The 49 best takeout food in Oakland

I’ve been wanting to try this two Michelin star spot for a while, mostly held back because it’s a bit out of the way. Finally made it, and first impressions were great! the space is beautiful, and the interior design really stood out to me. Everything felt thoughtful and calming. The service was also very professional. All the staff were in suits and clearly well-trained, which made the experience feel polished. As for the food, it focuses more on flavor and texture rather than creativity or visual presentation. It’s not the kind of michelin meal that surprises you, but the dishes were solid. I especially appreciated their wine pairings—very well chosen. One suggestion: it would be nice to see more artistic thought in the plating, maybe with unique ceramics that elevate the experience and to include a small printed course list or QR code, so guests can better follow each dish’s components. All in all, in a region with limited fine dining options, this place is still worth visiting, but there’s definitely room to grow in both creativity and overall execution.

We liked the food and the overall vibe here. We went for the 10 course tasting menu. A few dishes were outstanding while others didn’t really land. The whole dinner ended up being about three hours with quite a bit of waiting between courses, which felt a little too long. This was our wedding dinner and even though I had called ahead to let them know, no one acknowledged it at all. For a two Michelin star place, that felt pretty surprising and a bit disappointing. Drinks-wise, the wine list was excellent but the cocktails were just okay. My only other gripe was with the substitution. Since I don’t eat red meat, they swapped the one meat dish for fish. The menu already leaned heavily toward seafood, so it would have been nice to get something different like chicken or duck. On the plus side, the price is very reasonable for a two star restaurant. That said, based on the overall experience, it felt more like a one star level than two.

Superlative. I cannot think when I’ve had a better time dining; staff was very friendly and engaging and informative. The food is simply amazing, and I personally absolutely love the bar dining experience. Came here with a good friend, cannot wait to come back and bring the wife.

What an experience. Definitely a bucket list item for a very special occasion. This was a 3+ hour gastronomical adventure. Each dish was perfectly prepared with flavors that just kept exploding. My favorite was the slow poached egg yolk (I don’t know how they do this). Service was attentive and although the tables were wood (not linen) I noticed that they surreptitiously wiped it down after each dish. The surprise was that there was a set of chopsticks at each place settings which were activated at around course 8 (the menu is 10 courses), when they bought a bowl of rice which was deliciously cooked and accompanied by a glass of bouillon to add some flavor as you devoured the rice. Overall a superb experience and well worth the ~$350 - $400 person price tab.

I went to Commis on my birthday. The food was amazing, creative and good mix of flavors. The atmosphere is very cozy and chill. Servers were all nice and they all wished me happy birthday. The chef come to the table for one of the dishes. One thing I wish had been better was the service: although the servers were kind, they rushed through explaining the dishes, which made the experience feel less refined compared to the level of attention I’ve received at other Michelin-starred restaurants.

We had the 4 course bar menu, combination of dishes was very inventive with mostly Asian influences. Personaly i didn't enjoy the wine pairing flavors were just a bit off. Overall a enjoyable dinning experience.

Simply put, Commis is a masterpiece. Had the privilege to indulge in their bar menu and was extremely happy with the experience. From the wonderful flavors created in the kitchen, the very kind and helpful staff down to the picture perfect plating and perfect execution of service. If you appreciate fine dining, you will love Commis.

This is a very cozy place with a fun vibe. Food was mostly great. Pork adobo was tender. But it was just ok. Chicken wings were great. Steak was good but the onions were super salty. Service was great!

Great casual Filipino spot! Stopped in for a quick lunch and was seated and served quickly. Ordered a plate of Tocina and Crispy Pork belly and it was just the right amount of food, not too large and not too small. Also incredibly tasty without being too heavy. Great way to get all the food groups in one go. Would come again!

The food was great, and the vibe was chill. I had the pork adobo and glass noodles as my main dishes, plus some spring rolls for appetizers. Their non-alcoholic drinks were also really refreshing. I’m definitely coming back to try more dishes!

Excellent Filipino food. I would say ‘tastes like home’ but in some ways it’s even better. The dishes are nicely balanced (meat + greens) and beautifully plated. Cocktails are superb.

We got milkfish, tocino and longaniza and veg lumpia. The lumpia was ok, but everything else was great. Also really enjoyed the rice. The best highlight though was the pandan cold brew.

FOB Kitchen has a warm and friendly atmosphere. The servers were nice and attentive, and the space itself felt very homey. I appreciate that it offers a different take on Filipino food, though I noticed a few things as a Filipino diner trying out the menu: 1. Salad with the silogs – The salad was far too vinegary, lacking the small touch of sweetness that usually balances out Filipino flavors. It was hard to finish and a bit overwhelming at the start of the meal. A hint of sweetness would give it more harmony against the savory and tangy elements of the proteins and dipping sauces. 2. Tortang talong – Perfect execution. The eggplant was grilled first, then turned into an omelet—authentic and flavorful. 3. Garlic fried rice – Solid and satisfying. 4. Bangus in the Bangsilog – Huge portion, tasty, and cooked well. My coworkers noted that it leaned toward a “healthier” version of Filipino food, without the strong MSG-forward flavors (like Magic Sarap) that many Filipinos are used to. 5. Bistek – This was a letdown. While the picanha cut was tender, the sauce didn’t resemble the traditional Bistek Tagalog profile—it seemed to lack soy sauce depth, and perhaps sweetness. It leaned more fusion-style, catering to an American palate rather than being true to the dish’s origins. Overall, FOB Kitchen offers a healthier, American-leaning take on Filipino food. Not quite for those seeking the full savory, garlicky, umami-with-sweetness flavor profile of true Filipino cuisine. Would I come back with my husband and mom? Honestly, no—there are other Filipino restaurants that capture the flavors we grew up enjoying.

FOB Kitchen is a solid spot for fresh, flavorful Asian-inspired dishes. The noodle bowls and appetizers are tasty and well-seasoned, and the portions are generous. Service is friendly, though a bit slow when it’s busy. Prices are reasonable, and the casual, lively vibe makes it a great spot for a quick lunch or casual dinner.

Came here during restaurant week and I already want to come back. Non alcoholic pairing was one of the best I’ve had so far. The food was also excellent. Menu was portioned well and I left full but not overly. Very friendly staff who spent time at our table with brief but memorable conversations.

A casual Colombian restaurant that gets serious with the tasting menu. Fun beverage pairing that includes wine, sake, and cocktail. Service is adequate, but they are learning and trying. The weekday tasting menu is probably a better deal. It costs more on the weekend. ---- The mission statement on the website sounded admirable: The tasting menu is cheaper on the weekdays to make it more accessible. We were seated at the chef's counter, which offers a direct view of the kitchen. We quickly decided on the tasting menu and the beverage pairing with an add-on Dungeness crab dish. After a relatively long period of waiting, we were presented with the food. There are some highlights! But sometimes, I wonder if some dishes need an extra boost of flavor. First were the finger foods. We love the plantains that contrast brilliantly with charged allium. The arroz de coco brought to mind arancini but with a thin crust and coconut flavor. The tostada with amberjack brightened by the kiwi. The arepa was flavorful and puffy, but the butter beans seemed lacking. A general complaint: Please give us a wet napkin or something to wipe our fingers after finger foods! The larger format blue shrimp was cooked to perfection, but the veins were in some pieces. The achiote ponzu was amazing, but the romanesco might be a tab overcooked. Dungeness crab guacho, honestly, is a little disappointing. The components are done well, and it is an homage to the regional dish, but it just tasted...fine. The fish dish was a counter-example of that. I am not sure if there is a traditional dish where it drew inspiration, but it was an elevated dish that we thoroughly enjoyed. The cilantro and pineapple spread that came with the bread had such a bright flavor we couldn't have enough! The grilled pork is definitely the highlight of the evening. It was carefully tended by a chef over the grill, and it was flavorful and juicy. The carrot was grilled slowly until it was almost dehydrated. The intense sweetness and texture worked very well with the pork. The first dessert course, the banana custard, was terrific. The sweetness was counterbalanced by the subtle sweetness from the caramel. The dish was not overpowered by bananas, which so often is the case. The coconut and lime foam on the top provided a contrast and relief from the custard. The final dessert course was a bit too sweet and heavy for us. We were told that it was inspired by mole. I like the concept. Overall, we enjoyed the food. For a meal at this price point, maybe we expect a little more. However, I saw a kitchen with a mission that served some brilliant dishes. I saw service staff striving to be better despite some oversights. Maybe Mago needs to think about where it wants to position itself, but I am rooting for them.

Weeknight tasting menu 85pp I think pretty worth it w/o drink pairings I tried some of the nonalcoholic pairings and while interesting non blew me away. First time trying Colombian cuisine so don’t have great frame of reference but I thought the flavors were strangely nostalgic! Non of the mains stood out and I didn’t rly enjoy the first two small bites. but sweet treat girl forever and loveddd both desserts. Honestly would not be mad if they just did 7 courses of dessert🥹 they also game us a lil marshmallow at the end. GIRLIES: the kitchen is super cool and open concept but this means your hair will smell like campfire so plan your hair washing schedule accordingly ***

What an amazing tasting experience! So many Latin American ingredients and dishes presented in new and exciting ways. Each dish was better than the next. The pairing was perfect. Will be dreaming of the rock cod, the arepa, the rice pudding, the coconut rice ball, the sake, etc etc Lovely and welcoming service too. Everything was perfect. Definitely get the kitchen counter seats to watch the action!

We had a very underwhelming experience at Mago. The food was just good most of the time, sometimes too greasy and a couple of plates had way too much salt. to the point were we couln't finish it (the white fish plate and the meat were too salty). While the experience overall was not horrible, Mago pretends to be at a level they're clearly not, cruelly lacking of subtlety. For this, it is such a bad value. For a $300+ meal, you can get a way better experience at a Michelin stared restaurant (I'm talking night and day difference). The service was friendly but very slow. The couple of drinks we had, though, were good. While I love a wood fire smell, it was so strong at Mago that I had to wash all my clothes and hair coming back home. I definitely don't recommend Mago.

Just wonderful - everything a tasting menu should be. The food and service were outstanding. This is our new special occasion place.

Love the experience here. The food and service are amazing. We ordered a wine pairing as well. My fiance is vegetarian and they also have a vegetarian menu available as long as you inform them in advance. We're both amazed by food + experience! We had a great night there!

Tacos Oscar in Oakland is a delightful spot for anyone craving authentic Mexican food. The barbacoa taco was a standout, featuring tender, slow-cooked beef that was rich and flavorful, perfectly complemented by fresh cilantro and onions. The chile verde taco, with its zesty green sauce, offered a nice kick and a bright contrast to the barbacoa. Both tacos were served on warm, handmade tortillas, adding to the overall experience. The casual atmosphere and friendly service make it a great place to enjoy a quick meal. If you're in the area, Tacos Oscar is definitely worth a visit for a taste of delicious, hearty tacos.

The service is fast, I didn't wait long for the food, the atmosphere was very pleasant, I loved that the tortillas were handmade, it's my first time here, I'll definitely come back.

Loved this place! I'd heard fantastic things, and it definitely lived up to the hype. Very creative, non-traditional tacos. The backdoor patio is also a great environment. The hot sauce was great (though I feel guilty, I did not realize it was $0.50 when I asked the server), too. The vegan tacos were just as good as the meat tacos, as well. Would definitely come back!

What a find! Very refreshing! Flavors are so full of life and vibrant. Will definitely come back for more!!!

Very nice place, the tacos were weird and amazing. Loved the differenct flavors and mixes. Must try in Oakland.

There are only a handful of eateries I frequent, and Tacos Oscar is one of them. Consistently high quality, incredible favor combinations, and great value. The vegan options and meat options are all good, and there are often special seasonal upstairs. Highly recommend!

Love the tacos, especially the meat/chicken. I've been here many times. Last night was a disappointment because both the chicken and the pork tacos were extremely salty. I have not noticed this in the past. Please - ease up on the salt. When your food actually tastes salty, you detract from the overall flavor profile and quality of the food. Give it a thought, see what you can do. I want to return, but can't if your food remains this salty.

I’ve been to Belotti multiple times - and often order delivery from here. It’s definitely one of the best Italian restaurants in East Bay. Food is great. A large percentage of the menu is pasta based - which I appreciate. I believe all of the pastas are house made and very well prepared. They also have a rather well curated selection of salads and mains. Service was good. Nothing particularly memorable, but staff were all helpful and friendly. Atmosphere is solid. We especially love the back patio - which is right on Hudson street. It’s dog friendly, quieter than College Ave, and provides nice atmosphere especially as the sun sets. Great spot. I’d definitely return.

We had a fantastic evening at Belotti. The atmosphere, food, and service were all top-notch. Each entrée was meticulously prepared to bring out the flavors to their peak performance. The waitress took extra time to explain the pronunciation of the food items, which highlighted their authenticity. I will definitely be back for more!

Im sorry but this place is not good. We came because of the high reviews, we ordered 3 top selling pastas and all of them were disappointing. The stuffed pasta was just not good! There was zero filling in the pasta other than the chunks of meat! No cheese to balance, nothing. Just beef and ham, depending on what you order. Then there’s the sauce in the dish but that’s not even enough. The mushroom pasta was so bland, loaded with mushrooms and was kinda slimy. I’m very underwhelmed. I ordered an espresso to finish off and it wasn’t piping hot. Our server was nice and the location is great but that’s about it. I won’t be coming back.

Belotti is a treasured purveyor of pasta in Oakland. The restaurant feels crammed into a tiny spot in Rockridge’s always busy lower College Ave, but the pandemic gave the owners a great excuse to add outside dining just around the corner. I recommend requesting an outside table to feel less cramped and to better enjoy conversation with your dining companions. Reservations are essential—Belotti books up regularly. Belotti offers a nicely sized list of European beers and wines in addition to house cocktails. Bread is complimentary and served with delicious olive oil. The watermelon salad was a miss for us last month--not enough flavor. But the amaretti cookie crumble with the burrata was inspired. Tomatos were amazing in the pazza idea, duck flavors rich and bigolia filling for the sugo d-anatra, and the casoncelli bergamashi sings of the coming autumn. The tiramisu uses a custardy mascarpone and no alcohol, which is a regional style--not my favorite. But the chocolate pasta with strawberries is a fun try.

We had an incredible lunch at Belotti Ristorante in Rockridge, Oakland. We tried the Pappardelle Al Funghi, Spaghetti Pomodoro with Burrata, Bruschetta, and Panna Cotta for dessert. Everything was outstanding, but the Pappardelle Al Funghi was truly unforgettable – rich, earthy, and perfectly balanced. The panna cotta was divine! Staff is welcoming and service is great.

Fantastic experience! Friendly mom and pop neighborhood vibe, great service, and delicious food. I rarely eat pasta and I love their pasta. The affogato is the best. Highly recommended!

