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Categories: Coffee & Tea, Greek, Mediterranean [Edit]
Neighborhood: UC Campus AreaMon-Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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Two magical times a week, I go to Nefeli. Wednesdays I go during my break in class, and Thursdays I take the long way to school to get a delicious double Illy latte. I commented on what a great espresso they make to the owner, and he said that when he was a student at Cal, he would go all the way to SF to get some Illy coffee. I'm so happy he is not condemning us to the same cruel coffee fate.
I had the chai once, and I thought it was very good when I first sipped it, but it started to suck as it got colder. You can tell it's from a powder mix, but I kind of enjoy the artificial crapiness. It's a bit like the garbage that is Tapioca Express--blatently fake, but it's artificial yumminess.
I have never had the food here before, but every time I am in here people are eating delicious looking food. I plan on eating here soon, though.
Cash only if your charge is under $3.00. Not sure when they close; I went here between 8:30 and 9:00 and they were closed. I was bummed.
I came in here...it seemed a little busy BUT there was no line...
So went up to the counter, waited, no service...
I see some old dude in the back sitting, not doing anything...
I wait...
I make eye contact with him...
nothing...
I gesture to the menu...
nothing...
maybe someone should take his pulse...
I look around one more time...
that's it, I left went across the street to brewed awakenings...
this place opens pretty late too 9 or 10 am, so I can never catch it in the mornings either...
welp, maybe I'll update my review later when I can actually get some service.
I've only had a chai and one of their smoothies (don't remember what it's called, but it's made with plain yogurt, orange juice, honey, and strawberries).
The vanilla chai was amazing. The best chai I've had - aside from the freshly brewed chai I used to have in high school when I went to my Indian friend's house for dinner. So, I'd say that's some pretty damn good chai.
On to the smoothie... It was more of a juice. But a delicious juice, I must say!
I've never come here to study, just people watch. It's a nice place to relax if you have time between classes on north side.
This is my standard coffee place on the north side. Espresso is good, as is the drip coffee most of the time. Most of their food is good, if a bit pricey -- the yogurt and fruit is great, if you feel like splurging $5+ for breakfast.
Overall, it's not super cheap, but it has good coffee and lots of options for good food -- a pretty good (if busy) place to study.
To do it right: $7
I stopped by Nefeli Caffe today, wanting to try something new for lunch. Upon walking in, I immediately felt comfortable in the slightly cluttered, slightly dingy interior. The very helpful guy working at the counter recommended the Alpino panini (prosciutto, pears, walnuts, fontina, and arugula on rustic bread), which I ordered.
I took a seat near the window and watched people go by for about five minutes before my sandwich was brought to my table. It came with mixed greens drizzled with a bit of oil and vinegar, which was nice. My initial impression was that the sandwich was small, but a little prosciutto goes a long way. The sandwich was good, not great. Softer bread, less oil, and a riper pear would have improved it greatly.
Summary: Overall a pleasant lunch experience.
I ordered a mocha frappe and it was shit--one of those chalky mochas that taste like there isn't really any coffee in it. And it had the consistency of chocolate milk instead of the cold shake you want on a hot day. And it cost $5.10. I'll admit the food looks like it's probably good, but I don't take my chances again at places that have already gyped me. They're on my blacklist.
I don't really get why this place is classified under "Greek, Mediterranean" because if you come during lunch, it's just cafe food. Cafe food is just sandwiches, salads, and soup. They use Illy coffee which is great but I felt that my overall experience was mediocre.
When you stand in line, it's kind of hard to see the menu on the blackboard because it's hard to read and there are things in the way. I felt kind of rushed because the counter guy kept glancing back and forth to us and the people behind us, even though those people were clearly not ready yet. Two of my friends ordered paninis and wanted them without avocados but the guy said they are already pre-made so they can't do that.
I ordered a Croque Monsieur ($4.75) which is a random item on the menu because it is French and they don't have a Croque Madame. I'm normally used to having it with Gruyere but here they use Swiss, a cheaper alternative. It came out really crispy like a grilled cheese sandwich and the dijon was a nice kick. It was realistically something I probably could have made at home. I also ordered a Nefeli Mocha ($3.75) with it and the guy was making it right after I ordered. He was not discrete because I saw him put in the mocha powder, stir in the milk, and then push it towards me. It was decent but I wouldn't come back for it.
