I had such a great experience here at Bocanova. The food was delicious and beautifully presented, the service was kind and attentive, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the whole atmosphere felt welcoming![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Definitely a spot I'd come back to and recommend! read more

Our team hosted a private event at Bocanova and had an wonderful experience! Martin and the team were incredibly accommodating from the planning stage all the way through the evening. The food was delicious! (The empanadas and vegetable tostadas were a hit with our group) The service was warm and attentive throughout. Bocanova helped make a special evening even more memorable. Highly recommend for groups and events! read more

We hosted our grad school 10-year reunion at Bocanova and the experience was absolutely everything we had hoped for. We were lucky in that Bocanova was LITERALLY a stone's throw away from our school's campus, so after the tour, all of us made our way to the restaurant by foot. Before I get to the food and all the goodies, I just wanted to also give a HUGE shoutout to Martin - the restaurant's owner and Managing Partner. From Day 1, he was so helpful in helping me plan this event - from sending me photos of the space to full on menus and recommendations of various food items according to our budget. He also went above and beyond to bring in some non-alcoholic ciders for us (as kids were in attendance). Thank you again Martin for your marvelous assistance in helping this event go smoothly! So now, on to the food ~ I think I can speak for everyone there: the food was fantastic. I honestly wish I got to take pictures of the food - they were impeccably arranged and you can tell that everything was prepared with care and love from the chef. My classmates also loved their drinks! We had ordered an array of tacos, sliders, quesadillas, poblano cornbread, patatas, gac/ships, french fries -- essentially lots of kid-friendly foods, but the ADULTS loved the foods too. These dishes were definitely elevated takes, so whatever you do, don't sleep on them! And the corn bread is a must-try! [[HIGHLIGHT]]On a different note, this is an absolutely beautiful restaurant. Our event was hosted in the Atrium, glass windows throughout.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] In any case, I'm definitely planning to return at some point for a sit-down meal where I'm not running around being hostess! Thanks again Martin and your team for a great time. Looking forward to seeing you next. read more

Big group dinner here the other night for work that I really enjoyed. All of the dinner went good, the ambiance, professional service and pretty delicious food. I got the cioppino & it was not the best nor was it super deep in flavor but it was good enough with delicious garlic toasts! The appetizers were good, plus everyone else's food looked good too! The dessert was so amazing I love the guava cheesecake. I think it was one of the better tropical cheesecakes Ive had! They did great handling our big group too. read more

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I visited Bocanova with my family hoping to watch some of the WorldCup games and we had a great time! [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat in their beautiful patio which now has two TV's showing every game and they've decorated it to match the theme.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] For food we had the Crispy Branzino, the Braised Beef Shortrib, the Lomo Saltado and the Peruvian Chicken à la Brasa, all were delicious and full of flavor. For drinks we tried their House Michelada, Avión de Papel Tropical, The Bocanova and the Pisco sour, all cocktails were tasty and well balanced and we also ordered one of their tequila flights because they pour Fortaleza as one of the shots! The service was really good and attentive without being intrusive, we felt taken care of the whole time we were there watching Mexico win! I would definitely recommend Bocanova is you're looking for a more upscale vibe without the price tag, they guys know how to treat you like family! read more

Bocanova - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California

Fast and attentive service! Came here for happy hour- get the tacos, duck tostada was okay- skip the ahi tuna poke - more creamy and not a lot of fish. Portion for the poke was extremely small for happy hour. Oysters were good, but it would be helpful to know where it's sourced from on the menu! read more

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Bocanova is one of those places I've passed by so many times on my way home from work, but never visited. I recently changed that and made it in time for their happy hour. Started off with one of happy hour cocktails that was kind of like a pisco sour. Super yummy and refreshing. I followed this up with a jungle bird which was great. Very tiki-esque and yummy. I was definitely in lve with the color of it. Cute and pinky. For food, I had the mini ceviche tostada. Really great! Ceviche is my favorite kind of summer food. Next time ill ask for a few slices of jalapeno. Im a huge fan of spicy and a some extra spice would have been great with this. Finished off with another cocktail, no cue the name but it featured mezcal and and was on the sweeter side. This struck my girly bone since it did have a giant magenta ice cube in it. Really yummy. Great little Happy hour at Boca Nova! I enjoyed my time there and i love that this is right off Bart on my way home. read more

