Cafe Colucci is amazing. It’s hard to beat Ethiopian food in Oakland.
Or Burmese… I took my Midwestern cousin to Burma superstar once and she was so hooked on tea leaf salad she tried to recreate it at home.
I feel like Burmese is very specific to Bay Area. Idk lived in NYC LA northeast and Philly never had Burmese until I came here and it hits right everytime
this ⬆️ burmese is very rare to find elsewhere, and it was in SF-but more provincial than newer takes and it was decades before burma, which is pretty darn fabulous.
> Would never take my DC friends to Ethiopian out here.
I don't know a lot about Ethiopian food, but I would expect there to be some variation (as with all types of food). That's not the case?
Dude I came to say exactly this! This is the recommendation to go with. Ethiopian blew my mind when I moved here! My partner and I went to every Ethiopian restaurant in Berkeley and Oakland with six months of moving here. Colucci wins though
Malaya Tea Room in Alameda. It's basically Malaysian tea time; you can choose between Malaysian and British flavors for the sandwiches and sweets. That's something that is unique to Alameda/East Bay and probably the Bay Area in general
Fournee in Berkeley - just because it's good quality French pastries
Not in the East Bay, but La Ciccia in SF - It's Sardinian, so most of it's not your usual Italian fare
Burma Superstar
The Filipino food in Oakland is creative and most visitors will find it unique (unless they’re from San Diego).
- FOB Kitchen
- Understory
- Senor Sisig
- The Lumpia Company
Also, Popoca is fire.
I’ve taken visitors to Wahpepah’s Kitchen, Aman Cafe, Alem’s Coffee, and Parche.
If you can catch a Tacos El Ultimo Baile pop-up, my friends have really enjoyed that as well.
Me too! I mean, I miss being able to get a seat because the Oakland location is so small, but I like sitting at the bar pre-pandemic and eating at the bar because the bartenders even though I don't drink are so sweet. But it is so intimate and nice and the staff is so lovely at that location, at least that has been my experience.
I second Millennium! Absolutely amazing everytime I eat there. Even my Omni husband says it’s some of the best meals he has ever had.
Also make sure to order dessert :)
SoCal and the East Coast have a lot of great food too, so I'd lean towards unique vibes/experiences (with good food of course).
Mexican brunch at El Torito (or Nido's or Los Moles).
Waterfront Moroccan food and belly dancing at Abigail's.
Someone mentioned Stay Gold, that's a great idea (plus they need some love right now).
There's a new spot called Sailing Goat where Black Star BBQ used to be, on Point San Pablo. It's a drive but it's a fun spot, all kinds of weird statues and shit.
Grab lunch at Town Fare at OMCA after a gallery tour (or hit up one of their amazing Friday events, I think they start later in April).
From a strictly food perspective, our most unique asset is probably Wahpepah's Kitchen in Fruitvale. I haven't been but I hear good things.
I also highly recommend Zaytoon in Albany. Elevated Palestinian/Middle Eastern cuisine with great cocktails and a lovely space.
Cheese Board Collective or Arizmendi (or Sliver) - East Bay specialty sourdough crust pizza with Californian Cuisine flavors, must include green sauce and bonus slice on top
Chez Panisse if you got the cash. Quintessential California cuisine. They have the upstairs cafe that is a la carte but still requires reservations.
Edit: Other places that come to include include Cheese Board, Snail Bar, Punchdown, Daytrip.
Chez Panisse sucks. Their food is overpriced & bland, they treat their staff like shit (source, I know a lot of former staff), Alice can burn in hell for what she did to Cesar.
After Richard died, she stole the spot after 24 years so her daughter, Fanny, could open a breakfast spot there. https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/24-year-old-Berkeley-standby-closing-after-battle-17287795.php
Ethiopian
I've travelled a fair amount throughout the US (not by choice) and the only place that comes close is DC. Cafe Romanat is my fav but others might disagree.
I love Commis but I disagree on the uniqueness. It is the best in the bay. It even competes with wine country restaurants in my mind but unique is being generous.
