Oakland's restaurants span the spectrum from fine and fancy to fun and family
style. Wherever you choose to dine, you're sure to find delicious cuisine and
friendly service.
Asmara
5020 Telegraph Ave.
(510) 547-5100
Experience delicious Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine in a relaxed setting. Specialties
include injera with beef, tenderloin tips with awaze dip, and lamb in berbere
sauce. Lunch Fri.–Sun., dinner Tues.–Sun.
Café Colucci
6427 Telegraph Ave.
(510) 601-7999
This crowded Ethiopian restaurant in northern Oakland offers an excellent range
of authentic dishes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
American
Barclays Restaurant and Pub
101 Broadway
(510) 663-4634
The menu at this casual spot in Jack London Square offers more than your classic
pub fare, along with a rotating beer list with hundreds of selections. Lunch
and dinner daily. Also at 5940 College Ave., (510) 654-1650.
Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers
5819 College Ave.
(510) 601-0444
This hopping joint boasts great burgers, salads, chicken sandwiches, and gigantic
orders of fries. Lunch and dinner daily. Also at 4162 Piedmont Ave., (510) 655-7180.
City Center Grill
1001 Broadway
(510) 451-4000, Ext. 6182
The central location is a draw for after-work and business-lunch crowds. Try
the Baja quesadillas, veggie sandwich, New York steak, or fresh fish. Breakfast,
lunch, and dinner daily. At the Oakland Marriott City Center.
Courthouse Grill
719 Washington St.
(510) 465-6984
Located in Old Oakland, this casual café's menu includes American, Mexican,
French, and Italian food.
The Cuckoo’s Nest
247 Fourth St.
(510) 452-9414
This hip eatery in the artsy warehouse district offers reasonably priced fare.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Mon.–Fri., brunch Sat. and Sun.
Everett and Jones Barbecue
126 Broadway
(510) 663-2350
Rib and sausage platters are favorites here, but the menu goes way beyond the
traditional brisket. Banquet facilities. Lunch and dinner daily.
The Fat Lady
201 Washington St.
(510) 465-4996
Named after the madam of the popular 1880s brothel, this Victorian establishment
excels in steaks, seafood, and pasta. Banquet facilities. Lunch Mon.–Fri.,
dinner Tues.–Sat., brunch
Sat. and Sun.
Fenton’s Creamery and Restaurant
4226 Piedmont Ave.
(510) 658-7000
This popular 1940s malt shop dishes out hearty portions of old-fashioned favorites
and big scoops of homemade ice cream. Lunch and dinner daily.
Grand Oaks Restaurant
3701 Grand Ave.
(510) 451-5253
Chicken, pasta, New York steak, and seafood top the menu at this popular eatery.
Lunch Tues.–Fri., dinner Tues.– Sun. Also check out this restaurant’s
casual downtown sister, Grand Oaks Grill, at 736 Washington St., (510) 452-1258.
The House of Chicken'n Waffles
444 Embarcadero West
(510) 836-4446
Fun and friendly diner decor sets the stage for fried chicken with flair.
Kincaid’s Fish, Chop, and Steak House
1 Franklin St.
(510) 835-8600
This lively Jack London Square restaurant draws big crowds for its catch-of-the-day
specials, the spectacular waterfront view, and quite possibly the best New England
clam chowder on the West Coast. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun.
Mama’s Royal Café
4012 Broadway
(510) 547-7600
This destination breakfast and lunch spot draws visitors from both sides of
the Bay. Specialties include homemade granola, tofu scramble, and egg dishes
with spicy organic sausage or thick-cut bacon. Breakfast and lunch daily.
Pacific Coast Brewery
906 Washington St.
(510) 836-2739
Enjoy fun specials ranging from an open-faced crab and artichoke melt to grilled
chicken Mexican pizza in the comfort of a downtown pub. Lunch and dinner daily.
