Gil’s Oakland Guidebook
Food Scene
This place changed its name to Walnut & Oak recently, but it’s still the same great restaurant with the same menu (which changes a bit with the seasons). It’s very expensive! The dinner is amaaazing, make a reservation ahead of time or eat at the massive bar. I’ve also been for brunch twice and it’s meh (but you can usually get a table then without a reservation).
77 Einheimische empfehlen
Penrose
3311 Grand AveThis place changed its name to Walnut & Oak recently, but it’s still the same great restaurant with the same menu (which changes a bit with the seasons). It’s very expensive! The dinner is amaaazing, make a reservation ahead of time or eat at the massive bar. I’ve also been for brunch twice and it’s meh (but you can usually get a table then without a reservation).
Its the Yin to Penrose’s yang since the dinner here isn’t so great. But the Brunch, ohhh the brunch. It’s real good! Try the avocado toast breakfast. And the Matza ball soup. Also very reasonably priced.
117 Einheimische empfehlen
Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt
576 Grand AveIts the Yin to Penrose’s yang since the dinner here isn’t so great. But the Brunch, ohhh the brunch. It’s real good! Try the avocado toast breakfast. And the Matza ball soup. Also very reasonably priced.
I embarked on a tour of the highest rated bagels in Oakland and SF and this was my favorite. They are wood fired Canadian style bagels. Small but tasty.
122 Einheimische empfehlen
Beauty's Bagel Shop
3838 Telegraph AveI embarked on a tour of the highest rated bagels in Oakland and SF and this was my favorite. They are wood fired Canadian style bagels. Small but tasty.
Tri. Tip. Sandwich. It’s an outdoor space with a food truck, tables, gas fire pit, and even a kids play area. Let the kids frolic while you guzzle a pint. When you get there there may not be too many spots to sit but the tables turn over quickly and the food comes out fast.
56 Einheimische empfehlen
Westbrae Biergarten
1280 Gilman StTri. Tip. Sandwich. It’s an outdoor space with a food truck, tables, gas fire pit, and even a kids play area. Let the kids frolic while you guzzle a pint. When you get there there may not be too many spots to sit but the tables turn over quickly and the food comes out fast.
They specialize in vegetarian pizza (a single option every day) and sourdough baked goods. I don’t like sourdough (I don’t understand the obsession with it here in the Bay) but their French Batard is the perfect white bread—fluffy with a bit of heft and a crunchy crust. Prices are very reasonable. It’s nice to come here for a quick bite. Everything is made with care. The premade salads are simple but fresh and come with delicious homemade dressing. Sometimes for breakfast you can get a slice with a fried egg on top. This place is a neighborhood staple. Even when the line is long and out the door it moves really fast, they are very efficient.
198 Einheimische empfehlen
Arizmendi Bakery
3265 Lakeshore AveThey specialize in vegetarian pizza (a single option every day) and sourdough baked goods. I don’t like sourdough (I don’t understand the obsession with it here in the Bay) but their French Batard is the perfect white bread—fluffy with a bit of heft and a crunchy crust. Prices are very reasonable. It’s nice to come here for a quick bite. Everything is made with care. The premade salads are simple but fresh and come with delicious homemade dressing. Sometimes for breakfast you can get a slice with a fried egg on top. This place is a neighborhood staple. Even when the line is long and out the door it moves really fast, they are very efficient.
This is my neighborhood spot when I’m in the mood for a giant Burrito. T he tacos are good too. If you call in your order it’s usually pretty quick. They have a separate line for pick up orders. Very nice modern space and a lot of outdoor seating on the sidewalk.
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Rico Rico Taco
3205 Lakeshore AveThis is my neighborhood spot when I’m in the mood for a giant Burrito. T he tacos are good too. If you call in your order it’s usually pretty quick. They have a separate line for pick up orders. Very nice modern space and a lot of outdoor seating on the sidewalk.
Markets
Walk around and try the samples. enjoy some live music. People watch. The main thing to buy here are seasonal fruits and veggies. You can also get fresh or smoked fish, craft olive oil, and hand made cutting boards if you like spending $$$$. There are also some hot food vendors, but none that I’d go out of my way for.
197 Einheimische empfehlen
Grand Lake Farmers Market
746 Grand AveWalk around and try the samples. enjoy some live music. People watch. The main thing to buy here are seasonal fruits and veggies. You can also get fresh or smoked fish, craft olive oil, and hand made cutting boards if you like spending $$$$. There are also some hot food vendors, but none that I’d go out of my way for.
Farmer Joe's Marketplace
3426 Fruitvale AvenueLove this supermarket. They have Cola Lacroix.
When I’m in SF...
Whenever I’m hungry in San Francisco this is the first place that I think of. There are 3 locations total, they are all great. Wraps, salad, the best fries in the east bay, and greek froyo. Get a bottle of their hot sauce to go, there is nothing else like it.
196 Einheimische empfehlen
Souvla
517 Hayes StWhenever I’m hungry in San Francisco this is the first place that I think of. There are 3 locations total, they are all great. Wraps, salad, the best fries in the east bay, and greek froyo. Get a bottle of their hot sauce to go, there is nothing else like it.
The tea experience is great, the garden not so much.
41 Einheimische empfehlen
Samovar Tea Lounge, Yerba Buena Gardens
730 Howard StThe tea experience is great, the garden not so much.
The garden is wonderful, and worth the price of admission. The tea experience, not so much.
348 Einheimische empfehlen
Japanese Tea Garden
75 Hagiwara Tea Garden DrThe garden is wonderful, and worth the price of admission. The tea experience, not so much.
Neighborhoods
Noe Valley
Tipps für Reisende
Verkehrsmittel
Try the scooters!
Scooters have been banned in SF, but in Oakland they are one of the quickest and easiest ways to get around. Avoid riding on the sidewalk and don't forget to bring your own helmet!
Nützliche Sätze
Hella everything!
People in Oakland say "hella" to give things emphasis. For example, "the bagette at Arizmendi is hella fresh!". So when you're in town feel free to lightly sprinkle "hella" into your vernacular.