50 Best American Restaurants in Oakland

“Always an interesting experience and fun treat. Classic cocktails in a classic atmosphere. Service is on point! Food is innovative yet still comforting and familiar. Never disappointed.“

“I loved everything about this place. The food was just the right amount and so creative.“

“Loved my birthday dinner tonight! Portions small for the prices in our opinion. A scallops main dish with 3 scallops is small. Drinks were amazing, decor fabulous and great service. My son had to go eat more food afterwards as he was still hungry. Bigger portions would be good. Loved everything else! Great choices, appetizers, main dishes and creative drinks were delicious. Kind of surprised knowing they knew it was my birthday that they didn't offer me a birthday "something" to make it special. For these prices I would expect something.“

“Went here late afternoon. Very fun, chill hangout spot. Great beer and cocktail selection. I had the root beer old fashioned, which came with a root beer dumdum! Service was very friendly and alert. Food was delicious. My partner and I both had burgers (patty melt and 5150). We shared the porcetta fries (por que no!). My only minor nitpick is that my medium rare burger wasn't. It was cooked just like my partner's medium, and even that want exactly medium. Luckily both were still juicy and delicious! The fries were bomb. Definitely coming back here and bringing friends.“

“Outstanding restaurant, we have dined at Wood Tavern more times than I can recollect . We we rather disappointed recently when we called to make reservations for 4 for lunch on 2/25/2022 and were informed they only take reservations for 5 or more. Is this true ? If so they should so state on their web site.“

“YESSSSS. Nearly perfect. I’m from NJ. I grew up on NYC and Philly Italian delis and boars head delis everywhere. I believe that access to a respectable deli is a basic human right. Yet every deli on the west coast manages to screw up a very simple staple food item… the sub, the hoagie, the grinder… whatever you wanna call it. NOT brothers deli. They have a solid list of ingredients and allow totally custom sandwiches. They have semolina (sesame) rolls. They have mortadella, they let you order fresh mozzarella or roasted red peppers on your sandwich. They don’t try to put pastrami on an Italian sub. I could go on and on.

They. Do. It. Right. Period. Go and get you some!

For the owners: soppressata and hot coppa (capicola) would be epic additions to the menu. Please stay in business. I need you.“

“My first time and will not be my last. The food is delicious, atmosphere is great and service is wonderful.“

“We have been to many restaurants similar to Commis but this one is absolutely amazing! The staff was spectacular! We especially loved our Sommelier, Andrew and Darren in the staff. Tomo was also great! They are so knowledgeable and added to the whole experience of the great food & wine
. We highly recommend them for an intimate celebration dinner and we are already planning to come back!“

“The MOCHI DONUTS!! Enough said“

“The crab cake appetizer was delicious and could make a meal for 1. The chicken piccata was huge and way too lemony/sour for my taste. The pork slider and jambalaya were very good. Children were served quickly and enjoyed their meals. The servers were very attentive. We arrived just as they opened and were warmly welcomed for our reservation.“

“Mama’s is always fabulous! Great food, great people. What more can you ask for??“

“Customer service was phenomenal. The burgers were outstanding delicious. I had a salad as well. It was a nice day so I enjoyed my lunch outside on the patio and people watched. What a lovely day in Oakland. Don't forget to enjoy one of their housemade lemondades. Enjoy :-)“

“Just visited Oakland for a conference and our awards dinner was held at The Fat Lady. The staff and owner were all phenomenal! It was a preset buffet and there were a few of us who are Autistic with an Endocrine Disorder and needed alternative food options. They took care of us swiftly and it was delicious. The owner is also an animal lover and takes care of animals they need love and a home. How can you not support a business like that! Definitely recommend!!!“

“Tummy comfort food in great post-industrial space. Friendly service, craft cocktails. Good menu options and specials. Outdoor tables also available.“

“I’ve recently cut out all dairy and pretty much all meat, although I will make an exception for special occasions and eat meat seldomly. anyway the options here are delicious if you’re a vegan! Their menu is full of tasty choices. U couldn’t be happier with my recent door dash orders“

“I went to the 13 reasons why wrap party here last night and it was amazing what a great place to have a party so much fun thank you Oakland. #13reasonswhy wrap party 🎊🎉“

“Loved our lunch today ! Bison stew with fry bread and bison meatballs. Hibiscus tea was awesome. Staff was so incredible. Busy and very full today. Great atmosphere.“

“Great local eatery with delicious beers and wonderful taps. Joe, the owner, is one of the most sweetest guys you’ll ever meet. Highly recommend!“

“We had such a great night at Burdell. The food was delicious - comforting and satisfying, but still thoughtful and really well done. We especially loved the pork strip steak, ham salad and cornbread. Great cocktails, super friendly service, and just an all-around fun dinner. Definitely a place we’ll come back to.“

“We come by almost every Friday and have lunch at Cato's. The staff is extremely friendly and the service is top notch! It's always rejuvenating to be at Cato's and start our weekend with good food, tasty beverages and a few good laughs with the welcoming folks that work and patronize the Ale House.“

“Delicious food and cocktails.“

“We came here after watching Hasan vs. Ronnie at the Fox Theater.

