Top 10 Must-Visit Restaurants in Oakland (2025 Guide)

Oakland’s dining scene is as diverse and exciting as the city itself. From fine-dining tasting menus to laid-back taco trucks, Oakland has something delicious for every palate. In this 2025 guide, we count down the top 10 must-visit restaurants in Oakland. Each entry includes the name, neighborhood, cuisine type, standout dishes or drinks, atmosphere, and why it’s on our list – plus whether it’s budget-friendly or upscale. We’ve included everything from seafood and soul food to vegan-friendly options, weaving in local culture and trends. So whether you’re an Oakland native or just visiting, get ready to explore some of the best eateries the Town has to offer!

1. Sirene – Seafood & Fine Dining (Uptown Oakland)

• Location: 3308 Grand Ave. (near Uptown district)
• Cuisine: Contemporary Seafood with international twists
• Standout Dishes/Drinks: Wood-fired grilled abalone with garlic butter, brick-oven roasted fish, Chartreuse slushies (yes, Chartreuse!), and a refined wine list.
• Ambiance: Intimate and elegant – a small Uptown dining room with a cozy bar, candlelight, and murals by local artists.

Why It’s a Must-Visit:

Sirene is the new seafood-focused fine-dining spot from the team behind San Francisco’s acclaimed The Morris. According to Eater SF, “Sirene is the new restaurant from restaurant partners Paul Einbund and chef Gavin Schmidt… The menu focuses mostly on seafood, with a few items getting the wood-fired oven treatment, like a grilled abalone dish dressed in garlic butter”. The balance of oceanic flavors and creative cooking has made Sirene an instant hit. It brings Bay Area fine-dining flair to Oakland – even offering the Morris’s famous Chartreuse slushy cocktail. Under Einbund (wine director of a James Beard–nominated SF spot) the wine program is superb. Sirene is upscale (expect $$$$ per person) but its warm service and waterfront vibes (near Lake Merritt) make it approachable.

Awards/Backstory: The owners have a storied background (Beard Awards finalists), and Sirene has quickly become one of Oakland’s hottest reservations.

2. Commis – Michelin-Starred Modern American (Piedmont Avenue, North Oakland)

• Location: 3859 Piedmont Ave. (Rockridge/North Oakland)
• Cuisine: Modern American tasting menu (French-leaning)
• Standout Dishes: The famed slow-poached egg yolk with dates and alliums; seasonal tasting dishes like tender bison loin with shaved cabbage, grilled wolffish in yuzu dashi, or heady brioche with sheep’s milk ice cream.
• Ambiance: White-tablecloth elegance in a quiet Piedmont Avenue space. Intimate and dimly lit, perfect for special occasions or foodie outings.

Why It’s a Must-Visit:

Commis was the first fine-dining restaurant to bring world-class haute cuisine to Oakland, and it remains the city’s only two-Michelin-starred establishment. Chef-owner James Syhabout’s multicourse tasting menus change seasonally and showcase precise, artful cooking.

Even individual courses shine: a “small, crackly loaf of bread” for sopping up a decadent egg yolk is so famous it’s practically a local legend. Commis’s reputation is hard-earned – the San Francisco Chronicle notes it’s “arguably the first to bring fine dining to Oakland and the only restaurant in the city with two Michelin stars”. If you love culinary innovation and splurging on an unforgettable meal, Commis is your spot. It’s upscale and pricey ($$$$), but every detail (from impeccable plating to the selection of heirloom ingredients) reflects Oakland’s ambitions on the global food stage.

3. Bombera – Contemporary Mexican (Champion Street, West Oakland)

• Location: 3459 Champion St. (Jack London Square/Jack London District)
• Cuisine: Modern Mexican (Oakland-style taqueria and grill)
• Standout Dishes: Wood-grilled tacos, handmade corn tortillas, charcoal-grilled meats, home-milled nixtamal tortillas, and award-winning moles (including a rich pumpkin-seed sauce). Signature dishes include beer-battered fish tacos on handmade masa, fire-roasted beets with pumpkin-seed mole, and perfectly grilled carrots in smoky chile salsa.
• Ambiance: Lively and colorful – set in a converted firehouse (hence the name Bombera, Spanish for “firewoman”). There’s a cheerful outdoor patio strung with lights, festive Latin music (think upbeat cumbias), and dayglow-painted interiors. It feels like a backyard party you never want to leave.