Our neighbors brought us here experience the wonderful Northern Italian food! The delicious meat stuffed pasta (we tried the top three) and some delicious desserts!

Pretty food but honestly bland and mediocre. I had the Hopscotch Brunch at the Itani pop-up event by surprise and was severely disappointed. The salad I was given was nearly impossible to pick up with a fork, the pork belly benedict was not seasoned and bland, and the best part of my meal was an accompanying fruit salad and my yuzu lemonade.

paid a lot of money for a whole fried chicken and sides. and was sent a bunch of scrappy unidentifiable pieces of chicken. We were guessing if it was a light or dark. the breasts were the size of thighs. basically they're the tender strips cut in half. although they weren't dry and traveled well. I find some type of a boneless wing and thigh??? and the pasta was a complete waste. my lady didn't mind the beans. the chicken wasn't bad or great and ketchup helped (plus not a negative). but I feel they failed in the promise of the menu. the chicken alone was $35 for a whole chicken not 2 legs and a bunch boneless of scraps. note: this review started with 1 star. however I found clean cooking oil. props to the Chef on that!

Nice brunch / dinner spot with a Southern food mixed with some Japanese influence. We had the fried chicken with biscuits which came with a generous portion of fried chicken cooked Karaage style and a nice savory gravy over well made biscuits. The Pork Belly Eggs Benedict was also quite lovely but more or less what you'd expect from a well executed version of this dish - hollandaise with a lemony twist and thick cut pork like bacon and a nice slice of challah. The donuts were outstanding and worth getting, they came with a unique and not too sweet butterscotch sauce on the side that I hadn't tried elsewhere. We had mimosas and they were well made and a good deal for the carafe. The service could have been better. The waiter was quite friendly but not very attentive and maybe checked in with us twice and never did bring the desert menu. We just grabbed one ourselves after waiting for a while. Overall it was a good reliable spot that executed the dishes well but you won't be finding anything that's going to raise the bar flavor wise.

Great service, delicious food, and awesome cocktails. The location is conveniently close to the freeway and had plenty of street parking too. We made a reservation so there wasnt a wait. It wasn't too busy on a Sunday afternoon even if you don't have a reservation. Definitely coming back here again so we can try all the different cocktails and meals.

Nice spot, had the pork chops and a burger that’s not pictured. Are outside which could have contributed but the items weren’t as warm as they could be. Our pork chop dish might have been missing some Okra as well as a table next to us got the same dish but with the Okra on top. Would try again in the future but this is currently why it’s a 3/5 for me.

Overall not bad, but there were multiple dishes we ordered that had major flaws. The eggs benedict had a really terrible hollandaise sauce (I can make a better one at home), and the eggs were completely overdone. The bright spot was probably the tonkatsu sandwich, which was crispy and well-seasoned. I personally didn’t really feel the japanese influences on the american classic dishes like the eggs benny, so that was quite disappointing.

This restaurant has great food and very attentive staff members! I would definitely recommend coming here for dinner. The tater tots were crispy on the outside and warm and fluffy on the inside. The servers made my entire experience enjoyable.

Good spot for a quick bite. I tried a few of their tacos and they were all pretty good. I would say the asada was my least favorite only because it had a Chipotle flavor to it. Which I am sure many people like.

Cholita Linda is super delish with options for everyone! But- the reason I cannot give them the 5 stars I so desperately want to after dining here for 7 years straight is: The portions for take out are SIGNIFICANTLY less than dine-in. To the point I am hesitant to bring home food for my family from them anymore. Dining THERE is perfect, but ordering? You will get the measliest amount of food for premium prices. Especially the rice (which is arguably the cheapest item in a platter). This change happened over the pandemic where I assume the portions dwindled to save money & keep them afloat. But business is booming. A new location in both SF and Walnut Creek denotes they’re doing well post-pandemic. Fix the take out portions, Cholita and i’ll update my review to a 5 star! I’ll include a picture.

This restaurant offers a small and simple menu, but the quality is outstanding. I particularly enjoy their Pescado de Frito and fish tacos. My only suggestion would be to expand the menu with more options for pescatarians and vegetarians. Despite that, I will definitely return for their excellent fish.

This location is fantastic! I really love the food and how fresh it tasted but I especially wanted to give a kudos to the boy who helped me. I think his name was Pedro. He was very attentive, fast and detail oriented. Made the experience a lot more pleasant! Thank you!

There was a line out the door when I arrived. It moved quickly and was worth the wait. I got a fish taco, chicken taco and guacamole and chips. Everything was delicious and fresh. Would have been perfection if chips were served warm. Sangria was also delicious. Water station cups are tiny. Friendly service. I would return.

This spot is definitely a gem for north Oakland. Not your traditional Spanish food but a must try. I had the plantains, fries, fish tacos, steak tacos and Cubano sandwich. All were delicious.

The carnita tacos were bomb. The fish tacos have a bit of an aftertaste. The churros were somewhat hard and dry. The salsa was not what I expected. Tacos are pricey. My order was missing items and had to go up more than once.

I was very intrigued by the Thai michelada and it delivered! Add the prawn and pork belly… it’s a whole appetizer all in one. I also got a cocktail flight. Soooo pretty! Service was awesome. The rest of the dinner was absolutely delicious. Staff were super friendly. Very impressed and will be back. Great first date dinner spot in case anyone needs an idea for a location.

Absolutely authentic and spicy!!! I ordered their house special fish curry with noodle and fried pork belly, it’s sooooooo good!!! Spiciness 20/10 lol. Fish is fresh and tasty, pork belly is crispy and tender!! Service is good and smooth, it’s a Monday so it’s kinda slow, I can get a middle of the room seat.

This place blew me away. Service, taste and vibe, all quality. Everything we ordered was delicious, i especially enjoyed the papaya salad and curry noodle. Highly recommend and look forward to returning. Thank you, Daughter Thai!!!

This is a favorite dining place among the locals. I came here for dinner, unfortunately alone, otherwise this would be a great spot to share family style and try different dishes. I got there their version of the Pad Thai. It was delicious. They get crowded in the evenings. Parking is paid and somewhat difficult to find.

This restaurant takes customer service personally. I like the attention to detail inside their restaurant. The food is always fresh and tasty. Their presentation stands out for a classy style, furthering the effort made by their entire staff to make every visit special. I keep coming back for more and find myself excited to find a new dining experience here.

🍜 🐟 🌶️ Thai sit down spot with delicious curries, noodles and more. The branzino fish and sauce was especially good and so was the Pad see Ew. Some dishes can be very spicy so make sure to ask the staff.

I cannot express how amazing the food was here at Daughter Thai Kitchen! We got 6 lunch combos and none of them missed. We look forward to returning when we come to Oakland.

We ordered tofu soup and seafood pancake. The restaurant serves free small cold appetizers that are commonly served in Korean restaurants. These appetizers are good. I wish they have fish cakes hahaha. The pancake is the best I ever had. It’s so crispy.

WOW! Took me right back to my days in Seoul, eating a steamy, spicy bowl of 김치찌개 while it rained outside. The vibe of this restaurant is classic Korean style — K-pop on the TV, water in the plastic jug with the soju ads, and wide tables with plenty of space for the rotating selection of banchan (don’t worry though, they always include kimchi). If you were to ask me to take you to the most authentic feeling Korean joint, this would be #1 on the list. Okay, now the food — ho. ly. smokes! Everything was delicious and extremely high quality. The sizzling dolsat bibimbop and bulgogi were highlights, though the kimchi pancake was amazing as well (and not too spicy whatsoever!). We were pleasantly surprised to have a complimentary bowl of tofu soup included in the meal, and were so glad we didn’t miss out on it — there’s a reason they’re called the tofu house. The kimchi tofu soup was INCREDIBLE! We could choose our spice level (I went for medium) and it made for seriously the most unforgettable meal. I savored every bite! We didn’t realize that the meals came with a side of rice in a big stone pot, so in hindsight we felt like we could’ve skipped the bibimbap and still had a very filling meal. It ended up being fine though, as it just meant I had more leftovers to take home for lunch the next day! :) One thing to keep in mind is that because the food is really high quality, the price tag is a bit steeper than other Korean restaurants are in Temescal. However, between the quality and quantity of the food we really felt like we were the ones getting the better end of the bargain. I do think that the larger the group, the easier you might be able to bear the cost and try all of the incredible dishes. I’m not too proud to say that I enjoyed the meal so much that I went back a week later and ordered takeout! This place lives up to the hype and is somewhere I’d highly recommend for anyone in the mood for real, hearty, authentic 한국음식.

Good Korean food. One of the few places I've been to that serves kong guk su, so that was a welcome surprise for a sunny day. Fairly quick service. Does suffer a bit from the bay area price inflation though, so wasn't the cheapest meal. Overall, not bad for the occasional large group lunch.

Was a little off put by the service here. It was very difficult to get out servers attention throughout the night…while they’re taking multiple shots with the loudest table in the restaurant… And while their tofu soups are FANTASTIC , the galbi, bulgogi, and even pancakes are just standard. Definitely not bad, but not at all worth the $45+ a dish especially when it comes out lukewarm on a bed of cabbage (I never understood the cabbage! Please get rid of it because it literally makes the meats cool down immediately after cooking).

Excellent service! We tried the Dol Sot Bi Bim Bap and original fried chicken. Both dishes had great flavor.

Spicy tofu soup was really good and flavorful! The banchan dishes were great too. But it’s a little pricey compared to other Korean tofu house we visited

Got the Combo Tofu Soup and Kimchi Tofu Soup - both were delicious. LOTS of tofu. The bon chons were very quality: kimchi, cucumber, tofu, and potatoes (sweet). I will say the crispy rice was a bit confusing for us - we didn't know how to eat it and by the time they flipped it, it was pretty burnt. Highly recommend the tofu soup! Perfect for a cold night!

I need to apologize. First, this plate to go was the most edible, but I drove to Oakland to the Farmers market to l and saw a plate drop Lena's . And I live in San Jose, so by the time I got home , I started in on it and then took a picture, my bad, but it's season very well and tasty. Lena's, you got 5 stars from me, thank you. The service was great!

As I entered the building, there was a female customer in front who made a big stink about who knows what. The owner came out to talk to her and she couldn’t even tell him what her problem with the place was. The owner did his best to listen to her, but there was nothing he could really do that would make her happy. I think she got a free mac and cheese out of complaining so much and then left. The owner was really polite and professional about the whole situation. The food itself was just plain delicious. It was definitely not cheap but the portions were good sized. I had the fish, mac-n-cheese and, per the owner’s suggestion, the greens. I saw the dessert and passed it up at first because, as I stated, the prices were a little high, reflecting the cost of living. But when the cashier said it was banana pudding cheesecake, I was sucked in. As I said, the food definitely did NOT disappoint! I finished every last bite- including the dessert. The one suggestion I definitely have to make is to streamline the service a little better. There were plenty of employees behind the counter, but the service seemed to be a little slow. I was told to have a seat after I had ordered and wait for the cashier to call me. For my situation and the group behind me, it would have made sense for one server to walk me through the serving line till I got to the cashier. The same for the individuals behind me. They were part of a group but paying separately. I got that the employees were working at separate stations but it just seems it would have flowed better with one server per customer from beginning to end. I ordered takeout but the interior and the patio both were modern and well designed. This isn’t the first time I have eaten here and it definitely won’t be the last. They have me hooked with that great food. Oh, lastly, it would definitely be good if they updated their Facebook page. Nothing posted recently.

Lena's came highly recommended. We arrived and appreciated the enclosed parking lot. We went in and the decor was updated. Retrochic with cloth table cloths and napkins..giving an upscale vibe. The food is cooked in a buffet setup but you purchase meals or ala carte. We chose fish n prawns w red beans n rice and potato salad..we also chose fried chicken w collard greens, and mashed potatoes and gravy. Fish and Prawns flavor were bomb. I wish they were warmer (that precooked part). Greens were fresh, not much seasoning. The potato salad looked and tasted store bought. Disappointing. Mashed potatoes did not taste homemade. Red beans n rice nice ratios...rice slightly underdone. Interesting atmosphere..like being at your cousins house with the staff yelling in the dining room. Our waiter was very nice and professional. He had a Beautiful white 300. Didn't get his name. He made it pleasurable.

Stopped in for lunch. Service was a little slow due to new employees. OK food OK service. I will return cause there is some foods I would like to try. I like to eat as you can see in the picture. Look like they gave me a kid plate. But I will return.

My girlfriends and I went to Lena’s this past Saturday and we thoroughly enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. Everything about Lena’s was great. The staff was courteous, polite, and very attentive to us. The food was very tasty and everything to my likeness. I couldn't get enough of the fried fish 😋. I definitely will return. H-Town was in the house!!

I went to Lena’s on Sunday and the food was amazing!!!! I didn’t have any complaints. The yams were PERFECT! They were the best yams I’ve had in a long time. The mac n cheese was to die for. I had a side of cabbage that was good too. The cornbread taste like my grandma’s cornbread. The sweet potato pie was everything!!! I will definitely be back this Sunday. The customer service was amazing too. Shout out to Jamiela who I spoke with on the phone while trying to catch them before they close during my 45 minute commute. They were closing but was waiting for my arrival. I definitely recommend this place!

Food was not good. Very bland. Out of all the soul food options In Oakland, I'd say skip this place. A better option is "mahogany soul" or "Everett's and jones" in Oakland. . We both found the food to be pretty bland.. overall, nothing really special or worth coming back for. The yams are really good but that's it . Everything else is regular. I ordered "SMOTHERED" oxtails and rice. I was disappointed with how non existent the gravy was... the oxtails tasted underwhelming. It just taste like oil...

Reading through the other reviews, this place has clearly been bullied for political reasons, which doesn’t actually do anything to help world conflict, and that is really really sad and painful. I feel for the owner, who has provided delicious food and a nice place to gather in a good area. Pomella is closing at the end of the month for various reasons and Piedmont Ave is losing a gem. I look forward to seeing their next project. Reviews have a point - this place isn’t perfect! Prices are high and atmosphere is casual. That said, the outdoor dining saved us during the post lockdown days when we wanted to get together but needed somewhere sheltered from winter weather. The pita was wonderful - the recipe changed (maybe the baker? Equipment?) but the original pita lives large in our hearts and the current pita is still good. Their hummus is really fluffy and delicious, with the lamb and a good serving of pita it’s to die for. The various rice bowls and shawarma and tagines are also very tasty. It’s definitely been a place to come with a pair or a group and share. Pomella, thank you for over a dozen tasty meals and the comfort of a warm outdoor meal in stressful times.