They had so many options to choose from! I got the Thai Tea Conquito, and it was so good. It had a bold Thai tea flavor with hints of vanilla and warm spices. Highly recommended!“

“One Of My Favorite Spots To Eat At �“

“I enjoyed a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs, potatoes, chicken apple sausage and a biscuit. Everything was fresh and cooked to perfection. The staff is always welcoming, and I appreciate the open kitchen, you can tell the chef's cook with love. I'll be back!“

“delicious ice cream and everything“

“I love meeting up with friends at Monaghans! It has great ambiance and you feel like you are among friends every time. Full of regular patrons, this is definitely the place to go to watch a game or catch up with friends. I especially love coming on wing Wednesday for the lemon pepper and old bay wings along with a Caesar salad, complemented by a Cadillac Margarita. The bartenders get it right every time.“

“my friend and I enjoyed our brunch on the outside patio. food service was fast“

“It's the best for niggaz like me“

“They're always so nice to me here! Mama loves the craft cocktails and the book curations. We live nearby so it's a favorite neighborhood hang, and we appreciate all the thought that went into the menus.“

“food was great atmosphere was nice recommend going there“

“we love the vibe, service and menu at GLK on Grand and have been going there for years. On our last visit we were surprised by how salty the food was. I think the cooks are overly generous with salt. Both our brussel sprouts and the scallops were really over salted. Next visit we will be sure to order low/no salt, and send back anything that's too salty.“

“good drinks, good food, friendly service, outdoor dining, i'll be back“

“The fried chicken salad is perfect. No too much sauce, the right amount of texture. I can’t decide if the size of the nugget or the breading is better. I sat at the bar watching the perfect avocados spooned and cut with remarkable speed for how consistently ripe they were. I overheard at leave 3 people talk about how incredible the burger was, the woman next to me said she “was speechless”. They are pulling this off w/o a grill or a flame or a timer. By sight and very fast. The casual atmosphere is friendly.“

“I came across Diggery Inn on a random Thursday looking for lunch. I stopped by for a classic breakfast! I ordered the Eggs, Bacon, French toast combo. It was super delicious!!
The service is great, my server Nari is very consistent, always checking if you need a refill also very kind! I think it’s an affordable option for a home cooked breakfast style.
This is my second time here in a week and I’m very picky.. This is my new GO-TO in Oakland for breakfast! Thank you!!“

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“we love the vibe, service and menu at GLK on Grand and have been going there for years. On our last visit we were surprised by how salty the food was. I think the cooks are overly generous with salt. Both our brussel sprouts and the scallops were really over salted. Next visit we will be sure to order low/no salt, and send back anything that's too salty.“

“All fresh ingredients are so good.Noce Customer Service #BLM“

“Great go-to destination in Uptown!“

“Stopped by without realizing happy hour had just started.

* I ordered the sangria, buffalo cauliflower, and mac and cheese and was really happy with my choices. The only negative was waiting about half an hour for the food, but the views and sangria make this a great happy-hour spot.

The patio has great views of Lake Merritt, which made the whole experience that much better.“

“I have been stopping by the restaurant at least once a week for breakfast since 2023. all the breakfast menu items are great. you will be pleased with what ever you select.“

“I’ve recently cut out all dairy and pretty much all meat, although I will make an exception for special occasions and eat meat seldomly. anyway the options here are delicious if you’re a vegan! Their menu is full of tasty choices. U couldn’t be happier with my recent door dash orders“

“Treated my parents to a lovely dinner from Kiana for their 50 th wedding anniversary!!! Everything was delicious!“

“Oh my!!!. One of the best Bacon Cheeseburgers myself has had in a long while!. Love this Emil's Burger & Breakfast!!!. GO!!! JALAPENOS!!!.“

“Excellent food and owners! Always fresh.“

“First class operation“

“I recommend community services, including the podiatry clinic.“

“The shrimp and grits are tasty. I don’t understand why the entire staff is Hispanic-like most Mexican restaurants they only hire Hispanic folks so if we are not good enough to work here I won’t spend my money here“