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Kitchen Story

4.0 (1.4k reviews)
Open • 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
Updated 2 months ago
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KITCHEN STORY ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Hipster
Casual
Trendy
Moderate noise

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Recommended Reviews - Kitchen Story

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Reviews With Photos

Tater Poutine, Tornado Galbi Omurice
Camille T.

Definitely a solid go to for weekend brunch. The wait wasn't too bad, and the neighborhood is cute, so you can wander while you're on the list. We got the tater poutine, which was somehow a little too heavy even for a poutine, though tasty. The omurice was nice, the morning tacos were better, and the real standout was the biscuits and millionaires bacon. Service staff were very kind, though a little erratic, but that may have just been how busy the morning was.

Tornado Galbi Omurice
Joey T.

Food is always great here! Make sure you make a resy because wait times are long. Their service is ok and the dining area upstairs is extremely hot. Lychee iced tea was very good. I always order the omurice.

Korean FC & Waffles
Alyson C.

I brought my mom here for a Mothers Day brunch and it was a really cute, cozy spot. I don't think, however, it is worth the wait time nor prices. It has some fun fusion items on the menu and Millionaires bacon to turn heads, but that's probably the better dish on the menu. The Korean fried chicken and waffles were boneless, mostly breading, and the waffles were just OK. The espresso martini was pretty good and strong. I don't think I'd come back to make a reservation here. Perhaps if it was the only spot open to take my group in and we wanted a cute ish brunch.

Salmon Yuzu Benedict
Cathy H.

This is my classic go-to brunch spot on the weekends. It's a casual restaurant with indoor, outdoor, and upstairs seating. There is usually a wait but you can put your name down on the waitlist via Yelp to shorten the wait. I've tried the hot matcha and ube latte with oat milk here and enjoyed both. For food, I enjoyed the yuzu salmon Benedict and Korean fried chicken with waffles. It's a Korean fusion spot with huge portions and decent pricing. Would recommend giving them a try if you're in the area craving a neighborhood brunch-y type food spot with quick service.

Amanda H.

Amazing food. Called to reserve a table for 10 on a Saturday morning one week in advance. They were able to accommodate us. Please be aware that there may be people reserved after if you are also reserving a table. We had to leave 1.5 hrs after and they did rush us to get our orders. The food was amazing though. I didn't think any one of us had complaints. We all loved the mango margarita. I particularly enjoyed the tornado omurice, they were also able to sub tofu for beef for my friend with food restrictions.

Lemon ricotta pancakes
Nora W.

Delicious food and amazing lemon ricotta pancakes. Rich millionaires bacon is a must. The jjapaguri was comfort food and irresistible. Do make reservations. It is worth the brunch wait if you don't.

Coconut cream latte and Irish coffee
Krystal A.

Kitchen Story is my go-to for Korean-fusion brunch in Oakland (and it's on the way home from my kids dentist so always a pit stop)! Kitchen Story nails the Korean-brunch mashup better than anywhere else I've found. The Kitchen Story benedict with millionaires bacon is a standout... crispy sweet and spicy bacon with poached eggs and hollandaise over asparagus and ciabatta toast, plus a side of crispy fried Yukon potatoes. The tornado eggs with galbi fried rice with that glossy brown gravy is another favorite, and the popcorn chicken (yes, served with actual popcorn mixed in) is a fun, addictive appetizer - or my 6yo favorite dish. Don't sleep on the stuffed French toast either, loaded with fresh fruit and a nice hit of powdered sugar. A few practical notes: this place is small and popular, so weekday visits or joining the virtual Yelp waitlist before you arrive is the move if you want to avoid a long wait. They also have a big TV that made watching World Cup games here a great bonus. My favorite detail, though: at the end of the meal they bring your receipt tucked inside a little book instead of just handing you a slip of paper. Such a charming, unexpected touch that makes the whole experience feel more special. Come hungry, come early (or waitlisted), and don't skip dessert-for-breakfast options. Highly recommend.

Lemon Ricotta pancake
Keith W.

