Overhyped. Both food and service were not great, barely good. Flow of service was strange. We ordered the shrimp, which was the first thing to hit the table, before our drinks. The server tried to be slick and bring them out quickly but we were already halfway through the plate of 4 shrimp and 3 slivers of white bread. This was the best thing we ordered, but we couldn't even enjoy the bulk of the dish which was the sauce, which was cleared of our table before our acceptable but nothing exceptional cornbread came with the rest of our plates. Chicken liver mousse was kinda sour, and waffle was extra fried, as in greasy and not appetizing. I'd rather go to Ole's in alameda. When a foh team member came by to clear the other plates while I struggled to finish the waffle and what tasted like cat food, I decided it wasn't worth it to force down or take home so. I said, very plainly, that we were ready for the check. He attempts but fails to make a joke and responds 'well I'M not ready for you to have the check.' If I were a different type of guest I would have made complaints during or directly after the meal, but it really wasn't worth my energy - the vibe gave me the impression I wouldn't have been taken seriously anyway by the team. I dined a week after the sf chronicle top 100 list came out, so I imagine things were and still are pretty hectic for the team. Unfortunately I have to warn others about this terrible experience. read more

We visited after being Burdell was awarded Best Restaurant and more importantly, I wanted to see how the owner and staff incorporated their family story into the space and food. And they certainly did not disappoint. Because of their... - intelligent assortment of dishes that felt like an elevated version of a Thursday night family dinner by the television set, with dishes like the soft peanuts in an addictive gravy sauce to a yummy salad with ingredients that tasted like they were harvested this morning to a perfectly cooked pork chop and much more, - curated wines that subtly complemented the meal, - the nostalgic interior of family photos and big mirrors and pink and orange tones, - and the lowkey staff that felt like they were showing up as their unapologetically authentic selves... It really did feel like I was at someone's home - a friend's home. And I really hope they do invite us back for seconds. 10/10 highly recommend read more

So I shouldn't have bought into the hype from the chronicle when they named this restaurant #1 in the bay. It didn't even come close to that distinction. Wayyy too expensive and the service was pretty poor. Food is tasty but not for the price. And even though the decor is fun, that's not enough to make me ever want to come back read more

Feel the need to write a review for this place just due to the sheer level of accolades it's received. We got the family dinner. The service was warm and welcoming, but pretty slow. I enjoyed every dish we got, but nothing really stood out. The food was just a slightly fancy presentation of decent soul food, but not worth the very expensive pricetag. Some of the dishes were also oversalted. If you're going to serve me mostly unmodified soul food classics, they'd better be damn near perfect. read more

This is one of the best dining experiences I've had in the Bay Area and I've been here 7 years. It quite literally felt like home (great ambiance) coupled with a fine dining experience. This place is so familiar, yet entirely unique. The food was expertly made, and so many familiar flavors brought higher and remixed. To those complaining about the service, if you read the receipt, the restaurant takes a strong stance on tipping culture. So yes, the employees will not be running around and bending to your every whim and being fake nice to you like some may be used to. They're paid a living wage, and the service is absolutely comparable to any fine dining experience in Europe where they would also be paid a living wage and not expect a tip. I found the service to be really friendly and attentive without having to check in every 2 seconds, but you could tell they were very subtle about making sure water was filled, table was cleaned between courses etc. If you're expecting tap dancing with your meal this is not your place, and maybe that's for the best. read more