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A great location and extensive happy hour menu, but the execution missed the mark during this visit. Went to Bocanova with a friend before seeing a show at the Paramount and made reservations for 5 PM. We were seated immediately in the bar area. One thing to note is that the restaurant is not easily accessible without stairs, which could be difficult for guests with mobility issues or injuries. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The layout was also a little confusing between the patio, bar, and main dining spaces.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They offer happy hour daily from 3-6 PM, and the menu is actually pretty extensive with appetizers, salads, drinks, and small bites, so we decided to try several items. We ordered the Blue Crab Deviled Eggs, Beef Empanadas, Shrimp Empanadas, Guacamole & Chips, and Smoked Salmon Beignets. Unfortunately, most of the dishes lacked seasoning and depth of flavor. The deviled eggs mainly tasted like plain egg with a fish-forward crab flavor, and the chipotle aioli listed on the menu didn't really come through. The guacamole was very simple and mostly tasted like avocado with lemon, though the chips themselves were probably the best thing we had once salt was added. The smoked salmon beignets also fell short texture-wise. Instead of light and airy, they were very soft in the center and didn't have much smoked salmon flavor. The empanadas were dough-heavy, the shrimp filling had a rubbery texture, and the beef needed quite a bit more seasoning. After happy hour ended, we also tried the Poblano Cornbread and Mexican Caesar Salad from the main menu. The Caesar dressing unfortunately had an off-putting fishy flavor beyond what you'd normally expect from anchovy, and the cornbread had more of an egg-bite consistency than traditional cornbread. Service overall was okay, and the location is convenient if you're heading to the Paramount or downtown Oakland events. Overall, the concept and menu sounded promising, but the food execution during this visit just didn't come together for me. read more

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Pleasantly surprised by this place! Heard it was pricey, which it is, but the quality ingredients seem to justify the cost. Big selection of seafood dishes. Great cocktails. Service was fine. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance in the bar area was nice - interior design was good.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They were also playing the World Cup on tv. Will definitely be back for happy hour. read more

Bocanova - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California

This review is long overdue. My husband and I live within walking distance of Bocanova, and we've already dined here several times. I've also attended events here through my ceramic studio Kollektiv Clay, so I can say firsthand that both the staff and the owner are incredibly warm and welcoming. A couple of my all-time favorite dishes--the fried mushrooms and fried polenta--weren't on the menu during our most recent visit. I'm hoping they're just rotating dishes seasonally, because they're absolutely delicious and definitely worth ordering if you ever see them available. On this visit, we came for happy hour and stayed for dinner. My husband had a michelada and a beer, and I ordered a mocktail that was excellent (though I've also had their cocktails before, and they're fantastic). We started with the crab deviled eggs, which are always a must-order for me. Any of their ceviches are amazing. We also tried the fried fish sliders, which were very good, and the scallops, which were cooked perfectly. My husband ordered a dinner special--a hearty oxtail stew--and finished every bite. Other standout dishes we've enjoyed in the past include the fried cauliflower and their tacos. Everything we've had here has been consistently delicious. I was too full for dessert this time, but I've had the bread pudding before and would easily call it their best dessert. I highly recommend Bocanova. The food and drinks are excellent, the service is consistently top-notch, and the staff is genuinely friendly. It's a place we love supporting and returning to again and again. read more

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Delectable food & beverages. Excellent service. Feel-good ambiance. Every dish we ordered here was perfectly seasoned -- from the ceviche tostadas verdes to the beef empanadas, the crispy brussels sprouts to the lomo saltado -- chefs were generous with the flavors! The churros were also fluffy and freshly hot out the fryer. But what ultimately elevated the experience was the Bocanova hospitality -- servers were great about checking in, and they never rushed us out of the establishment. We spent hours enjoying our food and drinks, and the Latin music set the upbeat mood perfectly. Must have foods: crispy brussels sprouts and the lomo saltado. If you like ginger -- definitely get the cocktail, El Diablo! read more

