Location: Oakland
Top Restaurants in Oakland
Where to Eat in Oakland: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Oakland, in the hub of the Bay Area, is both historic and modern. Visitors will find a little bit of everything in this diverse metropolis, from the picturesque waterfront to expansive hills. Explore Oakland's growing arts, entertainment and food scene or enjoy recreational opportunities like hiking, sailing and biking. Root for one of the three professional sports teams or take a tour of a historic landmark. The city is easily accessible through Oakland International Airport, train, automobile, BART, bus and ferry.
Things to do in Oakland
1. Zachary's Chicago Pizza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 587 reviews
Reviewed By Genevieve D
I have been coming to Zachary’s for years and never tire of the food. We always order the deep dish stuffed pizzas because they are as delicious as you can imagine. They take about 35 minutes to cook so if you have time to sit and chat with friends then this is a great place to spend a couple of hours. If you are more strapped for time, you can preorder ahead. Zachary’s is employee owned and have a few restaurants in the East Bay.
2. Townhouse Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
From the Emeryville fireman's dream of a Speakeasy that he built in 1926, to Steve Vernetti, the original Townhouse Speakeasy bartender who along with his family ran it for 35 plus years after Prohibition ended, the TH has been and remains an East Bay institution. Next came the 70's and 80's when country and western bars, music and dancing were at their peak and the theme at the TH. This period is fondly remembered by Cal graduates who continue to visit the Townhouse and reminisce about their dancing days but do not miss the peanut shells and sawdust on the floor. 1990 was the year that Ellen Hope Rosenberg, the current executive chef and owner, took over an ailing TH and resurrected it from top to bottom. From her inspired American-California style menu to the maintenance of the original construction both in and out. This is a restaurant that has a unique story whose food and ambiance is as authentic as the staff are courteous and genuine.
Reviewed By kleic - Brooklyn, New York
We don't live in the Bay Area any more but this spot is a "must" whenever we return. Even when things come and go from the menu, it's consistently good, unpretentious, and reasonably priced. The outside looks like a dump and the neighborhood seems nondescript at best but the inside is warm and welcoming. The avocado bruschetta deserves special mention, as does the warm bread. The wait staff is always good; attentive but not too chatty or pushy. A great place to go with couples; probably less good with kids.
3. Trabocco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
Reviewed By AFoolForTravel - Santa Monica, California
If I could give this place 10 stars I would!!! First of all the food is simply amazing. Proper Napoli style pizza. But more importantly the vibe here is so great because the staff is fantastic and the owner is really an extraordinary person and a huge talent. There is some sort of fairy dust at work here. If we lived here this would be our local hang out.
4. Wood Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 387 reviews
Reviewed By Thomas T - Burlingame, California
We had called several days in advance to make a reservation for 6 persons, and the manager suggested 8:15, which we accepted. Unfortunately, we had to wait 20-25 min after 8:15 to get to a table. It was busy, and the occupants of the table designated for us stayed. Be prepared to wait, even with a reservation
The waitress was friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. I had the sausage/bean soup as a starter and the pork chop, which strangely came in a sauce containing most of the ingredients in the soup.The soup was quite good, but I would have liked a different sauce with the pork chop. My pork chop was tender and juicy, but 2 at out table and the adjacent table said that theirs were somewhat fatty.
As the evening wore on, the fan and air flow directed cold air toward the table. We asked if the cool air could be reduced, but it did not happen. We all had to put on our coats. Avoid the round table in the back corner for dinner, unless it is a warm evening.
5. Burma Superstar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By 7DustedHound - West Springfield, Massachusetts
Tried the tea leaf salad and rainbow salad which were both unique and extra flavorful and fresh. Calamari and shrimp appetizers were the best appetizers ordered for the table. Samosas were ok but nothing special. Chicken basil, coconut rice and broccoli was delicious. Sesame beef and coconut soup was ok. Overall great restaurant with amazing flavorful dishes. A must try if in the area.
6. Burma Superstar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By CaitlinRebecca88 - Lyon, France
Great meal and atmosphere, we tried the well known salad which seemingly came immediately after we ordered. Coconut rice and shrimp were so good and the dessert was so copious with coconut ice cream and fried bananas, a personal favorite. Almost forgot the thai iced tea cocktail which was a highlight of my night! Will return asap.
7. Yoshi's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 256 reviews
Reviewed By Jerry O - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Price was around 120 for 2 with drinks.
They seated us without reservation though it felt like we were lucky.
Situated in oakland close to the Plank bowling/arcade/restaurant. A couple of times an hour a train passes through. It adds to the experience and is not as loud as expected.
Staff was very friendly.
Food was delicious. Fresh fish, well prepared, well cooked, well roasted. Everything was positive about this experience. The wine was good.
Perhaps the tempura could be fried better next time.
Would come here again.
8. East Ocean Seafood Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By Bountiful-IA - Iowa City, Iowa
Too many choices all of them good. Loved the desserts of course and also the pot stickers. If you are not familiar with this. Fare you should go with someone who is.
9. Brown Sugar Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Brown Sugar Kitchen is a full service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch & brunch. We have a Zagat score of 26, which is the highest score for a soul food restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Reviewed By YogaGirl201550 - San Francisco, California
I don't really understand the whole chicken and waffle combo, chicken for breakfast doesn't sound good to me. But after saying that, my boyfriend had the chicken and waffles. I tasted the waffle and it was light and fluffy and didn't taste heavy the way "normal" waffles taste. The chicken had great flavor and the crust on the chicken was amazing! I had the veggie scramble which came with toast and potatoes. The potatoes were great and the thick toast was good, I also ordered the bacon, cheddar and scallion biscuit. Oh my lord, that was a great biscuit. Yes it's pricey, get over it. Go early so you don't have to wait in line. We thought the food was excellent and will definitely return.
10. Belotti Ristorante E Bottega
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By RamSRam - Bengaluru, India
We did not dine in, as we had a baby with us, picked up the food to eat at home. The Burrata salad, Gnocchi, Stuffed pasta with beef and other dishes we ordered were simply amazing. I do not care much for pasta for health reasons and for once I was happy to be unhealthy. Exceptional.