The place is small and intimate. It got pretty packed as the lunch rush started coming in. Most of the tables fit two to four people, with the exception of a bigger table outside. Parking is available on the streets but you have to pay using that machine and it's $1.25 per hour.
A 3 for now... Def returning to try the true Greek cuisine. When I went here I ordered a blargin' sandwich. What a bad decision.. The sandiwch was awkward to eat since it came in this narrow bagette (that was chewy btw). The lentils they provide on the side were good. They weren't undercooked and they were seasoned nicely. But, I need to try this place again and order something better.
While most places on the Northside of campus support a fast-paced, in-and-out style dining to accommodate busy student schedules, this place is an exception to this trend.
If you have an hour to kill between classes, definitely come here for a quick bite and lounge around. Bring a friend, get some coffee and chat (If you want to study instead, I suggest going to brewed awakening across the street. It's like study central in there with more table space to work on)
I've only tried their Alpino panini with a side pasta (cashier's recommendation). It's pretty tasty. Personally, the portion size was more of a snack/light lunch and was a little pricy. (I'd recommend going to Hummingbird Cafe or Stuffed Inn if you want a more substantial sandwich for more or less the same price)
This place is tiny. I would probably only bring one other person here if I were to bring anyone here. That said, I've only been here by myself. I've tried to do light reading here before, but to no success. It's too dim inside and it's too distracting outside. Yes, there are little small tables inside and little metal tables outside. I've only had the drinks here and they're pretty good, but I have yet to try the food. I hear the Greek items are recommended.
A welcome exception to my theory that all the food options on Euclid and Telegraph suck.
I've always enjoyed their sandwiches and salads, as well as their desserts the couple of times I've tried them. I'm not a coffee drinker, but given that every single person in line in front of me gets coffee (and the time they take to make it) that must be good too.
I also like how it has a European feel. No, that's not code for "dingy and pretentious" (like other Berkeley cafes), it actually has a nice, relaxed, classy feel. If you're one of the many Berkeley grad students from Europe, this may be your place.
Met up for a coffee date and picked this place because... well primarily because I'm a pretentious foreigner who has to go through the "special" line every time I go to the airport. I feel at home amongst my fellow Axis of Evil citizens, dammit!
The place has a nice homey feel with a fun, mellow atmosphere that is hip without feeling forced, the coffee is excellent and the food is delicious. Great place for a quick cup or a coffee/lunch date. Cool enough to impress, casual enough to make it look effortless. In other words, much like just happening to forget to shave for a day or so before meeting someone, it falls into the "Oops I didn't realize I was sexy" category.
Great coffee. Their espresso drinks are better than their drip coffee. Not the best place to work because the tables are super small and rickety, and there are no outlets (literally. I think there might be one.) They also take credit cards (which is a huge plus in Berkeley, esp. on Euclid, where every place seems to be cash-only). I think there's a CC minimum of $5. The almond croissants are excellent. Also, was surprised to see they have a great dinner menu of tapas-style food. I am a fan of the veggie pizzetta for lunch. And the music selection is great (jazz, random world music, etc.).
Caveat: I should note that my sister says that I'm pretty much a "wannabe European" and this cafe does remind me of the places I left behind in Paris from my few years there. So keep in mind my ridiculous nostalgia/semi (but unintentional) pretentiousness when reading this. :)
This is definitely a small place, but it wasnt too busy when we went. Its close to the campus, so we took a nice little walk before getting there.
The food was not great, I ended up choking mine down and the girlfriend was planning on where to go afterwards because hers was bad. The only redeeming thing to come out was the Papusa in a diavolo style sauce. The sauce made everything a bit better, and I was able to enjoy my sandwich when dipped in it. Not someplace I ever need to come back to.
Nefeli is a cool place to hang out if you like people watching. They have a few tables outside with built-in benches into the cafe so you can take a backseat and enjoy the scene of people walking by.
Coffee is good, and I'm not a coffee person. The lady friend approves of their coffee so I'll give it a +1/2 star extra. Brownie points for serving my mocha in a big cup teehee.
We got the Alpino and Fantasia panini's:
Alpino - prosciutto, cheese, pears, spinach (I think?)
