Restaurants in Oakland
Best Restaurants
Thai • $$$
Italian • $$
“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.”
Colombian • $$$
“Parche is a beautiful East Bay gem. Flavorful, unique, stunning, family style dishes. I'm still dreaming about the food I had there and the cocktails are incredible!”
Italian • $$$
“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!”
Sushi • $$$
“-The quality of the fish is very good and tasty. They know how to combine and play with the ingredients
- the price is too expensive for what you get
- the service is average. Our server is very friendly. However, we arrived a bit early for our appointment, the server told us to wait for 10-15 min for them to get a table ready since the customers at that table about to pay.We waited for more than 30 min outside, watching new customers came in and out. The server knew we were waiting outside at the door. Then we went inside just to see why they took new customers and saw there were multiple empty tables. It's quite weird when they have available tables and still let us wait outside. It took us a while to get the server attention at the door and also at dining.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
Seafood • $$
“Incredible food. Every. single. time. Super flavorful, great ingredients and just made with so much love (you can taste it). The plantains are always so ripe and sweet. They have wonderful service and a nice outdoor space to dine as a different option to sitting inside. My favorite is the fried goat with rice+beans and sweet plantains. The griot is amazing too. And so is their sorrel drink. There’s really nothing but great things to say about this family run business. For folks with allergies or dietary restrictions - they have plenty of options too. I am GF. I love how mindful they are. I’m rooting for their success and cannot recommended it more! ??❤️”
American • $$$
“Always an interesting experience and fun treat. Classic cocktails in a classic atmosphere. Service is on point! Food is innovative yet still comforting and familiar. Never disappointed.”
Restaurants with Delivery
Thai • $$$
“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 !”
Italian • $$$
“My daughter took me and the hubby here for our Thanksgiving celebration since she couldn't come home (Sac) for actual Thanksgiving, we went to her. This was a night I won't soon forget! Having a nice meal with our daughter was a treat, the service was amazing and the food....OMG! Every bite of every dish I tasted was so so delicious! I can't get the butternut soup out of my head it was THAT good! We all ordered different food & shared bites with one another. This night was so enjoyable! Thank you, Sis & Thank you Mama Oakland!”
Italian • $$
“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.”
Sushi • $$$
“-The quality of the fish is very good and tasty. They know how to combine and play with the ingredients
- the price is too expensive for what you get
- the service is average. Our server is very friendly. However, we arrived a bit early for our appointment, the server told us to wait for 10-15 min for them to get a table ready since the customers at that table about to pay.We waited for more than 30 min outside, watching new customers came in and out. The server knew we were waiting outside at the door. Then we went inside just to see why they took new customers and saw there were multiple empty tables. It's quite weird when they have available tables and still let us wait outside. It took us a while to get the server attention at the door and also at dining.”
American • $$$
“Always an interesting experience and fun treat. Classic cocktails in a classic atmosphere. Service is on point! Food is innovative yet still comforting and familiar. Never disappointed.”
Laotian • $
“I really loved the Lao Special menu. You can order small portion of diverse foods. I ordered several items I have never eaten before, and they were all fantastic. The fermented pork sausage was the most "out there" dish from an American point of view: I didn't even know such a thing existed. Nice interior, and the service is great. This is some of the best Laotian food I've tried in the Bay. It turns out the portions are pretty generous, so I took soke home for another meal.”
Seafood • $$
“Incredible food. Every. single. time. Super flavorful, great ingredients and just made with so much love (you can taste it). The plantains are always so ripe and sweet. They have wonderful service and a nice outdoor space to dine as a different option to sitting inside. My favorite is the fried goat with rice+beans and sweet plantains. The griot is amazing too. And so is their sorrel drink. There’s really nothing but great things to say about this family run business. For folks with allergies or dietary restrictions - they have plenty of options too. I am GF. I love how mindful they are. I’m rooting for their success and cannot recommended it more! ??❤️”
Coffee Shops • $
“It is close to Ashby Bart Station. They have all kinds of sweets and drinks too. I like the decorations too.”
Salad • $$
“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.”
Pizza • $$
“I love the concept of this establishment. Went in for slices in the after hours and found a very fun place to spend time with good music, a very curated space, friendly staff. I really appreciate a wood burning oven, and I found the pizza dough to be excellent. The margherita topping was also great, with the right amount of fresh ingredients, and the grated cheese on top never hurts. I’m taking 2 stars off from the food category however as I admit I came in expecting perfection from a restaurant with 6 people dedicated solely to making pizza, but the slices that we got were all overly burned on the bottom and I found the salt a bit excessive. I will still definitely go back and look forward to trying the special pizza.”
Outdoor Dining
Pizza • $$
“I love the concept of this establishment. Went in for slices in the after hours and found a very fun place to spend time with good music, a very curated space, friendly staff. I really appreciate a wood burning oven, and I found the pizza dough to be excellent. The margherita topping was also great, with the right amount of fresh ingredients, and the grated cheese on top never hurts. I’m taking 2 stars off from the food category however as I admit I came in expecting perfection from a restaurant with 6 people dedicated solely to making pizza, but the slices that we got were all overly burned on the bottom and I found the salt a bit excessive. I will still definitely go back and look forward to trying the special pizza.”
Tacos • $
“I've tried everything Taco's Oscar has ever made and it's awesome. Love to see a place that treats vegetarian offerings with respect - woe to my mental health when the seasonal sweet potato taco is phased out. P.S. please bring back the romano bean taco!!!!!”
Bar • $
“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.”
Mexican • $$
“How cool that this Oakland gem has adapted during the pandemic! All of the delicious drinks and all kinds of new menu items all for take-out in...wait for it...compostable containers...even the bottles the drinks come in! Please support this sustainability-minded, amazing and delicious restaurant. They have a few outdoor tables, too. Go. Go now!”
Salad • $$
“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.”
Cafe • $
“to be Black, supa queer in this hood, this space is appreciated! to be able to pull up for a latte, donut, breakfast sando or a fancy cocktail WITH my spouse, and kid in tow- always feels welcoming.
did i mention the coffee is fire?”
