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    Mua

    3.9 (4.1k reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 2 months ago

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    MUA ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Mua

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    Crème brûlée
    Salvador Z.

    Was heading to the City on a Saturday afternoon to hit up a play at the Orpheum Theatre and decided to grab dinner in Oakland along the way. Wow! What an amazing experience Mia was. First and foremost the ambiance is five stars. The minute you walk in you can feel a great vibe. Our server immediately took care of us from the moment we sat down. He explained the menu and ordered our drinks. We explained we were on a tight schedule and he was punctual with our dinner orders too. My party enjoyed the fried chicken, blackened catfish, steak with potatoes and a Caesar salad. For dessert we shared bread pudding and crème brûlée. I would definitely be back again to enjoy a great meal and ambience.

    Chips with salsa and guacamole
    Kishia S.

    Dined here after a seeing a play at paramount theatre. I believe the building was once a car dealership. The establishment did a good job giving it an eclectic vibe. Looks like a nice place to host a private gathering. The people I was with, including myself was a little skeptical when reading the menu as all the food sounded very exotic, but everything we had was delicious and the service we received was great.

    Garlic Prawns and chicken wings
    Edie N.

    This spot is such a fun vibe! Great love DJ, amazing food/drinks and service was great! We got a few things to share and dined family style so we can try a little bit of everything. I can't recommend if enough because the food was phenomenal! Our favorites were for sure the beef carpaccio, chicken wings and blackened catfish! Bone marrow was good just wasn't for me, garlic prawns were decent but wasn't too flavorful. I'd come back a thousand times for the blackened catfish and beef carpaccio. If you're going to get anything get those two! Service is shared and everyone helps each other which means you're never really waiting too long for anything. Cocktails came out quick and were great. I'd definitely be coming back!

    Exterior
    Taylor J.

    Wow What an adventure! MUA has set the stage for all of the yummy food I expect to have in Oakland! Such a great place as my first eatery as a new bay area resident. Arrived on time for my 8:00pm reservation and while people were definitely in ther having a good time, it was a quieter evening. Which was great since I really got to soak in the ambiance of this place. Incredible art lined the walls (very basquiat-esque), great chill music, tons of decor and huge giant mirrors in the back of the place to make it look much bigger. Low lights and calm energy also, definitely my favorite kind of restaurant vibes. To start off, i, of course had to grab a cocktail. I started off with the Crazy Pisco which was great! Super smooth, a little sour, and delicious. For food, we had such a great few dishes to share: Beef Carpaccio - This was so good! I'm a huge lover of any kind of carpaccio so this one hit all of the cylinders for me. Thinly sliced and yummy with an arugula salad to pair it with. Delicious! Mushroom Crostini - I am so happy I am a fully formed adult who got over her hatred of mushrooms because this was too good! What can I say...Yummy mushrooms, crispy bread, and a delicious sauce. I was a happy camper! This also had some arugula paired with it. Chicken Wings - These were the fan favorite of the bunch! Give me a chicken wing with some great sauce and im your forever. Yummy, sweet sticky sauce baked into some great chicken wings. We fought over a few pieces for sure. Bone Marrow - Simple, delicious, fatty, yummy. The bone marrow was totally great with some toasted bread. Super happy with this one. I've officially given up dessert for Port. So I had to finish the night off with one. Perfect ending to such a wonderful meal. Lovely time over at MUA! The vibes were immaculate, the service was wonderful, and the food was amazing. Super great intro to the food scene in Oakland!

    Steph C.

    Damn Oakland, I see you. Loved the industrial airy vibes and cool ass playlist. But most importantly the food was sooo good. Got a fully loaded crab po' boy on a soft brioche bun with a great tart slaw (with two whole soft shell crabs) and swapped the fries for a refreshing vinaigrette salad. The fresca drink with taijin rim was great. We were jamming and eating. Such a vibe.

    Dining area
    Marie B.

    Got the fried chicken and baby girl cocktail. LOVED the coconut in the cocktail and the coleslaw was light and had cilantro which was perfect. The ambiance is so vibey and chill, best Spotify playlist I've heard in a while.

    The front entryway it's a vibe
    Terry P.

