Guidebook for Oakland
Food Scene
El Taco Zamorano
4032 Foothill BoulevardSimply an amazing family-owned Mexican restaurant. Delish!
Incredible Burmese restaurant in a romantic setting. $$ but very worth it. Try the samosa soup and tea tree salad
146 locals recommend
Burma Superstar
4721 Telegraph AveIncredible Burmese restaurant in a romantic setting. $$ but very worth it. Try the samosa soup and tea tree salad
Hive
2139 MacArthur BlvdOur favorite coffee shop/hang out. It's a short drive but worth it.
The best breakfast sandwiches in town. Hands down. We love the smoked salmon sandwich
9 locals recommend
Kefa Coffee
422 29th AveThe best breakfast sandwiches in town. Hands down. We love the smoked salmon sandwich
Cute cafe in the lovely Lake Merritt neighborhood. Great for a morning walk around the lake and shopping
28 locals recommend
Lakeshore Cafe
3257 Lakeshore AveCute cafe in the lovely Lake Merritt neighborhood. Great for a morning walk around the lake and shopping
Amazing baked goods and daily pizza in famous Oakland/Berkeley co-op
198 locals recommend
Arizmendi Bakery
3265 Lakeshore AveAmazing baked goods and daily pizza in famous Oakland/Berkeley co-op
Nearby, and amazing, Vietnamese and Laotian food. They don't deliver :-( but it's a short drive.
19 locals recommend
Vientian Cafe
3801 Allendale AveNearby, and amazing, Vietnamese and Laotian food. They don't deliver :-( but it's a short drive.
Powderface
3411 E 12th StCoffee shop near Fruitvale BART. Amazing beniegts (little fried dough and delish)
Lena's Soul Food Cafe
6403 Foothill BoulevardYou're in Oakland! Have some fried chicken!
The best breakfast in town. Cute shopping area. The soufle pancake is to die for (e.g.: banana run pancake)
76 locals recommend
Bette's Oceanview Diner
1807A Fourth StThe best breakfast in town. Cute shopping area. The soufle pancake is to die for (e.g.: banana run pancake)
The Trident
558 BridgewayGreat seafood. Great views.
Very cool breakfast place near Solano Ave in Berkeley, not far from Cal campus. Owned by musicians, great atmosphere. The trout and eggs are awesome, as are all soups.
36 locals recommend
Sam's Log Cabin
945 San Pablo AveVery cool breakfast place near Solano Ave in Berkeley, not far from Cal campus. Owned by musicians, great atmosphere. The trout and eggs are awesome, as are all soups.
Mama's Royal Cafe
4012 BroadwayExcellent down-to-earth breakfast place
Actual Cafe
6334 San Pablo AvenueChill Emeryville hangout with yummy food, cafe style
Upscale Downtown Oakland Creole-style restaurant and bar. Great food, a little pricy, very festive.
23 locals recommend
Picán
2295 BroadwayUpscale Downtown Oakland Creole-style restaurant and bar. Great food, a little pricy, very festive.
Mijori Japanese Restaurant
3260 Grand AveOur favorite sushi place near Lake Merritt
Souley Vegan
301 BroadwayYummy
Bittersweet Cafe
1438 BroadwayTheir hot chocolate is orgasmic!
Sister
3308 Grand AveANYTHING you get here is great - more of a special occasion place
Herbivore the Earthly Grill
2451 Shattuck AveYummy veggie food
Everything Else
Fruitvale Station
Fruitvale AvenueEasy access to SF, etc by train.
Oakland International Airport
1 Airport Dr2 miles away
San Francisco International Airport
About a 20 minute drive without traffic
Shopping
Walgreens
2801 Adeline StDrug store near Fruitvale BART
Essentials
Island Market
2314 High StConvenience store nearby
Huge food market, with good produce and amazing house-made guacamole and salsa. They have decent to-go hot foods (though can be a little greasy on the hot foods.)
37 locals recommend
Cardenas Markets
1630 High StHuge food market, with good produce and amazing house-made guacamole and salsa. They have decent to-go hot foods (though can be a little greasy on the hot foods.)
Our favorite local "Whole Foods" grocer with lots of gourmet options and terrific organic produce.
230 locals recommend
Farmer Joe's Marketplace
3501 MacArthur BlvdOur favorite local "Whole Foods" grocer with lots of gourmet options and terrific organic produce.
Smart & Final Extra!
1243 42nd AveBasic groceries
Sightseeing
Fantastic local gem...large and scenic city-lake with fabulous walking and stores. Cute area!
751 locals recommend
Lake Merritt Amphitheater
Lake Merritt BoulevardFantastic local gem...large and scenic city-lake with fabulous walking and stores. Cute area!
Jingletown
Industrial/artist neighborhood
Presidio of San Francisco
Former naval base now beautiful park.
Muir Woods National Monument
The redwoods. Take a walk.
Muir Beach
Our favorite beach
Muir Beach Overlook
Muir Beach OverlookThe most spectacular views, and romantic
Arts & Culture
Restored 1920's deco movie house playing first-run movies. It's a movie palace!
382 locals recommend
Grand Lake Theater
3200 Grand AveRestored 1920's deco movie house playing first-run movies. It's a movie palace!
Cool theatre company and school. Founded in 1978, the company’s mission is to transform the lives of older adults and their communities through the performing arts.
Stagebridge
2501 Harrison StCool theatre company and school. Founded in 1978, the company’s mission is to transform the lives of older adults and their communities through the performing arts.