Burdell is most definitely soul food that has been refined for eclectic palates. Please don't go here expecting to get the itis. That's not what this place is meant to be and I'm happy about that! Once you step into the restaurant, you're transported back in time to what feels like the deep south. The ambiance is quaint yet intimate. If you're nosy enough, you can get a glimpse of what other people are eating and it all looks delicious. The service felt very much like fine dining. The manager is floating around like a sommelier offering tasteful wine selections. The hostess was pleasant and friendly and the waiter was charming and nice. What I enjoyed most was having the people who cooked and prepared the food bring it out to us. It felt intimate like a family member was feeding you. I ordered the Blackened Cod which was very delicious. My partner absolutely loved her Okra which brought her back to her childhood. We felt full yet not disgustingly full which sometimes happens at soul food restaurants. We ordered the peach cobbler pie which was honestly amazing. I wish they could have slapped some more ice cream on it but the presentation was pleasant. My only quarrel was the lack luster drink menu. I was hoping for more cocktail options but was met with mostly wine options. Also, I thought it was interesting that Sake was on the menu. Maybe we could see a take on soul food and sushi in the next year? I would give this place 4.5 star. read more

Burdell - remains of the peach cobbler pie. - Soul Food Near Me - Oakland, California

We were very excited to try Burdell. The food was delightful, but as many diners have mentioned, very small portions on the supper menu. Service was horrible. There needs to be some formal training as our server didn't say more than 5 words to us the entire meal, disappeared for 10 minutes when the kitchen was running behind (there was a very long wait between our appetizers and mains), and didn't say thank you or goodbye as we left after spending $400 for 2 people. We heard other diners mentioning this as well. There were definitely some standouts (the cornbread, the split pea stew, the prawns), but I don't think we would make the trek from the city over again read more

I had heard good things and had high hopes for Burdell. It blew away my expectations! There is a lot of attention being paid to the details at this place, and they are nailing it. The homey, but stylish and comfortable interior gives a sense that these folks know what they're trying to do. Service was wonderful, and the food was exceptional. Straightforward comfort food but with layers of unexpected flavors that made every bite something special. Even the cornbread was amazing! Great spot. Check it out! read more

Burdell - Red velvet cake with chopped pecans - fantastic texture & flavor! - Soul Food Near Me - Oakland, California

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The food was very tasty, a lot of unique flavors, and a very fun vibe. That said, it's very expensive for what it is, and smaller portions than I'd expect for $70/head. Biggest reason for review was how long it took to get our food out. We had a 7pm reservation, and took almost 90 minutes for our food to arrive. Had high hopes, but likely won't be back. read more

I imagine this place is struggling after the Chronicle's top 100 article, but nonetheless my recent experience was beyond disappointing. My partner and I wanted to try this place for months and finally made a reservation. Upon arriving, we were led to a dingy and cramped back room. We were squeezed in between two other tables and immediately started to have second thoughts about paying for a pricey meal in that kind of setting. I asked the hostess if we could be seated elsewhere and although she did seem to make an effort to accommodate, there were no tables available. My partner and I decided not to spend the money for a subpar experience, apologized, and left, with every intention of coming back another time (and specifying that we would like to sit in the main dining room). Well, when I got home, I saw that the hostess flagged us as a no-show, triggering the $40 charge from resy. Resy reversed the charge but after that experience we will not be coming back. read more

A really lovely, nostalgic spot serving southern, soulful fare. Lots of buzz around this newly opened spot had Burdell quite busy on a Friday evening. We had a reservation and opted to sit at the bar (Vicky was great!) where we ordered drinks and several small plates for dinner, which was plenty for two. We enjoyed: Leah cocktail: very herbal forward Stella cocktail: refreshing, martini with pickled okra Sparkling BTG: solid glass of bubbles Gamay BTG: easy to drink Boiled Peanuts: the perfect bar (and road-trip) snack Tomatoes: dressing was divine, a favorite BBQ Shrimp: well cooked, head-on goodness. Biscuits: reminded me of grandma's drop biscuits, would be great if they served preserves or honey with the butter Greens: classic, heavy worcestershire flavor Devils Food Cake: delicious, especially paired with mommenpop blood orange aperitif 20% is automatically included on all checks - appreciated that Burdell has opted to go this route to support their team. Strawberry (church lady candy - iykyk) candies included with the check was a sweet touch. As a southerner who misses my grandma's Sunday suppers (and non-fried Southern food), Burdell is a welcomed addition to the Oakland food scene. Congratulations to the Burdell team! Looking forward to seeing Michelin recognition that's surely to come! read more