Why It’s a Must-Visit:

Bombera has rapidly become one of the Bay Area’s best Mexican restaurants. SF Chronicle praises its authentic yet innovative approach: “Bombera… has become one of the Bay Area’s best Mexican restaurants and one of Oakland’s hottest tables”. The chef honors Mexican culinary roots (from nixtamalizing corn in-house to a charcoal grill smoking meats) while adding California flair. The handmade tortillas alone are worth the trip – and the house-made moles (green, red, and pumpkin-seed mole) are unbelievably good; the Chronicle even claims you’d be hard-pressed to find better moles in the Bay Area. Prices are moderate ($$), making it a great mid-range pick. Come hungry for creative tacos and shareable platters. Bombera’s friendly vibe, innovative cocktails (try the smoky mezcal drinks), and consistently excellent cooking make it a community favorite.

Awards/Backstory: Chef Iliana Regan hails from a Michelin-starred background (Midwest), and Bombera often lands on “best new restaurant” lists for its breezy blend of authenticity and fun.

4. Popoca – Salvadoran Cuisine (Old Oakland / Downtown)

• Location: 906 Washington St. (Old Oakland)
• Cuisine: Upscale Salvadoran/Latin fusion
• Standout Dishes: Pupusas made with heirloom corn masa (stuffed with seasonal veggies or cheeses), tropical ceviches (fish marinated with citrus and chiles), plantain mash dishes, and a delightful take on the pisco sour (made with sake for creamy citrus flavors). Also try the Pacific rim–inflected tortas and tots.
• Ambiance: Trendy and vibrant – a brick-walled space with green-tiled accents and a laid-back lounge feel. It often features a sleek cocktail bar up front. The decor mixes modern style with nods to Salvadoran heritage. It’s more polished than a street taco stand, but still very much Oakland-cool.

Why It’s a Must-Visit:

Popoca is a Salvadoran food revolution in Oakland. Chef Anthony Salguero, who roots from El Salvador, has transformed his pop-up success into a permanent restaurant (opened 2023). The result is food that honors tradition and pushes boundaries. Bon Appétit recognized Popoca as one of the country’s best new restaurants of 2024, raving that its dishes are “so tempting you’ll order another before finishing the first”. The Chronicle adds that Popoca uses heirloom corn and locally sourced produce to elevate pupusas into gourmet art.

The menu changes seasonally, but never miss the pupusas: silky inside and smoky-charred outside. Splash out on a signature cocktail (the tropical riffs and punchy punches are perfect with spicy bites). It’s moderately priced ($$) and perfect for curious foodies. Popoca’s creative Salvadoran fare – a cuisine rarely showcased in the Bay Area – makes it an Oakland standout.

5. 3 Bottled Fish – Vietnamese Cafe (Fruitvale)

• Location: 1924 35th Ave. (Fruitvale district)
• Cuisine: Vietnamese café (home-cooking style)
• Standout Dishes: Bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup), pho and noodle bowls, house-cured sausages, banh mi sandwiches (try the shiitake steak & egg on sourdough), rice porridge (cháo), and decadent Vietnamese coffee. Pastry lovers rejoice: there’s often a moist cake or cha siu (pork) sticky rice cake on offer.
• Ambiance: Cozy and homespun – a tiny storefront with a few tables and a welcoming vibe. Owner/chef Paulette Tran greets you and cooks everything herself, often chatting with guests over a Vietnam travel video loop. The decor is casual (white walls, plants, knickknacks, folding chairs). It’s more community hangout than fancy restaurant.

Why It’s a Must-Visit:

3 Bottled Fish is an Oakland gem for Vietnamese comfort food. The SF Chronicle raves that it’s a “Vietnamese cafe brimming with personality” and notes its always-changing, focused menu and affordable pricing (most items under $16). Each visit feels like stumbling upon a neighbor’s kitchen – friendly and adventurous. You might share tables, read books from the shelf, and chat with locals as you savor Tran’s soulful dishes. Don’t miss her savory house-made sausage (nem chua) or any surprise specials she whips up. The price is budget-friendly ($) and portions are generous. This spot is often called “something new” in Oakland’s multicultural Food Corridor (just past the Fruitvale sign on Foothill Blvd). For authentic, homey Vietnamese eats that brighten the neighborhood, 3 Bottled Fish is a must-stop in Oakland’s dining map.