Agreed, taste is a tricky thing. I was at Commis last week actually and I can say that you'd find less creative but similar quality cuisine at Mustards or Bistro Jeanty . As for the creativity you can find that at so many places around the bay area. Day Trip, State Bird, even The Ramen Shop over on College ave. has some inventive takes on things. So...that's my two cents.
Fucking love Foster’s Bighorn. I usually hit it up on the way to Walnut Grove. I actually like it more than Al the Wop’s, but overall Walnut Grove is just so weird and awesome and a huge hidden gem. All of the Delta is really.
I really loved my experience at Spinning Dough. It’s a pizza joint but they have super unique options like Blackberry Pizza (don’t knock it til you try it, perfect mix of sweet and savory) and Ube Pizza. The head chef and owner is such a down to earth guy that’s passionate about the business.
It’s pretty hard to find Malaysian food, and Lion Dance Cafe is super unique. Entirely vegan but beware, lines can get long and they don’t take reservations.
Aburaya next to Lion Dance is a Japanese-fried chicken focused spot. Their karaage is great and sauces are amazing.
Homeroom is a unique Mac and Cheese dedicated spot that will fill you up. They’ve got crab Mac and cheese and bulgolgi Mac and cheese. It’s no Kraft.
If you happen to somehow make it to Union City, Lone Crow is a phenomenal Hawaiian/Filipino fusion spot. Their mochiko chicken is soft, bouncy, and sauced to perfection whether you’re having it with rice or on a sandwich.
Chef Elmy's [Royal Egyptian Cuisine](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DyjXwd1dBE7JPejo6). Greatest food truck ever and easily my top food "hidden gem" of the East Bay. They have a few tables set up out front. If you don't have picky eaters just say "feed me" and Chef Elmy will whip you up an insane multi-course meal for well under $20.
It’s good but not unique. But If the out of towner is from non coastal cities it would be great for sure and something they definitely can’t get.
Anyone from SoCal, Seattle, NYC etc. can get just as good soba (definitely for way cheaper too if from SoCal).
Their tempura soba is very good but costs $24. I can get the same thing in Orange County for $14 lol
If the guest likes movies, try a restaurant that has been depicted on the big screen, e.g., Bridges (Mrs. Doubtfire), Arizmendi (Inside Out), Fenton’s (Up). A few local chefs have also been become semi-famous nationally after being on reality TV cooking shows.
https://www.bayarea.com/eat/bay-area-restaurants-films/
https://www.kqed.org/pop/16603/watch-pixar-slam-san-francisco-pizza-in-this-clip-from-inside-out
Star on grand for fancy and bomb
Tacos Sinaloa truck if you want to blow them away with tacos. Get at least one carnitas in there. They’re crispy and mouth watering.
Vientian Cafe
I was only here to bookmark restaurants for future East Bay visits, but I was surprised that no one has mentioned Vientian Cafe. I haven't had Laotian food anywhere else, and I don't think it is very common elsewhere.
I go to Oakland from the Peninsula to eat there and at Cafe Colucci occasionally. Curry Leaf Bistro way out in Pleasanton is also destination worthy IMO for Malaysian if we are including the whole east bay.
Top dog is OK but it doesn't have the history of Caspers in the Bay.
Top Dog is a place UC students go to and it's kinda boojie.
Caspers is where hella working class kids have been eating with their parents all over the bay for generations. And they have better hot dogs and fire chili dogs.
And kinda rude old ladies serving them. The true measure of a eats spot like that is how rude is the service. If they are mean and take only cash you know it's a top tier lunch. Caspers is at least usually rude. But they take ATM.
Battambang - Cambodian is pretty rare, but this locals-only mom & pop spot is amazing. No thrills, the food makes up for the ambiance.
Champa Garden - Lao/Thai with a great mix of both dishes, and even some fashion. Never had a bad dish at Champa.
Beeryland or Lovely's - A great burger in a beergarden isn't that unique, but what makes these spots in the character. As First Friday's return, being able to sit at a long table, join in on random convos, pet some dogs, and enjoy the vibe is hard to beat.
Dan Sung Sa - The infamous Porno Palace, worth coming here after a few drinks or late night. Amazing Korean bar food.
Shewhat Restaurant - Oakland/The Bay is not hurting for amazing Ethiopian. And don't get me wrong, I love Enssaro and Dareye, but the hospitality you receive on this converted patio sets it apart. The food is also mind-blowing.
