Oakland
Commis - Celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a top tier dining experience? Give Commis a try!
*Sun Moon Studio - Don’t sleep on Oakland restaurants folks! Little gems like this place still exist amongst the massive chain restaurants.
Bakesale Betty - If they entered the Fried Chicken Sandwich race when Popeye’s sandy came out, it wouldn’t have been close. Hands down my favorite Fried Chicken sandwich EVER.
Tao Yeun Pastry - Dim sum that always hits the spot. Quick little food counter that STUFFS your to-go box. Bring cash (yes, the green paper you used to carry in your wallets) and come in pairs so one can hop out while the other circles the block. Parking is miserable around here.
Aburaya - Same same, but different than Bakesale Betty. They still only do one thing, but they do it well! Japanese fried chicken!
Ebiko - Grab and go sushi, but actually solid! Has two locations in SF too.
Cholita Linda – Cuban sandwiches that never miss. The lechon is the move every single time. Gotta sample the fish tacos at least once too!
Homeroom – Yes it’s “just mac and cheese,” but also… no it’s not. Need some comfort? Look no further.
Kuidaore Handroll Bar - Never mad at a handroll lunch!
Soba Ichi - Authentic buckwheat soba noodle house. Try the cold noods in the summer!
*Kitchen Story - Californian cuisine with an Asian influence. Extensive and elevated brunch menu with “morning” cocktails. 5 o’clock somewhere!
MAMA Oakland - If you’re craving pasta and good energy, this place always delivers. Great for date night or “we survived the week” dinner.
Jo’s Modern Thai - The kind of meal where every bite makes you smile a little. Bring friends so you can order half the menu.
Hopscotch - Japanese comfort food with Oakland cool-kid energy. The karaage is a must. Great for a casual dinner that feels like you did something.
Belotti Ristorante E Bottega - Handmade pasta that makes you question every other pasta you’ve ever eaten. It’s small, it’s cozy, and it’s serious.
*Bombera - Mexican food with style. Everything feels intentional and elevated without being stuffy. Perfect for a “let’s do something nice” night.
*Sun Moon Studio - Don’t sleep on Oakland restaurants folks! Little gems like this place still exist amongst the massive chain restaurants.
*Snail Bar - Natural wine + a menu that’s always changing. The food is creative, the vibe is intimate, and it’s one of those places Oakland people love to gatekeep.
*Pomet - Seasonal, local, and just plain beautiful. You’ll leave feeling like you just ate in a magazine. Great for special occasions.
Daytrip Counter - Wood-fired everything and a menu that doesn’t play around. One of those spots where you don’t even need to know what you’re ordering — just trust them.