Pizzeria SFO Chicago Bar and Grill
499 Embarcadero West
(510) 251-8667
This well-known Chicago-based restaurant’s venue at Jack London Square
features pizza, pasta, steaks, salads, sandwiches, and more. Lunch and dinner
daily.
Quinn’s Lighthouse Restaurant and Pub
51 Embarcadero Cove
(510) 536-2050
Built in 1903, the former Oakland Harbor lighthouse is a terrific place for
a waterfront meal. Try the seafood, buffalo burgers, and Quinn’s special
“doodaas,” a platter of rice, black beans, and prawns. Lunch and dinner
daily, brunch Sun.
Stanley’s Grill/Sports Edition
1 Hegenberger Rd.
(510) 635-5000
Near Network Associates Coliseum, Stanley’s restaurant offers a variety
of excellent American fare. Dinner daily. For a more casual environment, enjoy
games and hearty pub grub at Sports Edition. Lunch and dinner daily. At the
Hilton Oakland Airport.
Caffe Verbena
1111 Broadway
(510) 465-9300
Centrally located near City Center, this urbane restaurant offers an array of
sophisticated, contemporary American dishes. Lunch and dinner Mon.–Fri.
Zazoo’s
15 Embarcadero
(510) 986-5454
Seafood, pasta, and steaks are crowd-pleasers at this Jack London Square waterfront
restaurant. Lunch and dinner daily.
Burmese
Nan Yang Rockridge
6048 College Ave.
(510) 655-3298
Here you can enjoy specialties such as ginger, mango, and papaya salad, as well
as mango prawns, noodles, and curries. Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sun.
California/Mediterranean
Bay Wolf
3853 Piedmont Ave.
(510) 655-6004
A fixture of East Bay dining for 25 years, specialties here include duck, slow-cooked
beef pot roast, and delicious desserts. Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner daily.
Canvas Restaurant
5761 Thornhill Dr.
(510) 339-7400
Asian and Latin influences find their way into the innovative seasonal menu
that highlights the region’s freshest fruits and vegetables, along with
sustainably raised meats, seafood, and poultry. Dinner daily.
Garibaldi’s on College
5356 College Ave.
(510) 595-4000
This stylish restaurant, an outpost of the original Garibaldi’s in San
Francisco, offers an array of small and large plates of Cal-Med cuisine. Lunch
Mon.–Fri., dinner daily, brunch Sun.
Jack’s Bistro
1 Broadway
(510) 444-7171
This fun Jack London Square restaurant serves a blend of California and Mediterranean
cuisines. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, brunch Sat. and Sun. At the Waterfront
Plaza Hotel.
Jordan’s at the Claremont/Paragon Bar and Café
41 Tunnel Rd.
(510) 549-8510
The Claremont’s elegant restaurant, Jordan’s, boasts a spectacular
view of San Francisco and the Bay and serves Pacific Rim–influenced cuisine.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, brunch Sun. At Paragon you’ll find
a hip, café-style menu, a lively bar area, and an outdoor deck. Breakfast
daily, lunch Tues.–Sat., dinner Weds.–Sun.
Ninna
4066 Piedmont Ave.
(510) 601-6441
This cozy eatery blends Thai and Mediterranean cuisines. Seafood and pasta are
particularly popular here. Lunch and dinner Mon.–Sat.
Oak Plaza Restaurant
105 Frank Ogawa Plaza
(510) 268-1700
Delight in daily specials such as halibut wrapped in fig leaves, served with
a warm artichoke salad, at this eatery conveniently located in the heart of
Oakland’s Civic Center. Lunch and dinner daily.
The Rex
827 Washington St
(510) 763-3131
Sample from an eclectic menu offering sandwiches, specialty salads, pastas,
and grilled specialties. The bright, inviting décor and full bar make
it a popular happy-hour spot. Lunch and dinner Mon.–Sat.
