Oakland is a hotbed of diverse cuisines and cultures, so much so that it’s become one of the most exciting places to eat in the country. That means the best restaurants in Oakland reflect the diversity of its people, running the gamut from authentic Filipino and Ethiopian fare to mouthwatering Southern food and BBQ.
Here, you can travel the world from the dinner table, street by street—try nationally lauded Cambodian cuisine and taco trucks on Fruitvale Avenue, and fine dining Italian and tapas on Piedmont Avenue. You’ll even find a Michelin-starred restaurant (which is on par with the fine dining restaurants in San Francisco proper, if you ask us), not to mention mom-and-shop joints that have a long history in town.
If you’re coming from SF, there are plenty of ways to cross the bridge to the sunny side of the bay, and it’s worth making a day out of it by exploring all there is to do in Oakland, from scenic hikes in the redwoods to art galleries and boutiques. Oh, and don’t forget to stop by Jack London Square to find some of the best waterfront wineries in the Bay Area.
But enough about that, because you came here to eat. Here is our guide to the best restaurants in Oakland right now.
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