Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Oakland

Mediterranean food spots

Made for those who refuse to settle for anything less than the traditional flavors of the Mediterranean.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
OakTown Kabobs image 1
OakTown Kabobs image 2
OakTown Kabobs image 3
View all
Halal restaurant

Small space with limited seating offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a clean, inviting interior. The place serves authentic Afghan and Mediterranean dishes with bold, satisfying flavors at fair prices. It operates mainly as a takeout spot near a zoo, attracting a steady flow despite a modest, unassuming exterior.

Food offers authentic Afghan flavors with large portions. Chapli and left food dishes stay true to traditional recipes.

Lamb kebabs stand out as tender, sweet, and subtly flavored. Pita and hummus come with well-spiced hummus and fresh pita. Kebabs and gyros are authentic and offered at a good price.

People are saying

"The food here is tasty, spiced well, and cooked to perfection."

"The Mediterranean lamb kebabs are amazing and so tender."

"I found the food here authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

OakTown Kabobs primarily offers takeout with limited seating available.

2

Expect about 20 minutes for food preparation during busy hours.

3

Prices are fair, with meals often enough for two people.

02
Cairo Station Café image 1

Small restaurant with Egyptian-themed decor and eclectic wall art creates a cool, casual vibe enhanced by Egyptian jazz music. Doors open fully to the street, offering outdoor seating for people watching and a cozy upstairs nook. The atmosphere stays lively late into the night, attracting night owls with its authentic Middle Eastern energy.

Authentic North African and Egyptian dishes stand out with traditional spices and flavors. The koshary and shrimp falafel showcase genuine Middle Eastern cooking without anglo-American twists.

Chicken shawarma stands out with its flavorful, spicy profile and fresh taste. Falafel dishes, including shrimp falafel wraps and veggie falafel rice plates, offer phenomenal quality and perfectly cooked shrimp.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and tastes great."

"I thought the falafel was moist and flavorful."

"The Egyptian food here is so authentic, especially the koshary and shawarma."

Good to know

1

They are open till 2:00 a.m.

2

The meal cost only $15, making it a good deal.

3

Be sure to bring cash to tip the staff.

03
Lazeez Kitchen image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Middle Eastern restaurant with simple decor and outdoor seating offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels relaxed and friendly. The space hosts a lively mix of people speaking various languages, creating a welcoming vibe despite occasional stuffiness indoors.

Chef Nuraldin's culinary expertise delivers fresh, flavorful dishes rooted in Habesha and Middle Eastern traditions. The food offers warm hospitality alongside authentic tastes.

Chicken shawarma stands out with generous portions served over yellow rice and a Greek salad. Hummus and falafel rank among the best in the area, paired well with traditional brunch dishes like fuul and shakshuka.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's lamb is so good it melts in your mouth."

"The Mediterranean food here is delicious and expertly prepared."

"The owners' warm hospitality makes the authentic food shine."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family-owned and offers a unique blend of Eritrean and Middle Eastern cuisine.

2

Portion sizes are large, providing good value for the price.

3

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and hygiene standards.

04
Sheba Restaurant -مطعم سبأ المطعم اليمني image 1

Yemeni restaurant with authentic decor and acapella Quran recitations creates an immersive atmosphere. The vibe is cozy and welcoming, reflecting Yemeni culture with secluded seating for families and women. The environment supports cultural practices like prayer, enhancing the genuine experience.

Yemeni cuisine shines with authentic flavors and traditional dishes. The cozy setting complements the genuine taste of the food.

Hummus stands out as a signature dish, served alongside appetizers like stuffed grape leaves and falafel. The liver with hummus and shawarma sandwich show clear attention to detail and care in preparation.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"I found authentic Yemeni flavors that reminded me of traditional dishes."

"The Mediterranean food here is amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect long wait times during peak dinner hours, especially on Fridays.

3

The restaurant accepts credit cards and mobile payments only.