Fantasia - turkey, avocado, spinach
These sandwiches are pretty damn simple, but pretty damn tasty. I think the kicker is just the bread, as its rustic French bread. Crunchy outside and chewy inside. The portion is minimalist, so if you're hungry look somewhere else. Sides range from lentil, pasta, or green salad. It's pretty random so it's whatever they have on hand.
Prices on the higher side. $6.25/50 for paninis so it's not bad to try out one day. Definitely a good place to meet up an old friend or to have a lunch date, but not something I'd go for on a regular basis.
This is my FAVORITE cafe in Berkeley.
*great coffee -- illy brewed correctly served with suuper smooth milk
*great food -- their greek style yogurt is so light yet creamy and tangy but sweet.
*mellow, hip atmosphere -- the decor makes me feel like I've left the country, the music is cooler than anything in my ipod and the rotating photo exhibits are thought-provoking and beautiful.
*When I was in college, I came here all the time to study -- and can honestly say I owe any good grades to them.
*When teaching courses, I held office hours here -- perfect place to stimulate conversation.
*Now, I live nearby and come in faar too often before work.
*The guys behind the counter are good people who make great food and drinks.
A true gem.
Yummy mocha.
(Wait, I just looked and saw that the last review was done by my friend with whom I dined at this fine establishment....like she said, I did have two mochas because they were delish!)
In the middle of the day during the week, the parking was super duper easy, which is nice.
A little squishy in there, I felt like Alice in Wonderland and was squeezing by other diners, chairs, tables, a little hard to maneuver around in there.
The food was fine, too. I certainly wouldn't make a habit of driving all the way from SF to eat here, but if you are already in Berkeley and you are by the UC campus and want to grab a bite to eat, this place will do just fine.
Absolutely without a doubt the best espresso in Berkeley. The cappuccino is practically perfect in every way and the sandwiches (I'm partial to the eggplant) come with a delightful lentil salad if you eat at the cafe. The food is a bit on the expensive side, but enough for a meal that is delicious and satisfying. They are open until 9pm and offer a nice assortment of wines, desserts and appetizers in addition to the coffee and sandwiches.
The people are nice and it really is the anchor of all the Euclid establishments. It is always crowded at lunchtime, but when you can find a table inside or out, it's almost as if you've been transported outside of berkeley to a small european bistro where the coffee is strong and the dolmas provide a perfect flavor contrast. Just bring a good book and you'll be set for a lazy afternoon of people-watching (and Euclid is the perfect place for that sort of activity).
Love Nefeli. Love that it's a block away from my house and love that it takes cards (which, I've discovered, is a major accomplishment for many small establishments in berkeley). I dislike their lack of free wi-fi and lack of outlets within the shop (minus 1 star)
The coffee drinks are well-prepared, the salads and Greek tapas and desserts and sandwiches are very tasty, and even getting a glass of house wine and hanging out is worth it. It is a relaxing cafe to spend an hour reading or chatting with a friend.
The cafe is almost almost a 5-star, but there are two problems, which may either be major or minor for you. First off, an occasional mysterious smell of rotting wood may waft by while you are savoring your perfectly prepared Illy's cap. If you have ever lived near a paper processing plant, you know exactly what kind of scent I'm talking about.
Second of all, your reverie may be broken by a self-important conversation expressly held at a volume loud enough for neighboring tables to hear. If you have ever lived near a university or in Los Angeles, you know exactly what kind of conversation I'm talking about.
I have found a place in my heart for this cafe. I have been going to the Brewed Awakening Cafe up the street quite regularly. Unfortunately, they began to get my order wrong rather consistently (I blame this on the fact that they are always way too busy), so I decided to step across the street and try Nefeli Caffe, and I can definitely say that that the grass is greener on the other side.
The atmosphere is really relaxed, and the food and drinks are good. In the morning the cafe gets some wonderful light through the windows, which makes it a very pleasant place to drink my coffee. Last week I had their bagel with cream cheese, cucumber, tomato, and onion, and today I had the Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, nuts, and honey. It was all very delicious, and perfect for a quick breakfast. I had the food just about a couple minutes after I sat down. Lately I have been getting the house coffee, but even that is extra special, because over by all the creamer and sugar they have whole nutmegs that you can grate over your coffee. I will definitely be coming back more often.