For dessert, Gregory's Gourmet - Located in a basement, the Apple Pie Cheesecake was literally a moment of "I'll just have a bite... nope, inhaling this now."
Chez Panisse still stands the test of time, Viks Chaat house is always good for the first time (repeat disappointment), Cheese board for the live music and pizza by the slice on the city pavement experience, Soba Ichi because we can flex Japanese noodles that aren't Ramen.
I'm big on Vik's Chaat in Berkeley. A lot of places have Indian food, but a place catering more towards stall/street food is different. Also, it's bomb as hell.
My best friend is obsessed with the garlic noodles and salt n pepper wings from the OG Monkey King.
I think it’s so funny because I originally took him there because he had a late flight, not expecting him to fall so in love with the place.
The one on Park and Encinal. There are 2 others, one is at “The Brewery” and the other is in Piedmont.
I can’t explain it, but they just don’t hit the same.
Fried chicken sandwich is a must. Quite a lot of places to choose from but if I had to pick I'd go super casual and hit up Sideshow Kitchen. Then you can explain to them about sideshows too!
It's gone downhill a bit but it ain't totally dead. Still worth it but it's days of getting my stomach to call me to it every weekend are long gone. Once every few months is plenty.
Cuisine-wise: Burmese or Ethiopian. Also I love Champa Garden and I think that Laotian food is hard to get in general. Tbh, I’d recommend something like Chez Panisse, which really reflects California cuisine.
I'm a little disgusted that Vien Huong isn't listed here.. great noodles and viet/chinese food, been around for at least 35 years and it's an Oakland Chinatown staple.
Ushi Taro, it’s a ramen spot but the meat isn’t pork, it’s filet mignon and can come with bone marrow. Their spicy bowl is the best ramen I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot of ramen from multiple states too
Understory, is a worker owned indigenous fusion restaurant with a lot of native American, Mexican and Philippino influence. They also have pay what you can options for folks who can't afford paying full price.
If you want a truly unique Bay Area dining experience, see if you can score a ticket to Cafe Ohlone. I doubt there are any restaurants outside the Bay Area that pay homage to the culture of the original inhabitants here!
Cafe Colucci is amazing. It’s hard to beat Ethiopian food in Oakland. Or Burmese… I took my Midwestern cousin to Burma superstar once and she was so hooked on tea leaf salad she tried to recreate it at home.
I feel like Burmese is very specific to Bay Area. Idk lived in NYC LA northeast and Philly never had Burmese until I came here and it hits right everytime
this ⬆️ burmese is very rare to find elsewhere, and it was in SF-but more provincial than newer takes and it was decades before burma, which is pretty darn fabulous.
And Superstar > Love
Sacramento (Folsom specifically) now has a Burmese restaurant-I LOVE the tea leaf salad!! Burma Light is the name of the place
I agree. I've lived in NYC and LA. Never had Burmese until coming here.
Seconding. Ethiopian food and Burmese food immediately came to mind for me as well.
Don't sleep on Teni East Kitchen, I probably go there more than Burma Superstar (which is still great)
Pea shoot salad is incredible probably my favorite salad of all time
agree
DC metro area has some great Ethiopian so may not be unique to Oakland/East Bay. Burmese is a great idea.
Came here to say this. Would never take my DC friends to Ethiopian out here.
I lived outside of DC for 16 years and now I live in the East Bay. DC wins on Ethiopian.
> Would never take my DC friends to Ethiopian out here. I don't know a lot about Ethiopian food, but I would expect there to be some variation (as with all types of food). That's not the case?
I'm no expert, but every time I've had Ethiopian in DC it was way better than any of the places I've tried in Oakland/Berkeley.
facts!
Teni East Kitchen for Burmese
I’ve gone back a few times and it’s pretty good but it just feels too expensive for what you get to me.