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I'm sorry, but the food and its presentation were disappointing. I would never patronize this so-called "Soul Food" restaurant. How in the world did this restaurant become one of the best in the USA? read more

First, the service was perfect. Very accommodating and friendly. The setting is I guess retro? For those of us old enough, they were the same kitchen chairs I had as a kid and some of the corning ware-like dishes reminded me of that time as well. The main attraction is, of course, the food. My wife had duck and she raved about it. She gets duck wherever we go and she was very happy. I went with the black cod and it was spectacular. The broth and veggies in the presentation were perfect. The wine list leans hard into natural wines but with my server's help I was able to find an excellent Minus Tide Chardonnay from Mendocino that was perfect with the cod. All in all, the annoyances were minimal (the comfort level of the seating and a slow, sad version of Mr. Bojangles playing that seemingly wouldn't end...we had a good chuckle over that) and the highs were very high. Great food, nice people and a warm environment. Heartily recommended. read more

I wish I had taken photos of how beautiful the food was, but I'll have to leave that up to you to observe directly. The space is beautiful, the meal was truly unreal, and the service was perfect. We were greeted with warmth and given very solid recommendations across the board. I am sorry I don't have 3 stomachs and another pair of pants. And that I didn't come here sooner. Otherwise, in heaven. read more

Burdell is a one-of-a-kind restaurant. The food is inventive, delicious, and comforting, inspired by the chef's visits to his grandma's house (which is also the ambiance of the restaurant- very cozy). I've brought many friends and family here and everyone has loved it. Recently, the duck has been my favorite main course. The waffle with chicken liver and crispy chicken skin is an incredible appetizer, and I love the cornbread. The service is always great, and everyone who works here is kind and attentive. I couldn't recommend it more highly! Regarding the 20% surcharge which I see a lots of complaints about- they are very clear about the fact that this is going to be added. It's even printed on the menu, along for the very valid reasons as to why they don't do standard tipping. The people working here deserve to earn a living wage and benefits, which is why this surcharge exists. read more

I'll start this review by saying I did everything in my power to give them the benefit of the doubt. I personally was a private chef and worked at many restaurants so empathize with crowded nights and longer wait time, certain things however are inexcusable. Last night I booked a reservation for my friends and I to celebrate my birthday (noted in the reservation, no need for anything special but noted) We arrived early as I knew the chef had been nominated for an award recently and my already friends who were already skeptical of the menu became grumpy as we waited over 30 minutes past our reservation time to even be noticed. Once we basically begged to order drinks and said we were fine being seated at the bar if it made the wait quicker, and awkwardly stood next to the bar in the middle of the chaos, we asked if we could order as we already knew what we wanted to eat and noticed people had a long wait time so attempting to get ahead of the issue, which we were told was not allowed until we were seated. To not make this review too long I'm going to point out the worst things since the second we sat down: -never given menus -never asked drink order -boiled peanuts came out mushy + cold 30 minutes after we ordered them -waited an additional 45 for SIDE DISHES, we did not order A SINGLE entree, and had to ask updates -told the staff to box our food because it seemed strange to wait over 2 hours for a meal -not a single mention of a birthday The ambience is mediocre, the staff seems like they couldn't care less. Probably the worst cornbread I've had in my life. Save your money and go support any other black owned establishment because this one hurt the soul food community. read more

