Restaurants in Oakland
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Best Restaurants
“Parche is a beautiful East Bay gem. Flavorful, unique, stunning, family style dishes. I'm still dreaming about the food I had there and the cocktails are incredible!”
“My daughter took me and the hubby here for our Thanksgiving celebration since she couldn't come home (Sac) for actual Thanksgiving, we went to her. This was a night I won't soon forget! Having a nice meal with our daughter was a treat, the service was amazing and the food....OMG! Every bite of every dish I tasted was so so delicious! I can't get the butternut soup out of my head it was THAT good! We all ordered different food & shared bites with one another. This night was so enjoyable! Thank you, Sis & Thank you Mama Oakland!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“I loved everything about this place. The food was just the right amount and so creative.”
“Short wait on a Friday night for 7 of us. Really small place but the wait staff and owner very friendly and everyone was very happy with their meal. If I lived here I would go back.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“We brought our friend here to celebrate his birthday because we wanted to gift an experience. We saw you featured on Check Please . . . And you guys WOW’d us beyond our expectations!! Amazing staff! And amazing food . . And yes, amazing cocktails!! Down to the last finishing touches ! We will definitely be back !”
“My daughter took me and the hubby here for our Thanksgiving celebration since she couldn't come home (Sac) for actual Thanksgiving, we went to her. This was a night I won't soon forget! Having a nice meal with our daughter was a treat, the service was amazing and the food....OMG! Every bite of every dish I tasted was so so delicious! I can't get the butternut soup out of my head it was THAT good! We all ordered different food & shared bites with one another. This night was so enjoyable! Thank you, Sis & Thank you Mama Oakland!”
“We had the Family Dinner with the wine pairing and were completely blown away by every dish and wine. The sommelier chatted with us a lot and we were very impressed by his unique selections. Service was excellent, the decor is all thoughtfully selected, vibes are amazing. Everything about this place is special.”
“Loved our lunch today ! Bison stew with fry bread and bison meatballs. Hibiscus tea was awesome. Staff was so incredible. Busy and very full today. Great atmosphere.”
“I visited Sirene on 4 occasions during my last visit to Oakland (only 48hours!) Each time was great in its own right. From excellent specialty coffee and breakfast/lunch fare, with a mix of self service made easy and convivial. At dinner gets even better - exotic and exquisite food and wine (what a list! Even by glass), well portioned and presented, all paired up with excellent service from David - guiding you from food through wine and sequencing it all for ultimate delight. A piano which a patron played on during my last lunch made it all the more memorable. A must try neighbourhood gem!”
“Date night with my wife and had a wonderful experience. Loved the decor and the vibe. Felt like we had a taste of the French experience without leaving Oakland. The wine was fabulous as was the service and attention to detail. Highly recommend the cheese plate! Will visit again and often for date nights.”
Outdoor Dining
“Date night with my wife and had a wonderful experience. Loved the decor and the vibe. Felt like we had a taste of the French experience without leaving Oakland. The wine was fabulous as was the service and attention to detail. Highly recommend the cheese plate! Will visit again and often for date nights.”
“My quest for the East Bay's best pies led me to June's, and let me tell you, it more than lived up to the hype. The line snaked out of the restaurant on a Saturday evening, but this is no ordinary queue—it's a pilgrimage. With 20 minutes to wait, we found sanctuary next door at Brix Factory Brewing, where we sipped on an IPA and noticed almost every patron had a pizza box on their table. It was a beautiful preview of what was to come.
The pizza itself was a masterpiece. The crust was a perfect blend of chewy and crisp, with just the right amount of char to give it a smoky, rustic finish. It was adorned with elegant ribbons of shaved Parmesan, which cascaded over the top like tinsel on a Christmas tree, along with a scattering of vibrant, fresh basil. But the real stars of the show were the hand-cut pepperoni. These little guys curled into delicious, crispy cups of flavor, cradling pools of savory oil in a way that just makes your soul sing.
I came seeking a pie, and I found a work of art. I will absolutely be back to worship at the altar of June's pizza. Five stars, hands down!”
“Yeah this place is super fun. As far as oyster bars in the east bay I can’t think of a better spot. The decor is super cool sweet mix of modern meets east coast fishing house. The service was great and the oysters tasted great. When I come back I think I’ll try the fish and chips. The couple next to us got them and I was super jealous. The wine selection is also really good, small but it has 3 options for every type, what else do you need???
I’ve been here a couple of times now and will totally be coming back.”
“I thought this would be a dime a dozen dive bar type spot, but thankfully I was wrong. It was pretty poppin for a Monday evening, but not enough to where it was overwhelming. The trees are fantastic, and the cocktails were actually good! We even got a nifty NA cocktail as a nightcap. I'll be coming back next time I'm in the area.”
“Tacos Oscar is such a cool little spot — laid-back vibe, friendly staff, and seriously good tacos. Everything tastes super fresh, with creative toppings and bold flavors. It’s the kind of place you stop by for a quick bite and end up hanging out longer than you planned. Simple, tasty, and totally worth it.”
“How cool that this Oakland gem has adapted during the pandemic! All of the delicious drinks and all kinds of new menu items all for take-out in...wait for it...compostable containers...even the bottles the drinks come in! Please support this sustainability-minded, amazing and delicious restaurant. They have a few outdoor tables, too. Go. Go now!”
