Best Restaurants for Quiet Conversation in Oakland

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchIndianMexican

Regions

East BaySan Francisco

Neighbourhoods

AlbanyBerkeleyChinatownCivic Center / Hayes Valley / Van NessDowntown / Union SquareFinancial District / Embarcadero

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Julia's Restaurant restaurant

1. Julia's Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1694)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Berkeley

Booked 13 times today

Teatime Tuesdays | 12pm-2pmIndoor DiningLunchWednesday - Saturday | 12pm-2pmDinnerTuesday-Saturday | 5pm-7:45pmLocated on the second floor of the Berkeley City Club, a Julia Morgan Historic Hotel, Julia's boasts a beautiful over-sized fireplace, and ornate details true to Morgan's iconic Moorish Gothic architectural design.Julia's offers an innovative, creative, contemporary approach to your dining experience and is inspired by local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. Our diverse wine list complements our menu featuring wines carefully selected from regions around the world.

2. ZINO

4.3

Awesome(420)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Berkeley

Booked 6 times today

A Modern Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar located in the heart of Downtown Berkeley. ZINO features a rotating menu of cuisines, complemented by a modern cocktail program infused with Mediterranean flavors and spices. ZINO is a gathering place for people of the community to socialize, celebrate, and share in the unique flavors of one of the most diverse regions of the world.Vegetarian menu available.For Parties of 9 or more, please contact the restaurant directly.

A photo of Bellanico Restaurant and Wine Bar restaurant

3. Bellanico Restaurant and Wine Bar

4.7

Exceptional(2082)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Oakland

Booked 8 times today

Bellanico Restaurant & Wine Bar saves some tables for walk-ins, please call Bellanico directly for large party reservations. Bellanico is a continuation of Chris Shepherd & Elizabeth Frumusa’s successful restaurant in San Francisco, Aperto in Potrero Hill. Bellanico is a neighborhood restaurant located in the Glenview district of Oakland. The name Bellanico is derived from their daughters’ nicknames, Bella & Nico. The Bellanico staff take great pride in food, service and wine. We serve rustic Italian cuisine that changes seasonally. We are dedicated to serving the best seasonal, local, sustainable and organic products that they can find. Bellanico features Pitman Farms Chicken, Prather Ranch Meat, Duroc Pork and only wild caught fish and seafood. It also features a wine bar offering Old World wines with an emphasis on Italian wines. There are more than 25 wines by the glass & 6 different flights of wine.

4. Juanita & Maude

4.9

Exceptional(1789)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Albany

Booked 34 times today

An intimate neighborhood restaurant, Juanita & Maude features Chef Scott Eastman's personal take on American Cuisine. The daily changing menu highlights classic dishes including Michelin Guide's top 5 hamburger in California. His refined comfort food is matched with seasonal craft cocktails and an international wine list. Juanita & Maude's lively dining room or serene outdoor patio is the perfect spot for a night out, celebration or special occasion. Conveniently located near the corner of Solano and San Pablo Avenues.

5. Xebec-sf

4.5

Awesome(53)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Western Addition

Booked 12 times today

Are you ready to embark on a mouth-watering journey down the Mediterranean coast, infused with the tantalizing flavors and techniques of Japan? Join us now to experience this meeting of cultures that will leave your taste buds craving for more!

6. China Live

4.6

Exceptional(3306)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 75 times today

China Live, Eater's "Restaurant of the Year," features fresh, seasonal Chinese cuisine cooked from specialized stations that merge traditional Chinese and Western culinary equipment. Our main dining area, with views of our exhibition kitchens, plays centerpiece, appointed with chairs and tables all handcrafted in China from reclaimed Chinese elm. We also offer outside dining.

7. Mr. Digby's

4.6

Exceptional(484)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Noe Valley

Booked 11 times today

Mr. Digbys Bar and Restaurant is the new neighborhood spot in Noe Valley, SF! Join us for elevated American comfort food and classic cocktails in a comfortable, polished setting. We offer dog-friendly sidewalk and parklet seating, bar seating and standard seating. Chronicle rated "Best Food of the Week" 2021.

