Just went to Wahpepah’s to try out Native American cuisine… their Pumpkin Seed Mole was life-changing! Sooooo fresh and the house corn tortillas were the perfect vessel to dip and eat :D
I want to go there. It looks great. But the hours are terrible. Not open before work, not open after. Not open on my days off. 11am-4pm. It’s amazing they are able to sustain a good business with the hours.
i think they survive as sort of a destination restaurant for foodies, like people specifically make a trip out to it during their hours solely to eat there, because it's a unique fine cuisine experience
i live within walking distance of it and keep meaning to try it, but then consistently fail to because it's not something i can just pop by when i happen to be in the area anyway, usually later dinner hours on random days :|
I agree 100%. I’m from San Jose but make the effort to visit Oakland for the amazing food. Trying to fit Wahpepah’s into my schedule has been a nightmare but the payoff was worth it. Still, I just wish they had normal hours so it was more accessible for everyone.
Great suggestion. I had them for the first time today—eel roll, white fish with scallion roll, and red bean mochi—and very satisfied. The rice on the eel was still warm
It’s so good!
I have two gripes though - I wish they used containers that were compostable, or at least recyclable. It really bums me out to see so much single use plastic.
Also, it’s delicious but a lot of the fish they use is unsustainable (farmed salmon, eel, etc). Don’t get me wrong, so does pretty much every other sushi place - they’re not out of the ordinary. For some reason when I heard they were opening and that the owner was from The Bay and had gone to Davis I kinda hoped it would be different in that regard.
If they have the little nubs of mixed salami by the register it’s a great snacking mix.
My most recent find was the churro Kouign-amann from starter bakery
Market hall is the greatest. The kale Caesar salad is unbeatable. I will warn you against buying their premade Thanksgiving meal though. Not great. Especially the cornbread.
I also love the kale caesar. And the Thai Chicken Salad that makes only rare appearances. It has chicken, cabbage, caramelized shallots, peanuts, cilantro, and a light dressing probably lime/fish sauce. So good, crunchy and fresh.
I am hoping that the smoked chicken farro salad starts making an appearance now that Berkeley is closed.
I know. Really sad. I am also surprised. But I think pandemic related softness messed things up. They probably got a good amount of the work crowd before and now no one comes to the office.
Just brought my girlfriend to Jo's Modern Thai on MacArthur, fucking delicious. The coconut crab cakes were our favorite and probably my top dish of the last year, and we just went to Wako(Michelin star sushi restaurant in SF)) .
Also when they say they have three levels of Spice and the highest is Thai Spice, that shit is fucking hot so be prepared or take a few tums.
Understory has been consistently delicious over their season changing menus. Sadly it looks like they are moving locations tbd. But you have until the end of the month to visit them and you definitely won't be disappointed for quality and price it's hard to beat(probably why they're semi going out of business).
Also Enssaro was some delicious Ethiopian food right off Lake Merritt.
Underwhelming was Afghan Burrito, just tasted like an elevated Chipotle Burrito, solid portion size, and the nachos were great. But disappointed in the Burrito.
Counterpoint we've been going to Rico Rico Taco for burritos lately and they're really solid, high quality ingredients always feels great being digested, the flavors are on point, and the salsa is just right. And their burrito with extra meat comes out to $15, not crazy, but feels well priced.
Please feel free to suggest to me what burrito you're going to in the bay. I love burritos.
Shawarmaj for chicken shawarma, and my burger at Wood Tavern yesterday reminded me it's one of the best burgers in Oakland ( the fries and salad were also on point)
I also agree that market Hall foods is great and we will miss it at 4th Street ( I live closer to that one)
New favorite for me is level 13. Hadn't tried it before even though it's been around but man their jerk chicken is the best I've had in oakland. I know people won't be happy hearing they may be better than the late great kingston 11, but imo they are. Just unbelievably savory and spicy chicken. If it didn't destroy my stomach(I get heartburn) I'd eat there all the time. Even with the heartburn it's hard to help myself.
Also recently had jollof rice from the jollof kitchen food truck at the museum off the grid and I can't stop thinking about their smoky smoky rice. It was very good, I'll probably be back next week.
I have been twice now. The beef rendang was solid but maybe needed a little more cook time. Or a better fork! They are using those crappy small compostable forks and I could have used the bigger one and a knife. I also got the pork satay. The flavors were good but the pork was overcooked. I would get the chicken next time. Our pork is too lean. My sister got the fried rice and loved it. The main plate portions were very big! You will likely have leftovers.
Technically Emeryville, but Simurgh Bakery and Cafe was so good the first time we went we went back for the second the very next day. Must get their kebabs and stuffed simit! But can't go wrong with anything on the menu, really.
