a few seats open when I arrived on a Thursday around 2:30 PM. The wi-fi is also good (I had to take an impromptu Zoom meeting and didn't have any issues). I decided to order the Kokuto Latte, which was delicious and not overwhelmingly sweet. I also got a Magic Purple Square, which contains ube and coconut, but it was quite dry and not really my preferred pastry. The aesthetics of this cafe is nice and it's located next to a park, so there's plenty of outdoor space. I would come again next time I'm looking for a cafe in Berkeley!

    Lil B.

    Small and very popular cafe especially on a sunny weekend. BTW no restroom here but walk further into the park and two public restrooms are available. Enjoyed a Paloma and a cookie. Definitely limited seating inside but bring a blanket or some folding chairs for Strawberry Creek park right outside (the grass/ ground was damp).

    The Hidden Cafe's little patio facing a greenspace, just a short stroll north of Strawberry Creek
    Rich S.

    The Hidden Cafe hides on the park-side of a grey-siding and red-brick building a block south of University Ave. The line can get long, but there was no line at noon on a Tuesday (Oct 2025). They have a small tasty selection of baked goods that changes frequently, often including great coffee cake and sticky buns, creative bars and brownies, and some savories including savory scones. On the weekends they host guest chefs! We had their delicious coffee, and chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies. We love their fresh baked goods and the well-made coffee with the right grind and right amount of extraction, for a non-acid non-sour non-bitter brew. We had our first "dirty" chai, tea with espresso. It's a good / interesting flavor. I'm more a coffee person :-) They have handful of outdoor tables for around 12, and a bright homey indoors with seating for around 16. We had a sweet relaxed time watching people picnic and play in the greenspace out front. Then we took a short stroll south past a cute bubbling creek to the fun playground at Strawberry Creek Park. The Hidden Cafe is a quiet treasure with plenty of free street-parking.

    Interior
    Jessica T.

    This coffee shop looks like something out of a Studio Ghibli film. It's so quaint and adorable and it's definitely someplace I'd love to curl up with a good book! I visited on a weekend and there were many families and people walking dogs in the little park area right outside. Only downside is that it gets very crowded and there are limited seats available, so we had to take our drinks to-go. Would come back again!

    Hojicha latte and americano
    Tasha H.

    Super cute cafe with outdoor and indoor seating and a park with lots of doggies running around. They do have a bathroom but you need a key and it's on the other side of the building. Cheddar scone - moist and flavorful Choc chip cookie - a stunner. Crisp edges and chewy center; this is amazing. Hojicha latte - not a ton of flavor, would not order again.

    Menu
    Emily X.

    This place is so cute! I love how this place is tucked away in a brick building next to the park. The vibes here are immaculate. I came here with a couple of friends around 4pm in the afternoon on Sunday. There is small parking lot by the park but when I went it was full so I had to circle around a bit to find street parking. The service was friendly and efficient. You place your order inside and then wait for your order outside where you can pick up your drink from a pickup counter. There were some indoor seating options and I saw some people doing work on laptops inside. I ordered the Kokuto latte and one of my friends got an iced matcha latte. My kokuto latte was smooth and had a pleasant sweetness from the Okinawan brown sugar. I tried some of my friend's iced matcha latte and it tasted average. It was a bit clumpy and the matcha taste was present but not too strong. The highlight is definitely the cafe's proximity to the huge green space from the park. My friends and I sat down on grass and soaked up the sun. It was a perfect way to end an afternoon out.

    Ordering Area
    Megan J.

    The Hidden Cafe was highly recommend by my cousin. It is located directly in front of a large grassy park area-- appropriate for hanging out and picnicking. The cafe is cute and I love the layout of it. The service was decent, nothing spectacular. The ordering process was short and there was very minimal interaction. I was really craving matcha so I stopped by and got the iced matcha. Trust me when I say to skip the matcha.. a sifter isn't used for the matcha powder, the matcha powder doesn't get frothed.. therefore you get clumps and an inconsistent matcha. I would give The Hidden Cafe a try again in the future because of the atmosphere, but I'd most definitely try something else.

    Matcha latte, magic purple square, latte
    Joanne L.

    This cafe is tucked away right next to a small cute park, perfect for an afternoon outdoors! The cafe itself has limited seating inside and a few small tables outside. It has a cozy atmosphere lined with books everywhere. The drinks were great and I liked the latte art on both of them! The matcha flavor was strong and not overpowered by the milk at all, and the drink wasn't too sweet which I appreciated. The magic purple square is an ube bar filled with nuts and topped with coconut. This was also yummy- not overly sweet and an awesome pick-me-up for the day. The staff here are nice and gave good recs for what to order :)

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    11 months ago

    When I order a $7 latte, I expect it to be full, not 1/2 full. Need more careful attention, this felt unacceptable and ruined my experience.