Cocktail Bar • $
“Incredible vodka mules with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. Inside of the bar has so much to look at, you could look for hours and still be seeing new things. Bar tender was friendly and attentive. Definitely recommend.”
Mexican • $$
“The food was good but a little overpriced.
We had the pork carnitas they were well done cooked, the fish tacos were humongous and we add an extra one for $6 , they were ok. The chips salsa and guacamole were very tasty and delicious (highly recommended), for cocktails we had the Tepache con Tiki and a Vampiro, we were not impressed, I think they still need to work on their cocktails. We also had the Pot De Creme for dessert and it was very tasty
We will definitely go back to try a couple of dishes and other drinks”
Chinese • $
“Alright.. I’ve gone to this place for 10 years. Now it’s reopened as An’s Canteen. I love Jian Bing and this was really the only place to get it near me. When I saw the new owner I was surprised - but once I saw him making the Jian Bing he was making it with such precision, it felt like Jiro Dreams of Jian Bing. The new cracker is better. It doesn’t get soggy.
A+, 10/10, even better than last version.”
Brewery • $
“Such a rad spot, fun vibe, engaging staff, and an insane variety of yummy beer. Definitely a must.”
Coffee Shops • $
“Mohkha House is a delicious, lowkey coffee house with various vegan options. In terms of which plant based milks they carry, they currently carry: Oat, Almond, and Soy milk. I believe there is a 50 cent upcharge for choosing any of the plant based milks but well worth it to expand your options on the menu. In regard to their pastries, they have a few savory vegan pastries along with plenty of sweet gluten free / vegan cheesecakes or vegan chocolate cakes. The standout was certainly the savory chocolate chip cookie with sesame seeds. The space is very spacious and welcoming as there are plenty of places to relax on a couch with your food and work on your laptop/notebooks simultaneously. They close at 9:30pm every day too which a major plus considering most coffee houses are closed after 5 or 6pm.”
Mexican • $$
“The food was good but a little overpriced.
We had the pork carnitas they were well done cooked, the fish tacos were humongous and we add an extra one for $6 , they were ok. The chips salsa and guacamole were very tasty and delicious (highly recommended), for cocktails we had the Tepache con Tiki and a Vampiro, we were not impressed, I think they still need to work on their cocktails. We also had the Pot De Creme for dessert and it was very tasty
We will definitely go back to try a couple of dishes and other drinks”
Sushi • $$$$
“An astonishing 18-course omakase, expertly prepared, sourced in the finest sushi chef tradition of impeccable quality.
Warm and comfortable welcome with a happy-to-share chef who told us stories about his choices in making what has to be one of the finest Japanese experiences stateside.
Tiny space, superbly arranged.
I cannot recommend it enough. Not cheap but value for money if you struggle to “have something you’ve never had anywhere else” (and don’t want the 9+ hour Tokyo flight).”
American • $$$$
“I walked in with high hopes and with my group of friends. I walked out thinking the food was pretty good and the service was not great. Our server was gruff, condescending, and very inflexible when it came to splitting checks. The food was tasty and not as special as I was expecting. I'm not sure if I'll be going back.”
Online Reservation Available
Sushi • $$$$
“An astonishing 18-course omakase, expertly prepared, sourced in the finest sushi chef tradition of impeccable quality.
Warm and comfortable welcome with a happy-to-share chef who told us stories about his choices in making what has to be one of the finest Japanese experiences stateside.
Tiny space, superbly arranged.
I cannot recommend it enough. Not cheap but value for money if you struggle to “have something you’ve never had anywhere else” (and don’t want the 9+ hour Tokyo flight).”
American • $$$$
“I walked in with high hopes and with my group of friends. I walked out thinking the food was pretty good and the service was not great. Our server was gruff, condescending, and very inflexible when it came to splitting checks. The food was tasty and not as special as I was expecting. I'm not sure if I'll be going back.”
Cocktail Bar • $$$
“been here a few times but recently came for happy hour! so good!
got the tomato beef cocktail (their signature & most popular), their crispy chicken wings (DELISHHH) and their spicy cucumbers all for about $40! which in oakland is a wonderful price especially since i had leftovers which i ate the next day.
i came solo with a book on a saturday around 5pm and it was such a lovely date to take myself on. nobody bothered me. music was vibey. lighting was sensual. 10/10 would recommend :)”
Ethiopian • $$
“😀First visit here after years of walking past it. The veggie combo and meat combo platters were among the best I've had at Berkeley and Oakland's many great Ethiopian restaurants. Service was very fast and friendly and outdoor back-patio was peaceful. I will be back soon and often.”
“The restaurant itself is not in the best location, and the interior and bathroom isn't the best. But we went in and were welcomed so warmly for dinner when the place wasn't busy. We got the chicken biryani, garlic naan, and chicken tikka masala. The biryani is one of the best I have ever had in the US and the garlic naan was perfect and fluffy but crispy. The chicken tikka masala was creamy, not overcooked, and well seasoned. The best Indian restaurant we went to in East Bay. Would come again.”
Pizza • $
“Cute spot for a first date. Solid food, great staff and a mind numbing amount of beers on tap. The staff playlists are definitive deep cuts and current favorites.”
American • $$
“Tummy comfort food in great post-industrial space. Friendly service, craft cocktails. Good menu options and specials. Outdoor tables also available.”
German • $$
“Nach drei Wochen „Roadtrip“ durch die USA haben wir uns gefreut dass in der Nähe unseres jetzigen Hotels dieses Restaurant/dieser Biergarten ist. Gut zubereitetes, ehrliches Essen. Ich bin selber leidenschaftlicher Hobbykoch in Deutschland und muss sagen: gut, wirklich gut. Das Sauerkraut könnte ein wenig „knackiger“ sein, aber es war trotzdem lecker. Und das „Früh Kölsch“ könnte ein weniger günstiger sein (schreibt ein Kölner 😉) Vielen Dank und euch weiterhin viel Erfolg”
Bar • $
“We stopped in because this place is located across the street from the Fox Theater and we were seeing a concert. What a terrific find. Fantastic cocktails, wonderful bartenders, and you can order food from a Japanese restaurant next door and they deliver it to you at the bar. Enjoyed a wonderful bento box with gyoza, seaweed salad, and fried chicken.”