“Spent my 42nd birthday here by my self. The atmosphere is amazing. The walls are covered from floor to ceiling in knick knacks that will keep your eyes searching the walls for a long time. The Bartender (Shy) was AMAZING. Kind, sweet and patient. Thanks for a fun birthday!”
“We had the Family Dinner with the wine pairing and were completely blown away by every dish and wine. The sommelier chatted with us a lot and we were very impressed by his unique selections. Service was excellent, the decor is all thoughtfully selected, vibes are amazing. Everything about this place is special.”
“This has got to be one of the most underrated restaurants in the Bay if not the state, actually the country! Global dishes with an innovative touch and soulful take. And the owner/chef is a super cool dude. I am recommending this spot to all my foodie friends ;)”
Online Reservation Available
“I visited Sirene on 4 occasions during my last visit to Oakland (only 48hours!) Each time was great in its own right. From excellent specialty coffee and breakfast/lunch fare, with a mix of self service made easy and convivial. At dinner gets even better - exotic and exquisite food and wine (what a list! Even by glass), well portioned and presented, all paired up with excellent service from David - guiding you from food through wine and sequencing it all for ultimate delight. A piano which a patron played on during my last lunch made it all the more memorable. A must try neighbourhood gem!”
“An astonishing 18-course omakase, expertly prepared, sourced in the finest sushi chef tradition of impeccable quality.
Warm and comfortable welcome with a happy-to-share chef who told us stories about his choices in making what has to be one of the finest Japanese experiences stateside.
Tiny space, superbly arranged.
I cannot recommend it enough. Not cheap but value for money if you struggle to “have something you’ve never had anywhere else” (and don’t want the 9+ hour Tokyo flight).”
“Outstanding restaurant, we have dined at Wood Tavern more times than I can recollect . We we rather disappointed recently when we called to make reservations for 4 for lunch on 2/25/2022 and were informed they only take reservations for 5 or more. Is this true ? If so they should so state on their web site.”
“Some of the most high-quality and innovative cocktails I’ve seen in the bay. Service in general was great. William is brilliant, friendly, and not shy about nerding out with guests about his cocktails and spirits. He made the experience one to remember, and one to hopefully repeat soon. Thank you.”
“Good food, but expensive for what it is. Very authentic and has a similar flavor profile as some of the noodle places I've had in Japan. I ordered the duck soba and the soup was quite bitter and medicinal. I can see why some people like it but personally not for me.”
“Sean Paul and the team are incredible. This is without a doubt the best restaurant in Oakland. Every dish was 11/10. Perfect service aside - the balance of each dish was outstanding- get the tempura Cesar- the wagyu bo Ssam- the hand roll dish!!!!! Literally everything was delicious- will be going back and bringing each and every one of our friends. Michelin star ⭐️ 100% without a doubt.”
“We stopped in because this place is located across the street from the Fox Theater and we were seeing a concert. What a terrific find. Fantastic cocktails, wonderful bartenders, and you can order food from a Japanese restaurant next door and they deliver it to you at the bar. Enjoyed a wonderful bento box with gyoza, seaweed salad, and fried chicken.”
24 Hour Restaurants
“Dear Jack,
I didn’t expect to fall in love at 2 a.m., but here we are. Oakland Jack-in-the-Box, you’ve stolen my heart (and my appetite). That’s real love.
The spicy chicken sandwich meal (fries not pictured because I ate them in the car), a Minute Maid, and a seven-piece jalapeño popper… honestly, this felt less like fast food and more like the Last Supper. If Jesus had served jalapeño poppers that night, I don’t think anyone would’ve doubted him.
Your Good Good sauce was everything its name promised, your taco sauce a quiet but steady companion—like you, Jack. Dependable. Comforting. Slightly mysterious under that giant round head.
Jack, don’t ever change.💋
Forever yours,
A loyal customer ❤️”
“Fast service. All I can add. Got the mini meal something fast to get back to work. Although two lines were in drive through, they have to that go into one, they seemed to knock that out fast. Everything is ok. It.mcdonalds so up to mcd standards at least at drive thru”
“Was heading home Sunday night 10/05/2025. Around 10ish pm. Drive through typical wait. Ordered 2 orders of the monster Tacos. Get to the window waited roughly 7 - 8 minutes for my order. The young lady comes to the window and says you ordered the tacos. I said yes she says 1 moment. 5 minutes later she comes back with the order. She asked if I wanted sauce I told her yes. She hands me the bag and says on 2 taco sauce left.my response was really ?. I get home after a log day open the bag and I only have 1 order of tacos. She didnt give me a receipt and it was to late to go back and wait in line again because I had to get to at 3:45am. At this time im really hotter than fish grease. I couldn't go back the next day because I had a meeting at my secondary job. Very disappointed 😞. Forgot to mention end result paid $10.24 for 2 monster tacos and a large soda. Monster tacos were on special $3.00 for 2 monster tacos.went to the restaurant today. Talk to manager whe made everything right. Very pleased!!!
.”
“There's no public bathroom and the lobby is not open to the public anymore. However, you can order inside the small lobby area using the electronic menus or use the double drive through. Service is quick at either spot and food is usually fresh. I had a McChicken and fries. They also have the icee machine at that location.The staff is cool and accommodating.”