Bocanova - Ceviche Tostadas Verdes - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California

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Stopped by for happy hour. Good times. Drinks- got wine and mocktail. My guest said the Jamaica was super refreshing. Food- we got shrimp sliders, fish sliders, Brussels sprouts, and guac + chips. The Brussels were my favorite, great flavor and cook. Love the cornmeal crust in the shrimp and chips were hearty and well seasoned. Service- we interacted with the bartender, server, and manager. All were friendly, attentive, and professional. helpful to each other as well. Space- love to high ceilings, great natural light and spacious. The place is huge. Two outdoor patios, main dining room, large bar, and casual seating area. read more

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Cute spot in downtown Oakland with a lively bar and large open restaurant inside. It's in the bottom of a highrise building and they utilize the space to create different areas. We entered through the patio space and were seated in the back dining room. It was a Saturday night and we had a reservation, not sure we needed one. There was a large bday party happening near us and that did take up a lot of space. My friend and I shared the empanadas, the Brussels sprouts and the scallops. Everything was well seasoned and well cooked. I loved the Brussels sprouts with a spicy kick. The wait staff was excellent, we went with all her recommendations! read more

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We celebrated my Grandmother's Birthday here. It was my first time visiting. I lucked up on a park on 11th right one the side across from the Marriott; otherwise, I would've had to walk a short distance. I was greeted by a really nice lady who happened to be our waitress as well. We had Beef Empanadas, Shrimp Empanadas, and Salmon Fritters for an appetizer which was good. They have a variety of menu options, but I opted for the lunch rib-eye special medium well and some fries along with a Shirley Temple. The portion was small, but it was cooked to my liking. The Seafood Cioppino and Fish-n-Chips looked really good. I'll try next time. read more

Bocanova - Rib-Eye Lunch Special - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Awesome place to grab a bite to eat.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I been here a long time ago at the old location & I didn't quite remember the food being this delicious. I fell in love with their beef empanadas right on the spot. My lomo saltado was delicious!! Better than the one I had at La Costanera. I would go back! [[HIGHLIGHT]]A nice summer day you can sit outside![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Oh yeah..the rum cake was soooooooooo delicious!! read more

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Food and drinks were fine. Service was not. We went to Bocanova for afternoon drinks and small bites and asked to sit outside, since they have outdoor seating and heat lamps. The request was met with visible attitude and an eye roll from the hostess. We asked for a heater. After about ten minutes, our server tried to light it--no luck. The hostess tried next--also no luck. There were several other heaters nearby, but no one offered to try another or followed up at all. If you're going to advertise outdoor seating with heat lamps, you should be willing and able to actually use them--without making guests feel like an inconvenience. To be clear, the drinks and food were not the issue--they were perfectly fine. And our food server was friendly and accommodating. But good food doesn't excuse bad service from the hostess or her attitude. Disappointing experience from a place we've liked in the past. read more

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Our first visit for lunch: The staff was super, the food was magnificent. I join the chorus of admirers of Bocanova! Hope to return soon. We ordered a few plates and dessert. read more

Bocanova - Some of the plates we ordered - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California

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Let me start by saying 5 stars all around! Matine who is one of the owners was especially kind to us today! We are so happy that we stopped by for the dinner menu because I have only visited during their lunch hours. We ordered the chicken tacos one word Yum! And the flank steak and let me just tell yall.... It was one of the best steaks we have ever had! We will be coming back for more of that very soon! We also just found out they now have Sunday 3 course meals for only $39.99! Such a great deal for the abundance of flavor you will get from the food!!! The quality is exquisite! You will not be disappointed! read more

Bocanova - Lunch menu - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California