    I haven't been to this place in a while, but I still love it. Great atmosphere for the start of your evening. Grateful the service is wonderful. Drinks are nice. Love it. I always like coming on the weekends.

    Lynda S.

    7/19/25 We finally got to try Mua in Oakland! It's been bookmarked for a few years. I would describe Mua as a very trendy restaurant and bar with a unique, artistic, and warehouse lofty atmosphere. They have a good menu and pours even better cocktails. Our server Juliana was nice and attentive as needed for our party of 12 with kids. We shared the Beef Bone Marrow. Came with toasted slices of baguette. Looked really good but got cold way too quick and there wasn't enough baguette for the very thick marrow served. Also ordered Brussel sprouts to share which was ok. I ordered the fried chicken which was cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Served with cornbread and coleslaw but we opted for fries. Hubs ordered the salmon served on top of spinach, bacon and tomato - hubs said the spinach (salad?) was too tart for his preference. Oldest son ordered burrata which was served with grilled veggies and baguette. He said it was really good. Youngest son ordered the blackened catfish with dirty rice and aioli. He said it has too much aioli spread on the catfish but otherwise he really liked his meal. Chicken Milanese was bomb. I shared some chicken and fries with a girlfriend of mine and she shared the Milanese. If I came back, it would be my go too. We'd be back if in the area. Prices are a bit steep but food and drinks are good. See you all at the next review! Have a wonderful weekend!

    Drinks!
    Carey B.

    Don't know how this place gets only a 3.9 rating. MUA is MUA! Food is always delicious from calamari to salmon to catfish! And the drinks are amazing. I have never had a bad drink yet. Only downside I will say it's very limited parking and reservations require deposit. This place is by far one of my favorite restaurants in Oakland and great for date night.

    Whiskey Rye Sour and Rita
    Robert R.

    We recently were looking for something new and exciting for a Valentines date, .Wifey and I are always doing the same routine in the East Bay area of Walnut Creek, Danville, and Lafayette area. We had been to this establishment a while back and it was summer evening for a Birthday celebration. Pre pandemic but I was looking for a place with a Bar and a nice atmosphere . Luckily I had made reservation a week prior because it was a bit crowded. We had a bit trouble parking but found a nearby garage. I had arrived on time but the wait it was running a little behind. We slid into the Bar for a Whiskey Sour and a Rita. The Bartender was attentive and they had a good vibe. Our table was ready pretty shortly and we started with the Calamari appetizer. We had a very friendly Server and she was very personable. We had ordered a Chicken Miliansa and a Blacken Catfish. Both dishes were great and the rice pilaf was perfect. When it came to desserts, we opted out for another spot but definitely worth the drive from Wc area. Music, vibe and food ultimately made it a special Valentines date.

    Munirah T.

    I am obsessed with this place!! Well, I've only been here once but it was amazing. The catfish was spectacular, the DJ was playing all the right songs, and the service was good too. The interior is so cute/chic... very industrial. I'll definitely be back and I'll be bringing friends with me!!

    Wall art
    Lanae F.

    I'm not in Oakland often but when I am I go to Mia!! Bring your patience for parking. Once inside it's a funky vibe with great service, drinks and food. I always order the mussels and fries. The no cheese Mac and cheese is delicious and made w/ butternut squash. Perfectly seasoned and crisp brussels sprouts makes it easy to be healthy. The collard greens weren't my favorite, but my friends enjoyed them. There's a DJ playing music. Great vibe all around. This is a great date night spot or even for a dinner party with a large group friends.

    Chantilly A.

    I joined a friend here for a girls night and we had a great time. We stopped by on a Friday night, after work, and thankfully we were seated immediately. Our server wasn't the greatest, however. He actually sucked. Perhaps it was toward the end of his shift, but he wasn't really that friendly and spoke to us in a hurried tone. He didn't smile, and only checked on us once during our meal. We noticed other servers were checking on their tables periodically, and we were getting a little annoyed, because we wanted round 2 for our drinks. He also wasn't helpful at all, when we asked for recommendations. After we grabbed the check, we sat for a while longer, finishing off our drinks, when another server stopped by the table and asked us to sign for our meals. Ummm, we already took care of that. She was nice, informed us our server left for the night, and told us she would check for our signed receipts. But, nope, she couldn't locate them. Again, weird. I mean, I understand you're ready to get home, but you could've said goodnight and ensured that our signed receipts were accounted for. The food was okay....and with the service, I wont be going back. Maybe if we had the young woman who ensured our tab was paid as our server, but the bald, older man really left a lot to be desired.

