Calabash

Name: Calabash
Address: 2300 Valdez St Ste A, Oakland, California, 94612, US
Telephone: (510) 844-4631
Price range: $$
Rating: 4

$$ • Persian/Iranian, Cajun

Hours:
2300 Valdez St Ste A, Oakland
(510) 844-4631

Menu Order Online Reserve

About Calabash

Calabash offers a welcoming and comfortable environment with a lovely staff. The food and drink are amazing, with highlights such as the smooth Rum Punch, perfectly cooked Jerk Chicken, and delicious Jerk Chicken and Shrimp Pasta. The spice levels cater to a wide range of preferences, and the red beans and rice, as well as plantains, are cooked to perfection. The portions are generous, making dessert an unlikely option. The restroom features a well-designed, inviting space. The sorrel/hibiscus drink, greatly flavored patties, and authentic sweet potato fries are highly recommended. The restaurant offers good portion sizes, reasonable wait times for food, and a simple, stylish interior with chill Jamaican music. Calabash is black-owned and sells spices inside. Brunch is available on Sundays, and the Saturday menu is also highly praised. This spot, located in Oakland, is a hidden gem worth discovering.

Calabash is known for bold and flavorful Afro-Caribbean and Jamaican dishes that leave a lasting impression. Guests often enjoy the 10-hour braised pulled beef sandwich, which is tender, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth, packed with deep, savory flavor. The jerk chicken sandwich, topped with perfectly fried plantains, adds a sweet and crunchy touch, while the crispy, golden plantains served as a side are addictive. The restaurant brings the taste of international comfort food to the Bay Area, perfect for those craving hearty, soulful meals with Caribbean flair.

The atmosphere often features a soulful vibe with Caribbean music playing in the background. Service can be busy, with only one staff member running around, yet they are praised for their fantastic attitude. The portions are generous; some dishes like the jerk chicken plate, served with rice and peas and fried plantain, are flavorful, though some find the chicken slightly lacking in flavor compared to the tasty rice.

Overall, Calabash is a great place for a flavorful and satisfying meal. The menu includes favorites like beef patties, jerk chicken wings in a divine wet sauce with peas and rice, and the classic Rum Punch made with three kinds of punch. Visitors appreciate the authentic taste, friendly service, and relaxing ambiance, making it a spot worth revisiting in Oakland.