Super cute restaurant inside the Park James Hotel.The only reason this isn’t a five stars because of a few operational issues.There is no parking. They do offer valet but only the first two hours are free. Luckily I found street parking about a block away so good to know that is an option.While the ascetics are beautiful, the comfort level is not great. The chairs are hard and uncomfortable. The backseat cushions on the booth move around as it is hanging on a bar as a freestanding pillow situation.Unfortunately, the lighting kept changing from super bright to dim a few times during the hour and a half we were there.The food is five stars. Everything we had was cooked perfectly with tons of flavor. We started with the calamari. The sauce that came with it was so good.We then decided to share the ceasar salad and the squid ink seafood pasta. The pasta bowl was overflowing with tender seafood. The pasta was cooked perfect and the sauce had a little kick that was a welcome surprise. So good! ?The drinks and deserts were really good as well.The service was attentive, friendly and absolutely lovely. Everyone from the host, to the chef, to the servers were excellent. ??We were there on a Wednesday night and had no problems getting a table, but I can see how on the weekends or sunny days (for the outdoor area) it can get quite busy. Would recommend making sure to have a reservation.They also had live music the night we were there, and the talent was quite good.I will definitely be back for the food, but will be sure to request one of the high top tables or outside seating.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
BEST burger I have had, I love the atmosphere in this restaurant, the drinks were exquisite, the service outstanding, definitely become one of my favorites, I'll be coming back soon!
Sadly I wasn't really impressed with this restaurant. We ordered brussel sprouts to share, and they were delicious. Bread served for $2 was nothing special. I found the two pasta dishes overpriced and not great. Wine also was quite expensive. I don't usually mind paying a lot of money for a good meal so it was more that I had high expectations that weren't met with the food. It was very noisy because we were seated outside adjacent to a wedding party. Also the valet parking was full due to the events. I wish I had planned the right shoes for my hike from my parking spot around the block. All in all it wasn't bad, but not great either. I won't be back.
The experience I've had coming back to this place was outstanding, I took the opportunity to try something new based on our server's recommendation, and wow they nailed it. This type of interaction provides me with the trust of keep coming back and not get disappointed.
Anonymous
Rene was an incredible server!! He was short handed and was able to still take care of our party without an issue!! He surprised us with the best drinks, I asked him to make it strong and he did not disappoint. We were very happy with our drinks, food and service and everything was impeccable!
Anonymous
Oak + violet exceeded all expectations, thanks in no small part to Jacky's service. She is a true asset, I recommend this place to anyone seeking a memorable dining experience. Salad with arugula and cocktail with lychee are great as well.
I was blown away by the incredible food and exceptional service. The highlight for me was their Wagyu burger & Wild Boar pasta. The staff was attentive and friendly, making the entire dining experience delightful.
DelilahB
Friendly and prompt service. My favorite drink was the Port of Spain cocktail. Every appetizer is amazing but the brie with bacon jam and lamb in hummus were outstanding. Great food and beautifully decorated interior.
Carlos Diaz
The food was okay I ordered chicken parmesani it comes with oysters which I passed on to someone else because I'm allergic to Seafood and quail eggs with severely didn't care for. The food was okay nothing really special about it.Parking: Parking during peak hours is valet small parking lot behind the restaurant
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
TD44
Oak and Violet is an elegant addition to the dining scene. The decor is comforting and consistent. The food is exceptional. We had live music which was done a just the right level. We could hear it not it did not intrude. During warm days outside dining is offered. We'll return.
This is a hidden gem! The food was amazingly flavorful and totally delish. The Brussels sprouts was grilled to perfection. I highly recommend you try the braised lamb and hummus.Sara was wonderful in taking care of us.Vegetarian options: Lots of veggie and vegan options.Parking: Valet parking - first two hours are free.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Brussel Sprouts
Had an amazing experience at this restaurant! The food was delicious, and the service was great. From start to finish, the staff was very friendly, making the whole dining experience enjoyable. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for great food and excellent service! They also have Live music a few nights a week!
Great little night at Oak + Violet, perfectly balanced cocktails I ordered uno más and dragons breath they were to die for. The food was delicious and the ambiance make a perfect night for me. 100% recommend I will be back soon!
RajeevG
Even though we knew this restaurant is in a hotel, we were surprised to find it so integrated into it. The entry is through the lobby and there is a lobby bar right next to it. The interior is simpler than one would expect for a fine dining place, so this is really more of a casual vibe. The place was half full, and there was a one-man band playing rather loud music in one corner. Good energy though a bit too loud and bright, almost like a diner. Service was prompt, friendly and attentive. Menu has reasonable variety of options. Drinks, though, were a bit meh. One was too sweet, the other too watered down. But the mains were delicious and generously portioned - grilled chicken, harissa salmon, pappardelle with wild boar ragu. Tiramisu dessert was reasonable though the cold interior felt like it came from a freezer! Pricing felt reasonable for the Bay Area, though I'd expect a finer vibe for it. All in all, come for the quality of food & service, not the drinks, if you want a casual, hotel vibe.
HeidiC
We had an amazing dinner at Oak and Violet along with top notch service from our server Sarah and live music. Overall, this made it a great evening out for all. Most of the table had the salmon dinner and the cheese cake for dessert.
