Located in the heart of the chic Rockridge area, Wood Tavern is arguably one of Oakland's favorite restaurants. Saying that they have pretty good dishes is a vast understatement. The menu changes frequently but might include dishes like seared duck breast, steaks and freshly made pastas. While the restaurant tends to crowd up, especially during peak hours, an airy breeze (when weather permits) and a friendly staff help to cultivate a casual atmosphere. Equipped with a full cocktail menu and over 70 wines, you can even stop in just for an after-work drink and leave satisfied.
Yoshi's is not just a place where you can catch mind-blowing jazz, but also a sushi bar with an excellent food. Eager music lovers pack the restaurant and the Jazz House on performance nights. It showcases the best talent and boasts of high tech acoustics in the Bay area. A full cocktail menu is available with items like sushi, appetizers, salads and desserts. The attire is causal and the atmosphere jazzed up. It has a top-notch restaurant that serves Japanese food, and is open for lunch and dinner.
People watch and indulge in the fabulous dining at this San Francisco favorite. Known equally well for its affluent clientele and its oven-roasted chicken, this hot spot is worth the wait. Dinner entrees are nominally priced, though specials will cost you a bit more. If you are not enamored with the dinner scene, try visiting late mornings or early afternoons when you can sip on a latte (or scarf a Gorgonzola-topped burger) and watch the fog lift.
While the mythical and much-hyped liqueur after which this establishment is named is not served here, many equally potent concoctions are. Specialty drinks, such as the Perfect Pear and the Ginger Rogers, seem to contain pure alcohol, and even a standard margarita packs an unbelievable wallop. If you're looking for something to help mitigate the effects of a strong drink, then ditch the regular bar peanuts for Absinthe's bar snacks. This bar offers bread with a smooth fig spread, croque monsieur and more. The menu changes daily, but any antipasto platter of cured meats is sure to please, as will the particularly rich duck confit. You can enjoy your meal in the main room or at a cafe-style table on the sidewalk, but if you're looking for a quieter spot, book a table in the private dining room.
This fine dining restaurant takes pride in structuring their menu around seasonal and locally grown ingredients. A multi-course prix fixe menu features seasonal contemporary dishes that change frequently. Wine pairings are also available along with an impressive selection of wines by the bottle or by the glass. This modern, contemporary space and dining experience should not be missed for lovers of exquisitely prepared food. In addition to the dining room, there is also a chef's counter where guests can watch the kitchen in action and interact with the chefs.
Comal attracts young and stylish patrons who come to enjoy the tangy Mexican food, cocktails and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant interiors are stylish with a wood-decked ceiling, walls and flooring. It also boasts a magnificent patio and garden for al fresco dining and offers a separate room for family gatherings. The focus is on recipes from the coastal region of Oaxaca, a Mexican state, and liquors derived from agave such as Mezcal, Tequila, Bacanora and Sotol. Typical menu items include fresh picked Dungeness crab, chicken-chile verde soup and constantly changing quesadillas. Try cocktails such as the Jack Satan with hibiscus extracts, and flights like Valle de Tequila Lowland Flight and Mezcal de Alipus Flight, which combine various Mexican liquors.
Locals come to Acquerello on special occasions to enjoy meals that combine the best aspects of Italy and California. The incredibly artful dishes, prepared with extra care and tender love, please the palate and sate an empty stomach. The menu is prix fixe, starting with three courses. If you find it difficult to choose from among the restaurant's myriad bottles of wine, the knowledgeable wait staff is happy to suggest a selection sure to complement your food. Atmosphere is formal, so jackets are suggested for men, and sandals, sneakers and t-shirts should be avoided. This restaurant is a recipient of two Michelin stars.
Nestled amid the hillsides of Cow Hollow, Atelier Crenn is Chef Dominique Crenn’s splendid culinary haven. Combining the art of poetry with gastronomy, this luxurious restaurant offers a unique dining experience. With dishes such as spiny lobster and geoduck tart, the tasting menu strikes an exemplary balance between classic flavors and molecular gastronomy. The portions of food are just right, the atmosphere is beautiful and the attention to detail is palpable. Along with world class wine pairings, the restaurant’s signature desserts, one of which is coconut and pineapple, are simply unmissable. The seamless service by the amiable wait staff only adds to the unforgettable experience of dining at Atelier Crenn. The quality and unique flavors are well worth the apparently pricey experience. Atelier Crenn is a culinary delight deserving of every praise it receives. The moment you step into the restaurant, you are transported to a world of pulchritude and artistry.
Headed by noted chef Val Cantu, Californios strives to reinvent Mexican fare with a Californian twist. Situated on 11th Street, this elegant eatery offers an eclectic menu featuring some innovative preparations. The menu highlights local, seasonal ingredients and features dishes that blend traditional Mexican flavors with modern techniques and presentation. The lavish tasting spread boasts of rare flavors and seasonings, finely curated by Cantu's skilled culinary assistants. The heavenly small offerings are excellently complemented with regional wines.
Treat yourself with some delectable wine and food at Scopo Divino on California Street. The wine bar has an impressive collection of reds as well as whites, along with food to complement each drink. The wine menu is diverse and unique. On the other hand, the food menu is creative and indulgent. Take advantage of the happy hours and splurge on spectacular vinos from around the world. Enjoy your drink on the patio on a pleasant day or comfortably settle inside, amidst chic and light interiors. The staff is attentive and friendly, further elevating your dining experience here.
Overlooking Grove Street in the city of San Francisco, Om Sabor was established by Dhanistha Rivera and Luis Alfredo Flores. They offer plant-based dishes that are influenced by the Latin and International flavors. The menu includes fusion meals like tacos, crab cakes, tostadas, burgers, pies and a lot more. To support the environment, they use bio-degradable utensils and cutlery to package their meals. The restaurant’s sophisticated interiors and dim lights exude a classy vibe. In addition to indoor seating, they also offer outdoor seating arrangements.
If you dream of lazy days listening to street jazz musicians while sitting in the hot Louisiana sun munching on seafood gumbo, look no further than Creola in San Carlos. With award-winning New Orleans-style cuisine featuring favorite Creole and Cajun specialties, this restaurant is sure to transport you to a spicier place. Standout flavorful dishes include Cajun Jambalaya, Catfish Belles Chase and the always savory Shrimp Creola. The cocktail list is equally as fun and flavorful with signature drinks like the New Orleans Hurricane and the Cajun Dirty Martini.