“Love the cheesecakes from here fire so good, I even double back the next day to get a different taste is was great the atmosphere is very welcoming a the art on the walls are so dope. I would be coming back to eat a phat plate of some BBQ”
“My quest for the East Bay's best pies led me to June's, and let me tell you, it more than lived up to the hype. The line snaked out of the restaurant on a Saturday evening, but this is no ordinary queue—it's a pilgrimage. With 20 minutes to wait, we found sanctuary next door at Brix Factory Brewing, where we sipped on an IPA and noticed almost every patron had a pizza box on their table. It was a beautiful preview of what was to come.
The pizza itself was a masterpiece. The crust was a perfect blend of chewy and crisp, with just the right amount of char to give it a smoky, rustic finish. It was adorned with elegant ribbons of shaved Parmesan, which cascaded over the top like tinsel on a Christmas tree, along with a scattering of vibrant, fresh basil. But the real stars of the show were the hand-cut pepperoni. These little guys curled into delicious, crispy cups of flavor, cradling pools of savory oil in a way that just makes your soul sing.
I came seeking a pie, and I found a work of art. I will absolutely be back to worship at the altar of June's pizza. Five stars, hands down!”
“Such a refreshing and delicious lunch spot! The set comes with different fresh and pickled dishes made daily using seasonal ingredients, including fresh tofu. Acorn noodle was really flavorful too. Since it is plant forward meal and portion is just right, I always feel good and satisfied afterwards, and not heavy.”
Takeout Restaurants
“We were gifted our first ever Bake Sum box. After trying just one bite of a Yuzu meringue bun I knew I needed more. Ordered our second BSB last week and shared amongst the roomies, huge hit. Well baked, not too sweet, great flavor combinations. 10/10 would recommend the Bake Sum box. If you can’t grab a box, you can grab al a cart day of pick ups just to tide you over until you can get a box 😋”
“Vientiane Café is a solid spot for flavorful Laotian cuisine. The dishes are fresh, well-seasoned, and generous in portion. The service is friendly, though it can be a bit slow during busy hours. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a great choice for a relaxed meal with friends or family.”
“We wanted to try some mooncakes and decided to get a variety of items for Sunday brunch. No parking but we knew that. The lady was helpful once she figured out we were doing a brunch.
The mooncakes were mostly new flavors (e..g. lotus seed)for us. Sweet and extremely dense, think plutonium. Perhaps an acquired taste.
Pork buns were very good, also coconut and pineapple pastries. The curry beef bun was a standout. Nice alternative to usual brunch. Well worth coming back.”
“A put bull was allowed to attack our dog tonight, they were sitting at the bar by the door. Our dog is well-behaved and well-trained and was attacked walking out of the restaurant. I appreciate places being dog friendly but plz be safe. The food and drinks are great but this ruined the evening.”
“Such a refreshing and delicious lunch spot! The set comes with different fresh and pickled dishes made daily using seasonal ingredients, including fresh tofu. Acorn noodle was really flavorful too. Since it is plant forward meal and portion is just right, I always feel good and satisfied afterwards, and not heavy.”
“Wonderful hospitality and warmth coming from the Host Ty Do letting me know more about the Cambodian culture. And BIG Wow on the Sea Food dish: 637. SALMON IN GARLIC BASIL WINE SAUCE : Poached salmon topped w/ roasted garlic, basil, & black mushroom in reduced wine sauce. It's divine! It's my new hot restaurant spot in The Little Town of Alameda.”
“The chai and Danish at Mohka House are absolutely incredible. It’s not even just about how blessed we are to have this kind of authentic cultural influence right here in Oakland—it’s the kind of spot where the customer service makes the experience just as special. The staff are down-to-earth and genuinely family-friendly, the kind of people who make you feel at home the moment you walk in.
If you haven’t been yet, you’re truly missing out on one of the most special places you can treat yourself or bring a loved one. A real gem💎”
“Outstanding restaurant, we have dined at Wood Tavern more times than I can recollect . We we rather disappointed recently when we called to make reservations for 4 for lunch on 2/25/2022 and were informed they only take reservations for 5 or more. Is this true ? If so they should so state on their web site.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“Great bread and croissants at this bakery. The croissants have a combination of lamination and texture that is hard to do, as well as a great flavor. The sourdough bread is delicious and a big loaf too. You can get coffee, and sit inside or outside; the seating area is small but nice.”
“My all time FAVORITE ice cream place in Oakland and honestly in SF & Berkeley included. Small gets u 2 scoops which is an UHMAZING deal 😙👌🏽 & i LOVE that they rotate their flavors!! also, they generously let u try their flavors!! I promise u, u will not regret getting ice cream from here! Qahwa is my fav flavor 😋 the workers are also super helpful. All around 10/10 place. I ride for miharu”
“I’m touring a condo in Oakland for a client making an offer and I stop for a quick bite at a tiny sandwich place next to the Grand Lake Theater. OMG, Unbelievable sandwiches, smoked meats, homemade pickles, peppers🫑 and memorable pulled pork, etc. I hang out for a few minutes while Jerry makes my Cuban sandwich, and he has me try their smoked bacon, homemade meatballs, and more. Jerry’s the best and I love this place. Can’t wait to tell my client about it!! Check out Modigliani Cafe, next to the Grand Lake Theater. #modigliani #localbusiness #Oakland #localgem #restaurant #sandwich #grandlakedistrict #holeinthewall #localjoint #bayareafoodie #pamparkerproperties #realtor®”
“😀First visit here after years of walking past it. The veggie combo and meat combo platters were among the best I've had at Berkeley and Oakland's many great Ethiopian restaurants. Service was very fast and friendly and outdoor back-patio was peaceful. I will be back soon and often.”
