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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Seafood dinner spots in Downtown Oakland

You want a dinner centered around fresh seafood that feels like a deliberate choice rather than a compromise.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Alma Bar Cocina image 1
Alma Bar Cocina image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Rustic Mexican restaurant with fluorescent lighting and a vibey music atmosphere. Space feels like a stylish Baja taqueria with a basic interior and limited seating. Offers authentic, elevated Mexican cuisine with both meat and vegetarian options.

Offers reliable last-minute catering and serves as a consistent choice for weekday and weekend dinners. Dinner options fit well for casual Tuesday nights and Friday outings.

Fish tacos stand out with rich, flavorful taste. The menu also offers shrimp additions and a variety of seafood options like seafood soups.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is packed with flavor."

"The chicken tinga and carnitas tacos are super yummy."

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

Good to know

1

Alma Bar Cocina is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

2

Tacos cost only $4 and come in large portions.

3

The restaurant offers both meat and vegetarian options.

02
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.

Monthly dinner clubs create a chance to meet new people and share stories. The spot suits special occasions like anniversaries and company dinners for groups up to 22.

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 dinner here, especially the Brussels sprouts and empanadas, is amazing."

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.

03
Biryani Tika Kabab (برياني تكا كباب حلال)Halal Indian & Pakistani Cuisine image 1

Spacious Indian restaurant with colorful Pakistani decor and an authentic vibe creates a warm, family-like atmosphere. The place balances a cozy sit-down experience with a focus on takeout. The energy feels inviting and homey, reflecting rich cultural elements.

Dinner comes with great food and a warm welcome when the place is quiet. Late-night meals are available.

Tandoori Fish stands out as a large, flavorful dish that many order repeatedly. Other seafood options include fish prepared in a tandoori style that is both affordable and highly praised.

People are saying

"I thought the biryani was the best Indian food I've ever had."

"The dinner spots here are delicious and satisfyingly spicy."

"You have to try the tandoori fish; it's amazing and affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers authentic Pakistani cuisine with generous portions.

2

The total cost is around $42 with tax and tip for two people.

3

The prices are very good for the generous servings.

04
Y’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.

Dinner here features a whole catfish dinner that stands out. The spot suits occasions like birthday dinners with a relaxed vibe.

Fresh fish comes seasoned and crispy, paired with well-cooked fries. Fried shrimp are generously sized and cooked to perfection, while Cajun seafood includes crab and prawns served with fried rice.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The dinner spots here have soulful, comforting flavors that feel like a hug."

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.

05
Delage image 1
Japanese restaurant

Tiny Japanese restaurant with only 10 seats creates an intimate atmosphere focused on fresh, beautifully presented sushi and an 8-course prix fixe menu. The vibe is laid back and cozy, with a small, private space that suits quiet dinners. Sake pairing complements the meal, enhancing the overall experience.

Dinner offers a 10-course meal with a mix of textures, flavors, and colors. A standout dish includes fried fish in a cold broth.

Fresh fish arrives daily and features in a delicate menu focused mainly on seafood. The fried fish in cold broth stands out alongside nicely plated sushi and nigiri in a set course with varied fish dishes.

People are saying

"The Japanese Food omakase here is a unique and flavorful experience."

"The dinner spots here offer creative, well-balanced flavors and artistic presentation."

"The fried fish in cold broth is the best seafood here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required days in advance; no walk-ins allowed.

2

Delage offers a different set course menu every day.

3

The restaurant has two seatings each night for dinner.

06
Shooting Star Cafe image 1

Hong Kong style cafe with bright, bustling energy and modern, cute decor featuring star lights on the ceiling. Small, cozy space with a lively, vibrant atmosphere reflecting multicultural influences. Sounds of kitchen sizzle and clinking teacups add to the warm, inviting vibe.

Dinner offers consistent quality with a menu that shines in the Chinese family dinner sets. Flexibility to order any meal at any time adds to the experience.

Walnut shrimp salad stands out with a crunchy texture and sweet flavor. Hong Kong–style dishes include fish roe fried rice and salt-and-pepper chicken wings.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's beef chow fun has amazing wok hay."

"The food at these dinner spots is excellent and authentic."

"The seafood here is fresh, flavorful, and satisfying."

Good to know

1

The lunch special deal is only available for dine-in customers.

2

A 15% gratuity is automatically added to the bill regardless of party size.

3

The place is open late, making it convenient to grab a bite.

07
Peony Seafood Restaurant image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Large space with banquet-style tables suits family gatherings and big groups. Atmosphere is lively and noisy, with a welcoming vibe despite crowding. Dim sum is fresh and authentic, offering a wide variety and traditional flavors.

Seafood dinners stand out with authentic dim sum and Hong Kong style pan fried noodles. The dinner menu offers a solid selection of tasty small plates and family-style options.

Freshness stands out with fresh steamed fish and juicy large fish slices. The crispy shrimp balls look like lychee fruits and taste great, paired well with other seafood like large lobster and live fish.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is fresh, flavorful, and traditional."

"Parking is available downstairs in the basement."

"The dim sum here is a must-try for dinner."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the basement, providing easy access to the restaurant.

2

Dim sum can get busy, especially on weekends, so arrive early.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

08
Shan Dong image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, simple space with hand-pulled noodles made in view and tight seating creates a bustling, noisy atmosphere. The vibe is cozy and functional, packed during meal times with a diner-like charm. Authentic flavors and a strong vegetarian selection define the experience.

Dinner gets busy with a 30-minute wait common during peak times. Staff provide attentive service and dishes like Shan Dong beef stand out.

Honey walnut shrimp stands out with its sweet and crunchy texture. Handmade noodles appear in several dishes, paired with seafood like shrimp in chow mein and soups with rich broth.

People are saying

"You've got to try the dumplings; they're juicy and delicious."

"You have to try the hand-pulled noodles with seafood; they're amazing."

"You have to try the hand-pulled noodles and dumplings for dinner."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Shan Dong accepts credit and debit cards, but not Apple Pay.

3

The restaurant offers a large selection of vegetarian options.

09
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.

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."

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

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

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.

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Downtown Oakland, Oakland

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