First pineapple on pizza and now pears on my pannini.
The world is going C-R-A-Z-Y!!!!!
Damn . . . I liked it.
Curses you Italian good food makers!
The best part was sitting outside on a sunny Friday afternoon just watching people/students/slackers scurry down the sidewalk like little ants, while my lazy butt was thinking, "Yeah, I am a pastor . . . and this is part of my job!"
Life is good my friends, life is good.
Nefeli is, clear and simple, the cultural stronghold of the Euclid Strip.
Of course, the Euclid strip is no Gourmet Ghetto or Elmwood. You probably don't even know what I'm talking about if you don't live a UC-centered life. But I would at least compare Nefeli's status to that of a national hero in some lame island country.
When somebody says they like Northside, it means they like Nefeli. And that's why I rate them so highly - not necessarily because of the food and drinks they serve, but because they fathered a microculture.
For the price of a cup of coffee, you get to experience a region.
You know when you go to Mexico, and sit somewhere at a counter and order a taco, and you look around and everyone has straw hats on, and there's a jukebox playing mariachi music, and then you hear the whack of a meat cleaver, and suddenly there's a paper plate buried in cilantro in front of you and a really skinny dog sniffing at your feet? You take one bite of that taco and think, "Man, I am SO in Mexico right now." It isn't really possible for that taco not to taste good. It simply tastes like the experience you're having.
So that's how it is with Nefeli. You could get stuff to go there, but why would you? You can't pass up grating your own nutmeg (seriously, with a cheese grater) into your polka-dotted mug of coffee while sitting at a marble pedestal table and listening to Manu Chao. Throw in some tapas served in a cazuela (a cylindrical clay dish) and you've got a genuine North Berkeley stamp on your passport.
There are many reasons to make your visits to Nefeli more frequent. What I can tell you about is their Alpino Panini, my favorite reason to visit Nefeli.
Prosciutto, havarti cheese, and spinach are interestingly matched with walnuts and thin slices of pear on a baguette. The result is just the right amount of salty, savory, fresh, nutty, and fruity. The predominant flavors are the prosciutto and havarti but the walnuts and pear slices liven up the panini with their own very distinct flavors. And the juiciness of the pear is an unexpected way to add some moisture while maintaining the dry textures of the meat, walnuts, and baguette. Right as you're noticing a mild thirst from the saltiness of the meat, it's quenched by a slice of pear.
The Alpino isn't something for twice a week, but I've always been happy when I've ordered it. It might seem strange to combine meat, cheese, nuts, and fruit but think of one those fancy party trays. The ingredients work well together while maintaining their distinct flavors, kind of like a party in your... baguette.
And if you're lucky, the side you're given will be lentils which I somehow only enjoy with an Alpino Panini. Their side salads are also good, which leads me to believe that you will like whatever else shows up on your plate. I always order their iced tea with my meal, which just seems right. With all the other flavors vying for my attention, a nice subdued refreshment is all I need.
It's important that you eat your lunch there. Otherwise you'll miss out on the possibility of lentils and the experience of a lazy meal in a cafe with some character. Next to you will certainly be students silently trying to consume their books with their eyes as well as pairs of people having some intriguing conversations you can eaves drop on. The people watching is also worthwhile as traffic to or from campus or North side is fairly consistent. No one in Nefeli appears to be counting the minutes left in their lunch break before rushing back into the world. Many are actually having an afternoon glass of wine, something I'll have to try with my next Alpino Panini.
Sure, you can order lots of other sandwiches and salads at Nefeli and I'm sure many of them are good. But where can you order a panini with walnuts and pear on it? While you're thinking that over, head to Nefeli and try their Alpino Panini. And give yourself time so you can nurse your iced tea, chill out, and contemplate the flavors going on in that little panini of yours.
This is a great cafe. Excellent coffees and teas. Great lunches. The daily lunch specials are outstanding. I recently ordered lamb chops that were among the best I had in years. How do they do such good cooking in such a seemingly under-prepared kitchen space?
A bit pricey, but worth it. Did I mention the cool university crowd?
