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Guide to Oakland

Mexican food and salad

You want the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine but still need the option of a fresh salad on the side.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Mesa Maguey image 1
Mesa Maguey image 2
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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.

Fresh sides often accompany main dishes, like a mixed green salad with light vinaigrette served alongside tamales. Beet salad appears as a distinct option, adding variety to the salad choices.

Tacos come with thick handmade tortillas and a nice green salsa, with barbacoa and asada standing out. The vegan burrito is perfectly cooked and consistent, drawing repeat visits.

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 salads here are fresh, balanced, and beautifully presented."

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.

02
Yellow Door image 1

Small cafe with limited indoor and outdoor seating fills quickly, especially on weekends. Offers wide variety of breakfast and lunch options including soups, bowls, salads, and sandwiches. Atmosphere is busy and efficient, known for healthy, delicious food and reasonable pricing.

Offers an impressive selection of daily salads with a variety of options. Salads come alongside soups and sandwiches, making for a wide array of choices for lunch or breakfast.

Grilled breakfast burrito stands out with turkey chorizo and lots of cheese. It offers a flavorful twist on classic Mexican breakfast fare.

People are saying

"I was obsessed with the pastries here; I would have eaten them every day."

"I enjoyed the interesting salads here."

"This Mexican food breakfast burrito is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines on weekends, especially around 10:30am.

2

The cafe has limited seating, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

They offer a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options, including soups and salads.

03
Xingones at Fort Green image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant decor and comfortable seating including high tops and couches. Atmosphere feels chill and welcoming, suited for groups with plenty of TVs for sports viewing. Offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a full bar serving cocktails like margaritas and Negronis.

Grilled chicken stands out in the Cobb salad, which also comes in a keto-friendly version. Caesar salad with shrimp offers a solid option, though some salads arrive with little dressing.

Burritos come well-packed with crinkle cut fries inside, wrapped in foil with a nicely sealed tortilla. Tacos, including street grilled fish, offer excellent flavor and spiciness and cook perfectly.

People are saying

"This Mexican food, especially the burritos, is so delicious I finished the whole thing."

"The chicken and waffles here are so juicy and well-seasoned."

"I loved the Cobb salad; the grilled chicken was a big winner."

Good to know

1

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

2

Parking around the neighborhood is easy with plenty of options available.

3

Xingones opens at 10am on weekdays, which is uncommon in the area.

04
D.Monaghans On The Hill image 1
American restaurant

Older building with elegant decor and a warm fireplace creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Small outdoor deck and live music add to the pleasant vibe. Space suits celebrations, meetups, and casual dining with a friendly, familiar crowd.

Beet salads come with spring mix, diced beets, thinly sliced orange, candied walnuts, diced goat cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette. The Tequila Chicken and Spinach salad stays fresh, hot, and tasty every time.

Quesadillas come with seasoned meat and flavorful cheese. Shrimp tacos stand out as amazing and tacos are a highlight on Taco Tuesdays.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are great, especially with outdoor seating."

"You have to try the tacos; they're amazing."

"I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious the beet salad was."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is popular, so expect a full bar during that time.

2

Taco Tuesday is a weekly event with special menu items.

3

Parking can be limited, especially during busy hours.

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.

Shrimp Louie and Mexican Caesar with grilled chicken stand out for their freshness and flavor. Mango and avocado salads add a fruity twist to the mix.

Fish tacos stand out with strong flavor, and the chicken tamales impress with their taste. Appetizers like the tostada offer bold flavors, while pork tacos vary from finger-licking good to just okay.

People are saying

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

"The mango and avocado salad was delicious."

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is delicious."

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
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.

Grilled Chicken & Romaine Lettuce Salad features grilled chicken and fresh romaine. Arugula and apples salad offers a crisp, fruity mix. Bacon, egg, and frisbee salad adds a savory twist.

Breakfast burritos stand out with ripe avocado, chorizo, and an onion-pasilla pepper relish. They come wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla and finished with a smoky chipotle aioli that adds a mild kick.

People are saying

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

"This Mexican food breakfast burrito is one of the best I've had."

"This breakfast burrito is among the best I've ever had."

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.

07
Sakura Bistro Sushi & Sake Bar image 1

Sushi restaurant offers a warm, inviting ambiance with a traditional Japanese vibe and seating for both small and large groups. The atmosphere feels cozy yet modern, suitable for casual or group dining. Many sake options complement the fresh, high-quality sushi served here.

The cucumber salad stands out with its Szechuan flavors. The seaweed salad tastes a bit sweet. Salads often come as part of lunch sets or bento boxes with rice and soup.

Fish tacos stand out with their unique flavor and appear as a recommended appetizer and main dish option.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, it practically melts in your mouth."

"The cucumber salad here is excellent."

"You've got to try the fish tacos; they're really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM with food and drink specials.

2

Parking is validated at the restaurant for customers.

3

The restaurant offers a unique menu combining Japanese and Szechuan cuisines.

08
Seabreeze On The Dock image 1
Seafood restaurant

Outdoor seating overlooks a marina view with boats and waterway, creating a light and airy atmosphere. The space combines casual dining with both indoor and large outdoor areas, including a dog-friendly patio. Hard surfaces indoors make it noticeably loud compared to the calmness outside.

Salads feature hefty portions of seafood like lobster and grilled salmon. Options include grilled shrimp with avocado and crab prepared with mayo and seasoning, with sizes that feel just right.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh cod and shrimp options. The menu includes ceviche, shrimp cocktail, and a mixed fried basket with catfish, shrimp, and calamari. Margaritas complement the seafood-focused dishes well.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is great for enjoying the fresh, delicious seafood."

"The fish tacos here are creamy and tart."

"The salad with grilled salmon is amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers BOGO drinks on weekdays from 4-6pm.

2

Tuesdays feature a special on fried oysters and chips.

3

Parking can be tricky on weekends; consider street parking.

09
Molcajete Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with colorful decor and a comfortable covered patio that welcomes dogs. Atmosphere feels intimate and authentic, with lively music and bright lighting. Popular for excellent tacos and a phenomenal guacamole experience.

Salads come with bits of mango and fresh-made corn tortillas. Chicken taco salad and burrito salads taste delicious and sometimes arrive as a complimentary side.

Handmade tortillas and chips come with massive burritos and excellent fish and carne asada tacos. The menu includes fresh guacamole, tasty huevos rancheros, and complimentary nachos with two sauces.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the handmade tortillas and guacamole."

"I found the vegan burrito fillings to be incredibly fresh."

"I enjoyed the taco salad with mango and corn."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends at 5:30 PM, so arrive early to take advantage.

2

Parking is limited to curbside with a $3 per hour charge.

3

Expect to be seated outside in the covered section for parties over four.

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