Latin American • $$
“Four of us enjoyed an early dinner at Bocanovo before attending a show. The staff were friendly and attentive. Everything we ordered was delicious including appetizers, main courses and two different desserts. We will definitely return and highly recommend this restaurant.”
Seafood • $$
“From the moment we walked in and throughout our dinner we had a wonderful
Time . The staff is so welcoming and a big thank you to our server who really made our night so memorable .
Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to the Salty Pearl . The food is Amazing!”
Ethiopian • $$
“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!💗”
Cafe • $
“I love Kinfolk! It’s such a community base space and it feels like it based upon the seating arrangements and the large options for comfortable places to work/get coffee! I got the hot chocolate, which was good, nothing special though! I mainly enjoy this space because it feels so justice and community oriented :) the staff are always very friendly and I love the artwork up!!!”
Japanese • $$$$
“Probably the best meal I’ve ever had, super fun, exciting, every bite was perfect. Intimate and fast process”
Mexican • $$
“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.”
24 Hour Restaurants
Fast Food • $
“when I'm not in the mood to cook the first thing I think about is going to them.”
Fast Food • $
“So I always order extra caramel and extra chocolate drizzle on my fraps and ol boy this location really gave me the extras from the top to the bottom five star service I might add‼️ 🙂↔️😁🚫🧢”
Fast Food • $
“At first, when we got to the window, this girl was very rude. She didn’t want to help. She kept rushing. She close the window on us, but then this gentleman named Omar came to the window and helped and gave us everything we needed on a timely matter and communicated very well and met our needs. We will come back to this location only because of him, thank you”
Fast Food • $
“Surprised the tacos are still relatively low in price. Still good for what it is and they were made when ordered instead of sitting there in a huge batch. So the lettuce was still fresh, cheese melted, and meat want dried up. Service is great here.
Inside the place is nice, outside with the neighborhood definitely not the greatest.”
Fast Food • $
“I asked for tomatoes and lettuce on my fish sandwich. I got fresh lettuce and tomatoes. I’m very happy with the accuracy of my order and the freshness of the food.”
Fast Food • $
“My cashier at lunchtime was the best ever. She brought me smiles and fresh cooked food. It was tasty.😊❤️
And she had a sense of humor that made me laugh. My lunch was at 1 o'clock, so the lady that was Latina.
Has great customer service 5 starshe was my cashier around 1 o'clock.You know who you are thank you”
Fast Food • $
“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.”
Mexican • $$
“How cool that this Oakland gem has adapted during the pandemic! All of the delicious drinks and all kinds of new menu items all for take-out in...wait for it...compostable containers...even the bottles the drinks come in! Please support this sustainability-minded, amazing and delicious restaurant. They have a few outdoor tables, too. Go. Go now!”
Takeout Restaurants
Bakery • $
“We were gifted our first ever Bake Sum box. After trying just one bite of a Yuzu meringue bun I knew I needed more. Ordered our second BSB last week and shared amongst the roomies, huge hit. Well baked, not too sweet, great flavor combinations. 10/10 would recommend the Bake Sum box. If you can’t grab a box, you can grab al a cart day of pick ups just to tide you over until you can get a box 😋”
Coffee Shops • $
“the place is very nice plus the view across the street is like a gigantic mirror ! you should see it for yourself !!! it really is something to look at while having your coffee.... it is spectacular !!!! and of course, the staff were super sweet !”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“Was in the area and did a search for ice cream. This place popped up and I decided to check it out. The vibe from the staff is great. The flavors are nice and different, the finish of the ice cream is fresh. No lingering fattiness or artificial viscosity.
Will definitely come back if I'm in the area and want ice cream. Store is clean and bright, plenty of natural light and simple decor. The production area is clearly visible so you can see they're proud of what they're doing. I recommend this place.”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“I love Lana's! It's my favorite ice cream shop - so much so I went there for my birthday. The staff are super friendly and the flavors are superb. Banana Oreo and Lilikoi (passion fruit) are definitely my favorite. Shout out to the crew today for keeping my pint cold as I ate my waffle cone outside :)”
American • $$
“I love dinner house. Think classic bar with the speakeasy feel. My favorite here is the burger and Caesar salad. The drinks are always delicious not too strong and not too weak.”
Cafe • $
“Petit Cafe is a hidden gem! The warm ambiance, delightful pastries, and rich coffee make it the perfect spot to unwind. The staff are friendly, and every visit feels like a little escape from the hustle and bustle. Highly recommend!”
“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!”
Vietnamese • $
“Excellent, fast service. Delicious, filling (vegan!) Veggie noodle soup with Tofu and house made spicy sauce. More vegan options available that I will definitely come back for including Banh Mi and Vermicelli 😋
Vegetarian options: They offer Vegan Spring Rolls, Vegan Veggie Noodle Soup, Vegan Tofu Vermicelli, and Vegan Banh Mi options. The house made sauces are vegan too!”
Korean • $$
“Such a refreshing and delicious lunch spot! The set comes with different fresh and pickled dishes made daily using seasonal ingredients, including fresh tofu. Acorn noodle was really flavorful too. Since it is plant forward meal and portion is just right, I always feel good and satisfied afterwards, and not heavy.”
Bar • $$
“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.”
Sandwich Shop • $
“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®”
Coffee & Tea • $
“Fun little neighborhood coffee shop. The owners are two Vietnamese lady's and hare just wonderful and friendly.
So anyway the spring rolls are bomb. I defiantly recommend.”
Seafood • $$
“From the moment we walked in and throughout our dinner we had a wonderful
Time . The staff is so welcoming and a big thank you to our server who really made our night so memorable .
Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to the Salty Pearl . The food is Amazing!”
Noodles • $$
“I’m so happy to have stumbled into this place. It was a delightful dinner. I highly recommend this place to people! The grilled duck and meatballs is a dish to not skip!!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
Bakery • $
“The bread is so delicious and affordable. It’s very hard to find a traditional Hong Kong style bakery like this. It’s a family owned business with very nice staff. I got the egg tart, baked chicken pie, and curry beef puff. I would come here again for sure.”
Thai • $$
“My friend and I were able to get in on a Friday night, and I felt the experience was very good. The service was prompt and the ambiance was definitely classy and East Bay. I think the tables were slightly close to each other, creating an intimate environment but also easier to hear others talk. I was not super impressed with the food, but I think this is personal and my experience is not universal.”
Mexican • $
“My fave place to grab n go some homemade muy rico tamales! It's literally a window you order at, limited street parking, but you can get thicc delicious tamales hot and ready to eat or to keep for another day. They last a week in the fridge. But mine never last that long. Chicken is my fave, the cheese is good too. Veggies is my least fave but I still like it! Huge portions. Quality people and hearty tamales. Go get you some from Tamaleria Azteca!”
African
“I got this delivered via Caviar so can’t speak to atmosphere (I think it’s a ghost kitchen maybe?) but the order was fast as heck and legit one of the best meals I’ve eaten in recent memory.A ton of food, generous portions, and just mind blowingly tasty. I got the pork bowl and every element was perfect. The meat was tender and so flavorful. Every combination of elements in the bowl creates a perfect bite.I can be kind of picky about food and this was a revelation, especially on a rainy winter night.I also ordered the bacon Brussels sprouts but I’m so full from the bowl I’ll save those for tomorrow.The world’s loudest YUM!!!!!”
American • $$$
“This little “hole-in-the-wall” has potential to be a truly fantastic restaurant.
First off, the restaurant is a cool, funky space that definitely has “Parisian” vibes, but not in a traditional sense. The bar is beautifully back lit with green lights and has cool Polynesian themed frescos.
The service was good and attentive. We sat at the bar and had great conversations with the bartender. She was a great conversationalist!
The food was great.. we started with half a dozen Beau Soliel Oysters which came with a horseradish mignonette. We followed that with the smoked trout pate which was probably my favorite dish. My wife and I both ordered the Crab Salad for our mains as they ran out of the Smoked Petrale Sole. It was good but the portion was tiny and at $39 I was hoping for more… it was more portioned like an appetizer. We finished off with the chocolate tart which was also delicious.
This place is close to receiving 5 Stars, but portion size needs to be addressed. Plus, having only three entrees and running out of one limits what can be ordered.”
Tacos • $
“We were looking for a taco place with my sister and we found this place. It is very clean and very friendly. It is so delicious, especially the tacos al pastor and the burritos are super large. I recommend them”
Pizza • $
“There's some slight confusion because ordering from "Slice of Hollywood" from Eat24, you get pizza from Pizza Nation, but that's no big deal. The food is GOOD. Best wings I've ever had delivered, and the pizza is really good as well. plenty of toppings, and so far I've only had great experiences with them. Great combo price deals too!”
Ethiopian • $
“This place is really good. Great quality of food. Very good flavor. Good atmosphere. I love it! On top of that, everyone is always very friendly. Highly recommend!”
Korean • $$
“Have been coming to this place for more than six years now and have always enjoyed the food here. My favorites are the blood sausage, pork rib soup, acorn cold noodle, and assorted pork soup. Very authentic Korean menu items that you can hardly find anywhere else in the Bay Area.”
Ethiopian • $$
“😀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.”
Kosher • $$
“I got superb service the other day. I am a regular shopper here and made plans to do Passover shopping myself but as the coronavirus outbreak came along my plans have changed. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get all my shopping done in time and get everything I need for the holiday. I emailed Yuval my shopping list with all my special requests and got top of the live service. My order was ready the next day and Yuval did not miss a thing! He took the time to go over the whole order with me to make sure I have everything I want and need. I highly recommend shopping here, other then the great variety of items you will get really taken care of. Thank you and Chag Sameach!”
Cocktail Bar • $$$
“been here a few times but recently came for happy hour! so good!
got the tomato beef cocktail (their signature & most popular), their crispy chicken wings (DELISHHH) and their spicy cucumbers all for about $40! which in oakland is a wonderful price especially since i had leftovers which i ate the next day.
i came solo with a book on a saturday around 5pm and it was such a lovely date to take myself on. nobody bothered me. music was vibey. lighting was sensual. 10/10 would recommend :)”
Cheap Eats
Bakery • $
“Great little gem! We really enjoyed their veggie croissants. And concha is not to be missed as well. Looking forward to coming back!
Plenty of street parking available, there’s outdoor seats available as well. And they serve coffee.
And best thing is..no long line !”
Cambodian • $
“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.”
Middle Eastern • $
“(4.5 rounding up) We walked in to a clean space that you could def eat in at. The man at the cash register was super kind and friendly. He gave us some tea while we waited for the food which did take a tad longer than I expected bc no one else ordered before us visually but then 2 people came by for the their pick up orders so we will do that next time.
Husband got the plate and I got the wrap for chicken shawarma and it was good! Not better than my own imo haha but it actually does taste like 85% similar.
It’s partially on us bc we did take out and had to run an errand before we could eat so it was a tad soggy and it had a slight spice to it I didn’t care for but for reference I don’t even like black pepper so take that statement with a grain of salt (pun unintended).
I will def come again and order the same thing but maybe request to not have all the extra stuff inside bc as a Lebanese I prefer my shawarma with as minimal things inside as possible. I was also definitely missing my pickled turnips 😩”
Coffee Shops • $
“Lovely hole-in-the-wall coffee shop. High quality coffee and great Filipino-inspired specialty drinks and pastries. Very cute parklet too. A coffee oasis in the middle of downtown Oakland 🙏🏼”
Coffee Shops • $
“Very adorable
Very sweet barista and I think owner. I forgot to post this. This is a wonderful little gym coffee shop in Oakland. I got the iced pumpkin spice oat latte”
Sandwich Shop • $
“Yum! We got the #7 and #8. The picture with the brighter red meat is the #7, which we enjoyed more, though both were delicious. Great portion sizes for the price. Next time I come I will definitely be trying their other prepared food.”
