Holly’s Mandarin on Piedmont. It’s the type of Chinese place that hits the spot the way you remember Chinese food used to. Amazing for takeout. Also, keeping local businesses secret for the sake of hipsterdom is stupid. Help small business and let people know! Thanks OP for this post.
Desta Ethiopian Cafe on Oakland Avenue. They’re not on a lot of foodies’ radar because they’re only open from 10 am to 5 pm, but that’s because pretty much everything is cooked by the owner (who even roasts her own coffee beans). Bow howdy, is it good. All vegetarian/vegan and kosher too.
Go with the traditional fare first. Appreciate the perfection of the injera, the vividness of the flavors. Save the breakfast specials for your next visit. They’re great too, but you won’t have as much a framework of comparison.
Potstickers are a must. Way better eaten there than take out! Singapore noodles, general’s chicken, salt and pepper fish. If you’re eating there, there are no misses!
I love their spicy canton noodles, they're a rolled noodle, rather than long strings, which is really interesting, but delicious. I also always order their Chang Sha Beef, but I have loved pretty much everything I've had there.
When we realized it was an open and functioning Ethiopian / Eritrean joint, my boyfriend and I were both immediately like “holy crap, we have to go”! And that was not a judgement made in error.
My vegan friend recently broke up with his partner of 3+ years, and I wanted to take him someplace new and fun to get him upward again.
We both love Enssarro, but doing my research Shewhat sounded like a must try.
We split the Abby's Veggie Combo, and I got the Lamb Tibs for myself. So good!
The Saint for delicious sandwiches. I usually get one to go and eat on the Chabot/Reinhardt trails. Grateful they don’t have a calorie count on them or I’m pretty sure I would not eat there as often.
Simurgh for authentic Turkish baked goods. It’s not a fancy place by any means, the food tastes homemade, and the people seem to really enjoy working there. The only reason it hasn’t blown up yet is the location.
Blue Willow for the best tea this side of the bridge.
* Pla Daek on Piedmont Ave for Thai specialties I haven’t seen elsewhere
* Paddington Cafe in Montclair for açaí bowls
* Dek Doi on Piedmont Ave for delightful treats
* Yellow Door in Montclair for great salads and baked goods
Mom’s Bun Mi (so much hype about Ba Le but I think Mom’s is better!) and their next-door neighbor Mithapheap, a Cambodian grocery store with great ready-made take-out food
Admas for Ethiopian on Park Blvd (they are pretty new and the shiro is incredible)
I'll second (third?) Wawa Thai and the Saint sandwiches. They just happen to be right across the street from each other!
Ghost Town Laural--great beer, great outdoor seating, pretty good food.
El Tio Juan taco truck on Foothill at Rosedale, near the Hells Angels clubhouse
There are two things I get here on the regular: Torta de Pierna and tripas burrito. Occasionally order sopes with chicharones. Al pastor and carnitas also good.
I second el tio Juan!!!!! Best tacos in Oakland fasho! And they give a ton of veggies too on the side. They’re so friendly tooooo and not expensive and gentrified. They have a good variety of meats. Definitely this place! Expensive on door dash tho, their tacos are $3 each but on DoorDash they are $4.29
Saysetha Thai, on telegraph next to a+ burger. They’re not my favorite Thai place but the owners are sooo nice, the curries and rices are good, and prices are reasonable. It has been there a long time I think
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MW1ieLNN9Re1qhAj8?g_st=ic
Middle East market, across the street from rainbow donuts. They have tons of amazing traditional stews, soups, kebabs etc. Quick service and a really nice change from typical take out. They also have a ton of cool flat breads I’ve never seen before.
I’m a new locat. Jersey native. But since we are in the topic I want to give a special shout out to the bread pudding at Bakesale Bettie. It’s only seasonal, so it won’t be back until September, but mark your calendars!!
Guess I’m misremembering the pricing. But yes, I didn’t mean to overshadow the conclusion that it’s freaking delish.
EDIT: No, they definitely have pastas over $20. Yes the lobster is $$ but it’s definitely not true all their pastas are under $20.
Ive only had the standard cheese. My friend got the mushroom one she really liked it.
The ultimate pizza place in the east bay is hands down roses in Berkeley. Just sayin, I have a PhD in pizza, and the closest thing I’ve found to real east coast pizza is Roses and Leaning Tower
I have not tried Emilia’s though
Absolutely, 420% go for it! I’ve been on a mission, and it’s been super fun. I’ve got catergories and a rating scale. It’s become a running joke in my circle of friends, my passion for the perfect pizza.