“Some of the most high-quality and innovative cocktails I’ve seen in the bay. Service in general was great. William is brilliant, friendly, and not shy about nerding out with guests about his cocktails and spirits. He made the experience one to remember, and one to hopefully repeat soon. Thank you.”
“The selection of ciders and natural wines by the glass or flight here is unbeatable. We live close by and find ourselves visiting to grab a glass per person often. Vibes are so chill. We also love their olives!! Outdoor area dog friendly.”
“A put bull was allowed to attack our dog tonight, they were sitting at the bar by the door. Our dog is well-behaved and well-trained and was attacked walking out of the restaurant. I appreciate places being dog friendly but plz be safe. The food and drinks are great but this ruined the evening.”
Cheap Eats
“Nivea took care of me while dining in the Montclair location. The food was excellent, rivaling in-n-out, truly. Nivea was kind, attentive and very professional. Her service with a smile would draw me back time after time. And did I mention the smash burgers are number one.I would overall recommend this place to anyone looking for a friendly and welcoming environment.”
“really like this place because it's family-friendly and has a variety of food. I like it because they have burritos. I highly recommend it.”
“I’ve recently cut out all dairy and pretty much all meat, although I will make an exception for special occasions and eat meat seldomly. anyway the options here are delicious if you’re a vegan! Their menu is full of tasty choices. U couldn’t be happier with my recent door dash orders”
“I’ve had hundreds of fresh spring rolls in my life from a bunch of different places around the US… this is by far the best place. Sometimes I order them a couple times a week. You can get them with peanut sauce or their amazing special sauce (which I do) The pho is amazing too and also the fresh coconuts”
“My fave place to grab n go some homemade muy rico tamales! It's literally a window you order at, limited street parking, but you can get thicc delicious tamales hot and ready to eat or to keep for another day. They last a week in the fridge. But mine never last that long. Chicken is my fave, the cheese is good too. Veggies is my least fave but I still like it! Huge portions. Quality people and hearty tamales. Go get you some from Tamaleria Azteca!”
“How cool that this Oakland gem has adapted during the pandemic! All of the delicious drinks and all kinds of new menu items all for take-out in...wait for it...compostable containers...even the bottles the drinks come in! Please support this sustainability-minded, amazing and delicious restaurant. They have a few outdoor tables, too. Go. Go now!”
“They're always so nice to me here! Mama loves the craft cocktails and the book curations. We live nearby so it's a favorite neighborhood hang, and we appreciate all the thought that went into the menus.”
“Yeah this place is super fun. As far as oyster bars in the east bay I can’t think of a better spot. The decor is super cool sweet mix of modern meets east coast fishing house. The service was great and the oysters tasted great. When I come back I think I’ll try the fish and chips. The couple next to us got them and I was super jealous. The wine selection is also really good, small but it has 3 options for every type, what else do you need???
I’ve been here a couple of times now and will totally be coming back.”
“It’s decent and tiny Thai restaurant in Oakland - family owned Restaurant. Interior is well decorated and well maintained. Outside of the restaurant is bit clumsy. Overall food is good and recommended to try. Prices are reasonable.”
“Love that half the menu is vegan, what a treat to have so much choice! I had the vegan tantan which was listed as a spicy dish so I was concerned that it'd be too hot but it was perfect, a little kick but nothing you can't handle if you have a low spice tolerance like me. It was delicious, creamy and SO filling. Highly recommended! They have a virtual queuing system where you put your name and number down and it texts you when your table is ready. You can watch where you are in the 'queue'. The wait was approx. 45 mins so we grabbed a drink elsewhere in the meantime, very efficient!”
“An astonishing 18-course omakase, expertly prepared, sourced in the finest sushi chef tradition of impeccable quality.
Warm and comfortable welcome with a happy-to-share chef who told us stories about his choices in making what has to be one of the finest Japanese experiences stateside.
Tiny space, superbly arranged.
I cannot recommend it enough. Not cheap but value for money if you struggle to “have something you’ve never had anywhere else” (and don’t want the 9+ hour Tokyo flight).”
“Great local brewery with spectacular beer. Loved the tasting, the history lesson about the brewery and learning more about the craft. The New Oakland Glow (Pilsner) and the Sleeping Car Giants (Baltic Porter) are our favorites. For now ….”
“Good food, but expensive for what it is. Very authentic and has a similar flavor profile as some of the noodle places I've had in Japan. I ordered the duck soba and the soup was quite bitter and medicinal. I can see why some people like it but personally not for me.”
“This restaurant serving Azerbaijani cuisine is an absolute must-visit. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. The food is exceptional — every dish, from the starters and salads to the main courses, is beautifully presented and bursts with authentic and unique flavor. Be sure to try the Khojaly lamb shank, kebabs, shah plov and dolma — you won’t find anything like them anywhere else in the Bay Area.
