Nina's Cafe — Restaurant in Berkeley

I 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...

I love it here! Found this little gem today. Met Nina, my gosh is she a wonderful woman. 🤩

I took my friends (stuffies 🤣) out for a snackie and some connection with a fellow member of the human race.

I took many photos of our outing! (The hedge hog is Luca and the kitty is Lily!)

Anyhow… here are a bunch of words that articulate my thoughts on Nina’s cafe and my adventure here today.

cozy ∙ delicious food! ∙ feels like home ∙ homemade ∙ no chemical crap or sugars ∙ GF / veg options ∙ no sugar options ∙ sweet and savory ∙ free parking on curb ∙ f*cking amazing service ∙ ApplePay ∙ cards ∙ AND cash please 🙃 ∙ safe ∙ queer friendly ∙ woman owned, operated, and run

Come to this cafe! It’s so cute and good. Here’s a suggested list of things to do when at Nina’s cafe:

∙ try her homemade chai ☕️ soooo good ∙ pick your favorite piece of art in the cafe ∙ she loves coconut! ask for something with coconut in it ∙ oh and please f*cking leave a tip if you can 🖤 ∙ take 3 minutes and leave a quick review, it really helps 💪🏻

Bonus: ✨ ∙ listen to the song ‘Poem Song’ by Lily Kershaw...

Delicious food and a lovely owner who makes each interaction feel personal, like you're over at her house for a meal! I stopped in for lunch and because I was looking for a cafe to do some work. I was amazed at the selection Nina offered, and settled on some homemade chai and lentil soup (a famous recipe apparently!) The soup was hot and extremely flavorful and the chai was perfect for a chillier winter day. The wifi in the cafe is strong and it was a welcoming spot to work for a few hours. I also asked Nina for some of her pastries to take to a potluck, and she was beyond accommodating. She gave me an assortment of veggie and chicken savory rolls and samosas along with special dips for each, and a box for easy transport and serving (you can tell she's a seasoned caterer). The food disappeared in minutes at my Cal Sailing potluck, a testament to her delicious cooking. I can't...