Fenton's has been an Oakland institution for over 100 years, serving up homemade ice cream and deluxe toppings, along with all your classic American diner favorites. You can always get a juicy burger with fries, or cranberry turkey sandwich, but the real draw are the sweets. Fenton's serves up everything from your basic flavored ice cream cone to a super-deluxe sundae or an incredible milkshake. Besides high quality ice cream, the toppings are a huge favorite here, especially the marshmallow sauce.
Sometimes you want a Louisiana link that sends your tongue on a one-way trip to New Orleans, or a decent kosher frank. That is what the owner wanted when he opened up this small stand: a taste of New York's famous ethnic sausages from its German, Italian and Polish neighborhoods. And they ship bulk orders around the world, too! Not surprisingly, this joint is a hit with local students grabbing a quick bite between classes or a satisfying break during a late-night study session. Place your order at the front and hang out while waiting for your link. Lemon Chicken, Kielbasa and the turkey "Bird Dog" are among the several appetizing selections.
Chop Bar, located near Oakland's iconic Jack London Square, serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu boasts all kinds of different dishes inspired by all kinds of global cuisines. Everything from oxtail Poutine to meatloaf to banh mi, tortas and tacos. In addition to the tasty and innovative food menu, Chop Bar features a unique wine on tap system, which features a good number of Northern California wines, as well as regular bottled wine, beer and cocktails. Chop Bar also hosts a full pig roast the third Sunday of every month.
Located in the heart of Uptown Oakland, Hopscotch bills itself as an upscale diner. The light-filled dining room with little tables and bright red chairs is an inviting affair. Checkerboard floor and wood-paneling adds a touch of vintage. The menu offers American specialties with Japanese influences adding a surprise element for adventurous eaters. Mains include the famous buttermilk fried chicken, Tonkatsu sandwich and First Base Burger. The drink list offers a choice of inspired cocktails as well as a selection of sake. There's a selection of tea, coffee and juices as well.
If you're in the mood for some ultimate comfort food, look no further than Homeroom. This cute, airy restaurant decorated with all things school paraphernalia specializes in one thing: Mac & Cheese. And this isn't your grandma's blue box of "Mac N Cheese" as the different varieties range from your classic cheddar mac to more adventurous versions like goat cheese mac, trailer mac with hot dog and crushed potato chips, Mexican mac with chorizo, chipotle, jack cheese and cilantro, and even vegan or gluten free mac so noone is left out. Some of the varieties are constant staples while others change from time to time. All dishes can have various different ingredients and crunchy toppings added to them. In addition to the cheesy goodness, Homeroom also features various breakfast and lunch special sandwiches, homemade desserts and a delicious selection of local beers and wines.
A staple of Vietnamese cuisine in Old Oakland, Le Cheval has been serving patrons for over a quarter of a century. Their vast, decorative dining hall is ideal for large gatherings, as is their "Bo 7 Mon" meal, seven courses of beef cooked and served at the table. Le Cheval features an extensive menu, serving specialties in beef, poultry, fish, salad, and rice, along with a full bar. If the menu size seems daunting, there are always favorites to rely on, like the claypot fish or appetizing Imperial Rolls.
Garden Creamery is an ice cream store that serves vegan as well as organic ice creams along with wide range of sorbets and yogurt. They do cater for private events held at any venue that you opt for. The items are served via their own food trucks for large orders, or via food carts for small parties. At reasonable rates and great taste, this multi-outlet dessert store has made a name for itself in San Francisco as well. Worth trying sweets are strawberry pretzel pop, vegan sorbets, coconut based ice creams and genmaicha.
Pink onion is a friendly and welcoming hangout that serves the culinary staples of the most beloved exports of Italy. The interior features graffiti style art giving the space an edgy, informal yet stunning look. You can choose to have your Pizza sitting indoors or even outdoors. This Italian spot has a terrific menu which is made with great care and passion. You surely would not want to miss a place that has it all - great ambiance, on tap wines and beer and a terrific menu. The place is a perfect place when you need a slice.
This place has been in business since 1929 and the narrow linoleum floors, a counter that runs the length of the store, and the shelves stocked floor-to-ceiling with a cornucopia of delicious Italian foods have not changed much since then. Still run by the Bosco family, it is always stocked with hand-rolled ravioli, a locally famous spinach frittata, and a variety of house-made pasta sauces available by the pint. The selection of imported Italian cheese and meats is second to none in the city, and the service is friendly. This is a great place to stop in for a sandwich made to order (expect a line of Marina locals at lunchtime), or to pick up the fixings for a great dinner to make yourself at home. Or just drop in to marvel at how many different kinds of imported olives one deli can find to stock. Please see the website for further information.
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.
Kaffa Ethiopian Cuisine is an intimate restaurant just off Ashby avenue that makes you feel like home. This three-table dining space features authentic, homespun decor and typically serves Ethiopian style vegan dishes which are simple, and great to taste. Their main dishes are divided into three categories; small, medium and large, based on their proportions and number of food items. Their ingredients are particularly healthy and gluten-free.
A cozy place run by a mother-and-daughter duo of Burmese heritage, Burmatown serves the quintessential home-cooked meal with authentic ingredients with the option to adjust the spiciness to suit individual preferences. The homemade hot sauce that is served as a side for those who opt for hot spicy food has a citrusy tinge that balances out the heat. Whether it is Garlic Noodles, Coconut Chicken Curry, Short Rib or Miso Black Cod, each dish is packed with flavors and perfectly cooked and presented. The Tea Leaf Salad is a unique dish where the textures, flavors and taste come together in perfect harmony. If that is not your cup of tea, there is plenty more to choose from - Kimchi potstickers, Nori drizzled french fries or crispy fried angel wings. Apart from noodles, flavorful rice is served in three varieties, Jasmine, brown or coconut to go with the beef, pork or shrimp of choice.