The 17 Must-Try Restaurants in Oakland

This cozy shop near the Berkeley border serves up the finest pizzas in Oakland. The crunchy sourdough crust is paired with top-notch toppings (think a mix of wild mushrooms; or spicy merguez sausage; or sweet corno di toro peppers) that perfectly fulfill the essential pizza goal: delivering a satisfying, piping hot slice. Owner Nick Yapor-Cox, a queer trans man, has cultivated an inclusive space that welcomes a diverse crowd, particularly within the LGBTQ community. 'I believe our shop acts as a physical hub for community engagement, which is how we support queer initiatives,' says Yapor-Cox. These pizzas showcase the excellence of Northern California's sourdough crust and toppings. [$]

Mac McConnell bakes in the South Bay, but his partnership with Jaime Shapiro (the midwife referenced) has taken root in Oakland, particularly on Sunday mornings at the Temescal farmers’ market. The 100% whole wheat loaf (with a hint of rye in the levain) is extraordinary. The wheat comes from the Glenn strain, a hard red spring heritage variety grown in California and milled at the bakery. This loaf features a beautiful toasted walnut hue that endures the lengthy (16- to 18-hour) fermentation and baking process. The final product has a bright, wine-like aroma, a subtle smokiness, and a hint of fruitcake spices thanks to a blend of lactic acid bacteria and freshly ground wheat. [$]

In 2005, sporting her signature shiny blue wig, Australian-born Alison Barakat opened a permanent location in a former dessert shop in Temescal; the daily sandwich line was once daunting. In a neighborhood experiencing rapid gentrification, Barakat’s sandwich embodied Oakland’s rich culinary identity: the African-American heritage of buttermilk fried chicken, a hint of banh mi pickle in the jalapeño cabbage slaw, and an echo of Panisse in the Acme torpedo roll. While the lines have shortened, Barakat’s sandwich remains a must-try in Oakland. [$]

Beer gardens that are family-friendly can sometimes resemble Chuck E. Cheese, with loud, rambunctious toddlers demanding attention from the drinks. However, this garden, located in a converted parking lot of an old dry cleaner, offers a broader, more inclusive definition of 'family.' The crowd on Queer First Fridays showcases the diversity inherent in 'LGBTQ.' On Sunday afternoons, the atmosphere is a blend of queer and straight (or anything in between), people of all skin tones, and a mix of ages. DJs and performers regularly take the stage, while various vendors provide food to complement the light, refreshing house brews, which feature hazy IPAs, crisp lagers, and fruity ales. [$]

Chef James Syhabout, who arrived in Oakland as a child with his Lao refugee parents, has a rich culinary background that began in his family's Thai restaurant before he honed his skills in fine dining. The dishes at Commis subtly reflect Southeast Asian influences, such as warm levain bread baked in a crock that you break apart like sticky rice, and delicate tapioca dumplings called sakoo yat sai filled with a California twist, including chicken, pecans, and ginger, topped with a small nasturtium leaf. His cooking is a beautiful balance of richness and restraint, showcasing diverse textures. In the socially progressive yet casual atmosphere of Oakland, fine dining posed a challenge, but Commis stands as a testament to hard work, ambition, and talent. [$$$$]

Mark Liberman gained national recognition as the chef of San Francisco’s AQ, a seasonal dining destination that closed in 2017. Now in Oakland, he has opened a charming 45-seat Mytoury that many seasoned chefs dream of running. Each dish bursts with joy. Liberman pours years of expertise into a succinct weekly menu featuring generous slabs of focaccia topped with vibrant tomato and mustard-flower salad, alongside crispy fried soft-shell crabs drizzled with smoked nectarine barbecue sauce. [$$$]

Bradford Taylor’s cozy cafe and shop dedicated to natural wines feels like a well-loved Birkenstock: comfortable, a bit squishy, and a proud departure from the sleek and glamorous. Depending on your palate, the wines—untouched by fining, filtering, or excessive sulfur dioxide—can reveal new horizons. The wine bar clientele, filled with familiar neighborhood faces, is as welcoming and well-worn as the space itself. [$$]

After the passing of Rod Dibble in 2017, who played jazz standards for 50 years at this u-shaped piano bar, the Alley remains a cozy, dimly lit retreat, reminiscent of an era of carefree day-drinking. The drink selection is straightforward, and you’re unlikely to bump into anyone you know in this spot where business cards are plastered across the walls and vaulted ceilings, illuminated by red rope lights that enhance everyone's appearance. [$$]

Operating from two nearby spots in Uptown, these sibling Japanese fried chicken establishments (Aburaya Go during the day, Aburaya at night) exude a vibrant pop-up vibe. Founder Adachi Hiroyuki, a bassist in punk bands like the Basements, brings a rock 'n' roll spirit to his bold, sauce-coated fried chicken pieces that pack a punch like a short hardcore track. Aburaya Go, located on 15th Street, serves a fried chicken sandwich on fluffy yellow Texas toast that guarantees a messy experience, with spicy Japanese barbecue sauce and coleslaw mayo leaving your hands, forearms, and lower face delightfully smeared. [$]