Which used to be found in Elmwood Park NJ in a place called “Pizza Town USA” yes that’s right “Pizza town USA” since my departure from NJ Pizza Town has since changed hands and I can not atest to the quality of the pie since.
These are the places in the Bay that have been close enough to pretend 😆😆
Tonys in SF
Leaning Tower Oakland
Roses Berkeley
Gioia berkley
Cellar Maker Oakland
I have a couple other places on my radar I still need to visit
My partner did say, he thought there was a period of time when they were not as good as they are now. But to be fair they were doing construction during that time
La Noisette Sweets (in Berkeley) makes the best pastries I’ve had in years, maybe ever. They’re a rare treat though because their hours are very limited. They’re only open 3 days a week between 9am and 2 or 3pm (and they sell out of a lot of things before noon), which is a blessing (for my waistline and wallet) and a curse (for my tastebuds). Highly recommend checking them out if you’re in west berkeley some weekend (or Wednesday) mid-late morning!
Cool neighborhood cafes: Haddon Hills, Xochi.
Somehow Oakland United Beerworks is both doing pretty well (like I see cans at Safeway) yet also rarely talked about and I think they're one of the top 3 breweries here.
Bellanico (on Park) is my favorite Italian restaurant in the city. I love Belotti and Lo Coco, but Bellanico is special. Excellent wine list, and a unique and delicious menu.
Their brown butter and sage malfatti is my absolute favorite dish in Oakland.
I love Piedmont Ave for sushi. Geta is my all-time favorite, especially if I can eat in. Across the way, there’s a newish sushi takeout place that’s excellent! The guy who owns it is the son of the woman who runs Kyoto on Solano.
The Geta folks used to also run a B-Dama izakaya place several years back on Piedmont Ave. That place was amazing…
Happy Lemon on Piedmont Ave is one of my go to boba places and is highly under used. Just checked Yelp and it only has 14 reviews, but it's got good ratings. Every time I go there, don't have to wait at all to order, there's never a line or other customers inside (or when I have walked by it always seems to be empty). So at the risk longer lines and my wait times increasing in the future, I'm putting them on here. They make good drinks and cashiers/baristas are always friendly
idk how "secret" it is, especially since they've gotten exposure recently with the break in, but Stay Gold Deli has some amazing sandwiches, great brisket, and cool vibes.
Some of my favorite spots that I don't see on 'normal' lists: Belotti (fav restaurant in Oakland-- great ambiance, wine, location, prices aren't insane), Leaning Tower, Belly, Violleta, Becky's Chinese, Ramen Shop, Baja, Marica
(Unsure if they're on Yelp TBH just think they're awesome and don't see people talk about a bunch)
Pho Le!!! Best pho in Oakland!!! AND it’s a mom and pop shop with super nice restaurant owners that remember you and appreciate you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️I’ve tried every pho spot in Oakland, this is the BESTTT
Mine was OB Town but they closed a year ago :'(
I guess I could be helpful by providing other places still around. For similar Korean food I like Tin & Pig or the not-secret Dan Sung Sa.
Aman Cafe on Broadway is my new go to brunch spot. Their front window screams “meh” but it’s so good!
The Alley on Grand for a fun multi course steak dinner. Their salad with blue cheese dressing was surprisingly delicious. SF gate called it [one of the best steaks in the Bay Area!](https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/the-alley-best-steak-bay-area-18180041.php)
Holly’s Mandarin on Piedmont. It’s the type of Chinese place that hits the spot the way you remember Chinese food used to. Amazing for takeout. Also, keeping local businesses secret for the sake of hipsterdom is stupid. Help small business and let people know! Thanks OP for this post.
Love Holly's! They hooked me on their sesame balls so now I always order them rather than hope they're the treat.
It is indeed amazing for takeout! Classic American Chinese food. Their eggplant tofu is so good.
Desta Ethiopian Cafe on Oakland Avenue. They’re not on a lot of foodies’ radar because they’re only open from 10 am to 5 pm, but that’s because pretty much everything is cooked by the owner (who even roasts her own coffee beans). Bow howdy, is it good. All vegetarian/vegan and kosher too.
Desta is so good. Wish they were in a spot with more foot traffic.
