Oakland Restaurants

The Oakland food scene is hot. It's got all the global flavours of neighbouring San Francisco going on, while also dishing up a good dose of American comfort food. This is food to put a smile on your face!

Oakland's cafes and restaurants really do cater to all tastes and budgets. Whether you want to push your culinary boundaries or cosy up with a home-cooked 'hug on a plate', Oakland's dining scene is one delicious adventure.

Brunch is huge in Oakland. Go classic, go boozy or go international - you'll find joints serving up every imaginable brunch dish (apart from soggy cornflakes, of course).

Global influences can be found everywhere in Oakland. Korean, Ethiopian and Japanese food are especially big right now, but this is a city that is constantly embracing new flavours. Of course, you can also go traditional with some fantastic old-school American eats.

So, are you hungry yet?

Brunch Restaurants

  • Ease into the weekend with brunch surrounded by flowers on the patio at La Note Restaurant. They do a mean French toast.
  • If you like your brunch served with a kick, head to Nido for punchy Mexican dishes and amazing margaritas.
  • Mama's Royal Cafe is something of an Oakland institution. Brunch in style surrounded by vintage decor, and don't forget to order one of the signature omelettes.

International Cuisine

  • Oakland is home to a thriving Ethiopian food scene. Try Cafe Colucci for intensely spiced coffees or Abesha Ethiopian Cuisine for generous combo plates and a cool, contemporary vibe.
  • Ramen is big in Oakland, so you'll find loads of great noodle joints to try. Sobo Ramen is one of the best - their veggie broth is among the yummiest out there.
  • Get your Latin American food fix at Cholita Linda, where you can chow down on everything from spicy carnitas tacos to epic Cubano pulled pork 'sanguches' (sandwiches).

American Restaurants

  • In the mood for comfort food? Head along to Homeroom for the best mac 'n' cheese of your life. Their weird and wonderful twists include spicy crab, pesto and buffalo chicken.
  • Treat yourself to high-end vegan food at the cutting-edge Millennium Restaurant. They're doing innovative - and delicious - things with plant-based ingredients.
  • Discover the hearty delights of southern American soul food at Brown Sugar Kitchen. Their signature dish is fried chicken with waffles. Enough said.