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Local picks in Oakland

Cocktails and seafood spots

Made for those who prefer their seafood paired with a stiff drink and have no patience for dry pairings.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Willows & Pine image 1
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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.

Cocktails here are consistently great and pair well with the food. The Summer Romance cocktail stands out as a refreshing, light, and fruity choice.

Shrimp and crawfish chowder stands out with its creamy texture, perfect seasoning, and a mix of shrimp, crawfish, kale, and potatoes.** Shrimp étouffée and jambalaya feature well-cooked shrimp paired with savory biscuits and spicy sausage.

People are saying

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

"The owner's family makes you feel like family with their hospitality."

"You have to get there early for the popular seafood oxtails."

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.

02
Mesa Maguey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, casual space with lively dance floor playing salsa and cumbia music creates an energetic vibe. Warm, inviting atmosphere blends funky decor and tasteful accents, offering comfort for both casual and special occasions. Tables accommodate couples and large groups, with a back room for events enhancing versatility.

Cocktails feature aromatic flavors and are handcrafted with care by Leo, who offers a curated mixology experience. They are dialed in and evoke tastes reminiscent of Oaxaca.

Fish tacos with pineapple salsa stand out alongside sautéed shrimp in rich sauce. The menu features Oaxacan seafood specialties like ribs in green mole and tlayudas.

People are saying

"These enchiladas verdes are the best Mexican food I've ever tasted."

"You have to try the tacos during Happy Hour; they're the best in Oakland."

"The cocktails here are creative and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available every day with great deals on food and cocktails.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger parties, especially for the back room.

3

Portions are designed for one person, so order extra if you're a big eater.

03
Bar César image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open windows invite street views into a lively space with friendly atmosphere and loud music and noise. The crowd is mature and the energy feels fun and social, suited for solo visits or small groups. Unique cocktails and top-tier Mexican dishes like crunchy carnitas and flavorful fish tacos stand out.

Cocktails here are balanced and world class, featuring drinks like the Hibiscus Margarita and Saturno that blend sweet and delicious flavors.

Shrimp tacos stand out with their large size and crispy texture. Fish tacos, including tempura style, offer a delicious and satisfying seafood option.

People are saying

"The food here is tasty, fresh, and satisfying."

"The shrimp tacos are large, crispy, and delicious."

"The shrimp tacos are large, crispy, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Prices are a bit high, but the quality of food justifies it.

2

Items on the bill are charged separately as extras.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

04
Bardo Lounge & Supper Club image 1
American restaurant

Mid-century modern design shapes a warm, intimate space with wood paneling, curated lighting, and cozy nooks. Live music and a stylish bar create a sublime atmosphere that balances upscale and inviting vibes. Cocktails stand out as a highlight, complementing the overall elegant yet relaxed energy.

Inventive cocktails feature prominently, including the 'Cat's Meow' and 'We Wish You Amaro Christmas'. Drinks offer refreshing and unique flavor combinations that pair well with elevated dishes.

Shrimp and grits come with crispy fries and a creamy aioli. Fish dishes are well cooked and succulent, paired nicely with cocktails.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are phenomenal, with finely crafted flavor profiles."

"I found the cocktails to be delicious and unique."

"The seafood dishes were cooked perfectly and tasted savory."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

2

Parking can be tricky; consider side streets for better options.

3

Prices are on the higher side, but the quality is excellent.

05
Bocanova image 1
Latin American restaurant

Spacious dining area with an open kitchen and walls of windows showcases local art and a courtyard garden. Atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming, with dim lighting and soft Peruvian music creating a cozy vibe. Full espresso and cocktail bars offer top-notch mezcal and passion fruit margaritas, while the patio provides a warm urban outdoor setting.

Craft cocktails come with gorgeous presentation and are consistently well composed. A full cocktail bar offers a variety including the Nuestra Paloma, noted for its quality.

Rich, creamy moqueca features tender fish and shrimp. Happy hour offers $2 oysters daily. Seafood ceviche, coconut seafood stew, and fish tacos stand out as delicious options.

