Shooting Star Cafe — Restaurant in Oakland

*1/11/2024 I tried the lunch special at Shooting Stars, and it was really worth the price. Just a heads up, though – the special deal is only for folks dining in at the restaurant.

The soup of the day, probably chicken soup, was a nice surprise. It was super tasty without being too salty, and it went really well with the Hai Nan Style Chicken and Special Rice. The Hai Nan chicken was good, and the special rice had this cool coconut flavor that made the dish even more interesting.

The Beef Chow Fun didn't let me down; it tasted just as good as I expected. The wok hay added a nice touch, making it a dish I can count on.

For dessert, we went for the Hot Desserts with Taro and Yam Balls on a Grass Jelly Base. We thought it would be cold, but surprise, it was warm! It was okay, and the taro and yam balls weren't too squishy, but I wouldn't say it's a must-try. There might be better dessert options on the menu.

*One thing to keep in mind is that they automatically add a service fee to your bill, so no need to worry about tipping separately.

9/22/2023 Craving some delicious beef chow fun, and Shooting Star is the first restaurant that comes to mind. We ordered the Beef With Tender Green Chow Fun and the Mini Egg Puffs with Fresh Strawberry, just like we used to. The fragrance of the chow fun is delightful, and it tastes amazing too! The egg puffs are as delicious as I remember from last time. No complaints about these two dishes! They are always my go-to choices at Shooting Star Cafe!

8/21/2023 The beef chow fun was decent, though a bit lacking in flavor even with added spicy sauce. The Mixed Fruit Crepe, on the other hand, was a delightful conclusion - sweet and refreshing. However, the Tako-Yaki disappointed with its overly wet texture and minimal octopus content. *Worth noting is that a 15% tip was automatically added to the bill.

7/11/2023 I recently discovered Shooting Star Cafe in Oakland while craving a late-night snack, and I must say it deserves a solid 4-star review. What drew us to this place was the fact that it's the only restaurant in the area that stays open until midnight.

On our visit, we decided to try the Beef With Tender Green Chow Fun and the Mini Egg Puffs with Fresh Strawberry. Let me tell you, the Chow Fun was absolutely amazing! The flavors were outstanding, and every bite was a delightful explosion of taste. The combination of tender beef and perfectly cooked green chow fun noodles was a winning combination.

The Mini Egg Puffs with Fresh Strawberry were also a treat. They were tasty and satisfying, providing a delightful contrast of flavors with the sweet...

Ohhhhh, I GOT SOME TEA FOR YA'LL TO READ ABOUT TODAY 🤬🤬🤬🤬

-Absolutely had the worst service recently and I've been a fan of shooting star cafe for a long time. Been a loyal customer for many years.

The staff had me waiting 40+ minutes before they FINALLY took me and my pregnant GF's orders, and not to mention I tried multiple times to get the attention of the staff and was ignored repeatedly(even though others were seated, serviced and gotten their food AFTER we were seated first).

Then another gentlemen next to us had his order comp'd since they were also incredibly late on bringing his food and he had gotten very upset about the LONG wait times.(So I clearly wasn't the only one that was dealing with bad service)

They served the soup and salad 10 minutes after our orders were taken but the food took a LONG time to arrive and my GF got her mongolian beef(it was overly salty too, smh) first and my order didnt even arrive until 20+ minute afterwards and I even had to ask the waitress about where my food was and "magically" it appeared immediately after I asked and the food was COLD and clearly been sitting for a while, SMDH.(I suspects the cold food was sitting in the kitchen for a long time and the wait staff ignored it until I said something)

Since the excessive wait times, my food arriving cold, and absolute horrible service ruined my appetite. I sent my order back without eating it and had the food removed from my ticket. I then requested to have the automatic 15% service fee removed since I all I did the entire time was WAIT FOR SERVICE and didn't receive ANY ACTUAL SERVICE, the staff had the AUDACITY to argue with me about the 15% service fee. Im a good tipper but I refuse to tip/reward for absolutely horrible service.

Eventually they removed the 15% service fee after I argued my case(and other customers started listening in) and they realized I was adamant about refusing to pay for "service" that I didn't receive in any amount and the general bad experience I had there.

Im very upset about this recent experience and my mom is a friend of the owner too. It really pains me to give a bad review of Shooting Star since its been a favorite Chinatown food spot of mine to go too. Oh well, they lost a loyal customer and I will be telling everyone I know to avoid Shooting star cafe from now on.

1/10. The worst service I've ever experienced in Oakland Chinatown and I grew...

Shooting Star Cafe in Oakland is an absolute gem for anyone who appreciates a diverse menu and exceptional service. One of the standout features of this bustling little cafe is its impressive selection of boba drinks. Whether you're a fan of classic milk tea, fruity flavors, or something a bit more adventurous, their boba menu covers all the bases. From taro milk tea to matcha lattes, each drink is expertly crafted, presenting a delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess, enhanced by chewy tapioca pearls that have just the right texture.

For those visiting Shooting Star Cafe, take-out and to-go options are plentiful, ensuring that customers can enjoy their favorite beverages and meals on the go. Their signature dishes include the Hong Kong-style café dishes, which range from flavorful noodle soups to savory rice dishes. The Pork Chop Baked Rice is a standout option—tender pork chop layered over a bed of fragrant rice, covered with a rich tomato sauce, and topped with melted cheese. It’s a comfort dish that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Hong Kong.

Besides the delicious food and drinks, the service at Shooting Star Cafe is nothing short of excellent. The waitstaff, notably friendly and attentive, contribute significantly to the welcoming atmosphere of the cafe. Their genuine smiles and readiness to assist with menu recommendations enhance the dining experience, making customers feel not just served, but truly cared for.

The ambiance of the cafe is lively and vibrant, reflecting the multicultural essence of Oakland itself. It’s a spot where you can see diverse groups—families, students, and professionals alike—enjoying everything from a quick coffee break to a full meal.

In summary, Shooting Star Cafe hits all the right marks: extensive drink selection, delicious to-go options, hearty signature dishes, and remarkable customer service. Whether stopping in for a boba drink or a signature dish, it promises a...