25 Essential Oakland Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Oakland.
ID Cafe
California
an everyday essential indian restaurant address in Oakland, pairing editorial magnetism with a Beam Score of 87.9.
Aburaya
California
Funky Japanese nook cooking up creative fried chicken & seasonal plates in an artsy, compact space.
Yoshi's
California
Combination sushi restaurant & nightclub offering Japanese fare & live music in a relaxed setting.
Pucquio
Oakland, California
Simple, wood-lined setting turning out elevated, contemporary takes on Peruvian street fare.
NIDO's BackYard
Oakland, California
Upbeat, colorful patio hangout offering modern Mexican bites, margaritas, beer & agave.
The Saint Sandwich Shop
Oakland, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Shangri-La Vegan On Linden
Oakland, California
A rotating menu of organic, macrobiotic fare delivered in a casual, homey space with outdoor seats.
Modigliani Cafe
Oakland, California
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
Crazy Block Cheesecakes
Oakland, California
Service options: Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great dessert, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Cafe Eritrea D'Afrique
Oakland, California
Compact Eritrean cafe focuses on bold flavors in traditional stews, vegetable platters & honey wine.
Commis
Oakland, California
Open-kitchen experiments with unique ingredients to craft inspired New American fixed-price dinners.
Crogan's Montclair
Oakland, California
Irish-themed watering hole with TVs to watch the game, plus a menu of pub grub & homestyle food.
Almond and Oak
Oakland, California
Market-fresh California cuisine & cocktails offered in a warm eatery with a cool warehouse vibe .
Vientian Cafe
Oakland, California
Family-run & casual neighborhood eatery serving a wide menu of Thai, Laotian & Vietnamese standards.
Delicious Thai Kitchen
Oakland, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Smash Brothers Smash Burger
Oakland, California
Service options: Curbside pickup, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Golden Lotus
Oakland, California
Corner eatery serving up vegetarian Vietnamese cuisine in a bare-bones environment.
Payakk
Oakland, California
Service options: Delivery, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance. Offerings.
Lo Coco's
Oakland, California
Longtime specialist in Sicilian preparations of pizza & pasta in a casual neighborhood setting.
Rico Rico Vegano
Oakland, California
Identifies as Latino-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Serves local specialty. Popular for.
Cenaduria Elvira
Oakland, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Xolo Taqueria
Oakland, California
Snug taqueria offering creative tacos, burritos & other Mexican comfort eats in a cool setting.
Millennium
Oakland, California
Vegetarian restaurant for inventive, locally sourced dishes in a rustic-modern space with a patio.
Lazeez Kitchen
Oakland, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Pizzaiolo
Oakland, California
Contemporary pizzeria earns fans with wood-fired pizzas & seasonal Italian eats in a lively setting.