    Collard Green

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    12 days ago

    Food (we had a big party and everyone liked their dinner) drinks, and service was good. The place has a nice Ambiance .

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    4 months ago

    Great atmosphere and service. The food was good and variety. The drinks were delicious a bit pricey but considering the area was OK.

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    5 months ago

    Not the same from 4 years ago, food is different, service is very different. Hostess was very cold and made us feel uncomfortable.

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    Page 1 of 102

    Mua Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Mua

    What does "all night happy hour" Tues-Thurs mean? What is discounted?

    Is there a corkage fee if we bring our own wine?

    Yes you do have a fee. Most bars charge a fee

    Is Happy Hour available here?

    Is the fried chicken dark meat only?

    Both

    As some restaurants have changed their requirements since Feb.; I am trying to see if MUA still requires vaccination cards? Trying to reserve a table and I know some folks aren't 😓

    They still require vax cards but have not consistently checked upon entry.

    Do they have high chairs?

    For babies, yes. They don't have stoned stools and the chairs are the same height as the tables.

    What kind of music does the DJ play here?

    Mix of everything, oldies, top 10 rnb, raggae etc.. when the place start getting Poppin rnb and pop

    Do they still serve the mussels and fries dish? That was honestly the only reason I kept going back.

    Yes

    What is the full ingredients list for the No Cheese Mac n Cheese? Does it still contain cow milk?

    Yes; it contains cream and is not dairy-free.

    Will the beef Carpaccio, the Crab cakes, the Muscles and the Grilled Romaine salad return to the menu?

    Carpaccio and muscles back on the menu

    Are they serving lamb cheeks again? I don't see it on the menu :(

    1/21/22 didn't see it on the menu

    With new COVID restrictions, how many people are allowed to sit at a table?

    Not sure if there's a limit but last time I went I didn't see any parties bigger than 6

    How is the noise level for dinner? I have the softest voice which no one seems to hear LoL

    LOUD IF YOU'RE ACROSS THE TABLE FROM EACH OTHER. Easy to hear if you're sitting next to a person.

    Is it good for birthdays?

    It seems like it would be, if you reserve a table for dinner in advance. Great music, good food and drink, and a large /lively dinning area.

    Is this a Black Owned Business?

    I don’t think so, judging by the large quantity of white staff.

    How is the parking situation? Private lot, valet, street, etc?

    All street parking

    Are substitutions that are allergy related allowed from the menu for dinner items?

    I think they do. I asked for substitutes and extras didn't charge any extra

    Is there a separate gluten free menu?

    There is no separate gluten free menu but they offer gluten free options.

    Is the restaurant 21 and over?

    No - they only check IDs at the bar area and if you're ordering alcohol with your meal. However, everyone that typically dines there is at least 21.

