Nina's Cafe
About
Nina's Cafe is listed on FindALoco in Berkeley, CA with address, phone, hours, and map location. Common services and related keywords include Cafe.
Nina's Cafe is a locally owned cafe at 2703 Seventh St in Berkeley, California, offering a small, personal stop for coffee, tea, and homemade-style food. In Berkeley's 94710 area, it can suit neighbors, people passing through the area, or anyone seeking a calm place to pause during the day. In a city with many places to eat and drink, the appeal described by visitors is not a gimmick but personal attention and a familiar welcome. Guest comments frequently focus on Nina's kind welcome and her willingness to help with a choice, creating a distinctly one-to-one, neighborhood experience rather than a rushed visit.
The menu details highlighted by visitors point to approachable drinks and snacks made with care. A hot Americano and homemade masala chai are among the beverages mentioned; the chai is described as made daily, warmly spiced, and not overly sweet. For something savory, the vegetable samosa and its homemade tamarind sauce receive especially specific praise, with guests noting the sauce's tart, complex character. Reviews also mention sweet and savory homemade pastries, other goodies, and ice cream, so there are options for a coffee break, light bite, or simple treat. The available comments suggest a menu best explored through these house-made touches: a drink paired with a samosa or pastry, chosen according to the moment.
The atmosphere comes across as modest, friendly, and personal. Several customers describe being welcomed by Nina, receiving help deciding what to order, and feeling an environment of family while they lingered. That makes Nina's Cafe a fitting Berkeley cafe for solo visitors waiting nearby, regulars seeking a familiar conversation, and guests who value attentive, human service alongside their drinks. It is less about a highly produced destination and more about the kind of independent spot where a brief stop can become a comfortable break. The 4.5-star rating from 98 reviews reflects many positive experiences, particularly around the hospitality, chai, samosas, and relaxed character of the space.
Nina's Cafe is scheduled to open Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM; it is closed Sunday. These daytime hours make it useful for a late-morning coffee, afternoon chai, or casual pickup while in Berkeley, CA. Because a reviewer reported it being open when Google listed it closed, calling ahead is a sensible way to confirm timing before a special trip. Hours and offerings can change, so a quick confirmation also helps ensure the item you want is available. Visit with an open mind, ask Nina for a recommendation if you are undecided, and enjoy a small local cafe shaped by personal hospitality and comforting flavors.
Ratings & Reviews
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Sign in to reviewI have passed by here so many times on my way to other places, and I finally decided to try it because lately I’ve been visiting places that don’t have a lot of heavy promotion or gimmicks. Nina is a lovely woman who always asks what I want, and helps when I can’t decide. Everything she cooks is made with love, and you are served by Nina herself as she is the only worker there. I ordered the paratha plate and it was so deliciously buttery. Everything was perfectly spiced from the chicken to the lentils, and she cooked the eggs the way that I requested. There as also a small side of oatmeal to go with my meal. The price may seem steep to some people, but I was born and raised and in the east bay so I can understand how hard it is to keep a business to stay here so I don’t mind. Besides— the actual price you pay is for the kind service and food that is made with love. I was raised by my grandparents and the feeling I get when I’m at Nina’s cafe makes me feel like they’re still alive and taking care of me like they used to do. You can tell she prepares everything she makes with love and it’s something she’s passionate about. I will keep returning! Edit: The homemade chai is amazing too!!!
Sweet lil local owned cafe with DELICIOUS samosas and homemade tamarind sauce! Was open even when Google said it was closed! Got hot americano, a hot homemade masala chai (usually chai is too sweet this was delicious 🤤) and hot veggie samosa. The tamarind sauce complex and tart not just sweet. Cafe also serves pies, sweets, potato pancake all homemade by Nina. Fridge with fresh squeezed juices, little freezer with haagen daaz ice cream if you got kids. 😋. Nina is generous kind and committed to her business! Hidden gem as they sayyyy!
I'm happy I found Nina's Cafe. She is very lovely. And the food and beverages are great. I especially enjoyed her homemade chai, She makes it every day. She now also has ice cream, lots of goodies, just look at the reviews for her Facebook page. Sweet and savory homemade pastries It's very personable and very different from sitting in a cold Starbucks café
I really wanted to love this spot because Nina is so kind and friendly, but the food quality needs improvement. The chicken curry was thin and lacked seasoning, and a pre-made egg and cheese wrap I purchased later made me ill. It’s a nice atmosphere for a drink, but I’d be cautious with the food.
I was looking for a place to land while waiting for someone in the area, and am so happy I same across Nina's Cafe! I think the owner is Nina, and she was just lovely. She helped me decide what to eat and gave me a helping of her own homemade food. I felt like I was in the environment of family and as someone who has no close family near it recharged my heart. The samosas were great and I look forward to coming back!
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