Oakland’s culinary scene isn’t just about its famous sourdough or proximity to Napa—it’s a vibrant mosaic of flavors waiting to be explored. After countless meals, heated debates over spice levels, and a notebook full of sauce-stained pages, we’ve narrowed it down. From historic soul food joints to innovative vegan spots, these are the 17 best restaurants in Oakland right now.
Tea On Piedmont
$ | (510) 947-4663 | WEBSITE
In a neighborhood filled with bustling coffee chains, this is one of the more delightful alternatives. Tea On Piedmont serves a strong and not-too-sweet matcha latte with almond milk that gives the drink a pleasant earthy balance. It’s not nearly as heavy as those ingredients make it sound, though. Add on an order of the amazing Jasmine latte or the highly recommended Hojicha latte.
Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar
$$$ | (510) 444-3456 | WEBSITE
Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar at the Hyatt Waterfront Hotel makes our favorite grilled halibut in Oakland. It also wins the award for “Most Relaxing Waterfront View That Might Get Mistaken For A Postcard.” The halibut is perfectly cooked with a golden sear that looks like it’s bordering on crisp but without the accompanying dryness. It’s well-seasoned, the seafood salad is fresh and bright, and there’s just enough house chardonnay to complement those delicate flavors without overwhelming them.
Southie
$$ | (510) 654-0100 | WEBSITE
We’ve said some great things about the breakfast burrito and the chicken sandwich at Southie, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that they put just as much time and effort into their meatball sub. It comes as a generous portion by default—our preferred arrangement for a hearty lunch—with fluffy scrambled eggs, ripe avocado, melted cheese, chorizo, and a drizzle of smoky chipotle aioli over a couple of perfectly seasoned meatballs.
Everything works great together, and you can enjoy it all with a friendly chat from the staff at the open kitchen.
Marzano
$$ | (510) 479-1448 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of Italian restaurants in Oakland, but our top pick for families and groups is Marzano. Maybe it’s the excellent pizzas that come out hot and flavorful with a perfect crust. Maybe it’s the fresh arugula salad topped with beautiful fruit, or the popular calamari and polenta that keep everyone happy. And if you’re worried about the sometimes slow service, don’t be—the servers are pleasant and helpful, making the wait feel worthwhile.
The lively Friday night atmosphere with good music at just the right volume makes it a vibrant spot for celebrations.
Kojokojo Fusion
$$ | (510) 926-1226 | WEBSITE
The Egusi at Kojokojo Fusion is basically a Nigerian grandmother’s recipe that went to culinary school. Think rich, spicy broth and tender meat that falls right off the bone, plus all the traditional fixings. It’s hearty enough that you can probably make a meal of just one bowl, though we’d advise you save some room for the fufu—basically the lovechild of a dumpling and a doughy delight.
And at around $30 a person, it’s hard not to find yourself wishing you were at Kojokojo instead of your own kitchen.
Namastey Patio Nepalese and Indian Cuisine
$$ | (510) 922-9014 | WEBSITE
When you want a cartoonishly large plate of momo topped with, say, spicy jhol or chili sauce, Namastey Patio is the move. Anytime their menu highlights traditional dishes, so do the flavors on this delight—one of many reasons the Oakland restaurant remains a favorite of ours. Whatever graces the plate will be a fresh and delicious volcano of flavor. Plus, the sheer warmth of the service makes it a great choice for anyone looking to sculpt their evening.
An’s Canteen
$ | (415) 279-0735 | WEBSITE
The specialty at this Chinese eatery is Jian Bing, but you should come here for the wonton soup. It’s served about as classic as it gets: delicate dumplings, rich broth, and a healthy amount of scallions, all in a comforting bowl. It’s a little pricey, but not in a way that will leave you regretting the splurge. Well, unless you finish the entire bowl of Tianjin it’s served with.
Off the Hook Seafood & Super Burritos
$$ | (510) 834-8182 | WEBSITE
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of seafood platters or you don’t know the difference between catfish and red snapper, Off the Hook Seafood & Super Burritos is all the reason you need to head to downtown Oakland. Located in the popular downtown area, the restaurant’s menu is simple—seafood platters, fish fry, and super burritos.
The seafood platter here is massive, with a crispy fried catfish that’s been coated in a cornmeal crust for edge-to-edge crunchiness, a couple of perfectly cooked red snapper pieces, and lots of flavorful seasoning. The heaping pile of fish fry you can get on the side makes for an excellent accompaniment.