Chef Sarah Kirnon, who spent part of her childhood in the U.K. and the other part in Barbados, showcases her culinary heritage at this casual Mytoury within Swan’s Market in Old Oakland. Her dishes narrate a heartfelt tale, blending the Caribbean flavors she cherished and reinvented in California, preserving their essence. While many, including myself, flock here for the skillet-fried chicken—said to be inspired by her Bajan grandmother, Miss Ollie—each offering, from jerk shrimp to split pea soup with yam and cassava, radiates remarkable finesse. [$$]

At Oeste, co-founded by Lea Redmond, Anna Villalobos, and Sandra Davis, you'll find great drinks and chicken wings that leave a satisfying layer of flavor in your system. However, the real draw is the rooftop setting. Rooftop bars are a rarity in Oakland (with only one other notable spot at Mad Oak Bar), and Oeste—just one floor above the street—is stunning, especially at sunset when everyone lounging on the outdoor sofas is bathed in golden light. [$]

Leo Oblea and Victor Guzman serve up their vibrant, lucha-themed food truck near Jack London Square for lunch from Tuesday to Friday. Oblea’s hearty Jalisco-style beef birria is both rich and chewy, bursting with flavor. You can enjoy it in crispy tacos (tacos dorados) or as a long, griddled torta, complete with Oaxaca cheese and pickled onions, accompanied by a cup of flavorful consomme that glistens with rendered fat. [$]

Jaynelle St. Jean’s Raspberry in Chocolate Crust is a brilliant creation. The pastry perfectly balances between shortcrust and the crisp edges of a brownie, while the filling—a vibrant mix of tart, seeded berries—is incredibly rich and luscious. The shop itself is minimalistic, allowing you to enjoy your pie and coffee at the small table out front in the quirky car-lined plaza (more like a widened gutter), where you can gaze at the tattoo shop or the chaotic stack of discarded seafood boxes in front of Rockin’ Crawfish. For a better experience, take your slice to nearby Pine Knoll Park at Lake Merritt. [$]

It would be enough of a gift if owner Nite Yun simply prepared delightful Cambodian cuisine. At her small, makeshift Mytoury in Fruitvale Public Market, Yun shines a light on a local culture that’s often overlooked in the Bay Area’s culinary scene: the Central Valley community of refugees from the Vietnam War. Growing up in Stockton, Yun challenges the idea that immigrant food, with its roots preserved, is somehow only for its original audience. Set to the backdrop of 1960s Cambodian rock music, dishes like amok (custardy catfish steamed in coconut milk and banana leaf) and kuy teav Phnom Penh (rice noodle soup with pork and brisket) comfortably share the stage with iconic East Bay offerings, such as street tacos and Chez Panisse’s warm goat cheese salad. [$$]

In 2014, local artist and entrepreneur Keba Konte founded Red Bay as a platform for coffee equity, aiming to engage African Americans in the predominantly white specialty coffee industry. The Fruitvale roastery doubles as a community hub (also hosting food pop-ups and performances) and a bright cafe, adorned with a mural of the African continent crafted from vibrant live plants. It's easy to envision the future of Oakland’s creative, intellectual, and political scene unfolding here, among the open laptops of mostly young, AirPod-wearing patrons enjoying cups of the shop's signature Coltrane or East Fourteenth roasts. [$]

Reem Assil’s homage to Arab street bakeries debuted in 2017 amidst controversy surrounding a mural of Palestinian activist Rasmea Odeh. However, there’s no dispute regarding the food, which is substantial, vibrant, and delightful. The chewy, freshly baked pita draws attention away from the hummus it accompanies, while the spicy green shatta sauce adds an exciting kick to a flavorful falafel wrap that feels distinctly Californian with the addition of avocado. Additionally, lahm bi ajeen — a crisp flatbread adorned with spiced ground beef and yogurt — serves as a fitting fuel for activism. [$$]

Due to historic racist zoning, the East Oakland Latinx community in Fruitvale was the only area allowed for taco trucks to operate legally. While regulations have relaxed, Fruitvale remains the heart of Oakland's taco scene. This taqueria, with its whimsical URL, serves some of the finest tacos in the city. Customers pay upfront and join the line, where they’ll receive expert assistance from taqueros working the order windows like bank tellers. The suadero (beef brisket) simmers in a large braiser, infused with beef tongues and cheeks. They slice it fresh, place it on double tortillas, and top it with onions and cilantro. The always-bustling dining area (actually a covered patio) is a vital space in Fruitvale. [$]