Absolutely stellar food. The hummus is the creamiest, most heavenly I have ever had. Marvelous lamb, fish & the eggplant is magnificent. The cheese filled freshly made falafel are glorious. I couldn't recommend this restaurant more highly. When I go in, the staff are friendly and relaxed. When I order delivery, it arrives hot & in wonderful, earth friendly stainless steel containers from Dispatch Goods. Just the best!

Great food and great service. Amazing Israeli food! I saw some comments about this food being Palestinian but I’m from there and let me tell you it’s not even close to the food there - this restaurant can teach them how to make food. Definitely great Israeli food - best food in the world! Will definitely recommend to all of my friends.

Wonderful place along Piedmont. Food was tasty with a variety and satisfying serving sizes. Shawarma-Spiced Lamb was great with the rice bowls. Couscous with chicken was also quite good. A myriad of drinks available. Plenty of vegetarian options with good hummus. Outdoor is comfortable, tucked away from the street while still being accessible. Inside is cute.

Great fresh dishes with wonderful outdoor seating. The salads are really impressive with fun and inventive combinations. The house made fruit drinks are delicious. Alcoholic drinks are a bit pricey, but I guess that’s normal for Bay Area these days

I returned recently to Pomella at the end of Piedmont avenue in Oakland. In the mood for tagine, I ordered the chicken plate which was served piping hot in a giant bowl of couscous with chunks of carrot added to the mix. Alongside came a mini dish of picante garlicky chermoula sauce. The chicken was tender with just the right amount of seasoning. If I'd eaten this at home, I would have added a drizzle of olive oil & lemon juice to complete it. And yet and yet, it was absolutely delicious. Add-ons like tzatziki or composed salads are also recommended. There's an outdoor dining patio as well as plenty of seating inside. I love the pop of orange color splashed throughout the eatery. The dangling fairy lights and plants give the interior a sweet vibe. I loved the added touch of reflective Middle Eastern music playing at a reasonable level, and how it expressed the culture of the food’s origins, rather than random music not curated to the environment. Do drop in for a visit and a taste of delicious California Israeli cuisine soon!

10/10 recommend Pomella :) My mom and I were looking for some comfort food after a trip to IKEA! The food was the freshest middle-eastern we have had in CA. Pleasing to the eye, mouth, and heart. Fresh, unique, satisfying salads and saffron rice bowls that make you feel good. We must point out the stuffed falafel and the house made sangria because they were out of this world!!! We were able to order online for pickup but when we arrived the outdoor dining area was so well spaced, safe, and beautiful with all of its color- we just had to sit down. This is the cleanest and safest I have felt dining out or taking out!

Great food and very beautiful and peaceful setting outside (they also have indoor seating). Last time I was here, I tried the cold soba, which I didn’t like very much. But I wanted to give it another shot, and this time, I tried the hot “Kake Soba,” which is basically the plain soba without any meat or toppings. It was absolutely delicious. The broth was flavorful and rich. I also tried my friend’s Corn Cream Korokke, which was crispy, creamy and packed with flavor, and a piece of her duck from the Kamo Nanban duck Soba. The sashimi and tempura soba also looked delicious, so I definitely want to come back again to try more things

[Too Long Waiting] We arrived before 6 PM but weren’t able to place our order until 6:30. While the appetizers came out fairly quickly at 6:38, we had to wait another 40 minutes for the main dishes, which didn’t arrive until 7:16. [Food Quality] We ordered the Tamagoyaki, Kamo Misu Aburi, Ebi Ten Seiro, and Nishin Soba. The Tamagoyaki was mediocre — honestly, you can find better versions at many sushi spots in the Bay Area. The Kamo Misu Aburi was tasty but too salty on its own. It would’ve been much better if served with some rice or bread to balance it out. The Ebi Ten Seiro was also good, but the tempura portion was confusing. It came with 2 shrimp and 1 shishito pepper, even though the menu said “with 2 shrimp & shishito tempura,” which made us expect 2 shishito tempura as well. The Nishin Soba was unfortunately the weakest dish. The herring was overly sweet and had a strong fishy smell, which made the broth unpleasant. I ended up adding all the shichimi just to mask the off-putting flavor.

Soba Ichi serves delicious and authentic Japanese food. The duck appetizer was especially good — tender, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The interior has a traditional Japanese look, creating a calm and authentic atmosphere. Service was friendly and efficient too. It’s a little on the pricey side, but the quality makes it worth it. I arrived around 5 PM when they had just opened, and there was already a long line — a clear sign of how popular this place is. Definitely worth a visit if you enjoy real Japanese cuisine.

Was here for early dinner on a Saturday with a friend, the line for food was long but the food did not take long to arrive. Roadside parking is scarce so expect to walk a block or 2. As the name suggests this is a soba shop so expect most of the menu to comprise soba dishes (both hot and cold) and appetizers - just a single page. We had both the hot/soup soba and cold dipping soba and both are pretty good. The broth is not overly flavorful and the soba texture is good. The seared duck breast with meatball appetizer is really good too.

i recommend coming some minutes before they open to avoid a very long line! i arrived 5min beforehand and there was already several groups in front of me. i ordered the corn korokke and the hot ebi ten soba. there was a tiny fly fried on my tempura lol but they quickly replaced it with a fresh set. the soba was okay, but i honestly think i’m just not a fan of soba in general.

I’m so happy to have stumbled into this place. It was a delightful dinner. I highly recommend this place to people! The grilled duck and meatballs is a dish to not skip!!

Second time coming and it was as good as the first time. Hot and cold dishes are both great and really tasty. The egg appetizer and hojicha gelato was very good. Parking isn’t the greatest. Not the biggest con. This place is great.

so grateful i got to eat here before they closed, oakland lost a great restaurant. this italian-chinese-singaporean vegan restaurant sounds gimmicky but lives up to all the hype. food was flavorful without the meat and dessert was top tier. food was pretty overpriced though and the 20% mandatory tip is excessive but good to visit once. until next time, lion dance cafe! mushroom goreng: one of the highlights. loved the salty batter and perfectly fried. laksa: solid dish but nothing standout. rendang and nasi lemak: sleeper hit, extremely flavorful and top tier. a dish you will crave. mala cutlet sandwich: hard skip. lacked layers of texture and mustard overpowered the dish. pandan butter nian gao: top tier dessert, tasted like pandan butter mochi

Warning: Extremely expensive for the experience and tiny portion sizes. Be prepared to spend well over $150 for 2 people. First of all, it's reservation only and they charge $20 per person plus a dollar service fee just to make a reservation. My boyfriend and I paid $41 just to reserve a seat. That is not a deposit. It is misleading from their site. We were charged full price for all the dishes we ordered. We were told that most people order 2-3 dishes per person because it's tapas style dishes. They mentioned we should order 5-6 dishes for 2 people. We felt pressured to order because of that recommendation. It was way too much food at the end and we really only should have ordered 3 dishes max. We ordered 4 appetizers, 2 entrees, dessert, coconut water, beer and our total was $155 plus 20% tip brought us to $186. Add the $41 reservation fee and our grand total was $227!!! How does that even make sense. I'll add pictures and see if it makes sense to pay that much. Don't be fooled, I zoomed into the food so it looks big but in actual reality, it's miniature. When we arrived they were short staffed so there was no greeter. We sat indoors but it was extremely cold outside but also inside. There was no heater and I faced the kitchen and I can see staff doing the dishes right in front of me. For utensils, we got 1 fork and spoon each with chopsticks but no knives. We also received only 1 paper napkin each. We asked for rice to balance out the heat and spice but they said they don't offer rice which is extremely strange if you say you're an authentic Singaporean restaurant. We asked the waiter and he said it's too overwhelming for the staff to manage a rice cooker. We were then suggested to get their sesame bread instead for $16. Even offering noodles would have helped balance out the super spicy food. The only dish that was worth it as far as taste in my opinion was the Laska noodle soup. Still steep for $25 given that the protein was tofu and not a lot of it either. We got like 3 pieces of tofu. The decor was of a hawker center in Singapore which we've both been to. The high price tag was out of touch from the service, tiny portions, and experience we got. Most of the dishes are extremely spicy and you should be cautious because my boyfriend and I both got stomach aches at the end of our night and the next day. We love spicy food and we eat most of our meals with hot sauce but this is not for the faint of heart. My boyfriend's taste buds were fried to the point where he couldn't taste anything towards the end of dinner and I was choking up from the spices. There's no reason to charge $16-25 per dish if the portion sizes are of appetizers. Flavors were good but nothing out of the ordinary that you wouldn't get from a Chinese szechuan dish. If they charge $41 just for the reservation, at least deduct that from our food bill. It's price gouging at best and we felt robbed at the end of our experience. We won't be coming back unfortunately. Unless they get rid of their expensive reservation system, add rice to their menu, add a heater to their building, give bigger portion sizes and or lower their food prices, you can count us out.

We loved Lion Dance Cafe! Many of these dishes were new to us, and it was great that they were all vegan. We would love to go back and try some of the things we didn’t get to try. Our favorites on the first trip were: - the Shaobing service was delicious and a great way to start the meal - the mala douhua was rich, complex, and spicy - the Laksa was amazing - the pandan nian gao and green milk (pandan sesame milk) were so good we didn’t even get a picture

Lion dance is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. All their dishes have such unique flavors. I'm always taken aback by their creativity. There is not a single item that I would not recommend. and if the mushroom goreng is on the menu, get 2 orders. If you like unapologetically spicy food then this is absolutely your place!

Loved their takeout menu. Dine in experience left a lot to be desired. The meal was great but very heavy. 3 out of 4 people had upset stomachs because of it. Things were pretty carb heavy and very rich. Courses seemed a bit disjoint and did not flow together. Dessert tasted very artificial. Sent some notes via email but never heard back from them, hence the review. Will come back once they start doing takeout again.

Fantastic vegetarian option. I really enjoyed every single dish I had. My boyfriend and I received a gift card for Christmas to come here and finally made it out 7 months later. We had the charred cabbage, mushroom goreng, prawnless crackers, shaobing sandwich, milk bread, chips & dip and the pandan dessert. The most surprisingly was how great the dessert was!! Absolutely amazing. Personally I adored the cabbage and mushroom goreng. I will be bringing my vegetarian family here for sure. Give the non-alcoholic drinks a try! We tried the plumstruck and sweet n sour apricot, both were absolutely fantastic. The prices are honestly a bit overpriced! I truly cannot believe how much each dish was. I don't think my experience would have been as pleasant as it was if it weren't for the gift card. I regularly attend Michelin star restaurants and even then, I've had Michelin dishes with similar price ranges as here.... Being Michelin recommended is one thing but the dishes really don't seem to warrant this $$$ range. I want to come back here again and again, but please lower the price range 🥺. I'd like this to be a regular spot vs a "treat spot"

Lion Dance Café is a new favorite. We got a few things: - mushroom goreng: great batter & chili sauce, texture was very juicy - jackfruit rendang: super delicious, perfectly spiced, and very meat-like. Glad to have the roasted peanuts for extra protein & crunch :) - kojio e pepe: you need to come on saturdays just for this. So creamy & flavorful!! I wouldn’t have guessed it was vegan. We definitely struggled a little with the spice level but it was worth it. Service was good, we didn’t have to wait in line and they told us about a 25 minute wait but the food was ready in less than 20. Their outdoor seating was full by the time our food was ready, so we went around the corner to Bar 355 to buy drinks and sit in their parklet. I cannot wait to come back and try the sandwiches & nuggets!!

Great burgers (my husband ate the burger before I can take a photo), fries are crisp and the onion rings have a great tasting batter!!! Service is friendly and prompt! They deserve your gratitude; tip them in cash! Oh, we shared a petite ice cream, vanilla scoope with chocolate and caramel on the side (I ate it before I could take a photo 📸). You know how that goes; enjoy when you get around to visiting with them.

Always love this place for the awesome ice cream and decadent sundaes. They make the best toppings and especially the 'Jersey topping' which is malted whipped cream. You also have the option to order your sundae in a boat for easier sharing if you choose so. Although the place is always packed and very loud, I feel super happy when indulging into the Black & Tan with Jersey topping and usually finish it all. If you come for lunch or dinner, be sure to try their snow crab sandwich which is very good and one of their popular favorites too. If you're looking for a loud and lively place, this is a must stop in and be ready to sing 'Happy Birthday!' several times while there.

This place was awesome. The ONLY gripe I have (and it’s not a real gripe!) is that the portion was HUGE. if you’re going to order any of the sundaes, make sure you bring 3 friends with you!!! We definitely lost the battle with this one. The server was quick and friendly, and you can change two things about the sundae before they start charging you. The chocolate chip cookie was awesome and the vanilla bean ice cream was just the right amount of sweet.

Huge samples and servings. Great ice cream. Four day trip to Oakland, ice cream each day, and this was my wife’s favorite. Maybe the first time I’ve ever felt like I got too much ice cream. The cookies and cream and coffee cookies were amazing. 10/10 will go back (a lot). 🎅🏻

We ordered their seasonal flavors as Strawberry sherbet and cherry vanilla. They were so amazing tastes and I have never tried this kind of textures of ice cream before, it was smooth and chucks of fruits inside really made it amazing. The sweetness also perfect! It was a long line when we went on weekend. We ordered to go and sit outside beside the fountain.

My family and I have been going here for a decade I can’t believe I hadn’t made a review on fentons before🤦🏻‍♂️. Best place for ice cream and you can dine in or walking and walk out with your scoop. Your kids will love it it’s worth a drive. Parking is a little difficult but if you don’t mind walking down the street there’s a public parking lot.

The food at this place is some of the worst food available in Oakland. I've eaten here twice with friends for the lovely communal and nostalgic factor but don't plan on returning ever. $14 for a grilled cheese sandwich on white bread with a couple pickles from the bottom of the jar. The sandwhich was so bad and unintentionally made. We were not offered water or any napkins, straws, or condiments by the waitstaff. We paid for a shared plate and never received a shared plate. We asked for it and it never came. We had to go up and get our own to-go container so that we could share our meal. The pricing discrepancy from dine-in and counter service ice cream is also rather bizarre. The pricing even with inflation and paying livable wages for one scoop of ice cream if you're sitting here is really weird and not on par with the rest of the Bay Area ice cream pricing.

Reliable place. Large portions for many dishes so a good place for sharing out. Quick service with counter pickup. The attached grocery store is also great for Indian ingredients, some produce, frozen items.

This was a very bad experience for us. Food didn’t show up for an hour and was not the right order. We spent all this time waiting at the counter instead of having a good peaceful meal. AVOID - nothing this crappy place serves that is worth your wait. Food was not tasteful. Ordered Indian sweets and those had been sitting there for a while.

Unfortunately, this was the worst Indian food we've had in the Bay Area. The overall quality was disappointing, with dishes that were overly greasy and lacking in flavor. We ordered the thali and the yogurt papdi chaat - the kofta in the thali was particularly oily and underwhelming. The restaurant was also quite crowded inside, which made for an uncomfortable dining experience. For the price, it just didn’t feel worth it. On the positive side, there's ample parking available, and the service was fast and efficient.