Belotti Bottega
$$ | (510) 350-7619 | WEBSITE
It’s not entirely surprising that pasta from a bustling Italian restaurant is great. But the pasta at Belotti Bottega exceeds even the heartiest expectations. It’s a comforting, show-stopping affair, with perfectly cooked agnolotti featuring a magical sauce, alongside delectable gnocchi and pappardelle, all made with homemade pasta and sauces. The antipasto board offers a wide variety of options, complemented by an impressive wine list and full bar.
The cozy, welcoming space is perfect for enjoying these dishes with a close friend, and the reasonable prices make it a best stop for a much-needed pasta pick-me-up, whether dining inside, outside, or taking out.
Bay Pita Grill
$ | (510) 229-8510 | WEBSITE
Bay Pita Grill’s burger is packed with flavor and served with fresh ingredients that make it stand out. There’s a wonderful harmony of tastes, as well as a welcome, bright freshness from the quality produce. It’s on the affordable side for a burger this good, but it’s at a kid-friendly spot in the Oakland Port area with a super friendly chef, so that shouldn’t come as too much of a shock.
Huangcheng Noodle House 山西刀削面
$ | (702) 481-3124 | WEBSITE
You might know Huangcheng Noodle House as the Northern Chinese spot that’s been serving fresh hand-cut noodles in Oakland for years, or you might just know it as the family-style restaurant that shares a seating area with two other eateries. Order the Huangcheng cold noodles, add a side of those scrumptious hand-made potstickers, and settle into the bustling communal space. The prices may be reasonable, but the generous portions still feel the same.
NOSSO
$$ | (510) 207-1008 | WEBSITE
The sliders at NOSSO—technically considered “appetizers”—feature tender Wagyu and juicy Chicken on soft buns with simple toppings. They’re straightforward, tasty, and just small enough that you can probably polish off a couple before you even finish your first frosty glass of Now You Nosso. We like the Wagyu slider here, but sometimes we throw all rules out the window and go with the Chicken slider—a juicy patty that could use more seasoning.
We’re not sure if that’s technically a perfect slider still, but who really cares?
1 Seafood & Chicken
$ | (510) 482-1255 | WEBSITE
The hush puppies at 1 Seafood & Chicken are surprisingly polarizing—they’re dense, almost too filling, and it makes the rest of your meal feel like it’s competing with a heavy, savory anchor. But there’s absolutely no argument about the quality of the fried chicken itself. It’s incredibly crispy—with a golden, crackling crust and a juicy, tender interior—and pairs perfectly with the tangy hot wing sauce. It’s a bit pricey for a casual spot, but it’s worth trying at least once.
Or just swing by for takeout on a weeknight and enjoy the convenience without the fuss.
El paisa taqueria
$ | (510) 384-5465 | WEBSITE
All of the tacos here share the same basic format—a generous corn tortilla piled high with authentic Mexican meats. So whether you find yourself enjoying a tripa taco with crispy texture, a suadero taco with rich flavor, or a cabeza taco that’s tender and savory, the thing to remember is that the meat is the main attraction. The portions are incredibly generous, with well-seasoned meats and fresh toppings—basically the archnemesis of the skimpy taco.
Jong Ga House
$$ | (510) 444-7658 | WEBSITE
Jong Ga House’s all-you-can-eat KBBQ is built on pretty straightforward offerings—banchan side dishes, freshly grilled meats, traditional soups—but the execution is what separates this from whatever Korean BBQ your friend is attempting on their patio grill. The affordable pricing (lunch at $29.99, dinner at $32.99) manages to defy expectations by being both generous and high-quality at the same time, and the attentive, kind service adds a welcoming, homey feel that makes every visit satisfying.
drink thicc
$ | (510) 619-0229 | WEBSITE
There’s nothing fancy about the smoothies at Drink Thicc, but something about these perfectly blended drinks and protein-packed ingredients put them among our favorites in town. They come in most of the classic flavors—strawberry, mango, and mixed berry—with a quick service that always arrives perfectly friendly. Our go-to here is usually the mixed berry, but there’s no bad move.
They also put a different seasonal fruit (or superfood) from their ingredient list on display, keeping the price down to less than $6 a cup so you can grab a quality drink to complete your day.
Genji Japanese Restaurant
$ | (510) 350-7431 | WEBSITE
The menu at Genji Japanese Restaurant is simple—teriyaki plates, salmon combos, prawn dishes, and sides like slaw and edamame. Sometimes, simple is better. This is one of those times. Keep it classic with a grilled chicken teriyaki plate (the original option here, with rice and salad), or go with our personal favorite, the salmon and prawn combo—basically a double protein delight served fresh. Whatever you do, save some room for the perfectly cooked edamame at the end for the full experience.
