We LOVED our experience at Burdell! It was our first time there and the food was BEYOND amazing! We had fun cracking the peanuts appetizer (messy but worth it)r, their petrole sole dish and carrots were heavenly, and the corn bread ended up being our dessert...everything was SO DELICIOUS!! Highly recommend!
joanna
We visited Burrell in Oakland for brunch with a party of 5. We ordered the shrimp and grits, chicken and waffle, omelette, pork chop with biscuits and gravy, fried oyster Florentine, beignets, and croquettes. Food wise, the shrimp and grits and the pork chop were the highlights, both were flavorful and well-prepared. Unfortunately, the rest of the dishes were pretty average, especially considering the hype and expectations. Service is where the experience really fell short. Our server was friendly at first when taking our order, but the food took a very long time to arrive. Everything eventually came out except the fried oyster Florentine. At first, we assumed it may not have been put in, no big deal, things happen. However, when I asked about it, the server said it was ordered and was just taking a long time. When we followed up again, her demeanor changed noticeably and became defensive. She claimed the delay was intentional because our table was full and they needed us to clear space, which didn't feel honest, especially given how long the dish took to arrive. Overall, between the long wait, inconsistent service, and uneven food, the experience wasn't great. There were a couple of solid dishes, but not enough to make up for the rest of the visit.
Howard
One of the waiter staff has an attitude problem. She brought out a side dish - I asked her what it was and she explained it with an attitude and negative tone. I didn't like that. Especially if I'm automatically paying 20% tips. Our main waiter (pony tail guy) was fine.
Seth
They were very busy for brunch. We had to wait a while beyond our reservation time. Once seated, they took very good care of us. Family owned feel and ambience. Prices were reasonable. We ordered the group brunch, which was excellent. Some items weren't my style but everything was good to excellent. I liked the adventure. Would definitely go back.
Angela
We had reservations but it was still a long wait. I wish the place was a little bigger and less noisy. Many of the drinks seemed overpriced in my opinion but the food was delicious!
Keidaw
It took at least 45 minutes to receive our order. The chicken that went with the chicken and waffles was flavorless, and the steak was excessively salty. Not a great experience.
John
Not returning. High hopes from a local for first timer. Original reservation was 11:45am seated 11:35, ordered drinks & food by 11:45, had our LAST plate (4 total) delivered at 1:45pm, left at 2pm. All plates spread out 45min apart killed experience. Waiter was non existent at 20min blocks, if that. Food was good, but small. Chicken & waffles... half a thin cooled waffle (actual size compared to 1/2 Eggo waffle) & 3oz fried chicken @ $26 was very underwhelming. We did not experience the Michelin rated restaurant it says they are. I did NOT enjoy paying the mandatory 20% fee for this experience.
Kien
We went there for brunch, and unfortunately it was very disappointing. It's marketed as soul food, but it seriously lacked soul. The service was subpar, the wait time was long, and the food was only mediocre at best. For the price, the experience just wasn't worth it. Overall, the food was underwhelming and this is not a place I would return to.
Yishi
Flickering lights bothered my friend. Was told that it was an old building - nothing could be done - they did move us to a different spot - which was nice. Later was waiting on hold for an important call with a company for hours - and was told couldn't put phone on table (to be clear, it was not on speaker but we just needed to read the output when the company rep was going pick up) . Felt like the server was annoyed at us for moving and rude about it ... food was good though! Really good sole.
Jason
It was the second time eating at Burdell's. My wife and I went as a holiday dinner for ourselves. The first time I dined at Burdell's it was my first time eating in this level of restaurant. The second time was even better. The staff is so nice and accommodating. The food is unlike anything that we have had. I had the pork roast and my wife had the petrele. Both well prepared and paired with sauces that brought out flavors that I didn't know the dishes could have. The star of the night food was truffle grits. It was my first time having real truffle. Before I thought truffle was gimmicky but the way it elevated the grits with maple sauce mind-blowing. I truly feel like Burdell's is a one of one experience in the world. It's hard to create a comparison because I know so many places just try to make an amazing version of something that already exists. I feel this food and experience shines a light on southern food and a southern lived experience in a way that I didn't know was possible. That's why it's such a special and experience to me. Because of where I am from (Louisiana) and how I grew up, fine dining experiences always made my everyday food seem common place. But seeing someone turn the foods from my family's kitchen into a fine dining experience is truly remarkable. I would say the caveat is the special part of the meal is in the small details, its not something meant to overwhelm in my opinion. It is so well balanced and the flavors seem to build on themselves in each dish. I wish I could give them a more poetic review but I truly believe they are a one of one experience because of the creativity, the talent, and intention behind the entire meal. I would recommend to anyone that you try it at least once. It is on the pricey side but its worth it.
