Best of 24 hidden restaurants in Oakland

Spacious location, friendly staff, offers a variety of menu options

Limited vegetarian options, parking can be challenging, hit-or-miss food quality

Pork katsu curry, garlic noodles, chicken teriyaki

$

Large outdoor seating, pet-friendly, offers brunch, happy hour specials, known for wings

Prices slightly high, limited parking, some complaints about slow service

Wings, burgers, craft beer

$15-$30

Wide range of menu options, family-friendly atmosphere, great location near Lake Merritt

Prices can be a bit high, hit-or-miss service, limited parking

Avocado toast, chia seed pudding, smoked salmon bagel

$15-$30 per person

Centrally located, wide selection of resources, user-friendly interface

Some outdated information, hit-or-miss customer service, website may be slow at times

Business directory, event listings, community forums

$0 - nominal fees for some services

Warm atmosphere, authentic Thai food, attentive service, wide vegetarian options, river view

Prices slightly higher than some Thai places, reservations recommended, limited parking

Pad Thai, Green Curry, Drunken Noodles

$15-$30

Waterfront location, modern decor, extensive German beer selection

Prices slightly higher than other nearby restaurants, limited vegetarian options

Brotzeit Sampler, Sausage Platter, Pretzels & Cheese Spaetzle

$15-$30

Wide Vietnamese menu selection, comfortable ambiance, good reviews on food quality and customer service

Limited parking, some complaints about long wait times, prices slightly higher than some Vietnamese restaurants

Pho, banh mi sandwiches, summer rolls

$

Offers a variety of Japanese dishes, live jazz performances, elegant atmosphere, vegetarian and gluten-free options available

Pricey for some, parking can be challenging, reservations may be necessary for popular performance nights

Sushi Rolls, Tempura, Yakitori

$31-$60

Wide selection of plant-based dishes, offering delivery and takeout, catering services available

Limited seating, may have long wait times during peak hours, some dishes can be on the pricier side

Buddha's Delight Salad, Pad Thai, Golden Tofu Curry

$15 - $30

Warm atmosphere, friendly service, extensive beer selection, live music, outdoor seating

Can get crowded, limited food options, parking can be difficult, some menu items are pricey

Bourbon BBQ Burger, Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Chicken Apple Sausage

$$

Known for creative and delicious cocktails, friendly service, unique ambiance with a vintage feel

Pricey for the portion size, can get crowded and noisy, limited food options

Housemade Chipotle Mayo Fries, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Carnitas Tacos

$15-$30

Known for delicious food, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere

Reservations may be difficult to get, limited parking, and some dishes can be expensive

Duck Confit, Pan Seared Scallops, and Risotto

$31-$60

Stylish decor, live music, extensive tequila menu, delicious cocktails, friendly service

Can be crowded and noisy, limited parking, some menu items are pricey

Tacos, guacamole, frozen margaritas

$10-$30

Fresh, locally sourced ingredients, warm atmosphere, knowledgeable staff

Limited seating, may have to wait for a table, expensive for some budgets

Charcuterie board, braised pork shoulder, daily risotto

$21-$30

Wide variety of Mexican dishes, cozy atmosphere, good for groups and families

Portions may be small for some, can get crowded during peak hours, limited vegan options

Tacos, Enchiladas, Guacamole

$10-$20

Wide variety of dishes, cozy atmosphere, delicious food and drinks

Portion sizes can be small for the price, service can be slow during peak hours, hit-or-miss consistency

Tapas, Paella, Churros

$$

Relaxed atmosphere, great for large groups, affordable prices

Cash only, limited food options, can get crowded

Pizza, Beer, Chicken Wings

$

Wide selection of Mediterranean food, vegetarian and vegan options, cozy ambiance and friendly service

Price a bit high for the portion, limited parking, hit-or-miss service

Shakshuka, Lamb & Couscous, Falafel Plate

$15 - $30

Wide selection of vegan and gluten-free options, cozy atmosphere, great cocktails

Menu on the pricier side, small portions, hit-or-miss service

Almond-crusted tofu, buffalo cauliflower, black bean burger

$15-$30

Spacious interior, Large TVs for sports viewing, Offers happy hour specials, Friendly staff, Good for groups

Limited vegetarian options, No parking lot, Can get noisy during peak hours, Hit-or-miss service, Average food quality

Burgers, Wings, Beer

$-$$

Live music, stylish decor, extensive cocktail menu; right off Lake Merritt; offers supper club experience

Reservations may be hard to come by; prices can be on the higher side; parking can be difficult to find

Steak Tartare, Lobster Roll, Bardo Burger

$30-$60