Alem's Coffee
5353 Claremont Ave, Oakland, CA
Crema's Take
“Alem's Coffee brings authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian breakfast traditions to Oakland, serving standout dishes like shihan ful—deeply flavorful fava beans with warming spices, fresh peppers, and aromatic olive oil—alongside rich, well-crafted coffee and fresh pastries. While service can be slow and prices run a bit high for the portions, the cozy atmosphere and welcoming vibe make it a distinctive spot for a leisurely sit-down experience where you can actually linger and connect with something genuinely unique.”
What to expect
Classic coffee drinks done right. A slow-sit spot, good for meetings. Full breakfast, pastries, and light food on the menu.
Google Reviews
First time trying shihan ful! Really really tasty, simple but hearty. Deeply flavourful fava beans, with both spices and also fresh peppers, good aromatic olive oil, and a bit of cheese on top. Sop it up with the bread roll!
I was really excited to check out Alems because of the high ratings and because I love Eritrean/Ethiopian breakfast. The food is good, but kinda expensive for what it is. The main problem is the service here. Every time I've been to Alem's they have forgotten my order. After…
Food is okay but kinda expensive for what it is. It's unique in that I haven't had Eritrean breakfast food before. But man is the service slow. I've come here twice and they forgot about us BOTH TIMES. We waited 40 minutes for our food and saw a bunch of people pick up their…
Cozy coffee spot near Oakland DMV. Food and service is great. My only advice for the owner is to do some renovations of the cafe shop if they can afford. Otherwise great spot. Local Eritrean food. Yumm …
Alem’s Coffee is a great spot for a cozy coffee break. The coffee is rich and well-crafted, and the pastries are fresh and tasty. Service is friendly and welcoming, though it can get busy during peak hours. The vibe is relaxed and comfortable — perfect for a quick pick-me-up or…
Crema Reviews
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