The food was delicious and the portions were a lot. The service was good and nice ambiance.

Our friends heard about Willow & Pine and its Cajun/creole cuisine and selected it as our dinner spot for our next get-together. Located in the Dimond district on Fruitvale, we arrived at 5pm and were able to find street parking across the street in front of the restaurant. We were seated in the front room at a window table. Our server took our drink orders and I got a butterfly pea iced tea. It's a honey sweetened tea that was a cool purplish color. For starters, we shared sweet potato fries and we were going to get fried oyster mushrooms, but our server recommended the Po' Thang sliders. The sweet potatoes fries were crispy and tasty with the smoked buffalo aioli. The three sliders with the fried oyster mushrooms with pink lemonade slaw and smoked buffalo vegan aioli were so delicious. I could have eaten all three. I had the shrimp etouffee for my entrée. A dozen shrimp was in this savory red creole gravy with a large scoop of jasmine rice and a side bowl of collard greens. The sauce was so delish and having the rice sop up that sauce was wow! Shrimp was cooked perfectly. Chilean Sea Bass - fish was on top of Jasmine rice and covered with a Jamaican coconut curry sauce. Had a taste and the fish was moist and the curry was tasty. An entrée that one of us wanted was the pork chops, but they were out today. For dessert, we shared: Banana pudding waffle - house-made vanilla custard, bananas, whipped cream and honey butter sauce over a Belgian waffle. This was so delicious. Strawberry short cake - consisted of biscuits with strawberries, strawberries sauce and topped with whipped cream. This was very good but I enjoyed the waffle more. Friendly and helpful service in a nice decorated restaurant. Check out Willow & Pine for delicious Cajun/creole food. read more

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First time customer but definitely not my last. We ordered the French toast with peaches which was absolutely delightful. We also ordered the shrimp and grits dish which was really delicious. The portions are huge so we shared both dishes and had a to go box for each. Service was great too. read more

Willows & Pine - Menu - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

This reflects my first visit with friends who had dined at least one or more occasions. I enjoyed a most amazing dining experience. We arrived at the start of dinner service. Comfy seating, pleasant hostess and server. Amazing menu selections. I had Brussel sprouts (enough to share), navy bean with kale and turkey soup (5), and the special of the day- turkey wings with dressing and a side (I chose cabbage). We asked for cranberry sauce. Someone whipped up some home-made, tangy, super delicious cranberry sauce! Of course, I had to take some home. The bowl of soup was deeeelicious and filling- but, still had some to take home! Yes! The portions are generous... As the restaurant began to fill up with diners (on a Wednesday evening), our server was noticeably busy, but also attentive to the needs of her diners!!!... It was a most enjoyable evening with family and friends... My first visit, but, definitely not my last read more

5 stars all around. Food was delicious, well seasoned, and portions are huge. My hard to please husband and child devoured their meals. And the desserts- omg. Not sure if it's all the time- but Friday night there was a Dj playing good music, not too loud at all- perfect background ambience. I'll be back with the rest of the fam. read more

The food was so good! We had a big team lunch there and shared around bites, so it felt like I got to try half the menu. I want to go back just to order the Chilean sea bass or blackened catfish. The owner/head chef came out and talked to our group, told us about the restaurant and her community involvement. It also seems like a great place to host an event and she mentioned they do catering. I highly recommend it. read more