Ok chole bhature, good fluffy bhatura and meh chole. Dahi papdi and dahi batata puri were terrible, worst I've ever had. Extremely dry, flavorless, and all it had was peppery. None of the sweet/sour you expect from any half decent chaat. Would not recommend.

Located inside a supermarket. Cafeteria style. Order and pay at the counter where the menus are posted, find seating, and wait for them to call your name to pick up your food. The food may not all come at one time depending on what you order. Self serve water station available. Not your typical naan and curry Indian food. I guess they call this Indian street food. We ordered the masala dosa $15, pani puri $9, daily special mutton curry $21, daily special black pepper chicken $19. All the food was pretty good. The meat curry dishes were not super heavy like most Indian curries are, a bit salty but ok overall. I wouldn't say the food is cheap, but it's fairly priced and portions are good. They have plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating. Clean bathrooms. Parking is plentiful. Lots of Indian customers so you know it's legit. Overall, it's pretty good and I would go back and try other dishes

This is the best Indian eateries that I have tried in the northern hemisphere. The foods are delicious , generous portion and reasonably priced. You will love it !

Vika Chaat has a casual, cafeteria-style vibe. The Tandoori Chicken Thali was just okay, and the Chole Bhature with chole being on the milder side , Dahi Pakori and Dahi Chaat were absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. I also loved the mixed pickle they serve with the meal—it had a great tangy kick! I liked it so much, I ended up buying some to take home. Great spot if you’re craving North Indian chaat-style dishes.

I visited this restaurant with my family for Father's Day lunch based on local Reddit recommendations, but unfortunately had a very disappointing experience with the service. The most concerning issue was that we were never provided water throughout our meal. Every other table had glass water bottles, but despite multiple servers bringing out our courses, no one noticed or addressed that our table was without this basic necessity. I had to specifically request water when our second course arrived, which should never happen at any restaurant. The service was consistently slow despite the restaurant being only partially full with several empty tables and adequate staff visible. It took 50 minutes from arrival to receive our first appetizer. We had to wave down servers for attention, as did other tables around us for both ordering and getting their checks. When our polenta arrived, no utensils were provided - spoons were quietly placed on our table well into the meal without any acknowledgment. The food quality was mediocre and didn't compensate for the service issues. This experience really fell far short of expectations. The restaurant may have potential, but significant improvements in service attentiveness and basic hospitality standards are needed. I hope this was an off day, but I can't recommend based on our visit.

Located in the Piedmont area, if you are in the mood for Italian style, non-pizza dinner, this restaurant will be worth the effort. High-quality flavoring, with a carefully-crafted alcohol and a rich range of choices from the current menu will leave a positive experience from the beginning until the end. You can taste the freshly-made pasta if you select something such as the Taglioni Pepati and the salads and appetizers will complete the experience. The photos included are the potatoes and of course Taglioni Pepati. Stop reading and go try it for yourself!

I love this place. Like LOVE. The food I’ve gotten here has always been very flavorful, well cooked, and presented beautifully. They also have a good selection of wine as well if you want to drink wine. Their desserts are also delicious, I always order the doughnuts which come with a dark chocolate sauce and this white sauce. They used to have these fish cannolis that were heavenly but unfortunately, those aren’t on the menu anymore. Outdoor seating: yes Heat lamps: yes Nice owners and staff: yes Price: it’s on the pricier side Wine price: ~ $11-16 per glass

Delicious food and great service. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. You would need reservation. We didn’t have reservation, but still they seated us at the bar table. The ambience is excellent. My favorite was the Butterbean and black rice risotto. Lots of tea options and they are delicious.

This place is a gem...great people running it, chef is skilled at his craft, servers are nice people and good at there jobs. I have been here many times in the one year i lived here. Never lets me down. Thank you to the staff here for always providing a great experience.

When I think of a word that comes to mind in describing this place, so many fight for my attention. There is one, however, which stands out amongst the the bunch: terrible. Everything we had was essentially flavorless, greasy, and seemed to be haphazardly thrown together. Except the sword fish. That definitely tasted like fish. But in the most unpleasant sort of way. The rabbit stuffed ravioli came as 6 (or was it 7? Who's counting.) wonton looking pouches sitting in a dish of butter. They were stuffed with a dry paste which reminded me of what those fancy cats from the 90s used to eat - anyone remember Fancy Feast commercials? Yes, you say? Come here for the nostalgia. The sauce had clearly broken and no one in the kitchen noticed (or I suspect cared) to do anything about it. As mentioned, the swordfish was noticeably fishy which was only partially covered up if combined with the dry potatoes and lifeless broccolini in a single bite. There was also some red colored accompaniment which reminded of cut up canned chilies doused in vinegar. This was then carefully slopped atop said broccolini. Truly the stuff of nightmares. Before these plates came, we were treated to three greasy, poorly seasoned squash blossoms sitting atop some odd shredded zucchini and squash salad in a mystery dressing. Oil was the predominant flavor here, though intuition tells me they were going for something else. Someone in the kitchen may benefit from learning how to fry properly - just a suggestion in the event management is paying attention to this. And at 18 dollars, this was robbery which didn't even require my venturing down to international boulevard. Our server was nice enough but left our empty water carafe sitting on our table the entire meal. There would be no refills to rid our mouth of the fishy aftertaste graciously left by the swordfish steak. Another food runner spilled a drink on my wife's foot, but hey, at least they apologized. Ambience wise, we didn't catch a glimpse of the inside as we sat out front. This allowed us to make awkward eye contact and fake smile as if to feign enjoyment as the occasional overly curious passerby would linger and sometimes inspect our table. If you looked beyond that forced smile, these eyes were saying run. Run very far away. And take me with you. This place is a total disaster and absolutely something to avoid, particularly when you consider so many better Italian options around town. The prices would have been not terrible if the quality wasn't as it was. There is unfortunately not a single redeeming quality about this place and it is unworthy of your time, money, or attention beyond this review.

Some of the ingredients seemed odd, like Thai basil in an Italian gnocchi dish. Excellent service, not very good food for the prices. I wouldn’t return. It was pretty quiet for a Friday night, so I think it isn’t known for its food anymore.

Came here for happy hour which is one complimentary bite per alcoholic drink. We ordered white and red sangria which were better than average. Best appetizer were the meatballs and brussel sprouts. Kind of pricey for what you get. Wish they would have had music from Spain.

This was a great little gem that hits the spot! All the food we ordered was delicious - seafood paella, croquet, the shrimp - were the top favorite. The flavor was spot on, and it was very well seasoned and balanced. The paella has a nice crispy Socarrat layer but wished it had more. The calamari was good and fresh (as is everything else) but we wish there was a bit more crispness. The drinks were also nice and refreshing. Only wished the old fashioned had a large ice cube, but no biggy. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed this little gem and would definitely come back if we’re in the hood

The food is good and presentation very nice. Very spaniard with its flavors with a bit of a twist. Good place to order different dishes and share. It wasn't mind blowing but okay. Calamari with squid ink was 🤌 and seafood paella wished it had more seafood but still very good. More on the $$$ side. Cons: The drinks 🍸 are terrible...water taste better 😅 They all tasted bad and nothing like we expected with no good flavor. The food tastes a long time to get to your table. Wouldn't drive all the way to Berkeley again for this but if I was in the area just maybe might come in to try a new item off the menu...maybe

I’m back here for the second time, and wow, this is seriously one of the best Spanish restaurants I’ve ever had in the San Francisco Bay Area! My wife and I went on my birthday, and we kicked things off with the Berros Salad. It was one of the most delicious salads I’ve had in ages. The spinach was just lightly cooked with a sprinkle of quinoa, but tons of jamon serrano. Then, we had the pulpo, and I have to say, this octopus was cooked perfectly. It was topped with parsnips puree and garbanzos. After that, we had the arroz negra paella, which was absolutely yummy! It was covered in squid ink with fennel sausage, clams, and oyster aioli. The paella was about $55, but it could easily feed two people very comfortably. We even brought some leftovers for my lunch the next day. To wrap up the night, we had churros con chocolate. The churros were delightful and sweet, and the warm chocolate sauce just melted in my mouth! For two people, we spent around $100 before tips, which included two appetizers, one large entree, and dessert. If you’re in the area, I remember this place as a great spot for family gatherings, dinner dates, or even a birthday celebration!

Intimate bar with a friendly vibe in downtown Berkeley that has a definite bar vibe, cute happy hour menu with flavorful petite bites for eats. A nice spot to meet with friends for a little bite and a drink. The sangria is really good. A small venue for small get togethers with a few family, friends or colleagues. The food may be small but they are packed full of flavor and filling after a few plates.

The octopus and paella are my favorites. Others are okay but not for me -because the seasonings are pretty strong.I’m not a fan of goat cheese and the mushroom filling is kind of mushy. So

We went for Sunday brunch. All the food was very good. Unfortunately, service was not very attentive. It can be loud while having a conversation.

The steak, eggs and grits were exceptional. My boyfriend had their chicken and waffles and he loved it too!! The prices were very reasonable. We came here randomly to kill some time and it did not disappoint. We will definitely be coming back

900 Grayson was phenomenal. Ordered the Demon Lover (Chicken & Waffles). You have a choice of syrup, gravy, or both. I ordered both. Chicken was seasoned well and waffle was soft. Overall very flavorful. 900 Grayson also has their own sauces that elevate the flavor. The ambience of this place was amazing. Music was pretty great too. The decor, incredible. Customer service was impeccable. My partner never once had to ask for a refill on his tea. Staff was attentive and polite. You can tell that the people who run 900 Grayson truly care about their customers and their restaurant.

Mom and pop style breakfast and brunch spot. I took no photos because the food was okay, average. The service was friendly and I love that this restaurant is also lqbtq+ friendly. We did not wait long for a table or for our food to be served. The price was very affordable.

Always been a huge fan of their Demon Lover, but the Potter Creek was really good as well. Excellent place, really friendly service and great interior. One of my favorite breakfast spots in Berkeley.

I ordered the cobb salad thinkin it was a club sandwich but i wasnt mad @ my mistake the salad is super good.

900 Grayson in Berkeley is a great breakfast & lunch restaurant that attracts a loyal following of dedicated customers who are in love with their delicious menu items. While we were visiting from New York, we heard that we had to plan to at least come here for breakfast! We were very impressed with their service and our delicious breakfast!

Very mid fried chicken sandwich. No notable flavors. No crisp to it. Soft and minimal texture like white fish. Very odd. Coleslaw w/ way too much vinegar. For $17 it just doesn’t make any sense to be this bad. Bill was served after 5 mins of receiving meal. Odd

Celebrated my daughter's college admission there with my family. Great food and great service! Definitely will come back.

Lots of parking on a Saturday, at 6:30pm. Sat outdoors, heaters would come on, if needed. We didn't need it 2 weeks ago. My group of 3 ladies, celebrating a birthday of one of them. All food choices fresh, flavorful, hot/ steaming. My chicken picatta, with mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, perfect. $25. Had left overs. My companions entrees , of salads, pizzas, enjoyable too.

I recently made a reservation for a large group. They were very responsive and they made the reservation very easy. Unfortunately half of our group couldn't attend due to family matters. I felt terrible, but the staff was very understanding and accommodating. Our server was wonderful, I wish I got his name. (The evening of 12/10/23) The cocktails are classics with an upscale twist, as well as an extensive wine list. The food is excellent. I recommend the calamari, ahi tuna salad, duck confit and tiramisu. This was my first time here and I plan to go back on a date night or with friends sometime soon!

The lighting was soft but still good so you could see your food. It was at the perfect level

I came here for a memorial lunch and I really enjoyed it with just a few reservations. They do not have gluten-free pasta or pizza which should be in every place in my opinion. They did have a delicious salad and chicken. Other people enjoyed the pasta. The people who run the restaurant are very nice. The service is excellent. The atmosphere is nice with art on the walls. I would like to come back. The location is nice as well.

So disappointed. Was there a few weeks ago and had a very delicious chicken parm. Went back the other day and was told they only have it on the menu occasionally. Given there is eggplant Parm on the menu, not sure why it's not a regular item. What we had wasn't nearly as good.

Really love this place! Service is top notch! Cocktails are great. Food is great! Especially love the absolutely delicious rosemary bread they serve with meals!!!

Absolutely incredible experience! This was my first time at an Ethiopian restaurant, and I’m so glad I chose this place. I ordered vegetarian food — the spiced tea, sambussa, and the veggie platter — and hands down, it was some of the best food I’ve ever had. Every bite was flavorful and unique. What made the experience even better was the amazing service. The staff took the time to explain what each dish was, which made it feel welcoming and thoughtful. You can tell they really care about sharing their culture and food. Highly recommend — I’ll definitely be coming back!

Pro Tip: Go for the meat and vegan sampler on a big plate—it’s the perfect way to taste a variety of stews in one go. Every bite had something unique to offer. We also tried the lamb tips, which were melt-in-your-mouth buttery and absolutely delicious. Shoutout to our server, who was incredibly patient as we bombarded him with questions about the different spices used in the cocktail menu. Speaking of cocktails… we may have ordered half the menu—and loved every single one. Here are the standouts we’d come back for: 1. Lion’s Mane – The shai kemin spice steals the show here. Complex, bold, and unforgettable—this was hands-down my favorite. 2. Give Them the Beans – Think espresso martini meets boozy chocolate milkshake. Rich, smooth, and indulgent. 3. Garden of Eden – Sweet, floral, and beautifully balanced. A refreshing contrast to the bolder drinks.

First time trying Ethiopian food, was not disappointed! Got the sampler to split between two, and it was definitely enough food. I didn’t realize that when they ask if you want Injera, which is like the bread/rice option you see at other restaurants, they provide it as a separate charge and that the plate came with some (it’s actually the base of it), so I wouldn’t have ordered extra. The sampler was varied with several options, and the flavors very tasty - perhaps the only downside was the actual amount of chicken for some of the samples was a little small. For the price too it wasn’t outrageously expensive either, though it is on the pricier side.

My favorite Habesha restaurant!! The food is so good! The lamb tibs, atakilt (cabbage) and shiro (puréed chickpeas) are my favorites. I would say skip the doro wot (it’s 2 chicken drumsticks, needed salt). The tibs portions are more generous than most Ethiopian restaurants. The sambusas (samosa) were super fresh. The beef was great. The lentil ones were super spicy and too hot for me. The service is impressive. Our waitress gifted us baklava. It was so fresh I could taste the rose water. They have real injera that is gluten free but make sure you ask for it. And hands down Ethiopian food is the most delicious vegan/vegetarian food ever. Every time we go the place is packed but we typically walk in without a reservation. The inside is lovely and there is outdoor seating in the back.

