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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown Oakland

Lunch spots

Made for those who view the midday break as the most important opportunity to reset during a long day.

Based on 850 Opinions
+847
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Updated May 2026
01
Rio California image 1
Rio California image 2
Rio California image 3
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Brazilian restaurant

Enjoy a peaceful garden patio with flowing water sounds and a historic house backdrop. Perfect for a quiet lunch in an urban setting near downtown. Spacious seating among trees creates a boutique cafe vibe that feels unique and calm.

Offers a rare lunch experience in an urban setting. Serves as a great option for a midday meal in the neighborhood.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and delicious."

"The jerk chicken here is so juicy and perfectly spiced."

"I craved the jerk chicken at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Rio California is closed on Saturdays.

2

The restaurant offers a wide variety of choices on the menu.

3

Portions are generous, enough for two moderately hungry people.

02
Lunch Box image 1
Sandwich shop

Handmade pastrami and brisket create bold flavors in every sandwich. Staff treat customers like family, adding a warm vibe to the quick, take-out only setup. Fresh, high-quality ingredients make it a reliable lunch spot with great value.

Sandwiches stand out with brisket and Italian trio options that are both delicious and filling. Staff feel like family, making it a quick and reliable spot for lunch with great prices.

People are saying

"These sandwiches are delicious and made with love."

"The brisket sandwich here is so juicy and tender."

"The sandwiches here are delicious and filling."

Good to know

1

Lunch Box is take-out only, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect a wait time of about 5-7 minutes during peak hours.

3

Prices are reasonable, with most items under $15.

03
Bocanova image 1
Latin American restaurant

Spacious dining with an open kitchen and local art creates a cozy vibe. Perfect for lunch with chef involvement making it ideal for dates or brunch. Enjoy mezcal cocktails and a warm patio setting for a relaxed urban feel.

Offers a special experience during lunch with thoughtful chef involvement. Serves as a solid choice for date, brunch, or lunch occasions.

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 Lunch Spot food here is great and 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.

04
City Center Pizzeria image 1
Pizza restaurant

Cozy spot with personal-sized pizzas perfect for lunch downtown. Sports vibe and comfortable seating create a relaxed place to eat. Fresh ingredients and quick service make it great for take-out or sit-down meals.

Offers pizza as a solid lunch choice with options for sit-down or take-out. Convenient location makes it easy to grab lunch downtown.

People are saying

"The pizza here is amazing, especially with fresh ingredients."

"The food here is delicious, especially the pizza."

"This is a great lunch spot for pizza cravings."

Good to know

1

The pizzeria specializes in personal sized pizzas and pasta dishes.

2

Prices for personal pizzas start around $11, with toppings adding extra.

3

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating available.

05
Café Gabriela image 1

Sandwiches shine with bold flavors and fantastic bread. Casual vibe suits quick bites with a walk-up window. Perfect for a filling lunch downtown.

Boxed lunches offer a filling meal option downtown. Sandwiches stand out as a great grab-and-go choice for lunch.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches here to be insanely good."

"The Cafe's boxed lunches were a hit for our event."

"I loved the tasty soppressata sandwich with a side of caprese."

Good to know

1

The 1/2 sandwich and salad combo is a great value at $12.

2

Vegan sandwich options are available upon request.

3

The café has a walk-up window for ordering.

06
Oaklandia Cafe x Bakery image 1

Spacious cafe offers a calm vibe perfect for meetings or remote work with comfortable sofas and plenty of outlets. Fresh, delicious meals like the hot pastrami sandwich shine at lunch. Unique touches include a sci-fi vending machine and vibrant decor that energizes the space.

Fresh, delicious meals and amazing baked goods make lunch here stand out. The hot pastrami sandwich offers a satisfying option, and the calm vibe during lunch hours creates a relaxed atmosphere.

People are saying

"The pastrami sandwich was a perfect lunch after a stressful day."

"The lattes here have amazing, deep flavors."

"This is a nice remote working place and a great lunch spot."

Good to know

1

The cafe is located inside an office building on the ground floor and is accessible via street parking.

2

The parking situation is not good.

3

Drinks and pastries are reasonably priced, especially compared to a $10 Starbucks matcha latte.

07
Ratto's image 1

Airy space with outdoor seating offers a chill vibe for lunch. Made-to-order gourmet sandwiches provide good value and portion size. Family-run deli feels historic and welcoming, perfect for quick grocery runs or company lunches.

Offers reasonably priced sandwiches with a decent amount of food for lunch. Serves as a quick grocery store and a reliable spot for company lunches.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches here to be very tasty and delicious."

"The sandwiches at this Lunch Spot are always prepared quickly with awesome ingredients."

"The bread here is excellent and tastes super fresh."

Good to know

1

Avoid leaving valuables in your car when parking nearby due to theft risks.