8. Hinata Sushi

4.8

Exceptional(209)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Sushi • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 9 times today

Hinata is a Sushi Omakase restaurant located in San Francisco's Van Ness district. We use quality ingredients along with authentic techniques to bring the most surprising and innovative Omakase experience to our guest.We offer a prix fixe sushi menu starting at $98. Our menu will change daily, depending on the season and what is available from the Toyosu Market in Japan. Our full course meal will include multiple courses: 18 pieces of nigiri sushi, 3 refreshing bites, miso soup, and house-made dessert.Please note:- We only offer a set Omakase tasting menu (each reserved seat MUST order the Omakase)- We can not accommodate Vegetarians/Vegans.- We require 24 hour notice for any allergies and dietary restriction modifications- We are unable to modify the menu on the same day of the reservation- Please review the CANCELATION/NO-SHOW policy before booking We look forward to seeing you soon!

A photo of Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club restaurant

9. Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club

4.9

Exceptional(906)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 35 times today

***Best Jazz Club in the City, by San Francisco Magazine***Mr. Tipple’s is a craft cocktail bar featuring live jazz.-Reservations have a 90min time limit from reservation time. There is a $20/guest min for table serviceMr. Tipple’s heralds back to a 1950s NYC basement. Cozy. Dark. Boozy. The intimate setting features local jazz artists up close and personal. It’s a joint where you come as you are, hear great music, tap your toes, and sip a properly chilled cocktail.-My name is Mr. Tipple. Just a simple and laughable bloke hailing from London. I run a recording studio. My friends joke that you’ll oft find me spinning cocktails, not reeling tape. After a few too many, I usually just sit back and enjoy the music, having forgotten to hit record. Regardless, the band is always jiving, the whiskey is always cold, and we’re having a smashing good time.

A photo of Amber India - San Francisco restaurant

10. Amber India - San Francisco

4.5

Awesome(2895)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Indian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 22 times today

At Amber India in downtown San Francisco, we blend the rich traditions of North Indian cuisine with a modern dining experience. Our menu features favorites like butter chicken, aromatic biryanis, and tandoori specialties, all crafted with authentic spices and techniques. Whether you prefer vegetarian dishes or hearty meats, there's something for everyone.Our three-story restaurant, with vaulted ceilings and a lively LED light show behind the bar, offers a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. We can host up to 140 guests, with a private dining room for gatherings of up to 25. Located near Union Square, Amber India is ideal for a casual meal or special celebration.For over 20 years, we’ve been a beloved part of the Bay Area dining scene, known for our flavorful food, excellent service, and warm hospitality. Join us for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch to experience what makes Amber India a local favorite.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
AnishaVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
This was an absolutely stellar experience - the food, the service, the care, the presentations, the drinks - everything was spectacular and a beautiful end to our date.
More info
Xebec-sfPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Western Addition
•
4.5
K
KennethVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
There were 8 of us in our party. We were seated at along table in the back corner which kept us out of the humddrum of the rest of the restaurant. Overall though the room was quiet. The service was attentive and professional yet friendly. The food was good and the portions, generous. The gluten free/vegetarian options were minimal.
More info
ZINOPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Berkeley
•
4.3
L
Lawland
Croatia •5 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
Nice menu. Tasty choices. Complex flavors. Great service. Enjoyed friendly atmosphere.
More info
Bellanico Restaurant and Wine BarPrice: Moderate• Italian• Oakland
•
4.7
D
DavidVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Good food and cocktails in a lovely, historic room.
More info
Julia's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Berkeley
•
4.7
J
Jodie
Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 5, 2025
As always, amazing food and equally amazing service. It is truly a gem. Very creative food menu and equally creative cocktail menu.
More info
Juanita & MaudePrice: Very Expensive• American• Albany
•
4.9