I made a reservation for 1:15 and we didn't get sat until 1:30 - we placed a food order we got the appetizer but they had brought out bits of each order and then the waitress tried to convince us to get something since they were out of steak not to mention we were already there for almost two hours !
Bless D.
Went to watch a comedy show. The show was nice, not all comedians were funny tho. But regardless, we had some laughs. The place has a nice ambiance. Clean kitchen, clean bathroom. It's quaint and it is good for date night, girls out, family get together. We had oxtail, salad and ribs. They were all good and tasty and flavorful. Unfortunately, the cocktails weren't as good. Would definitely go back for the ambiance and food though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shamika Maddox
The food and drinks are mediocre at best. The service is underwhelming. The staff often behave like the customers are annoying them. I ordered peas and rice and oxtails. The oxtails are chopped down so much, it’s ridiculous. I probably got one whole oxtail in the meal, it was chopped down into tiny pieces. I will not return. The flavor was fair.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Saghar Sadeghpour
Be careful! They have a lunch special on Wednesdays. I work nearby, so we decided to give it a try. Right after we left the place, I felt something was wrong. I felt nauseated, threw up all the food, and had headaches and chills for the rest of the day and the next day as well.
Calabash is an absolute gem in Oakland, serving up bold and flavorful Afro-Caribbean and Jamaican dishes that leave a lasting impression. I had the 10-hour braised pulled beef sandwich, and it was nothing short of incredible—tender, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth like butter. Every bite was packed with deep, savory flavor.
I also tried the jerk chicken sandwich, which was equally delicious and came topped with perfectly fried plantains—adding the perfect touch of sweetness and crunch. Speaking of plantains, I ordered them as a side too, and they were crispy, golden, and addictive.
Calabash truly brings the taste of international comfort food to the Bay Area. If you’re craving a hearty, soulful meal with Caribbean flair, this spot is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be back to explore more of the menu!
Cassandra Barnes
The owner was a really nice guy, but the food wasn't good 😕 we wasted 87.00 on the Jerk chicken and Jerk oxtail stew...
carl
I arrived early on a Friday. The restaurant had just opened and I found myself being greeted by the owner Dinner of curry goat was spicy and delicious. Looking forward to returning soon.
Khalid Haniff
I’ve lived in San Francisco my whole life and have never felt so disappointed and disrespected. The person who served us made blatantly racist remarks and told us we “don’t belong.” I had the money. We were respectful and still treated like we didn’t deserve to be there. It was shocking and hurtful. No one should have to experience that. I strongly recommend avoiding this place.
For lunch on a quiet Sunday afternoon. The food was very tasty and portion size was good! The service was prompt and attentive. Would love to come back!
Veronica
There was only one bartender/waitress/hostess, and I felt so bad for her running all over the place, but she was fantastic. The food was okay, I ordered the jerk chicken plate, which came with rice and peas and fried plantain. The portion size was excellent, and while the rice was very tasty, I found the chicken lacked flavor.
Gwen
We had a great dinner at Calabash on Valdez St in Oakland. We were greeted by King David who made us feel right at home and ensured that we received great service! The restaurant has a soulful vibe with Caribbean music playing in the background. The food was delicious, very flavorful and not overly spicy as some Caribbean restaurants can be. We started with beef patties and a beautiful salad. We completed our meal with jerk chicken wings in a divine wet sauce with peas and rice. And you must have the rum punch, made with three kinds of punch! We will definitely be back!
Tuyana Kupisk
Thank you for the delicious food, we will be back!
LaTanya
We had the chicken wings, corn bread and veggie Jamaican patty - my girlfriend had the brussel and the curry shrimp. Chicken wings very flavorful lots of sauce; veggie patty had flavor reminded me of a pot pie; curry shrimp awesome, flavorful and the brussels sprouts were tasty. It had dried cherries, cauliflower and of course the brussel sprouts. She enjoyed. I would have enjoyed a little butter on the corn bread but the side of jam was tasty on it. The chef was the host, waiter and cook. His personality was very inviting and kind but I think he could have used a little help. with waiting the table. We had to request our to go boxes and our check. But we will be back. The food was delicious. I will definitely try something else on the menu.