Great ambience and service. As soon as you enter you are transported to a different world, with the colors and the aromas. Service is super friendly. Try their platters, sambusas and honey wine. Buy some spices on your way out.

Highly recommend Cafe Colucci to anyone who likes Ethiopian food or is interested to try it. Great selection, portion sizes, atmosphere, and service. i always get the veggie platter and it's absolutely delicious! I've also tried the mushroom tibs which was incredible.

Love the food, but take out portions are ridiculously small. I’ve eaten here many times, in this location and the previous one. The food is great! Although I eat meat, I really love the vegan sampler platter. I’ve gotten takeout from there twice now, and I’ve noticed that they give significantly less food in the takeout version of the same dish. It’s really disappointing. When I eat in the restaurant, we typically share the vegan sampler platter and maybe get an app, though the app is not necessary. Ordering the same dish as takeout I am able to finish the entire dish myself. It is a big and noticeable difference. I guess it’s not a good idea to get takeout from there. I think they are just trying to fit in too small containers and they need to buy larger ones. Or they should charge less for the to go version. I will remove this review if they fix the problem.

We totally had a great meal here! The plantains were delicious, the corn fritters? -On point for sure. I had the Chicken and waffle, we shared the doughnuts, the chicken sandwich was good, and the salad was flavorful. Certainly a spot to stop in and have a taste.

​Two words: comfort food. Decent portions and mid-range prices. The place is spacious, bright, and wheelchair friendly. Service was friendly and fast. Good location in downtown Oakland, with street parking available within the vicinity. We arrived in the early evening and were able to park for free.

All the way from Wisconsin. Oxtail, greens, rice, smashed plantains...exceptional Salt fish and ackee .....amazing Caribbean beef pattie...seasoned & very good Rum punch....fresh and light. 5 stars Sarah the owner was on site and her caring spirit was surley noticed Great endeavors are on the way!!☮️

This place is really good and flavorful! If you are looking for a female black owned place to eat this is your spot. Staff is always nice and they have very yummy cocktails to choose from. I got the Ackee and Salt fish! It was good! My friend got the oxtails they were a good size and so tender. I recommend this place if you are craving the taste of the Caribbean.

Stiff drinks. Decent baked macaroni and cheese. Okay greens - flavorful, tender. Skip the oxtail (tasted tooooooooo sweet!?!?!?) Fried chicken wings - YUMMY! Rum punchy tooo rummy. Corn fritters - just no.

I was looking forward to visiting based on reviews. The service was great. I went in on a Monday and it wasn’t busy. I had the wings, rice, and greens. The only thing that remotely came out hot was the chicken. Kinda salty but I could taste the flavor. The greens were lukewarm and very salty or vinegar like. And the rice was flavor less without hot sauce. Great location and I could imagine great vibes at night.

We stopped by for lunch while at a conference. I got the chicken and waffles. The waffles we're really good. They came, as the photo shows, with bananas and just enough syrup. The chicken was decent, not the best I have had but also not the worst. Combined, it was a good meal. I don't eat much, so I ended up giving half of my food to the person I was with who had a salad. We also ordered some of their in house juices. I got the ginger limeade, which was definitely made with real ginger. Luckily, I like ginger, so I enjoyed that as well. Prices were reasonable. Staff were nice.

It's my first time trying Dominican food, and I was so impressed that I found myself returning for two consecutive days to explore more of their dishes! For both visits, I placed a pickup order. The restaurant had my food ready when I arrived, and I appreciated that they sealed their takeout bags for security. From their Lunch Combo menu, I tried two delicious dishes. The Dominican Rice Bowl, featuring Slow Roasted Pork Pernil and Tostones (Fried Green Plantain), was an absolute delight. The roasted pork was incredibly tender and juicy, making it effortless to pull apart, while the tostones added a delightful crunch. The other dish I tried was The New Dominicano sandwich, which comes with braised oxtail, pork pernil, butter pickles, Swiss cheese, sofrito lime mayo, nisi Philly roll, and tostones. This sandwich was bursting with flavor, delicious, and extremely fulfilling.

Visited alaMar Dominican Kitchen on 4/25/25 with a colleague and had a great time! The food was delicious — every bite packed with authentic flavor. The yellow rice was perfectly cooked, the fried plantains were crispy on the outside and sweet inside, and the meat was tender with a vibrant chimichurri-style sauce. The beans and fresh slaw rounded everything out beautifully. The ambiance was super fun and vibey, with great music and a lively but relaxed energy that made the experience even better. You can tell a lot of care goes into both the food and the atmosphere here. Definitely a must-visit spot if you’re in Oakland looking for bold, soulful Dominican flavors. I’ll absolutely be coming back, thank you alaMar!

I liked the atmosphere and the food. Good Hispanic music in the background and the food was delicious. We ordered a few dishes that typically Dominican and they were right on the spot. Not all dishes are necessarily Dominican but you can get some of them here. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.

I was out in the east bay today! I tried @alamaroakland #dominicanfoodoakland I have been waiting for the WEST COAST/ bayarea to have flavors other than Mexican food! No offense to Mexican food! But being from Central America you crave that Caribbean flavor!! Plátano maduro, mondongo, ect. Today I tried the #theNewdominican it’s braised oxtail, pork pernil, butter pickles, Swiss cheese, sofrito lime mayo on a nisi Philly roll crispy to perfection! With two big tostones on the side! It has #flavor, it’s #delicious the meat omg to die for! bold, comforting, and full of soul—it hits you with deep, layered flavors that come from a rich blend of African, Spanish, and Taino (indigenous) influences If you live in the Bay Area and want DOMINICAN Food it’s here! Try it out!! I’m excited to go back and try their dinner portion!! 100 Grand Ave Oakland, CA 94612 #dominicanfood I came in during lunch time the server was amazing went over the menu with him! The portions are perfect not to over the top enough for you to be full and have some left over! Ambiance inside gorgeous it reminds me of NY the place is located in a good area of Oakland and I know they have days when they have LIVE music and I will go back to experience that!!

Enjoyed everything I ate! Only problem is that they were out of a few off the dishes by 8pm. Would definitely be back!

My South American heart sang when I tried the sancocho from Alamar! This rich sancocho had incredible seasoning and felt like something my mom would make. My sister had the pernil and the Dominican rice, good as hell! Happy this place is here in Oakland, next time I’m trying the red snapper because I saw someone else get it and it looked great.

Such a fun spot. We tried a lot of dishes I’d never heard of before, everything was great. Cleaned our plates. The music was fun, the vibe was cool. I like how the bartender comes and brings the drinks (which were so good and interesting!) Would definitely go back!

We had a truly lovely early dinner at the bar. Bobby, the bartender, was wonderful. Kind, accommodating, and the perfect host. Didn’t blink when I asked for a special drink, and quite knowledgeable about the menu and the wine choices. The manager was also as kind and warm a host as one could hope for. We arrived before the official dinner hour, but he kindly escorted us to the bar where we dove into the happy hour menu. We started with several appetizers, all of which were tasty and well presented. I particularly enjoyed the sausage, and the polenta with fontina. Our good intentions of stopping after the appetizers gave way when I saw the spaghetti al neri with bay scallops on the menu. A perfectly sized portion of delicious pasta and scallops. My wife had the squash tortelloni with sage and brown butter. Delicious balance of sweet and savory. Highly recommended!

Had a lovely dinner at Donato & Co in Berkeley. 🇮🇹 The atmosphere was cozy, and the service was friendly. The risotto was a great choice—creamy, well-balanced, and satisfying. 🍚👌 The rest of the menu had solid options, with fresh ingredients and classic Italian flavors. Overall, a good spot for a relaxed meal! 🍷

I recently tried this for lunch and overall thought it was just okay. The appetizers and ricotta were decent, but the cacio e pepe was a real disappointment. I almost never send food back, but in this case I couldn’t eat it — the pasta tasted like it had just been microwaved, lacking the freshness and flavor you’d expect from such a classic dish. While the atmosphere was nice and some items were enjoyable, I probably wouldn’t try it again.

Not bad - but not great either. I have been to Donato twice now. My first experience was good, but my more recent experience was so so, and left an unpleasant taste both literally and figuratively. Everyone was nice and welcoming, but the food service was surprisingly slow, and my order had meat when I specifically requested vegetarian options for religious reasons. Italian cuisine is normally very accommodating towards vegetarians, and Donato's menu is surprisingly meat filled, almost intentionally so. That said, given that this is a Berkeley restaurant, and how many people have dietary restrictions, I am surprised how difficult the menu is to interpret. I don't plan on returning anytime soon.

family and friends and always enjoyed it—until now. We went for my wife’s birthday, expecting the warm atmosphere and great food we remembered. Instead, the vibe was dull, with either no music or the wrong kind. The carpaccio appetizer arrived dry, so I asked for olive oil. We were given barely two teaspoons—and then charged for it. At that point, I half-expected to see a charge for salt and pepper, which we also had to request. Sadly, this was our last visit to Donato.

My fiancée booked this place to surprise me for a birthday dinner. I was skeptical because he’s not the best at choosing restaurants. I asked to go to some place that serves organic, real, thoughtful yet rustic food. This restaurant hit all of those points. Everything was delicious. We got the radicchio salad, dived into the spaghetti Neri and the calamari and octopus dish. We wanted more food as portion are about medium size. We then added the truffle ravioli; downed everything with wine and left happy. Service was excellent also- no BS and quick, thanks for a nice time!

There’s something very authentically Italian and brave about this place. I had cappelletti with fig reduction and Walnut sauce and it was spectacular. However, I had so much sweet fig reduction in my mouth at first that it was almost off putting. Digging into the dish I realized how good it was. We sat at the bar and had some excellent cocktails. Overall, I would definitely go back again.

I love Enssaro so much! This is my go-to for a solo meal, big group, and dates. Everything is delicious and spiced perfectly if you like heat!! The appetizers are a must - especially the hummus and nachos (photo).The drinks are great too. Raphael & Solomon are great hosts and neighborly. Portions are generous and they have many combinations for meat lovers and vegetarians. I keep coming back!

I had never tried Ethiopian food before, so this is not a comparison. After explaining this to the gentleman and that I would have no idea what to order, he thoughtfully considered the matter, asked a couple of questions (when I last ate; what I had) and put together a custom plate based on the meat sampler for me to try. The Highlight: Doro Wat (“if you haven’t had it, you haven’t really had Ethiopian food”): Absolutely phenomenal flavor! The sauce has a touch of kick that brings the senses to life, and the cheese adds in a dynamic texture. It was so good I went back the next day for lunch to try the Special Kitfo (steak tartare) and I was blown away. While the Doro Wot was bursting with flavor, the Kitfo was an exploration of texture. Can’t recommend this spot highly enough!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had such a wonderful experience at Enssaro! The staff greeted me with warm smiles and provided excellent service throughout my visit. The food was absolutely delicious — every Ethiopian dish was full of authentic flavor and made with so much care. I truly loved everything I tried. I came all the way from Atlanta, Georgia, the meal was well worth the trip. Highly recommend Enssaro to anyone who wants to enjoy amazing Ethiopian cuisine!

truly can not say one bad word about this place. from the crisp spicy marg w/ ethiopian spices to the veggie/meat sampler, the chefs didn’t miss a beat. the restaurant space itself is inviting and gives off “enjoy the intimacy of this space” energy. not only that, but the wonderful daughter of the owner took the time to explain how the injera (bread) is made. it’s not everyday that you get great service, an explanation behind the success of a family-owned business, and a beautiful experience with a night out. 10/10 no crumbs left behind

Used to like this place but not anymore! Portions compared to prices is ridiculous! The vegetarian plate includes about 2 table spoons of each of misir and kik alicha (lentils) Doro wot was okay although lacked intensity and needed some more spice and sauce base! Most annoying part was waiters asked twice while I was eating if I was done. If you see me chewing why are you coming to my table and asking if I was done???? The second time the waitress asked if she can take one of the plates! And I just nodded WHILE CHEWING! There are too many good ethiopian restaurants in the area for this behaviour Won’t be back for sure!

Felt like I was back in Ethiopia. The Derek Tibs is a must crispy, rich, unforgettable. Great atmosphere, and big thanks to Netsanet and Solomon for the warm hospitality. I’ll definitely be back

My favorite Ethiopian place in the entire Bay Area! Love the family that runs this iconic neighborhood fave, Surafel and Solomon and their sister Nesanet. I’ve been coming here for over 10 years and their veggie platter always hits. Butacha is also delicious. Excited to see their new spot on College Ave!!!

Cozy peruvian restaurant with an excellent menu. For starters we got the Ceviche de Pescado, the Chicharron, and the Causa Negra - all were excellent. For mains we got the Arroz con Mariscos, the Lomo Saltado, and the Adobo de Chancho - and that is in order of our preference. The only issue was that the last two mains were a little over salted and hence the four stars. The service was excellent.

On the recommendation of my son, a serious foodie and industry professional, I made a reservation for several friends and me to dine at Pucquio. Why didn't I know about this restaurant before? It is INSANELY DELICIOUS! We ordered so many menu items and tried each dish. Every single one was perfect. There was so much love and joy in the food preparation and presentation. We had Lomo Saltado, Aji de Gallina, Adobo de Chancho, and Arroz con Mariscos. Additionally, we tried the Cebiche de Pescado, Yuca Frita (YUM!), and Salchipapas. For drinks we had the limonada and passion fruit beverages, plus some delicious calvados sparkling wine. Dessert was a sampler of all the sorbets. The service, led by Kevin, was spectacular. He was warm, engaging, knowledgeable, and fun. We watched Carlos creating his culinary magic in the kitchen, too. I cannot wait to go back - make a reservation because it's gonna get busy!

This is by far the best Peruvian cuisine experience outside South America I have ever had! I love Peruvian so I always try their restaurants. I was seating in front of the food preparation area and I was very impressed, I want to come back and try it all. This was an excellent gastronomic experience 💪

Our family of three shared as much of the menu as we could sample. All of it was excellent. We recommend trying at least one of the cebiches (we had Mosiaico Cebichero), one of the fries (we had salchipapas) a salad (we had quinoa), and some main dishes (we had both aji de gallinna and lomo saltado). Also, don’t forget the sangria. We shared the dessert, too. (We had bombitas). We can’t wait to go back again. Very kind service, too.

What a lovely scene with friendly service. Intimidate setting. Easy to find but tough parking. I recommend sitting at the counter because you can get a full view of meal prep. Lomo Saltado was a classic and meat was seared to perfection. Fish Ceviche was fresh. Dessert was kind of like a donut with a sweet potato filling and cream dip. I didn't drink the wine but the server sounded knowledgeable about the selection. Great date spot.