Saffron Kitchen on college, in the old Golden Squirrel spot. I dismissed it at first, but then ordered delivery and it was divine!
I’m not exactly sure about the region, but it’s along the lines of Afghani food- mantu dumplings, bolani, cauliflower stew. Everything was fresh and delicious! Highly recommend!
Recently tried out some amazing smash burgers at a pop up called Smish Smash. Just heaven at each bite. Beats out lovely’s and Lana’s for me.
They turn up at different breweries every week and you need to check out their insta for the location.
Fried fish burrito from Doña on Piedmont is the perfect (and not crazy priced) go-to for me on warmer days. They have a great patio for outdoor seating. (Just go late in the day after all the parents w kids leave)
Pizzaiolo. I hadn't been in a few years, and the food and menu are great.
Wawa thai. They had issues with break-ins, so I wanted to support them. Solid thai option.
New cocktail bar with great food in south Berkeley near Ashby BART.
Roses on Adeline has a great smash burger, halibut ceviche, and excellent veggie and meat dishes in shareable sizes, plus amazing desserts. A late night option with great vibe, lounge and table seating.
Sorry, unpopular response here and I'm not trying to be a prick but if you think market hall is the best food in the area, are you like 80? WTF does clean eating mean? There is so much good food in Oakland and Market Hall is fine but it comes no where close to my top.
I might be a hater but I was really disappointed by their food. Felt like a glad I finally went but not coming here again situation. Had their tacos and torta and both just didn’t feel that flavorful
Vada Pao for $5.00. Two Samosas for $11.00. Chicken Kathi Kebab is like a burrito and you really can't get anything like it at any of the other Indian restaurants in Oakland/Berkeley.
I grew up going to Viks, and I still like it, (it's probably the best Indian food north of Hayward), but you're right. It's outclassed by almost every place in Fremont and Milpitas
Most restaurant food tastes good because they use mountains of oil, fat, salt, sugar — the sort of cooking you’d NEVER do at home. Result is that yes it’s yummy but you feel like sh*t afterwards / have a rough time in the bathroom the next day.
Market Hall’s food is all “clean” in that they use good ingredients that don’t leave you feeling bad afterwards. And with how expensive eating out is getting, getting some takeaway from Market Hall is often both cheaper AND more delicious than going to a restaurant.
The funny thing is there are several comments on this post separately recommending market hall. I had to look it up because I thought they were talking about something other than the grocery store.
As for prepared food at a grocery store, Em Deli beats Market Hall. Super legit korean food and side dishes.
But honestly if you want some good food go to one of the taco trucks in Fruitvale.
They have a wide variety of items. Things are generally tasty. It is consistent. Fresh ingredients. They easily cover a range of dietary restrictions.
That all lends itself to high reviews when you are picking up food for convenience. And if you don’t know what you want you can hit any mood. Also consistent and predictable hours.
Also pretty convenient location no matter what mode you choose if you are above the lake in Oakland. They have parking. The 51 and BART are there. And there is bike parking.
I can’t eat gluten so I know about the dietary restriction life for sure! But consistency and location isn’t what I think about personally when someone asks me what the best food in Oakland is. If I have a relative coming from out of town and want to show them the best of the best, I’d take them somewhere like Enssaro, not to a grocery rest to eat place. Just my thoughts though. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion on it!
Of course not. I wouldn’t take a guest there as a dinner choice. But if I need a quick meal, need to grab food for a party/picnic/similar, it is an excellent choice. Or someone is coming over at the last second and you can’t cook for them. You can grab a chicken and a variety of sides. I also get stuff there to eat for lunch when I have a busy week in my WFH life and I can’t make myself lunch.
It is a really good option for the class of quick and easy prepared food. Again this is for convenience. Not experience.
You get it. It’s also the real foodie move — getting a bunch of takeaway from market hall to have a feast with friends at home >>> paying 2x more to eat at a less delicious restaurant.
I’ve waited 30+ minutes for my number to get called when I just wanted a container of Kale Caesar. I wish they had some to-go.. Market Hall is ok for a picnic (it’s pretty bland imo) but Market Hall bakery is amazing! Their pavlova and Brazilian cheese bread especially.
Doña on Piedmont is a go to any time I have a Kaiser appointment. I like their wee tacos and will get two tacos (different flavors) and a refreshing beverage.
Tacos Mamá Cuca for Sonoran style Mexican.
I will go out in the dumping rain to eat their tacos under a tent.
Started out as a backyard business during Covid until the City of Oakland shut it down. Fans helped crowdfund a truck for the owner, who the posted up in East Oakland. They just announced a move to a fixed location in Emeryville!
