To start off, I’ve never had Haitian food and didn’t know what to expect. After going to T’Chaka for lunch, I’m pleasantly surprised. Glad that I got a taste of Haiti. Food, service, ambiance, and decor is amazing.T’Chaka is located next to Swan’s Market in Old Oakland. Outside - there’s a colorful bright yellow sign with potted palm plants so place is hard to miss.Server was extremely friendly, helpful, and accommodating.Decor and ambiance - very colorful and vibrant. Haitian flag stood out to me. A lot going on with the paintings, fish tank, vases, wall fixtures, etc. Definitely feels like you’re walking into a local mom and pop restaurant that will serve authentic cuisine. A bit pricey - around $20 for each entree but the quality and time spent makes it worth.Unfortunately, I am pescatarian so I was unable to try the Oxtails, Jerk Chicken, or Griot. What a tragedy. But my co-worker said Oxtails were flavorful and delicious, went well with the fixings. She finished the whole plate and cleaned the bones off!Shrimp salad itself was flavorful - with passionfruit dressing. They also did not skimp on the shrimp - HUGE PLUS. As exotic as the dish sounds, the flavors went well together. Shrimp was well seasoned with a tangy, sweet, yet savory flavor. The passionfruit dressing itself was light, refreshing, and not overly sweet. Nice palette of flavors, definitely Caribbean-esque.Cocktails and dinner: I would especially recommend coming for their dinner menu or Saturday special and drinks. Cocktails looked very intriguing and would go well with menu offerings.I would definitely recommend this place. Haitian food is super underrated! Take advantage of going during Restaurant Week!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Leah W.
We visited T'chaka kinda randomly. There was a wait as we didn't have reservations, but the owner was super friendly and we were allowed to wait in their seating area. It took some time to receive our food, but as a new restaurant it was understandable. Our food was amazing and the portion sizes were great. The waitstaff was incredibly polite and welcoming.
R K ISRAËL
Great food with good
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Denzel T.
Recently took my mom out to dinner at T'chaka. This was my second time here, so it was an opportunity to try a few new dishes! I ended up going with the jerk combo (includes chicken and shrimp), as well as rice & peas and plantains. We also ordered some calamari to start. The chicken was very moist and flavorful and the sauce added a great kick. The calamari was fried crispy with plenty of flavor in the batter. I was also picking up some spice with the calamari, but I'm not sure what they put in there. The ambience is solid and the staff are very friendly/attentive. The owner regularly came by to refill our water and ask how the food was. Top marks for both food and service. Excited to visit again to try the goat!
Troy S.
Amazing food and the staff were so friendly and accommodating. Don't be afraid of spice, they will make adjustments for you that don't sacrifice flavor. My group tried the jerk wings, Akra, and Calamari appetizers and they were all really great but I preferred the jerk wings (again can be made non spicy). Then we ordered the Griot, Oxtail, and Legume with pork. Everything on the plates was amazing with the perfect spices. Oxtail was a major standout.
M
Best Haitian food in California. Excellent
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ann V.
I took a trip to Oakland and I found out about T'chaka. Yay, Haitian food to the rescue! When I travel to other cities, I'm always curious to know if there's a Haitian Restaurant around. I guess that was my lucky day for a taste of Haiti. It was good to know that it's in the heart of Oakland and opened last year. As soon as I entered the restaurant, I felt at home...smelling the pleasant appetizing aroma of Caribbean spices. Oooh yeahhh! I received a warm welcoming from staff. Oooh niiice! I was in a veggie mood and ready for a home cooked meal. I ordered my favorite traditional Haitian dish, legumes. While I waited, I enjoyed listening to the Kompa music and enjoyed looking at the decor. When my server approached me, I was delighted to see the presentation of the food. Look at that deliciousness! I can tell they put a lot of effort into it. So fast forward - The flavors were on point...jasmin rice and green/yellow plantains were on point. And lo and behold, the beautiful chef behind this fresh delectable masterpiece walked out the kitchen to check on me. I was all smiles at that point. She immediately knew I was a happy customer. Merci beaucoup! I'll be back. :-) FYI - To those who are unaware, Tchaka or Chaka is a nutritious Haitian stew associated with family time and festivities.
Finley W.
A beautiful restaurant with an incredible menu and the sweetest staff! Went with a friend and we ordered the same thing, the pulled pork over fries (I think on the menu it was called the Jerky's) and it was amazing!
Zach B.
The Griot dish is one of the best things I've had in the Bay Area in a WHILE. There are a lot of solid options on this block but do yourself a favor and give this place a shot. You won't be disappointed!
Surprising good food, ambient and service with very reasonable prices.Oxtail dish is
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
M. D.
Went to dinner with friends here on a Friday night and it was such a fun experience. Host and wait staff are super friendly and helpful. Food is so, so tasty. Got delivery with my family tonight and it did not disappoint-- certain things fare better eaten right away at the table rather than delivered in containers but that's to be expected and more reason to visit! Will return to the restaurant in person and for takeout. Thanks T'Chaka!
Gregory Desir
EXCELLENT customer service! The food is amazing and the restaurant is so clean and beautiful ✨. I wish this restaurant was back home in L.A. ?. I will definitely bring my family here again next time we visit Oakland!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aaron Alexander Russell
Best Haitian Food in the bay. Service great, food beyond amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hillary Chu
We had such a wonderful dining experience here! We ordered the oxtails and legumes with goat. Both were so flavorful and tender! The staff were absolutely stellar! So friendly, kind and attentive. Would definitely return and recommend!