6. Tacos Oscar – Creative Taqueria (Eastlake / East Oakland)

• Location: 420 40th St. (between Broadway & East 12th Street)
• Cuisine: Eclectic Taqueria (Oakland-style tacos)
• Standout Dishes: Tacos de huevo (runny egg with salsa macha), charred broccoli tacos, plant-based tacos, crispy salads on tostadas, and cheeky brunch items (like a breakfast burrito). Signature items rotate but always play with local ingredients and big flavors. Don’t skip the homemade hot sauces and bright cilantro-lime cocktails.
• Ambiance: Fun and funky – housed inside a repurposed shipping container with bright graffiti and an open kitchen. There are picnic tables outside and kitschy decor that nods to Oakland’s flair. It feels like a colorful street fair with sit-down comfort.

Why It’s a Must-Visit:

Tacos Oscar turns the classic taqueria on its head in the best way. SF Chronicle calls it the first true “Oakland-style” taqueria – meaning it takes bold liberties with the format. Over half the menu is vegetarian/vegan (taking advantage of California produce), so there’s something for everyone. For example, roasted broccoli is the hero of one taco, while savory, crispy egg tacos (topped with salsa macha) are a must at brunch. The vibe is homey and playful, with punny names and a communal atmosphere. And yes, they do breakfast on weekends, complete with a tiny breakfast burrito that locals line up for. Pricing is very reasonable ($).

According to Chronicle, “Tacos Oscar is the first true ‘Oakland-style’ taqueria — a singular force that plays with the format and has loads of fun doing it”. If you love tacos and quirky creativity, Oscar is the place. (Fun fact: their standing-room bar is built around an old telephone pole – it’s that homegrown.)

7. Vientian Cafe – Thai & Laotian Fare (Allendale / East Oakland)

• Location: 3801 Allendale Ave. (Allendale/Emeryville border near Lakeshore)
• Cuisine: Home-style Lao and Thai (family-run specialties)
• Standout Dishes: Nam khao (crispy rice and fermented pork salad from Laos – a local favorite), papaya salad (Som Tam), pad kee mao (drunken noodles), green curry, and refreshing Thai iced tea. Don’t miss the towering stacks of Chiang Mai sausage or the spicy herb-crusted fish.
• Ambiance: Down-to-earth and humble – a small brick house converted into a restaurant. Inside is cozy and simple, with a few tables, warm lighting, and Laos/Thai photos on the wall. It feels like eating in someone’s dining room. Outdoor seating along the sidewalk adds to the family-run charm.

Why It’s a Must-Visit:

Vientian Cafe is an Oakland classic for Southeast Asian cuisine. Named after Laos’s capital (though serving Thai favorites, too), it’s beloved for real-deal flavors. The Chronicle points out you’ll find “Thailand’s greatest hits” on the menu, but to be brave and order the “Lao specialties” – especially their “superlative nam khao” fried rice salad. That crispy rice salad (tangy, spicy, fresh) alone has a cult following. Everything is made with heart by the family owners. Prices are very affordable ($). For years, locals have praised Vientian for authentic, soulful dishes. In our mix of modern eateries, this humble spot is a reminder of Oakland’s deep international roots and how one homey cafe can carry on a cultural tradition.

8. Ok’s Deli – Inventive Sandwiches (Telegraph Avenue, Temescal)

• Location: 3932 Telegraph Ave. (at 39th St, Temescal neighborhood)
• Cuisine: Artisanal Deli Sandwiches (modern comfort food)
• Standout Dishes: Fried chicken sandwich with Sichuan chiles, banh mi with house-made pâté, Coppa & mozzarella hoagie, and a Filipino-inspired sisig pork sandwich. Breakfast pastries are also noteworthy. (Fun fact: everything is served on thick, toasted bolillo rolls.)
• Ambiance: Ultra-casual and cramped – Ok’s is famous for being tiny. You might dine outside or on a nearby park bench. There’s minimal seating (often just a couple of stools) and an order-at-the-counter vibe.
• What it lacks in space it makes up in personality: owner-chef Albert Ok knows many regulars by name and cranks out sandwiches with flair.

Why It’s a Must-Visit:

Despite the hole-in-the-wall appearance, Ok’s Deli packs big culinary chops. The Chronicle describes its sandwiches as “akin to the films of an auteur director” – creative, bold, and meticulously crafted. Proprietor Albert Ok (son of a legendary Chinatown chef) blends Oakland’s cultural threads into each sandwich. For example, a fried chicken bun features Sichuan chiles for a fiery twist, and their banh mi pays homage to the city’s Vietnamese community. The result? Ordinary deli staples become extraordinary. And at prices in the $5–$10 range, it’s a wallet-friendly splurge.