I was headed home on 580 one evening and wanted to grab dinner first in this corner of Oakland near the hills. I've actually never been on this side of Fruitvale Ave, only the part around the Bart station, which is very Hispanic. This part in the hills, not so much. This place hit my feed back in 2024. Sit down Soul Food that has an upscale tinge but still quite casual. Great local story of a family that migrated from the South in the 1930's to escape racial oppresion and started a new life in West Oakland. There the grand parents opened a neighborhood store and eventually some local kitchen. All that eventually got phased out through development and this is the newer generation of that family trying to do something in the same town. Gotta respect that. The menu is actually quite small, but I think they have certain specials on certain nights. Like I would have wanted to try their seafood gumbo but I think it is only on Fridays. They also do brunch on the weekends that I've heard are quite buzzin'. Shrimp/Crawfish Chowder ($10/cup/4*) Very creamy with a standard chowder consistency. Very flavorful maybe even a tad salty. But definite garlic presence with all that creaminess. And serious chunks in this chowder like a handful of medium sized shrimps, just a few hits of small crayfish meat and substantial chunks of potato and carrot. The shrimps were just okay to me, but it is the part that'll fill ya up. The crayfish is what made it special that I wished there were more of it, but kinda expected. And their cup size is larger than most, that to me it is almost meal sized, and they even have a bigger size. This was so filling that I could only eat half of my entree. Smothered Pork Chops ($32/4*) These were just regular smaller diner style pork chops, just lightly seasoned and lightly pan fried without any coating/breading. So pretty plain but still decent. The mashed potatoes and gravy is where this place can separate themselves from other soul food joints. Here they have a lighter and more elegant hand than say a typical divier joint. Here the potatoes were super smooth and light, almost fine dining mashers. And the gravy was much lighter to where when it tops the meat, you can see through it and see the meat. Most other gravies it tends to smother the meats, covering it almost entirely. And it was supposed to come out with their brussel sprouts but they were out, so I chose their collard greens. And theirs were perfect to me, cooked down til soft but not totally mushy, still had some structure. And the leaves were cut in a uniform manner, so I'm gathering that someone back there has some good kitchen cred. For a first visit I was pretty impressed. Just curious to see how they evolve and hoping to see it firsthand. read more

Willows & Pine - Pork Chops - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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If you haven't tried this yet you should! The food is delicious, the staff was great. The chef came to our table to greet us and the atmosphere was great! Will definitely go back! read more

So so so good! The sea bass was INSANE, so tender, juicy and flavorful. I was supposed to share with others at the table but I ended up eating most of it! The fried Brussels sprouts were perfect. Crispy and perfectly sauced. Our table shared all of the dishes we ordered and every single one was delicious. The smothered pork chop, the chicken pot pie, the grilled cheese with braised beef... The staff are friendly and super helpful. This is simply an absolute gem of a restaurant. read more

I was excited to try this restaurant as I heard good things about it, but my experience was just not the best. First, the jambalaya was horrible. I should've known by the large amount that they gave me, but it was super not it. 6/10. The greens are extremely bland. I had to add sea salt and some seasoning. I'd give that a 6/10. Last leave the macaroni and cheese is the best thing on the menu . I'll give that a 7.5/10 read more

I went in today at approximately 2:30. I asked for an order of Chicken Pot Pie. This was a dish I'd eaten several weeks ago and, have had the dish 4 times since. Today I was told that it would be ready at 5:00 p.m.. I call at 6:55 to order the Chicken Pot Pie. I was told that, "it was not on the menu today!" If it wasn't on the menu today then why tell a customer that it wouldn't be available until 5:00? Somebody in the kitchen should have known that there would be an issue providing this particular item today. The staff should have been informed so that the customer isn't given erroneous information. Will I ever come back for this dish? Not before calling! For a relatively new Black Owned business this is not a good look. I've been telling people how good the Pot Pie is and chances are it wasn't available if and when they ordered it. Be consistent and honest with a customer! I'm now researching frozen chicken pot pies I know will be available at Safeway! I can buy several and save myself a headache. We have to do better. Proper planning is critical! read more

Great service and food love the drinks also. The customer service and food portions was top tier

Compliments to the head chef and Oakland native owner for the all the delectable food and for hosting a friend's birthday. Everything was so rich in flavor, and refreshing to find in somewhat the rougher parts of Oakland and an calming ambience to go along with it. read more

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I was excited to go to this restaurant and was disappointed in the experience. My friend ordered the sea bass. The sea bass portion was EXTREMELY small and sat on a huge pile of rice. It was also too expensive for what you got. My friend asked why it was so small and she was told that it was 6 ounces and they could show her "the box" it came in. Lol, yeah, it might have said 6 ounces but they only served her 4 ounces!!! The service took a long time and it wasn't that busy on a Friday evening. They were out of the chowder and a few other items and we were told that because they are a small restaurant they don't always have everything on the menu! Really?!? I tried the gumbo and was under whelmed! Again very expensive but not well seasoned. The country fried mushroom slider was delicious. Also is it a new trend to have a DJ playing loud music in restaurants so that you can't talk or hear yourself think ? Why? It seems to be a Black restaurant trend. I don't have the same experience in other restaurants unless it's Mexican and there is a mariachi band there. It does not add to the ambience and I personally haven't returned to those restaurants that continue to blow my eardrums out. As for this restaurant, perhaps they save their dishes for their brunch on Sundays. I'll never know though as I will not be returning. When I ate at her spot when she was in Jack London Square, it was a wonderful experience and the food was so so good!!! I wanted to have same experience with her new place. read more

5 stars for the oyster mushroom "fried chicken" slider. a cute addition to the neighborhood. friendly, family-run spot.