Came to kitchen story as I've heard so much good stuff about Kitchen. Let's start with how delicious the lemon ricotta pancake was. I ended up having the sailor scramble which is salmon eggs, shrimp with potatoes. Tried the delicious Korean fried chicken and waffles as well. Service was quick and friendly. The waitress answered all of our questions. The ambiance is nice for morning breakfast. Tables fill up fast so I would make a reservation.

Korean FC & Waffles
Corina S.

Living down the block for years this is the first time I've been to kitchen story. The weekends when I would drive by seems like there's always a lot of people here so I made a reservation reservations online and you have the option to choose if you want to sit outside inside or upstairs. I reserved for three to sit in the main dining room. The next day we arrived right on time for our reservation and still had to wait about 10-15 minutes and was asked if we could sit outside and then we were seated upstairs. I was a little bummed we didn't get to sit in the lower dining room like I booked on our reservations. It was still cute upstairs and good company always makes brunch even better. The servers were quick and helpful. I wanted something light so I just ordered the chicken and waffle bites. My husband got French toast and a side of chicken and my friend got a main entrée of a sandwich with some fries and a little soup. All of the food that came out looked amazing even at other people's tables. For brunch, the price is a little pricey, but I would like to come back to try other entrées when I'm more hungry. We asked one of our servers if he had a light as I brought a little candle to celebrate my friend's birthday, and as he lit it, he also decided to join in with us as we sang happy birthday, which I thought was really sweet. He did not have to do. He even got other tables around us to sing happy birthday as well. It felt like a special moment for my friend, which was a nice surprise. I did really appreciate this part and look forward to coming back.

Menu
Jazzi E.

Pros -you can make reservations (highly recommended as there was a line each time I visited) -fast and great service -delicious food in a walkable neighborhood Cons -can be difficult to find parking, so leave extra time to get there Drinks 8/10 Hot Matcha latte - it's unsweetened (which I prefer), has a deep matcha flavor and overall well rounded 6/10 Hot Chai - not very much flavor, a little to milky for my liking and didn't get any of the expected "spice" flavor usually found in chai tea Food 9/10 Salmon Yuzu Benedict - the salmon was refreshing and delicious, eggs cooked perfectly, and the potato's were well seasoned and cooked 9/10 Crab Benedict - shockingly lots of crab loaded with spinach, the eggs were perfect 7/10 Korean friend chicken and waffles - the chicken was amazing and cooked perfectly. The waffle is VERY sweet. I'm not usually a fan of waffles with the much sugar, but it does have a lot of flavor and is balanced by the savory chicken and syrup that it comes with

Maureen Z.

I definitely recommend making a reservation for brunch on the weekends as it can get quite crowded! The booths are nice, and the portion sizes are pretty good. They have a pretty large menu with some yummy drinks as well!

Menu
Tanya K.

Kitchen Story was a great spot for brunch, and even some holiday cocktail options. The ambiance is very welcoming and cozy, with some holiday decor which was really fun. The food was delicious! I got the French toast, complete with fresh fruit on top. The menu has a lot of options, definitely something for everyone. Staff were very friendly, and service was pretty quick. Street parking only, but the restaurant is in a great location surrounded by other cute spots (stores, cafes, etc.). This place is good for any size group, reservations recommended because it's a popular spot!

Salmon Yuzu Benedict
Sam R.

We visited Kitchen Story for a spontaneous Mother's Day brunch. I will say this is a popular brunch spot, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. We arrived shortly after 10am and our wait was just under 30 minutes. The restaurant is cozy (on the smaller side) but has an interesting layout. There's seating both indoors, outside, and upstairs. You may have to squeeze by a few tables to make your way to the restroom. Customer service was friendly and attentive. Pricing for food & drinks was a bit high. Our total for 2 entrees and 2 drinks was $60 before tip. We ordered two drinks (orange juice and an iced mocha) which were provided promptly. The orange juice was a little too sour and my mom had to add some sugar to improve the taste. The iced mocha was good, not too sweet. One thing to note the wait for our food took much longer than expected, and it may have been due to how busy it was. My mom opted to order the salmon yuzu benedict and I got an egg plate (scrambled eggs) with a side green salad. My mom mentioned the potatoes lacking salt but she enjoyed the salmon benedict. I thought the scrambled eggs were good, but slightly bland & needed salt and pepper. The side green salad was alright, but the vinaigrette had a bitter aftertaste. Overall, the meal was pretty good and timing wasn't the best. I'd likely return for brunch on a non-peak day. Definitely recommend joining the yelp waitlist prior to arriving if you can!