What truly sets Bistro 4293 apart is the owner, Anar. He’s a genuinely great guy with a wonderful sense of humor, plenty of engaging stories and a true passion for what he does. He is very friendly, down-to-earth and always open to feedback. Anar brings a personal touch that makes every visit memorable. He often stops by tables to chat with guests, making the dining experience feel more like a gathering among friends. It is obvious he loves his restaurant and is passionate about what he does.
This place offers one of the best dining experiences — and most importantly, best values — in the area. Can’t recommend it highly enough!”
“Sean Paul and the team are incredible. This is without a doubt the best restaurant in Oakland. Every dish was 11/10. Perfect service aside - the balance of each dish was outstanding- get the tempura Cesar- the wagyu bo Ssam- the hand roll dish!!!!! Literally everything was delicious- will be going back and bringing each and every one of our friends. Michelin star ⭐️ 100% without a doubt.”
“😀First visit here after years of walking past it. The veggie combo and meat combo platters were among the best I've had at Berkeley and Oakland's many great Ethiopian restaurants. Service was very fast and friendly and outdoor back-patio was peaceful. I will be back soon and often.”
“good drinks, good food, friendly service, outdoor dining, i'll be back”
“I have to share a post from my favorite restaurant the FOB kitchen in Oakland. Chef Janice’s dishes are incredible. Being a queer person it is great to have a fantastic place to dine and feel safe and excepted. If you are in Oakland you have to try it. My favorite is the adobo and halo halo.”
“Great food and great service. I paid $30 for a pad krapow and a side of steamed veggies after a $5 tip. Portion size was larger compared to other thai restaurants. Others usually charge extra for a fried egg too”
“I travel a lot, stumbled upon this gem while walking this evening. One of the best meals I’ve had, legitimately.
The Beef Ziggni was spicy, but nuanced, and the tangy injera served to compliment it perfect. Solid portion for the price as well.
Come in here, you won’t regret it! The honey wine was an added bonus as well.”
“Beautiful space. Alicia and her team are lovely hosts as well. I’ll be back again soon!”
“Loved my birthday dinner tonight! Portions small for the prices in our opinion. A scallops main dish with 3 scallops is small. Drinks were amazing, decor fabulous and great service. My son had to go eat more food afterwards as he was still hungry. Bigger portions would be good. Loved everything else! Great choices, appetizers, main dishes and creative drinks were delicious. Kind of surprised knowing they knew it was my birthday that they didn't offer me a birthday "something" to make it special. For these prices I would expect something.”
“I got superb service the other day. I am a regular shopper here and made plans to do Passover shopping myself but as the coronavirus outbreak came along my plans have changed. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get all my shopping done in time and get everything I need for the holiday. I emailed Yuval my shopping list with all my special requests and got top of the live service. My order was ready the next day and Yuval did not miss a thing! He took the time to go over the whole order with me to make sure I have everything I want and need. I highly recommend shopping here, other then the great variety of items you will get really taken care of. Thank you and Chag Sameach!”
“I celebrated my 62nd birthday at Commis Restaurant, 2 Michelin star, with my adorably daughter and my wonderful sister, who hosted the dinner , and I can honestly say it was an experience unlike any I’ve ever had. This was my first tasting dinner at such an exquisite and beautiful restaurant, and it exceeded every expectation.
The food was absolutely delicious, thoughtfully prepared, and beautifully presented. The drinks were exceptional, and the service was impeccable. Every member of the staff was attentive and warm, making us feel truly cared for throughout the evening. I especially want to mention our host, Brandon, who was incredibly welcoming, accommodating, and made the entire experience feel effortless and special.
The atmosphere was intimate and elegant—slightly dark, but in a way that felt romantic and immersive rather than distracting. From start to finish, everything was exceptional.
Thank you for creating such a memorable evening for a very special birthday. I truly hope I’m able to return again someday. This was a night I will never forget.”
“Millennium is my favorite vegan res! Excellent customer service, people, and atmosphere! The food is more than something to eat; it is something to experience!”
“We ordered the rose tteokbokki, soy garlic chicken, and seollangtang. It was SO GOOD!!!!! The soy chicken came out really hot but after it cooled down, the sauce was incredible. The seolltangtang was super fresh and clean, very light. The rose tteokbokki took the cake and the portion size is HUGE! Overall an amazing experience, will be back!”
“This is my favorite restaurant in Oakland! The food is amazing and so are the cocktails. The vive is is unreal!!!”
“Really lovely spot perfect for snacks or full dinner. We love the service - kind and helpful, but with a light touch (non invasive!) - and have had great experiences every time. The location is convenient for getting to a second spot or to the city. Highly recommend!!!”
“It was the friendliest salsa scene I've been to in years--Sunday at four to eight. And the food was gorgeous, and the staff super helpful.”
“This is a hidden gem of a place!!! It's so delightfully cute outside on the patio and the food is scrumptious!!!! The Massaman is crave worthy as I have now had this several times and each time, it doesn't disappoint and you can ask for whatever spice level you can manage. I LOVE this place and its truly the best Thai I have ever had anywhere in the country!!”
“Absolutely delicious, colorful, healthy food! We ordered takeout for dinner tonight and had the chicken and mushrooms, Mela platter, beef tibs and sambusa. The portions were generous and everything was fresh and seasoning was off the chain!!! Try the brownies for dessert - you will not be disappointed!! When in Oakland, order from Mela Bistro 😋❤️😃”
“Shi is wonderful and is a joy to watch make drinks. I sit at the bar specifically for this reason. She’s super friendly and you can tell she enjoys her job and is very talented too. I will be coming back again and again. Even Ryan at the door made me feel welcome. I have gone to Shiru both with my boyfriend and just by myself and I look forward to bringing my friends here too! Vibes are great, drinks are amazing and the music selection and volume is perfect.”