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I loved the decor upon entrance. It's a curated blend of vibey, homey, colorful, mod and delicate. Sitting down, I was slightly close to other patrons, but the music is loud (almost too loud lol, but good music!) so you are unable to hear other peoples conversations, but close enough to "ooh and ahh" at their orders. Parking: plenty of paid street and residential parking Food: Delicious! I loved the presentation. Shishito peppers were good as were the shrimp. It was a great pairing! I ordered the duck and that was a hit for me! I would have loved if the edges were a smidge crispier, but honestly, it was fine as is, too. My itis started to set in. Tried the shortcake and cobbler pie for dessert. It was good there, but a homer at home once it settled a bit more. It was a cute date experience that was elevated without feeling "stuffy". Service: they run a tight ship. I like the little details of care we received. Drink: My partner ordered the Gussie. I rarely drink, so if I take a sip, it better be worth it! It was not too sweet, but really good! Would love to come back here just for a drink, ironically... But it's cause the bar area was SO cute and if I can trust his drink to be good, I can trust this is where I would want to try another drink. Bathroom: WHAT IS THE SCENT IN THERE? IT SMELLED SOOOO GOOD! It was a clean bathroom, and CUTE. Looking forward to returning! read more

The food was delicious, I truly enjoyed everything we ordered. The greens were a highlight for me. The ambience is unique and inviting. The food was a little slow coming out, but honestly it was worth the wait. read more

We ate way too much food here. We got the collard greens, cornbread, the crudo, hen of the woods, the roast chicken with scrapple, the cookies, the shortcake, and the grilled fish. Everything was delicious. While I had mild notes (like how the sesame seeds don't help the cookies), I really enjoyed everything I ate. My family is from near Pennsylvania Dutch, so I've had real pig scrapple before, and I love it. While the scrapple here isn't really the same, it was the best thing I ate and was so good I'd go back just for that. The roast chicken with scrapple and greens dish is something I'd order again without thought. The flavor of the greens was nice and the roast chicken was great, but the scrapple was unlike anything I've had before (including pork scrapple). Strong recommend. The service was also great. I went with my parents and my dad talks a lot, but the waiters were very nice and answered every question we had and even asked us about our experience with scrapple and how theirs compared. Literally everything we ate was great, but I would recommend that the chef remove the seeds from the cookies as I don't think they help the dish in regard to texture. I will definitely be coming back. read more

My spouse was really hyped to go here after reading lots of effusive reviews. I left disappointed. From the decor (avocado green and harvest gold 70s retro) to the food, nothing sat right with me. I was very uncomfortable with the prices compared to what we got. The menu was limited for me as someone who didn't want pork. The only thing that was close to decent for me was the cornbread, and that, I've made better from a box mix. Service was attentive, though. Save your cash, go elsewhere. I cannot recommend. read more

Great restaurant I'd come back to enjoy dinner! However as a new restaurant they have overall improvements to make with the service. The food runner dropped off our lamb but called it prime rib, and with how busy the restaurant was I was surprised to see no one was helping the bartender run front of house bussing tables. We sat with Vicky at the bar and she provided an outstanding experience! She checked in with us the perfect amount between meals and cocktails. She had great knowledge with the menu and helped advised/paired our food perfectly! Looking forward to returning and seeing everything set in. read more

Burdell - Soul Food Near Me - Oakland, California

The food was fabulous. I had the chicken and my dinner guest had the cod as main courses. The corn bread was amazing and the mashed potatoes would have been a meal unto themselves. As far as the service, everyone was very pleasant however we felt rushed through our meal with someone constantly asking if they could take our plate away or were we ready to order. This is not a place where I felt comfortable lingering over our meal and having conversation. One other thing is the gratuity was added unto the check. I felt that was a bit presumptuous but from what I've been told it's almost normal here. read more

The food was not good I was honestly surprised . I wanted this to be good so bad. Only good thing was the rabbit.

