Best Casual Restaurants in Oakland

212 restaurants available nearby

1. MUA

4.4

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Oakland

Booked 26 times today

MUA is known for its open atmosphere, eclectic décor, art events and, of course, its delicious food. Ideal for large parties or intimate gatherings, the spacious dining room creates a relaxed, casual vibe for guests to enjoy their meals. A large selection of wines, cocktails and beers make MUA a great spot for an evening out with friends. Family owned and run Mua was one of the first restaurants to open in what was then Auto Row in Oakland, in 2008. After their first 2 restaurants, Pastoral in Berkeley (first opened in 1982 while still students, 37 in the architecture program at Cal and San-Ju painting at SFAI) then later Soizic (Jack London Square, 1996), they wanted to shift gears from heavily curated menus to more comfort-based fare catering more to the eclectic and artistic community in Oakland. Today you’ll find people of all ages and backgrounds, from Too Short to Jerry Brown.

A photo of alaMar Dominican Kitchen restaurant

2. alaMar Dominican Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(195)

Price: Expensive

• Caribbean • Oakland

Booked 3 times today

alaMar is a Contemporary Dominican Kitchen located in the hip Uptown Oakland area. Bravo TV's Top Chef Season 18 Contestant, Chef Nelson German, dives deep into his Dominican culture at alaMar by offering a regional menu of foods he grew up on that his mom, grandmother, and Aunt Maritza would cook and NYC-style Dominican street foods he enjoyed as a child. German brings a unique take to family recipes with his contemporary NYC twist on traditional dishes, including his popular braised oxtail dish. There is indoor seating and a dog-friendly patio with heaters for al fresco dining. The not-to-be-missed craft cocktail program reflects Caribbean influences such as the signature Mamajuana cocktail.

3. Calabash

4.4

Awesome(77)

Price: Moderate

• Jamaican • Oakland

Booked 4 times today

Like its namesake, Calabash—restaurant, market and bar in Uptown Oakland—is a place of global innovation; a home for creative local chefs and producers to bring the uniqueness of their culture and flavors to The Town.

A photo of ACRE Kitchen and Bar restaurant

4. ACRE Kitchen and Bar

4.6

Exceptional(655)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Oakland

Booked 66 times today

ACRE is an ingredient-driven menu of California/Mediterranean cuisine served witha welcoming, neighborhood approachability.*20% gratuity will be added to all parties 8 or more.

5. Burdell

4.5

Awesome(162)

Price: Very Expensive

• Soul food • Oakland

Booked 43 times today

Burdell is a Soul Food restaurant in the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland from James Beard Finalist, Chef Geoff Davis.Named for and inspired by his maternal grandmother, Burdell, the restaurant reflects her love for well-set tables, entertaining guests, shared meals, and laughter. Burdell is centered on nostalgia, family recipes, thoughtful and sustainable sourcing, and the forgotten impact of Black farming, ranching, fishing, foraging, and culture on American cuisine and hospitality. The menu highlights farmers and artisans harvesting and creating excellent products around us. Paired with the food is a robust list of wine and beverages from producers around the World-focusing on wines that are farmed and crafted with care and sustainable practices.

6. Mago

4.8

Exceptional(77)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary Latin • Oakland

Booked 6 times today

Mägo is a family owned and operated fine dining restaurant from Chef Mark Liberman. We offer an exciting tasting menu cooked over wood fire, offering our take on Contemporary Colombian fare, anchored in an understanding of using Northern California ingredients, simple flavors in bold combinations.Our tasting menu focuses on ingredients that are at their most peak in deliciousness .This usually means produce that is in season, which in turn means they are their most flavorful, which is one of the reasons why we change our menu daily. In order to ensure the proper planning of your evening, please allow for 2.5 hours.We also offer an a la carte dining experience at our bar that is available for walk in guests.The restaurant’s informal atmosphere features an open kitchen surrounded by intimate tables, outdoor heated garden patio and chefs counter seating. From the warm greeting you receive upon entering until your final goodbye, we invite you to feel at home.

7. Bocanova

4.7

Exceptional(57)

Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Oakland

Booked 11 times today

Bocanova is a Pan-American Grill & Restaurant celebrating new world ingredients, many of which are often associated with the old world because of their heavy influence on our favorite European cuisines.Where would Italy be without corn (polenta) and tomatoes, or Ireland without potatoes, or France without haricots vert and pole beans all of which originated in the new world. What would Asian cuisine be without peppers and rice and this is just the tip of the iceberg. We aim To celebrate the bounty of New World ingredients through the creative interpretation of indigenous dishes from South, Central and North America.To provide a casual environment that encourages our guests to nourish both body and soul through the sharing of meals with friends and family.

A photo of Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt restaurant

8. Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt

4.7

Exceptional(664)

Price: Moderate

• American • Oakland

Booked 50 times today

May and David Wasem's flagship location Grand Lake Kitchen location offers American classics and warm hospitality. An all-day cafe specializing in brunch and dinner! Maximum party size for regular reservations is 8 at Lake Merritt and 15at the Dimond location.Grand Lake Kitchen at Lake Merritt has a full bar, bustling dining room, outdoor patio, take-out counter, and The Bubble Room (private dining)

9. Marzano

4.8

Exceptional(1050)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Oakland

Booked 21 times today

Just like the small family-owned trattorias of Italy, Marzano is simple, rustic, and generous in spirit. Executive Chef, Robert Holt, draws his inspiration from Southern-Italy, with an emphasis on wood-fired Neapolitan pizza.

A photo of Limewood Bar & Restaurant restaurant

10. Limewood Bar & Restaurant

4.3

Awesome(2468)

Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Berkeley

Booked 36 times today

Experience a vibrant, casual gathering place with bay view patio seating, showcasing regionally-sourced cuisine. A kitchen inspired by Bay Area artisans is complimented by a spirited bar offering house-crafted cocktails and a well-balanced wine list.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
jeff
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The bacon sausage, and shrimp toast was out of this world
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BurdellPrice: Very Expensive• Soul food• Oakland
•
4.5
L
Leslie
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 27, 2024
Acre never disappoints. This was no exception. There was a delay in the kitchen and food was taking longer than usual to come out. We barely noticed because we were with old friends catching up. But the manager came out and apologized and brought us a free appetizer and comped another round of drinks, so we were all good!
More info
ACRE Kitchen and BarPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Oakland
•
4.6
R
RobinVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •37 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 19, 2024
Mua was a compmete surprise! Suggested by Open Table, the space is captivating, lively and great food. We had softshell crab, chicken milanese, burrata with grilled veggies in a very good sweet balsamic. Champagne then tea and two excelkent desserts, chocolate pecan pie with ice cream and breadpudding with cremey anglese.Very good value smart food with interesting people.
More info
MUAPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Oakland
•
4.4
W
Willie
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 5, 2024
Every Dish was DELICIOUS! It felt like I was in Santo Domingo! I can't wait to return for more of those Oxtails, the Plantains, and the shrimp criolla!
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alaMar Dominican KitchenPrice: Expensive• Caribbean• Oakland
•
4.6
J
Jonathan
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 9, 2024
Excellent food and excellent service. I will be coming back for more! I highly recommend.
More info
CalabashPrice: Moderate• Jamaican• Oakland
•
4.4

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212 restaurants available nearby

1. MUA

2. alaMar Dominican Kitchen

3. Calabash

4. ACRE Kitchen and Bar

5. Burdell

6. Mago

7. Bocanova

8. Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt

9. Marzano

10. Limewood Bar & Restaurant

See what locals rave about

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