2

Gluten-free bread is available for sandwiches at Ratto's.

3

Expect busy lunch hours, but service is quick.

08
Nature Vegetarian Restaurant image 1
Vegetarian restaurant

Vegetarian Chinese food shines with meat substitutes and large portions. Lunch specials offer great value at about $13, including rice, entrée, eggroll, and soup. Enjoy a calming atmosphere with beautiful decor and a peaceful vibe.

Lunch specials offer a good deal with a price around 13 dollars. Meals include 2 scoops of rice, an entrée, an eggroll, and a bowl of soup.

People are saying

"I found the vegetarian Chinese food here to be amazing."

"The lunch specials here always come with soup, egg roll, and rice."

"It's so Kid Friendly, my toddler girl loved the food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant recently opened for dine-in after being takeout only.

2

The lunch deal costs $12.50 and includes an entree, rice, a spring roll, soup, and tea.

3

The portions are generous and prices are very reasonable.

09
Caffe Teatro image 1

Family-run cafe offers a cozy atmosphere with a rotunda view and outdoor umbrellas. Lunch features tasty sandwiches and broccoli cheddar soup, plus good vegetarian options. Music adds charm, though loud customers can disrupt the vibe.

Tasty sandwiches and excellent coffee make lunch here solid. Good vegetarian options and a notable broccoli cheddar soup add variety for sit-down or quick stops.

People are saying

"The coffee here is rich, smooth, and always well-made."

"The staff here is so friendly and welcoming, it feels like a family spot."

"The pastry here is perfect for a peaceful break."

Good to know

1

Caffe Teatro offers a variety of healthy sandwiches and loose leaf teas.

2

They have vegetarian lunch options available.

3

The cafe is family-run, providing a friendly atmosphere.

10
ID Cafe image 1
Indian restaurant

Basement cafe with open kitchen and simple interiors offers a casual, welcoming vibe. Seating is self-service with about six tables in a clean, modest space. The atmosphere suits quick, authentic South Indian meals with a focus on crispy dosas.

People are saying

"The Indian food here, especially the dosas, is amazing."

"I thought the mango lassi was delicious and perfect."

"This Lunch Spot's dosas are crispy, delicious, and not oily."

Good to know

1

ID Cafe offers unlimited vegetarian dosa nights on select days.

2

The restaurant is located in the basement level of the Ramada Inn.

3

Prices at ID Cafe are reasonable compared to other Indian restaurants.

11
Las Bonitas Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot serves huge burritos and heavily topped tacos with exceptionally good salsa. Cozy vibe fits quick lunches, especially the Flautas de papa. Portions are large and prices stay reasonable.

Quick service suits lunch breaks well. Flautas de papa stands out as a popular choice for a fast, satisfying meal.

People are saying

"This Breakfast Burrito is so big, I saved half for the next day."

"I loved the delicious fish taco here."

"I loved the flautas de papa as my lunch spot."

Good to know

1

They accept debit and credit cards for payment.

2

Prices are reasonable for the portion sizes offered.

3

The taqueria has been a local favorite for many years.

12
Ming's Tasty image 1
Chinese restaurant

Dim sum shines with authentic dishes in a friendly, casual atmosphere. Lunch is busy and lively, with waits and a short pause at 3 pm. Spacious interior contrasts with a rundown exterior, softened by yellow lighting.

Lunch features dim sum with a busy, loud atmosphere. Expect a 30-minute wait during peak times and a brief service pause around 3 pm.

People are saying

"I thought the dim sum here was truly tasty and amazing."

"You have to try the wonton soup; it's a must-order."

"This lunch spot has delicious dim sum, I loved it."

Good to know

1

Arrive early on weekends to avoid long lines; expect wait times during peak hours.

2

Parking is limited; nearby public parking is available and affordable.

3

Prices are very reasonable, offering great value for dim sum dishes.

13
Desilicious image 1
Pakistani restaurant

Small space with an open kitchen creates a cozy, family-owned vibe. Friendly staff offer great service and warm smiles, perfect for casual lunches or chai chats. Upstairs seating adds a quiet spot for small groups in a welcoming atmosphere.

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."

"The naan here is crunchy and sprinkled with sesame seeds."

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

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.

14
Town Fare by Chef Michele McQueen image 1

Open, modern space with natural light and fresh flowers sets a bright mood. Lunch shines with delicious chicken sandwich and wings perfect for sharing. Live DJ spins neo-soul beats, while patio lounge offers stylish vibes for casual comfort.

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."

"The chicken and waffles here are a perfect bite."

"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.

15
Battambang image 1
Cambodian restaurant

Cozy spot with warm atmosphere and family-run charm offers authentic Cambodian flavors. Lunch shines with a smoky eggplant special and extra spicy sauce samples. Dim lighting and dated decor create an intimate setting perfect for quiet Saturdays.

