Small, cozy spot offers authentic Laotian food with a laid-back, friendly vibe. Crowded but welcoming atmosphere suits casual meals with friends or family. Affordable prices and carefully cooked dishes make it a standout for those seeking genuine flavors.
Spicy ground pork noodle soup with cabbage stands out alongside Khao Soi and Khao Piak noodle soups. Bamboo soup offers a unique twist, adding variety to the savory noodle soups available.
Fresh and spicy papaya salad stands out with its bold flavors. Crispy rice salad and fried rice ball salad add unique textures to the menu.
Good to know
Parking at Vientian Cafe can be a little challenging at night.
The restaurant is not open every day and does not accept reservations.
Vientian Cafe offers both takeout and dine-in options.
Restaurant offers cat-themed Asian fusion decor with stylish lighting and attractive pottery creating an upbeat, warm atmosphere. It draws a busy crowd, often fully booked, with a vibe balancing upscale and comfortable. The menu serves family-style Korean and Japanese dishes in a lively setting.
Soups include chicken noodle and Tsukune dumpling noodle soup, both easy to share. The menu groups soups with entrees and serves everything family style.
Salads here show pinpoint accuracy and care, making even simple dishes feel intentional. The baechu and heirloom tomato salads stand out for their depth and flavor.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended as Oken is often fully booked.
The menu features family-style dining with cold and hot appetizers.
Oken is kid-friendly, making it suitable for families.
Ramen restaurant with modern decor and shared tables creates a loud, packed atmosphere that feels cramped but lively. Music adds a loungey, housey vibe while seating includes a section for solo diners. Air conditioning runs strong, sometimes uncomfortably so.
Soups feature a velvety texture with perfect seasoning that balances richness without heaviness. Vegan options stand out as fantastic and flavorful, served at an ideal temperature.
Fresh microgreens come with a tangy sauce that stands out. Pickled yuzu cucumber with ikura offers a refreshing, elevated twist. Daikon salad feels heavenly and crisp.
Good to know
Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait during peak hours.
During peak hours, there might be a 20-30 minute wait, so it's better to go right when they open.
The restaurant offers vegan and vegetarian options for most of its menu.
Restaurant showcases Southeast Asian teak decor with images of Angkor Wat, creating a homey and cozy atmosphere. Space feels clean and sunny, suitable for casual meals or catching up with friends. Menu offers authentic Cambodian comfort food with a focus on meat dishes and adaptable vegetarian options.
Soups feature lemongrass, fish, and pineapple with balanced flavors. The pineapple coconut fish soup stands out as a satisfying choice.
Spicy papaya salad offers a crisp, crunchy texture with a refreshing taste. It balances moderate spice well, cutting through richer dishes without overwhelming heat.
Good to know
Expect generous portion sizes at this family-run restaurant.
Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.
Parking in Oakland is generally easy to find.
Cozy and small with warm, welcoming atmosphere and family-run energy. Lighting is dim and decor feels dated, creating an intimate but simple setting. The place draws those seeking authentic Cambodian flavors in a quiet, unpretentious environment.
Soups here offer harmonious flavors with a mix of tangy, savory, and sweet notes. Options like the coconut soup with pineapple and the lemongrass sour soup with catfish stand out for their creamy, bright, and hearty qualities.
Shredded cabbage chicken salad stands out with its fresh crunch and savory chicken. Papaya salad appears regularly, offering a spicy tang that pairs well with other dishes.
Good to know
Finding parking during dinner time is difficult due to 2-hour street parking limits.
The prices are reasonable for the area, making it a good value.
You can get endless tea for only $1.
Cozy space with rustic Southeast Asian vibes and an open kitchen concept creates an intimate atmosphere. Tables sit close together, making it lively when full, while music leans toward R&B and Soul. The setting feels like stepping into Chiang Mai, offering a unique Thai dining experience.
Hot n sour chicken soup offers a flavorful, hearty option served with rice. Kao Piak Sen resembles a Lao chicken noodle soup, while Kao Soi features a coconut milk base but lacks strong spice depth.
Simple papaya salad stands out with classic Thai style and an option to add salted crab. Pork cheek larb salad offers a flavorful twist on traditional salads.
Good to know
Parking is available in a small lot shared with a neighboring business.
Street parking is also available nearby, but can be limited.
The restaurant offers a specialized menu during Oakland Restaurant Week.
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.
Hearty soup features caramelized onions and rich flavor. The French onion soup stands out as delicious and well-prepared.
Salads feature very fresh ingredients with options like a warm spinach salad and a side Caesar salad that stands out for its quality.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get packed.