Yuzu Salmon Yuzu Benedict

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Kitchen Story Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Kitchen Story

Is dinner no longer being served here?

Yes, we are no longer serving dinner. We are open only for breakfast and lunch for this location. Please visit our location at Berkeley Social Club for dinner. Thank you

Is this in a safe neighborhood? Says street parking. Hoping not like SF (def not safe parking the car on the street)...lots of break ins. Thanks!

Rockridge is very safe. There is street parking, but probably not right in front of the restaurant. Try taking BART and walk the few blocks.

Outdoor seating and pet friendly?

Yes and yes

Are there many vegan options?

YES there are Vegan options and Gluten free options which is why we go!

Are weekends fully booked? I can't seem to make a reservation?

Yes but you can add yourself to the temp waitlist. Check it before you leave your place and you may be able to get on the wait.

Do the have gluten free options?

I am gluten free and there are plenty of standard options

Does this place have bottomless mimosas?

Yes 🙌 I think $24 a person

We're looking for brunch/lunch for 7 people where the outdoor area is covered and has heat lamps. Does that describe Kitchen Story's outdoor area?

Yes they do

Do they still offer happy hour from 5-6?

Is brunch hours just walk-in?

No.. they do have reservations

Is this place dog friendly? And how busy does it get on Sundays around 11am?

Yes it is we went and it took 30 minutes wait

Are you reopen for indoor dining?

Yes, we are open indoor and outdoor

Is this business dog friendly?

Yes, we are dig friendly.

Do they have bottomless mimosas?

Yes, they actually do.

Do they have a yelp waitlist?

No but you can make reservations on Yelp for dinner

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Wood Tavern

4.3(2.4k reviews)
0.7 mi•Rockridge, Elmwood, North Oakland
•$$$

Wood Tavern has been my favorite restaurant in Oakland since I first visited nearly twenty years…read moreago. In all that time, it has remained remarkably consistent. I've been here for date nights, holiday dinners, business dinners, and countless meals with friends visiting from out of town. It's one of those rare restaurants that seems to work for just about any occasion. The service is always great, the College Avenue location is hard to beat, and I've always had good luck finding street parking nearby. The ribeye is my personal favorite and what I order more often than not. If you're coming with a group, the cheese and charcuterie plates are a great way to start. The menu is varied enough that there's always something for everyone, and I've never had a bad meal here. I was genuinely sad to hear that they'll be closing at the end of the year. Restaurants with this kind of quality, consistency, and character are increasingly rare. If you've never been, make a point of going while you still can. I'll certainly miss it once they're gone.

$25 Pastrami Sandwich: pretty darn good but there is an excellent pastrami that I just tried…read moreelsewhere which dampens my enthusiasm. This one had some crispy edges and well prepared which was lovely though. $14 warm chocolate buckwheat pudding cake: definitely house made. Definitely very good but definitely a safe choice. I think I should have been more adventurous. As good as this is, I'm not convinced I got my $'s worth.

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Wood Tavern
Wood Tavern - Grilled Rib Eye Steak

Grilled Rib Eye Steak

Wood Tavern - Cherry Bomb! non-alcoholic cocktail. $13. Tilden Lacewing, Amarena cherry, lime, ginger beer, tall glass.

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Cherry Bomb! non-alcoholic cocktail. $13. Tilden Lacewing, Amarena cherry, lime, ginger beer, tall glass.