“We had a wonderful post Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends at Bocanova. A very nice, quiet table, with excellent service, and spectacular food. Everything we've come to expect over the years from Bocanova.”
“Nach drei Wochen „Roadtrip“ durch die USA haben wir uns gefreut dass in der Nähe unseres jetzigen Hotels dieses Restaurant/dieser Biergarten ist. Gut zubereitetes, ehrliches Essen. Ich bin selber leidenschaftlicher Hobbykoch in Deutschland und muss sagen: gut, wirklich gut. Das Sauerkraut könnte ein wenig „knackiger“ sein, aber es war trotzdem lecker. Und das „Früh Kölsch“ könnte ein weniger günstiger sein (schreibt ein Kölner 😉) Vielen Dank und euch weiterhin viel Erfolg”
“This Ethiopian Restaurant has been our family fave across 4 generations💚 Over the years: my grandma, my father, me, and my son…we dine and we bring friends! Highly recommend the restaurant and check out their partner Brundo Spice Company—spices and retail items available at the restaurant as well. The marvelous new location on San Pablo Ave. is vibrant, spacious, and inviting✨ Try the Vegetarian Sampler with extra Injera, followed by a Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Latte and dreamy Tiramisu. Sheer divinity!💗”
“Love this little gem on the edge of Old Oakland. Ordered off the starter menu and had a delightful meal. Hamachi Spoons, Little Gem Salad and Wings were the highlight. Can't wait to come back for the mains.
It rocks.”
“I visited for lunch on Christmas Eve, and it was quiet (which was fine to me). I had the mixed kabob platter and tried some of the lamb shank and beef qurma. The food was very good, and service and atmosphere were just fine. If you like Afghan cuisine and are in the area, consider having a meal here. The lunch menu prices are good values considering Saffron Kitchen has tablecloth covered tables and wait service.”
“best ive ever had these are the chef personal family recipes he brought from his country to share with us in America absolutely delicious and very intimate you feel like you are being welcomed in someones home and eating at their table ... you can feel the love in the food its not just a job for the chef but his passion and you can absolutely taste it !!!! I highly recommend you try it”
“Cool place (love the decor/style), nice staff & tasty food. Some dishes you will not find in the average Thai restaurant in the Bay Area. For example, the chef or owner is from northern Thailand so the menu features a top Northern Thai dish - Kao Soi noodle soup (beef or chicken), or the all time fav 'street food' grilled pork skewers (moo ping) served with sticky rice (ck out the menu on their website). I had the Pad Kemao Chicken (menu says beef but they are happy to make dishes with what you like & even have Beyond Meat dishes on the menu - cool to see stir fried basil with Beyond Meat (Krapao Beyond Neur)). The taste of my wok fried pad kemao was delicious, same or better than any I've had on prior trips to Bangkok. Glad to have discovered a solid Thai restaurant that doesn't have watered down flavors. Good to see they have a lot of gluten free and vegan choices on the menu too. Definitely will be back, keep up the good work!”
“Heard of this spot via word of mouth. Me a good friend went there and the food was amazing! A personal nitpick was it was too dim, but that’s just a personal preference.
The food was fantastic, service was excellent as well, I forgot to ask the server’s name, but she went out of her way to fix our table that was wobbly. I remember she had a nose septum ring.
Overall, fantastic sushi restaurant, highly recommend the Macha Tres Leche cake if you have room left!”
“We’d been meaning to try this place for over a year, but honestly, we were so burned out on the usual veg*n Chinese spots around the Bay that we kept putting it off. I’m so glad we finally went—because wow, what an incredible surprise.
Every single dish we tried (two entrées and three appetizers) was beautifully seasoned, full of flavor, and genuinely delicious. The variety on the menu is impressive, and for once, we didn’t hit a single miss. Everything just… worked.
If you’ve been feeling underwhelmed by other veg*n Chinese options, or just want to try something new, this spot will absolutely renew your excitement. Highly recommend. We’ll be back soon.”
“Been coming here since 1977. Always great food and adult beverages. Best is fried zucchini!!!!”
“Treated my parents to a lovely dinner from Kiana for their 50 th wedding anniversary!!! Everything was delicious!”
“95 percent fantastic. Service was great, and food was delicious. Beware that you may be offered bread, without being told of the cost. Also, my friend got a side order of vegetables with her burger. I got a side order with my entree. Hers was a small bowl and mine was a large one; each was $7. Odd. But, in the end, we both very much enjoyed our good and nice service.”
“First time having Chicago style deep dish pizza and it was so tasty. The sauce is so good.”
“I've just returned to New Zealand and took one of these beers back with me from a bay area visit. OMG I'm the biggest fan of WCIPA style and the sphere of eternity is up there with Pliny the elder as the best in class. So impressed and if I could find a way of importing I would happily pay anything for more of it. I need to find an excuse to come back. Love and respect. Kevin”
“Had the fried chicken with rice and beans, corn bread. This is a order at the counter place. They will bring the food to you. We sat outside. Will definitely go back!”