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We came here for Mother's Day. They had a lovely, special prix fix menu. My husband ordered from the social menu. I am meat free these days and filled up on small plates. The cauliflower and the Brussel sprouts were both super delicious, as was the corn bread. The ten year old had the deviled eggs and the salmon beignets. She claimed both were delicious. However, if you order the beignet thinking thinking you are getting a puffed piece of delicious fried dough filled with goodness, you will be disappointed the salmon beignets appeared to be lightly battered. however, everything was delicious. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The staff were super helpful and friendly, and the vibe was celebratory.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

My friend and I attended Rick's Supper Club at BocaNova, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience! I was especially excited because the menu focused on seafood and Caribbean dishes--two of my absolute favorites--and it did not disappoint. The cost was about $100, but it was well worth every penny. This was my first time at a supper club event, and at first it felt a little awkward sitting so close and sharing a meal with strangers. But after a couple of drinks, the whole table felt like family--lots of laughs and good vibes all around! The chef, restaurant owner, and staff were incredible--so welcoming, attentive, and passionate about what they do. The food was excellent, and the wine pairings elevated everything beautifully. I had an amazing time and will definitely be back for another supper club event! Highly recommend if you're looking for a unique dining experience. read more

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We came here for the 2nd time and absolutely loved it. I took my wife here for Mother's Day as well as for our Anniversary. Although we had a 530 reservation they did allow us to come earlier. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere is warm and energetic.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We also brought our 5 year old daughter and she loved the Mac and cheese.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I highly recommend the Peruvian chicken à la Brasa. I also recommend the beef empanadas to start off. There is plenty of street parking. We will come back for sure. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Wonderful date night with my wife at a beautiful downtown Oakland Restaurant where the food was both delicious and worth the price of admission.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The host and staff were friendly, professional and very accommodating. Special thanks to our waitress who was attentive, gave thoughtful and helpful food and drink recommendations all of which added to our great night out. Food: Ceviche Appetizer: Fresh and a lot of seafood Main: Whole Branzino was excellent. Short Rib: Ok Tequila Flight: Worth tasting We will definitely eat there again when we are in the area. read more

The place is walking distance from the Oakland Marriott City Center, which is why we picked it for a business team meeting. It ended up being a good choice overall. We went during happy hour and tried a few different items from the happy hour menu, plus some drinks. Everything tasted good. The only thing is the portions were small for the price. There are three seating areas, two inside and one patio. One indoor section is near the bar and feels more casual, and the other dining area is bigger and a bit nicer. Service was good. Just a heads up, they automatically add a 20% tip/service charge to the bill. read more

I honestly can't say enough good things about Bocanova. I've been here multiple times now, and every single visit has been incredible from start to finish. The food is consistently outstanding. Everything I've tried on the menu has been absolutely delicious, flavorful, and beautifully presented. It's one of those rare spots where you can confidently order anything and know it's going to hit. The drinks are just as impressive; creative, well-balanced, and clearly made with care. Their happy hour is such a gem too, with great options that make it really easy to come in, relax, and stay awhile. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Beyond the food and drinks, the ambiance is amazing. It strikes that perfect balance of feeling elevated but still warm and welcoming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Whether you're out for a fun night with friends or something a little more special, it just works. What really makes this place stand out, though, is the service. Montaiesha is truly one of the best. So attentive, kind, and genuinely makes you feel taken care of. You can tell she really cares about the experience she's giving her guests, and it makes such a difference. And Martin, the manager, clearly runs an incredible operation. Everything feels thoughtful, smooth, and intentional, which is a direct reflection of great leadership. I've had nothing but amazing experiences here, and it deserves all the recognition. Highly, highly recommend. read more

Bocanova - Crab Deviled Eggs - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California

