★★★★★
“Staff were very friendly and food was delicious. They have complimentary chips, three different types of salsas and drink. I have to go back to try their cookies.”
Home / Our story
Our storyThe Cookie Man and the Cake Lady
fell in love…
Doing what we love since 1999 — homemade food, reggae island retro beats, and a whole lot of love.
Meet James & Denica Freitas
It started with 42 seats and a cookie habit.
We began in a small, 42-seat spot that is now comfortable and lived in, humble and well worn. In the morning it smells like cinnamon rolls and fresh ground coffee; all day it sounds like reggae island retro beats.
James had been baking since 1987, when he owned Cookie Express in Castro Valley. Together with Denica, he built that little café into four neighborhood kitchens across the Tri-Valley and East Bay — each one unique in design, but all built and operated with nothing but love and passion for connecting with people.
Visit a kitchenAlong the way
Our timeline
1987
Cookie Express
James opens a cookie shop in Castro Valley — the start of our bakery recipes.
1999
Denica’s opens
A tiny 42-seat café serving homemade food daily.
Growing up
Growing the family
Kitchens in Castro Valley, Dublin and Livermore join the family.
Recently
Pleasanton
Our newest kitchen opens on Rosewood Drive, with soufflé pancakes on the menu.
Today
Bay Area best brunch
Named in Eater SF’s top brunch spots and one of California’s best “under the radar” restaurants.
In the news
People are talking.
start your daychoose kindnessyou are enoughI am gratefuldream bigthe world needs more lovebe love
From our guests
Thank you for 4,553+ reviews.
★★★★★
“One of my favorite breakfast spots in the Bay Area! Denica’s is delicious. I love their cookies, pies and cakes.”
★★★★★
“My go-to is chilaquiles, the best I’ve found, with green sauce. Cinnamon roll is special, enough for 4 people. I drive from San Jose just for Denica’s.”
Watch
Denica’s on video.
Food tours, interviews and our Castro Valley opening, as seen on YouTube.
What To Eat TVWHAT TO EAT: Denica’s Real Food Kitchen in Castro Valley, CAWatch on YouTube →
The Healthy Lifestyle Together PodcastDenica’s Real Food KitchenWatch on YouTube →
Castro Valley News & The Valley LifeCVTV: Denica’s Real Food Kitchen Opening in Castro ValleyWatch on YouTube →
Denica FreitasDenica’s Real Food Kitchen InterviewWatch on YouTube →
Come see us.
Four kitchens, one family. We’ll save you a cinnamon roll.