uqbar cafe opens in west berkeley

married industry vets jennie and benji smith have opened new mediterranean cafe uqbar ("ookbar"), in the relaxed west berkeley space that formerly housed tomate cafe.

the cafe is named for a fictional country in a jorge luis borges story, and serves mediterranean-inspired breakfast and lunch tuesday through saturday, with seasonal specials and counter service. seating is first come, first served in the roomy space, and there's a pretty little patio.

cuisine features an overall focus on healthful lean meats and proteins and seasonal ingredients, and includes soups, salads, sandwiches and brunch all day (shakshuka, seasonal oats), as well as housemade hummus and buckwheat flatbreads. mr. espresso coffee drinks – including seasonal lattes – as well as beer, wine and fresh drinks (lemonades, spritzers) also available.

we checked in on them their second day and word had clearly gotten out among weekday professionals in the area, as the cafe was full and lively.

uqbar is at 2265 fifth street in berkeley. look for the teal gate.

november 5, 2025