Top 15 Affordable Restaurants in Oakland, CA

Michael Owens My girlfriend and I decided to have a nice dinner, and this was our 2nd time eating here. We had an absolutely phenomenal experience our first time, and it was no different tonight. If youre looking for an intimate dining experience, Marica is the place for you. Ive had some of the best food here, and the reason is because they have perfected the little things. Its the minor details on their dishes that they knock out of the park every time.

Jen Deal Beautifully decorated with local Columbian history and traditions on display in a modern, upscale way. Staff is as amazing as the number of times they use the word. Food is craveable and leaves you planning a return visit halfway through the meal. I appreciate when chefs can add a twist to traditional meals without losing the core foundation of it, the essence of the experience and the flavors. So well done, Chef!

Sam What a meal! Ive heard so many great things about Bombera. On a whim and with no reservation, we stopped by to see if we could grab a seat, and Im so glad we did. The vibes were amazing; the music was just loud enough to be festive but quiet enough to still talk. There is plenty of seating options, from the covered patio to the bar and dining room. ​I ordered only a few things because I wasnt too hungry, but everything was amazing! My favorite dishes were surprisingly the vegetarian ones—I loved the spicy carrots. The staff was incredibly generous and actually gifted us the beets and the mint tea. The beets were delicious, and the tea was the perfect pairing for the chocolate dessert. The duck was also a highlight. Service was amazing and the staff could not be any nicer. I cannot wait to return. Highly recommend

Anne This is one of my favorite Vietnamese places in Oakland- food is delicious, service is excellent, and interior is nice. Would be good for a cute little date night. My favorite appetizer to get is the Banh Khot. Absolutely yummy! It’s crispy and has just the right amount of coconut and flavor. I’ve been here multiple times and it’s something I always order. I don’t think i’ve had anything bad from this place. Their drinks are really good as well. It’s a bit on the pricey side for Viet food, but it’s well worth for the taste and quality. Parking is on the street and I typically don’t have an issue finding something nearby.

Gabriela Cadena Enjoyed the sloppy joe sandwich, cobb salad and shishito peppers. The Blond Sangria and Mr. Otto cocktail were balanced and refreshing. Will return.

Shweta Shanbhag Great experience.. The drinks were great esp the Sobre Mesa. The tapas were good. We liked the warmed brioche, empanadas, goat cheese,adobo chicken pinchos. The service is great and the ambience and the decor is unique and we really enjoyed our evening here..

John V. The first restaurant we planned to go to was fully booked, so we searched on Google Maps and found Grand Lake Kitchen — and we’re so glad we did! Parking was a bit of a challenge, but once inside, we loved the spacious setup and the lively vibe. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, and gave great food recommendations. The Fried Chicken was especially delicious — crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Everything we ordered tasted amazing, and the staff made the experience even better with their warm service. Highly recommend this place to everyone looking for great food and a welcoming atmosphere!

Enoc Garcia Came here to celebrate my father’s birthday. Great food and excellent service. I highly recommend the lomo saltado, beef empanadas, veggie ceviche, and of course the pollo asado. Parking may be a little difficult but it is worth it. Also try the yucca fries!

Emily Xie Sun Moon Studio absolutely exceeded every expectation I had. This recently Michelin-starred gem showcases why Oaklands dining scene is truly world-class. The intimate setting makes you feel like youre part of their culinary space rather than just dining out. Alan Hsu and Sarah Cooper have created something truly special here. Their farmer and producer-driven approach isnt just a buzzword concept, but its evident in every perfectly executed dish on their tasting menu. What impressed me most was how each ingredient, while part of a cohesive whole, had its own moment to shine. For the menu we were served, the young ginger brought the perfect heat and brightness to the soy milk tofu, the cured tomato elevated the black cod to new heights, and the buttery soft apricots paired with equally tender short ribs were nothing short of sublime. The menu is constantly rotating based on the seasons and what is best and Im sure it will blow you away. What also stood out was their thoughtful approach to beverages, with an excellent selection of non-alcoholic options for those who dont drink. Theyre also fantastic at accommodating dietary restrictions without compromising the experience. Practical notes: Book at least 6 weeks in advance (reservations fill up quickly!)

Soriano Pablo (Pabs) If you come to Prescott Market in West Oakland, there’s one spot that beats the rest in both quality and variety. Cafe Noir is such a terrific little bistro if you want a delicious and decadent breakfast/brunch. I’m a sucker for a good breakfast sandwich, and I’m convinced theirs is the best in town.

Rob Hedges Located in the Piedmont area, if you are in the mood for Italian style, non-pizza dinner, this restaurant will be worth the effort. High-quality flavoring, with a carefully-crafted alcohol and a rich range of choices from the current menu will leave a positive experience from the beginning until the end. You can taste the freshly-made pasta if you select something such as the Taglioni Pepati and the salads and appetizers will complete the experience. The photos included are the potatoes and of course Taglioni Pepati. Stop reading and go try it for yourself!

Robert Barnes Amazing Italian restaurant in Park BLVD Oakland. The chicken was perfectly balanced red sauce spicy traditional Italian. The Cod appetizer was small but delicious and the Marzano Chapped Salad was a pleasant surprise a blended salad with Chic pea, salami, broccoli, carrots, romaine, radish, egg, snap pea and pumpkin seeds. Had a great server. The overall experience was fantastic.

Miles Braddock I give this review as a Southerner, someone who is well-traveled, and someone who has eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world; this was quite literally one of the best meals Ive ever had. Standouts for me were the Petrale Sole, Okra Rice, and Cornbread. The staff went above and beyond, and ensured that this was a memorable experience. Also, make sure you leave room for the carrot cake, its great!

Luke Miles Yoshis is a standout when it comes to authentic Japanese cuisine. From the moment you enter, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for an exceptional dining experience. The decor is sleek yet cozy, offering the perfect environment for both casual meals and special celebrations. The menu at Yoshi’s is packed with options, but the sushi is what truly shines. The fish is always incredibly fresh, and each piece is prepared with attention to detail. Whether youre enjoying a classic California roll or a more adventurous specialty roll, you can taste the quality in every bite. For sashimi lovers, the selection is extensive and always perfectly sliced. Aside from sushi, Yoshis also offers a variety of other Japanese dishes, like ramen and teriyaki, that are equally impressive. The service is top-notch—attentive but never overbearing, and the staff is knowledgeable about the menu, always ready to offer recommendations. If youre a fan of Japanese food, Yoshis should definitely be on your radar. The combination of amazing food, great atmosphere, and excellent service makes it a must-visit spot. Whether youre a sushi aficionado or new to Japanese cuisine, you’ll leave Yoshi’s feeling satisfied and eager to return!

Oriol Nieto One of the best restaurants Ive ever been to, and Im not exaggerating. Hard to overstate how good this place is. My wife and I made reservations the day before we went and we managed to get a cozy place on the bar. We got the "We Wish You Amaro Christmas" cocktail and I believe its now my favorite cocktail ever. We ordered the salad, the risotto, and the halibut. Everything absolutely delicious. Like mind-blowing delicious. Fantastic atmosphere and great service. Prices are high, but not that high given the incredible quality of the food. This place is an absolute gem. Cant recommend it enough.