Fantastic restaurant. Can’t believe I’ve waited this long to try it. Ceviches and the shrimp bisque was exceptional. Fresh and flavorful. The pork adobo was good but lacked the punch that the prior dishes had. Also if you’re looking for a cocktail I highly recommend the pisco sour. The service was impeccable. Friendly without being over the top. Did not pressure us to order more or drink more like some places that come by every 5 min asking if you want another drink. Will definitely be returning.

Can’t say enough about how amazing this food is. We make a long drive to visit as often as possible. Fabulous ceviche, wine, lomo and other incredible Peruvian dishes. The service is superb and the chef and his team make you feel like family. Love them! New outdoor heaters are awesome. Highly recommend.

Starting with the Beef Tripe Wonton Noodle Soup, it offered a comforting blend of tender beef tripe and delicate wontons in a fragrant broth. While beef tripe wasn't quite my preference, the soup base and wontons were undeniably delicious. It's a dish worth trying for the adventurous diner. Next up, the Roasted Duck with Noodle Soup took center stage. The succulent duck slices paired perfectly with the egg noodles, and the rich broth infused with roasted duck essence was truly soul-soothing. The crispy skin added a delightful crunch, making it a must-try for duck enthusiasts. We also tried their BBQ Combo Dish, which included BBQ pork and roast duck bursting with flavor, thanks to the perfectly balanced marinade. The Beef and Egg Over Rice was alright but not memorable. To cleanse our palates, we enjoyed refreshing Lemon Tea, its citrusy zing complementing the savory dishes beautifully. I also ordered their Beef Chow Fen for takeout, featuring wide rice noodles stir-fried with succulent beef, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

This is a must try no frills Cantonese dining spot in Chinatown. The Peking duck was solid, if anything a little cold but the flavor was yummy. My favorite dish was the Char Siu, definitely not like the Char Siu we have back with our Canto folks in Tijuana, but it was nice to try the authentic one here!! The Chow Mein and Chinese Sausage Fried Rice were also shockingly amazing, they were perfectly balanced and paired really well with the chili oil they provide. The servers were also extremely attentive and diligent; they welcomed us with warm cups of tea and didn’t have us waiting long at all. And as the cherry on top, as a group of 3 we ate well and took some leftovers all for only 60 bucks 🤣🤣. I absolutely loved everything about this place; the food, the vibes, the people, the price, but most importantly the quality of the experience. 10/10 from us, and even though this isn’t San Diego this place is 100% DAYGOEATS CERTIFIED✅📋

This is what a Cantonese dining experience is!!! Disclaimer: I have eaten at this place since I was a child, I fell in love with the chang fun and the porridge here. So I was so sad when I heard from my own parents that this place was not as good and affordable anymore. So, after 4 years away from the military, I returned to try it with a critical eye. It did not disappoint. The pork liver changfun (with out yellow chives) was soft and silky, while the pork liver was cooked and seasoned to perfection. It had a slight crunchy texture. The pork inards porridge was also really delicious with great flavors. The meat was perfectly cooked, pairing perfect with the Chinese doughnut. The wonton noodles were good, not amazing, but still objectively good. The menu is large, not as cheap as its neighbors, and it is easy to order food that may not be as good, but trust men when I say to order the specialties. The changfun and porridge. When I sat down and looked at all the elderly people's table, it was all of those. The specialties that are sold here are still one of the best I had in the world, including Guangzhou, Malaysia, Singapore, and other Asian speaking countries. I am still on a journey to find a good replacement. I will update this when I do.

the House special fried rice is my favorite one. Their lunch special porridges are good as well

This is the perfect spot for some authentic chinese food. The service was quick, barely a few minutes. The food was also affordable with a large portion size. I got the roasted pork noodles which had crispy cuts of pork, veggies, and plenty of noodles. Will definitely come back to try other items on the menu.

Good HK style bbq (char siu, roasted pig, duck) and egg noodle soup. Would recommend.

My freaking favorite Chinese restaurant in the East Bay! Get the porridge with Chinese donut. Sprinkle some white pepper. Great for rainy cold days where you just need some comfort food. Noodle soups here are great for that too. Rice rolls are hand made! I prefer the cilantro one.

Comida Autentica de Guadalajara y California. Perfecto. Delicious, traditional and sweet innovative dishes. Among the top 3 Mexican food establishments in Oakland. Great food, great art, great drinks. Get into this place.

What makes this place even more spectacular is the amazing service. Take my money!! Good service goes a long way nowadays and most food places are forgetting the importance of this value. Also burritos are more than enough for 2 people I could only finish half. Chips and salsa are complimentary and are delicious!

I ate here tonight and I was not happy literally got 2 shrimp in my combination fajitas I didn’t take a picture because I was so hungry when I got it. Then it was flavorless and we spent $100 for these items that’s crazy and the 2 drinks didn’t have liquor and I upgraded mines but my friend did not want to cause a scene.. they’ve just lost clientele this was my first time there & it was horrible.. huge strands of hair in our water picture and you’d think they’d say here a complimentary something no nothing … I had to remind them of my sides these mishaps are un acceptable their lucky I paid cash otherwise I’d dispute this.. waiters are not engaged enough for me and this is the only picture I got look at the amount of ice it’s filled to the rim literally rip off only thing kind of good was tortillas

Very disappointed, reasons: 1, as other bad reviews stated here, once we sat down, they put guacamole and chips on our table, they didn’t say this is NOT for free, and certainly we didn’t order this at all, in the end they put $14 or 12 on the bill, this is just like scam. Is this even legal? 2, menu is horrible, once we scan the code, there are two pictures, one tiny one big, have to zoom in differently to see the menu. 3, food is ok but one bottle of cheap beer is $7! Overpriced for sure. 4, mid aged waiter says clearly on his face like “Spanish only/ Mexican only”, not friendly at all. 5, difficult parking. 6, if you don’t pay cash, you need to pay 4% more NCC fee – non cash charge, ridiculous!

I have absolutely no complaints other than I wish this place was bigger to accommodate more people. The food was fresh, super good, and of good quantity. The waiter, Raul, kept checking on us and making sure we had a great time. Parking can be a bit tricky, but indoor and outdoor seating. Menu is on a QR code on the table. No matter what you get, it is really really good. I haven't had anything better than this. I highly recommend it! Went with two other friends.

Decent pricing and portion size. However taste wise the veggie enmoladas plate was kind of weird. The filling was good but the covering sauce was too sweet. Even the side salad had fruits in it. It was not suitable to my taste palate but maybe other dishes would be nicer. It would also help to have more vegetarian options on their menu.

My west coast friends always tell me Mexican food is so much better in California. So when visiting San Francisco I asked our local friends to take us to a good Mexican restaurant. This place didn't disappoint. Definitely a huge difference than what I'm used to. The food was great and the guacamole and chips were delicious. The service was great also. The place is pretty small so if you have a party of more than four you'll be seated outside in their covered and heated section.

I recommend the Nam Khao appetizer, Mok Pa steamed catfish, and Mango Sticky Rice dessert

The food here was great. It’s not fancy, or in a fancy neighborhood, but if you like food, it’s 5 stars. I had the Laotian stew, which was my favorite. I tried some new dishes and it was exciting! Thank you for your excellent service.

A restaurant that proves two theories true: that Laotian cuisine is one of the world’s best, and that the tastiest food is almost never the prettiest. A meal to remember many moons from now, for $23.50. Order any of the Lao specialties from the menu’s first page.

Google this place on our way home. Service was fast and friendly. We enjoyed the Thai tea the most from our order, it was decent and herbal enough. The large papaya was sadly too salty and small for $11. The $3 sausage was good. The pad Thai was more wet than my liking and wasn't as flavorful. This place is decent and ok for Thai food. Not the best but also not the worst. No dine in only takeout.

We ended up here by coincidence - a very happy one! They have a broad selection with many amazing options. The food was ready fairly quickly, we had it to go but you can also dine in in their cozy dining area. Friendly staff. The sticky mango dessert was absolutely delicious.

Flavorful, family-run Oakland Laotian restaurant with newly updated, nearly encyclopedic menu ensuring there’s something for everyone. Thai and Vietnamese options also available. Beef pho, solid with clean tasting broth and generous portions. Kao Soy noodle soup, while tasty, may be better at other places. Definite highlights: Lao sausage, yum! Order one per person minimum and enjoy in the herby citrus that cuts perfectly through the fat. Deep fried quails perfect as a gamey appetizer to share with friends. Papaya Salad - Lao style, funkier than the Thai version with anchovy as base. Nem Kao, crispy rice salad with pork, a unique blend of citrusy and herby flavors, wrapped in lettuce for added crunch. Angel wings, a familiar tasting standard. One of many Southeast Asian gems in East Bay.

I recommend this place 100% all the food is great. the service is not that great due to the volume of people that visit this place iced coffee Lao’s sausage chicken soup rice noodles everything is delicious 🤤

First time with my family on a early Sunday evening. Sat outside bc we brought our dog. Kids loved the fried chicken and pork belly bowls. My tofu bowl was also delish. Kids soup noodles is great for a more plain taste of kids. Garlic noodles was a little too saucy. But still tasty. Overall great. Service was awesome. Helping with menu selection and prompt delivery.

Ordered the Thai Chili Hot Sandwich. It was bland, tough and soaked in oil. I was expecting something great and couldn’t even finish it. Overall, disappointing.

Great spot for tender and hearty thai-style khao mun gai! Friendly staff and very quick service (within 10 minutes). The shop wasn't super busy but also not empty at 2pm on a Friday--comfy spot for a party of 1. Portion size was honestly just right, if not generous. Hope to come again and try some other dishes!

I online ordered my dinner from the website, And worker from the resturant called because I made 2 orders and he called yo confirm That was pleasant. But when I received my order my salad was delicious! My Daughter loved the garlic noodles and the the chicken was cooked how she likes it, my youngest Son is a chicken sandwich connoisseur he said it was 3 thumbs up it wasn't too spicy and it was very crispy my other Son got the beef he complained it was too tough and just eating the garlic rice and cucumbers he enjoyed that but said the cucumbers were bland. All in all the food was good despite the minor mishaps. 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genuinely my favorite spot in the bay, everything I’ve ever tried on the menu is delicious. Highly recommend the fried chicken bowl with garlic noodles. If you only want chicken and noodles, no veggies, get the Tanya special. More expensive, but enough food for 2 meals for the average person. But try everything, it’s all amazing!

Great little casual restaurant that my better half discovered. Went there for our first time this afternoon, and we were very pleased. Flavorful chicken dishes, ample servings, very welcoming and congenial service, and so much more to try. Yes, we will return...many times...

Great menu. Just reading it is a pleasure. Despite its amusingly low budget production value (plastic slipcover) The twice curry-fried tofu was so well complimented by the cukes and leaves. Yum! The Thai tea float was great but a wee bit marred by the icyness of the ice cream that perhaps sat unsealed a bit long.

I ordered 2 burritos one chicken the other steak. The burritos were burnt and soggy! The staff were friendly the restaurant is clean and aesthetically pleasing! I was disappointed! The chocolate chip cookies were good also

Great atmosphere and fantastic fast casual eats yet authentic! 9.0/10.0

I got a burrito here and the recommended one was Suft and Turf with shrimp and steak. It wasn’t good for the $14.25 price plus tax and tip coming to $18. There were not too many shrimps and overall it didn’t have any flavour. Maybe too much beans. Anyways, not recommended.

They got a nice outside area but thats really it. The girl that took our orders was rude and had no type of customer service. Looked like she didnt want to be there. Food was very mid at best. Asada taco was ok. Fish taco was terrible. Had no flavor, no crisp, just soggy. The sauce on the fish taco was good but everything else was not. Dont recommend this place.

Best vegetarian tacos around. This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. The people are great and the restaurant has tons of seating, including a small outdoor area out back. The portions are generous and I love coming here alone and with my friends as well!

Xolo has been one of my favorite go-to places for tacos and burritos in the Bay Area for 6+ years. The covered patio out through the back is great to relax. The machaca burrito is to die for.

I was craving a breakfast burrito and wanted to try a new spot. I've been here before but I never tried their breakfast burritos. I'm always greeted with positive energy when I enter this place. The serving portion sizes are large and the food is always tasty. If you can find parking, you definitely want to consider stopping here for breakfast.

Got a plate of the pork gyoza, beautifully thin wrapper with delicious juicy filling! The ramen bowl however was pretty average in taste, not great but not bad. I had higher expectations, and it was flavorful but left wanting more. Good portion size, fairly rich broth, would have loved a whole egg instead of a half and a bit more of a kick to the broth.

From out of town, first time here. Nice place, lots of diners which made us about comfortable trying it. The miso pork ramen was excellent. Beautiful broth, melt in your mouth pork and the egg was done perfectly. Our server Caleb was excellent too. Quick wit to him and he made us feel at home.

I got the salmon bowl. It was very delicious. Would love to come back here in the evening for some drinks as well. Total vibe.

Decent ramen. Hamachi carpaccio was good. Plenty of open tables during lunch

Crazy good food! This little place was so cozy and our waiter took the time to tell us about the art and the story behind it. The food was incredible and rich. Would definitely come back.

Overall, it was a great experience. My wife decided to bring me here for Ramen (I never had ramen other than instant noodles. I loved it and would highly recommend it. The only thing that was bad was the lack of parking. Other than that, the food and service were A1.

Authentic Japanese ramen, appetizers, and drinks across from the Fox Theater. We had the pork broth ramen with shiitake mushrooms and kimchi, and two cocktails. We also had edamame with garlic soy sauce to start. It was very tasty, and the atmosphere was cute, with manekineko watching the patrons from their perch beside a menagerie with of ramen boxes and sake bottles. Would recommend.

If you are planning to go on a weekend, expect lots of wait time. They don't have reservations but you can join the wait list on Yelp. But the waits worth it. You get the best tasting food (with more hints of garlic - which I like) and beautifully plated dishes. Order bunch of different ones and share to get a taste of everything (they serve portions in family style, easy to share plates)

A hidden gem in Fruitvale! I never had Cambodian food until I tried this place and I’m a fan! Will be coming back for sure! They also have their famous fish dishes on the weekends! But gotta go early because they sell out!

I finally got the chance to try out Nyum Bai. This place deserves all the attention! It was the first time I tried Cambodian cuisine, but I was blown away by the flavors and selection of meals. Some meals seemed similar to Vietnamese cuisine, but the spices and ingredients make Nyum Bai stand out. The staff was also extremely friendly and quick to order and serve your meal. This place is definitely worth a visit!

Modern Cambodian cuisine with Bay Area produce. The chicken wings were fantastic - crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy. The pork belly was tender in a rich soy glaze. The soup broth was delicate. All served in casual environment at great prices. One of my new favorite restaurants in the Bay Area -- and very accessible by Bart. I look forward to my next visit.

