James F.
Google
I visited Angelina’s Louisiana Kitchen in Berkeley and overall had a solid experience, with some clear highlights and a few areas for improvement.
The restaurant has a cozy, quiet vibe that works well for medium-sized groups or a casual date night. The Mardi Gras–inspired décor (greens and golds) is fun, though the space feels a bit dark, even during the daytime. Service was courteous but not especially fast; that said, my server Grant was clearly hustling and seemed to be covering a lot of ground on his own.
Parking can be a challenge. There’s limited street parking with time restrictions. Your best option is to go straight to the parking structure about a block and a half away. It is conveniently located across the street from tbe Berkely Public Library.
For food:
The Cajun grilled shrimp appetizer was good but not memorable. The shrimp were done well, and the sauce didn’t initially stand out flavor-wise, though a second taste revealed a mild, sweet jerk-style profile with subtle heat. The bread, however, was excellent—crusty outside, warm and soft inside.
The crawfish etouffee had good texture and balance, with enjoyable Cajun spice that added flavor without overwhelming heat. I thought the green onions would be too much, but they did not overpower the dish and provided great texture. I have a big appetite. The portions were satisfying, but not enough for me to take home for leftovers.
Where this place truly shines is dessert. The chocolate cayenne cake was outstanding—moist, rich, slightly crunchy on the outside, with great chocolate flavor and a subtle kick of cayenne and orange. The bourbon vanilla whipped cream was light and delicately flavored. The beignets were perfect: warm, golden brown, chewy inside, and generously dusted with powdered sugar. Absolute must-haves! There were enough beignets to take home and they were still good cold.
Overall, my experience started around a 3.5, but the desserts alone bumped it to about a 4.2 out of 5. I would absolutely come back—honestly, I’d return just for the desserts.