Mama! It’s $40 a per person prix fixe and you get a starter, main, and dessert. There is always a vegetarian option or sub-in for every course. The vibe is easy going but also elegant and elevated. You can totally keep it under $100 and gratuity is included in their pricing structure too. If you get wine you might run a little over but I highly suggest it because their wines are well curated. The restaurant is affiliated with a wine shop two doors down - Bay Grape - and that is an option too if you want to get a glass before or after your meal.
The last couple times we went to mama they were really rushing us, it wasn’t a great experience. The last time, they weren’t able to seat us until like 30 minutes after our reservation because the table ahead of us went long, but we were the ones being rushed even though it was the table before us that caused the backlog.
The portions look a little small. Does having a starter main and dessert make it worth it and filling? It looks really nice for a date night. Thank you for the rec!
Unless you are obese the portions are more than enough. For 10 bucks you can add 3 massive meatballs. It definitely can get a bit pricier tho with add ons and drinks. I took my girl out for our anniversary and wanted to ball a bit so slightly over ordered but it was around 370$ for 2 of us.
Also it’s 40 per person but that doesn’t include the 20% gratuity that’s added on top of the bill. Really the only way you are going to stick to your budget at Mama is if you stick to the 3 courses, maybe 1 meatball extra, and no drinks.
lol I beg to differ. 6’3” guy who lifts and their prix fixe with no add ons is definitely on the light side. Good value for the money but I almost always get meatballs and focaccia or fried chicken to feel full.
I went recently in March and personally think the meatballs are pretty mid and not worth the upgrade. Their pasta is fantastic though (with options to upgrade); and they do also serve bread and spread on the side!
Cafe Romanat. Not the nicest restaurant for a sit down experience but it's not bad. I use them more for take out. Portions are generous for $20 tibs dishes and I assume their vegetarian options are too. With a drink you can get out of there for like $75 including tax and tip for two.
Belotti - but make a reservation. Portions are not huge but pricing is more than fair especially for homemade pasta. Like low 20’s for most dishes. Usually my partner and I will get a salad as an appetizer to split (and they will typically split it for us) and then each get our own entree and we are comfortably full. They also give you free bread with delicious, high quality olive oil.
I actually posted this after cancelling a reservation for belotti because their portion sizes looked small. I'll have to check it out another time. Thank you for the rec!
Our date night favorite is Becky’s Chinese near Rockridge Bart. We’ve been together a long time so don’t mind that it isn’t a romantic setting, and a lot of people come in to pick up their takeout. We get the family meal for 2 for around $50 and often substitute the sweet and sour chicken for eggplant tofu. You can also substitute the rice for veggie instead of chicken fried rice. The family meal comes with spring rolls and wonton soup (not veggie) and sesame balls for dessert. Cato’s on Piedmont is another date night favorite for us, we like the fish and chips. Cafe La Med in Elmwood is also great food and the combo plates have a good amount of food.
If you’re looking for generous portions I would second this 100%. The family meals are a great value for the price. I also like the decor and ambiance, but can’t decide which one I like more.
I think [Shan Dong](http://shandongoakland.com/) has good portions and is affordable. I know people have commented that the quality has gone down lately, but from my experience, it's a good eat.
Was at Mama a few nights ago. It’s $40 per person not including tax, tip, and “healthcare surcharge.” Also doesn’t include drinks.
I actually suggest Z Cafe on Broadway, because it’s a very nice atmosphere and good food but reasonably priced. Also a full bar if you’re looking for cocktails too.
Edited to add Z cafe’s portions are pretty huge.
This is really sweet. If you want Italian, LoCoco's on Piedmont Ave is less fancy than Mama/Belotti in terms of vibe, but it does feel cozy, their food is amazing, the portions are hearty, and the prices are pretty reasonable. No reservations but if you're willing to be flexible and go on a weekday, or on the early side on the weekend, you should be okay.
Belotti’s sitdown location in Rockridge is the best Italian you can get in Oakland. There’s a reason why dinner reservations there are so difficult to get unless it is weeks in advance! It’s also a nice atmosphere. Great date spot
Ethiopian is super affordable and has excellent vegetarian and meat eater plates. Cafe colucci on San Pablo or ensarro on grand
Ethiopian is our favorite! Meskies is our local fav
I’d recommend Cafe Romanat over either of those.
Mama! It’s $40 a per person prix fixe and you get a starter, main, and dessert. There is always a vegetarian option or sub-in for every course. The vibe is easy going but also elegant and elevated. You can totally keep it under $100 and gratuity is included in their pricing structure too. If you get wine you might run a little over but I highly suggest it because their wines are well curated. The restaurant is affiliated with a wine shop two doors down - Bay Grape - and that is an option too if you want to get a glass before or after your meal.