We waiting an hour or so after adding our name to the Yelp wait-list. There is very limited seating so our party of three sat at a table intended for two. All the items we ordered were excellent. 1) fried chicken with ginger sauce: the sweet salty ginger sauce and hefty crunch really was a great appetizer. Since it's not seasoned inside, it was a good move to make the sauce rather bold. 2) Koh: pork belly in a peppery sauce with bamboo shoots. The pork belly has the perfect fat to meat ratio, and cooked to perfection. 3) chien Tray & Ngoum Mango: we opted for the fried catfish since they had run out of amok. The mango salad is generously tossed in chili pepper powder and lime juice - reminded me of tajín! The acidity is very well balanced. The batter on the catfish is slightly thick, allowing it to soak in the sauce without losing the crunchy texture. 4) Cha Troup: this minced pork and eggplant dish looks rather dull at first glance. The charred flavor of the eggplant imparts a toasty flavor to the meaty, sweet, salty goodness of the sauce. Fantastic on rice. The place is packed. Despite rushing back and forth from the kitchen, the wait staff were polite and apologetic about the hectic atmosphere. I definitely will come back to explore the other dishes on the menu!!

The food was great - delicious and very flavorful. Recommend the phnom penh noodle soup for its delicate yet complex broth! Be prepared for long lines and wait times. One star off for extremely cramped seating and the fact that the food is priced really steep for the quantity you get and the ambiance.

Food here is really delicious and the servers are great. The banana blossom salad was delicious, very flavorful. Slightly tart from the vinegar dressing but not overpowering. We added the shrimp, which were perfectly grilled (three shrimp for $3). The pork belly with a medium boiled egg was my favorite dish. The sauce was perfect with the rice. The shaking beef was tender, and the greens and tomatoes was farmer's market fresh. Great, attentive, friendly service and delicious food. Lots of parking 1.5 blocks away in the evening at the BART parking lot (don't park there during the daytime on weekdays).

I wanted to love this place and I do love some aspects of it (the decor, music, Asian goodies) but unfortunately found their fried chicken super underwhelming. The breading is uneven and thin which makes for pretty soggy coating on the chicken (if you've ever been on a diet and got the Just Bare frozen chicken bites, it's kinda like that). I was hoping for a shatteringly crisp crunchy coating, and this just wasn't it. The actual chicken is a random mix of dark and white meat, and the pieces that are white meat were a little stringy. Also felt like the flavors were good, but lack depth (habenero miso and shichimi). The seasonal fried oyster mushroom was extremely tough and chewy, 1/10 do not recommend. The miso ranch was good though.

Good option for a quick meal, and I mean quick seriously. From order till I got my food was likely less than 4 minutes. I went with the 4 piece fried chicken with side salad, splitting the flavors on the chicken between BBQ(sauce) and General Tso(dry rub). Of the two the BBQ I personally preferred more, the flavor was deeper and the slight spice to it added more, it had a slight crisp but not as significantly as the the General Tso due to the dry rub. The general Tso was good as well and had a better crisp but the flavor was as exciting. The interior of the restaurant was a bit dim which is easier on the eyes but made my pictures come out a little dark. Not much else to say, happy with good fried chicken

Enormous portions. Solid chicken pieces. Flavors are generally good. Great bang for your buck sort of place. Staff is super friendly and the decor has a lot of fun attitude.

They are very generous with their portions and the chicken is juicy, crispy and the sauce they use is addicting. This place is a staple in my rotation.

Great spot to grab a quick lunch, chicken was tender and extremely tasty. Staff was helpful, and atmosphere was filled with pink nostalgia. If you're in the neighborhood and looking for something tasty and affordable, this is the place.

We picked up a family size order. We also got an 8 piece chicken dinner so we would have 4 flavors of chicken in all. Everyone really enjoyed it and they said the rice was delicious. The only constructive criticism I can share is that we didn’t need a giant tray of cabbage that came with it. Other than that, it was great.

I hope to eat at Arburaya in person someday but until then I think this is the best takeout chicken in town. The chicken is tender, crispy and tossed in delicious sauces (with tangy & spicy options). Our favor fried chicken comes with crunchy cabbage and perfectly cooked rice. To top it all off, the menu is reasonably priced! They also happily accommodate our dietary restrictions. Keep up the awesome work you guys! Thank you!

After walking by this restaurant several times while I am in Oakland Chinatown, I finally stopped in on a Tuesday late afternoon to have linner. Upon perusing the menu, I decided to have their shrimp dumplings (har gow), pan fried turnip cake, a bowl of chicken conjee and an order of doughnut sticks. Wow! What I ordered was delicious. I enjoyed what I ate The shrimp dumplings were better than the ones I usually buy from another pastry shop. The shrimp was plump and the texture of the dough was perfect. Oh my! The pan fried turnip cake was tasty and the texture was a smooth melt in your mouth one. The weather was on the cool side. The chicken congee and doughnut stick were total comfort food ant it warmed my tummy. To wash down the food, I had the chrysanthemum tea. Return visits: Definitely yes. I am eager to go back for more dim sum pastries and the chicken with black mushroom in clay pot. Tip: best time to dine there is on weekdays. Weekends this restaurant is packed with patrons waiting in line outside.

I ordered online from Ming’s Tasty and picked up my food at the store. I tried a variety of dishes, including the pork and shrimp dumplings, steamed shrimp dumplings, baked BBQ pork buns, egg yolk custard buns, pork ribs in black bean sauce, and fried tofu skin wrap with shrimp. All of the dishes were incredibly delicious and flavorful! I highly recommend the baked BBQ pork buns—the outer crust is slightly crispy and has a delightful sweetness. Every dish with shrimp was particularly impressive, filled generously with shrimp and very satisfying.

Tasty, fresh dim sum. The restaurant is a lot nicer inside than what you see outside.

Hesitated to leave my review here because this is the best sit down dim sum place in the Bay Area and I am afraid it gets too popular as more reviews come in. I’ve been to this place twice and it’s best to come before 11am on the weekends. Only waited for 15 mins for group of 3. Seems longer wait for large groups. The space is not big compared to other sit down dim sum places so no room for dim sum cart and everything is ordered through menu. There is a wait for the food but the service is amazing. Super friendly staffs and the food is worth the wait. Turnip cake is the best I had in the bay. Porridge is so yummy but soup dumplings is okay. Everything is so soft and the quality beats the prices compared to other places. Will definitely come back again and again!

Fair place. Good price in comparison to a lot of other places. Food quality okay. Do not order certain items. Be careful if order take out. Some items looks unappetizing, overfried and burned...

The dim sum staples are all decent, but it's the unique items that earned the 5 stars despite the long wait and below average ambience. The Snowy Baked BBQ buns are coated with a sugary frosting which create a unique flavor. I have never had the crispy shrimp chang fun (rice noodle) before and it's so good that I wish I ordered more. The Deep Fried Tofu Skin Wrap is another one that I will miss when I go back home. I've had tofu skins in soup and steamed plenty of times, but never like a spring roll wrap. The ladies that served us were friendly and informative. Enjoyed the brunch even though a 45 minutes wait on a Monday @ 12:30 PM

Took a recommendation from a trusted source and stopped by to try Ming’s Tasty. The siu mai and har gao were both pretty good, large in size, and good flavor and texture. Also went with the turnip cake that tasted fresh and was a good portion. Didn’t stay to eat in the somewhat cavernous hall of dining space they have. No cart service but decent for a place that has seemingly been around a long time.

Our Band San Kazakgascar played out back. and hour set. super fun vibes beer food ambiance

Huge selection of beers on tap and many more varieties available in cans. I had a stout the name of which has escaped me. Definitely a sipping beer. Not one to hurry.

Love this place, especially pleased to have something like this in the Laurel. Great beer selection. Awesome bottles to purchase and take with. While I haven't tasted the food yet, the menu does look exciting. It would be great if the bar benches had a foot rest. It gets very uncomfortable after about 10 minutes. It's a shame because sitting at the bar is fun. The bar staff are super knowledgeable and friendly. You just have to deal with aching buttocks to have a beer there. Love the communal tables. And it would be great if they had WiFi. That would be my afternoon office if that were the case.

I was there on a very warm and beautiful day at their outdoor beer garden. You order inside and then bring your drinks outside. Great place if you like to try different beers. They have both draft and large selection of canned drinks. They also have snacks that are vegetarian friendly!

My local watering hole. Always a great selection of both canned and draft beer. The food here always smacks, don’t sleep on the torta milanesa de pollo! Can’t go wrong with a chopped cheese either.

Such a gem! Great selection of beer ! Fast and super nice customer service . They have garden/ backyard great open area . I love it ! Great selection of bites as well . My next fav beer place ! Check it out

Went to Degrees Plato for the first time. Started with the chips, salsa and guacamole. Chicken quesadilla for him- it was yummy! Carnitas torta for me- super yummy and appreciated the side salad to balance out the meal. Would definitely order both again. Nice selection of beer on tap! We had the following: 1. Cellarmaker’s Alien Life Form 2. Fort George- 3 Way IPA 3. Moonlight’s Side of Rice All beer was yummy! Really appreciate the vast selection of cans to go and that you can buy single instead of packs. Friendly and chill staff. Really enjoyed the outdoor area in the back. Very family friendly. We look forward to returning to Degrees Plato!

Food was amazing. More hole in the wall and breakfast based then the average Eritrean/Ethiopian restaurant, so the food caters more to single serving then the large platter. Different experience than many others of similar cuisine but I'll go again

This place is pure magic. I’ve been coming to Alem’s for a few years and finally tried branched out from the Ful to try the Fata. Needless to say it was incredibly and I should have branched out sooner! I don’t understand how food can taste so good. The folks behind the counter are the best and always earnestly want to know if you liked it. Come here after the farmers market on Sunday! You won’t regret it!

Prices at cafe are more expensive than prices listed here on available menu online. When I came and wanted to order a ham sandwich, they were out of ham and some other ingredients. Egg sandwich is not $8 as shown is actually nearly $12 and 6 oz cup of hot chocolate is bit expensive, nearly $5.

This small coffee shop carries Eritrean dishes in addition to coffee, sandwiches and pastries. Adjacent to the DMV, the cafe is slightly off the popular Temescal shopping area. It’s clear that the folks here care about the quality and authenticity of their dishes. You should not expect silverware but plastic utensils are provided if requested. The cafe is small but the indoor/outdoor seating atmosphere was great. If you’re as wimpy as I am, you can also tell them to dial down the spiciness of the dish when ordering. Weekend crowds attest to their popularity.

Fantastic breakfast!! We ordered the shihan ful and tibsy, and both were excellent. Very rich flavors, very fresh. Good, strong coffee. The owners were very kind, and the environment was very cozy. A very welcoming and lively atmosphere. This is a must try place for breakfast.

Cozy little café, perfect for after a visit to the DMV. Good soy mocha --not too sweet. The counter service lady was polite and made our drinks fast. Food smells incredible.

The love hits you as soon as you enter. Warm grounded atmosphere, comfortable smiles of the patrons, and beaming staff behind the counter offer an escape from the constant forces of change that seem to unceasingly alter the face of Oakland. The food and coffee are tasty, authentic, and full of life. If you seek nourishment of the soul, absent of pretense, look no further than Alem's.

It has great service. The meat is very well flavored. I personally like the noodles being fresh and have great texture. The free side dishes made the noodles much better.

Great place to go get takeout to bring back to Oakland museum of California and have in the lawn. I opted to do this instead of ordering the museums’s cafe food and it was a great decision! Delicious! Friendly staff also, no communication problems at all.

*3/7/2024 I had their Ultimate Spicy Beef Rice Noodle Soup—it's packed with round noodles, tender beef, egg, spicy bamboo shoots, fermented soybean, chili, tomato, green veggies, and snail soup. It's really spicy, flavorful, and satisfying. The noodles have a perfect chew, the beef is tender, and the fresh tomato adds a nice touch. The broth is tasty too, making the whole meal enjoyable. This time, they also offer a side dish tray with extra spicy bamboo shoots, fermented soybean, and more, so you can add even more flavor to your soup! 2/5/2024 I had their Ultimate Spicy Beef Rice Noodle Soup, and it was loaded with round noodles, beef, egg, spicy sour bamboo shoots, fermented soybean, chili, tomato, green veggies, and snail soup. It's delightfully spicy, full of flavor, and really satisfying. The round noodles have the perfect chewiness, the beef is tender, and the fresh tomato adds even more deliciousness. The broth is equally flavorful, making the whole experience well-rounded and enjoyable. This time, they also provide a side dishes tray with spicy sour bamboo shoots, fermented soybean, and more, so you can customize your noodle soup for an extra burst of flavor! 2/1/2024 I had their Ultimate Spicy Beef Rice Noodle Soup. Served with round noodles, the bowl is packed with beef, egg, spicy sour bamboo shoots, fermented soybean, chili, tomato, green veggies, and snail soup. It's spicy, flavorful, and satisfying. The round noodles have the perfect chewiness, the beef is tender, and the addition of fresh tomato enhances the deliciousness. The broth is equally flavorful, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable experience. 9/21/2023 My visit to Fen Classic Guilin Rice Noodles once again! This time, I tried the Ultimate Spicy Beef Rice Noodle Soup. The beef was tender, and the soup base was incredibly flavorful. I requested extra spiciness, and it was so good that it made me break a little sweat! I even had some soup leftover to take home, where I added noodles, eggs, and some protein to enjoy later. 7/28/2023 This was my first time trying their Ultimate Spicy Beef Tripe Rice Noodle Soup, and I opted for a take-out order with regular-sized round noodles, extra spiciness, and a side dish of crispy pork. The highlight of the dish was undoubtedly the flavorful broth. The level of spiciness was perfect for my taste buds, leaving me with a running nose, which complemented the tasty noodles and other ingredients. The crispy pork side dish was a great addition, but I wish it had been a bit crispier. Additionally, a larger portion would have been appreciated. Despite this, the overall experience was fantastic, with efficient take-out service. 7/7/2023 Fen Classic in Oakland is a culinary gem, offering the delightful Five Blessings Guilin Rice Noodle. Packed with beef brisket, BBQ pork, braised beef, beef tripe, and golden crispy pork, this dish is accompanied by a small bowl of plain soup, resulting in an unforgettable flavor experience. While the prices at Fen Classic may be slightly higher, the outstanding taste and quality of their Guilin Rice Noodles justify the cost. The combination of rich and savory meats in the Five Blessings variation is a true feast for the senses, making it an ideal choice for those with a strong craving for Guilin rice noodle. It's important to plan your visit to Fen Classic accordingly, as they are closed on Mondays. However, when they are open, you can expect a truly delightful dining experience that will leave a lasting impression.

