Welcome to Inn Kensington
Nestled in Kensington, California, Inn Kensington is a welcoming haven for breakfast and brunch enthusiasts. Founded by an owner with a rich history in the restaurant since 1980, this cozy spot combines classic flavors with inventive dishes. Diners rave about the delectable Corn-Cilantro pancakes and towering homemade Buttermilk Biscuits. With its warm atmosphere and friendly service, guests enjoy memorable meals, whether indulging in the legendary seafood omelette or exploring unique specials. Inclusive options like vegan dishes and a dog-friendly policy enhance its appeal, making it a cherished community gem where deliciousness and nostalgia thrive.
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293 Arlington Ave Kensington, CA 94707 United States Hotline: (510) 527-5919
Welcome to Inn Kensington, a delightful haven for breakfast and brunch enthusiasts nestled in the charming community of Kensington, California. Located at 293 Arlington Ave, Kensington, CA 94707, this cozy diner has become a beloved neighborhood staple that boasts a menu filled with New American classics and mouthwatering desserts. Opened years ago and still cherished by locals, Inn Kensington effortlessly marries comfort with quality, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Step inside and you’re greeted by a warm atmosphere—think classy yet casual, perfect for families, friends, or solo diners seeking a retreat. As you settle into the inviting space, you’ll notice the friendly staff who remember regular customers' names, enhancing that homey feel. With options for both indoor and outdoor seating, you can enjoy your meal in a way that suits your mood, whether it’s a bustling weekend brunch or a quiet weekday breakfast.
The menu at Inn Kensington is a treasure trove of breakfast and brunch delights. Patrons rave about their oversized, homemade buttermilk biscuits, described as “mile high” and possibly the best in the area. Don’t miss the Corn-Cilantro pancakes, a unique and flavorful treat that will surprise your palate in the best way. Taking a cue from an enthusiastic customer, the seafood omelette is a fan favorite—stuffed with salmon and shrimp, it’s a dish that’s hard to resist.
The reviews speak for themselves. Diners have praised the extensive menu, which also includes vegan options, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy. From comforting classics like corned beef hash to innovative specials like the Indian burrito—curried chicken wrapped in filo dough and generously topped with spicy mango-mustard seed chutney—there’s always something new to try. As one customer noted, this spot offers consistently great food paired with exceptional service. It’s a place where you can gather with friends or family and create lasting memories over a satisfying meal.
For those who might want a more leisurely experience, the restaurant is equipped with inviting amenities, including Wi-Fi, waiter service, and even a dog-friendly patio, making it a versatile choice for everyone. If you can, snag a seat outside and take in the serene views of the neighborhood after indulging in a delicious meal.
Whether you’re coming in for a classic breakfast, exploring their enticing brunch specials, or simply stopping by for a sweet treat, Inn Kensington promises an experience that is enjoyable and satisfying. With every visit, you’re not just a customer; you’re part of a community that enjoys superb food in a welcoming environment. Make sure to take advantage of the easy street parking and perhaps a post-meal stroll through the quaint Kensington neighborhood.
We invite you to visit Inn Kensington soon and discover for yourself why this charming diner has captured the hearts and taste buds of so many. After one bite, you might just find yourself calling it your new favorite breakfast spot!
Cozy neighborhood brunch spot. Classic flavors with huge portions. The Corn-Cilantro pancake was definitely worth trying--a unique bite that worked surprisingly well. Another plus for the large homemade Buttermilk Biscuits too!
I've been coming to this spot in Kensington with my mom for many years, and we keep coming back for their consistently great breakfast options great service and plenty of indoor seating. Today's specials were a real treat, featuring both chicken soup and posole which wasn't exactly traditional but good. My mom enjoyed their legendary seafood omelette, packed with salmon and shrimp--it was absolutely delicious! Alongside that, I ordered the classic two-egg and bacon breakfast. The bacon is always a highlight here, thick-cut and perfectly cooked. Whether you're stopping by for their specials or sticking to the classics, this place never disappoints. Highly recommend for breakfast lovers!
Excellent food and service, always a pleasure dining here. Nothing fancy but just delicious fresh breakfast. I always get the Soho omelet and it's so yummy. They make a great cappuccino; the biscuits are yummy and so are the home fries. We are lucky to have this little spot in our community.
Our first time here and not our last! I ordered the corn beef hash with buttermilk biscuits and it was delicious. There's a large selection of menu items and specials. Our service was friendly as well as other team members of the restaurant. Charming environment and after breakfast we explored some of the nearby markets and enjoyed the Bay view from the neighborhood. Excellent brunch!!
How did I not know about this place!! This has got to be one of the best places for breakfast I've been to in a long time!! First... their biscuits are mile high!! One of the best biscuits I've had in a long long time!! I had the scramble and my daughter had the corn cilantro pancake!! Both were fabulous!! Service was great!! It's a small place and I imagine it gets super busy!! We got lucky and didn't have to wait. But when we left folks were waiting for a table!!
I've been coming here for 30 years. They make the best mochas and their biscuits are the best and their food is consistently excellent as is the service.
A cozy neighborhood diner, with friendly staff who remembers everyone's names. Good food Definitely worth a visit!
Checking in since my last review: love you guys! Thanks for the complimentary Super Bowl mimosa!
I've been coming here for a quarter century (love saying it that way), and it's the most reliably perfect and ridiculously prompt breakfast you will ever find. We've discussed this place at home since my kids were teens. Sometimes we call it "Big Bikit" for the enormous picture perfect biscuits (2) that come with your breakfast. Sometimes we call it "The Perfect Simulacrum of the Ideal American Breakfast," because it arrives almost before you've ordered, so we figure it must have been conjured by magic. The owner started working here in 1980 and eventually he took over the business. Its one of the last remaining reliable old school haunts, and they very likely have a captive genie in the kitchen, cause there is no way this could be accomplished by mere mortals.
Until recently, I'm not sure I've been back to Inn Kensington since my review 14 years ago. Time does fly, and Gayle and I were pleased that this cozy and welcoming restaurant is still around after all this (including COVID). We ended up here for Lunch after our Tilden adventure (Steam Train and Little Farm). We wanted something close, child friendly, and didn't require a significant Yelp search. So between Inn Kensington and Fat Apples, this short distance is where we headed. As it was mid-week and a little past the Lunch hour, parking was easy and the restaurant had plenty of room. Restaurant staff were attentive/friendly and masked. It looks like Inn Kensington doesn't currently serve dinner, but the all day breakfast and lunch selections were all very tempting. Our granddaughter chose waffles of which we let her put powdered sugar on it as there's not a lot of difference (to a young kid) between that and maple syrup. She loved it so much that she kept asking to come back during the following days that we were taking care of her. Gayle and I each ordered and thoroughly enjoyed our "Indian Burrito". In other words: east Indian curried chicken baked in filo dough, topped with spicy mango-mustard seed chutney and served with a salad of seasonal lettuce and baby greens. Now doesn't that sound like a great alternative? It was. I hope it doesn't take as long (as it did before) to come back. Downtown isn't really all that far away from various Berkeley/Albany neighborhoods and we'll be sure to remember this little gem of a restaurant the next times we're in town.