Southie

Southie

4.3(940 reviews)
0.7 mi•Rockridge, Elmwood, North Oakland
•$$

When I think of a sandwich that has the ability to make my mouth water just thinking of it, few…read morecome to mind, but what the sandwiches they make at Southie is definitely one of them. I've had their Spicy Hog, steak with mushroom, a few Cubans, but the one that I always come back to is "The Balls" sandwich. First off, this sandwich is massive, so be sure that you come here on an empty stomach. These beef meatballs are seasoned to perfection and bursting with flavor. The balls are covered in their red sauce with provolone and Grana Padano, which gives it that nutty and salty flavor that pairs extremely well with the meatballs and baguette. All the juices and cheese just get soaked up to perfection. The baguette bread they use is supplied by La Farine, which is just a few meters away from each other. Just putting out there that La Farine is hands down one of the best bakeries in Oakland, so it makes sense that this sandwich would be so dang good. I'll be honest that I'm not a big fan of the chips or those chips in general and could be fine with just the sandwich. If you are going to have any sandwich to eat here first, I would highly recommend you try "The Balls" because I promise you will not be disappointed. I will always say that the dozen or so times I've been here, the staff are always so friendly, and the atmosphere is very down to earth. The price of their sandwiches is in the $20 range, but the quality and portion make it totally worth it.

The spicy hog sandwich I had a few minutes ago was quite messy but good…read more However, my petty gripe is that it was 2pm, there was an open 2-person table on the side, but I was seated 1 foot from and facing the cash register, and told people were coming for the empty table. No one came and instead quickly several more tables cleared out. Rather than see a few minutes of the England-Serbia World Cup match, I saw a bunch of people up close paying lunch bills. Don't come in solo expecting a side table.

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Southie - Inside bar and seating.

Inside bar and seating.

Southie - Meatball sandwich

Meatball sandwich

Southie - Closeup of a half eaten, grilled persimmon and burrata cheese crostini.

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Closeup of a half eaten, grilled persimmon and burrata cheese crostini.

Marica - Twice cooked lobster

Marica

4.4(2.6k reviews)
0.2 mi•North Oakland
•$$

Special night for 30th wedding anniversary. Got the price fixe earlybird special and it was…read moredelicious and a good deal! Service was attentive and helpful, the room is pretty from the outside and prettier from the inside. Very good salads, healthy, tasty, and the safron salmon with potatoes and vegetables was delicious. Hit all the notes, and left open the spaces too. Excellent cooking and serving. We both went for Creme Brulee and weren't sorry. Good wine selection, 1 glass each, and good decaf with dessert. There's a lot of competition on this end of College Ave, Marica are top-tier, on par with the now closed, and missed, "Oliveto". A place to take anyone for a very special meal.

At Merica, my partner and I were met with service staff who were warm, courteous, speedy and…read moreresponsive. The restaurant space is well-lit, has plenty of indoor seating and seems suitable for a date or casual get-together with friends. My partner would give the food a five-start rating for its simplicity, generally flavorful, with spicy sauces and THE BEST guacamole! He had the Korean spare ribs and mash potatoes. He found the ribs to be fall-off-the bone tender, with potatoes that were more whipped than mashed alongside a carrot puree. I, on the other hand, had the New York Steak and au gratin potatoes. Though I wanted to enjoy my entree, I found the New York Steak to be unfortunately chewy and with too much fat. The au gratin potatoes could have had more crispy layers but tasted mediocre. Though I'd only rate this first experience with three stars. the service staff DID win us over and could potentially be the reason I'd be open to giving it another try.

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Marica - Another shipment of lobster in for the weekend. Limited quantity for a few lucky people who can get this drop!

Another shipment of lobster in for the weekend. Limited quantity for a few lucky people who can get this drop!