Bakery • $
“Super easy to work with getting my design exactly how I wanted. Not sweet or greasy~ so cute!”
Cafe • $
“Absolutely my favorite little coffee shop. It’s ran by the most lovely brown mamas who’s loving energy radiates into everything they do. Super queer friendly and the most amazing Chipotle Sandwich and Cafe de olla around.”
Fast Food • $
“Hands down best Gyro I’ve had since visiting Denmark. The seasoned fries paired with their ranch and smokey barbecue sauces were divine. The atmosphere is very friendly and the dine-in aesthetic was quaint. HIGHLY recommend OakTown Kabobs with my boy Farzad.”
Tacos • $
“One of my favorite places to eat in the WORLD! I live in Missouri now and it was my first stop off of the plane when we visited! Chicken taco supers spicy.”
Korean • $$
“Such a refreshing and delicious lunch spot! The set comes with different fresh and pickled dishes made daily using seasonal ingredients, including fresh tofu. Acorn noodle was really flavorful too. Since it is plant forward meal and portion is just right, I always feel good and satisfied afterwards, and not heavy.”
Korean • $$
“Have been coming to this place for more than six years now and have always enjoyed the food here. My favorites are the blood sausage, pork rib soup, acorn cold noodle, and assorted pork soup. Very authentic Korean menu items that you can hardly find anywhere else in the Bay Area.”
Thai • $$
“My friend and I were able to get in on a Friday night, and I felt the experience was very good. The service was prompt and the ambiance was definitely classy and East Bay. I think the tables were slightly close to each other, creating an intimate environment but also easier to hear others talk. I was not super impressed with the food, but I think this is personal and my experience is not universal.”
American • $$
“I love dinner house. Think classic bar with the speakeasy feel. My favorite here is the burger and Caesar salad. The drinks are always delicious not too strong and not too weak.”
German • $$
“Nach drei Wochen „Roadtrip“ durch die USA haben wir uns gefreut dass in der Nähe unseres jetzigen Hotels dieses Restaurant/dieser Biergarten ist. Gut zubereitetes, ehrliches Essen. Ich bin selber leidenschaftlicher Hobbykoch in Deutschland und muss sagen: gut, wirklich gut. Das Sauerkraut könnte ein wenig „knackiger“ sein, aber es war trotzdem lecker. Und das „Früh Kölsch“ könnte ein weniger günstiger sein (schreibt ein Kölner 😉) Vielen Dank und euch weiterhin viel Erfolg”
Latin American • $$
“Four of us enjoyed an early dinner at Bocanovo before attending a show. The staff were friendly and attentive. Everything we ordered was delicious including appetizers, main courses and two different desserts. We will definitely return and highly recommend this restaurant.”
Pizza • $$
“This establishment is excellent very clean and customer service is amazing specifically an employee named Alex he was very friendly, interactive and informative about the products and helped me decide what pizza was best for me and my liking to purchase”
Bar • $$
“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.”
Ethiopian • $$
“This Ethiopian Restaurant has been our family fave across 4 generations💚 Over the years: my grandma, my father, me, and my son…we dine and we bring friends! Highly recommend the restaurant and check out their partner Brundo Spice Company—spices and retail items available at the restaurant as well. The marvelous new location on San Pablo Ave. is vibrant, spacious, and inviting✨ Try the Vegetarian Sampler with extra Injera, followed by a Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Latte and dreamy Tiramisu. Sheer divinity!💗”
Wine Bar • $$$
“Extraordinary! Every dish better than the next. Even the simple shrimp cocktail was out of this world, so the best, most delicious oysters and lovely luscious snails.”
American • $$$
“This little “hole-in-the-wall” has potential to be a truly fantastic restaurant.
First off, the restaurant is a cool, funky space that definitely has “Parisian” vibes, but not in a traditional sense. The bar is beautifully back lit with green lights and has cool Polynesian themed frescos.
The service was good and attentive. We sat at the bar and had great conversations with the bartender. She was a great conversationalist!
The food was great.. we started with half a dozen Beau Soliel Oysters which came with a horseradish mignonette. We followed that with the smoked trout pate which was probably my favorite dish. My wife and I both ordered the Crab Salad for our mains as they ran out of the Smoked Petrale Sole. It was good but the portion was tiny and at $39 I was hoping for more… it was more portioned like an appetizer. We finished off with the chocolate tart which was also delicious.
This place is close to receiving 5 Stars, but portion size needs to be addressed. Plus, having only three entrees and running out of one limits what can be ordered.”
Thai • $$
“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!”
Brewery • $$
“We stopped in for a beer on our honeymoon and loved the upstairs area to play some fun games and sand shuffle board! The beers were delicious and they had great service. It was a warm day and the airflow wasn’t great upstairs or down so that’s the only negative but we’ll definitely be back for more beers!”
Ramen • $$
“Love the separate vegan menu with several options, really delicious! Excited to come back and try a few other vegan ramens! We tried the vegan “fried chicken” oyster mushrooms and liked quite a bit”
Eritrean • $$
“This is the best Ethiopian food that I have found. Every time I am in town, I make my brother take me! The staff is wonderful, the food is always delicious, and the samosas are off the hook! The prices are reasonable. A must try!”
American • $$
“Tummy comfort food in great post-industrial space. Friendly service, craft cocktails. Good menu options and specials. Outdoor tables also available.”
Fine Dining • $$$$
“Superlative. I cannot think when I’ve had a better time dining; staff was very friendly and engaging and informative. The food is simply amazing, and I personally absolutely love the bar dining experience. Came here with a good friend, cannot wait to come back and bring the wife.”
American • $$$
“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.”
