Yali's Café

1920 Oxford St, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States
+1 510-843-2233
$$$ Coffee shop
(220 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Yali's Café, a charming coffee shop located in the vibrant heart of Berkeley, right across from the bustling UC Berkeley Science Buildings at 1920 Oxford St. This hidden gem is a sanctuary for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike, offering a delightful array of artisanal brews and light fare in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Step inside Yali's, and you'll immediately be embraced by its warm, welcoming vibe. The café invites you to take a seat and relax, whether you're looking to savor a moment of peace before heading to class, or catch up with friends over a refreshing drink. With an array of comfortable seating and a friendly staff, it's the perfect locale to enjoy your coffee break or a leisurely lunch.

Yali's Café takes pride in its exceptional menu, emphasizing quality over quantity. Start your day with one of their flavorful coffee selections, such as a rich Espresso for just $2.60, or indulge in a creamy Latte—available hot, cold, or iced—for only $3.50. The café also introduces fun seasonal flavors, like the Mocha Caramel Latte ($4.45), which combines delightful chocolate and caramel notes for a perfect pick-me-up. For those seeking something sweet, the new Rugelach—available in Poppy Seed and Apricot—has garnered rave reviews from customers who describe it as "a perfect balance of flavor—not too sweet and just the right size."

The lunch options are equally tempting, featuring delicious offerings like the Turkey Sandwich filled with aioli, turkey, avocado, tomatoes, onion, and fresh greens for $11.95. It's a satisfying meal that leaves you feeling refreshed and energized for the rest of your day.

Yali’s Café has earned a reputation for exceptional service, with customers praising the staff for their friendliness and efficiency. Especially notable is the environment: “There is never a crowd, although the service and the coffee are both great,” says one loyal customer, reinforcing why this café has become a favorite stop for many, including busy professionals and students alike.

While parking may sometimes pose a challenge, the effort is undoubtedly worth it—this quaint café is a slice of calm amid the vibrant chaos of Berkeley life. Guests have described Yali's as a rare find, emphasizing that they wouldn't hesitate to return for more of the delicious coffee and friendly service.

So whether you're a local, a student, or visiting Berkeley for the day, make sure to stop by Yali's Café. Treat yourself to a flavorful coffee experience, and don’t forget to sample a pastry or two. You may just find your new favorite café!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours

Monday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

220 Reviews
Chef SUV

25 Oct 2025

Quaint little cafe located directly across from the UC Berkeley Science Buildings. Calm, welcome atmosphere with friendly and warm staff. Parking may be difficult to find, but definitely worth the patience. Would come again.

Sasha Zabelin

13 Oct 2025

New item on the menu: Rugelach! Two flavors; Poppy Seed and Apricot I rarely take the time to write reviews, but today felt different… After I had this experience with the rugelach cookies. First, it tastes amazing. A perfect balance of flavor—not too sweet—and just the right size to go with my delicious [story] I asked the owner if they’re going to continue selling this pastry, and he said “most likely yes”. I asked why “most likely”, and he said that those pastries are made by a community of Ukrainian refugees—women who fled the war and found safe shelter here in the Bay Area. As long as this horrific war in Ukraine continues, we hope to be able to support them in our own little way… Hey Yali: Keep the rugelach coming!

Lilly Peterson

13 Oct 2025

I tried out many different coffee places and coffee shops around Berkeley, but I can claim that Yali's is my favorite pre-work stop. All my coffees before and sometimes even on coffee breaks, are bought there. There is never a crowd, although the service and the coffee are both great and there is always a cozy place to sit. It’s somehow a surprise, but i like it the way it is because I don’t have to wait for long or wait at all before I get my morning caffeine fix.  All employees are friendly and pleasant and the place is pretty quiet so you can always see people with laptops and books, reading, working or studying. They serve espresso, pastries and bagels - so you have everything you need for a perfect morning or a perfect coffee break. They even have boiled eggs and fruits! My favorite thing is ICE COFFEE they serve - it is simply amazing.

Dominic Travis

04 Oct 2025

Very good food and coffee (expected great coffee in Berkeley as baseline); very nice people and efficient busy place; nice place to sit but very average ambiance. Would not go out of my way to return but great place across the street from UC Berkeley. Street parking tough and expensive.

Alison H

22 Aug 2025

Love this place. The food is good and it's a really nice space to be in. Staff are super friendly. The oatmeal isn't overly sweet. The salads are huge and fresh and delicious. Way above average!

Kunga Wilson

22 Aug 2025

Consistent quality and a great place to take a break between classes or do work before the day starts.

Deby Johns

10 Aug 2025

Yali's Café is the heart of the campus community. It feels like home. They know your name and your daily order - they care about you, and it means everything :) i love it here!

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