18 Best Restaurants in Oakland, CA

Travel Lens

Nov 19, 2023 • 10 min read

The cool breeze from the Bay, vibrant murals, and Oakland's energetic vibes combine with enticing aromas to create a unique atmosphere.

Oakland's charm extends beyond its urban chic and natural beauty, with a diverse culinary scene that intrigues many.

The tantalizing smell of freshly baked sourdough, sizzling locally sourced ingredients in bustling food markets, and the clinking sound of wine glasses in fine dining restaurants awaken every sense.

Exploring the best restaurants in Oakland, California, offers a delectable journey, celebrating the city's culinary diversity.

Pomet Restaurant

Pomet in Oakland provides a captivating dining experience, accentuated by a romantic ambiance.

The restaurant is renowned for its commitment to balancing flavor, texture, and acidity in each dish, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The kampachi crudo, a spicy delight served in a vibrant sauce, is a standout.

Unique smoked potatoes with fish egg sauce and the exceptional ugly mushroom pasta further demonstrate Pomet's culinary prowess.

Beyond the food, the restaurant maintains a high standard of service and cleanliness.

MAMA Oakland

MAMA Oakland provides a unique dining experience with its modern Italian offerings and seasonally-inspired three-course dinners.

The warm, retro-themed ambiance is inviting, and the exceptional service ensures a memorable meal.

The menu, changing daily, offers a range of delightful dishes. The tomato salad and creamy butternut squash soup are standout starters.

Main courses like the light mushroom papardelle and flavor-packed tomato pasta cater to various palates.

The short ribs, balanced with sauce and a side of bitter salad, are a treat for meat lovers.

Commis

Commis, a New American restaurant in Oakland, is a culinary haven with its open-kitchen approach and unique ingredient experimentation.

Offering fixed-price dinners, Commis provides an artful dining experience that changes with each visit.

A notable pairing is the Ode to the Farallons drink with the 12-course tasting menu, offering a mix of flavors and inspirations, including Southeast Asian influences.

Commis is also accommodating for vegetarians, with a vegetarian menu that is as engaging as its regular offerings.

Mägo

Mägo, a stylish neighborhood restaurant in Oakland, stands out for its rotating menu of wood-fired Northern California fare and drinks.

The cocktail list is impressive, and the dishes, featuring NorCal ingredients, are charming and delicious.

The pairing menu at Mägo offers an engaging way to explore the culinary landscape.

Although not typically a fan of tasting menus, the unique Colombian flavors presented in each dish were enticing and memorable.

The ambiance at Mägo is relaxed, contributing to a comfortable dining experience.

Some found the portions small, but standout dishes like the pork and a heavenly chocolate cake compensated for any lack of size.

The Wolf

The Wolf, located in Oakland, offers a delightful French-Californian dining experience.

The modern, airy interior enhances the ambiance, making it a popular spot among locals.

The Fried Brussels Sprouts, served with a sweet and spicy sauce, are a perfect appetizer.

Main courses like the Pan Seared Branzino and the signature Burger with Russian dressing are favorites.

Wood Tavern

Wood Tavern in Oakland embodies Californian cuisine with its blend of rustic charm and modern elegance.

The restaurant is known for its sustainable, delicious fare, and the atmosphere is always welcoming.

While not cheap, dishes like steak, duck, and the extensive wine selection make every visit worthwhile.

The bar at Wood Tavern is a highlight, offering a range of impressive drinks.

Standout dishes include the pork chop in marsala cream sauce, enhanced by bacon, peas, carrots, and potatoes, and the visually appealing kumquat cheesecake.

Marica Restaurant

Marica Restaurant in Oakland has been a favorite since 2012, known for its evolving menu and exceptional seafood dishes.

The ambiance in the warmly lit dining room creates a cozy atmosphere, complemented by impeccable service.

Standout dishes include the two-time-cooked Maine lobster and flavorful seafood stew.

Fresh, vibrant salads and a delicious creme brulee complete the meal.

A tip for those watching their salt intake is to request dishes with no or low-added salt.

The restaurant's size adds to its charm and intimacy, making for a memorable dining experience.

Belotti Ristorante E Bottega

Belotti Ristorante E Bottega in Oakland is a haven for pasta lovers. Located on College Avenue, this vibrant neighborhood bistro offers an array of exquisite Italian dishes.

A recent visit included the Insalata Burrata with impeccable presentation and the casoncelli bergamaschi, reminiscent of traditional Italian cooking.

The meal was rounded off with a well-balanced tiramisu and cappuccino.

While the acoustics can make the place loud, the quality of the food makes this a minor issue.

Pomella

Pomella in Oakland offers a casual dining experience with exceptional seasonal Israeli dishes. The outdoor patio is perfect for warm evenings.

The menu features outstanding items like creamy hummus, flavorful lamb, and the highlight, cheese-filled falafel.

For those preferring delivery, Pomella's service is efficient, using environmentally friendly stainless steel containers.