I've lived around the corner from Nefeli for almost a decade and it's consistently been the best cafe I know of in Berkeley. I've been to Royal, I've been to French Hotel, and I've done my time at Brewed Awakening - none of them are as good.
Why? Well, pull up a chair and I'll give you three good reasons to go.
First of all, they use illy coffee, which is one of my favorite commercial brands, and they bang it out FAST. I pull in there on the way to work and they're usually asking me for money with the drink done before I'm done rolling a smoke. That means under a minute. Their fixin's are raw sugar, nutmeg w/ grater (fresh nutmeg powder!), non-fat and low-fat milk, and cinnamon. I don't think these things are ever not available or empty, and I've been there thousands of times.
Second, they have fresh-squeezed orange juice. That may not sound like a big deal, but I challenge anyone to show me a place that consistently delivers a top-grade glass of OJ like theirs. Get it once and you'll remember why OJ is f'in delicious. I get a small and down it at the counter before I head out with my coffee to go - that's how good it is.
Third, all the food they serve there is made fresh, from excellent produce, and is delicious. I appreciate places that pay attention to their entire selection and Nefeli doesn't disappoint. The sandwiches, the hot plates, and the often-mentioned yogurt-fruit bowl are all teh yums. My only disappointment is that they're all a bit too European-style, which is to say small.
So there you have it. Why didn't I give it 5-stars, you ask? Good god you're an inquisitive sort! I took off one star for the relatively expensive prices - it ain't cheap - and the occasional lapse in service. Sometimes the "Euro" atmosphere means that the server's phone call or casual discussion with someone takes precedence over getting your order. Not often, but irritating when it happens.
The espressos are perfectly made with excellent beans (Illy Caffe) that are imported from Italy in vacuum cans. I was somewhat skeptical of Illy Caffe after Mr. Espresso (the person: Carlo) told me that his coffee always wins out over Illy Caffe in the Bay Area because Mr. Espresso is fresher. However, I was won over by R. W. Apple's October 24, 2001 profile of Andrea Illy in the NY Times ("Discovering La Dolce Vita in a Cup"), which was quite affectionate. I appreciated Mr. Illy's comment that a good cup of espresso is made with a 25-30 second pour. Lots of people on the Net tell you that 25 seconds is the longest pour you should tolerate, but I go to 30 seconds quite frequently.
Anyway, I come here for lunch occasionally and usually order the tombo tuna special -- the tuna and a double espresso come in at a tad less than $10. The portions are not large; I'm still a little hungry when I walk out.
When I'm done eating, I do walk out -- I don't get up from an outdoor table. Tommy S. thinks that he was sitting next to a plant that was recently fertilized, but I say that there's a sewer problem more or less in front of Nefeli's front door. It has been there for years, by the way, and it's especially bad in the summer.
After Nefeli was up and running, the owner(s) opened a place called Odyssia at the location that's now Liaison. Odyssia was problematic, but Nefeli has always been a winner.
I could go for a cappuccino w'/fresh nutmeg right now. Berkeley is keeping me up late at night studying my tired booty off and this is a quick fix to stay awake. I remember getting my warm, sweet, cappuccino deliciouness and staying up for hours.
They have yummy looking treats for your belly too. I didn't try any but I definitely will the next time I visit. The cashier was super nice and took the time to explain what goodies they have at the cafe.
They have fresh nutmeg that you can grate yourself. So enjoy your java and have a seat outside and take in Berkeley.
Yummmmmmy Fantasia Panini: turkey, arugula, orange chutney, avocado, AND bell peppers: such a wholesome combination! ALthough i'd like a bit more chutney, it was bit too subtle.
I love that they give you a side of lentils w/zuchinni and carrots which I wasn't even aware of! And to top that off, it was ready w/in minutes of ordering- I barely sat down and got comfortable!
Reasonable price, as well....but they were out of most desserts when I went at like 5. oh AND any restaurant/cafe that takes plastic in Berkeley is already on my good list =D
I should come here more often, except, you know, money. The panini here are the best sandwiches on Northside, quality bread and fresh deli meats. Sixish dollars a panino is only a little high for the area, but I keep thinking about better sandwiches I've had in Oakland for two bucks and change (not to mention the ones I make myself when I manage to wake up an hour before classes, which is never). On the other hand, some months ago I had a fennel salad here that I thought cost way too much, but the fact that I still remember that salad suggests it might've been worth it.