05
Black Forest Kitchen image 1
German restaurant

German restaurant offers a Bavarian beer garden vibe with a cozy outdoor patio featuring board games. Atmosphere stays relaxed but lively, welcoming groups for casual meals. Menu highlights include authentic Döner kebabs with both meat and vegan options.

Döner paper and doner kabob show authentic German street food qualities. Imported German beers add to the authentic and elevated experience.

Kebabs here are perfectly seasoned, juicy, and packed with flavor. The Doner Kebab matches the quality found in Berlin, offering a large and satisfying portion.

People are saying

"The vegetarian döner'ish was amazing and totally worth it."

"This Mediterranean food, the döner kebab, is surprisingly good and tasty."

"I found the döner kebabs to be perfectly seasoned and authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portions, so come hungry.

2

Expect to pay around $16 for a döner kebab meal.

3

Vegan options are available, but it's best to arrive early.

06
Persian Nights image 1
Persian restaurant

Warm Persian authentic ambience fills cozy indoor and outdoor spaces with beautiful holiday decorations and a cozy patio featuring outdoor heating. Quiet atmosphere encourages easy conversation, while a small bar with TV adds casual charm. The setting feels like a welcoming family gathering spot.

Dishes feature saffron rice, kebabs, and stews rich with vibrant spices. The food tastes fresh, well seasoned, and truly reflects Persian culinary traditions.

Freshness stands out in the tahchin and kebabs, with kebabs being tender and flavorful. The dolmas offer a unique taste, but the Barg kebab has an unpleasant smell and raises concerns about quality.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The food here tastes like home, truly authentic Persian."

"The Mediterranean food here is fresh and flavorful, especially the kebabs."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant no longer offers a buffet option, focusing on a la carte dishes.

3

Expect higher prices than average for Persian cuisine in the area.

07
Oasis Kitchen image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Cozy spot with palm tree murals and a laid-back vibe filled with authentic grill smoke. Offers enormous portions of Middle Eastern dishes like juicy shawarma and flavorful lamb at very reasonable prices. Mostly takeout with a simple storefront and a local, funky atmosphere.

Authentic Middle Eastern food delivers wonderful flavors that recall travels in the Middle East. A subtle grill-smoke scent often drifts from the kitchen, adding to the genuine atmosphere.

Falafel comes crispy outside and tender inside with rich flavor. Chicken shawarma plates are large, juicy, and perfectly spiced. Fresh, bright Mediterranean cold salads like balela, tabouli, and babaganoush complement the kebabs well.

People are saying

"This Mediterranean food is so flavorful and authentic, I loved it."

"The shawarma here is juicy and perfectly spiced."

"The food here is amazing and tastes so authentic."

Good to know

1

The falafel plate costs $12 and includes generous portions.

2

Oasis Kitchen recently started selling groceries alongside their meals.

3

Expect large portion sizes with every meal, perfect for sharing.

08
Ikaros Greek Kitchen (Takeout & Catering) image 1

Greek food delivery hub uses locker pickup system with a peaceful, elegant interior and Greek decor. Atmosphere is comfortable and quiet, with a backyard suited for outdoor lunch. It operates more as a catering and takeout spot than a traditional restaurant.

Greek dishes feature authentic flavors and traditional preparation. George cooks with genuine ingredients that capture true Greek taste.

Plates include dolmades, keftedes, spanakopita, and tiropita catering to vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores. The gyro stacker features tender chicken and gyro meat with red onion and a thick, yogurt-like tzatziki. Falafel and chicken dishes come out flavorful, complemented by fresh Greek salads.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and made with care."

"The Mediterranean food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

"I thought the Greek food here was truly authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

The establishment operates as a food delivery hub, not a traditional restaurant.

2

Customers retrieve their food from lockers, which may feel unusual.

3

Catering services are available for events, including weddings.

Discover more

Oakland, California

Area guide
Loading Map...