Expectations were not high coming to this restaurant from the user reviews I've seen online despite the professional accolades. As other have said, the chicken isn't flavorful and the other pork entree we got was forgettable. The Brussels sprouts and corn bread were good, but the apps and side dish shouldn't be the only good things. Entrees took a long time to come out, we waited around 40 mins from our apps. Ambience was low key and matched the soul food vibe which was good.
Archana
Food was good, but the value for the food was too high considering all the facts about the ambience of the restaurant.
Michelle
This was a first for my guests who had heard me talk about Burdell's outstanding ratings. They were all quite pleased.
Kevin
Upon arrival we were quickly greeted and showed us to our table. After a quick glance at the menu, we were asked for our drink beverage. Nothing out of the ordinary. Drinks were good. The menu sounded good but when the food arrived it either lacked flavor or was a bit too salty for my taste. We ordered the chicken and waffles, beignets (our favorite thing), banana pancakes, hash brown. Collectively the bill for the food, 1 mimosa, and coffee was $113 (includes an automatic 20% tip). Other than the pancake, the portion served felt a bit small for the price. Personally I was not a big fan of the taste of the food.
ann
was really excited to try out a new Soul Food restaurant in Oakland that has gotten a Michelin nod. I've been to Michelin restaurants (Akoko, Ikoyi, Le Comptoir at Bar Crenn) and I'd definitely not consider what I ordered at Burdell Michelin level cooking or service. I had the Broccoli Croquettes, BBQ Shrimp w/ Rice Grits, Hash Browns and Beignets. None of these items were BAD just not amazing. It's the food you'd get at a fairly good B restaurant like Pacific Catch, only way more expensive. On a positive note, my server Vicki was a star and was very attentive and professional. However, other staff members responsible for bussing my table weren't as professional. I had to ask for a plate for my appetizer and the plates weren't cleared away once I was done with them. All in all a rather disappointing experience and I wouldn't feel compelled to return.
We LOVED our experience at Burdell! It was our first time there and the food was BEYOND amazing! We had fun cracking the peanuts appetizer (messy but worth it)r, their petrole sole dish and carrots were heavenly, and the corn bread ended up being our dessert...everything was SO DELICIOUS!! Highly recommend!
We visited Burrell in Oakland for brunch with a party of 5. We ordered the shrimp and grits, chicken and waffle, omelette, pork chop with biscuits and gravy, fried oyster Florentine, beignets, and croquettes. Food wise, the shrimp and grits and the pork chop were the highlights, both were flavorful and well-prepared. Unfortunately, the rest of the dishes were pretty average, especially considering the hype and expectations. Service is where the experience really fell short. Our server was friendly at first when taking our order, but the food took a very long time to arrive. Everything eventually came out except the fried oyster Florentine. At first, we assumed it may not have been put in, no big deal, things happen. However, when I asked about it, the server said it was ordered and was just taking a long time. When we followed up again, her demeanor changed noticeably and became defensive. She claimed the delay was intentional because our table was full and they needed us to clear space, which didn't feel honest, especially given how long the dish took to arrive. Overall, between the long wait, inconsistent service, and uneven food, the experience wasn't great. There were a couple of solid dishes, but not enough to make up for the rest of the visit.
One of the waiter staff has an attitude problem. She brought out a side dish - I asked her what it was and she explained it with an attitude and negative tone. I didn't like that. Especially if I'm automatically paying 20% tips. Our main waiter (pony tail guy) was fine.
They were very busy for brunch. We had to wait a while beyond our reservation time. Once seated, they took very good care of us. Family owned feel and ambience. Prices were reasonable. We ordered the group brunch, which was excellent. Some items weren't my style but everything was good to excellent. I liked the adventure. Would definitely go back.
We had reservations but it was still a long wait. I wish the place was a little bigger and less noisy. Many of the drinks seemed overpriced in my opinion but the food was delicious!
It took at least 45 minutes to receive our order. The chicken that went with the chicken and waffles was flavorless, and the steak was excessively salty. Not a great experience.