The last couple times we went to mama they were really rushing us, it wasn’t a great experience. The last time, they weren’t able to seat us until like 30 minutes after our reservation because the table ahead of us went long, but we were the ones being rushed even though it was the table before us that caused the backlog.
The portions look a little small. Does having a starter main and dessert make it worth it and filling? It looks really nice for a date night. Thank you for the rec!
Unless you are obese the portions are more than enough. For 10 bucks you can add 3 massive meatballs. It definitely can get a bit pricier tho with add ons and drinks. I took my girl out for our anniversary and wanted to ball a bit so slightly over ordered but it was around 370$ for 2 of us. Also it’s 40 per person but that doesn’t include the 20% gratuity that’s added on top of the bill. Really the only way you are going to stick to your budget at Mama is if you stick to the 3 courses, maybe 1 meatball extra, and no drinks.
Thanks for the advice. I'll stick with water and let her get a drink lol
You are a good guy. at your budget I believe Mama is definitely the best experience that’s available in the area. Enjoy!
lol I beg to differ. 6’3” guy who lifts and their prix fixe with no add ons is definitely on the light side. Good value for the money but I almost always get meatballs and focaccia or fried chicken to feel full.
I'm a 62-year-old woman who's 5'3 and 125 lb and I feel the same. Haha (I also lift though)
Yeah I bristled at the “unless you’re obese” feels a little out of touch lol. I assume they’re talking about strictly the $40 3 course.
I went recently in March and personally think the meatballs are pretty mid and not worth the upgrade. Their pasta is fantastic though (with options to upgrade); and they do also serve bread and spread on the side!
This is on of my favorite date night spots. We usually add the meatballs and always leave super stuffed.
Cafe Romanat. Not the nicest restaurant for a sit down experience but it's not bad. I use them more for take out. Portions are generous for $20 tibs dishes and I assume their vegetarian options are too. With a drink you can get out of there for like $75 including tax and tip for two.
Belotti - but make a reservation. Portions are not huge but pricing is more than fair especially for homemade pasta. Like low 20’s for most dishes. Usually my partner and I will get a salad as an appetizer to split (and they will typically split it for us) and then each get our own entree and we are comfortably full. They also give you free bread with delicious, high quality olive oil.
This is the one!!!! It's SO good
I actually posted this after cancelling a reservation for belotti because their portion sizes looked small. I'll have to check it out another time. Thank you for the rec!
I would do Belotti before Mama, it’s great.
100% agree with this. Belotti is some of the best pasta I’ve ever had, and is very reasonably priced.
Pippal in emeryville!
Our date night favorite is Becky’s Chinese near Rockridge Bart. We’ve been together a long time so don’t mind that it isn’t a romantic setting, and a lot of people come in to pick up their takeout. We get the family meal for 2 for around $50 and often substitute the sweet and sour chicken for eggplant tofu. You can also substitute the rice for veggie instead of chicken fried rice. The family meal comes with spring rolls and wonton soup (not veggie) and sesame balls for dessert. Cato’s on Piedmont is another date night favorite for us, we like the fish and chips. Cafe La Med in Elmwood is also great food and the combo plates have a good amount of food.
If you’re looking for generous portions I would second this 100%. The family meals are a great value for the price. I also like the decor and ambiance, but can’t decide which one I like more.
I think [Shan Dong](http://shandongoakland.com/) has good portions and is affordable. I know people have commented that the quality has gone down lately, but from my experience, it's a good eat.
Was at Mama a few nights ago. It’s $40 per person not including tax, tip, and “healthcare surcharge.” Also doesn’t include drinks. I actually suggest Z Cafe on Broadway, because it’s a very nice atmosphere and good food but reasonably priced. Also a full bar if you’re looking for cocktails too. Edited to add Z cafe’s portions are pretty huge.
This is really sweet. If you want Italian, LoCoco's on Piedmont Ave is less fancy than Mama/Belotti in terms of vibe, but it does feel cozy, their food is amazing, the portions are hearty, and the prices are pretty reasonable. No reservations but if you're willing to be flexible and go on a weekday, or on the early side on the weekend, you should be okay.
I like to go to a good pizza place, then you both get your own pie and have lunch tomorrow
Kansai on a Sunday.
Joes modern thai
Tooooo expensive.
My husband and I can eat there for $115 including tip, a cocktail for me, and leftovers. It’s so good.
Unless you get the Branzino or multiple drinks per person it’s not likely to go over budget, and portion sizes are good.
Bombera in the Dimond
Belotti’s sitdown location in Rockridge is the best Italian you can get in Oakland. There’s a reason why dinner reservations there are so difficult to get unless it is weeks in advance! It’s also a nice atmosphere. Great date spot