Summary: Good place for your prof to take you to.
Charming Greek-style coffee hideout on Euclid, perhaps best known for their use of Illy brand coffee beans. I was recently enlightened by several people to the fact that coffee need not be the bitter, ulcer-inducing elixir that I have known it to be for years. In fact, the bitterness is as result of coffee beans burnt during the roasting process. Much of the coffee sold these days (*cough* Espresso Roma *cough*) come from beans roasted by machine, which results in many a bitter cup as the burnt beans are not sorted out. At the Illy plant in Trieste, Italy, the beans are hand-roasted and hand-sorted for the perfect blend. It costs 25 to 50 cents more for Illy coffee at Nefeli, but I gladly pay the price for the sake of my stomach lining. As a result, the coffee is sweet and rich and does not cause me to cringe while drinking it.
I also frequent this place for the sweet, pulpy fresh-squeezed orange juice and the Greek-style yogurt (plain yogurt topped with honey, walnuts, and an assortment of chopped fruit - strawberries, pears, grapes, apples, etc.), which is usually sufficiently filling as a light lunch.
I've had several of the sandwiches here, and while good, they're usually quite small. The interior of the restaurant is also quite small, and more often than not I get my coffee and food to-go.
Believe me, Nefeli is but a shadow of its former self: it used to be at least 5 times better. My feelings toward Nefeli now are like those toward an ex-lover. This is where I met many of my friends; three of whom worked here; we knew the owners; I can't recall the countless hours my buddies and I spent here studying, hanging out, reading the paper, cracking jokes, talking nonsense while ordering the 2nd, 3rd, 4th cappaccino. It was the default location to meet. We ended up calling it "the office".
Alas, rumors had it that, about four years ago, the partners that owned the cafe had a little falling out. Then my two favorite people working there left. After that, I noticed that the business has not been well maintained. The coffee quality has degraded and prices gone up. Two large bins of trash outside keep sitting there and smelling bad. :-(
Nefeli, I really hope you would return to your former glory. I want to come back.
Oh, Nefeli. I always sigh now when I think of Nefeli.
I worked at Nefeli for a little over two years, on and off.
THE ATMOSPHERE: convivial mediterranean bar-cafe (not for studying: you hear me, Cal and GTU students!?)
THE FOOD: high quality sandwiches and salads, with daily Greek-inflected specials. Best sandwich: The Alpino, with prosciutto, pear slices, provolone, spinach, and escordalia (walnut/honey spread) on a small baguette. Best salad: the tombo tuna salad, with shredded, fresh-cooked tuna mixed with red onions, green onions, and capers on a bed of mixed greens. Also, try the tapas every day after 4 pm (just ask what's freshest).
THE COFFEE: Now, I have to pause here a moment. Used to be, this was THE place to get the best cappuccino in Berkeley, bar none. We always used Illy espresso, and the owner were militant about the art of the perfect foam (not dry at all, more like Guinness foam), and with none of this American obsession for big cups with tons of milk.
However, the owner had one baby, then another, and instead of putting more effort into quality control, he cut corners to save money: Illy is still available, but you have to ask for it and it costs $0.50 more. The default roast is from a local roaster, and is good, but doesn't set it apart from the rest. The art of the pour and the foam is lost on the new kids who work there, as is the art of making you feel at home.
THE SERVICE: There is an art to the service at Nefeli that I miss; the baristas are trained to be friendly and get to know your name and favorite drinks---even discounting your drink a bit if you come in regularly---all the while handling long lines with grace, speed, and efficiency (see my review for Nomad Cafe).
People would congregate here---it is the expat hangout for Greeks, Spanish, French, Iranian, Argentine, Mexican, Swedish, and just about everyone else who loves the atmosphere---and become fast friends. We never exchanged phone nu8mbers, since we always knew to just meet there.
They also serve wine (good Greek wines!) and beer, and desserts: tiramisu, gelato, cake.
All in all, despite the never-changing menu and money-saving corner-cutting, the place is still the best little cafe in Berkeley.
When you finally get sick of the semi-grimy south side and it's high school kids trying to be school/ hobo esqueness head to the North Side for some quality campus side digs. I just started going to Nefeli this year and don't know why it took me so long.