Super cute restaurant inside the Park James Hotel.The only reason this isn’t a five stars because of a few operational issues.There is no parking. They do offer valet but only the first two hours are free. Luckily I found street parking about a block away so good to know that is an option.While the ascetics are beautiful, the comfort level is not great. The chairs are hard and uncomfortable. The backseat cushions on the booth move around as it is hanging on a bar as a freestanding pillow situation.Unfortunately, the lighting kept changing from super bright to dim a few times during the hour and a half we were there.The food is five stars. Everything we had was cooked perfectly with tons of flavor. We started with the calamari. The sauce that came with it was so good.We then decided to share the ceasar salad and the squid ink seafood pasta. The pasta bowl was overflowing with tender seafood. The pasta was cooked perfect and the sauce had a little kick that was a welcome surprise. So good! ?The drinks and deserts were really good as well.The service was attentive, friendly and absolutely lovely. Everyone from the host, to the chef, to the servers were excellent. ??We were there on a Wednesday night and had no problems getting a table, but I can see how on the weekends or sunny days (for the outdoor area) it can get quite busy. Would recommend making sure to have a reservation.They also had live music the night we were there, and the talent was quite good.I will definitely be back for the food, but will be sure to request one of the high top tables or outside seating.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
BEST burger I have had, I love the atmosphere in this restaurant, the drinks were exquisite, the service outstanding, definitely become one of my favorites, I'll be coming back soon!
Sadly I wasn't really impressed with this restaurant. We ordered brussel sprouts to share, and they were delicious. Bread served for $2 was nothing special. I found the two pasta dishes overpriced and not great. Wine also was quite expensive. I don't usually mind paying a lot of money for a good meal so it was more that I had high expectations that weren't met with the food. It was very noisy because we were seated outside adjacent to a wedding party. Also the valet parking was full due to the events. I wish I had planned the right shoes for my hike from my parking spot around the block. All in all it wasn't bad, but not great either. I won't be back.
The experience I've had coming back to this place was outstanding, I took the opportunity to try something new based on our server's recommendation, and wow they nailed it. This type of interaction provides me with the trust of keep coming back and not get disappointed.
Rene was an incredible server!! He was short handed and was able to still take care of our party without an issue!! He surprised us with the best drinks, I asked him to make it strong and he did not disappoint. We were very happy with our drinks, food and service and everything was impeccable!
Oak + violet exceeded all expectations, thanks in no small part to Jacky's service. She is a true asset, I recommend this place to anyone seeking a memorable dining experience. Salad with arugula and cocktail with lychee are great as well.
I was blown away by the incredible food and exceptional service. The highlight for me was their Wagyu burger & Wild Boar pasta. The staff was attentive and friendly, making the entire dining experience delightful.
Friendly and prompt service. My favorite drink was the Port of Spain cocktail. Every appetizer is amazing but the brie with bacon jam and lamb in hummus were outstanding. Great food and beautifully decorated interior.
The food was okay I ordered chicken parmesani it comes with oysters which I passed on to someone else because I'm allergic to Seafood and quail eggs with severely didn't care for. The food was okay nothing really special about it.Parking: Parking during peak hours is valet small parking lot behind the restaurant
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Oak and Violet is an elegant addition to the dining scene. The decor is comforting and consistent. The food is exceptional. We had live music which was done a just the right level. We could hear it not it did not intrude. During warm days outside dining is offered. We'll return.
Restaurantji Recommends
This is a hidden gem! The food was amazingly flavorful and totally delish. The Brussels sprouts was grilled to perfection. I highly recommend you try the braised lamb and hummus.Sara was wonderful in taking care of us.Vegetarian options: Lots of veggie and vegan options.Parking: Valet parking - first two hours are free.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Brussel Sprouts
Had an amazing experience at this restaurant! The food was delicious, and the service was great. From start to finish, the staff was very friendly, making the whole dining experience enjoyable. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for great food and excellent service! They also have Live music a few nights a week!
Great little night at Oak + Violet, perfectly balanced cocktails I ordered uno más and dragons breath they were to die for. The food was delicious and the ambiance make a perfect night for me. 100% recommend I will be back soon!
Even though we knew this restaurant is in a hotel, we were surprised to find it so integrated into it. The entry is through the lobby and there is a lobby bar right next to it. The interior is simpler than one would expect for a fine dining place, so this is really more of a casual vibe. The place was half full, and there was a one-man band playing rather loud music in one corner. Good energy though a bit too loud and bright, almost like a diner. Service was prompt, friendly and attentive. Menu has reasonable variety of options. Drinks, though, were a bit meh. One was too sweet, the other too watered down. But the mains were delicious and generously portioned - grilled chicken, harissa salmon, pappardelle with wild boar ragu. Tiramisu dessert was reasonable though the cold interior felt like it came from a freezer! Pricing felt reasonable for the Bay Area, though I'd expect a finer vibe for it. All in all, come for the quality of food & service, not the drinks, if you want a casual, hotel vibe.
We had an amazing dinner at Oak and Violet along with top notch service from our server Sarah and live music. Overall, this made it a great evening out for all. Most of the table had the salmon dinner and the cheese cake for dessert.