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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Downtown Oakland

Lunch spots and sandwiches

You have high standards for what makes a sandwich worth your lunch hour.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Café Gabriela image 1
Café Gabriela image 2
Café Gabriela image 3
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Sandwiches feature fantastic bread and bold flavors like pulled pork adobo and vegan options with cranberries and almonds. The atmosphere is casual with limited dine-in space and a COVID-style walk-up window. Lunch draws a mix of people seeking affordable, filling meals downtown.

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

Pulled pork adobo and vegan sandwiches stand out with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. The vegan option features toasted bread, arugula, cranberries, almonds, and balsamic for a sweet and crunchy bite.

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.

02
Lunch Box image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop with handmade pastrami and brisket offers a quick, reliable lunch with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere carries a non-pretentious, family-run vibe that feels like a slice of NYC. Take-out only setup attracts those seeking great deli sandwiches with good 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.

Juicy, tender brisket and classic pastrami stand out with fresh ingredients. The roasted turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce offers a unique, delicious twist. Sandwiches come with thoughtful extras added on request at no extra cost.

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
Town Fare by Chef Michele McQueen image 1

Open, modern space with natural light and fresh flowers on every table creates a bright, inviting setting. Live DJ spins neo-soul and old school music, adding a lively, fun atmosphere especially during brunch. Indoor and outdoor seating options include a patio lounge with a bar, blending casual comfort with stylish vibes.

Lunch features chicken sandwich and wings that get shared around. The food comes out absolutely delicious.

The fried chicken sandwich features tender breast meat and comes with coleslaw. It pairs well with fries and sweet potato waffles.

People are saying

"I found the food to be amazing and surprisingly fresh."

"I thought the food at this Lunch Spot was delicious."

"I loved the fried chicken sandwich; it was cooked to perfection."

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.

04
Oaklandia Cafe x Bakery image 1

Spacious cafe with vibrant decor and a chill, calm vibe suitable for meetings or remote work. Seating includes comfortable sofas, plenty of outlets, and outdoor tables under umbrellas. Unique features include a sci-fi vending machine and a menu with distinctive sandwiches and pastries.

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.

Barbecue chicken sandwiches stand out with tender, juicy meat and perfect seasoning. Vegetarian options feature a vibrant array of fresh vegetables and flavorful spreads, while the hot pastrami sandwich offers a satisfying, hearty lunch choice.

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.

05
Caffe Teatro image 1

Family-run cafe with a hole-in-the-wall vibe and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Small indoor space opens to a beautiful rotunda view, complemented by good music and outdoor umbrellas. Loud customers sometimes disrupt the otherwise warm and welcoming environment.

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.

Breakfast sandwiches stand out with a hidden menu option praised for its flavor. The pastrami sandwich and chicken breast sandwich offer tasty, healthy choices alongside loose leaf teas and coffee.

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."

"I thought the breakfast sandwich here was the best in town."

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.

06
Ratto's image 1

Airy space with paper ordering system and outdoor seating creates a welcoming, chill vibe. Lunchtime brings a buzzing energy filled with sandwich lovers. Traditional deli with made-to-order gourmet sandwiches and a family-operated, historic feel.

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.

Made-to-order sandwiches come with accurate ingredients and quick preparation. The Italian sandwich stands out for its excellent quality and fair pricing.

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.

07
Dave's Hot Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Spacious restaurant with amazing decoration and a welcoming atmosphere creates a super chill vibe. Conversations flow naturally, making the experience feel personal rather than rushed. The place stays open late, attracting those who enjoy 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.

Chicken sandwiches come fresh and tender with a perfect amount of spiciness. The awesome sauce adds a tasty complement to the spicy and mild options available.

People are saying

"The food here is really delicious and fresh."

"This spicy chicken sandwich is the best I've ever had."

"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.

08
Mama's Boy image 1
Pizza restaurant

Spacious pizza restaurant with upstairs mezzanine seating overlooking a lively street scene. Atmosphere blends New York pizzeria vibes with a casual, chill energy and often loud music. Frequented during busy events, it offers a fun, social setting with friendly staff and classic arcade games.

Small space offers a casual lunch vibe with friends. Expect about a 15-minute wait for a slice during busy hours.

Hero meatball sandwich stands out with its rich flavor but comes at a higher price. Sandwiches overall look delicious and complement a menu that also includes pizza and salads.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best slice in the Bay Area."

"I thought the hero meatball sandwich was good."

"The pizza here has a crispy crust and fresh toppings."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Meatball Wednesday features a special meatball sub available only on that day.

3

Pizza by the slice is available, making it a quick option for lunch.

09
The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill image 1

Waterfront setting offers breathtaking views and a relaxing atmosphere with outdoor seating and live music. Guests enjoy heated covered decks and shaded patios, creating a comfortable space for socializing. The vibe suits casual gatherings with friends or romantic outings by the lake.

Lunch here offers a dog-friendly atmosphere with seating on a sunny back deck. It suits both casual meals after a walk and larger gatherings like work meetings or celebrations.

Big fried chicken sandwiches stand out here. They satisfy hunger and work well as a hangover fix.

People are saying

"I loved the nice view from the outdoor seating area."

"This lunch spot's salmon burger is the best thing served."

"Joseph made our sandwich experience seamless and friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on Tuesdays with menu items priced between $7 and $10.

2

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

3

Valet parking is available, but car burglaries are common in the area.

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Downtown Oakland, Oakland

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