Vegan • $$$
“Millennium is my favorite vegan res! Excellent customer service, people, and atmosphere! The food is more than something to eat; it is something to experience!”
Wine Bar • $$
“Beautiful space. Alicia and her team are lovely hosts as well. I’ll be back again soon!”
Japanese • $$
“Nigiri combo is excellent! I can’t wait to try the sashimi combo next. I came just before they were closing for lunch and people were steadily coming either to pick up or eat-in up until their closing time. It seemed they were regular customers who are keeping this place a secret and happy to say, I am on it already. Can’t wait to go back.”
American • $$
“Been coming here since 1977. Always great food and adult beverages. Best is fried zucchini!!!!”
Filipino • $$
“I have to share a post from my favorite restaurant the FOB kitchen in Oakland. Chef Janice’s dishes are incredible. Being a queer person it is great to have a fantastic place to dine and feel safe and excepted. If you are in Oakland you have to try it. My favorite is the adobo and halo halo.”
Laotian • $$
“I was planning on eating at Belly for lunch not realizing they’d moved, so I decided to try the new place out. I did not regret it!
The food was great, the service was pleasant, and the vibe was very chill. The woman who served us was happy to answer any questions we had about the menu (I have a shellfish allergy, so this is important for me in particular).
I ended up having the curry. The veggies were perfectly cooked and the flavor was on point. Chicken was still moist and the rice was fluffy.
Will definitely be returning.”
Bar • $$
“They're always so nice to me here! Mama loves the craft cocktails and the book curations. We live nearby so it's a favorite neighborhood hang, and we appreciate all the thought that went into the menus.”
American • $$
“This is my favorite restaurant in Oakland! The food is amazing and so are the cocktails. The vive is is unreal!!!”
Japanese • $$
“One of the best Hand roll restaurants in Oakland. The prices for individual items was very reasonable. The portions were perfect and the staff was doing extra extra extra extra extra . Can’t wait to come back!”
Brewery • $$
“Chill Friday with great staff and patrons. I love a Pilsner on a warmer day and they had five on tap!! I was hella excited because it’s rare for a brewery to have so many pilsners on tap. Really great options all around. Dana was very warm and welcoming.”
Japanese • $$
“Truly excellent place that has been here in the neighborhood forever. We've been coming here or getting orders togo for a decade and it's been the same folks running it the whole time and they are superb.
2025 update - still going strong. great food and great service!”
American • $$$
“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.”
Wine Bar • $$$$
“I’ve died at Perle now about four times. Chef Rob Lam and staff do a great job. I took some photos and wrote about my August 2023 visit on @TalesoftheCork. Highly recommend, and will return.”
Ethiopian • $$
“The food is DELICIOUS! I highly recommend this place.”
Thai • $$
“Great service and great food, we got the pad Thai and the green curry. Thought pad Thai was excellent and the green curry was pretty good! The tea was also pretty good, not too sweet. So adorable and very nice staff.”
Italian • $$
“Food: The pasta was fantastic! Tasted fresh and we enjoyed the mushrooms. The appetizers were just okay in my opinion- the grilled halloumi was not crisp and didn't taste fresh off the grill. If I were to go back, I would probably just stick to the pastas.
Service: waiting in line for a bit was understandable, but I agree with other reviewers that they felt understaffed. They didn't really check in on us after seating us, and they timed all the dishes to come out at the same time, which was difficult due to the small table (not everything fit easily on the table). They also charge a 4% fee to provide better wages and/or healthcare to the staff. However, all of the staff was courteous and friendly.
Atmosphere: we ate outside in their parklet, which was nice, although I wish their heaters were a bit stronger. The tables were very close together as well. I felt like I was a part of the conversations on either side of me because they were so close.”
Thai • $$
“Amazing food and a bit upscale atmosphere. Perfect for a date with a special someone. We got the recommended krawpow gai (ground chicken and rice) we also got the appetizer calamari which came with a sweet sauce”
Health Food • $$
“Ordered from this wonderful place several times on our recent visit. The food is always delicious. The best paleo and AIP compliant fried chicken I've ever had! And for those that have dietary needs or preferences, they also have complete information for you!”
Indian • $$
“I drove up from L.A. & we eere tired so walked over to Inda rasoi from a block away. Did not know what to expect but itwas AMAZING! 4 star food & service ..and nicely decorated. Wow! What a great find! We will be back.”
Salvadoran • $$$
“I am Salvadoran. I had the hongos pupusa, the chicken pupusa, the yuca con chicharrones. Every bite was an adventure. The Salvadoran dishes are made so creatively. Flavors stayed on your tongue as the sauce of la yuca. The drinks exceptional good. I had the mango verde cocktail….so rico. It was like eating Salvadoran food on fine china.”
Eritrean • $$
“Great food and great music .... all you need .... great friends to join you.”
Pasta • $$
“food was excellent..service was great...if u want excellent authentic Italian food...this is the place for you ..”
Cafe • $$
“Went on a little date with my lady to this place. We saw it on Bay Areas Check Please. The fried chicken sammich caught our eyes. Went on at about 2,….maybe? Was busy but was seated fairly quickly. We check out the menu while in line so knew what we were gettin. Noah, I believe, was the waiter fella(the reason I didn’t give that fifth star was cause after he took our order, we didn’t see him again). He was food came out not soon after we ordered. Hella quick. I got the chicken(breast/wing) and waffle with sweet potato butter. FIRE!!!. My lady got the chicken sandwich. MORE FIRE! To wash it down I got the brown sugar lemonade. JOHN BLAZE FIRE!!! Also there was a live dj spinnin on the 1’s and 2’s. Kind of a neo soulish vibe. Overall, it’s a dope spot. Nah’mean?!?! Forgot to mention that we shared the shrimp ‘n grits. My lady loved it. Once I dabbed a bit of Chrystal’s hot sauce on it, it became……FIRE!”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“good drinks, good food, friendly service, outdoor dining, i'll be back”
Mexican • $$
“My first time trying Mexican food!!