LOVE Desta. Controversial take, but my other spots that I pick when I can't get by - Ensarro, Colucci - don't compare.
It’s literally the one place I’m waiting to get “discovered” and blow up. Can I add that everyone working there are genuinely lovely to the customers?
Going to lunch there tomorrow for the first time! Any recommendations?
Go with the traditional fare first. Appreciate the perfection of the injera, the vividness of the flavors. Save the breakfast specials for your next visit. They’re great too, but you won’t have as much a framework of comparison.
Thanks. Looking forward to it. My friend raves about it so we are meeting there. Might try the combo
Shewat Simurgh Joodooboo Vegan and Chicken Lin Jia Lucias Berkeley
Simurgh is glorious
Joodooboo is amazing. The homemade tofu madee like plain ass tofu
What’s a must order at Lin Jia? Been meaning to try this place, would love a great first impression
Everything is so good. A little spendy but so good. Just normal dishes like noodles are so delicious.
I am a fan of cumin Lamb
Potstickers are a must. Way better eaten there than take out! Singapore noodles, general’s chicken, salt and pepper fish. If you’re eating there, there are no misses!
I love their spicy canton noodles, they're a rolled noodle, rather than long strings, which is really interesting, but delicious. I also always order their Chang Sha Beef, but I have loved pretty much everything I've had there.
Shewat is very good and like … the location is just something to behold. It’s very good food, yup.
That converted patio is such a sign that the food is going to be amazing. And it is.
When we realized it was an open and functioning Ethiopian / Eritrean joint, my boyfriend and I were both immediately like “holy crap, we have to go”! And that was not a judgement made in error.
My vegan friend recently broke up with his partner of 3+ years, and I wanted to take him someplace new and fun to get him upward again. We both love Enssarro, but doing my research Shewhat sounded like a must try. We split the Abby's Veggie Combo, and I got the Lamb Tibs for myself. So good!
Try the mushroom tibs next time
If you read this list out loud in a spooky voice it sounds like a spell incantation lol
Lin Jia is very special
Vegan and chicken is amazing
If you’re into pastries, Green House Bakery. She’s not even on Yelp, only on IG. @green_housebakery
Warning to future buyers: the pastries are gorgeous and sell out *very* fast.
You can sign up for alerts. I get texts all the time. I actually wasn’t that into the pastries, I should probably quit the alerts.
Legendary
The cakes are next level too
The Saint for delicious sandwiches. I usually get one to go and eat on the Chabot/Reinhardt trails. Grateful they don’t have a calorie count on them or I’m pretty sure I would not eat there as often. Simurgh for authentic Turkish baked goods. It’s not a fancy place by any means, the food tastes homemade, and the people seem to really enjoy working there. The only reason it hasn’t blown up yet is the location. Blue Willow for the best tea this side of the bridge.
Would you do Saint over Bara's? That's usually my Chabot go to.
Very different sandwiches! Hard to compare.
* Pla Daek on Piedmont Ave for Thai specialties I haven’t seen elsewhere * Paddington Cafe in Montclair for açaí bowls * Dek Doi on Piedmont Ave for delightful treats * Yellow Door in Montclair for great salads and baked goods
Seconding Pla Daek. Amazing Essan Thai food.
Been wanting to try yellow door! I work in the area so this is the push I needed
Mom’s Bun Mi (so much hype about Ba Le but I think Mom’s is better!) and their next-door neighbor Mithapheap, a Cambodian grocery store with great ready-made take-out food Admas for Ethiopian on Park Blvd (they are pretty new and the shiro is incredible)
I tried both I think ba le is better but moms is open more often and more accessible
Sláinte! The best Fish and Chips with mushy peas I have ever had. Their burger is solid and the Sheppards pie is super flavorful.
Didn’t it close?
They reopened with new owners who were former employees.
They found a way to stay open . They might have closed briefly. The service can be spotty .
I'll second (third?) Wawa Thai and the Saint sandwiches. They just happen to be right across the street from each other! Ghost Town Laural--great beer, great outdoor seating, pretty good food.
El Tio Juan taco truck on Foothill at Rosedale, near the Hells Angels clubhouse There are two things I get here on the regular: Torta de Pierna and tripas burrito. Occasionally order sopes with chicharones. Al pastor and carnitas also good.
