Enjoy a Memorable Meal at These 5 Oakland Restaurants

Whether you’re local to Oakland or just passing through, enjoying a deliciously memorable meal is probably at the top of your list. Oakland’s diverse cultures are reflected in the variety of cuisines available in the area, so there’s something for everyone. However, with so many impressive choices, deciding where to go can be quite challenging. In that case, we’re here to help. Check out our picks for some of the top Oakland restaurants that are sure to please your palate.

Belotti Ristorante E Bottega

Belotti Ristorante E Bottega has earned the prestige of a Michelin star and is a top-rated restaurant in Oakland. Your meal will surely be unforgettable with a relaxed, casual atmosphere, a modern take on traditional Italian cooking, and an extensive wine list.

Start your meal with the Belotti antipasto platter, featuring imported prosciutto crudo, salamino Calabrese, salame Toscano, robiola, gorgonzola, fruits, honey, nuts, and crostini. Then, choose your pasta course from their list of mouth-watering options featuring Chef Michel Belotti’s fresh, handmade pasta. Next, select your main course, including seared duck breast, five-hour braised flat-iron steak, or Antarctic seabass topped with toasted pistachios. Be sure to pair your meal with a selection from their extensive wine list to enhance your dining experience. Finally, cap off the meal with a luscious panna cotta paired with a cappuccino, and you will leave thoroughly satisfied.

  • Location: 5403 College Ave., Oakland.
  • Hours: Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Cuisine: Italian.
  • Price Range: $$-$$$.

Burma Superstar

Burma Superstar has become a Bay Area institution thanks to its bold Burmese flavors. Open since 1992, this restaurant has been serving unique dishes influenced by flavors from India, China, Thailand, and Laos that you won’t soon forget.

Burmese Samusas are the perfect start to your meal. These handmade pastries are filled with curried potatoes, mint, masala spices, and green peas. Keep them vegetarian, or add your choice of chicken or lamb. For your main dish, try the pork belly with mustard greens, Thai chilies, and ginger or the aromatic chicken coconut curry. Round out your meal by choosing from their long list of noodles, rice, and vegetable options. Don’t forget to leave room for desserts, such as fried bananas or thousand-layer bread.

  • Location: 4721 Telegraph Ave., Oakland.
  • Lunch Hours: Served daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Dinner Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 5-9:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 5-10 p.m.
  • Cuisine: Asian, Burmese.
  • Price Range: $$-$$$.

Wood Tavern

Wood Tavern is the second Michelin-rated restaurant on this list and is sure to offer an unforgettable eating experience. Serving up an American brasserie experience, they consider themselves a contemporary, rustic neighborhood restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere. Reservations are encouraged for both lunch and dinner, or head in for mid-afternoon nosh between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. when they have a modified lunch menu.

Start your meal with their Wine of the Day or a creative signature cocktail before choosing a shareable charcuterie or cheese board. Then, take your pick from their list of Firsts, such as the “Pig and Fig” arugula salad, russet potato gnocchi, or the fried pork belly topped with a perfectly poached egg. Next, choose from one of their main course options, which change daily to reflect fresh, local ingredients.

  • Location: 6317 College Ave., Oakland.
  • Hours: Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 3-9 p.m.
  • Cuisine: American with French influence.
  • Price Range: $$-$$$.

Zachary’s Chicago Pizza

Although their restaurant locations are solidly in Oakland, Zachary’s Chicago Pizza has brought a taste of the Windy City’s “deep dish” pizza to California since 1983. With an extensive list of pizzas and plenty of salads and starters, you will surely find a unique option on their menu.

You could stick with a classic cheese or pepperoni, but if you want to kick things up a notch, Zachary’s has plenty of unique pizzas served on your choice of thin or stuffed crust. Try Zachary’s Special, a classic combination of Italian sausage, green peppers, mushrooms, and onions on a bed of mozzarella. Or, go for the Super Veggie, chocked full of zucchini, yellow squash, white corn, broccoli, red bell pepper, Monterey Jack, and cheddar cheese on a wheat crust. Want to avoid the crowds? Take home one of their half-baked pizzas to cook in the comfort of your kitchen.

  • Rockridge Location: 5801 College Ave., Oakland.
  • Rockridge Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Grand Lake Location: 3917 Grand Ave., Oakland.
  • Grand Lake Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Cuisine: Italian, Pizza.
  • Price Range: $$-$$$.

Mua

Since 2008, Mua has been a mainstay on Auto Row in Oakland. Owners Hi-Suk and San-Ju Dong opened their first two successful restaurants in 1982 and 1996. Still, they wanted to shift away from curated menus and move toward comfort-based cuisine better suited to the tastes of the eclectic artistic community of Oakland. With dozens of food and drink options, you’re sure to have an outstanding meal.

Start with chicken liver pate, collard greens with bacon, or crispy tofu with black bean sweet chili sauce. For your entrée, choose from comfort food such as blackened catfish with dirty rice, fried chicken with cornbread and coleslaw, or a one-pound ribeye steak served with fries and herb butter. Check out their CBQ Burger, which replaces a beef burger with a patty made from chickpeas, bulgar, and quinoa and is topped with aioli, tomato, onion, and sprouts. If you’re a meat eater, don’t miss their half-pound beef burger topped with your choice of blue cheese, bacon, grilled onions, or avocado.

  • Location: 2442 Webster St., Oakland.
  • Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 5-10 p.m.
  • Cuisine: American, Bar, Contemporary.
  • Price Range: $$-$$$.

So there you have it. The team here at De Castroverde Personal Injury and Accident Lawyer hopes this list will help you narrow down all the amazing restaurant choices Oakland offers. You can’t go wrong with any of them; we know you’ll have a meal to remember. What do you think of our list? Don’t see your favorite? Contact our dedicated team to let us know, and we’ll be sure to add it to this list.

Photo Credit: Summer Lemon Risotto by Ella Olsson is licensed with CC BY 2.0