In Alameda, where foggy mornings give way to sun-drenched afternoons, there’s a sweet silver lining: boba shops that turn every sip into a celebration. From classic milk teas to adventurous fruit infusions, these spots are our go-tos for that perfect chewy-pearl moment. To keep your taste buds dancing, we’ve sipped our way through the island to bring you this freshly updated list.
iTea Alameda
$ | (510) 263-8789 | WEBSITE
Lately it seems every new boba shop is competing to see who can pile on the most extravagant toppings or create the wildest color combinations. But unlike some other places that lean heavily on Instagram aesthetics and overuse of the word “artisanal,” iTea Alameda’s straightforward-and-excellent bubble tea doesn’t depend on any tricks. Their Jasmine milk tea with pudding and toffee milk tea with pudding are standout classics, and the frosty litchi remains a favorite.
The popcorn chicken, calamari, and squid balls are all seasoned perfectly. Service is quick and no-nonsense, the staff welcomes you warmly, and they even have a great parking lot and board games. It’s just consistently good.
Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea
$ | (510) 671-6333 | WEBSITE
Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea has been Alameda’s answer to a refreshing escape, and it’s still one of the tastiest ways to enjoy authentic Taiwanese flavors. Get the fruit teas for maximum freshness, or try them with the salted cream for something rich, layered, and equally satisfying.
Tasty Point (Alameda)
$$ | (510) 239-3788 | WEBSITE
It might not seem like active work, but exploring Alameda’s shops and sights all afternoon will leave you craving something substantial. Stop at Tasty Point on your way through town for a golden spicy beef ramen soup that’ll warm you right up. The perfectly balanced spice and rich flavor are exactly what you need. Don’t miss the stinky tofu—fried or in soup, it’s a highlight. The lunch special, with its drink discount, makes it easy to try their wide variety of hotpot, dessert, and boba options.
The attentive service and warm, inviting ambiance in the beautifully decorated space mean you can relax and refuel. With large portions and reasonable prices, it’s a satisfying stop that feels like a treat, especially with the fun scratcher at checkout that could win you a complimentary drink.
MandRo Teahouse
$ | (510) 396-6380 | WEBSITE
From San Francisco, it’s a 25-minute drive to MandRo Teahouse in Alameda, which is the approximate time it’ll take to decide how many mango bingsoo bowls, strawberry bubble teas, and matcha red bean desserts you’ll be ordering. If the clean, temperature-controlled atmosphere isn’t enough to lure you across the bay, the excellent tea options and real-fruit desserts should.
DIM SUM BEST Of TASTE
$ | (510) 679-4249 | WEBSITE
Dim sum has suddenly become an expensive indulgence. If you’re going to spend $25 on a meal, at least make it the pork buns at DIM SUM BEST Of TASTE. The perfectly steamed, yet still fluffy dough does the heavy lifting, but a few bites of that savory and juicy filling closes the deal.
Raretea Alameda
$ | (510) 227-5523 | WEBSITE
Maybe you’re looking for a cozy spot to unwind with friends, or maybe you’re just craving a refreshing boba drink after a long day. Head over to Raretea Alameda, where you can relax in their inviting space with a tasty drink and a snack. The Strawberry Smootea is a standout choice, carefully prepared and delicious, while the Rose Milk Tea offers a lovely floral note. For something unique, try the Thai Tea with Ice Cream or the Iced Blend Passion and Mango with Ice Cream.
The fries are always perfectly crispy and make for a satisfying bite, though the calamari might disappoint if you’re expecting something fresh. The staff is friendly and efficient, always making you feel welcome, and the inside is super cute with snacks and games to enjoy. Just note that some drinks can be a bit light on flavor, and the shop lacks air-conditioning, so it might get warm on hotter days. Overall, it’s a solid boba experience in a comfortable, spacious setting.
BOBER TEA & COFFEE
$$ | (510) 925-0742 | WEBSITE
You read that right. Stop by Bober Tea & Coffee on weekends and you can snag a mochi donut for just two bucks with any boba drink purchase. You know, in case the O.G. Vietnamese Iced Coffee wasn’t enough to convince you to bring the whole family.
Top Up Tea
$ | (510) 671-2653 | WEBSITE
Top Up Tea might be a little less flashy than a typical bubble tea chain, but when that means a cozy interior and classic milk teas with a creamy, smooth texture that’s perfectly balanced, taking a few understated liberties is fine. The tea flavor is rich and robust, blending well with the sweetness of the milk, and the friendly, efficient staff are happy to explain the menu options and make recommendations.
For around $5.75 a drink, with toppings like boba available for a bit extra, you can enjoy popular options like the Lychee Bomb with real lychee bits or the Ruby Passion, a guava and passionfruit green tea with aloe, plus tasty snacks like tater tots and popcorn chicken. Order from the wall menu or the self-order kiosks, which offer a wider range of options and photos to help with selection, and you’ll find the whole experience pleasant and satisfying.
Gong Cha
$ | (650) 207-6136 | WEBSITE
If you’ve been in Alameda for long, you might be a little tired of Starbucks. Gong Cha is dedicated to the rest of the boba experience, so when you’re ready to load up on strawberry kanten jelly milk tea and refreshing, basil seed-studded winter melon lemon tea, head to this bright, spacious bubble tea spot.
SUSHI & MORE
$$ | (510) 263-8171 | WEBSITE
Alameda has plenty of sushi spots, and even more places with bay views. Every so often, the two come together, like at Sushi & More—a mostly indoor space where you can sit by the bay window and watch the rain, enjoy chirashi from their fresh fish selection, sip complimentary miso soup, and follow it all with a $16 deep-fried California roll.