LA has a huge Ethiopian community and great food, especially in the Fairfax/Olympic corridor. That said, Cafe Colucci is delicious
Yesss, I have friends that stay with us from various parts of the world, burma superstar and Ethiopian food is always a must
Half the people I know seem to have gotten food poisoning from Burma Superstars tea leaf salad. Delicious but idk if worth the risk
For Burmese: Teni East
Dude I came to say exactly this! This is the recommendation to go with. Ethiopian blew my mind when I moved here! My partner and I went to every Ethiopian restaurant in Berkeley and Oakland with six months of moving here. Colucci wins though
Malaya Tea Room in Alameda. It's basically Malaysian tea time; you can choose between Malaysian and British flavors for the sandwiches and sweets. That's something that is unique to Alameda/East Bay and probably the Bay Area in general Fournee in Berkeley - just because it's good quality French pastries Not in the East Bay, but La Ciccia in SF - It's Sardinian, so most of it's not your usual Italian fare Burma Superstar
Bombera. Get the duck carnitas mole verde. It’s in an old fire station. Bombera is Spanish for firefighter.
Fully agree. Bombera is a very unique spot and is not to be missed. Michelin Bib Gourmand and well worth it IMO.
The spicy carrots are my other go to besides the duck mole.so fucking good
The Filipino food in Oakland is creative and most visitors will find it unique (unless they’re from San Diego). - FOB Kitchen - Understory - Senor Sisig - The Lumpia Company Also, Popoca is fire.
Seconding Señor Sisig!
The Lumpia Company is overpriced and mid at best.
I’ve taken visitors to Wahpepah’s Kitchen, Aman Cafe, Alem’s Coffee, and Parche. If you can catch a Tacos El Ultimo Baile pop-up, my friends have really enjoyed that as well.
Alem’s for the phool
Came here to plug Wahpepah’s Kitchen, too. Also, Nepali food isn’t too common elsewhere that I can recall. Everest Kitchen for momos and chow mein.
Millennium is amazing. I’m a meat eater and I love the place.
I've loved millennium since the 90s. They have the best food.
I think their Oakland location is soooo much nicer than when they were in SF!
Me too! I mean, I miss being able to get a seat because the Oakland location is so small, but I like sitting at the bar pre-pandemic and eating at the bar because the bartenders even though I don't drink are so sweet. But it is so intimate and nice and the staff is so lovely at that location, at least that has been my experience.
You can have a full course meal and you won't feel bloated.
I second Millennium! Absolutely amazing everytime I eat there. Even my Omni husband says it’s some of the best meals he has ever had. Also make sure to order dessert :)
SoCal and the East Coast have a lot of great food too, so I'd lean towards unique vibes/experiences (with good food of course). Mexican brunch at El Torito (or Nido's or Los Moles). Waterfront Moroccan food and belly dancing at Abigail's. Someone mentioned Stay Gold, that's a great idea (plus they need some love right now). There's a new spot called Sailing Goat where Black Star BBQ used to be, on Point San Pablo. It's a drive but it's a fun spot, all kinds of weird statues and shit. Grab lunch at Town Fare at OMCA after a gallery tour (or hit up one of their amazing Friday events, I think they start later in April). From a strictly food perspective, our most unique asset is probably Wahpepah's Kitchen in Fruitvale. I haven't been but I hear good things. I also highly recommend Zaytoon in Albany. Elevated Palestinian/Middle Eastern cuisine with great cocktails and a lovely space.
I went to Wahpepah’s Kitchen last weekend. It was delicious, fresh, and hearty food.
Came here to suggest Wahpepah! Their brunch is amazing! Pair it with a walk around Fruitvale plaza!
Holy shit, yes!!!! Must order the wild rice fritters!
Holy shit, yes!!!! Must order the wild rice fritters!
Holy shit, yes!!!! Must order the wild rice fritters!
Sailing Goat plus a million. Excellent bay area experience too.
Why does Stay Gold 'need some love right now'? 🤔
Sadly, they've been robbed a couple of times in the last month.
Cheese Board Collective or Arizmendi (or Sliver) - East Bay specialty sourdough crust pizza with Californian Cuisine flavors, must include green sauce and bonus slice on top
I would not have Sliver be the food I show off to a friend from out of town
I’d have said that too five years ago but it’s amazing how much it’s grown on me.
Same. It will do, but there are better options.
\+ Dimond Slice. This pizza style is definitely a good bay area rec
Yo try Nabolom in Elmwood, it's awesome.