Went there for lunch. Good food and service.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
To start off, I’ve never had Haitian food and didn’t know what to expect. After going to T’Chaka for lunch, I’m pleasantly surprised. Glad that I got a taste of Haiti. Food, service, ambiance, and decor is amazing.T’Chaka is located next to Swan’s Market in Old Oakland. Outside - there’s a colorful bright yellow sign with potted palm plants so place is hard to miss.Server was extremely friendly, helpful, and accommodating.Decor and ambiance - very colorful and vibrant. Haitian flag stood out to me. A lot going on with the paintings, fish tank, vases, wall fixtures, etc. Definitely feels like you’re walking into a local mom and pop restaurant that will serve authentic cuisine. A bit pricey - around $20 for each entree but the quality and time spent makes it worth.Unfortunately, I am pescatarian so I was unable to try the Oxtails, Jerk Chicken, or Griot. What a tragedy. But my co-worker said Oxtails were flavorful and delicious, went well with the fixings. She finished the whole plate and cleaned the bones off!Shrimp salad itself was flavorful - with passionfruit dressing. They also did not skimp on the shrimp - HUGE PLUS. As exotic as the dish sounds, the flavors went well together. Shrimp was well seasoned with a tangy, sweet, yet savory flavor. The passionfruit dressing itself was light, refreshing, and not overly sweet. Nice palette of flavors, definitely Caribbean-esque.Cocktails and dinner: I would especially recommend coming for their dinner menu or Saturday special and drinks. Cocktails looked very intriguing and would go well with menu offerings.I would definitely recommend this place. Haitian food is super underrated! Take advantage of going during Restaurant Week!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
We visited T'chaka kinda randomly. There was a wait as we didn't have reservations, but the owner was super friendly and we were allowed to wait in their seating area. It took some time to receive our food, but as a new restaurant it was understandable. Our food was amazing and the portion sizes were great. The waitstaff was incredibly polite and welcoming.
Great food with good
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recently took my mom out to dinner at T'chaka. This was my second time here, so it was an opportunity to try a few new dishes! I ended up going with the jerk combo (includes chicken and shrimp), as well as rice & peas and plantains. We also ordered some calamari to start. The chicken was very moist and flavorful and the sauce added a great kick. The calamari was fried crispy with plenty of flavor in the batter. I was also picking up some spice with the calamari, but I'm not sure what they put in there. The ambience is solid and the staff are very friendly/attentive. The owner regularly came by to refill our water and ask how the food was. Top marks for both food and service. Excited to visit again to try the goat!
Amazing food and the staff were so friendly and accommodating. Don't be afraid of spice, they will make adjustments for you that don't sacrifice flavor. My group tried the jerk wings, Akra, and Calamari appetizers and they were all really great but I preferred the jerk wings (again can be made non spicy). Then we ordered the Griot, Oxtail, and Legume with pork. Everything on the plates was amazing with the perfect spices. Oxtail was a major standout.
Best Haitian food in California. Excellent
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I took a trip to Oakland and I found out about T'chaka. Yay, Haitian food to the rescue! When I travel to other cities, I'm always curious to know if there's a Haitian Restaurant around. I guess that was my lucky day for a taste of Haiti. It was good to know that it's in the heart of Oakland and opened last year. As soon as I entered the restaurant, I felt at home...smelling the pleasant appetizing aroma of Caribbean spices. Oooh yeahhh! I received a warm welcoming from staff. Oooh niiice! I was in a veggie mood and ready for a home cooked meal. I ordered my favorite traditional Haitian dish, legumes. While I waited, I enjoyed listening to the Kompa music and enjoyed looking at the decor. When my server approached me, I was delighted to see the presentation of the food. Look at that deliciousness! I can tell they put a lot of effort into it. So fast forward - The flavors were on point...jasmin rice and green/yellow plantains were on point. And lo and behold, the beautiful chef behind this fresh delectable masterpiece walked out the kitchen to check on me. I was all smiles at that point. She immediately knew I was a happy customer. Merci beaucoup! I'll be back. :-) FYI - To those who are unaware, Tchaka or Chaka is a nutritious Haitian stew associated with family time and festivities.
A beautiful restaurant with an incredible menu and the sweetest staff! Went with a friend and we ordered the same thing, the pulled pork over fries (I think on the menu it was called the Jerky's) and it was amazing!
The Griot dish is one of the best things I've had in the Bay Area in a WHILE. There are a lot of solid options on this block but do yourself a favor and give this place a shot. You won't be disappointed!
Restaurantji Recommends
Surprising good food, ambient and service with very reasonable prices.Oxtail dish is
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went to dinner with friends here on a Friday night and it was such a fun experience. Host and wait staff are super friendly and helpful. Food is so, so tasty. Got delivery with my family tonight and it did not disappoint-- certain things fare better eaten right away at the table rather than delivered in containers but that's to be expected and more reason to visit! Will return to the restaurant in person and for takeout. Thanks T'Chaka!
EXCELLENT customer service! The food is amazing and the restaurant is so clean and beautiful ✨. I wish this restaurant was back home in L.A. ?. I will definitely bring my family here again next time we visit Oakland!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best Haitian Food in the bay. Service great, food beyond amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had such a wonderful dining experience here! We ordered the oxtails and legumes with goat. Both were so flavorful and tender! The staff were absolutely stellar! So friendly, kind and attentive. Would definitely return and recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5