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Guide to Oakland

Brunch and lunch spots

You want a midday meal that carries the same weight and intention as a weekend brunch.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Perle Bar image 1
Perle Bar image 2
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Bar combines cozy indoor seating with casual outdoor tables, creating a relaxed and unpretentious vibe. Live music adds energy, especially during brunch, while excellent cocktails complement the atmosphere. TVs inside can distract from the otherwise charming and informal setting.

Brunch offers a prix fixe menu with great portions and rich food. Live music plays during Sunday brunch, adding to the atmosphere.

Offers a great lunch menu with options suitable for midday meals. Serves well for lunch, dinner, or drinks in a relaxed setting.

People are saying

"The brunch here is the best I've had in the Bay Area."

"The Bar's menu is creative and the dishes are beautifully prepared."

"The bahn mi here is delicious and fresh with amazing pho broth."

Good to know

1

Parking is free at the garage by the farmers market.

2

Getting there early enough to find parking should be sufficient to avoid issues.

3

The brunch was a special prix fixe menu for Easter.

02
Town Fare by Chef Michele McQueen image 1

Open, modern space with natural light and fresh flowers on every table creates a bright, inviting setting. Live DJ spins neo-soul and old school music, adding a lively, fun atmosphere especially during brunch. Indoor and outdoor seating options include a patio lounge with a bar, blending casual comfort with stylish vibes.

All-you-can-eat brunch costs $45 and includes a DJ set and a big screen for watching games. The menu features good, clean food with a soulful brunch option celebrating Black History Month.

Lunch features chicken sandwich and wings that get shared around. The food comes out absolutely delicious.

People are saying

"I found the food to be amazing and surprisingly fresh."

"I loved the shrimp and grits at brunch; they blew my socks off."

"I thought the food at this Lunch Spot was delicious."

Good to know

1

Every 4th Sunday, they have an all-you-can-eat buffet for $45.

2

The restaurant does not take reservations, so expect a short wait.

3

Street parking is available around the museum and in a nearby garage.

03
Desilicious image 1
Pakistani restaurant

Small space with an open kitchen where cooking is visible creates a family-owned vibe and cozy atmosphere. Warm, welcoming environment feels like a hidden gem with homely charm. Upstairs area offers additional seating for small parties.

Weekend brunch features halwa puri that stands out for its flavor and texture. The overall brunch experience feels outstanding and satisfying.

Early lunch visits feature great service and friendly staff who greet with smiles and chat. The spot works well for both casual lunches and catching up over chai with friends.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly balanced with spices."

"This Lunch Spot has outstanding food, especially the tender lamb."

"I thought the halwa puri during brunch was fantastic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant can have a wait time of up to 20 minutes for food.

2

Expect to pay over $100 for a meal for 2-3 people.

3

Credit card payments incur an extra 10% fee, which is illegal in California.

04
Southie image 1
Restaurant

Small, intimate space with an open kitchen creates an upscale fast casual vibe. Atmosphere feels cozy and relaxed but can get loud due to lack of sound dampening. Seating suits small parties with high bar stools that may limit stay duration.

Brunch features a Sunday brunch menu with dishes like mussels, breakfast burrito, and crostinis. Breakfast options stay limited despite the brunch focus.

Known for being a favorite lunch spot, it offers a reliable and satisfying midday meal option. Regular visits highlight its consistent quality and appeal for lunch.

People are saying

"You have to try 'The Balls' sandwich; the meatballs are seasoned to perfection."

"I highly recommend this place as a lunch spot."

"The brunch food was super good and cost-conscious."

Good to know

1

Parking could be scarce, so arrive early to find a spot.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during lunch and brunch hours.

3

No reservations are accepted, so be prepared for potential wait times.

05
Willows & Pine image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant combines southern flare with classic California touch in a modern, intimate space. Atmosphere stays laid-back and family-friendly with R&B music that supports conversation. Seating includes spacious booths and a cozy main room.

Brunch offers a curated menu with dishes like oxtail and grits and chicken pot pie instead of typical eggs and waffles. Options include a la carte choices and vegetarian substitutions.

Lunch includes filling dishes like Country Gravy and short rib grilled cheese paired with crawfish chowder. Options suit quick breaks but may feel tight on time.

People are saying

"This American food tastes like home and is so comforting."

"The oxtail with grits for brunch were big and flavorful."

"The owner shared the history of this Lunch Spot and her vision."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary for Saturday dining, even early in the evening.

2

Expect to arrive early for brunch to avoid long wait times.

3

Vegan and vegetarian options are available on the menu.

06
Jebena Cafe image 1

Open, airy space with Ethiopian cultural touches creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Soft jazz and Amharic conversation blend with the aroma of coffee, making the vibe lively yet relaxed. Cozy seating and friendly energy invite both socializing and quiet moments.

Good quality food with generous portions makes it a solid choice for brunch. Prices lean a bit higher but match the overall experience.

Great foul stands out as a solid choice for lunch. Creamy, sweet iced chai pairs well with the meals, making lunch here a tasty and satisfying option.

People are saying

"I had the best coffee and amazing food at this Cafe."

"This brunch is light, healthy, and fresh with yummy Ethiopian dishes."

"This lunch spot's food is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The cafe offers a variety of traditional Ethiopian coffee and tea.

3

Parking is generally easy to find in the surrounding area.

07
Co Nam image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small, intimate space blends modern, trendy bar style with Vietnamese fusion cuisine. Atmosphere feels cool and vibrant, with fantastic cocktails and best chicken pho standing out. Indoor seating and a clean, well-kept interior create a cozy yet lively setting.