Vanessa!/McLeod’s Bar and Grill
500 Hegenberger Rd.
(510) 562-5311
The café ambience of the recently renovated Vanessa! is the perfect backdrop
for its sophisticated Southwestern California cuisine, with a bit of New Mexican
flair. Breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner daily. McLeod’s Bar and Grill
is a popular hangout for Oakland Raiders fans, who chow down on gameday barbecue
specials in the outdoor courtyard. Dinner daily. At the Holiday Inn Oakland
Airport.
Cambodian
Phnom Penh House
251 Eighth St.
(510) 893-3825
Cambodian noodles, barbecued chicken, and eggplant are top choices at this small
noodle house. Lunch and dinner Mon.–Sat.
Chinese
Grasshopper
6317 College Ave.
(510) 595-3559
Sample Asian-influenced tapas paired with fine wines and sakes—the cracked
crab and noodle pancake is not to be missed. Lunch Tues.–Fri., dinner Tues.–Sun.
Jade Villa
800 Broadway
(510) 839-1688
Indisputably the city’s top dim sum house, this Cantonese eatery offers
barbecued pork buns, dumplings, green peppers filled with shrimp, and steamed
prawns. Lunch and dinner daily.
Legendary Palace
708 Franklin St.
(510) 663-9188
Dim sum is the popular choice at this restaurant in Chinatown. Along with banquet
facilities for up to 450 people, Legendary Palace offers reasonable prices and
a family-friendly atmosphere.
Little Shin Shin
4258 Piedmont Ave.
(510) 658-9799
This popular Chinese restaurant specializes in Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine.
Lunch and dinner daily.
Restaurant Peony
388 Ninth St., Ste. 288
(510) 286-8866
Feast your eyes on the exquisite stained-glass peonies that adorn the entrance
of this Hong Kong–style banquet hall, but be sure to take time to sample
the sumptuous array of delicacies such as whole suckling pig, fresh seafood,
and crispy duck. Dim sum, lunch, and dinner daily.
Silver Dragon
835 Webster St.
(510) 893-3748
Located in the heart of Chinatown, this Cantonese restaurant’s specialties
include Peking duck and roasted chicken stuffed with sweet rice. Lunch and dinner
daily.
Sun Hong Kong
389 Eighth St.
(510) 465-1940
The menu here is extensive and features no-nonsense Cantonese food with a wide
array of meats and vegetables. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Tin’s Teahouse
701 Webster St.
(510) 832-7661
This favorite Chinatown restaurant specializes in interesting and tasty dim
sum creations. Lunch daily, dinner Wed.–Mon.
English
Yorkshire Fish and Chips
248 Grand Ave.
(510) 251-0622
Dig into deep-fried catfish, snapper, cod, sole, and various shellfish at this
neighborhood hangout. Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sun.
French
À Côté
5478 College Ave.
(510) 655-6469
The folks from Citron (located à côté, right next door)
recently opened this late-night haunt, which serves flavorful Parisian appetizers.
Brunch Sun., lunch Thurs.–Sat., dinner Tues.–Sun.
Citron
5484 College Ave.
(510) 653-5484
The understated decor provides a pleasant backdrop for the seasonal fresh foods
and friendly service. Dinner daily.
Jojo
3859 Piedmont Ave.
(510) 985-3003
This comfortably elegant setting offers French country cuisine made with the
freshest ingredients, hand-selected daily. Dinner Tues.–Sat.
Soizic
300 Broadway
(510) 251-8100
In the heart of the historic warehouse district near Jack London Square, this
stylish venue offers French and Italian-inspired cuisine. Lunch Tues.–Fri.,
dinner Tues.–Sun.
Indian
Sabina Indian Cuisine
1628 Webster St.
(510) 268-0170
The authentic northern Indian cuisine here includes baked clay-pot dishes and
vegetarian and meat curries. Lunch and dinner daily.