If you are into original non glamorous places with fantastic food, THIS WILL BE UP YOUR ALLEY! This is a family own restaurant with a full service bar adjacent room. The micheladas are insane! They have cool variety of imported beer and local to choose. The birria go some and the tiny been tacos will blow your mind.
Just watch out for the life mariachi bands if you don’t like loud music.”
Bubble Tea • $$
“Very delicious. The Pandan waffle had so much Pandan flavour! It was like traveling in Southeast Asia. Staff is friendly, the Banh Mi was great too, and I absolutely loved the Thai tea (they don't make it as sweet as other stores which ia great). Will come again when traveling bay area again.”
Bar • $$
“I've never been to a bar I've liked more. Everything about my experience was top shelf. The service was impeccable - attentive, engaging, and helpful. The listening experience was divine. The interior decor was a perfectly executed intersection of mid-century modern and industrial. What isn't to love? A gem.”
Brewery • $$
“Fantastic beverages and food. Easy in and out. Great service!”
Vietnamese • $$
“Holy Basil is one of our absolute favorite places to get delivery from in the Bay Area. Our kids are addicted to the bao buns and garlic noodles. I'm obsessed with the tofu vermicelli. Nothing is cozier on a cold day than their Chili Lemongrass soup. Nothing is more refreshing on a hot day than their fresh rolls and ginger lemonade. We love Holy Basil food!”
African • $$
“Took my Tanzanian exchange student there for a taste of home. Walked into a cozy place where the owner welcomed us and talked to my student and other customers as if they were good friends. We had the fried fish and curry dishes. Everything was so delicious--we enjoyed every bite. Especially the cabbage! Overall one of the best places I have eaten, perfectly authentic, with a wonderfully friendly atmosphere.”
Pizza • $$
“First time having Chicago style deep dish pizza and it was so tasty. The sauce is so good.”
Thai • $$
“The food was so bomb! It’s really amazing foood even it’s so prizey!”
Ramen • $$
“Some say this is the only “authentic” ramen shop in the East Bay. We had fried shrimp buns (seasonal, yummy) and shared a bowl of 5Chicken Ramen with Rich White “Paitan” Broth. toppings w/ chashu chicken breast. this is a small chain with locations in CA, TX, NYC and Vegas.”
American • $$
“Leemaar is a wonderful server, and we were pleased to have him wait on us again. He is very polite, efficient and has a great sense of humor! He is an asset to your establishment. Everyone has been great there, but he is exceptional”
Thai • $$
“Had to take my daughter to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and we were looking for a good place to have lunch before her appointment. My daughter spotted this restaurant and we are absolutely in love. Clean, comfortable eating area inside and outside. Variety on the menu and best Thai food we’ve eaten in a long time. Amazing flavors and portions are just right. And let’s not forget the Thai tea, best everrr! Seriously highly recommend for lunch and dinner if you are in the Oakland area.”
Ethiopian • $$
“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 😋❤️😃”
American • $$
“Food was excellent, unfortunately the service that are waitress give us was not good at all, she take are order and after that she never went back to check if everything was ok r if we need anything all’s, we wait for are dessert 🍮 like 30 mints until I ask another person for it 🤷♀️. But otherwise it was excellent place and good We just had bad luck with the person that was in charge ford are table”
Mexican • $$
“The customer service is amazing, enjoyed my margarita. A friend recommended their shrimp salad so that’s my next try. And of course I can’t forget, they gifted me 2 tickets to see Joe and Tamia at the Paramount and my sister and I had an absolutely amazing time!”
Korean • $$
“I was craving spicy marinated crab so badly lately — and I can’t believe I found such a gem so close to home after living here for a year!
Their spicy marinated crab is amazing: super fresh, soft, and flavorful. Wrap it with rice and seaweed, or just mix it into a big bowl of rice — it’s heaven.
We also tried their Hanshin Dakbal (spicy braised chicken feet), pork mozzarella cheese fondue, and sweet & spicy fried chicken. Everything was delicious, well-cooked, and full of flavor.
Definitely one of my new favorite Korean spots in Oakland. Can’t wait to come back again!”
Pan Asian • $$
“The food was unique and delicious. Very clever combinations of Thai, Japanese and Chinese cuisine. The service was delightful. I'm not used to seeing such excellent food be inexpensive.”
Italian • $$
“great food, ambiance and service and wine list.”
Latest Reviews
American • $$$
“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.”
Thai • $$
“Wow. Drunken beef, chicken with green beans, and chicken satay were all amazing, Coming back next week with colleagues.”
Mexican • $
“This place sells the most delicious Mexican food in Oakland, and what's even better is their prices are extremely reasonable. If I were to change anything, I just wish they would link up with one of the food delivery services available in Oakland. Being a disabled senior, getting out is sometimes prohibitive for me.”
Cafe • $
“Customer service is always welcoming, if you're social there's always a good conversation waiting or if you want to work with headphones on that's an option. The coffee or tea is great along with good food choices.”
Soul Food • $$
“The best Soul Food I ever had! I do hope they still have Sunday Buffet! Please bring it back with the live bands!!!”
Cupcakes • $
“What an awesome treat! Cheaper by the dozen! They are inexpensive and delicious! Owner goes above and beyond! Kind and friendly. He delivered right to my front door with pleasure!”
Italian • $$$
“My daughter took me and the hubby here for our Thanksgiving celebration since she couldn't come home (Sac) for actual Thanksgiving, we went to her. This was a night I won't soon forget! Having a nice meal with our daughter was a treat, the service was amazing and the food....OMG! Every bite of every dish I tasted was so so delicious! I can't get the butternut soup out of my head it was THAT good! We all ordered different food & shared bites with one another. This night was so enjoyable! Thank you, Sis & Thank you Mama Oakland!”
Restaurant • $
“Today was my first visit! The food was great!! Freshly prepared for each order. I had to call them and let them know! All good!”
Brewpubs • $
“This brewery is awesome…and the customer service is out of this world. Please please please come visit this place, you won’t be disappointed!”
