Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Oakland

This storefront ranks among the great cheesemongers in the United States. It is a fairly large space, but not a square inch of it is wasted in piling up the copious selection of sage derbys, gruyeres, gjetosts, cambozolas, manchegos and more. The latest arrivals are noted up on a big blackboard, and the staff is knowledgeable to the point of didacticism. It offers many other specialty foods, too, and has its own bakery. The Cheese Board Pizzeria is a Bay Area favorite for its daily changing artisan pizza specials.

The first of these gourmet bakeries in the Bay Area (they now have stores in San Francisco and Emeryville), Arizmendi bakes up amazing fresh breads and gourmet pizzas daily. Some baked goods are regulars, while others change daily, like Irish Soda Bread and fig-Fennel Sourdough. The huge draw here, besides the urge to overstuff your breadbox are the fresh, specialty pizzas which change daily. Whether its a more basic version like Tomato Sauce, Olives and Rosemary, or slightly more daring and unusual, like Pasilla Peppers, Red Onions, Zucchini and Cilantro Pesto, the pizza will please any palate. Pizzas can be bought by the slice, half-pizza, or a whole and can be heated up there for immediate consumption, or half baked for you to finish yourself when you get home.

Ju Ni which means 12 in Japanese is the spot for the lovers of sushi and Omasake themed restaurants. Omasake restaurants are those where the chefs decide the cuisine to be served to their customers. Headed by Chef Geoffrey Lee, this restaurant can accommodate only 12 people at a time and serves traditional Japanese cuisine with a modern twist. A variety of fish delicacies are available which are cooked and served in style. This place offers authenticity along with a great taste for those who have a penchant for Japanese Cuisine.

Tickling taste buds with contemporary American cuisine, the Morris on Mariposa Street is good for a date night or dinner with friends. The dimly lit eatery has simple yet modern interiors with a busy open kitchen. Even the simplest of dishes are cooked and seasoned well, with a perfect blend of flavors and aromas. The smoked duck, crab porridge, and the shrimp toast seem to be the house hits. The wine list is expansive and impressive while the staff is efficient and courteous. The beautiful presentation entices you further and elevates the dining experience.

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.

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.