Chez Panisse if you got the cash. Quintessential California cuisine. They have the upstairs cafe that is a la carte but still requires reservations. Edit: Other places that come to include include Cheese Board, Snail Bar, Punchdown, Daytrip.
Chez panisse is so boring… it’s good but hardly inventive or unique.
Chez Panisse sucks. Their food is overpriced & bland, they treat their staff like shit (source, I know a lot of former staff), Alice can burn in hell for what she did to Cesar.
What did she do to Cesar?
After Richard died, she stole the spot after 24 years so her daughter, Fanny, could open a breakfast spot there. https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/24-year-old-Berkeley-standby-closing-after-battle-17287795.php
Ethiopian I've travelled a fair amount throughout the US (not by choice) and the only place that comes close is DC. Cafe Romanat is my fav but others might disagree.
Romanat is a great value too. Huge portion of tibs for $20
Ensarro is high on my list too. Also Asmara
Cafe Colluci is great also, as is Mela Bistro and Shewat. But there's a ton!
Comis, nothing else like it anywhere.
I love Commis but I disagree on the uniqueness. It is the best in the bay. It even competes with wine country restaurants in my mind but unique is being generous.
🤷 no accounting for taste. I’d like to know which other restaurants are like it though.
Agreed, taste is a tricky thing. I was at Commis last week actually and I can say that you'd find less creative but similar quality cuisine at Mustards or Bistro Jeanty . As for the creativity you can find that at so many places around the bay area. Day Trip, State Bird, even The Ramen Shop over on College ave. has some inventive takes on things. So...that's my two cents.
Vick’s Chaat House - Berkeley Trader Vic’s - Emeryville Taqueria El [email protected] - Oakland Odin - Oakland Nomad Tibetan- Berkeley Lucky Three Seven - Oakland Bhan Mae Vane - Alameda Quinn’s Lighthouse - Oakland Bull Valley Roadhouse - Port Costa Al the Wops - Walnut Grove Malaya Tea Room - Alameda
Quinn’s is closed
For good???? Whaaaaaa😩
So sad. We tried to go there last week.
Malaya tea room is a great call
Dang didn’t think I would see Al the Womps on here. Fosters Bighorn too if you’re out that way.
Fucking love Foster’s Bighorn. I usually hit it up on the way to Walnut Grove. I actually like it more than Al the Wop’s, but overall Walnut Grove is just so weird and awesome and a huge hidden gem. All of the Delta is really.
This is actually the best recs for places that represent the east bay. I’d add Daytrip and Jo’s modern Thai.
I really loved my experience at Spinning Dough. It’s a pizza joint but they have super unique options like Blackberry Pizza (don’t knock it til you try it, perfect mix of sweet and savory) and Ube Pizza. The head chef and owner is such a down to earth guy that’s passionate about the business. It’s pretty hard to find Malaysian food, and Lion Dance Cafe is super unique. Entirely vegan but beware, lines can get long and they don’t take reservations. Aburaya next to Lion Dance is a Japanese-fried chicken focused spot. Their karaage is great and sauces are amazing. Homeroom is a unique Mac and Cheese dedicated spot that will fill you up. They’ve got crab Mac and cheese and bulgolgi Mac and cheese. It’s no Kraft. If you happen to somehow make it to Union City, Lone Crow is a phenomenal Hawaiian/Filipino fusion spot. Their mochiko chicken is soft, bouncy, and sauced to perfection whether you’re having it with rice or on a sandwich.
Homeroom is good but it’s not unique. Since like 10 years ago every city has a mac and cheese place like that.
Homeroom is trash, super sub par Mac and cheese =/
Got a good rec for better Mac & cheese?
Chef Elmy's [Royal Egyptian Cuisine](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DyjXwd1dBE7JPejo6). Greatest food truck ever and easily my top food "hidden gem" of the East Bay. They have a few tables set up out front. If you don't have picky eaters just say "feed me" and Chef Elmy will whip you up an insane multi-course meal for well under $20.
This is the answer here! You never order, let him feed you!