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    1 year ago

    Cute little cafe in Berkeley! You can walk around in the park or sit in the cafe. Either way, it's a nice place!

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    1 year ago

    Cute place . Sandwiches pastries coffee tea ! Nice outdoor space for families and doggies

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    Page 3 of 8

    The Hidden Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Hidden Cafe

    Is it spacious inside? Looking for a good place to study.

    The cafe itself is very small inside, but there are some extra tables/seating areas outside the cafe. I personally prefer to be inside where I have access to a full size table and outlets, so I wouldn't recommend as a study spot.

    What's parking like?

    Street parking nearby, you might find better luck off Allston way & walk through Strawberry creek park to get there :)

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    Sesame Tiny Bakery

    Sesame Tiny Bakery

    4.8
    (48 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    Holy frangipane! This place is amazing, right around the corner from other amazing. And, this one…read moretakes the cake. That's a pun; the cake here looks rediculous. The cute little signs taking you on a field trip are not to be missed. The hand calligraphied menu lists are in the same style, and invite you into a whimsy-laced, multilayer experience. It's an industrial kitchen, a real 5 star bakery that clearly bakes for the other best restaurants and destinations in the world, which, of course are here in Berkeley and Oakland. Today they have some jazz playing inside, as I sit at the smaller of two tables, across from the bench. The people watching is mostly for the half dozen bakers that are smiling back from the open air space. One of the bakers washes her hands to come up and take your order. And the food... I ordered a buckwheat cocoa, a tea they have here. Too hot, haven't tried it, but there is a zero chance I'll be able to pair it with my tomato, gruyere, and corn danish. Zero chance because I'm eating it way too fast. The savory herbs, the two kinds of sesame, the pine nuts, the blistered, juicy tomatoes, the sweet corn, the savory, heavenly flavors. I've had tarts with... well, some of these flavors, but mixing it with this perfect crispy lamination is truly otherworldly. I can't wait to return for something sweet next time. After all, cakes seem to be their bread and butter!

    4.5 stars $10…read morestrawberry fig leaf tart was: straight out of a grandma's kitchen. scratch made. perishable. delicious. This belongs on some kind of "best of" list. The buttery shortbread with strawberry compote was tasty but not any kind of category runaway.

    Photos
    Fig Eclair ($8.50) - choux is pretty good, but I wish the figs were sweeter. It's pretty good but I liked the peach melba cake more.
    Fig Eclair ($8.50) - choux is pretty good, but I wish the figs were sweeter. It's pretty good but I liked the peach melba cake more.
    Pop-up at Bartavelle
    Pop-up at Bartavelle
    Pop-up at Ramen Shop

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    Pop-up at Ramen Shop
    Pâtisserie Rotha

    Pâtisserie Rotha

    4.7
    (335 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Everything here is amazing, but the one thing you must try is the almond chocolate croissant. I'm…read morenot sure what type of butter they use, but it is so creamy and so rich. I love it! If you ask, they will heat it up just a little bit for you. The inside gets warmer than the outside and the contrast is amazing. I usually go early and the person at the front is so helpful. This is a great place, and a wonderful addition to the San Pablo community.

    This little charming patisserie sure knows how to whip up some delicious croissants. So good that…read morepart of me doesn't even want to post about it--just to keep the line short! If you've ever had Arsicault, then you'll understand what I mean when I say this place is a true contender. And the best part? You don't have to travel far, pay that toll bridge, or deal with expensive gas. Save all that and give this place a try! Do note: Canelé -- available Friday to Sunday Pastel de nata (Portuguese tarts) -- available Saturday & Sunday What I've tried: Croissant -- Yum, yum, yum! From end to end, it has that perfectly crunchy exterior, and not a hollow bite in sight. Every bite is flaky, buttery, and satisfying. Chocolate Croissant -- A must if you love chocolate. Rich, flaky, and indulgent. Almond Croissant -- Another delicious contender. Nutty, sweet, and absolutely worth it. Apricot Croissant -- Not bad at all. The apricot adds a nice touch without overpowering the pastry. Bostock -- This one was a miss for me. It looked beautiful, but it was missing that little finesse that makes you want another bite. Gâteau au Fromage (Basque Cheesecake) -- A bit pricey, but so worth the splurge because they really know how to nail it. One bite and you won't be able to stop until it's gone. Pastel de Nata -- Crispy edges with a delicate, creamy, and delicious filling. That crunch is everything. Canelé -- These babies sell fast, so make sure to get there when they open. I love the crunchy exterior paired with that soft, custardy inside. Yum, yum, yum! Chocolate Fondant -- Not bad, but not my favorite. I've definitely had better elsewhere. Chocolate Hazelnut Cake -- The flavor was nice, but I found this one just a tad dry. Bottom line: While not everything was a home run, their croissants, canelés, Basque cheesecake, and pastel de nata are absolutely worth coming back for. A hidden gem that delivers big on flavor without the long drive. Definitely worth the visit!