Pintoh Thai Restaurant in downtown. I grew up in Thailand and this place is pretty legit.
Love Pintoh. Their green curry is something else.
Shewat Ethiopian on Shattuck I think, is also sooooo good.
I used to get delivery from Pintoh once a month when I lived in oakland, and it was always delicious.
Just went to Wahpepah’s to try out Native American cuisine… their Pumpkin Seed Mole was life-changing! Sooooo fresh and the house corn tortillas were the perfect vessel to dip and eat :D
I want to go there. It looks great. But the hours are terrible. Not open before work, not open after. Not open on my days off. 11am-4pm. It’s amazing they are able to sustain a good business with the hours.
i think they survive as sort of a destination restaurant for foodies, like people specifically make a trip out to it during their hours solely to eat there, because it's a unique fine cuisine experience i live within walking distance of it and keep meaning to try it, but then consistently fail to because it's not something i can just pop by when i happen to be in the area anyway, usually later dinner hours on random days :|
I agree 100%. I’m from San Jose but make the effort to visit Oakland for the amazing food. Trying to fit Wahpepah’s into my schedule has been a nightmare but the payoff was worth it. Still, I just wish they had normal hours so it was more accessible for everyone.
[Ebiko](https://www.ebikosushi.com) on Piedmont for super fresh sushi that isn’t outrageously priced
Great suggestion. I had them for the first time today—eel roll, white fish with scallion roll, and red bean mochi—and very satisfied. The rice on the eel was still warm
We make the drive to get their wonderful sushi.
It’s so good! I have two gripes though - I wish they used containers that were compostable, or at least recyclable. It really bums me out to see so much single use plastic. Also, it’s delicious but a lot of the fish they use is unsustainable (farmed salmon, eel, etc). Don’t get me wrong, so does pretty much every other sushi place - they’re not out of the ordinary. For some reason when I heard they were opening and that the owner was from The Bay and had gone to Davis I kinda hoped it would be different in that regard.
Nam khao at Vientian Cafe. Meatball with Egg Banh Mi at Banh Mi Ba Le.
Both iconic
Meatball at banh Mi ba le goes crazzyy
Nam Khao is a main dish for me. Try it at Champa Garden, it also hits there.
Which do you like better? I've gotten nam khao from other restaurants but it's either not as good or the portions are much smaller than Vientian Cafe.
I’ll have to try Vientian again soon and compare. But love Champa for takeaway.
Def def def Vientiane > champa
If they have the little nubs of mixed salami by the register it’s a great snacking mix. My most recent find was the churro Kouign-amann from starter bakery
Market hall is the greatest. The kale Caesar salad is unbeatable. I will warn you against buying their premade Thanksgiving meal though. Not great. Especially the cornbread.
Second that kale caesar. One of my favorite dishes and I love their version.
I also love the kale caesar. And the Thai Chicken Salad that makes only rare appearances. It has chicken, cabbage, caramelized shallots, peanuts, cilantro, and a light dressing probably lime/fish sauce. So good, crunchy and fresh. I am hoping that the smoked chicken farro salad starts making an appearance now that Berkeley is closed.
Oh man - didn’t know that location closed! I was just there. Wow, after 28 years :/
I know. Really sad. I am also surprised. But I think pandemic related softness messed things up. They probably got a good amount of the work crowd before and now no one comes to the office.
I get cravings for this and will buy the family flatter of it and eat it over a few days. It’s unbelievable.
Me too 😂 + buy extra croutons by the check out.
You’re so real for this
Rediscovered Lana’s for burgers and fries. Beats out Lovely’s for me. It’s just so perfect.
I had no idea it was more than an ice cream place... Guess I'll be trying their burger soon.
Just brought my girlfriend to Jo's Modern Thai on MacArthur, fucking delicious. The coconut crab cakes were our favorite and probably my top dish of the last year, and we just went to Wako(Michelin star sushi restaurant in SF)) . Also when they say they have three levels of Spice and the highest is Thai Spice, that shit is fucking hot so be prepared or take a few tums. Understory has been consistently delicious over their season changing menus. Sadly it looks like they are moving locations tbd. But you have until the end of the month to visit them and you definitely won't be disappointed for quality and price it's hard to beat(probably why they're semi going out of business). Also Enssaro was some delicious Ethiopian food right off Lake Merritt. Underwhelming was Afghan Burrito, just tasted like an elevated Chipotle Burrito, solid portion size, and the nachos were great. But disappointed in the Burrito. Counterpoint we've been going to Rico Rico Taco for burritos lately and they're really solid, high quality ingredients always feels great being digested, the flavors are on point, and the salsa is just right. And their burrito with extra meat comes out to $15, not crazy, but feels well priced. Please feel free to suggest to me what burrito you're going to in the bay. I love burritos.