Restaurant
“The best seafood in the bay MARISCOS EL POBLANO pull up and buy from Sergio's food is the best.”
Persian/Iranian • $$
“I have eaten here every day for the last 5 days, twice today - something I have never done anywhere else in my life, and I'm almost 73. The food is delicious and nourishing, and the owner and the people who work here are warm and delightful.”
Mexican • $
“People: do try the green pozole, breakfast burrito, chile relleno (the chile relleno is exceptionally good), and ceviche. I have tried the mentioned dishes more than twice and the consistency is always the same: excellent! Yum, yum!”
Mexican • $$
“It was the friendliest salsa scene I've been to in years--Sunday at four to eight. And the food was gorgeous, and the staff super helpful.”
Most Popular Restaurants
Japanese • $$
“Exquisite date night location and wonderful experience that included fantastic seafood dinners! Our server Leo was gracious and extremely helpful, anticipating everything we needed - many thanks to Leo! Dinner was followed by an amazing concert with a surprise and unforgettable classical piano performance! In fact, the entire Yoshi's experence was unforgettabl and we plan to return again and again and again real soon!”
“I never believed my life will change in such a manner. I saw a review on Facebook about Mrs Craig Vanessa trading skills and before then I have never risk money doing anything online with anybody because I think I was so wise and never want to be cheated but when I contacted Mrs. Craig Vanessa, she explained everything to me concerning trading and the profit I can make within a week I was convinced to give a trial and risked to invest $1,000 and I made a withdrawal profit of $9,000 within a week. I am so happy that I trusted her and she didn't fail me. You can reach her through WhatsApp via her Facebook: Mrs Craig Vanessa”
French • $$$
“We had a great meal at Left Bank. Outstanding wine selection, the appetizers were delicious, and our mains were worth savoring. We took our time, they let us take our time, and everyone was happy.
I recommend you stop by for a bite whenever your find yourself in the Square.”
“The restaurant itself is not in the best location, and the interior and bathroom isn't the best. But we went in and were welcomed so warmly for dinner when the place wasn't busy. We got the chicken biryani, garlic naan, and chicken tikka masala. The biryani is one of the best I have ever had in the US and the garlic naan was perfect and fluffy but crispy. The chicken tikka masala was creamy, not overcooked, and well seasoned. The best Indian restaurant we went to in East Bay. Would come again.”
Coffee Shops • $
“Nice little cafe located in downtown Oakland that’s a unique experience from your typical third wave coffee roasters in the Bay Area. Delay is a middle eastern coffee shop so they specialize in Yemeni coffees and teas.
I tried the Adeni chai which was a solid choice. The tea had milk flavors and some spices which added to the drink, though I wish the spice flavor was a bit stronger. Next time I’d try one of their coffee based drinks instead.
The inside is nice and clean and had plenty of sitting area too if you’re looking to get some work done.”
American • $$$
“We had a good time here. The cocktails were tasty and the food was pretty ok. Wife liked her fish entree and the olives appetizer. I found my burger (and the bun) to be a little dry and not especially flavorful but not terrible. I enjoyed the ice cream with olive oil and sea salt, it was one of those surprisingly good combinations.”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“Was in the area and did a search for ice cream. This place popped up and I decided to check it out. The vibe from the staff is great. The flavors are nice and different, the finish of the ice cream is fresh. No lingering fattiness or artificial viscosity.
Will definitely come back if I'm in the area and want ice cream. Store is clean and bright, plenty of natural light and simple decor. The production area is clearly visible so you can see they're proud of what they're doing. I recommend this place.”
American • $$
“we love the vibe, service and menu at GLK on Grand and have been going there for years. On our last visit we were surprised by how salty the food was. I think the cooks are overly generous with salt. Both our brussel sprouts and the scallops were really over salted. Next visit we will be sure to order low/no salt, and send back anything that's too salty.”
Seafood • $$$
“Very relaxing atmosphere, watching the kayakers on the water was a bonus. They staff was very attentive, friendly and knowledgeable.”
New Restaurants
Puerto Rican • $
“We started with a great atmosphere with Robyn. We came a long way to bring my nephew Roger, who lives in Hayward . We're visiting from the Bronx NYC. Eric was wonderful and invited us in. The five of us ordered the pernil ,arroz con gandules, canoa, amarillo, toastones, and empanadas. The food was delicious. Eric served us with love. We had a conversation. Eric was from our Bronx neighborhood. Eric is a very warm, humble, and charming person. I believe we were meant to find him. 🙏 🙏 🙏 for him and loved ones. Best wishes ❤️. Roger was so happy and shining.. Thank you all.”
Bubble Tea • $
“love the vibes! the food is great and the atmosphere is so welcoming. my go to drink is the mango coconut boom with regular sugar — not too sweet and DEFINITELY tastes like mango. the croissant sandwich and the bagel sandwich are also really well made and tasty 😋😋 would def recommend!!”
Korean • $$
“Sooo good! Took my parents here and they wouldn’t stop raving about it. Everything was great and some of the best banchan in Oakland as well. Can’t wait to come back again!”
Mexican • $
“I had a wonderful first time. :)
My buddy and I stopped in for some quick take out, and we weren’t disappointed! I fell in love with my Quesabirria, my bud loved his lingua 🤤🤤🤤🤤
Thank you so much, Terra Bella :)”
Salad • $$
“They just opened and are still working it out. It’s right next to Thanh Ky and a block away from Cam Huong. Got the rarely found Lort Cha, Cambodian Stir fried pin noodles. It only comes with beef. (They should consider offering other proteins). And their Lao style papaya salad (spicy and stinky which I love).
I really wanted to love the Lort Cha but it was sooo sweet, chef prob went a little too heavy handed with the sugar. It’s a savory dish. Papaya salad was good. Portions are huge here bc I think it’s a new business so they don’t have their portions down yet. Everything is also hella cheap.
Will not be coming back unfortunately but try them out tho! The owner seems chill.”
“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 !”