    Photos
    Croissant
    Croissant
    Caneles, Traditional Brioche, Orange Brioche, Egg Tarts, Pain au Chocolat, and Almond Croissant
    Caneles, Traditional Brioche, Orange Brioche, Egg Tarts, Pain au Chocolat, and Almond Croissant
    Pâtisserie Rotha

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    Masse's Pastries

    Masse's Pastries

    4.3
    (1.1k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    I have been shop forever and I'm finally here. The store is kind of small, but it's very cozy and…read moreyou can tell that they decorate it themselves. The chef was outside helping out and he was super nice very friendly. He was very enthusiastic about his dessert and was introducing it to us. We went when the store is almost closing, so there wasn't that many selection left, but we got the vanilla custard and that was so good full of the vanilla flavor. It's not overly sweet and feel very light. It was so good that I even got another one to take home with me. They also have a good selection of Macaron and they are not overly sweet. They are very light and the seasoning was really well. The cake was also really good. I got one of the chocolate walnut cake and that one was very rich with coffee flavor. I love it. I will definitely come back again.

    The descriptions and prices are not marked on the display case, but the employees (owners?) there…read morewere more than happy to list them all out. Honestly, they really need to include signs and probably allergen information as well. But I'm not sure if the owners opt to omit the signage on purpose to encourage conversation. The cakes were good and the pricing was fair. Limited seating available. Overall, I enjoyed the pastries and would come back if I'm craving some European style cake.

    Photos
    Raspberry chocolate
    Raspberry chocolate
    Hazelnut chocolate cake
    Hazelnut chocolate cake
    Chocolate raspberry cake

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    Chocolate raspberry cake
    Acme Bread Company

    Acme Bread Company

    4.6
    (818 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    nothing hits better than fresh bread and getting it right from the source! acme works 24 hours to…read moredeliver fresh bread everyday and i just got to give them props for the dedication and hard work. the bread and pastries here are just so good. the hell wet levain is amazing! i love all the sesame seeds on the loaf and with butter = chef's kiss. their pizzas are amazing too and i plan to come back to try their other ones. i finally got to try their cheddar biscuits and it was amazing! not heavy at all and full of flavor. i sometimes get quite overwhelmed with the options since i want to try everything! love acme!

    Visit date: 4/19/2026…read more We came about an hour before closing on a Sunday, so unfortunately many of the items I wanted to try based on other people's recommendations were already sold out. We ended up getting three things: * The cheese twist was soooo good! The cheese was flavorful and the pastry itself was perfectly done. * The apple pastry was interesting. Unlike many places where the pastry is either bland or overly sweet, Acme's pastry had a slight saltiness to it, which I actually think is genius. I almost always prefer a hint of savory flavor to balance out the sweetness from the filling or topping. My only issue with this one was that the apple topping was not sweet at all and leaned more tart, so paired with the salty pastry, it was not quite the flavor combination I was hoping for. * The mini raspberry pastry had the same issue for me. The raspberry topping was just a bit too tart and sour for my taste. Even though not everything was a hit for me, I would definitely come back and give this bakery another chance, especially since we arrived so late and missed out on many of their most popular items.

    Photos
    Olive oil cake with apricots
    Olive oil cake with apricots
    At the register
    At the register
    Cherry puff

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    Cherry puff
    U :Dessert Story

    U :Dessert Story

    4.2
    (1.2k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    Salted Egg Yolk Toast
    Salted Egg Yolk Toast
    ORGANIC CHOCOLATE MATCHA LAVA CAKE
    ORGANIC CHOCOLATE MATCHA LAVA CAKE
    Ube Mochi Waffle

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    Ube Mochi Waffle

    The Hidden Cafe - coffee - Updated August 2026

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