The alcoholic drinks, though pricey, are creatively combined with the dishes.

The restaurant offers ample parking, a spacious and comfortable setting, and prices that match the quality and quantity of the food.

Shinmai

Shinmai in Oakland is a modern spot offering ramen and izakaya with a Californian twist.

The bar seating area is impressive, and the place exudes a lively atmosphere.

The Gyoza and fries, though slightly greasy, are delicious.

The ramen, filled with veggies, was somewhat bland, but the drinks compensated with their robust flavors.

On a subsequent visit, the tempura mushroom, chicken karaage, and ribeye steak were well-presented but needed more seasoning.

The staff promptly addressed an issue with the ribeye steak's doneness.

The garlic tonkotsu ramen, a highlight, was rich and flavorful.

Almond and Oak

Almond and Oak in Oakland offers a fusion of a warehouse vibe with market-fresh casual dining.

The interior design is captivating, featuring brick walls, hanging lights, and rustic elements.

Favorite dishes include the flavorful pork chop and crab cakes. The salmon entrée stands out for its exceptional taste.

Freshly squeezed orange juice and the benign spread with jam are also notable.

Cholita Linda

Cholita Linda in Oakland is a go-to for Latin American street food. The cafe features a vibrant, spacious interior and a charming back patio.

The fish tacos, priced under $4, are a personal favorite, perfectly complemented by chips and guacamole.

The chicken and carne asada tacos are also recommended.

Other standout items include the fried fish tacos with sides like fried plantain, rice & beans, and guac.

The Asado sandwich is simple yet satisfying.

On a busy night, the cafe buzzes with energy, offering both indoor and outdoor seating.

The pescado plate, with its perfect blend of flavors, is a must-try.

The fried fish, garnished with pickled red onions and served with juicy lime slices, is delicious.

Shakewell

Shakewell in Oakland offers a warm, cozy ambiance perfect for a casual dinner.

The modern bistro is known for its traditional Spanish tapas, and the food is both a visual and culinary delight.

Each dish is flavorful and beautifully presented, leaving a lasting impression.

The menu features a variety of Spanish and Mediterranean fusion dishes, with the paella being a standout recommendation.

The Fat Lady Bar & Restaurant

The Fat Lady Bar & Restaurant in Oakland provides a lush Victorian-style setting with dimmed lights and a sultry ambiance.

Their Espresso Martini is a local favorite, and other drinks like the Gin & Tonic and Bloody Mary are equally impressive.

The kitchen serves a range of delicious dishes, with a Warm Spinach Salad and special lamb chops among the highlights.

The Fat Lady regularly updates its menu with new specials, such as a delightful pasta dish featuring spiral pasta with various fresh ingredients.

Homeroom

Homeroom in Oakland is a haven for mac & cheese enthusiasts, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a unique approach to this classic dish.

Their Truffle Mac and Cheese, combining umami flavors with a crunchy texture, is particularly indulgent.

While the Kogi Short Rib Mac and Cheese might be underwhelming, other options and sides like the Cheddar Jalapeño Biscuit with whipped honey butter provide a satisfying start to the meal.

Though the portion sizes at Homeroom could be larger, it's a must-visit for anyone seeking a new take on mac & cheese.

Bellanico Restaurant and Wine Bar

Bellanico Restaurant and Wine Bar in Oakland is a local favorite, known for its delightful housemade pasta and wine flights.

The atmosphere is friendly, and the Italian cuisine is top-notch.

A recent brunch experience in their outdoor patio was exceptional, with quick and courteous service.

The menu featured a variety of salads, pasta, meats, and fish, all impeccably prepared.

The French toast with cream and strawberries was particularly heavenly.

The restaurant's doughnuts with dark chocolate sauce and a creamy white sauce are highly recommended.

Although they no longer offer fish cannolis, the outdoor seating with heat lamps is a pleasant addition for cooler days.

Belly

Belly, an Oakland café, presents an eclectic mix of Asian, Mexican, and American cuisine.

Their pork belly and spicy fried chicken dishes are particularly noteworthy for their unique flavors.

The establishment is known for its generous portions, especially their large bowl sizes.

Their Jamaica cider is a popular beverage choice.

The café's shrimp and avocado burrito is a standout, providing a satisfying meal. Their pork belly burrito maintains the appeal of the original dish.

Additionally, their tater tots have earned acclaim as the best in town.

Sobre Mesa

Sobre Mesa, a chic cocktail lounge in Oakland, offers a tropical-themed ambiance with potted plants and well-organized, spotless interiors.

The Afro-Latino music enhances the atmosphere.

The cocktails and mocktails are creatively crafted, matching the tropical design and adding to the overall experience.

Final Thoughts

Oakland's restaurant scene offers a unique blend of culinary experiences.

The Michelin-starred Commis provides exceptional dining, while Homeroom offers comforting, home-style dishes.

This vibrant and diverse culinary showcase reflects the city's rich offerings, delighting a wide range of palates.

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