Marica - Marica Seafood Stew

Marica Seafood Stew

Marica - Short ribs

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Short ribs

Almond & Oak - Shrimp & Grits w/ shrimp gravy, scallions, poached eggs ($21) + Chive Scrambled Eggs w/ applewood-smoked bacon, potatoes ($19)

Almond & Oak

4.4(448 reviews)
1.9 mi•Grand Lake, Lower Hills
•$$

Great service and the food was yummy. The mimosa craft was just enough to share for two could've…read moredone three people. We felt welcomed from the first point of coming in to our departure. Everyone said hello status and constantly checked on us. It was a nice experience.

[Out-of-Towner Review]…read more Lunch at Almond and Oak was delicious and the perfect pit stop in our day of exploring the east bay. I ordered the NY Steak Sandwich ($21) on housemade focaccia, grilled thinly sliced new york strip, gruyere, heirloom tomato, grilled onions, arugula, sundried tomato aioli, & mixed greens. It was divine, the buttery focaccia was magical. Oddly, it tasted like mushroomsC but there weren't any on it...I checked three times. The housemade lemonade was very tart. A little more than I'd prefer, but definitely fresh. I absolutely loved the layout of the restaurant and where we were seated, right by the open windows at the front. It was such a nice day our seats were prime real estate. The one thing I didn't vibe with was how our server interrupted our conversation about the cash I needed change for her tip. She essentially was like, "just" leave me a 40% tip. I really didn't want to, but I was also not interested in making it awkward for all of us involved. Overall, highly rated for a reason and I'd come back because the food was good.

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Almond & Oak
Almond & Oak - Baked strawberry rhubarb French toast

Baked strawberry rhubarb French toast

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The Wolf - Halibut

The Wolf

4.2(563 reviews)
1.1 mi•Piedmont Ave, North Oakland
•$$$

I just began going to the wolf this month and my favorite time to go is for brunch…read more I had been hearing so much about the fried chicken salad that they have and I tried it - it was so amazing - I also added a side of aioli to dip my chicken in (hack). I also tried the gazpacho which was very refreshing. The bar is so beautiful and let's in a lot of sunlight. I was greeted by 2 amazing bartenders - Miguel and Stacey who took great care of me , and made the best espresso martinis! I definitely will be back !

I ordered Octopus, Pork Chop, Duck Breast, Halibut, and Brussel Sprouts with a drinks. I made a…read morereservation for my birthday to celebrate with family. I honestly looked forward to eating here since it was on the Michelin guide and read some great reviews here on yelp. Even though I was excited to visit, after dining here, my expectations came out to a disappointment. For a table of 4 we were left unsatisfied and a little hungry after losing our appetite. 3/5 of what's ordered was a bust. The menu prices were a medium-high, especially for entree, I had higher expectations which I don't mind paying for, but the food wasn't convincing enough that the price was an afterthought. I couldn't justify what I was paying for after eating. Plating is beautiful but for over $39 of entree you would have expected at least some starch and maybe a few or more pieces of fibrous greens. For the price of the duck breast and pork chop that was mid, it would have been better buying a whole roast duck and crispy pork at a chinese roastery for a third of the price. Food: Octopus was good 4/5 I'd definitely recommend grabbing it as your starter. It was very tender and I enjoyed the flavors. Wish there was more. Brussel Sprouts 1/5 I don't recommend. It was overly cooked to the point the texture inside was mushy and the outside was burnt to the point it was very bitter. The sauce/dressing for it was delicious but that wasn't enough to help so we sent it back. Halibut 4/5 Best entree I'd recommend. It was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious for it. Pork Chop 2.5/5 The sauce was good but the taste reminds me of a vinaigrette salad dressing. I did wish there was more flavor from the pork but it was fine. The meat was nice and tender. Unfortunately the pork bone was still rare on the inside, otherwise it would've gotten a higher score. Duck Breast 2/5 I'm not sure if the chef intentionally cooked the duck breast to be that rare but I fully expected a nice medium from the photos I've seen from the reviews. We weren't a fan and left it half eaten (mostly the medium pink parts). The duck wasn't tender and very chewy. Was more gamey. Skin wasn't crispy or rendered enough and was more of a rubbery, flabby and a thick texture. It was very unfortunate because the sauce was very delicious. Dessert 4/5 Although we didn't finish the pork or duck entree and asked for the check, I didn't expect it but I really appreciated the surprised complimentary dessert. The ice cream birthday cake was good but because I had lost my appetite, we didn't finish it and decided to leave after a couple bites. Service 5/5 Staff were very friendly and accommodating. I accidentally reserved for a table of 2 instead of 4 and fortunately the host was cool about it and we were lucky enough to have extra seating available. Water was consistently refilled without being asked. We were checked on regularly but not to the point we were constantly hovered over. Table was cleaned with our plates and utensils changed after each meal which was nice. Ambience It's cute and cozy. The outside dining is nice for a warm day. The bar area is nice. Drinks were good. I would come back just to hang out at the bar.