Lunch features an eggplant special with a smoky flavor from open flame smoking. The owner offers extra spicy sauce samples made for her own meals. Saturdays can be quiet with the whole place empty.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and tastes like home."

"The menu had unique dishes with familiar ingredients, but with slight flavor differences."

"The owner's energy and vibe made this Lunch Spot experience so enjoyable."

Good to know

1

Finding parking during dinner time is difficult due to 2-hour street parking limits.

2

The prices are reasonable for the area, making it a good value.

3

You can get endless tea for only $1.

16
Las Guerreras image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food shines in a lively market with open seating and a cute patio. Lunch is fast and easy, perfect for a quick bite. Dogs are welcome and live music adds a happy vibe to the relaxed space.

Lunch comes out quickly and the spot offers a relaxed vibe with open seating. It's easy to get in and enjoy a meal without a wait.

People are saying

"This is my new favorite lunch spot for delicious tamales."

"The Mexican food's ceviche was the best I've ever had."

"The patio area and open seating create a perfect vibe."

Good to know

1

Las Guerreras is located inside Swan’s Market in uptown Oakland.

2

The area gets packed at lunchtime, so plan accordingly.

3

Parking is street parking, so watch out for restrictions.

17
Sakura Bistro Sushi & Sake Bar image 1

Sushi spot offers a warm ambiance with a traditional Japanese vibe perfect for groups or solo diners. Lunch features a 3-Item Bento Box with soup and salad, making it a great lunch spot. Fresh sushi pairs well with a wide sake selection.

Lunch features a 3-Item Bento Box with choices like beef teriyaki, spicy salmon roll, and chicken katsu. Each set includes soup and salad for a complete meal.

People are saying

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

"The lunch spot's bento box comes with rice, salad, and miso soup."

"I experienced the best Happy Hour in town."

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.

18
NANA VIET KITCHEN image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious and clean with a quiet ambiance, this Vietnamese spot offers tasty banh xeo and a strawberry smoothie for lunch. Easy parking and a welcoming vibe make it a relaxing choice any day.

Lunch draws a busy crowd but seating is available. Dishes like banh xeo pair well with a strawberry smoothie for a tasty midday meal.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here is delicious, especially the pho."

"The soup's broth has such a rich, flavorful pork taste."

"This Lunch Spot has a rich and flavorful pho broth."

Good to know

1

Parking is easier on the street than closer to Webster.

2

Lunch time is busy on Fridays.

3

The restaurant offers great vegetarian options.

19
Vien Huong Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small Vietnamese noodle house serves authentic Chow Jew with homemade chewy egg noodles and kidney. Busy at lunch, staff work fast to seat guests. Cash-only spot feels tidy and draws young crowd despite rising prices.

Hu tieu stands out as a solid choice for lunch. The place gets very busy at lunchtime, and the staff work fast to seat people quickly.

People are saying

"I loved the chewy, homemade egg noodles in the soup."

"I found the noodles here to be really authentic and savory."

"You have to try the hu tieu at this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only, so bring cash for your meal.

2

Parking is limited to metered street parking, which can be challenging.

3

Expect longer wait times on weekends due to crowds.

20
Huangcheng Noodle House 山西刀削面 image 1

Robot servers bring food with happy music, adding fun to a cozy space filled with flowers outside. Noodles make a quick lunch but expect a rush during lunch hour. Dim lights and lively talks keep the vibe simple and authentic.

Noodles serve as a perfect lunch option here, suitable for a quick meal or a weeknight dinner. Expect a lunch hour rush that may require waiting.

People are saying

"The spicy, numbing noodle flavors are truly unique."

"The outdoor seating is tranquil and the food was delicious."

"The noodles at this Lunch Spot are fresh, chewy, and perfectly bouncy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash or Venmo for payment.

2

Expect to wait during the lunch hour rush.

3

The menu has limited vegetarian options despite being large.

21
Biryani Kabab Halal Indian and Pakistani Cuisine image 1

Cozy spot with authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine offers quick, affordable lunch specials around $13.99. Warm, clean vibe and spiritual music create a relaxing atmosphere. Open late, perfect for casual dining any time.

Lunch specials come at a consistent and reasonable price, around $13.99. Quick service suits those stepping in for a fast meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and full of authentic flavor."

"The garlic naan here is so soft and flavorful."

"The lamb curry at this Lunch Spot is rich with a nice kick."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a lunch special for $13.99.

2

The restaurant is open late, which is a significant advantage.

3

The restaurant environment is spotless and clean.

22
Tao Yuen Pastry image 1

Local market vibe shines with dim sum and fried chicken that are both affordable and filling. Lunch rush brings fast service despite long lines. Tight parking means timing is key to avoid waits.