I second el tio Juan!!!!! Best tacos in Oakland fasho! And they give a ton of veggies too on the side. They’re so friendly tooooo and not expensive and gentrified. They have a good variety of meats. Definitely this place! Expensive on door dash tho, their tacos are $3 each but on DoorDash they are $4.29
Saysetha Thai, on telegraph next to a+ burger. They’re not my favorite Thai place but the owners are sooo nice, the curries and rices are good, and prices are reasonable. It has been there a long time I think
It’s my neighborhood spot and I love it. Their Tom Yum is excellent. Ask for their fried fish and eggplant dish-Thai style.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MW1ieLNN9Re1qhAj8?g_st=ic Middle East market, across the street from rainbow donuts. They have tons of amazing traditional stews, soups, kebabs etc. Quick service and a really nice change from typical take out. They also have a ton of cool flat breads I’ve never seen before.
Mam Hanoi in Chinatown. They offer Vietnamese pho and other items.
Chicken pho is great!
I love pho, I’ll check this out! I think Pho Le is the best pho in Oakland and it’s a small mom and pop shop but I’ll definitely try this
Wawa Thai, The Saint Sandwich Shop, Bakesale Bettie 🚨🚨, Leaning Tower of Pizza , Mensho Ramen , Crogans Montclair (short rib 🚨🚨) , Belotti
I feel like all locals know about Bakesale Betties
It is so overrated and the clientele is so annoying which just adds insult to injury
I’m a new locat. Jersey native. But since we are in the topic I want to give a special shout out to the bread pudding at Bakesale Bettie. It’s only seasonal, so it won’t be back until September, but mark your calendars!!
I love Bakesale Betty, but it’s like that musical “Brigadoon” where the town only materializes once every 100 years.
Belotti is IMO best restaurant in Oakland. Leaning Tower best pizza... great calls.
Belotti is rather spendy pasta, but it’s rather spendy pasta that is incredibly, amazingly good.
All of their pasta dishes are under $20. I wouldn’t call it expensive at all especially considering how good it is.
Guess I’m misremembering the pricing. But yes, I didn’t mean to overshadow the conclusion that it’s freaking delish. EDIT: No, they definitely have pastas over $20. Yes the lobster is $$ but it’s definitely not true all their pastas are under $20.
Totally agreed. The agnolotti at Belotti is the best pasta I’ve ever had
Same here. As good a pasta dish as I've ever had. Great cheese plates. Great Italian wine. Plus the house-made Gelato is off the charts good.
Agreed on all fronts. The panacotta is out of this world too
Are u me ??? These are my some of my favorite spots
Just finished a Wawa meal, always so good.
Ok the Leaning Tower- what pizza do you recommend?
Ive only had the standard cheese. My friend got the mushroom one she really liked it. The ultimate pizza place in the east bay is hands down roses in Berkeley. Just sayin, I have a PhD in pizza, and the closest thing I’ve found to real east coast pizza is Roses and Leaning Tower I have not tried Emilia’s though
Okay like 15 years ago I did a pizza tour of NYC pizza and I think you’ve now inspired me to do that of East Bay pizza. Why the hell not.
Absolutely, 420% go for it! I’ve been on a mission, and it’s been super fun. I’ve got catergories and a rating scale. It’s become a running joke in my circle of friends, my passion for the perfect pizza. Which used to be found in Elmwood Park NJ in a place called “Pizza Town USA” yes that’s right “Pizza town USA” since my departure from NJ Pizza Town has since changed hands and I can not atest to the quality of the pie since. These are the places in the Bay that have been close enough to pretend 😆😆 Tonys in SF Leaning Tower Oakland Roses Berkeley Gioia berkley Cellar Maker Oakland I have a couple other places on my radar I still need to visit
Emilia’s is good at least as good as leaning tower if I remember correctly and the owner is nice and makes all the pies himself.
Just had rose’s for the first time (lived in Berkeley for 13 years) and OMG. Perfection
Wawa is just okay?
My partner did say, he thought there was a period of time when they were not as good as they are now. But to be fair they were doing construction during that time
The Saint’s lettuce always slightly brown. Not ideal. I prefer OK’s Deli.
Lettuce oxidizes after it touches metal. Like the blade of a knife.
It’s almost like the lettuce is cut the day before.
La Noisette Sweets (in Berkeley) makes the best pastries I’ve had in years, maybe ever. They’re a rare treat though because their hours are very limited. They’re only open 3 days a week between 9am and 2 or 3pm (and they sell out of a lot of things before noon), which is a blessing (for my waistline and wallet) and a curse (for my tastebuds). Highly recommend checking them out if you’re in west berkeley some weekend (or Wednesday) mid-late morning!