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The Wolf - The dining area

The dining area

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Strawberry Crostini - sweetness of the strawberries and honey perfectly offset the savory richness of the whipped feta

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Duck liver pâté comes with this adorable fried biscuit. The late was sinfully delish!!

The Monk's Kettle

The Monk's Kettle

3.9(2.4k reviews)
0.1 mi•North Oakland
•$$

Unsuspecting from the outside but full of charm inside…read more From the old wood bar/tables to the glasses behind the bar, you'll feel welcome. They have cute kettles sprinkles throughout. Seating is first come. Did I mention they have a lot of veggie options and piny the elder on tap? Server was patient with our group of 5. Recommend for a spot with brews n food.

Been to this location a number of times and tried various items from their menu - would give them…read morefood-wise a 4. On the other hand, there's a staff member who functions both at the bar and as a server, who has one of the shittiest attitudes working at a restaurant. You know, the one who will flip his bitch-switch because he's having his monthly menstrual cycle when you're there? Yeah, that one. My thing is that if you're working at a place that is in the field of "hospitality" (e.g. restaurant, hotel), your personal problems take a backseat, and you are to provide a pleasant experience to your clientele. I do not care to receive any feeling of hostility because you cannot regulate your emotions because of your problems with whomever you're having a beef with. If you're contemplating whether to patronize this establishment, by all means avoid the person that has straight-ish shoulder length hair and that wears glasses. He has a very bitchy, snide, and condescending attitude that you'd want to avoid. As I said, the food is a 4, but this individual drops the rating for Yelp down to a 1.

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4.5(626 reviews)
1.6 mi
•$$
Full bar
Locally owned & operated

A Last-Minute Yelp Find That Delivered! Heading home from…read moreSan Francisco, we decided to stop for pasta. A last minute Yelp search led us to Creekwood in Berkeley, and luckily, I was able to secure a reservation inside. What a great find! Creekwood is in a residential neighborhood, which I love, although parking can definitely be a challenge. The exterior is architecturally pleasing, with clean lines and a fresh, modern look. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by the hostess with a huge welcome and an equally huge smile. The restaurant has a cozy bar area, outside seating, and an estimated seating capacity of 50 guests. Inside, there is a combination of banquettes and tables that can be configured to accommodate different party sizes. The interior was extremely clean, visually appealing, comfortable and inviting. The bathroom was also extremely clean. Our server Malia was personable and offered great suggestions, as did several other staff members. Everyone we encountered was genuinely friendly and welcoming. We started with the corn chowder and burrata. The chowder arrived a little under-temperature for my liking, but the flavor was excellent. The burrata was plentiful, paired with tomatoes that were absolutely bursting with flavor. The burrata and tomatoes complemented each other beautifully, and there was just the right amount of dressing. My tablemate ordered the Margherita pizza, which arrived at the perfect temperature. Thin crust, fresh basil and great flavor it was exactly what a Margherita pizza should be. I was craving a meat based pasta with red sauce, but that wasn't on the menu. So I ordered the pappardelle with mushrooms and asked if they could prepare it with a red sauce. They were happy to accommodate me. It arrived at the perfect temperature, with beautifully cooked pasta and an orchestra of flavors. The depth and texture of the mushrooms gave me the satisfying, meaty texture I was craving. I would absolutely order this dish again! One of the highlights of our visit was meeting Greg, the owner, who was circulating throughout the restaurant and talking with his guests. We were first-timers, but clearly, many of his diners were what I like to call "repeat offenders." in the best way. Greg shared some of the history of Creekwood and explained that his goal was to create a true neighborhood restaurant and gathering place. I would say he has definitely accomplished that. He also mentioned that he is considering adding a happy hour, which would be a wonderful addition. They do have Coctails, beer and wine although I did not partake this time. Greg told us about one couple who has visited for brunch more than 149 times! Now THAT is a referral! If I lived in the neighborhood, I have no doubt I would become a repeat offender myself. Sometimes the best restaurant discoveries are the ones you make at the last minute. Creekwood was definitely a successful Yelp selection, and one I'm happy to recommend. Bravo Greg, Chef and Creekwood Family well done and we shall see you soon. GIve Creekwood a try you won't be disappointed.