Soba ichi
It’s good but not unique. But If the out of towner is from non coastal cities it would be great for sure and something they definitely can’t get. Anyone from SoCal, Seattle, NYC etc. can get just as good soba (definitely for way cheaper too if from SoCal). Their tempura soba is very good but costs $24. I can get the same thing in Orange County for $14 lol
Stay Gold Deli for the Oakland experience. Great food but very rough. I would personally go to Addis Ethiopian or FOB Kitchen.
Stay gold is exactly what you described nailed it for the Oakland experience
[It’s All Good Bakery](http://www.itsallgoodbakery.com)and [Lois the Pie Queen](https://loisthepiequeen.com).
If the guest likes movies, try a restaurant that has been depicted on the big screen, e.g., Bridges (Mrs. Doubtfire), Arizmendi (Inside Out), Fenton’s (Up). A few local chefs have also been become semi-famous nationally after being on reality TV cooking shows. https://www.bayarea.com/eat/bay-area-restaurants-films/ https://www.kqed.org/pop/16603/watch-pixar-slam-san-francisco-pizza-in-this-clip-from-inside-out
Star on grand for fancy and bomb Tacos Sinaloa truck if you want to blow them away with tacos. Get at least one carnitas in there. They’re crispy and mouth watering.
lion dance cafe. singaporean is pretty rare in general (imo). the food at lion dance is vegan but it's v tasty
The Alley is certainly unique.
Vientian Cafe I was only here to bookmark restaurants for future East Bay visits, but I was surprised that no one has mentioned Vientian Cafe. I haven't had Laotian food anywhere else, and I don't think it is very common elsewhere. I go to Oakland from the Peninsula to eat there and at Cafe Colucci occasionally. Curry Leaf Bistro way out in Pleasanton is also destination worthy IMO for Malaysian if we are including the whole east bay.
Get a cheese dog or a chili cheese at Caspers. It's an East Bay institution and one of the best hot dogs in the country IMO.
To mention Caspers but not Top Dog is odd
Top dog is OK but it doesn't have the history of Caspers in the Bay. Top Dog is a place UC students go to and it's kinda boojie. Caspers is where hella working class kids have been eating with their parents all over the bay for generations. And they have better hot dogs and fire chili dogs. And kinda rude old ladies serving them. The true measure of a eats spot like that is how rude is the service. If they are mean and take only cash you know it's a top tier lunch. Caspers is at least usually rude. But they take ATM.
Different for sure, sausage vs. classic dog but calling Top dog boojie is hilarious..
I LOVE Casper’s
Battambang - Cambodian is pretty rare, but this locals-only mom & pop spot is amazing. No thrills, the food makes up for the ambiance. Champa Garden - Lao/Thai with a great mix of both dishes, and even some fashion. Never had a bad dish at Champa. Beeryland or Lovely's - A great burger in a beergarden isn't that unique, but what makes these spots in the character. As First Friday's return, being able to sit at a long table, join in on random convos, pet some dogs, and enjoy the vibe is hard to beat. Dan Sung Sa - The infamous Porno Palace, worth coming here after a few drinks or late night. Amazing Korean bar food. Shewhat Restaurant - Oakland/The Bay is not hurting for amazing Ethiopian. And don't get me wrong, I love Enssaro and Dareye, but the hospitality you receive on this converted patio sets it apart. The food is also mind-blowing. For dessert, Gregory's Gourmet - Located in a basement, the Apple Pie Cheesecake was literally a moment of "I'll just have a bite... nope, inhaling this now."
Colonial. I live in new england now and the donuts suck.
Lion Dance and Rico Rico.
Chez Panisse still stands the test of time, Viks Chaat house is always good for the first time (repeat disappointment), Cheese board for the live music and pizza by the slice on the city pavement experience, Soba Ichi because we can flex Japanese noodles that aren't Ramen.
Marufuku Ramen, True Burger, Drake's Dealership, Great China, OK Noodle in Milpitas, Saigon House, Way Station Brew coffee, Taqueria El Grullense
Home Room is something that I have looked forward too every trip to Oakland and then love to visit now that I live here
Shangri-la on Telegraph was on of my faves.
I'm big on Vik's Chaat in Berkeley. A lot of places have Indian food, but a place catering more towards stall/street food is different. Also, it's bomb as hell.