If you are in a rush, bypass. The food is great. A must try. Being that everything is made fresh, the service is on the slower side. Don't be discouraged. Good things come to those who wait. The portion sizes are large and there is a so many great options to choose from. They have a dj on Friday nights and he plays great music while you dine. They also have brunch on Sunday. read more

Went to this restaurant and the meal was GREAT! Make sure to go to Willowa and Pine and you will be satisfied with the LARGE portions and the GREAT customer service!!! I will be back JAN 9, l made my reservations yesterday read more

Good food, great service and clean bathroom, what else do I need. It has a very personal feel but has two dining rooms

OMG the shrimp and grits have savory flavor and fried mushrooms taste like chicken! My meal is Fantastic! Ambience is Great! read more

After walking a whole block in heels...I was just turned away for the second time....kitchen closing over an hour before the listed closing time....being that this is my second time; I'm finding really easy to say there will not be a third time as I've given up. read more

Loved it! Very good food, service, and ambiance to say the least. I had the jambalaya and red beans and rice in which both were on point. One thing I quickly noticed with the jambalaya was that they didn't skimp with the meat. It was how a jambalaya is supposed to be. All in all, I highly recommend this establishment and I definitely plan on returning soon. read more

Willows & Pine - Jambalaya and Red Beans & Rice dishes - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

The food was delicious! The prix fixed brunch is more than enough to serve two to three people. It was my first time visiting, I was really unsure if it was a seat yourself kind of deal when my party and I first walked in. We stood at the counter for a minute before being greeted. The vibe was very relaxed and family oriented. I would go back again for the food even if it was for take out. read more

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Came at opening for brunch; no reservation because there were none available. Seated in 1min. Order taken in 10min. Out of beef bacon; opted for hot links. Ordered pomegranate lemonade, side salad as a starter, vegan chicken and waffles, brioche caramel apple french toast, and eggs. Great price point. The family history on the back of the menu was inspiring. Very nice interior. R&B music. Servers were kind. Food came 26min after ordering. Everything came out at once. Had a side salad that I wish could've came out sooner. The whip on the french toast was good; it was a lot. There wasn't much batter on the toast. Great thick brioche bread. Good food. The dinner menu looks great too. Want to try again. read more

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Amazing food, amazing service, everything came out in the timely fashion, considering they were short staffed. They gave us good to go containers, because we definitely have food left over. Large portions. Well priced. We'll return and bring more folks with us!!! read more

Great addition to the Oakland Soul Food scene. Great service. Cozy and yet family friendly space. Loved the oxtails, shrimp and grits, and fried mushrooms. So tasty! read more

Good service. Friendly staff. Excellent food! Definitely would go back again for the short ribs.

Food, services, ambiance, good vibes, the new spot #creole The owner is very nice and friendly! read more

Willows & Pine - Fried Mushrooms, Mac & cheese, shrimp in voodoo sauce, call a greens and the shrimp Estuve - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Outstanding food -- I keep coming back for the cuisine, the warm atmosphere, and the excellent service. I'm so glad we have a restaurant like this in Oakland. I love supporting local business owners, and it makes it even better that Michauxnee is homegrown! read more

Four of us had dinner at Willows & Pine for the first time this evening. We definitely will be back. The service was welcoming and the food was great! One caution: the portions are huge; be prepared to take home stuff. I had jambalaya, which was nicely spicy and filled with shrimp, sausage and fish. Another one of us had the sea bass and a cabbage and greens, and two had gumbo. Unfortunately, none of us had room for dessert. The chef clearly loves to cook--a family tradition--and you should go before it gets so popular you can't get in. read more

Brunch was amazing. We arrived around 12:00pm and was seated right away. There's a set 4 Course Brunch Menu, but you can order a la carte as well. I ordered Oxtails and grits and a Mimosa. The portions are huge. The Oxtails were so tender, they fell off the bone. The grits were good too. You definitely get what you pay. There was a DJ and the vibe was chill. Two a la carte entrees with a mimosa and orange juice was $66 and some change before adding a tip which is very reasonable. I will definitely be back soon! read more