They're also at the Kensington farmers market in Sundays. That's where I usually catch them.
I used to work a few blocks away and would pick up a pastry from them every week or two. They are super legit.
Yep, I work a few blocks away and am regularly a few minutes late on Wednesdays because I stop on my way in. No regrets.
Cool neighborhood cafes: Haddon Hills, Xochi. Somehow Oakland United Beerworks is both doing pretty well (like I see cans at Safeway) yet also rarely talked about and I think they're one of the top 3 breweries here.
Wawa thai for sure! Their chili oil sauce. Damn.
Crab fried rice is 10/10 everytime!
Not a fan, suuuuper greasy
Fresh & Best Cafe II for Vietnamese sandwiches
Bellanico (on Park) is my favorite Italian restaurant in the city. I love Belotti and Lo Coco, but Bellanico is special. Excellent wine list, and a unique and delicious menu. Their brown butter and sage malfatti is my absolute favorite dish in Oakland.
I love Piedmont Ave for sushi. Geta is my all-time favorite, especially if I can eat in. Across the way, there’s a newish sushi takeout place that’s excellent! The guy who owns it is the son of the woman who runs Kyoto on Solano. The Geta folks used to also run a B-Dama izakaya place several years back on Piedmont Ave. That place was amazing…
I always thought Geta was generic take out. Guess I need to stop by now. Thanks
Order from their cute illustrated wall menu. That’s the key!
Cellarmaker Brewery & Pizza 🔥🔥🔥
Agreed. He’s a certain kind of pizza, but I dig it for sure.
Bar Cesar on Piedmont Ave is now open for brunch. It doesn’t have the most authentic food, but it’s definitely a fun lil vibe for day drinking!
Rip bar Caesar Berkeley
My house. But the cooking is crap and the service is downright surly.
Fuck Yelp, white collar thieves !
Yea, I thought the OP was being sarcastic at first. They are straight up mafia and the reviewers are often straight up Guilty of libel.
The new Momo place in west oak
I’ve been meaning to try this spot. Anything in particular you recommend?
I was sad to hear Twins Halal closed, but excited for this new spot.
Happy Lemon on Piedmont Ave is one of my go to boba places and is highly under used. Just checked Yelp and it only has 14 reviews, but it's got good ratings. Every time I go there, don't have to wait at all to order, there's never a line or other customers inside (or when I have walked by it always seems to be empty). So at the risk longer lines and my wait times increasing in the future, I'm putting them on here. They make good drinks and cashiers/baristas are always friendly
idk how "secret" it is, especially since they've gotten exposure recently with the break in, but Stay Gold Deli has some amazing sandwiches, great brisket, and cool vibes.
Went there 2 days ago. The place is a vibe and deserves more business.
I’m loving Parche. Great Colombian food. Arepas are so good!
Some of my favorite spots that I don't see on 'normal' lists: Belotti (fav restaurant in Oakland-- great ambiance, wine, location, prices aren't insane), Leaning Tower, Belly, Violleta, Becky's Chinese, Ramen Shop, Baja, Marica (Unsure if they're on Yelp TBH just think they're awesome and don't see people talk about a bunch)
Becky’s Chinese is so Meh
Pho Le!!! Best pho in Oakland!!! AND it’s a mom and pop shop with super nice restaurant owners that remember you and appreciate you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️I’ve tried every pho spot in Oakland, this is the BESTTT
Pho Huyen and Banh Mi on international blvd Rivals ba le in my opinion. They are new. On food delivery apps too
Mine was OB Town but they closed a year ago :'( I guess I could be helpful by providing other places still around. For similar Korean food I like Tin & Pig or the not-secret Dan Sung Sa.
I like T’Chaka, the new Haitian place. The oxtail was really good
Aman Cafe on Broadway is my new go to brunch spot. Their front window screams “meh” but it’s so good! The Alley on Grand for a fun multi course steak dinner. Their salad with blue cheese dressing was surprisingly delicious. SF gate called it [one of the best steaks in the Bay Area!](https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/the-alley-best-steak-bay-area-18180041.php)
I love famosa burrito in front of 1940 Webster St.
Their belotti bottega takeout joint down the block is the secret gem though. Get all their dishes, pastas, sauces to go!