My friend and I went on a Thursday for dinner. We arrived early, a little before 5 pm. We were…read moregreeted immediately and shown to a booth. It is a small restaurant with tables and several booths by the window. They also have outdoor patio service. We ordered a half dozen Point Reyes oysters on the half shell. They were very fresh. The crispy Brussels sprouts were nicely cooked. My friend ordered the black cod and I ordered the crab with pasta in white sauce. We also ordered a glass of Chardonnay and a glass of Sancerre. The black cod was delicious. I found my pasta dish a bit bland. We shared a piece of carrot cake. It was very good, moist, just sweet enough with a perfect frosting. The service was attentive. It is a very noisy restaurant. The staff was moving furniture around at the beginning. I asked to have the music lowered in volume. The room may benefit from more acoustic tiling since the noise bounced around the floor and walls.

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Creekwood
Creekwood - Ribeye with salsa verde and greens

Ribeye with salsa verde and greens

Creekwood - French Toast

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French Toast

Belly - Crispy dumplings

Belly

4.2(156 reviews)
0.2 mi•Rockridge, North Oakland
•$$

Belly has become one of my favorite spots in Oakland, and for some great reasons. The food is…read moreconsistently yummy. Their salads are a standout, especially with the ability to customize your protein. Their fusion twists on burritos, bowls, burgers, and spaghetti are right up my alley. Their drinks and mocktails are a nice touch too. But what really keeps me coming back every Tuesday is Mahjong Night. Alice and the staff have built something genuinely special here; a warm, welcoming community where regulars and newcomers mix easily over tiles and great food. The energy in the room is wonderful, and you can tell the whole team actually cares about the experience they're creating. If you're looking for a neighborhood restaurant with delicious food and real heart, Belly is it. Highly recommend coming for a meal, and even more so for Mahjong Night if that's your thing.

Belly Date: Monday, September 7, 2026…read more It was Labor Day, and I was debating where to eat near Rockridge BART. Unfortunately, both Cactus and Market Hall Foods were closed, so I decided to eat at Belly since I was also in the area playing mahjong. This was my second time eating here. I split the Surf Burrito ($20.75) with my friend. It comes with tempura fish, sesame slaw, avocado, pico de gallo, sambal aioli, spicy crema, and multigrain rice. The burrito was a good size, so splitting it with someone is a good idea. The menu says it comes with spicy crema, but I didn't find it spicy at all. My friends ordered the Crispy Dumplings ($12 for 6)--homemade pan-seared pork and shrimp dumplings served with soy chili oil. The dumplings seemed a little small for $12, which works out to about $2 each. Overall, if I'm in the neighborhood playing mahjong, I would come back to Belly to eat. I would probably split the burrito again because $20.75 is a little pricey for a burrito.

Photos
Belly - Clean and cute bathroom

Clean and cute bathroom

Belly - Vegan tofu burrito

Vegan tofu burrito

Belly

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Kitchen Story - breakfast_brunch - Updated October 2026

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