“Great food and drinks, especially the crunchy rice lettuce wraps, service is friendly and quick. Sometimes they leave to door open and it gets drafty inside. I think the kitchen must get really hot if the door is closed.”
“OMG just go! Go for takeout. Go eat there and be patient. The food is outstanding. So many beautiful flavors. My favorites are the ginger chicken (sumptuous like stew, with rice), fried rice (totally surprised us how rich and delicious and tender it is), THE WINGS (BEST in bay), chicken salad (it's basically chicken, not a salad with some chicken). Everything we've tried is sooooooooooo good! Festive atmosphere fun crowd nice patio!”
“Great place for couples or a group of friends having a night out, the food was delicious, didn't have any drinks but I'm sure they are good! 👍🏽 👍🏽”
“I like the pizza here, but they hella skimp on the toppings. If I get a large pizza with onions, olive, and mushroom on it I pay like $10 for those vegetables. Don't try to give me 1/16th of an onion on my whole pizza, I want to taste it.”
“My first time trying Mexican food!!
If you are into original non glamorous places with fantastic food, THIS WILL BE UP YOUR ALLEY! This is a family own restaurant with a full service bar adjacent room. The micheladas are insane! They have cool variety of imported beer and local to choose. The birria go some and the tiny been tacos will blow your mind.
Just watch out for the life mariachi bands if you don’t like loud music.”
“Very tasty and carefully seasoned. All dishes were perfection”
“Intimate sushi and Japanese restaurant. The handrolls are delicious, crispy and subtle flavor. The fish is fresh (key to good sushi and sashimi). It's definitely higher level Japanese restaurant. And the servers are attentive and very friendly. They gave my toddler special attention and kept him happy ( no small feat). Definitely a premium sushi and sashimi restaurant at a reasonable price.”
“Great local eatery with delicious beers and wonderful taps. Joe, the owner, is one of the most sweetest guys you’ll ever meet. Highly recommend!”
“Ordered a pandan waffle and flavor was good, coconuts have a little more bite to them. Texture was more bread-like than chewy like a mochi; different house, different recipe if you're looking for the latter.”
“One of my favorite restaurants in the East Bay! I ordered the quinoa salad, vegetarian plate, tacu tacu (rice and beans), sweet plantains, chicha morada to drink, and the chicha morada and mint sorbets for dessert.”
“Had to take my daughter to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and we were looking for a good place to have lunch before her appointment. My daughter spotted this restaurant and we are absolutely in love. Clean, comfortable eating area inside and outside. Variety on the menu and best Thai food we’ve eaten in a long time. Amazing flavors and portions are just right. And let’s not forget the Thai tea, best everrr! Seriously highly recommend for lunch and dinner if you are in the Oakland area.”
“We ordered Salted Boiled Edamame as an appetizer, Unagi Rice Bowl, Tonkatsu Ramen, Miso Tonkatsu Ramen and a bottle of local Nigori Sake. The Tonkatsu soup is very umami delicious paired with seaweed, bamboo shoots, thinly sliced ear mushrooms, half boiled egg and two cuts of boiled pork Chashu. The Unagi Rice Bowl has two skewers of Unagi, which lacks more roasting, it needs to be burned or toasted more. It has a combination of fresh seaweeds, fresh salad and plain rice. There were three of us and we paid a little over $80. We will definitely come back for more Ramen and Yakitori. This place is highly recommended!”
“Wonderful food on a comfortable patio with very friendly staff. Thumbs up 👍🏾”
“We recently had the pleasure of having Swahili Spot cater our company lunch in Palo Alto, and the experience was nothing short of phenomenal! From start to finish, the entire process was seamless, and the food was an absolute delight.
Chef Priscilla Mkenda is a gem and a joy to work with. She was incredibly friendly, punctual, and went above and beyond to ensure all our needs were accommodated. She effortlessly catered to a variety of dietary considerations, providing delicious spicy, non-spicy, gluten-free, and vegetarian options that satisfied everyone on our team.
The food itself was absolutely fantastic—delicious, fresh, and bursting with authentic Tanzanian, Ugandan, and Kenyan flavors. We received countless compliments from our colleagues, who all agreed that it was one of the best catered lunches we've ever had. The quality and portion sizes were exceptional, especially for the price.
Swahili Spot is truly a unique find in the Bay Area, offering a taste of East African cuisine that is hard to come by. We would highly recommend Chef Priscilla to anyone looking for a memorable, delicious, and affordable catering experience and would absolutely work with her again in the future. Thanks, Priscilla and team!”
Latest Reviews
“Outstanding restaurant, we have dined at Wood Tavern more times than I can recollect . We we rather disappointed recently when we called to make reservations for 4 for lunch on 2/25/2022 and were informed they only take reservations for 5 or more. Is this true ? If so they should so state on their web site.”
“This place sells the most delicious Mexican food in Oakland, and what's even better is their prices are extremely reasonable. If I were to change anything, I just wish they would link up with one of the food delivery services available in Oakland. Being a disabled senior, getting out is sometimes prohibitive for me.”
“My daughter took me and the hubby here for our Thanksgiving celebration since she couldn't come home (Sac) for actual Thanksgiving, we went to her. This was a night I won't soon forget! Having a nice meal with our daughter was a treat, the service was amazing and the food....OMG! Every bite of every dish I tasted was so so delicious! I can't get the butternut soup out of my head it was THAT good! We all ordered different food & shared bites with one another. This night was so enjoyable! Thank you, Sis & Thank you Mama Oakland!”