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Food: 4/5 Ambiance: 5/5 Service: 4/5 Drinks: 5/5 I decided to stop here after the parade with a friend because with all that walking we were hungry. We said let's try something new. Walked in we were greeted, sat down. The service was decent, they were attentive. Did not know they offer Happy Hour everyday, so we decided to order from the Happy Hour Menu. We ordered the following: Shrimp Po-boy: 5/5, it was simple and good. It's one prawn on a bun with lettuce and tomatoes and you get 2. French Fries: 5/5, they were fried and seasoned well. They were good. Blue Crab deviled eggs: 3.5/5. They were good. However, I thought the Crab was going to be mixed in the mixture, however it was a little Crab on top of the mixture. Guacamole and chips: 4/5, it was good, nothing to brag about, they don't come with a lot of chips, however, they brought us more. Duck tostada: 5/5, my friend had this and she said it was good and seasoned well She also ordered two drinks a regular margarita and something else. She said the drinks were really good. She also ordered desset: Rum cake with ice cream. She said you can really taste the rum, however, she said it was good. With all that said. If I am ever in Oakland again, I will come back. read more

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This was my second time coming and they've definitely won me over. I came with a large party for a birthday and the staff were incredibly welcoming and accommodating making sure everyone left happy. It wasn't as crowded as I've seen in the past, but the large dining room was able to accommodate our large party. My friends and I like a little family style so I got to try a lot. This is one of the few places in Oakland that does cioppino and now I will be coming specifically to get it, delicious! The scallops were perfectly cooked and the lomo saltado was tender and flavorful. read more

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Very good place! After working across the street from this place since it opened a few years ago, finally came for lunch. I got the special heirloom salad - which honestly was kinda disappointing but still good. Idk if it was the tomatoes not being quite as flavorful as expected or if the cream sauce they put on top didn't mesh well with the tomatoes but, while good, it wasn't amazing. I also got the burger. Wow was it interesting! A chimichurri with loads of mushrooms. Interesting/different flavors but it worked really well and the burger was cooked absolutely perfectly and the bun was delicious! Def recommend. read more

Bocanova - Heirloom salad special - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California

When Bonobo was located in Jaqueline Square it was one of my most favorite places to join. I love the atmosphere and their creative menu. Always left my taste buds. Happy and excited. When they close, I was pretty bumped out, in the last few years I came to know they reopened downtown Oakland! I went there for my birthday dinner a few days ago with two of my closest friends and hoping it would be at least somewhat close to quality of the first place I have an awesome happy hour every day, including the weekend. My group ordered a bunch of starters, including the crab, deviled eggs, duck soda, ceviche, barely tostada. All were excellent. We also ordered the prefix menu which changes daily, our main that evening was called with yellow rice and vegetables. Very delicious season nicely are not too salty! Just wanted to hop on here and leave a review, definitely will be returning again soon to try more of their dishes. Also, excellent cocktails! read more

Wonderful restaurant in downtown Oakland. Very tasty food wonderful salads. very good service as well.

Went here for Happy Hour on a Thursday and it was not crowded which was nice. I got the Chilcano drink & guacamole and chips. The chilcano drink was fine but lots of ice haha. The guacamole and chips were good. My coworker got the Bourbon flight and I had a sip of it and woooo it was (warm), strong and flavorful. It was like taking 3 shots LOL. The 3rd one, my coworker asked for a cup of ice to drink it on the rocks and it was better. Service was fine. I do think the HH prices are not that cheap compared to other places. Other than that, the area was clean and nice. Street parking. There is a parking garage nearby but it's pricey. You can also take bart to 12th Street/City Center Oakland and walk one block over. Place was overall okay! read more

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Came here for a dinner with a group of friends. We made a reservation so were seated promptly. Some of our group was running late, but they were able to seat us and we were able to wait for the rest of our group at the table. The interior of this restaurant is upscale and classy, a nice place to have a fancy-ish dinner. We ordered a few items from the appetizers list to share, everything was quite good! My favorite was the calamari. For my entree, I got the fish and scallops dish - it was sooo good. Lots of scallop and fish, it left me very satisfied. We enjoyed our meal here and stayed for a few hours talking and enjoying the food and company. By the time we left, the restaurant was closing, but we never felt rushed or anything to leave. The waitstaff was also incredible. I would recommend trying this place out if you are in the area! read more

