Cafe Espresso Experience - Berkeley

You have to visit. This is possibly the most unique dining experience currently available in the Bay Area. Long after you’ve forgotten that extravagant $300 mea... read more You have to visit. This is possibly the most unique dining experience currently available in the Bay Area. Long after you’ve forgotten that extravagant $300 meal at places like Benu or Coi, you’ll remember this with warmth. Two young Ohlone chefs are dedicated to reviving their cultural heritage, and this café offers an opportunity to explore and enjoy an authentic take on pre-colonial East Bay cuisine. The food is truly delicious, but it’s much more than just a meal—it’s an experience. There’s plenty of information about this spot online, so instead of repeating it all, I’ll simply give it my full recommendation. Don’t miss it!

What makes this place special is its dedication to raising awareness about the Ohlone people, who are still indigenous to the East Bay and have never left their... read more What makes this place special is its dedication to raising awareness about the Ohlone people, who are still indigenous to the East Bay and have never left their land. I hope this café continues to highlight that their culture is alive and thriving. I was initially worried I might not enjoy some of the snacks and tea served on Tuesday night, but everything was delicious and made from natural, local ingredients. The experience is wonderful—communal seating at picnic tables, a prayer to start, and clear explanations of the food. It's both spiritually uplifting and flavorful. Overall, a fantastic experience. Highly recommended!

The food at Cafe Espresso Experience is exceptionally delicious, and the café plays an important role in supporting decolonization efforts. I’m truly excited ab... read more The food at Cafe Espresso Experience is exceptionally delicious, and the café plays an important role in supporting decolonization efforts. I’m truly excited about their commitment to reconnecting with traditional food systems and honoring the knowledge of the Ohlone community.

Our evening at the restaurant was a remarkable experience that went beyond just enjoying a meal; our tawwa-sii experience felt like an engaging storytelling ses... read more Our evening at the restaurant was a remarkable experience that went beyond just enjoying a meal; our tawwa-sii experience felt like an engaging storytelling session brimming with history, various perspectives, local plants, culinary knowledge, a quick traditional game, and, of course, delicious food! Our group was diverse, featuring a docent and educator who teaches local youth about the history of indigenous peoples and their plants, alongside a British national with limited familiarity with the local indigenous culture and history. It was a first-time experience for everyone, and we all left feeling genuinely impressed. There are many ways to approach the important task of sharing indigenous foods, and Vincent Medina offered us a contemporary and well-contextualized perspective on traditional ingredients, designed to appeal to modern palates. For instance, the hazelnut-milk chia pudding was sweetened with agave syrup and enhanced with aromatic vanilla. While it's unlikely that local people would have eaten something like this before contact, it's easy to imagine how much they would enjoy it today, given the opportunity to thrive in our contemporary global society. It’s no surprise that their elders insist on keeping the hazelnut-flour brownies on the menu—they’re a favorite for everyone! If you have the opportunity to experience this unique offering, don’t hesitate—run, don’t walk! We can't wait to return for dinner or brunch!

What a hidden gem! Tucked away in the courtyard of the Anthropology Museum, you'll find this charming oasis. Every aspect, from the decor and landscaping to the... read more What a hidden gem! Tucked away in the courtyard of the Anthropology Museum, you'll find this charming oasis. Every aspect, from the decor and landscaping to the menu and music, is thoughtfully designed. For our afternoon tea, we savored three refreshing tea flavors paired with three mouthwatering sweet treats. The chia seed porridge was a generous portion, full of rich flavors and pleasing textures, complemented by the crunchy toasted hazelnuts. The blackberries and gooseberries provided a refreshing cleanse for the palate, and those chia seed flour brownie bites were simply irresistible! The combination of black walnuts and coarse East Bay salt was outstanding. I’m thankful they don’t sell them individually; otherwise, I might indulge in them daily, by the handful. The experience was not only unique and delicious; we also had the chance to learn about Ohlone history and language while enjoying beautiful pre-recorded songs and spoken word pieces. It was a delightful experience that offered so much more than just food and drinks!