    View All 31 Questions

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    Wood Tavern

    Wood Tavern

    4.3
    (2.4k reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$$

    We celebrated our mom's birthday at Wood Tavern. The food and drink were delicious and service was…read moregreat. Five stars. For details, keep reading. Wood Tavern met the criteria for a relatively nice American restaurant in North Oakland. We visited for lunch and wanted to make this special for our mom, so we were perhaps a bit overdressed in business casual, but this is Oakland after all. On an ordinary Thursday, there were multiple groups waiting outside for the restaurant to open at 11:30 AM. That in itself should tell you how popular this place is. My wife and I dined at sister restaurant Southie next door a few years ago and really enjoyed it (I also rated it five stars on Yelp), so I was confident Wood Tavern would not disappoint. I initially booked our reservation using OpenTable to link it to my account and get 100 points. Since the max party size for Wood Tavern on OpenTable is four, I had to call to get it changed to eight. Due to the large party size, the restaurant also required me to give them my credit card info and be subject to a $25 per person no-show fee. Upon arrival, our tables were ready for us in the back corner near the open kitchen. The restaurant is true to its name with a shared bar and dining room space that evoke the feel of a wood tavern. Here's what we had: Wine of the Day * Rosé (100% Zweigelt), Stefan Pratsch, Niederösterreich, Austria, 2024 ($16) "N/A Libations" and other drinks * Cherry Bomb! non-alcoholic cocktail ($13) - Tilden Lacewing, Amarena cherry, lime, ginger beer, tall glass * Shirley Temple ($5) * Diet Coke ($5) * Iced Tea ($4) Soup & Salad * Red & Golden Beet Salad x2 ($16 each, one with fish added for $8) - frisee, castelfranco, pistachios, orange segments, Laura Chenel goat cheese, Cara Cara orange vinaigrette Sandwiches * The Hot Pastrami x2 ($25 each) - Emmentaler cheese, Dijon-horseradish dressing, La Farine baguette Old Reliables * Seafood Stew ($32) - rock cod, Manila clams, PEI mussels, calamari, butter beans, fennel, leeks, chili flakes, garlic toast * Pork Ragu Casarecce ($30) - Castelvetrano olives, Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, chili flakes, parsley * Tavern Burger with French Fries on Acme Soft Bun with All the Fixins x3 ($25 each, two with cheddar added for $2 each) Everything was excellent. As for what to order, I recommend all of the dishes we got. It really just depends on what you like and/or what you're in the mood for. Everyone loved the food. The beet salad was fresh and flavorful, the pastrami was one of the best I've had anywhere, my mom raved about the seafood stew, my brother-in-law gobbled up all of the casarecce, and the burger was outstanding. Service was polite and speedy. Our server Sophia C was awesome. We split one of the salads and the stew, so they came out plated and served in half portions which was nice of the kitchen staff to do.

    Those who know me, know that I'm not a fancy guy. Which is why I always get the reliable pastrami…read moresandwich at this place. It's good and a solid meal for the price point. The pastrami sandwich comes on a baguette, which I love. It's nice to sharpen my teeth on that crunch. The pastrami itself is made in house, and it's delicious. They cut it fresh. It also comes with a small side of coleslaw. They use a Dijon dressing that is absolutely fantastic. Be sure to ask for extra dressing.

    Photos
    Wood Tavern
    Grilled Rib Eye Steak
    Grilled Rib Eye Steak
    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.
    Almond & Oak

    Almond & Oak

    4.4
    (428 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Very tasty, Southern inspired foods. I loved the spicy chicken sandwich and their cornbread. There…read morewas a wait list on a Saturday morning, but the text to let us know our table was ready came fairly quickly. Our server was very prompt and kind. The restaurant is beautiful, with a full bar and view of their grand oven. Highly recommend to make a reservation here for brunch.

    Came here for lunch with a friend at 1 PM on a Saturday. We came 15 minutes late after our…read morereservation because of parking and they were understanding of it. As soon as you walk in, you're hit with the smell of a campfire from the oven. The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous with an Art Deco design. The ambiance is cozy but elevated. Benedict (buttermilk biscuit, dungeness crab cakes, marinated swiss chard & beet greens, herbed hollandaise, poached eggs & mixed greens): I'm not a huge benedict person because they can feel heavy, but this one was fantastic. I loved the textures and flavors of the crab cakes pairing with the greens and vegetables. It felt balanced and not too creamy or exhausting to eat. It definitely stands out from the run-of-the-mill brunch benedict. Vegetable Hash (roasted sweet potatoes, garnet yams, sunchokes, cauliflower, cremini mushrooms, celery root & onion, savoy spinach & poached eggs): This was also delicious and also set itself apart from the standard brunch hash. I loved the different vegetables in it besides being just potatoes and onions. The mushrooms and root vegetables worked really well together. Everything was well-seasoned. I'm glad we ended up choosing these dishes even though neither were my original top choices (I decided on the menu with my friend). It made me feel like you can choose anything and it'd be a banger. We were quite full from these dishes, and we forget we also ordered beignets to come out last. They were fluffy and mostly air (but not in a bad way). The service throughout the meal was good. We were checked on from time-to-time and our waters were refilled, although I wish the water glasses were a little bigger. One small thing to note was that we were given the check while we were still eating, even though the restaurant was still seating people despite it being close to closing time. Unsure if/why we were rushed like this. Overall, this was a memorable brunch spots I've been to in the Bay (dare I say one of the best?). We left smelling like a campfire. I would recommend it.

