The cuisine at this casually cool eatery takes on the flavors of India, China, and Thailand and combines them for a unique "Burmese" taste. The decor is clean and simple with ethnic, modern flourishes. Glossy wood tables, modern lighting and white walls.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveMore of a coffeehouse than a restaurant, 817's convenient downtown location and reasonable Italian style breakfast and lunch fare make it a good option for those looking for a casual spot to read the paper and get a bite. It's also only 2 blocks from the Oakland City Center BART station.
Price: Least ExpensiveWho doesn't love a wine bar with good food? Especially for solo travelers, places like Encuentro make it easy to relax and enjoy upscale cuisine. The intimate and casual eatery is located in the Jack London District.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis small health food store sells herbs, homeopathics, vitamins, bulk food, grocery items, produce and cold food items (including vegan friendly "meats"). There is also a deli offering sandwiches, hot soups and other prepared eats. There is some seating inside as well as tables on the sidewalk.
Price: Least ExpensiveWhile it's a good 5-6 miles from downtown Oakland, we recommend this off-beat eatery for its local approach to cuisine, interesting menus and the owners' passion for food.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis Vietnamese/Chinese eatery is mostly vegan and offers a convenient option for those vegetarians staying in downtown Oakland. Golden Lotus is known for its solid vegetarian fare. It's very casual with wood tables, black chairs and tile floors. Don't come for the decor.
Price: Least ExpensiveIt's a little loud here and the decor is modern with an urban vibe. Music thumps throughout the open, trendy space with high ceilings and other "hip" touches -- such as a graffiti decorated wall! The Southeast Asian street food earns good reviews from locals.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveWith its waterfront location at Jack London Square, this year round market offers visitors the option of checking out the nearby bookstores, cafes and art galleries.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis nondescript store is located on the outskirts of Chinatown and specializes in vegetarian mock meat and non-GMO vegetarian products.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis breakfast and lunch spot is diner casual and has been open since the mid 70s. Mama's is an Oakland institution and garners a loyal following who don't mind the often long waits for big breakfasts. Come for the local flavor and the hearty and vegetarian friendly eats.
Price: Least ExpensiveIt's cozy inside with warm colors, wood beams across the ceiling, a long wooden bar and wood tables. The overhead chandeliers are stylish and add an upscale vibe. While tables are closely spaced, the good food and amicable service will please. Also, solo diners can nosh at the bar.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveEvery Friday this market attracts a nice crowd with its offering of exotic Asian produce, seasonal fruits and veggies, flowers, fresh fish and meats. The setting in Old Oakland with its Victorian houses is charming.
Price: Least ExpensiveIf you need some grub and are okay with brew pub food, then this place won't disappoint. The menu is fairly big and covers the burger, sandwich, and salad bases.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis Temescal neighborhood restaurant is known for its wood-fired pizza and gourmet ingredients. The chef and owner, a Chez Panisse alum, has created a menu of very high quality, yet un-fussy Italian inspired food. He also lives above the restaurant with his family.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis family-owned Italian grocer offers specialty deli meats, cheeses, unique dry goods and other foods. The Deli serves up hot and cold sandwiches, homemade soups and salads.
Price: Least ExpensiveLocated in Jack London Square, this vegan eatery is inexpensive, friendly and casually upbeat. It's order at the counter and grab a seat. The Southern inspired menu ("vegan soul food") allows for sampling.
Price: Least ExpensiveThe market is located in the DMV parking lot on Claremont Ave. If you are not interested in the market, consider visiting this neighborhood anyway. Temescal is now a gourmet haven for locals and features over a dozen unique restaurants and cafes.
Price: Least ExpensiveCome for the fresh food, salad bar and other grocery staples. Parking is available in the store's upper and lower lots. Prepared food to go, salads, deli items, soups and more await.
Open daily 8a to 10p.
Price: Least ExpensiveCome for the fresh food, salad bar, and grocery staples. Grab and go eats, salads, deli items and more await.
Open daily 8a to 10p
Price: Least ExpensiveYoshi's is best known for its jazz club that attracts some of the best talent around. However there is also an upscale restaurant that is contemporary with light wood, shoji screens, dark floors and an overall minimalist Zen feel. Yoshi's offers table, tatami and sushi bar seating.
Price: Moderately Expensive