Saturday brunch offers a bottomless mimosa option with prompt service. Reservations for groups are accepted with a deposit charged separately from the brunch fee.

Lite lunches come from appetizer sandwiches and lunch specials. Quick stops work well since lingering is not necessary.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese Food pho broth here really rocks."

"The food at Brunch was outstanding and delicious."

"I will definitely be back to this lunch spot soon."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

3

A $15 per person deposit is required for reservations of six or more.

08
Yโ€™s Choice image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant with cozy atmosphere and R&B music playing at a comfortable volume. Space includes a pool table, full bar, and a sleek setup with a lush green wall and private room. Decor features custom neon signage and fresh flowers, creating a welcoming and lively vibe.

Brunch features a unique tower option not common outside bottomless menus. The atmosphere brings a Dallas brunch vibe with a strong reputation among local spots.

Good vibe stands out during lunch. The spot serves solid brunch and lunch options.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and flavorful."

"I'll be back for brunch tomorrow; the food and drinks are a 10/10."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was spectacular and attentive."

Good to know

1

The wait time on Sunday can exceed 2 hours.

2

You must pay upfront for your meal.

3

Expect food to take around 40 minutes to arrive.

09
Prescott Market West Oakland image 1

Food court combines enclosed indoor space with a large outdoor area featuring a sandbox and kids' play zone, making it family-friendly and dog-friendly. Atmosphere varies from relaxing and spacious to lively with loud live music. Secure parking and free WiFi add convenience for visitors.

Drag brunch offers lively entertainment alongside delicious food. Brunch and lunch menus provide better eating options than dinner.

Offers quick lunch options with better choices for brunch and lunch than dinner. Good for a fast stop during the midday.

People are saying

"The food options here are great, especially the pizza."

"This lunch spot is a great addition to the neighborhood."

"This brunch is a superb addition to the neighborhood."

Good to know

1

Trivia nights occur every Thursday at 7pm with no entry fee.

2

Live music is featured on weekends, enhancing the atmosphere.

3

The Prescott Night Market runs every Friday evening, offering local vendors.

10
Montclair Egg Shop image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Open kitchen and rustic decor with model trains and a grandfather clock create a warm, cozy atmosphere. The place fills up quickly, often with families, and can get noisy during busy times. Outdoor seating is available, adding to the welcoming vibe.

Hearty, delicious breakfast and brunch classics fill the menu with a welcoming ambiance. Attentive service creates an awesome brunch experience even when waiting in the rain.

Casual spot serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch with a strong reputation in the area. It operates through lunch hours and feels like a neighborly breakfast and lunch spot.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and delicious."

"You'll wait for eggs on weekends, but the food's worth it."

"The Lunch Spot service is friendly and fast."

Good to know

1

Be prepared to wait if there are more than two people on weekends.

2

There is a wait during brunch hours on weekends.

3

You definitely need to get on the waitlist to get in.

11
Home of Chicken & Waffles image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant with historic googie architecture and a cozy outdoor patio featuring heaters. Warm, family-like atmosphere with live music and a welcoming bar area that opens to the outside. Known for crispy chicken and waffles and bottomless mimosas during brunch.

Brunch features chicken and waffles alongside bottomless mimosas. The vibe stays lively on Sundays, making it a popular spot for groups and casual gatherings.

Lunch offers reliable breakfast and lunch plates with solid flavors. Servers maintain good attention by checking in on diners even during lunch specials.

People are saying

"The chicken and waffles here are delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"This lunch spot's fried chicken is some of the best I've ever had."

"I'd suggest Uber for Brunch because car break-ins happen here all the time."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted menu items, making it a great time to visit.

2

Bottomless mimosas are available, likely only on weekends.

3

Visitors should avoid leaving valuables in cars due to theft risks in the area.

12
Brenda's Oakland image 1

Cozy indoor space and spacious outdoor patio with radiant heaters create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Music plays loudly, contributing to an upbeat energy that suits brunch, lunch, or dinner. Seating can feel tight, but the overall vibe stays positive and lively.

Brunch offers indulgent soul-food dishes like shrimp and grits with tomato-bacon gravy. Outdoor patio seating adds to the warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for late morning meals.

Lunch features Fried Oyster Po' Boy and Gumbo. The atmosphere suits brunch, lunch, or dinner.

People are saying

"You have to try the warm, golden-fried apple beignets."

"This brunch's soul food dishes felt like a warm hug."

"The fried oyster po' boy and cheddar cheese grits are delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features three or four different meat options for tacos.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

3

Street parking is the only option available nearby.

13
The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill image 1

Waterfront setting offers breathtaking views and a relaxing atmosphere with outdoor seating and live music. Guests enjoy heated covered decks and shaded patios, creating a comfortable space for socializing. The vibe suits casual gatherings with friends or romantic outings by the lake.

Brunch offers classic fare and seafood options with a Price-Fix deal. Seating dockside overlooking the lake creates a great spot for friends to enjoy Eggs Benedict and other dishes.

Lunch here offers a dog-friendly atmosphere with seating on a sunny back deck. It suits both casual meals after a walk and larger gatherings like work meetings or celebrations.

People are saying

"I loved the nice view from the outdoor seating area."

"This lunch spot's salmon burger is the best thing served."

"I enjoyed brunch with its gorgeous lake views."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on Tuesdays with menu items priced between $7 and $10.

2

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

3

Valet parking is available, but car burglaries are common in the area.

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Oakland, California

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