    Photos
    Almond & Oak
    Baked strawberry rhubarb French toast
    Baked strawberry rhubarb French toast
    Eggs Benedict

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    Marica

    Marica

    4.4
    (2.6k reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    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.

    Date: 3/27/2026 Time: 7:25 PM 68° Cool…read more My male companion asked where I wanted to have dinner this evening. I had a taste for Chilean sea bass. A search on this website resulted in Marica having it on their menu. He booked a 7:30 PM reservation for two. We arrived early. What started out as a not too pleasant experience for us was the attitude of the guy who greeted us when we entered the restaurant. Attitude bordered on rudeness (3 star). We somewhat tolerated it, not knowing what to expect next. The restaurant was filled with diners, and the only available seating was not far from the front door. Oh, the chill was in the air, and my not wearing a sweater and/or light jacket to stay warm had me shivering. I had to brave the element (LOL). Since there was no Chilean sea bass on their daily special menu, it took a little longer for my companion and I to peruse the menu, and decide what entrees we were willing to have. Usually I would order an Arnold Palmer as a beverage; however, this time I decided to be adventurous - reisling peach spritz please - to whet my appetite. My date had the Temescal pilsner. Eats: Grilled salmon arange ginger saffron blanc beurre, roasted potatoes and vegetables. Korean short ribs, honey garlic gochujang marinade, mashed potatoes and vegetables. Our meals were on point and bomb-diggity delicious. The arange ginger saffron was perfect with the carrot. It reminded me of glazed carrots. The green beans were fresh and not overcooked. Ooh, the Korean pork ribs were tender and that sauce was sweet and had a subtle kick of spiciness. (Definitely a perfect complement for the pork ribs.) I have to admit the chef knew how to burn. Food tasted so good that figuratively speaking y'all gotta slap the cook and his mama. Ambiance: Comfy and casual. Despite the dining area is small, still it is a great restaurant for dining on a Friday evening. From my perspective and vivid imagination with the indoor lighting, it exuded a romantic atmosphere. Only in my mind I can hear soft jazz in the background. What convinced me to give Marica a 5 star rating? It was none other than Enriqueta, our waitress. She was pleasant, attentive and so accommodating. The chef lost our order ticket; thus, the wait time for our meal took a bit longer than we anticipated. She came to the rescue and comped us with dessert - chocolate souffle with homemade vanilla ice cream. It certainly was a gesture of kindness to have my date and me smiling from ear to ear. Return visit? Yes, mos def...not the rapper for Chilean sea bass. Enriqueta said I can always call to find out what their daily special is.

    Photos
    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 Seafood Stew
    Marica Seafood Stew
    Short ribs

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    Short ribs
    Kitava

    Kitava

    4.4
    (269 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Delicious and flavorful, one of My favorite bowl places. I…read morelove the whole Folds, clean ingredients, low Processed foods. I especially love that they don't use dairy or seed oils in their dressings. I often get all veggie bowls and they are super filling. Much of the menu is also Daniel Fast- friendly

    Came here on the rec of a friend who told me she thought I'd like it. It's about a 24 min drive and…read moreI thought about ordering online for pick up, but it showed it'd only take 10 mins online and I wanted it fresh and crispy so I decided to order when I got there. I will say, if you have somewhere to be *ORDER ONLINE*. I got there and was told to order from the self serve tablet (I could have done this on my phone ahead of time), but I put in my order and sat down to wait for it. At the 22 min mark, the two groups of two behind me got their food before I did, so I went up to the worker behind the bar and asked if my order was ready and I was told mine would be next. All in all- took 32 mins. So again, if you have somewhere to be- order ahead! Food was good. Could definitely tell it was made fresh to order - not only because it took some time but because my friend cauliflower came out PIPING hot. Lots of oil drippings, so if that isn't your thing, may not be for you, but I will say that it was my fav bite. This was a good restaurant- I would say 4 stars for the food alone. BUT if you're in a pinch, either order online or maybe save this spot for when you have more time. Also- I know that good quality food is pricey, this place is no exception. But you pay for what you get and the quality is better than that of fast food.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Hummus w/ Soft Egg & Sesame Togarashi
    Hummus w/ Soft Egg & Sesame Togarashi
    Banana walnut pancakes