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“If you looking for good home made Indian food biryani tikka kebab is the place it’s made with love fresh every day let’s go thank you guys much love and much respect god bless you guys 🥇✅🫶🤗👌”
“we love the vibe, service and menu at GLK on Grand and have been going there for years. On our last visit we were surprised by how salty the food was. I think the cooks are overly generous with salt. Both our brussel sprouts and the scallops were really over salted. Next visit we will be sure to order low/no salt, and send back anything that's too salty.”
“They are DELICIOUS. The marketing/design of the product is great. They even super conscious of the environmentally when it comes to the packaging. Would by again! I got the sauce trio and the sumac. There was a problem in transit with two of the products. Customer service was top notch. Sent replacements right away. Ethical and amazing company.”
New Restaurants
“The bigger was little small for the price but great ingredients. Great flavor. I wish the fries were thicker so they would hold texture longer and not get so hard as they cool. My loaded fries did not have fresh fries. Fresher fries would have improved the experience”
“Moody chic place that is perfect for a date night. The ambiance is dark and stormy with a moon somewhere. Drinks are tight and crisp. Lots of sitting and standing spots.
I wasn't a fan of my negroni, but the lychee cocktail was incredible. The bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable.
This is my go-to spot for date nights.”
“I got the chilaquiles with green sauce which came with potatoes, and it was delicious! My friend got a papusa plate with rice and beans and seemed to enjoy it. It was a good portion of food (I ended up taking half of mine home), and the service was great. They also have a parking lot, which was really convenient.”
“🌴✨ Just had the most amazing meal at Puerto Rican Street Cuisine! The food was so authentic and delicious—it instantly took me back to eating at my grandmother’s house. Every bite felt like home. 💛 The owner, Eric, and his staff made the experience even better with their warmth and hospitality. If you’re craving true Puerto Rican flavors and a welcoming atmosphere, this is the spot! 🍽️🇵🇷”
“Perfect for a drink and a snack before a show at the Fox, or for any night. Thoughtfully crafted original cocktail menu, and delicious bites of American fare with a Pakistani twist, fantastic ambiance, flattering date night lighting, music at the perfect volume, friendly staff and verdant plants. One of my fave spots in Oakland!”
“Heard of this spot via word of mouth. Me a good friend went there and the food was amazing! A personal nitpick was it was too dim, but that’s just a personal preference.
The food was fantastic, service was excellent as well, I forgot to ask the server’s name, but she went out of her way to fix our table that was wobbly. I remember she had a nose septum ring.
Overall, fantastic sushi restaurant, highly recommend the Macha Tres Leche cake if you have room left!”
“Great atmosphere, extremely friendly, and delicious food. Shout out to the strawberry lavender matcha latte, very tasty. Just the right portions, didn’t leave hungry but didn’t over eat. Vegetarian friendly with substitutes. Some of the most refreshing water I’ve had.”
“I have been seeing this place since they opened a while back. So I finally gave it a try and I got the hot boy sandwich. And I can definitely say this is by far one of the best sandwiches I have ever had! And for such an amazing price!
If you love sandwiches but can be somewhat finicky about them like me, this is the place to go!
Delicious, portioned out perfectly, and fresh so fresh!”
“Cutest bar I’ve ever been to! Love this vibes at this place! From the decorations with a duck theme, to the duck drinks and even staff all was 10 out of 10 amazing experience! I think this place is perfect for a night out with friends or a date night! Can’t wait to go back and highly recommend!”
“We have visited a couple of times and will definitely continue to come back. Henry, the owner, is very kind, knowledgeable, and creates a welcoming atmosphere. There is a great selection of rotating California wines (N/A as well!) and the space and staff are very dog friendly. A new Jack London neighborhood gem!”
“A great local bar with the friendliest service! I love that they're always doing something festive (king cake for Mardi Gras, corned beef and cabbage for St. Patty's, all the sports games, etc.) They make a mean dirty martini, and the Irish coffee the owner made me for St. Patty's was perfection. I need to make it here on a Friday for their BBQ lunch, it always looks amazing.”
“This restaurant serving Azerbaijani cuisine is an absolute must-visit. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. The food is exceptional — every dish, from the starters and salads to the main courses, is beautifully presented and bursts with authentic and unique flavor. Be sure to try the Khojaly lamb shank, kebabs, shah plov and dolma — you won’t find anything like them anywhere else in the Bay Area.
What truly sets Bistro 4293 apart is the owner, Anar. He’s a genuinely great guy with a wonderful sense of humor, plenty of engaging stories and a true passion for what he does. He is very friendly, down-to-earth and always open to feedback. Anar brings a personal touch that makes every visit memorable. He often stops by tables to chat with guests, making the dining experience feel more like a gathering among friends. It is obvious he loves his restaurant and is passionate about what he does.
This place offers one of the best dining experiences — and most importantly, best values — in the area. Can’t recommend it highly enough!”
“We brought our friend here to celebrate his birthday because we wanted to gift an experience. We saw you featured on Check Please . . . And you guys WOW’d us beyond our expectations!! Amazing staff! And amazing food . . And yes, amazing cocktails!! Down to the last finishing touches ! We will definitely be back !”