I made a reservation for 1:15 and we didn't get sat until 1:30 - we placed a food order we got the appetizer but they had brought out bits of each order and then the waitress tried to convince us to get something since they were out of steak not to mention we were already there for almost two hours !
Went to watch a comedy show. The show was nice, not all comedians were funny tho. But regardless, we had some laughs. The place has a nice ambiance. Clean kitchen, clean bathroom. It's quaint and it is good for date night, girls out, family get together. We had oxtail, salad and ribs. They were all good and tasty and flavorful. Unfortunately, the cocktails weren't as good. Would definitely go back for the ambiance and food though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food and drinks are mediocre at best. The service is underwhelming. The staff often behave like the customers are annoying them. I ordered peas and rice and oxtails. The oxtails are chopped down so much, it’s ridiculous. I probably got one whole oxtail in the meal, it was chopped down into tiny pieces. I will not return. The flavor was fair.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Be careful! They have a lunch special on Wednesdays. I work nearby, so we decided to give it a try.
Right after we left the place, I felt something was wrong. I felt nauseated, threw up all the food, and had headaches and chills for the rest of the day and the next day as well.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Good food
Delicious Oxtails! Generous portions! Tasty cherry pie! Excellent wait staff kind and attentive!
Calabash is an absolute gem in Oakland, serving up bold and flavorful Afro-Caribbean and Jamaican dishes that leave a lasting impression. I had the 10-hour braised pulled beef sandwich, and it was nothing short of incredible—tender, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth like butter. Every bite was packed with deep, savory flavor.
I also tried the jerk chicken sandwich, which was equally delicious and came topped with perfectly fried plantains—adding the perfect touch of sweetness and crunch. Speaking of plantains, I ordered them as a side too, and they were crispy, golden, and addictive.
Calabash truly brings the taste of international comfort food to the Bay Area. If you’re craving a hearty, soulful meal with Caribbean flair, this spot is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be back to explore more of the menu!
The owner was a really nice guy, but the food wasn't good 😕 we wasted 87.00 on the Jerk chicken and Jerk oxtail stew...
I arrived early on a Friday. The restaurant had just opened and I found myself being greeted by the owner Dinner of curry goat was spicy and delicious. Looking forward to returning soon.
I’ve lived in San Francisco my whole life and have never felt so disappointed and disrespected. The person who served us made blatantly racist remarks and told us we “don’t belong.” I had the money. We were respectful and still treated like we didn’t deserve to be there. It was shocking and hurtful. No one should have to experience that. I strongly recommend avoiding this place.
Restaurantji Recommends
For lunch on a quiet Sunday afternoon. The food was very tasty and portion size was good! The service was prompt and attentive. Would love to come back!
There was only one bartender/waitress/hostess, and I felt so bad for her running all over the place, but she was fantastic. The food was okay, I ordered the jerk chicken plate, which came with rice and peas and fried plantain. The portion size was excellent, and while the rice was very tasty, I found the chicken lacked flavor.
We had a great dinner at Calabash on Valdez St in Oakland. We were greeted by King David who made us feel right at home and ensured that we received great service! The restaurant has a soulful vibe with Caribbean music playing in the background. The food was delicious, very flavorful and not overly spicy as some Caribbean restaurants can be. We started with beef patties and a beautiful salad. We completed our meal with jerk chicken wings in a divine wet sauce with peas and rice. And you must have the rum punch, made with three kinds of punch! We will definitely be back!
Thank you for the delicious food, we will be back!
We had the chicken wings, corn bread and veggie Jamaican patty - my girlfriend had the brussel and the curry shrimp. Chicken wings very flavorful lots of sauce; veggie patty had flavor reminded me of a pot pie; curry shrimp awesome, flavorful and the brussels sprouts were tasty. It had dried cherries, cauliflower and of course the brussel sprouts. She enjoyed. I would have enjoyed a little butter on the corn bread but the side of jam was tasty on it. The chef was the host, waiter and cook. His personality was very inviting and kind but I think he could have used a little help. with waiting the table. We had to request our to go boxes and our check. But we will be back. The food was delicious. I will definitely try something else on the menu.
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