The Illy coffee is superb, and the food is good for a cafe but the service is hit or miss. The 1st time I was there I ordered the tortilla espanola (a tick slice of Spanish omelet with patatas and herbs) and the guy behind the counter pointed out the time (it was 1pm) and the prominent "TAPAS ONLY AFTER 4PM" sign. Didn't I feel sheepish. Then he leaned in and whispered "But for you, anything. Just don't tell anyone".
Gush
And the omelet was wonderful, like one you'd actually taste on La Ramblas or something. Which is kind of silly since it's a Greek restaurant. Good enough to skip class and sit on one of their outside tables for hours.
But once, I waited at the unmanned counter for about 5 minutes just to take my order because the server (different person) was on the phone. OK, I'll let it slide, you guys hooked me up last time.
Go Now! While the weather is beautiful. Life is at it's best on a breezy summer day sipping coffee while random strangers make conversation with you on the sidewalk next to the Nefeli Cafe.
Solid spot. I chomped on the Athenian Panini - roasted eggplant, red peppers, feta, braised onions, olives on slight toasted panini bread. It came with a mixed green salad. I inhaled it. It was on point. Simple, tasty and pretty cheap...$5.
Bonus...the vibes of the place were solid. I was very calm and focused (w/ quiet intensity) during my stay. I was able to clean up my resume with ruthless efficiency (time and quality). Peep the energy.
I was so excited when they shut down to repaint a few weeks ago - and even more excited when they peeled off the paint to reveal the shoddiest, most horrifying job imaginable. Love it! Crayola sky blue over stucco, bleeding onto the molding, the ceiling even? What charm! Grubby piano leg fencing to cordon off the crowded interior? Yes, please!
I spend way too much time here. And nothing makes me happier than to roll down from my apartment to find my favorite girl waiting for me on an awkwardly hewn and completely lopsided wooden bench outside.
my sandwich was ready by the time i finished paying.
WTF?!
this scared me a bit at first (is the food pre-prepared?), but i forgave them when i realized how deliciously simple the sandwich was.
Best espresso and latte in Berkeley. Period. Miles above Strada / Roma / Milano.
Friendly staff, good service. Cosmopolitan college crowd.
No wireless (though it's covered by Cal's AirBears network.)
Probably closer to a 4.5 than it is to a 4.
Nefeli's Cafe is a cute cafe, Greek themed, with its blue and white colored decorations. And oddly enough, French music.
Though I have not yet had their expresso (I am a wild person when on caffeine), I thoroughly enjoyed my alpino sandwich, which had spinach, proscuitto, swiss and even thin slices (maybe two) of soft pear, enclosed in crispy french bread. Even the pasta salad was surprisingly pleasant. I'd say their sandwiches are of the tastier selections in the area surrounding the Berkeley campus.
Service was prompt and many of the customers seemed to be friends with the cashiers or those in the back preparing food.
One major detraction were the at least five flies flying around in the backroom, and that is really terrible for a girl studying for her midterm the next day and who will give her attention to anything that moves (in this case the flies).
The espresso here is by far the best around Berkeley. Sure, it's not Ritual or Blue Bottle, but it is pretty good (especially compared to the crap they try to sell on southside / any of the espresso roma's). They don't have any power outlets or wireless internet, which I'm pretty sure is purposeful, but it is a great place to come read or hang out with friends. I've definitely spent way too much money here over my 4 years at Cal, although my caffeine addiction thanks me for it.
Also, they have some of the best food on Euclid. Which isn't saying much, but it really is quite good (the mousaka really hits the spot on a cold rainy day).
This place makes good coffee and espresso, though they are overpriced. The interior has a European feel (plus), but the tables are tiny, and when every table is occupied it's a very unpleasant place to be (minus). I like their soy latte, but I'm still weighing whether it's sufficiently better than that of, say, Brewed Awakenings (down the street), to be worth paying more for a smaller amount.
Now Serving Fall Flavors!
Neighborhood: Downtown Berkeley
Just For Yelpers
Neighborhood: Fourth Street
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area
Category: Delis
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Downtown Berkeley
Category: Caterers
Neighborhood: North Oakland
Category: Greek
Berkeley, CA
Category: Greek
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