My Favorite East Bay Spots!
After 11 years in Oakland, it’s bittersweet to say goodbye. This city has shaped me in so many ways and fed me SO well. I’ve loved exploring every corner, trying new spots, and supporting the small businesses that make Oakland so special. These are some of my absolute favorite places! They are the ones I keep coming back to and the ones I hope you’ll take the time to enjoy too. Please let me know in the comments if you ever use the list, it would bring me so much joy!
You can see and SAVE all my favs in this google maps but below are my top spots!
SAVE THIS GOOGLE MAPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/c8CbXLhVQdWqn3kJA
Ordinaire Wine Shop & Bar - Oakland
Fav spot for wine with friends. Unpretentious, natural wines and the perfect vibe to hang out near the lake.
Joodooboo- Oakland
Delicious and fresh Korean food. Every dish feels so thoughtful and the banchan is incredible.
Swan’s Market- Oakland
My favorite cafeteria-style food hall. I love the beautiful historic building in downtown Oakland and all the food options. I took so many clients here because there is something for everyone!
Forbidden Island (Tiki Bar)- Alameda
Best fun and quirky tiki bar with delicious drinks. You have to get the Monkeypod. It’s such a good one!
Tarts de Feybesse- Oakland
Absolutely stunning and delicious baked goods inspired by the chef’s Filipino and French heritage. My favorite spot for sweets!
Sequoia Diner- Oakland
This is a new favorite! They have really good biscuits and the perfect cozy dinner vibe. They also have a list of boozy brunch drinks which i don't see often enough in Oakland!
The Hidden Cafe- Berkeley
Probably my favorite cafe in the East Bay! Right at the entrance of Strawberry Creek Park. They have lovely drinks and even provide blankets for the park. The best people watching too!
Namaste Pizza- Oakland
I was addicted to their tikka masala pizza. Don’t knock it till you try it! Perfect easy weekend night meal delivery when you don’t want to cook.
Poppy Bagels- Oakland
Best bagels. The price is a little steep but their outdoor garden and super delicious bagels make up for it. Try the basic. It’s wildly good for being so simple.
Champa Garden- Oakland
I used to live around the corner from this Laotian spot and I was obsessed with their sampler platter. Everything is good here, try it all!
Shan Dong- Oakland
This place is an institution. The best hand-pulled noodles in the Bay. You HAVE to get the sesame noodles!
Tallboy- Oakland
Newest and cutest bar in town. Delicious drinks and they give you free popcorn in the back. Make sure to add nutritional yeast and ranch powder to the popcorn. Sounds weird but it’s so good. I sneak some home with me every time.
Tacos Oscar
One of my favorite taco spots in Oakland. Their tortillas are perfect and the fillings are super creative but still comforting. Everything is always fresh and seasonal and somehow even better than you expect.
📍 The rest of the 119 fav food spots in the East Bay!