Cafe Ohlone

A love song to Ohlone culture

Cafe Ohlone’s latest iterations, ‘ammatka and ‘oṭṭoytak, are part of the University of California at Berkeley’s ‘ottoy Initiative, which is led by Vincent Medina and Louis Trevino. The ‘ottoy Initiative aims to foster understanding of and respect for Ohlone people and culture and to repair and improve UC Berkeley’s relationship with the Ohlone community.

‘ammatka, located at the Lawrence Hall of Science, offers family-friendly fare Wednesday through Sunday, 11-3. Admission to the Lawrence Hall of Science is not required to visit 'ammatka Cafe. Seating is first come, first served (no reservations). We recommend double-checking the museum’s operating hours when planning your visit.

‘ottoytak, located outside the Hearst Museum of Anthropology on the UC Berkeley campus, is a seasonal restaurant that is open to the public for occasional meals and private lunches. Our dining service will resume in Fall 2026 due to construction happening next to us.

We continue to welcome groups of all ages for education sessions, please email us for more information on education sessions.

If you’re interested in having us come to your organization for a session, or if you’re interested in having us consult your organization, email us.

‘ammatka — The Dining Room

Located at the Lawrence Hall of Science, the home of the historic ‘ottoy Initiative, ‘ammatka is the latest iteration of Cafe Ohlone. The menu at ‘ammatka was created by ‘ottoy Initiative and culinary directors Vincent Medina and Louis Trevino to teach of Ohlone cuisine in an accessible, family-friendly manner that highlights seasonal Ohlone ingredients indigenous to the East Bay. Chochenyo language is a focal point, along with the food, to teach visitors of Ohlone gastronomy and provide needed representation for Ohlone people and their rich culinary traditions. A grand view of ‘ommu—San Francisco Bay—greets diners as they walk into this unique dining experience, paired with Ohlone scientific and cultural knowledge that is spread throughout the science center.

‘ottoytak — The Place of Repair

‘ottoytak is a seasonal dining and educational experience created in a fragrant garden of manzanita, artemisia, California rose, and mugwort located in the courtyard outside the Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology. At ‘ottoytak, every element is designed to speak to Ohlone aesthetics, from the Napa basalt bounder seating to the reclaimed East Bay redwood tables and abalone finery to Chochenyo language, all commingling with birdsong that plays in a soundscape. Seasonal, multi-course meals are plated and shared and paired with a rich educational lesson about the living culture of the East Bay Ohlone people.