Ok’s Deli is a local institution: celebrated for culinary innovation on a budget and as an authentic reflection of Oakland’s cross-cultural soul.

9. Café Colucci – Ethiopian Cuisine (Fruitvale/Foothill)

• Location: 5849 San Pablo Ave. (at Neighbors Ave, Fruitvale)
• Cuisine: Ethiopian home cooking (with plenty of vegetarian/vegan options)
• Standout Dishes: Mushroom tibs (mushrooms sautéed in berbere spice), doro wat (spicy chicken stew), beef or lamb kitfo (steak tartare with clarified butter), and, of course, injera (fermented teff flatbread) to scoop it all up. Don’t skip the vegetarian combos – lentils, collards, and chickpeas are seasoned to perfection.
• Ambiance: Warm and welcoming – a spacious, rustic room with framed spice market photos and earth-toned walls. Long communal tables give it a friendly, family-style feel. The restaurant feels like a neighborhood gathering spot, and it’s been around so long you’ll often see repeat customers chatting over coffee.

Why It’s a Must-Visit:

Café Colucci is an Oakland institution for hearty Ethiopian fare. It’s been in business more than 30 years, growing into a larger space due to its popularity.

The food here consistently impresses vegetarians: plenty of vegan options (they’ll flag spice level) and vegetarian dishes that “tend to be the standout”, reflecting Ethiopia’s mostly plant-based cuisine. Their spice blends (especially berbere) and injera are house-made – a labor of love. Entrées are very affordable ($$), making it ideal for casual family meals or first-timers curious about East African flavors. If you’ve never tried Ethiopian food, Colucci is a friendly introduction: you can grab a piece of injera and dive into steaming bowls of rich stews. It’s comfort food that shines with authenticity, and its long history means it’s woven into the fabric of Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood.

10. Pucquio – Peruvian Cuisine (Rockridge, North Oakland)

• Location: 5337 College Ave. (Rockridge district)
• Cuisine: Upscale Peruvian (cevicheria)
• Standout Dishes: A rotating lineup of ceviches (seafood cured in tangy citrus with crunchy toppings), chicharrón (crispy fried pork), chupe de camarones (spicy shrimp chowder), and a variety of anticuchos (skewers). On the bar menu: inventive pisco cocktails – the sake-based pisco sour (with citrus and frothy creaminess) is a house specialty.
• Ambiance: Chic and modern – a clean, airy space with contemporary Peruvian art and an open kitchen. There’s an L-shaped bar perfect for sampling cocktails, plus tables for a semi-formal evening. Rockridge’s fashionable crowd and local families mix here in a relaxed but polished setting.

Why It’s a Must-Visit:

Pucquio brings Peru’s rich flavors to Oakland. Chef Carlos Moreira crafts dishes that are as beautiful as they are flavorful. The Chronicle gushes that his ceviches are “ornate, aesthetically pleasing” with thoughtful touches like house-grown peppers and toasted corn for texture. Their version of a pisco sour (with sake) is so unique it’s a signature must-try. It’s one of the Bay Area’s handful of dedicated Peruvian restaurants, and it quietly ranks among the best. The menu highlights fresh ingredients – think Andean grains, citrus, chiles, and exotic fruits – but in very approachable ways. Service is knowledgeable and the food presentations are Instagram-worthy. Price-wise, Pucquio is mid-range ($$-$$$). It’s perfect for date nights or treating your taste buds to new Latin American dishes. In a city that celebrates cultural diversity, Pucquio stands out by honoring Peru’s cuisine with finesse and flair.

Conclusion:

Oakland’s restaurant scene is booming in 2025, and these ten eateries showcase why. They span all neighborhoods and cuisines – from elegant seafood and French-inspired tasting menus to gut-busting soul food and inventive tacos. What unites them is passion and creativity. Each spot is a reflection of Oakland’s rich cultural tapestry and adventurous spirit. Whether you’re craving celebrity chef tasting menus or hole-in-the-wall authenticity, you’re sure to find something unforgettable in Oakland. So grab a fork (or tortilla) and explore – the Town’s dining treasures are waiting.

FAQs