Oakland’s brunch scene is a glorious tapestry woven with diverse flavors, trendy cafes, and iconic neighborhood institutions. Whether you crave soul food waffles, decadent eggs benedict, or savory Asian dumplings, the East Bay’s culinary haven has something to tantalize every taste bud. To help you navigate this delicious labyrinth, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the best brunch spots in various Oakland neighborhoods:
Temescal:
- Aunt Mary’s Cafe: This beloved diner offers classic comfort food with a twist. Think “Southern Bubble and Squeak” with potato-greens cakes and their famous “pot-likker” gravy.
- Brown Sugar Kitchen: A crown jewel of Oakland’s brunch scene, Chef Tanya Holland’s eatery elevates soul food classics with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Don’t miss their buttermilk fried chicken and waffles.
- Marzano: Craving a taste of Italy? Marzano serves up wood-fired pizzas and decadent pastas alongside brunch staples like frittatas and eggs Mimosa.
Uptown:
- Calavera: This festive spot offers a vibrant Mexican brunch experience. Savor chilaquiles, breakfast burritos, and bottomless mimosas in a lively atmosphere.
- Low Bar: This casual, cocktail-driven eatery is perfect for a relaxed Sunday brunch. Indulge in mezcal-chocolate churros, chilaquiles variations, buttermilk pancakes, or their signature Impossible burger.
- Nido’s Backyard: This open-air haven brings the California sunshine to your brunch experience. Enjoy chilaquiles divorciados (red and green salsa), churro waffles, and refreshing mezcal margaritas.
Lakeshore:
- Shakewell: Offering a taste of the Mediterranean and Spain, Shakewell’s brunch features shakshuka with Moroccan poached eggs and mimosa kits for the perfect pairing.
- Portal: A local favorite, Portal boasts a delightful outdoor patio and a menu featuring French toast, mini burgers, eggs benedict, and a popular pork belly salad. They’re also dog-friendly!
- Lakeshore Cafe: This classic diner serves generous portions of breakfast fare at affordable prices. Think fluffy pancakes, hearty omelets, and bottomless coffee.
Downtown:
- Chop Bar: Upscale your brunch experience at Chop Bar. Their innovative menu features creative takes on classic dishes, like Dungeness crab omelets and duck confit hash.
- Plank: This waterfront gem boasts stunning views of the Bay and a menu that reflects California’s diverse culinary landscape. From salmon benedict to stuffed french toast, Plank offers a brunch experience to remember.
- Town Fare Cafe (OMCA): Nestled within the Oakland Museum of California, Town Fare Cafe offers a “Soul Brunch” menu every Sunday. Savor classics like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and their “Best Ever Fried Chicken Sandwich.”
Beyond the Neighborhoods:
- Shandong (Chinatown): No brunch guide is complete without a dumpling haven. Shandong offers a lively atmosphere and a delicious selection of handmade dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, and all your Chinese brunch favorites.
- Spork Breakfast & Brunch (Rockridge): This family-owned gem offers a unique fusion of American and Asian-inspired brunch dishes. Be sure to try their kimchi pancakes or bulgogi omelet.
Pro-Tip: Oakland boasts a vibrant farmers market scene. Consider grabbing fresh, seasonal produce to complement your brunch experience!
This list merely scratches the surface of Oakland’s incredible brunch offerings. With its ever-evolving culinary scene, there’s always a new spot to discover and a taste bud to tantalize. So grab your brunch buddies, explore the diverse neighborhoods, and fuel your day with Oakland’s delicious offerings!