People are saying

"The food here is thoughtful, beautifully prepared, and genuinely delicious."

"The seafood here, like the moqueca, is rich, creamy, and packed with tender fish."

"The cocktails here are amazing, well-made, and tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 pm with $2 oysters.

2

Valet parking is available at the Marriott across the street.

3

Bocanova has outdoor seating that is dog-friendly and equipped with heaters.

06
Yimm Oakland image 1
Thai restaurant

Cozy space with beautiful seating and a chill vibe featuring good music. The atmosphere grows loud when busy, making conversation difficult at times. Fresh ingredients and spicy dishes define the dining experience.

Cocktails come with a full bar offering bright, fruity flavors. The Tom Kha cocktail stands out with its spicy twist.

Sweet fish and fried fish with basil stand out among seafood options. Tom kha soup includes seafood alongside vegetarian versions. Shrimp appears in egg rice and green curry dishes.

People are saying

"The pumpkin curry is perfectly prepared and absolutely delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's the best part of the meal."

"The cocktails here are bright, fruity, and really tasty."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available but can be limited during busy times.

2

Expect smaller portion sizes for takeout compared to dining in.

3

The kitchen closes at 9 PM, so arrive early to order.

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.

True craft cocktails come with flair and include unique options like the pandan and Tokyo street fashioned. Cocktail pairings match well with food, offering both high-end and affordable choices.

Seafood dishes feature crispy fried fish with a citrus-ginger sauce and grilled shrimp that stays moist with a slight char. The oysters stand out as notably fresh, and shrimp appears in various forms like garlic noodles and sugarcane spring rolls.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese Food pho broth here really rocks."

"The garlic shrimp noodles were perfectly chewy and flavorful."

"The cocktails here are amazing and looked fantastic."

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
Sláinte Irish Pub Oakland image 1

Irish pub with authentic Celtic live music and a cozy fireplace creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Decor features classic Irish photos and souvenirs, enhancing the old Irish pub feel. The place draws a friendly crowd seeking unpretentious food and drinks in a relaxed setting.

Irish coffee stands out as a highlight, noted for its quality. Cocktails complement meals well, especially during brunch with a full Irish breakfast and salad.

Fish and chips come out perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Hearty dishes like shepherd's pie complement a solid selection of Irish beers.

People are saying

"It's a chill, authentic Irish pub experience."

"The fish and chips here were excellent and had a great flavor."

"You have to try the cocktails; the Irish coffee is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs from 3-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Every Sunday, a traditional Irish band performs, creating a unique experience.

3

Fish & Chip night is every Friday, featuring special menu items.

09
Sirene image 1
Seafood restaurant

Open kitchen and speakeasy-style back bar create a lively, curated atmosphere with tasteful nods to the sea. Seating varies from garden to cafe-style high tables, fostering a comfortable yet upscale vibe. Live piano music and botanical gin martinis add to the refined but unpretentious experience.

Cocktail list offers a wide variety with very good drinks. Staff are attentive and explain both dishes and cocktails clearly.

Fresh, local fish dominates the menu, with everything made to order. High-grade seafood like box crab, spiny lobster, mussels, uni, and oysters stand out, alongside classics like black cod and asparagus.

People are saying

"The seafood here is amazing, especially the oysters."

"The American food, especially the fried chicken, is the best I've ever had."

"I was blown away by the great cocktail list."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant offers a special 40pp fried chicken dinner set.

3

Hydrangea coffee is a unique offering not commonly found elsewhere.

10
The Fat Lady Bar & Restaurant image 1

Old wooden bar, antique lighting, and vintage decor create a unique, funky atmosphere with a cool, eclectic energy. The space separates bar and dining areas to avoid feeling cramped. Guests enjoy classic American fare alongside craft cocktails like martinis and spritzes.

Cocktails come out well balanced with just the right amount of strength without being painfully boozy. They shine with delicious flavors and complement the food nicely.

Oysters come fresh with lemons, real horseradish, and garlic butter. Manila clams and seafood linguini stand out, alongside fried calamari, crab cakes, and shrimp pachetta.