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    Banana walnut pancakes
    Sun Moon Studio

    Sun Moon Studio

    5.0
    (43 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    I was really looking forward to dining here since reservations were hard to make, and I had heard…read moremany good things about this intimate spot with only four tables. The interior was cozy and inviting, with just 12 seats max. and shelves lined with ume syrup and ume liquor on display. After making my reservation, I messaged them about my dietary restrictions due to pregnancy, and they were incredibly thoughtful and accommodating. The printed menu even reflected all the modifications they made. Everything felt well planned, and I didn't feel like I was missing out. I loved the Asian-inspired dishes. From the refreshing ume spritz to my favorites of the night - the egg custard tart and Taiwanese sausage brioche bun. Many dishes brought back childhood memories. Everything was delicious and complemented one another beautifully. You could tell the chef put a lot of care and thought into creating the menu. The last fries course and the take away olive cake were a nice touch to end the meal. Highly recommend if you're lucky enough to snag a reservation.

    Sun Moon Studio was such a special dinner. It is a tiny four-table restaurant in West Oakland, and…read morefrom the moment we walked in, everything felt warm, personal, and very intentional. Chef-owners Alan Hsu and Sarah Cooper have created something that feels refined without being stuffy. The menu reflected local ingredients, precise cooking, comforting flavors, and subtle Asian influences. I really enjoyed how the progression started with lighter coastal bites, then moved into cozier and more familiar moments. Some of my favorite bites were the egg custard tart with bonito and trout roe, the Taiwanese-style sausage on steamed brioche, the Half Moon Bay black cod, and the Liberty duck served two ways. The sausage was especially fun and memorable, almost like a tiny tasting menu hot dog, but with that familiar Taiwanese sweetness. The duck breast was beautifully cooked, the pasta with leg confit was so satisfying, and I loved the little pretzel croissant served on the side. Dessert kept things fruit-forward and refreshing, but one of the best surprises came after that: off-menu fries with ketchup. Such a simple idea, but honestly a surprisingly perfect savory send-off after a long dinner. Service was thoughtful and relaxed, and we loved getting to meet the chefs. Reservations are very limited and definitely require planning, but this is the kind of place that feels worth the effort. Small room, serious cooking, and a lot of heart.

    Photos
    Sun Moon Studio
    Taiwanese sausage on steamed brioche
    Taiwanese sausage on steamed brioche
    Egg custard tart with salmon roe

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    Egg custard tart with salmon roe
    Portal Oakland

    Portal Oakland

    4.1
    (1.8k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    A fantastic, unfussy, charming wedding reception venue for a smaller wedding group…read more My now-spouse and I had been struggling to find a good covered outdoor wedding reception venue that fit our budget, allowed external catering, and was small enough for the 50-ish guests we were expecting -- it seemed like every "wedding venue" felt overly fancy and was better suited to a 100+ person group. But then we found Portal! We're not fussy people, and we loved the more down-to-earth vibe of their patio. Plus, it's got heaters and an extendable cover, which was exactly what we wanted! The previous owner, Kevyn, was great to work with, as was the current owner, Mona. We decided to rent the patio and have Portal provide drink service and dishes, but we knew that we wanted a specific restaurant (which doesn't have its own seating area) to provide the food. Kevyn and Mona were both totally down for that, and completely helped us bring our vision to life. There was space for our 50 guests to sit, for the buffet, plus enough space left over for a small dance floor area. Really perfect for our group. Amber, their bartender and events coordinator, deserves a particular shout-out. She worked with my spouse and me to come up with three custom mocktails that fit our taste preferences and even thought of cute love-themed names for all of them! She really went above and beyond for it, having a mocktail tasting for us and even sourcing a non-alcoholic champagne to use for n/a mimosas and in one of the mocktails. It was a wonderful experience, and Amber was a joy to work with. She the one making the mocktails (and alcoholic drinks for guests who wanted them) during the reception, and we heard constant compliments. I imagine we'll be back for anniversary brunches in the future :)

    Fav brunch spot in the lake merrit area. Outdoor patio are is beautiful BUT if you go during March…read moreMadness or World Cup (like us) they have TVs inside showing the big games! Food is consistent, homey (in the best way) and always delivers. I usually go with the Portal plate but sometimes I'll venture out and get the corned beef hash- both are divine. My boyfriend has tried multiple items and we are NEVER disappointed. Also- their mimosa pitchers are good and STRONG (if you're into that). Def a local fav!!