Happy hour runs from 3-6pm every first Friday of the month.
Parking is no longer validated, so plan accordingly.
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.
Soups come in a wide array of options and are part of an impressive daily selection alongside salads and sandwiches. They fit well with breakfast and lunch menus and are consistently delicious.
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.
Good to know
Expect long lines on weekends, especially around 10:30am.
The cafe has limited seating, so arrive early to secure a spot.
They offer a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options, including soups and salads.
Small space blends modern Instagram aesthetics with traditional woven trays on walls, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The vibe stays chill and intimate, with hard wooden chairs and casual seating. The menu focuses on authentic Lao and Thai dishes with generous portions and many vegan options.
Tom kha soup offers a fragrant aroma with a coconut milk base but lacks strong flavor depth. The menu includes healthy and light soup options alongside salads.
Papaya salad stands out with fermented crab and fish sauce giving it authentic Lao flavors. Other salads include a fresh Yum Salad Lao and a sweet corn salad with peanuts and mild chili, offering healthy and light options.
Good to know
During their first month (August 2024), they offer a 20% discount.
There is ample parking available nearby.
The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options.
Modern, clean space with shaded indoor seating and a cozy ambiance. Atmosphere is lively and somewhat chaotic with loud noise levels and poor acoustics. Guests watch chefs craft dumplings through a glass window, adding an interactive element.
Soup dumplings stand out with satisfying broth that pairs well with vinegar. The hot and sour soup offers a silky smooth texture and balanced flavor, not too sour but simply delicious.
Salads offer a refreshing crunch with options like cucumber garlic and mushroom salads. Squid salad tastes light and crisp, similar to cabbage but more delicate.
Good to know
Phone ordering is available for dine-in, ensuring your order is confirmed.
A convenience fee applies for online takeout orders.
The menu includes a variety of vegetarian and vegan options marked with a green dot.
Vietnamese restaurant offers a spacious dining room and a cute outdoor patio with a heater. Atmosphere combines charming jazzy music with a noisy, echoey interior due to bare walls. Cleanliness and thoughtful decor create a comfortable, labor-of-love vibe.
Spicy beef noodle soup offers excellent flavor with good quality beef. Udon soup stands out as super flavorful and satisfying, perfect for cold, rainy days.
Chicken salad mainly features sliced onions and a small amount of chicken. Dressing tastes boring and the salad lacks typical vegetables.
Good to know
Banh khot and beef carpaccio are only available during dinner hours after 3pm.
There is plenty of free parking available at the restaurant.
Parking can be quite full during peak times, so arrive early.
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.
Soups come in varied styles, including a cold soup and rich options like sunchoke and cauliflower soup. Corn soup also appears alongside other dishes.
Salads feature salmon lunch salad and a bitter Caesar salad with a unique twist. Lentil salad also appears alongside other dishes.
Good to know
Happy hour on Tuesdays features $1 oysters and can get very crowded.
The restaurant offers a Tuesday half-bottle wine and fried chicken special.
Live music is available on Wednesdays, enhancing the dining experience.
Outdoor patio with heat lamps and indoor seating create a calm, authentic Japanese atmosphere featuring a zen bamboo fountain and traditional wood interiors. The space feels like a hidden gem with a cozy, peaceful vibe suited for quiet socializing or dates.
Both hot and cold soba soups come with good duck meat and flavorful broth. The service includes topping off soba tea with hot water, and the soba soup at the end is notably delicious.
Salads feature seasonal ingredients like persimmon and come with dressings such as yuzu. Options include dishes like Beef Tataki Salad and multiple plates can be served per order.
Good to know
Reservations are not accepted; arrive early to avoid long lines.
Street parking is available nearby, but it's at your own risk.
Dine-in only; takeout is not offered.
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.
Complimentary meat soup starts the meal with rich, authentic flavors. It comes free with the meal, adding a nice touch alongside salad and tea.
Salads come fresh and tasty, often served alongside yogurt-based raita-like options. Some meals include free soup, salad, and tea, while delivery salads may arrive plain without oil, salt, or vinegar.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.
Expect long wait times during peak dinner hours, especially on Fridays.
The restaurant accepts credit cards and mobile payments only.
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.
Miso soup appears in several meals like the Bento Box and lunch set, often served with rice and salad. Soup dumplings have a gummy texture inside, and some soups arrive not hot and lacking seasoning.
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.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM with food and drink specials.
Parking is validated at the restaurant for customers.
The restaurant offers a unique menu combining Japanese and Szechuan cuisines.