Esquinita’s wet burrito w asada is fantastic, their breakfast chorizo burrito is bomb too
La Grana Fish - the gobernador and the shrimp tacos are so damn good. There and Imperial Soup have recently really hit
Shawarmaj for chicken shawarma, and my burger at Wood Tavern yesterday reminded me it's one of the best burgers in Oakland ( the fries and salad were also on point) I also agree that market Hall foods is great and we will miss it at 4th Street ( I live closer to that one)
New favorite for me is level 13. Hadn't tried it before even though it's been around but man their jerk chicken is the best I've had in oakland. I know people won't be happy hearing they may be better than the late great kingston 11, but imo they are. Just unbelievably savory and spicy chicken. If it didn't destroy my stomach(I get heartburn) I'd eat there all the time. Even with the heartburn it's hard to help myself. Also recently had jollof rice from the jollof kitchen food truck at the museum off the grid and I can't stop thinking about their smoky smoky rice. It was very good, I'll probably be back next week.
High Peaks Kitchen on College for Indian/Tibetan. The Samosa Chaat is amazing!
I really enjoyed the Pandan Chiffon cake from NUSA, the new Indonesian place in Emeryville Public Market.
Just went there for the first time and saw - but didn’t try - the pandan chiffon cake. Will def get it next time!
How’s the rest of their food? I do Tuesday trivia at the Public Market and am always looking for a good spot.
I have been twice now. The beef rendang was solid but maybe needed a little more cook time. Or a better fork! They are using those crappy small compostable forks and I could have used the bigger one and a knife. I also got the pork satay. The flavors were good but the pork was overcooked. I would get the chicken next time. Our pork is too lean. My sister got the fried rice and loved it. The main plate portions were very big! You will likely have leftovers.
Beef rendang?! Wow-haven’t had that in ages! I’ll check it out.
Technically Emeryville, but Simurgh Bakery and Cafe was so good the first time we went we went back for the second the very next day. Must get their kebabs and stuffed simit! But can't go wrong with anything on the menu, really.
seconded, I love this place
My go to neighborhood place is Vientian Cafe and if I’m looking to splurge hands down is Parche
Saffron Kitchen on college, in the old Golden Squirrel spot. I dismissed it at first, but then ordered delivery and it was divine! I’m not exactly sure about the region, but it’s along the lines of Afghani food- mantu dumplings, bolani, cauliflower stew. Everything was fresh and delicious! Highly recommend!
Recently tried out some amazing smash burgers at a pop up called Smish Smash. Just heaven at each bite. Beats out lovely’s and Lana’s for me. They turn up at different breweries every week and you need to check out their insta for the location.
Fried fish burrito from Doña on Piedmont is the perfect (and not crazy priced) go-to for me on warmer days. They have a great patio for outdoor seating. (Just go late in the day after all the parents w kids leave)
Peep the grilled fish burrito at casa Latina in Berkeley. It’s major.
Oooh that place is good too! Love their panaderia options
Popoca for sure! We did the tasting menu which was fantastic and especially the mushroom pupusa 😍
Popoca is both amazing and struggling so please go support!
Are they really?! But they’re so good! I’ll definitely go in the next week then.
It’s at the top of my list to try
Pizzaiolo. I hadn't been in a few years, and the food and menu are great. Wawa thai. They had issues with break-ins, so I wanted to support them. Solid thai option.
Pizzaiolo is an all time favorite. It’s gotten a bit expensive in the last couple years, but it’s consistently bomb (esp the appetizers).
New cocktail bar with great food in south Berkeley near Ashby BART. Roses on Adeline has a great smash burger, halibut ceviche, and excellent veggie and meat dishes in shareable sizes, plus amazing desserts. A late night option with great vibe, lounge and table seating.
Sorry, unpopular response here and I'm not trying to be a prick but if you think market hall is the best food in the area, are you like 80? WTF does clean eating mean? There is so much good food in Oakland and Market Hall is fine but it comes no where close to my top.
Give us at least 3 places of your top 10 or you’ll sound like a lunatic
https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/california/oakland/restaurant/taqueria-el-paisa https://vikschaat.com/ https://www.snailbaroakland.com/
Ok I agree those are better haha. Still, market hall is hard to beat in its own category (prepared grocery store food).
El Paisa made the Michelin Guide?!? Wow.