The Food I am not sure how noodles differ in different regions of China. But when I walked by Classic Guilin Rice Noodles, it seemed like an interesting place to try. My friend and I ordered their Beef Brisket and Crispy Pork Guilin Rice Noodle (牛腩，脆皮桂林米粉) along with Special Small Bowl Rice Noodle (合味特色一口粉). The Special Small Bowl Rice Noodle came with a sampler of different noodles. These "Bite Rice Noodle" give a chance to try different noodle dishes. I enjoy both the Beef Brisket and Crispy Pork as well as Special Small Bowl noodles. I like these styles of noodles, and the flavors, though similar, are pretty good. They of course have a variety of other dishes besides noodles, so will need to return and try them. The Miscellaneous The restaurant itself is decent sized with a good amount of seating. The interior is clean with interesting decor, giving the typical Chinese restaurant vibe. The service and staff were nice and sincere. They took our order when ready, and the wait time for the food was pretty quick. Their menu has other selections besides noodles such as stew, hot pot and rice plate. The prices are not unreasonable so it is worth a try if you are in the area.

I’ve searched for authentic Guilin noodles in other places but this is by far the most authentic dish I’ve had. The picked green beans, bamboo, and crispy pork taste just like in Guilin. I’d come back for more!

Hole in the wall with good noodle soup, at very reasonable price. Guilin def has a distinct regional flavor and I myself like it alot. You would be amiss not to try it out. I'm not sure why this place is rated so low. The only downside are their hours. Can't get it for dinner after work!

Hmmm...Not sure if i'm more disappointed about the let down of this place that I had chosen or because I made my husband have his first terrible meal for the past 3 months. The answer will haunt me for life!!! First things first, this place didn't have the best rating, BUT, as a good person I thought to myself - what's the point of trying only highly rated places? What about the other guys who are trying to get out there and make their restaurants known? Yea, that theory just died today! Not only this place didn't have the highest ratings but also didn't have a big amount of reviews - yea, I know, I should have known better. I learned my lesson though. The ambience was too modern for my Asian taste. The service was quick and friendly. They served complimentary tea which we both took one sip and didn't touch it (yuck). Surprisingly there were only locals eating here which made me feel - hey this place doesn't look like it will deliver but everything else says it will so let's keep our fingers crossed. That ship sailed and drowned immediately as our food arrived - hubby ordered nr 4 the beef and crunchy pork noodles with the broth on the side and I ordered nr 21 the spicy beef noodle soup. The flavors in nr 4 were pretty good, the noodles weren't bad but the meat quality was the worst we have had in a very long time. My dish was pretty bland and on the contrary to nr 4, nr.21 didn't even have flavor, the noodles were pretty sad and the meat was blah. Sadly, won't return to this place. It was a good budget meal but it just wasn't tasty.

Our group really enjoyed this lunch spot! Really cute vibes, friendly staff, and great food. The cold brew horchata and agua Fresca were refreshing and the quesabirria and fish tacos were delicious. I will definitely be going here again next time I’m in the area!

If there’s one thing Nido’s Backyard excels in, it’s their backyard, where all of the dining tables are spread across a sprawling area shaded from the Cali sun by all sorts and sizes of umbrellas. It’s a colorful outdoor environment that encourages you to enjoy the warm weather as you wait for your meal and linger in the cool evening long after you’ve finished your food. The service was excellent—our waiter was friendly and helpful in terms of providing a wealth of information about the dishes and their ingredients. My wife and I started with the Papas Pasadas from the ‘Small Bites’ section of the menu. These were lightly fried Yukon potatoes that packed a flavorful, smokey punch each time you bit into one. Knowing that I was plant-based, our waiter offered to swap out the kefir crema for cashew crema. This dish was definitely addictive. For entrees, I had the vegan version of the Quesadilla de Calabacitas y Flor de Calabaza—a lightly cooked corn tortilla folded over a mixture of seasonal veggies and served with a side of a zesty, salsa roja. I also had the Verduras Rostizatas taco plate—two uncooked corn tortillas filled with roasted veggies, including beats and eggplant, each topped with a generous slice of avocado and a sprinkling of fresh pumpkin seeds, with a side of refried black beans and rice. My wife had the Carne Asada taco plate—grilled steak, pico de Gallo, and caramelized onions—which she enjoyed. Although not the quality of truly authentic Mexican cuisine, Nido’s offerings were innovative and tasty.

The food, drinks and atmosphere here are amazing. If you come here on a sunny day, you’re in for a great time. The customer service here usually is not the highlight. However, today a guy by the name of Craig was helping me and damn it was some of the best service/help I’ve had in a long time. Dude was attentive yet knew how to give space and allow you to enjoy the nice atmosphere. I highly suggest you come here and request him. Super cool down to earth dude and he made my time here enjoyable and relaxing. Will be back soon 👍🏾 THANK YOU CRAIG

nido's has always been our go-to spot for dinner, drinks, brunch, and a good time. we were stoked when we found out they did weddings and fell in love with the private event space "la plaza" within the colorful, festive, spacious outdoor patio venue we enjoy visiting regularly. we had our ceremony at roberts regional park, and then went to nido's for the reception. from the luscious plants decorating the space to the high quality food/drink service, we couldn't have asked for more. jenny - nido's event coordinator - was communicative and transparent about pricing throughout, and very responsive to all our questions. they even let us use their some of their older chairs that we preferred--the restaurant had switched out older chairs with new ones due to quality concerns but they met some of our guests needs' better (fat folks - wider seats). all our vendors were also pleased with the collaboration and had what they needed to succeed (dj tech stuff, table, etc). for an all inclusive bar, dinner, apps, cocktail hour, late night snack, and desserts, nido's was a great value! highly recommend. (photos by khariza rae)

Open air and massive! My first time dining in Alameda after the popular brewery and enjoyed the vibe. Servers were super cheerful and friendly and made good recommendations. On the whole, pretty good presentation and flavors for the food with a wide range of tequila to choose from. Some recommendations for the business: the guac could be better and they should up their salsa game. The chicken in the tacos could benefit from another cut, bit too chunky.

Ordered the steak and fish tacos. They were both delicious but the fish was much bigger than expected. I also got the habanero sauce on the side and it paired well with everything! The drinks are very strong so take it easy 😜

Our party had a great experience at NIDO's. We were celebrating a special occasion and the staff went above and beyond to make it feel extra special. The food was also delicious. We all shared several dishes. My favorites were the quesabirria and the chicken with their mole sauce. That mole was amazing! Thank you to the entire NIDO staff!

I love the food, but twice now the food trucks have not given me the correct order! I visited the restaurant ac few days so, again food and drinks are good! Service was slow when only one other table was occupied

The mole enchiladas were delicious. Service was fantastic. I went during lunch time on a week day and it was very quick.

I've been coming to this restaurant for years. When I first moved to Oakland, I got a job in the Fruitvale Plaza and during my breaks, I would come here for lunch. The food and service is top notch. I love the authenticity and vibes to this place. They recently renovated the place and it looks a little plain, but I was told that this is just the beginning and that they will have new artwork soon. The best part is if you can find parking, it's FREE! Stop by on your lunch break or happy hour sometime, you won't be disappointed.

This place is pretty damn good. Second time getting a burrito here. I ordered a chicken and shrimp burrito and got home and no chicken just shrimp. But I must say the burrito was so flavorful. Very clean and nice. People try it, im sure you will enjoy.

As close to Mexico as you can get, the vibe is inviting, the menu is grande, the cooks are amazing, drinks are delish, and the staff is friendly.

one of my favorite things to do on a Sunday is come here have a meal with a henshata that's henesey mixed with horchata, very recomended

Really good food, decent prices. Great drinks and bar tender. Service is good but don't expect them to check on you more then once or twice. Good experience over all definitely would recommend.

New location is much more sophisticated than the old, but also loses a lot of its charm. Spacious and well appointed with a large bar area. Food is as good as ever, though my personal opinion is that chicken and waffles is the reason to come here. All other dishes are good, not great. You will be hard pressed to find better fried chicken anywhere on the planet. The waffle is cornmeal based and light and fluffy - unlike any other waffle I’ve ever had.

The food was great. It's not very often I can get chicken and waffles. The one downside though was the chicken was a bit small. It was enough to get your taste buds going, but not enough to satisfy you. This made this particular entree a slight overpriced. The collard greens were a bit salty. The Mac-cheese was a good choice as a side and the grits were good. The sides were pretty well sized. The service was great, though a bit slow at the end when I was trying to pay the bill. I ended up having to go to the register behind the wall myself. The next time I come, I hope to get more chicken.

Waits can get up to an hour and a half long to be seated, but it's shorter if you go on a week day. It took maybe 10-15 minutes when I went on a Friday around 11pm. The food was okay. I was expecting a bit more, because of all the hype. The sandwich was standard, and the potatoes served with them are heavily spiced. The chicken and waffles looked really good, and the chicken was pretty juicy and also heavily seasoned, but the waffles weren't "light and fluffy." They were more of a thin batter, unsubstantial, and extremely oily. However, their drinks and other pastries looked really good, so would come back to try those. Overall, everything was extremely overpriced for what we got ($90+ for two chicken and waffles + a sandwich + chicken and eggs).

The beignets were okay, somewhat bland and nothing to write home about. My mimosa lacked the flavor of elderflower even tho I requested St Germain, l had to ask twice & they also barely put any orange juice in it...🙄 The shrimp & grits and collard greens were superbly seasoned despite not having any smoked meat products in the recipes. I forgot to get dessert which might have redeemed the meal. $34 was pricey for the portion size, doubt I'll be going back anytime soon.

This waffle was so good, we’ll be back next Sunday! My partner agrees. Best waffle ever. Light, delicate, crispy, and not overly sweet. And add a side of bacon. The coffee was also excellent. Intense with great flavor.

The food we ordered (Chicken and Waffles and a scramble + a biscuit and cornbread) was good but not great. Overall it was way overpriced and not worth the wait. The service was also bad. After waiting over an hour to be seated we then had to wait another 20 minutes before anyone even checked-in on us. My husband's food was brought out luke warm and part of my order wasn't brought out with the rest of the food. I politely requested the missing item and was told it was on its way. Near the end of our meal, I flagged someone else down and also let them know that it was still missing. It was finally brought out after we were done with everything else and nobody apologized or seemed concerned. It was a truly disappointing first, and last, experience as I typically love genre of food.

YUUUUUM. This food looked, smelled, tasted and felt CLEAN and made with obvious Love. We had the blackened cat fish over ride, collard greens and mashed potatoes along with two ginger beers. Every bite was sensational! Perfect combination of flavors. We said mmmmmm, every single bite! This meal was not heavy and gave us lots of energy to enjoy the afternoon. I highly recommend this place. Although next time I might try sitting indoors.

Came here just for the wings. They were extra crispy and that sauce 🔥10/10. Owner was real cool and let me and my friend try 2 on the house before we ordered. I love good customer service. Would definitely come back

Home sweet home. I had the pork belly adobo plate with rice and some G fire wings... 🔥 🔥🔥🔥 I'll definitely be back. I recommend eating there. The music Playlist was NICE

I've passed by this place countless time and finally decided to make a stop specifically for the wings. There's a bit of a wait as the food is prepared fresh. Service is nice and orders are taken through a slot in the door. Prices are higher than most wing spots, but their flavors are difficult to find compared to most western eateries.

First time here and..... it was 🔥🔥🔥🔥 i had the G wings with garlic rice, and chicken lumpias.... I'll definitely be back 💯🙌🏾

came right before closing and although most of the menu items were sold out, we still got to try the famous chicken wings! only outdoor seating so bundle up. overall, solid wings and worth a visit! chicken wings: perfectly fried and crispy, a little sweet and reminded me of maggi seasoning lumpia: skip, kinda bland

The Filipino inspired home style foods are quite tasty. There’s a bit of covered seating available but it’s really a porch. The gated order window is where you order and get your food, and the lady helping me was so friendly and offering me samples because I was having a tough time choosing.

People don't come here for the atmosphere. They come here for the best wings in the East Bay. I get the same thing every time: G-Fire Wings with Garlic Fried Rice. I also pick up a bunch of their lumpia (long egg rolls), usually half of them pork and the other half chicken. The G-Fire Short Ribs are also a great option when they have them available as a special. I don't like how often they run out of garlic fried rice. They usually don't make enough to get through dinner. I suppose most of it gets consumed during lunch, so if you have a craving for the garlic fried rice with your meal, be sure to go early.

Farmhouse Jack London: A Disappointing Detail and Lukewarm Crab Fried Rice My recent visit to Farmhouse Jack London left me with mixed feelings, primarily due to a noticeable oversight and a dish that didn't quite hit the mark. While the overall ambiance of the restaurant is generally inviting and rustic, the presence of a visibly dirty pink chair starkly contrasted with the otherwise pleasant decor. This detail, though seemingly minor, unfortunately caught my eye and detracted from the overall impression. In a place that strives for a certain aesthetic, such a basic cleanliness issue is quite jarring. Beyond the aesthetics, I was particularly looking forward to trying the crab fried rice. Unfortunately, it failed to impress. The dish lacked the vibrant flavor and generous crab content I had hoped for. It was rather bland and didn't stand out in any memorable way, especially given the price point. While other aspects of the dining experience might have been adequate, the combination of the dirty chair and the underwhelming crab fried rice made for a less than stellar visit. With so many dining options in the Oakland area, I'd hope for more attention to detail and higher quality from the kitchen.

Loved everything about this place. Service was quick, food was amazing coz we were extra hungry after the hike. Ambience is very pretty with all the beautiful decor inside. Definitely recommend this location over Menlo park.

An accurate 5 stars. The location the ambient the food and the service all together makes a 5 of 5. Placed is Jack London Square a beautiful Thai food restaurant. They close at 3 pm and come back at 5. We had an early dinner in the terrace with the Port view. Beautiful set up and very tasty food. Definitely we will come back to check it at night and see how it looks with all the lights and amenities. We ordered Pumpkin fries, and samosa as an entree and slow cooked ribs 😋😋😋 excellent 👍🏻.

Fantastic Thai restaurant. We went to their sister restaurant Son & Garden in SF and Palo Alto, and have been wanting to try this for a while. And it was wonderful. The decor is amazing and the food as well. Their drinks are also super creative. The whole place is a dining experience of a kind.

It’s right by the water so the views are great! The food was good but not the best Thai food I’ve had. The drinks and the cups for the drinks are super creative. My group got the platter and a few entrees. The platter was expensive and not a lot of food for the cost. Presentation was nice though. It made for a very aesthetic photo.

Absolutely fantastic experience! The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every dish we tried was delicious. The highlight was service was exceptional— super quick , friendly , attentive, and genuinely welcoming. One of the best Thai restaurants I’ve been to. Highly recommended!

Lovely environment, professional staff and the menu options offered will have everyone happy with at least a couple dishes. The drinks are presented in an extravagant way that combos well with the taste.