It’s been a minute since Oakland’s seafood scene was just about the dockside fish markets. Today, the Bay Area’s port city draws a steady stream of sustainable seafood devotees, oyster aficionados, and people with an appetite for both classic cioppino and innovative crudo to its waterfront eateries, neighborhood gems, and chef-driven destinations.
Marica Restaurant
$$$ | (510) 985-8388 | WEBSITE
Marica Restaurant hums with warmth from the moment you step inside. Couples share Caesar salads or Chilean sea bass fresh enough to have swum in that morning, at tables that feel like they were pulled from a seaside cottage. Come here with friends so you can split things like mussels in a garlicky white wine broth, or calamari served with a light salad that’s crisp and refreshing, or lobster tail cooked to tender perfection.
It’s hard to make a bad decision here, except for the occasional misstep (like a crème brûlée that’s a touch too sweet). You’ll want to call a few days ahead to secure a spot, but we promise it’s worth it.
Seabreeze On The Dock
$$ | (510) 607-9140 | WEBSITE
Do you need to escape the bustle of Jack London Square? Head to Seabreeze On The Dock, a great seafood restaurant on the waterfront that’s perfect for a casual meal away from the crowds. Start with the crab nachos before moving up to the heartier plates, like the lobster roll or shrimp and garlic noodles. Plan to order and share as much as possible, and take the leftovers back to your hotel.
Snail Bar
$$$ | (510) 879-7678 | WEBSITE
Snail Bar is a wonderful spot to unwind in the evening, particularly if you’re looking to savor a refined meal with a glass of excellent wine. Start with the pan con tomate or the crudite, which can also be enjoyed as a light appetizer, and a selection from their fun drink list. Anticipate a bit of a wait, but don’t be deterred—the atmosphere is welcoming and can handle a steady flow of guests.
Small Change Oyster Bar
$$ | (510) 210-3660 | WEBSITE
Small Change Oyster Bar is one of those Oakland spots you’ll hear about from the table next to you—a fact that becomes clear as soon as you walk in. If you’re looking for a fancy casual seafood experience with a relaxed vibe, this is it: there are fresh oysters, a pleasant outdoor patio with heaters, and plenty of groups enjoying sparkling wine or wine with their meals. Sit down, order a dozen oysters and a glass of something bubbly, and get a little indulgent with the cultured butter bread.
The fish and chips, shrimp cocktail, and halibut crudo are all worth trying, and the chowder hits the spot on colder days. While the counter service and self-busing keep things moving, the expectation of tipping 20% and managing full dish containers can feel a bit fussy. Still, the friendly, attentive staff and consistently delicious seafood make it a popular choice for a refined yet easygoing meal.
La Grana Fish
$ | (510) 731-7076 | WEBSITE
This seafood spot’s sun-dappled outdoor seating, with its bougainvillea tree and rustic benches set up for enjoying crispy fish tacos, will give absolutely anyone the urge to linger over a casual meal. Diners order an ungodly amount of birria ramen and shrimp tacos, while relaxing to the upbeat music from the nearby bar and celebrating laid-back—but definitely still delicious—meals.
The menu is mostly creative seafood with the odd curveball, like a Keto-style burrito that should be avoided to make space for more birria. Because that, and making you want to spend an entire afternoon under the bougainvillea tree, is where La Grana Fish really shines.
Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar
$$$ | (510) 444-3456 | WEBSITE
You don’t need a map to locate Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar—just let the beautiful waterfront views from the Hyatt Waterfront Hotel serve as your beacon. The menu at this upscale seafood spot is absolutely loaded with ocean delights (think grilled halibut, seafood salad, famous fish and chips, plus delectable calamari and oysters) though there are solid vegetarian options, too. Come with a special occasion in mind and you can all enjoy the charming touches like a rose and photograph.
Crogan’s Montclair
$$ | (510) 339-2098 | WEBSITE
Great pubs are everywhere in Oakland, but there are a couple of things from Crogan’s Montclair we can’t stop thinking about. The roast pork sandwich has perfectly tender meat on a toasted bun, the big food servings come loaded with flavor and satisfaction, and you could probably stretch out the generous portions for two meals. Don’t be shy with the friendly service—the attentive staff makes the atmosphere welcoming and the caring approach balances out the bustling pub vibe.
T’chaka a Taste of Haiti
$$ | (510) 380-2094 | WEBSITE
T’chaka a Taste of Haiti brings Haitian energy to a historic part of Oakland, so much so that you might actually forget you left the islands. Grab a table in the super cute sitting area for lunch or dinner and go to town on some akra before moving on to the jerk chicken, the fried pork dish (Griot), or any one of the seafood, meat, or vegan big plates.
Pagarung Thai Cuisine
$ | (510) 339-0566 | WEBSITE
If you woke up craving something savory or just need something very comforting immediately, head to Pagarung Thai Cuisine. Explore the entire lunch special menu—the Pad See Ew with beef is great, but you should try the Thai green curry, perfect pumpkin curry, and mango sticky rice—or go all out with the refreshing Thai iced teas and the irresistible mango sticky rice topped with coconut cream.
Đà Nẵng Quán Vietnamese Cuisine
$ | (510) 268-1368 | WEBSITE
The best thing about Đà Nẵng Quán is its vibrant, authentic energy. The second best thing is the Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup loaded with tender meat and flavorful tripe. We also love the Shrimp Spring Rolls and Banh Beo, but it’s crucial that you try the fresh sugarcane juice. Plan to spend a bit of time here, and maybe walk around Lake Merritt—the meal is quick and satisfying, and it’s a perfect spot just outside the main downtown area.
King Kong Chinese Restaurant
$ | (510) 530-6288 | WEBSITE
Are you craving Chinese food in Oakland? Get it at King Kong. The menu at this reliable spot stays consistent, but you can expect favorites like salt & pepper tofu, garlic broccoli, and mu shu veggie. If you’re dining solo, order a honey walnut shrimp or two, like the BBQ pork buns or the orange chicken, while you eat in the shabby dining area.
JJ Fish & Chicken Oakland – Int’l
$ | (510) 633-1212 | WEBSITE
There’s a stretch of East 14th Street where it feels like the restaurants are competing for a comfort food crown—you might think you took a wrong turn and ended up at a southern family reunion. Once you’re in at JJ Fish & Chicken, it feels like the home kitchen it smells like: people sit at simple tables, sharing plates of crispy fried chicken. Food comes first here, and it’s easy to be so caught up in the warmth that you might forget to check your watch.
You could have a full meal, but we’d recommend ordering a few standout dishes to savor instead. The made-to-order catfish and the heavenly cakes are why you came.