People are saying

"The Date Spots here have generous portions of outstanding food."

"I enjoyed great cocktails, they were expertly mixed."

"The prime rib here is huge and the best in town."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get packed.

2

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm every first Friday of the month.

3

Parking is no longer validated, so plan accordingly.

11

Sharp design and spacious seating create a warm, inviting atmosphere with live jazz music enhancing the vibe. The space balances cozy booths upstairs and pleasant outdoor seating with heaters and blankets. Noise levels can rise, especially downstairs, making it lively and social.

Cocktails offer interesting and complex flavors with a fun variety including lower octane versions and mocktails. They pair well with dishes like ribeye and pizza.

Branzino shows skillful preparation with delicate flavor. Jumbo shrimp have a firm snap and come with an arugula and bean mix. Fish entrees pair well with olives and garlic shrimp appetizers.

People are saying

"The wood-fired pizza and roasted chicken are standout dinner spots."

"The cocktails here are really interesting and well executed."

"You have to get the dollar oysters on Tuesdays."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on Tuesdays features $1 oysters and can get very crowded.

2

The restaurant offers a Tuesday half-bottle wine and fried chicken special.

3

Live music is available on Wednesdays, enhancing the dining experience.

12
Commis image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Small space with intimate seating and ample room between tables creates a natural, choreographed atmosphere. Bar area contrasts with a loud, lively vibe, while dining room feels serious and cool. Japanese influences appear in decor and cocktails, adding an elegant, clean-cut style to the experience.

Cocktails here feature bold choices like the Daffy with duck fat, standing out as a wild option. Drinks consistently deliver fabulous flavors.

Courses start strong with oysters and scallion rice, featuring fresh tomatoes and celtuce paired with mussels. Steamed sole appears mild and could use a shrimp sauce to boost seafood flavor, while desserts offer a refreshing finish.

People are saying

"The food here creates an intimate and unforgettable dining experience."

"The seafood tasting menu offered a thoughtful progression of courses."

"The cocktails here are a wild ride of unique flavors and textures."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required and a deposit is needed for the dining room.

2

The dining experience costs around $350 or more per person, depending on extras.

3

Expect a unique tasting menu with around 10 intricate dishes.

13
Sobre Mesa image 1
Restaurant

Chic interior with beautiful decor and perfect lighting creates an intimate atmosphere. Music matches the vibe, supporting conversation without overwhelming. Signature cocktails and tapas, especially mezcal drinks and beef empanadas, stand out in a sophisticated setting.

Signature cocktails like Sobre Mesa and Caliente y bella stand out for their flavor and presentation. The cocktail menu pairs well with tapas and suits small groups looking for a trendy vibe.

Oysters come baked and fresh, packed with flavor. Shrimp and grits offer a unique mix of tastes not commonly found elsewhere. Whole branzini and stuffed sweet plantains add variety to the seafood options.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, with vibrant, tangy flavors."

"The cocktails were well made and looked impressive."

"You have to try the oysters; they're so flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted food and drinks.

2

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

3

The Queer and Couture Oakland Pride event is a highlight, showcasing local culture.

14
Burdell image 1
American restaurant

Rustic décor with vintage charm and stained glass windows creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Funky music and a nostalgic vibe complement the comfortable, casual yet classy setting. Soul food flavors stand out amid a relaxed, stylish environment.

Strong cocktails crafted by Vicky stand out. The beverage program features low/no ABV cocktails from modern black-owned producers alongside beer and wine.

Shrimp dishes stand out with BBQ shrimp in a velvety bisque and blackened shrimp offering bold flavors. Fried cod and collard greens appear often alongside sides like boiled peanuts and cornbread.

People are saying

"The American Food's duck was intensely flavored, almost unrecognizable."

"The cornbread here is buttery and the best I've ever tasted."

"The cocktails were very tasty and strong."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Expect to pay around $30-50 per person for a meal.

3

The restaurant can get crowded during Sunday lunch hours.

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Oakland, California

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