I was prepared to be underwhelmed because there was a lot of hype about this place and I couldn't imagine how southern home style or creole influenced food in Oakland would be better than what I've had in Norleans (a food mecca itself). But man, we had a memorable outing to Burdell with friends. Service was outstanding -- they look after all those little details that really to make for a fine dining experience while at the same time making you feel relaxed, comfortable and casual. You might say, "right at home" which is the ambiance I think they're going for. The food choices were amazingly creative and delicious -- impeccable execution on some complex dishes made from simple roots. All in all one of the more delightful outings we've had in a long time. Go there and be prepared to be blown away, too. read more

Excellent services. Go there around 7:30, beautiful sunset rays come in thru the door. A lot of good cocktails. I love the shrimp (oh make sure to ask for more bread to go with the sauce.) And the duck. read more

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Went here for my birthday dinner last night, and have all good things to say! The atmosphere was warm and cozy, almost feels like you're someones home dining room. The waitstaff were all very welcoming and friendly. The food was great - particularly the cod was to die for. I did not experience any of the long waits between courses like some other reviews experienced. Highly recommend. read more

You haven't had soul food like this. I've been following the Burdell hype since their pop-ups last year and their new menu borrows the best of that experience and ties it into their beautifully designed restaurant. As soon as you walk in, you're warmly greeted into their cozy atmosphere with amazing music and tasteful curation of everything from their dishes to their cocktails. We ordered the blackened black cod as our entree, which was perfectly tender and smooth and sat on a bed of comforting grits. The meal really set off when the sides came. The trick is to try the cod with their gold rice, honestly tasted like a hug from your grandma. My partner and I also tried the cathead biscuits with the grits and just sat their staring at each other. Carbs on carbs. Yes, please. We also had the succotash, tomato salad, and sweet peppers, which all had such a rich texture and taste, you could tell the ingredients were carefully selected. Although we're sad we didn't get to try the whole shrimp because they were sold out, we'll definitely be back for more. read more

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If Ashton Kutcher weren't in hiding from the Diddler debacle he would definitely be popping out at Burdell on the regular--because honey, I think we've all just been punked. I've been waiting on the sidelines to check this spot out--and finally did! Overall: the ambience is well curated and beautiful; food is underwhelming, overpriced and over vinegarred; and the service is painfully slow with a side of aloofness. Is this an Emperor's wearing no clothes situation and we're all being gaslit into paying $16 for a small bowl of greens, $12 for cornbread, and $36 for some dried up sweet potatoes? The cornbread was delicious. The greens were fine. But $36 for some hard dry sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts is just sinful. I also tried the head on shrimp, shishitos, and sausage which were all...ok. I'm old. Not granny status--but I remember when there was a TGIFs in Jack London Square old. (Don't come for me--I'm not comparing the two just giving context!) As a 20+ year Oaklander I have seen our city go through some things. I desperately want restaurants and bars to thrive here. I go out to eat and support local restaurants as much as I financially can--and when I can't--I encourage others to do so. I don't flippantly write negative reviews because this is a tough industry and we NEED restaurants to thrive to make our community vibrant. With all of that said--I would have never taken the time to write this had the service been decent. But from the moment we walked in the door, the service from everyone was rude, dismissive and aloof. If I'm required to have an auto payment of a 20% tip (which I typically do regardless) then service should be excellent. It is free to be gracious and kind to guests who are paying to eat in your establishment. Had the food been stellar I also would never have written this. But is was mid and the service was bad and it came with a hefty price tag. Don't take my word for it--try Burdell out on your own. Maybe this was a one off bad day for the staff and chef? Definitely order the cornbread. Brunch looks a bit more forgiving, so perhaps try that! read more

Food and drinks were great! Service was excellent. Vibe/decor also contributed to a good experience. Only complaint would be that the tables were very close to one another. Highly recommend the halibut and duck! read more

Burdell offers amiable service, a sleek and fun mid century designed atmosphere and delicious food and beverage. I tried everything off of the dining room table and really enjoyed every dish. Gotta return to try the bar menu next time! read more

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This was our first visit to Burdell. Everything was fantastic. We started with the caviar and chicken nuggets. The cornbread with honey butter and flaked salt was orgasmic. We tried the pork and it was melt in your mouth. Their peach blueberry cobbler finished the meal. Lovely all around. Staff and service right on. read more

Food is well prepared but not the kind of food I enjoy. Didn't help that seating is tight and a loud couple next to us spoiled the mood