Not returning. High hopes from a local for first timer. Original reservation was 11:45am seated 11:35, ordered drinks & food by 11:45, had our LAST plate (4 total) delivered at 1:45pm, left at 2pm. All plates spread out 45min apart killed experience. Waiter was non existent at 20min blocks, if that. Food was good, but small. Chicken & waffles... half a thin cooled waffle (actual size compared to 1/2 Eggo waffle) & 3oz fried chicken @ $26 was very underwhelming. We did not experience the Michelin rated restaurant it says they are. I did NOT enjoy paying the mandatory 20% fee for this experience.
We went there for brunch, and unfortunately it was very disappointing. It's marketed as soul food, but it seriously lacked soul. The service was subpar, the wait time was long, and the food was only mediocre at best. For the price, the experience just wasn't worth it. Overall, the food was underwhelming and this is not a place I would return to.
Flickering lights bothered my friend. Was told that it was an old building - nothing could be done - they did move us to a different spot - which was nice. Later was waiting on hold for an important call with a company for hours - and was told couldn't put phone on table (to be clear, it was not on speaker but we just needed to read the output when the company rep was going pick up) . Felt like the server was annoyed at us for moving and rude about it ... food was good though! Really good sole.
It was the second time eating at Burdell's. My wife and I went as a holiday dinner for ourselves. The first time I dined at Burdell's it was my first time eating in this level of restaurant. The second time was even better. The staff is so nice and accommodating. The food is unlike anything that we have had. I had the pork roast and my wife had the petrele. Both well prepared and paired with sauces that brought out flavors that I didn't know the dishes could have. The star of the night food was truffle grits. It was my first time having real truffle. Before I thought truffle was gimmicky but the way it elevated the grits with maple sauce mind-blowing. I truly feel like Burdell's is a one of one experience in the world. It's hard to create a comparison because I know so many places just try to make an amazing version of something that already exists. I feel this food and experience shines a light on southern food and a southern lived experience in a way that I didn't know was possible. That's why it's such a special and experience to me. Because of where I am from (Louisiana) and how I grew up, fine dining experiences always made my everyday food seem common place. But seeing someone turn the foods from my family's kitchen into a fine dining experience is truly remarkable. I would say the caveat is the special part of the meal is in the small details, its not something meant to overwhelm in my opinion. It is so well balanced and the flavors seem to build on themselves in each dish. I wish I could give them a more poetic review but I truly believe they are a one of one experience because of the creativity, the talent, and intention behind the entire meal. I would recommend to anyone that you try it at least once. It is on the pricey side but its worth it.
Restaurantji Recommends
Expectations were not high coming to this restaurant from the user reviews I've seen online despite the professional accolades. As other have said, the chicken isn't flavorful and the other pork entree we got was forgettable. The Brussels sprouts and corn bread were good, but the apps and side dish shouldn't be the only good things. Entrees took a long time to come out, we waited around 40 mins from our apps. Ambience was low key and matched the soul food vibe which was good.
Food was good, but the value for the food was too high considering all the facts about the ambience of the restaurant.
This was a first for my guests who had heard me talk about Burdell's outstanding ratings. They were all quite pleased.
Upon arrival we were quickly greeted and showed us to our table. After a quick glance at the menu, we were asked for our drink beverage. Nothing out of the ordinary. Drinks were good. The menu sounded good but when the food arrived it either lacked flavor or was a bit too salty for my taste. We ordered the chicken and waffles, beignets (our favorite thing), banana pancakes, hash brown. Collectively the bill for the food, 1 mimosa, and coffee was $113 (includes an automatic 20% tip). Other than the pancake, the portion served felt a bit small for the price. Personally I was not a big fan of the taste of the food.
was really excited to try out a new Soul Food restaurant in Oakland that has gotten a Michelin nod. I've been to Michelin restaurants (Akoko, Ikoyi, Le Comptoir at Bar Crenn) and I'd definitely not consider what I ordered at Burdell Michelin level cooking or service. I had the Broccoli Croquettes, BBQ Shrimp w/ Rice Grits, Hash Browns and Beignets. None of these items were BAD just not amazing. It's the food you'd get at a fairly good B restaurant like Pacific Catch, only way more expensive. On a positive note, my server Vicki was a star and was very attentive and professional. However, other staff members responsible for bussing my table weren't as professional. I had to ask for a plate for my appetizer and the plates weren't cleared away once I was done with them. All in all a rather disappointing experience and I wouldn't feel compelled to return.
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