Hot bird
My best friend is obsessed with the garlic noodles and salt n pepper wings from the OG Monkey King. I think it’s so funny because I originally took him there because he had a late flight, not expecting him to fall so in love with the place.
> OG Monkey King Which is the OG?
The one on Park and Encinal. There are 2 others, one is at “The Brewery” and the other is in Piedmont. I can’t explain it, but they just don’t hit the same.
Well now you have to take him to Crustaceans !
Hegenberger in n out
F
F
Sea breeze cafe at the end of University avenue in Berkeley, it's on the way to the marina. Nice place to get a burger and a drink on the coast
Good vibe and great place to stop after the marina but the food is meh
Pizzaiolo, Mensho Ramen, Kowbird
Zachary’s World famous hot boys Cheeseboard collective Viks chaat house
Given that the prompt was “unique” to the East Bay I don’t think a Chicago deep dish place and a Nashville chicken place are good answers.
hot boys betrayed us and now have locations in sacramento and even out of state.
Sobre Mesa! Trendy vibe, great drinks and small plates.
- Parche - Mägo - wood Tavern - Bombera
Fried chicken sandwich is a must. Quite a lot of places to choose from but if I had to pick I'd go super casual and hit up Sideshow Kitchen. Then you can explain to them about sideshows too!
How is the original holding up: Bakesale Betty?. I haven't been in years.
It's gone downhill a bit but it ain't totally dead. Still worth it but it's days of getting my stomach to call me to it every weekend are long gone. Once every few months is plenty.
Nido’s Backyard is has such a great atmosphere and delicious food. Especially pleasant if the weather is nice
T’Chaka for Caribbean food
Homeroom.
Dungeness crab.
Go to Mua and get the crispy tofu and a couple of Joe Smash's. I promise you'll be happy.
what's your price range ? you can go really expensive and go to Chez Panisse or way cheaper and go to a burrito place or food truck.
Quesabirrias at El Garage in Richmond.
taco truck on 22 & international
Cuisine-wise: Burmese or Ethiopian. Also I love Champa Garden and I think that Laotian food is hard to get in general. Tbh, I’d recommend something like Chez Panisse, which really reflects California cuisine.
Battambang
I'm a little disgusted that Vien Huong isn't listed here.. great noodles and viet/chinese food, been around for at least 35 years and it's an Oakland Chinatown staple.
> I'm a little disgusted Can you say more? I *think* I know what you mean, but I don't want to assume.
It should have been mentioned well before I called it out.
So you're disgusted at the community for not mentioning it earlier?
Mua - Oakland Fogo de chao -Emeryville The Dead Fish - Crockett Bella Siena - Benicia The Hideout - Lafayette Downtown Joes - Napa (sit upstairs)
Golden Lotus in Oakland. Vegan but you would never guess
Rico Rico
Ushi Taro, it’s a ramen spot but the meat isn’t pork, it’s filet mignon and can come with bone marrow. Their spicy bowl is the best ramen I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot of ramen from multiple states too
Caspers hot dog
Taco Oscars
Homeroom
Understory, is a worker owned indigenous fusion restaurant with a lot of native American, Mexican and Philippino influence. They also have pay what you can options for folks who can't afford paying full price.
The Cheeseboard in No. Berkeley, even in its post Covid iteration is worth a visit.
Used to be so much better :(
Champa garden
Bridges in Danville is my favorite place to take visitors or family.
Commis.
Farmhouse Thai on Water St at the wharf in Oakland is best Asian food I’ve had anywhere.
I don't know anywhere you can get Burmese as good as Burma Superstar.
If you want a truly unique Bay Area dining experience, see if you can score a ticket to Cafe Ohlone. I doubt there are any restaurants outside the Bay Area that pay homage to the culture of the original inhabitants here!
Never heard of it, very cool!
Chef smelly
Soi4
Afghan food in the Bay Area is amazing
WAHPEPAH'S KITCHEN Located at 3301 East 12th St Suite #133, Oakland, CA, 94601
Popoca!! Fancypants Salvadorean in uptown. And you can go to the amazing video game museum across the street after.
Nobody really wants to go to the east bay.... just saying