    Photos
    Corner Seating
    Corner Seating
    Grilled Chicken and Jalapeno Burger
    Grilled Chicken and Jalapeno Burger
    BBQ Chicken Wings

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    BBQ Chicken Wings
    Pomet

    Pomet

    4.4
    (245 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$$$

    An enjoyable dinner at Pomet with food highlighting farm-to-table ingredients directly from K & J…read moreOrchards in addition to other California family-owned farms. When you dine with foodies who don't mind indulging you get to try a variety of items from: STARTERS :: TURNIP TOTS - crispy exterior with an unexpected creamy interior. Recommended by Cherylynn N to get and glad we did! :: SQUID INK PASTA with Dungeness crab - perfectly cooked pasta with a wonderful acidic yet briny broth - piece of leg meat crab. Of course, wish it had more :: PAPPERDELLE with duck sugo - wide noodles perfectly al dente with rich tomato based, red wine duck ragu with a slight kick from black pepper. Comfort food MAINS :: BEEF SHORT RIB - wonderfully tender and like butta. Definitely sous vide and finished off with some smoke. Served with some Korean Gochujang, red-leaf lettuce and sliced pickle daikon to be eaten like a wrap - FAVE dish. NOTE: They alternate this dish with the Klingeman pork chop so wasn't a Thursday option. :: BLACK COD - miso braised with yuzu broth Perfectly cooked, easily flaked that just melts -in-the-mouth! We ordered a variety of desserts: decadent budino, refreshing pomegranate sorbet, and a rich sticky toffee pudding. All worth a try but the cake for the sticky toffee pudding was a tad dry. The accompanying rich buttery toffee sauce poured on top was lick the plate worthy. SERVICE - our server, Daniela was amazing. Answered multiple questions and educated us on some items. Friendly, patient and true professional. All staff inviting and on point. Highly recommend a visit and expect to pay $$$ but well worth the splurge. Service charge is 20% gratuity (confirmed with our server) automatically added to the bill for a party of 3. We added 5% more for the great experience! Metered parking (until 6pm) in the lot behind. Range of casual to dressy attire

    I've been to Pomet at least seven times, usually with my boyfriend, and I've always had a good…read moreexperience. Because of that, I chose it to celebrate two of my friends' birthdays on April 11. I was genuinely excited to treat them to a beautiful dinner. That's not what happened. From the moment we sat down, something felt off. We had just come from the Alvin Ailey show and were catching up, so we were taking our time. Still, it felt like we were being rushed. The pacing of the food made no sense. The salad came out quickly, which was fine, but before we even started it, two fried dishes hit the table. I asked directly if they were trying to rush us because I've been here many times and that has never happened. The response I got felt dismissive, like I didn't understand how they serve their food. I do. This was different. By the time we got to the fried dishes, they were cold and not good. And honestly, they didn't seem hot when they first came out. That pretty much set the tone. The pasta came later and was also cold. At that point, I asked to speak with the owner. I've met her before when I've come in with my boyfriend and she's always been warm and present. This time I was told she was busy, and while I could see she was in the back of the house, she did not appear so busy that she couldn't step away briefly to address a guest who was clearly disappointed. No one ever came back to follow up. The main dishes didn't recover anything. The cod had no flavor and was cold. The pork chop was tough, fatty, and just not good. It didn't feel like the same kitchen at all. What made it harder to ignore was looking around the room. Other tables were getting a completely different experience. Food coming out properly paced, hot, and with attention. Our table felt like an afterthought, especially after we raised a concern early on. At one point, someone offered to take two dishes off the bill. I appreciated the gesture, but that wasn't the issue. I wasn't trying to get anything for free. I was trying to give my friends a really nice birthday dinner. This is a Michelin-recognized restaurant, which is exactly why I chose it. I've known them to deliver. That's what made this experience so disappointing. It felt rushed, disorganized, and careless. I don't know what's going on there right now, but it was not the same experience I've had before. I won't be going back. PS. Normally I take pictures, but didn't because the food was that disappointing!

