Bench Café • Pâtisserie

A kind barista. Dial in was amazing. Cappuccino had perfect texture. I was indecisive about what pastry to buy and I was unexpectedly offered one alongside my drink. They didn't have to do that, but that made my visit all the better.

I just love this local Berkeley gem. Friendly, warm vibe where everyone is welcome. You can tell a lot of thought and care went into the place. The coffee is THE BEST, the pastries are amazing. From the coffee made with care and the super nice baristas to the comfy/welcoming/inclusive atmosphere, Bench Café has it all. My go to breakfast items are the Spinach Feta Empanadas and the Date Latte. P.S. the music adds a nice touch to the place.

Wowzer! What a nice place. Everything is homemade. I wanted to sit outside and the staff person carried a table out to the sidewalk. I ordered an Americano and a blueberry scone. Scones are a great indicator of an excellent baker, and this one was excellent. It was light, moist and full of fresh blueberries; so good in fact that I ordered a meat pie to go so I could have it for lunch. It too was exceptional.

I have worked around the corner from Bench for years. I only recently got into coffee and so I've tried pretty much ever coffee shop in the near vicinity and this is by far the best latte in the area. Don't forget there is an upstairs seating area with a table and chairs. The only thing that I would prefer is to have a couple comfortable chairs upstairs. If I could sit in a cushy chair I'd be so happy! But it's comfortable enough to be my go to spot now!

Visiting from Charlotte, North Carolina. I had Chai latte and the beef & peas pasties, delicious. Wonderful conversation with owner and staff, lovely vibe, small and cosy .. just nice ..

This café feels like a cozy little hidden gem. The space is warm and homey, really comfortable and inviting. I had a latte that was creamy and rich, and the homemade pastries were amazing. The blueberry scone was especially good — fluffy, fresh, and full of flavour. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back. Great coffee, friendly vibe, and just the right spot to relax.

Bench holds such a special place in our hearts and in our community! It is our favorite spot to enjoy a delectable, freshly baked pastry, cake, cookie, or scone along with a coffee drink or matcha latte prepared just perfectly. The aesthetic is perfect — welcoming, light, bright, airy, with touches of greenery and color. The music always sets a lovely backdrop too. And most importantly, the owner Sanaz and her husband, along with all of the incredible baristas including Norah, create an utterly wonderful vibe for the café. The space promotes productive work both downstairs and above the spiral staircase, but also conversations and connections in a welcoming community setting. From the Persian cookies to the unbelievably soft fall-apart blueberry scones, the food is only matched by the cheerful and warm atmosphere that permeates Bench. It is always so fun to see what the baked goods will be — it’s like a delicious little surprise (unless one takes a peak on IG where they are sometimes revealed ahead of time, hehe)! Thank you Sanaz and team for an incredible community space. We absolutely love coming to Bench and leave this review in order to share with others the cozy little gem on MLK Way that has a cozy little spot in our hearts!

Visited this cafe recently and it was a really positive experience. Upon entering, the smell of fresh baked goods was immediately noticeable. They have great artisan coffee and a variety of teas and cold drinks. What I found particularly impressive was the passion the team showed. Everything was incredibly delicious, clearly demonstrating their commitment to delivering high-quality service. If you're looking for a friendly environment where you can indulge in some delectable treats while sipping on your favorite drink, I’d highly recommend this place. A visit here is not just about enjoying a meal; it's about experiencing the love and care they pour into every cup and plate served.