Italian
Café Rustica and Tapas Bar
5422 College Ave.
(510) 654-1601
Pizza is the specialty at this casual restaurant, but you’ll also find
a wide selection of small dishes. Upstairs: dinner Thurs.–Sun. Downstairs:
lunch and dinner daily. There’s a slightly different menu at Café
Rustica’s sister location, at 6106 LaSalle Ave., (510) 339-7878.
Caffé 817
817 Washington St.
(510) 271-7965
This artsy Tuscan café offers a taste
of Florence. Specialties are panini and lasagna. Breakfast and lunch Mon.–Sat.
Il Pescatore
31 Webster St.
(510) 465-2188
Classic northern Italian fare tops the menu here. Lunch and dinner daily.
Italian Colors Ristorante
2220 Mountain Blvd.
(510) 482-8094
This Montclair favorite offers panini, pasta, pizza, and excellent lasagna.
Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner daily.
Lo Coco’s Restaurant
4270 Piedmont Ave.
(510) 652-6222
This intimate eatery draws a loyal following for its creative pizzas and the
variety of Sicilian and northern Italian food. Dinner Tues.–Sun.
Milano’s
3425 Grand Ave.
(510) 763-0300
This eye-catching and centrally located restaurant boasts California-influenced
specialties, including risottos, wood-oven pizzas, and polenta with quail. Lunch
Mon.–Fri., dinner daily.
Oliveto Café and Restaurant
5655 College Ave.
(510) 547-5356
A leader in Bay Area Italian cooking, this establishment offers a menu of delicious
meats of every description and a pappardelle suffused with the flavor of chicken,
rabbit, or funghi. Lunch and dinner daily.
Ratto’s Deli and Sandwich Shop
821 Washington St.
(510) 832-6503
Peruse the gourmet grocery as your favorite Italian sandwich is made to order
at this historic eatery, an ever-popular destination among locals. Lunch Mon.–Sat.
Spettro
3355 Lakeshore Ave.
(510) 465-8320
Try traditional and offbeat variations of Italian favorites at this centrally
located sleeper restaurant. Dinner daily.
Twist
495 10th St.
(510) 832-7449
As the name implies, the menu at this venue in Old Oakland’s quaint Washington
Inn offers a unique twist on standard Italian and Mediterranean fare. Lunch
Mon.–Fri., dinner Mon.–Fri.
Japanese
Isobune Sushi
5897 College Ave.
(510) 601-1424
Find a full range of fresh fish and other unique dishes at this bustling Rockridge
sushi bar. Lunch and dinner daily.
Sushi Zone
388 Ninth St., Ste. 268
(510) 893-9663
Step up to this second-floor retreat to enjoy soft lighting and a soothing meal
of Japanese specialties. The chef here favors mainly organic ingredients. Lunch
and dinner daily.
Yoshi's
510 Embarcadero West
(510) 238-9200 www.yoshis.com
Come for the sushi but stay for the jazz at this plush eatery and world-class
nightclub. At a cozy table or in traditional tatami seating, try classic Japanese
delicacies, fresh grilled seafood, vegetarian fare, and the house-favorite bento
box. Lunch and dinner daily.
Mexican
Anita’s Mexican Grill
1015 Clay St.
(510) 832-3232
If it’s grilled, it’s guaranteed to be delicious at this downtown
restaurant where the specialty is fajitas—steak, chicken, or shrimp. Lunch
Mon.–Sat., dinner daily.
Baja Taqueria
4070 Piedmont Ave.
(510) 547-2252
This well-known taqueria on busy Piedmont Avenue serves up tasty fish tacos
and luscious lobster burritos, as well as traditional fare. Lunch and dinner
daily.
Compadres Bar and Grill
4239 Park Blvd.
(510) 482-3663
This neighborhood eatery features traditional carnitas, tamales, and chicken
mole and signature entrées including the tasteful Southwest pueblo sauté.
Lunch and dinner daily, breakfast Sat. and Sun., live music occasional Sun.
nights.