    Photos
    Inside area
    Inside area
    Korean Fried Duck Leg w/ honey garlic soy glaze, seasonal house pickles ($24 + $3 radish kimchi)
    Korean Fried Duck Leg w/ honey garlic soy glaze, seasonal house pickles ($24 + $3 radish kimchi)
    Ugly Mushroom Caramelle w/ SHARED CULTURES kombu garlic miso, breadcrumbs ($24)

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    Ugly Mushroom Caramelle w/ SHARED CULTURES kombu garlic miso, breadcrumbs ($24)
    Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt

    Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt

    4.0
    (1.5k reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    Stopped by Grand Lake Kitchen for brunch this sunny weekend and it really hit the spot. The food…read morewas delicious and it felt like the perfect kind of meal for a relaxed weekend morning. I ordered the turkey club and it was honestly huge. You can see in the photo how big it is compared to my hand. It was stacked and super satisfying, the kind of sandwich that definitely fills you up. We also shared a deviled egg and some fried zucchini to start, which were great little bites before the main dish. The zucchini was crispy and light, and the deviled egg was simple but really good. I paired everything with a mocha latte that was perfectly balanced and honestly superb. Overall it was a ten out of ten brunch moment. Between the sunny weather, good coffee, and really satisfying food, it was exactly what we were looking for. Definitely one of those spots I would come back to for brunch again.

    This was me and my husband's first time at the restaurant and the food here was excellent…read moreeverything was very good and flavorful. I gave it to stars because the service was really bad. Our waitress took very long to even acknowledge us, didn't person herself to be very friendly, and lacked any attentiveness to us as customers. We had to ask other people for things like refills on our drinks, condiments, etc. She didn't ever really try to check to see how things were going after the food was served and we had to ask someone else to pay. Unfortunately considering this experience my husband doesn't want to go back and I hate that for us because the food was really good.

    Photos
    Dining room
    Dining room
    Savory French Toast tastes awesome when you break the egg yolk over the toast.
    Savory French Toast tastes awesome when you break the egg yolk over the toast.
    Dozen Donuts, equivalent to four full sized donuts

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    Dozen Donuts, equivalent to four full sized donuts
    The Wolf

    The Wolf

    4.2
    (548 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$$

    It was that time again for my weekly solo date night and I have had The Wolf in my bookmarks for a…read morebit. Arrived at around 7pm w/o a reservation and had to wait for roughly 40 minutes which wasn't too bad. Lucky for me there is a little bar down the street and I had a little drinky drink. When I got the call from The Wolf, I finished up and rushed over. I was sat at my favorite place in a restaurant...The bar. Its my favorite spot to people watch. OK drinks! I so I had the Coming to the Cottage. First off, the drink itself is so pretty. I love a drink in an unconventional color. It was delicious too. To start, I had the little Gem Salad. It was so good, but i'm super biased. This one had dill, radish and a yummy dressing. Super solid. For my main, I had the duck and it was so yummy. It came in a great sauce and cooked perfectly medium rare. Super fun time over at The Wolf! I totally understand the hype of this place. Great food and great service.

    A very nice lunch with a good friend. The ambiance is perfect: lots of wood and good light. The…read morefood was excellent. I had the pastrami sandwich and she the quiche, and we split the octopus appetizer, which was great. My two quibbles, which kept me from giving five stars: 1) Service was a little too eager to take our plates, Let us talk! We're not hogging the table (I don't think). 2) The cream in my coffee was slightly curdled. At this price point, these things matter. Will it stop me from returning? I doubt it.

    Photos
    The dining area
    The dining area
    Duck liver pâté comes with this adorable fried biscuit. The late was sinfully delish!!
    Duck liver pâté comes with this adorable fried biscuit. The late was sinfully delish!!
    Lamb pappardelle

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    Lamb pappardelle

    Mua - bars - Updated June 2026

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