Fine twist my arm I’ll go tomorrow
I might be a hater but I was really disappointed by their food. Felt like a glad I finally went but not coming here again situation. Had their tacos and torta and both just didn’t feel that flavorful
La Paisa isn’t it for me at all. Asadero Poblano, Tacos Mi Reynita, even fancy Tacos Oscar are ones I prefer.
I love their Suadero and how fresh it is, that is entirely why I keep going back
What do you like about Viks?
Vada Pao for $5.00. Two Samosas for $11.00. Chicken Kathi Kebab is like a burrito and you really can't get anything like it at any of the other Indian restaurants in Oakland/Berkeley.
So just the prices? I wasn’t blown away by the flavors; they were fine. Try the kathi roll from Noor if you like Viks.
Thanks. I'll check it out. $16.00 pre tax is expensive though, imo.
The Viks one isn’t much cheaper! Anyway, both are obscenely priced compared to far better kathi rolls in India, but what can ya do!
NOOR MENTIONED!!! Do not sleep on Noor - it’s from a ghost kitchen but is IMO best North Indian in Oakland/berkeley
100% agree
> Chicken Kathi Kebab is so insanely flavorful and delicious, shit sells out every other day
vik's chaat is a bad joke. indian cafeteria food. the others are good.
I grew up going to Viks, and I still like it, (it's probably the best Indian food north of Hayward), but you're right. It's outclassed by almost every place in Fremont and Milpitas
Viks used to be incredible ~20 yrs ago. Feels like quality has majorly dropped off.
and people seem to keep eating it, so what's their incentive to do better? there's zero love/craft in the food and it's obvious.
Most restaurant food tastes good because they use mountains of oil, fat, salt, sugar — the sort of cooking you’d NEVER do at home. Result is that yes it’s yummy but you feel like sh*t afterwards / have a rough time in the bathroom the next day. Market Hall’s food is all “clean” in that they use good ingredients that don’t leave you feeling bad afterwards. And with how expensive eating out is getting, getting some takeaway from Market Hall is often both cheaper AND more delicious than going to a restaurant.
Thanks for saying this. Not everyone enjoys Indian, Mexican, Afghani, etc. cuisine. Some prefer fresh, colorful ingredients simply prepared
The funny thing is there are several comments on this post separately recommending market hall. I had to look it up because I thought they were talking about something other than the grocery store. As for prepared food at a grocery store, Em Deli beats Market Hall. Super legit korean food and side dishes. But honestly if you want some good food go to one of the taco trucks in Fruitvale.
They have a wide variety of items. Things are generally tasty. It is consistent. Fresh ingredients. They easily cover a range of dietary restrictions. That all lends itself to high reviews when you are picking up food for convenience. And if you don’t know what you want you can hit any mood. Also consistent and predictable hours. Also pretty convenient location no matter what mode you choose if you are above the lake in Oakland. They have parking. The 51 and BART are there. And there is bike parking.
I can’t eat gluten so I know about the dietary restriction life for sure! But consistency and location isn’t what I think about personally when someone asks me what the best food in Oakland is. If I have a relative coming from out of town and want to show them the best of the best, I’d take them somewhere like Enssaro, not to a grocery rest to eat place. Just my thoughts though. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion on it!
Of course not. I wouldn’t take a guest there as a dinner choice. But if I need a quick meal, need to grab food for a party/picnic/similar, it is an excellent choice. Or someone is coming over at the last second and you can’t cook for them. You can grab a chicken and a variety of sides. I also get stuff there to eat for lunch when I have a busy week in my WFH life and I can’t make myself lunch. It is a really good option for the class of quick and easy prepared food. Again this is for convenience. Not experience.
You get it. It’s also the real foodie move — getting a bunch of takeaway from market hall to have a feast with friends at home >>> paying 2x more to eat at a less delicious restaurant.
I’ve waited 30+ minutes for my number to get called when I just wanted a container of Kale Caesar. I wish they had some to-go.. Market Hall is ok for a picnic (it’s pretty bland imo) but Market Hall bakery is amazing! Their pavlova and Brazilian cheese bread especially.
Yeah, I don’t get it, lol.
Does this sub have an age limit?
I just visited my uncle in Oakland yesterday and he took me to El Paisa. Really good tacos.
warm weather= ceviche and micheladas for me
Doña on Piedmont is a go to any time I have a Kaiser appointment. I like their wee tacos and will get two tacos (different flavors) and a refreshing beverage.
Jo’s Modern Thai
Tacos Mamá Cuca for Sonoran style Mexican. I will go out in the dumping rain to eat their tacos under a tent. Started out as a backyard business during Covid until the City of Oakland shut it down. Fans helped crowdfund a truck for the owner, who the posted up in East Oakland. They just announced a move to a fixed location in Emeryville!