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.
This famous Chicago-style pizza company is always packed with UC students, families and out-of-towners. No one seems to mind the 20-minute (or more!) wait for the stuffed masterpiece. The pizza is made as thick as a pumpkin pie (yes, you do need a knife and fork), and the ingredients are put on upside down with tomatoes on top, meat on the bottom. So filling and so delicious, count on bringing home leftovers. For those with a slightly lesser appetite, they also serve thin crust pizzas that are just as delectable.
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.
Contrary to its name, HRD Coffee Shop is not what you'd expect it to be. Combining Korean, Chinese, American and Mexican cuisine, HRD offers unique lunch and breakfast fare. One of the best-kept secrets of the SoMa area, the establishment is popular with fans headed to the ballpark as well as locals. Most patrons opt for take away, but the simple booths and a long communal table make for ample seating. Standout dishes include the Mongolian cheesesteak, kimchi burrito and the barbecue pork served over scrambled eggs and rice.
Brought to you by the same people who opened Absinthe Brasserie & Bar, Comstock Saloon is a lively establishment that maintains a Barbary Coast ambiance while serving up some delicious contemporary American food. Complete with a 20-foot mahogany bar, the cocktails here are legendary, as are the live music performances. Dishes have included the rustic yet decadent concoctions like Beef Shank and Bone Marrow Pot Pie and Ricotta Gnocchi. If you want a place to simply unwind, an evening at Comstock Saloon won't disappoint.
You've never had grilled cheese like this! With different types of cheese and fancy combinations, the American Grilled Cheese Kitchen in San Francisco puts a fun and gourmet twist on this classic dish. They also serve soups, salads, delightful baked goods, and offer daily specials that will satisfy your stomach! Situated near the ballpark, the kitchen stays open until 7p during nighttime baseball games.
With over 30 years of combined high-end restaurant experience in San Francisco and New York, wine director, Maz Naba and chefs, Sarah and Evan Rich, have created the newest buzz-worthy restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area. Rich Table is located in the chic neighborhood of Hayes Valley and offers fine dining cuisine in a casual setting. The menu at this charming eatery changes daily, with a focus on balancing rich and exciting flavors in carefully conceived dishes that are simple in presentation. Reservations are advised as this up and coming restaurant is a foodies must visit.
Located inside the Inn at the Opera, Pläj Scandinavian Restaurant & Bar touts itself as the only restaurant of its kind in the city. The cuisine is a fusion of Californian and Scandinavian fare created by renowned chef and owner, Roberth Sundell. The atmosphere is sophisticated and trendy with plush lounge seating, industrial style lighting, dark wood paneling and crisp white table linens. Notable menu items include their braised ox cheek, poached lobster and cured salmon. Be sure to make reservation as this establishment is quite popular.
Enjoy creative gin-infused cocktails and contemporary eats at Whitechapel. Corpse Reviver, Cucumber Lavender Sour and The Buccaneer are just some of the local favorites on the menu. The talented mixologists ensure that not only are the drinks strong, but smooth tasting as well making Whitechapel a popular venue with the young and trendy alike. If you begin to feel the hunger pangs, call for one of the innovative delicacies from the kitchen. The British-inspired cuisine is sure to delight your taste buds. Set in a hip, elegant space with loud music resonating through the interiors, Whitechapel is the place to be if you are looking to have a good time with your friends.
Relish the taste of authentic Japanese sushi and sake at Hinata in Fillmore district of San Francisco. The ambiance is very class and sophisticated with the traditional Japanese Omakase menu and the more exclusive Grand Omakase menu. Each course is enriched with the classic sake that highlights the flavor of the sushi and wasabi. Apart from sushi, the restaurant also offers sashimi, teriyaki, gyoza and shochu. If sake is not your preferred poison, there is also a full wine bar serving the choicest selection of the best wines.
Giordano Brothers is located at the intersection of Valencia and 16th Streets. Quite the local hit, this sandwich shop offers a variety of scrumptious, Pittsburgh-style sandwiches which have already won the hearts of many a local patrons. Made out of fresh, good quality ingredients, their highly-recommended offerings such as The Coppa, pastrami, kielbasa and lots more. For sides, they have a good selection of popular munches such as hand-cut fries, onion rings, Buffalo wings and chili, to name a few. To complete this awesome meal Giordano Brothers also offers an impressive drink list featuring several local drafts, international and local bottled beers and wines as well. The courteous service and fair prices are just the cherry on the top, needless to say, you'd want to keep coming back for more!
The food here can be summed up in six words: really big, really good, really cheap. That is why Pancho Villa is so popular. The place is huge, offering plenty of room to sit and savor your meal. Enjoy the local artwork displays as you eat your taco, quesedilla, burrito, nachos, torta or special platter. Chicken, beef, beans, tofu, pork, chile verde, chili colorado, tongue, seafood, cheese, vegetables are your options. Take your pick of fillings for your entrees. Toppings include sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, and a variety of home made salsas. The service is friendly and quick.