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I am hooked on Willows & Pine. Just discovered it a couple months ago and been there multiple times. I love that the owner's family members work there and are so helpful and friendly. I also love the family photos and vibe. The music is always good too. I'm a vegetarian so I can only speak to the dishes I cannot get enough of!!- oyster mushroom sliders and the plantain waffle w oyster mushrooms. Even the salads are great! Ooh and the biscuit w caramel was so good. read more

Willows & Pine - Biscuit w Caramel Apple Biscuit - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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The food was largely inedible. I ordered gumbo, red beans and rice, and cabbage and cornbread. The gumbo was so salty, I couldn't even swallow one bit. The red beans and rice were grossly under seasoned and not appetizing in the least. There was no sauce to tie the two together. I did enjoy a few bites of the cabbage until my stomach complained. The only explanation for such poor quality food is that the restaurant just opened and maybe the food was left over from the night before. When i called to complain I was told that no one else had a problem with the food. That was not a very emphatic response. I had high hopes for this establishment but I certainly can not recommend them - at least not for delivery. read more

I came with a friend on a weekday evening, was not crowded. Bar was open and service was nice. A month later I'm still thinking about the fried oyster mushrooms! Well seasoned and crisp was perfect! Would recommend! read more

Willows & Pine - Fried Oyster Mushroom - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Easter Sunday! Willow and pine was open to customers! Great service great food! Ambiance was on point! The restaurant wasn't crowded but had a steady stream of customers! The wait was long but worth the wait! I would recommend a visit again! Mac and cheese 10/10 shrimp 10/10 read more

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We hit the jackpot when we landed seats at Willows & Pine! We had a bit of a wait (what great restaurant doesn't have one?) but we were also met with a warm greeting. The chowder was some of the best we've ever had. Hot, well-seasoned, creamy deliciousness with tender potatoes and perfect shrimp. A tastebuds' treat all by itself! But no, we didn't stop there. I had the jambalaya - filled with tender chicken, shrimp and sausage. It has a bit if a kick to it but the seasonings were all perfectly appointed. My husband ordered the pork chop dinner with mashed potatoes and braised Brussels sprouts. He fully enjoyed his meal - well not fully, I kept also dipping in his plate. Food - hot, fresh, amazing! I love, loved how that many customers that came in seemed to be family or at least repeat customers, and staff gave attention and time to everyone to ensure a pleasant dining experience. We were too full to attempt desserts but you can bet when we are back in the Bay, we will drop in on Willow & Pine. In the meantime, if you are anywhere close, go check them out. You will not be disappointed! Bravo Chef & Family! read more

Willows & Pine - Jambalaya, Shrimp and Crawfish Chowder (CUP), Pork Chop with Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Fried Oysters Mushrooms with a side of Red Beans and Rice and Cabbage with a refreshing pomegranate lemonade read more

Willows & Pine - Fried Oyster Mushroom, Red Beans and Rice and Cabbage with a Pomegranate lemonade...... 10/10 - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Went to Willow & Pine for brunch today. The decor was nice, the DJ was good and the food was EXCELLENT!!! We had shrimp and grits and banana pudding. Will definitely be back. read more

Service was great! Food was tasty, ambiance was nice relaxing. Loved being able to see into kitchen. Drinks were good ! would definitely come again ! read more

8/10/25 My husband and I had brunch at Willow and Pine. My husband had the chicken pot pie and butterfly pea tea. He was impressed and full after eating 3/4 of his meal. The biscuit in the chicken pot pie was light and fluffy, and had lots of chicken chunks in the creamy chicken gravy. I had the fried oyster mushrooms and home fried potatoes, it was as delicious and filling. We plan to return for the dinner menu soon. After eating we spoke to the owner about the beautiful pictures of her family on the wall. I remember her families restaurant in West Oakland "The Barn". Their fried chicken was the best in the bay. While sitting in the restaurant my friend stopped in to see the restaurant. The owner gave her free shrimp and grits to go. The service is next to none, very professional. read more

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The food was deliciously good we had the Oxtails and grits,Salmon Salad, and the Shrimp with grits.