Stumbled upon this gem by accident. The food was fresh and so delicious. We had lunch here on Father's Day and we'll definitely come back again to try the dinner menu. The service was excellent, [[HIGHLIGHT]]the music and vibe was upbeat and fun![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

We hosted a company dinner at Bocanova for a group of 22 and had an absolutely fantastic experience. We chose the family style dinner, and everything was delicious from start to finish. Martin, the General Manager, personally reached out to me by both email and phone ahead of the event to go over options and make sure everything was perfectly planned. I wish I could remember our server's name, but she was the sweetest so attentive, kind, and on top of everything all night. The entire staff was professional and welcoming. And the food, WOW. The Brussels sprouts and beef empanadas are hands down some of the best we've ever had. Excellent service, highly recommend Bocanova for group events or any special occasion. read more

Bocanova - Beef Empanadas - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California

Came here after a little gathering downtown. Friendly service and you're able to book tables online. Cute inside bar area with tables and outside patio tables. Bathroom - single person bathroom to the left of the bar. Good menu selection, good happy hour and good drinks! read more

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This is my second third time visit all in one review. If I could give them 10 stars, I would. The blue crab deviled eggs are fantastic. The grilled Branzino was amazing, crispy skin with the fish being moist and delicious. It was so good. I came back the next day and had the Aji tuna ceviche, and the Argentinian steak with truffles and potatoes. The ceviche was great, but the steak was over the top great. Best two meals I've had out in years. The service has always been good. The patio atmosphere is great and I highly recommend if you're in Oakland that you stopped by. read more

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One of Oakland's most consistently great dining experiences [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bocanova never disappoints. From the moment you walk in, the space feels lively and welcoming, with a great bar scene and genuinely attentive staff.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We went on a Tuesday night and it was packed, always a good sign.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Started with a Paloma and loved the range of creative cocktails, including non alcoholic options. The food was outstanding. Salmon tartare, Caesar salad, and the Argentinian beef, every dish was impeccable and full of flavor. What really sets it apart is the experience. Chef Rick and Martin were there and made sure everything felt seamless and special. We have been here many times, always recommend it, and always look forward to coming back. read more

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Every time I come here, I'm reminded why I love this place so much. The food is consistently amazing, the drinks are just as good, and the presentation is always on point. But what really stands out is the hospitality--everyone is so welcoming and attentive, and they truly go above and beyond to make sure you have a great experience. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe is always perfect, whether you're coming in for a casual night or something a little more special.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You can tell there's a lot of care put into every detail. Highly recommend can't wait to keep coming back! read more

This was one of my favorite restaurants in Oakland when it was in Jack London Square. I had no idea. I had reopened five years ago at this location. It does not disappoint. The service is excellent, the atmosphere is fun and elegant, the food is divine, and my drink was perfection. I can't wait to come back for more. read more

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I went back and forth between 3 or 4 star, and ultimately decided to go with 4 because they did provide good service. I took my family here for dinner during the week, there was no wait, and we caught the tail end of the HH deals. We ordered: Oysters 4/5: fresh and tasty, and for $2 each, a great deal during HH Guac & Chips 3/5: average, wish more flavor Ceviche 5/5: loved this ceviche combo, must order Duck Mole 3/5: wish portion was a little bigger given price, but the duck was cooked perfectly, the mole flavor was overshadowed and barely came in Scallops 4/5: I found the scallops a little too salty, but my partner really like the freshness, so I gave it a 4 Dessert 2/5: we ordered 2 desserts: bread pudding and something else, both forgettable and we did not finish. Service was good tho :) read more

Everything about Bocanova was great. Excellent lunch menu and cocktails. The service was wonderful and our meal and dessert was reminiscent of the old Bocanova on Jack London. They have a nice patio area, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch without feeling rushed or constantly interrupted by wait staff. read more

Bocanova - Ropa Vieja - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California

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