Doña Tomas
5004 Telegraph Ave.
(510) 450-0522
Sample fine cuisine in an elegant setting. Popular items include grilled fish,
ceviche, and chicken mole. Dinner Tues.–Sat.
El Huarache Azteca
3842 International Blvd.
(510) 533-2395
Explore the cuisine of central Mexico and get a taste of Aztec cuisine. Sample mole
poblano, huaraches and hacoyos from Toluca, and sweets and gorditas from Que Retaro.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Mexicali Rose Restaurant
701 Clay St.
(510) 451-2450
This virtually all-hours downtown eatery serves a wide array of authentic, moderately
priced dishes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Taqueria LA Mejor
3411 High St.
(510) 532-2560
For a taste of old Mexico, sample the chile rellenos, enchiladas, and a house
favorite, home-style chile verde, with succulent pork and green tomatoes. Lunch
and dinner daily.
Middle Eastern
Holy Land Kosher Food
677 Rand Ave.
(510) 272-0535
Located near Lake Merritt, this is one of the only restaurants that serves kosher
cuisine in the Bay Area. Here’s the perfect spot for an authentic taste
of Israeli cuisine. Lunch Sun.–Fri., dinner Sun.–Thurs.
Moroccan
Tanjia
4905 Telegraph Ave.
(510) 653-8691
Enjoy an authentic Moroccan experience from the ambience and décor to
chef Said Zahid’s exquisite menu. Diners savor a five-course prix fixe
feast—complete with belly dancing. Dinner Tue.–Sun., belly dancing
nightly.
Soul Food/Cajun/Creole
Jesso’s
901 Washington St.
(510) 451-1561
Cajun-style delectables include hush puppies and the ever-popular oyster or
prawn poorboy sandwiches. There’s homemade banana pudding and peach cobbler,
too. Lunch and dinner Wed.–Mon.
Lois the Pie Queen
851 60th St.
(510) 658-5616
This is one of the city’s oldest and dearest restaurants. The signature
dish, the Reggie Jackson, contains eggs, grits, biscuits, and pork chops. Breakfast
and lunch daily, early dinner Sun.
Purple Plum
4228 Park Blvd.
(510) 336-0990
Don’t let the elegant appeal of this hot spot in the Glenview neighborhood
mislead you. It’s all about down-home cooking: fried chicken, cornbread,
even homemade limeade. Dinner Tues.–Sun.
Southern Café
2000 MacArthur Blvd.
(510) 261-1404
Soulful soul food here ranges from fried chicken and shrimp to seafood platters.
Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sat.
TJ’s Gingerbread House
741 Fifth St.
(510) 444-7373
This wildly decorated Cajun-Creole spot serves a spicy, tasty cuisine that the
owner calls “Louisiana Fancy Fine.” Banquet facilities. Breakfast,
lunch, and dinner Tues.–Sat.
Seafood
Oyster Reef
1000 Embarcadero Ave.
(510) 836-2519
This waterfront mainstay has a spectacular view from its terrace and offers
a hearty variety of seafaring cuisine, including daily fish specials. Lunch
and dinner, Thur.–Sun.
Scott’s
2 Broadway
(510) 444-3456
Fresh seafood tops the bill at this highly regarded restaurant overlooking the
San Francisco Bay from the heart of Jack London Square. Lunch and dinner daily,
champagne brunch Sun.
Thai
Sabuy Sabuy
5231 College Ave.
(510) 653-8587
This café features a tiny dining room, an enclosed patio, and the freshest
ingredients from Chinatown. Lunch Mon.–Sat., dinner daily.
Vietnamese
Lan Houng
807 East 12th St.
(510) 451-0202
A variety of authentic dishes is served in this small, charming setting that’s
just a short distance from the lake. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Le Cheval
1007 Clay St.
(510) 763-8495
This cosmopolitan restaurant, a longtime area favorite, is known for its authentic
Vietnamese menu. Specialties include imperial rolls, lemongrass beef, and fried
bananas. Lunch Mon.–Sat., dinner daily.