Lines get long during lunch rush but move fast to serve customers quickly. Offers dim sum options and lunch boxes that fill you up on a budget.

People are saying

"I loved the dim sum and Chinese bakery foods here."

"I thought the fried chicken was the star of the menu."

"This lunch spot has generous portions of really good food."

Good to know

1

Tao Yuen Pastry accepts only cash payments.

2

The bakery offers takeout service only.

3

Most items sell out by 2 pm, so arrive early.

23
Graffiti Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Space pulses with classic Oakland Hip Hop vibe and bumping music, creating a lively atmosphere. Offers cheese and combo pan pizza slices perfect for lunch. Clean, vibrant bar and back patio suit small groups for late night pizza and beer.

Slices come in cheese and combo pan pizza varieties, offering solid options for lunch. Frequent visits show consistent availability of these pizza slices.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here to be pretty damn good."

"I love grabbing a New York style slice for lunch here."

"The food here is tasty and large, perfect for a hungry group."

Good to know

1

A slice costs $5, and drinks range from $6 to $7.

2

Pizzas are typically ready in about 20 minutes.

3

Expect busy hours during peak times.

24
Marhabah Cafe image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Middle Eastern spot offers customizable lunch with fresh salads in a cozy atmosphere. Plenty of outdoor seating and friendly service make it ideal for a quiet midday meal.

Lunch features customizable options and fresh salads. It serves as a quiet spot for a midday meal.

People are saying

"You have to try the lamb shawarma wrap; it's packed with lamb."

"I could have eaten 10 more combo wraps."

"The coffee for breakfast was strong and smooth."

Good to know

1

They charge higher at the register than what was listed in-store.

2

They are now open late for late-night food options.

3

Marhabah Cafe offers customizable breakfast and lunch options.

25
Rose Garden Uptown image 1
Thai restaurant

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.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and incredibly flavorful."

"The curry here is so rich and flavorful."

"This Lunch Spot's curry flavors were on point."

Good to know

1

During their first month (August 2024), they offer a 20% discount.

2

There is ample parking available nearby.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options.

26
Shan Dong image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space buzzes with hand-pulled noodles and tight seating. Lunch shines with generous portions and attentive staff. Cozy vibe and strong vegetarian selection make it a lively, authentic spot.

Staff make lunch enjoyable with attentive service. The lunch special includes generous portions like eggplant with rice and offers amazing food quality.

People are saying

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

"The hand-pulled noodles in the Chow Mein are amazing."

"This lunch spot's sesame noodles and green beans were amazing."

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.

27
Dave's Hot Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Spacious restaurant with welcoming atmosphere offers a casual spot perfect for lunch or dinner. Conversations flow naturally in a super chill vibe. Open late, it serves fresh, tender chicken sandwiches with bold flavors.

Offers a casual spot to sit and eat during lunch or dinner. Popular for quick meals on lunch breaks.

People are saying

"The food here is really delicious and fresh."

"The fast food service here is super friendly and attentive."

"This Lunch Spot has really juicy, crispy chicken tenders."

Good to know

1

Only card payments and Apple Pay are accepted; no cash.

2

Parking near the restaurant can be challenging.

3

The place is halal, catering to specific dietary needs.

28
Winky Dinky Dogs image 1

Offers vegan-friendly hot dogs and smoky barbecue in a lively, bay-inspired setting with old school tunes. Popular for casual lunch breaks with about 20-minute waits and a laid-back weekend vibe. Limited seating focuses on takeout and community energy.

Wait times can reach about 20 minutes during lunch. The spot draws regulars looking for a casual lunch break with simple fare. It operates on weekends, offering a laid-back Saturday lunch option.

People are saying

"The owner's kindness really made the American food experience special."

"I was surprised to find such good gumbo here."

"I was obsessed with the hot dogs at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Gumbo is only available on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

Hot dogs cost around $12.50 to $19 each, which is considered high.

3

The portion of gumbo is large, making it suitable for sharing.

29
Y’s Choice image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food shines with solid brunch and lunch options in a cozy atmosphere. R&B music plays softly, enhancing the good vibe. A full bar and pool table add fun to the lively space.

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.

30
Sobo Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen spot shines with cozy atmosphere and soothing jazz. Lunch rush runs smooth with one server, perfect for late lunch or early dinner. Generous portions and large sake servings make meals satisfying and relaxed.

A single server handles the lunch rush efficiently. The spot serves well for late lunch and early dinner before closing for the afternoon.

People are saying

"The ramen here has a rich, flavorful broth and amazing noodles."

"I kept coming back for the spicy miso ramen."

"The spicy miso ramen with tender char siu is a great Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The menu changed recently, so check for new items before visiting.

3

Expect large portion sizes, often enough for two people.

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