This was our second time at Burdell and while we loved the food, we found many of the flaws from our first visit here were the same. It must be acknowledged they can cook a heck of a meal here. There are so many delicious flavors and textures. The cornbread is quite possibly the best I've ever had. However, the service is a bit lacking. They are pleasant enough though on both occasions I felt like I was imposing on the staff by coming to dine here. Several employees walked by us and completely ignored us when we arrived right on time for our reservation. And our waiter didn't take our food order for quite a while. This second visit we were sat in a dim back undecorated dining area under a flickering light with uneven tables; we felt like we were exiled back there. All of this would not be a big issue for me if we were dining someplace casual but when we came out for a special occasion and spent a few hundred dollars it was really disappointing. Finally, on both visits the dessert was really mediocre (and very expensive). The rest of the food is so unbelievably good that it's a shocking contrast. Seems like they don't have a pastry chef on staff. The apple pie we ordered this second visit was only ok, the whipped sorghum is leagues less delicious than a simple vanilla ice cream and the crust was very, very tough. Sadly, as much as I love most of the food at Burdell, I cannot see myself coming back a third time. read more

Delicious food!! We enjoyed green tomatoes with pork Jowl & buttermilk-dill mayo to start. Our entrees were lamb chops with butter beans & chard, and blackened cod with grits & Cherry tomato vinaigrette. All were outstanding as was the attentive service. I would give 5 stars but the noise level was a bit high. read more

Small portions, expensive food. The fresh baked corn bread was the only remarkable dish of the 6-7 we ordered around the table. Service at our table was fine. Ambience was meh. read more

Terrible service & terrible food. Our waiter was awful & unfriendly. My first drink tasted like vinegar & I had to send it back (I have never sent a drink back in my life!). After a 45 min wait, our food arrived & it was awful. My date ate her duck & enjoyed it. The greens I ordered tasted like ginger, & the rice & beans tasted like uncle bens microwaved rice. read more

Came here for the first time last Sunday to try their brunch as I heard it was good. The experience was not all that good and had issues. My party waited at least 45 MINUTES fr food to start being delivered. I noted this because a pair that were seated shortly after we were had received their food and eating away while we were still left waiting. Other issues like some overly salty food and incorrect orders added to this negative experience. Later in the evening I realized I missed noting a cocktail added to our bill that we didn't order. I wanted to call them and talk with someone directly but it was late and I had to wait until Wednesday to explain the issue and ask for a refund because they're closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Apparently the chef owner replies saying that have video of us having the cocktail delivered. How do they "claim" to have video of something that didn't happen? I've sent a reply asking to discuss further but seems like they just don't want to talk about it with me anymore. So yeah, I can't recommend a place with bad waiting times and would potentially try to STEAL money from its customers. Its too bad too as this is a black owned business and I would have liked to support it more in the future as a customer. read more

Wonderful meal, excellent attentive service. The entire staff works as a team and pays attention to every diner. Best hush puppies I've ever had in my life. We would love to go back! read more

Really beautiful 50ish ambient with the amber/pale rose/orange decor. We had three appetizers: crudo (it was incrudoble!), fried green tomatoes - perfectly fried with a crispy crunch and an aged cheddar dip. The last appetizer- chicken and waffle - was a miss for us. I love the items in isolation, as a complete bite- it was not our preferred taste. We shared the duck entree with a side of cornbread on a bed of wild rice. This was an amazing dish. Deliciously prepared and perfectly balanced between salt, fat, and spice. Service was efficient and timely. Would love to try the family style in the next visit. read more

Burdell - Duck, cornbread, and wild rice - yum! Yum! Yum! - Soul Food Near Me - Oakland, California

Worth every bit of the hype! Excellent service- kind and aware. Fun decor, music, and vibes. We got the boiled peanuts, cornbread, fried tomatoes, blackened cod, and pan fried chicken. Everything was made with so much love and care. We truly lost track of time here because we were having such a great time. Cannot recommend enough. read more