Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown Oakland

Seafood lunch spots

You want a lunch that centers on fresh seafood rather than the usual midday options.

Based on 751 Opinions
+748
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Las Guerreras image 1
Las Guerreras image 2
Las Guerreras image 3
View all
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a lively market with open seating and a cute patio area. Atmosphere feels relaxed and happy, welcoming dogs and featuring live music. The place fills up at lunchtime and offers a self-service style in a spacious setting.

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.

Fish tacos stand out with excellent flavors and a fresh, delicious taste. The pescadilla taco offers a balanced mix of spicy, creamy, and fish elements.

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 fish tacos here are so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Las Guerreras is located inside Swanโ€™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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

Shrimp and grits come with a gravy-like sauce and thick, creamy grits. Sausage and added tomatoes give the dish a unique flavor, and the blackened fish tastes like homemade Southern cooking.

People are saying

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

"The shrimp and grits here are delicious and authentic."

"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.

04
Battambang image 1
Cambodian restaurant

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.

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.

Seafood dishes include crab fried rice, Battambang noodles with shrimp, and catfish. Shrimp appears in several dishes like fried rice and smoky shrimp eggplant.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the crab fried rice; it's a must-order."

"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.

05
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.

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.

Fish arrives fresh every morning and is sushi grade. Rolls like the Sake toro, Angry Fish, and negitoro showcase the generous, fresh fish quality. Fried oysters also come fresh and tasty.

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."

"The seafood here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

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.

06
Winky Dinky Dogs image 1

Restaurant offers diverse menu options including vegan-friendly hot dogs and smoky barbecue flavors. Atmosphere features old school tunes playing on big screens, creating a lively, bay-inspired vibe. Seating is limited, with a focus 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.

Fried fish appears as a main dish, often served as a plate. The fish sandwich and hot dog stand out as signature items. Some shrimp dishes show a noticeable grainy texture, possibly from seasoning.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the gumbo was good."

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.

07
Ming's Tasty image 1
Chinese restaurant

Dim sum spot with authentic dishes and friendly, casual atmosphere. Interior feels spacious yet simple, contrasting with a rundown exterior and yellow lighting that softens the space. Busy and lively at lunch, it quiets down while maintaining a genuine vibe.

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.

Shrimp dishes stand out with plump shrimp and perfect dough texture in the dumplings. Shrimp rice noodle rolls and crispy spring rolls come with a generous shrimp filling that satisfies well.

People are saying

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

"The dim sum here is great, especially the shrimp."

"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.

08
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.

Sweet fish stands out with its delightful flavor. Pad Kee Mow features seafood that blends well with the dish. Lao papaya salad includes fermented crab and fish sauce for authentic taste.

People are saying

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

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

"The seafood here is amazing, especially the Pad Kee Mow."

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.

09
Vien Huong Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small Vietnamese noodle house offers authentic Chow Jew noodle soups with homemade chewy egg noodles and a thoughtful addition of kidney. Dining room feels tidy and authentic despite a modest exterior. Cash-only spot gets crowded on weekends and attracts mostly young people due to 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.

Seafood dishes feature a mix of shrimp, fish balls, and fried fish cakes paired with rice or egg noodles. Clear broth soups highlight the seafood flavors alongside pork and kidney toppings.

People are saying

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

"The seafood noodle soup has a light, clean broth with fresh ingredients."

"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.

10
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.

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

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."

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

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

11
Yโ€™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.

Good vibe stands out during lunch. The spot serves solid brunch and lunch options.

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 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.

12
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.

Flexibility to order breakfast, lunch, or dinner anytime stands out. The lunch specials offer good value, like the Short Rib with Black Pepper Sauce combo.

Walnut shrimp salad stands out with a crunchy texture and sweet flavor. Hong Kongโ€“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 mango sticky rice dessert is sweet, creamy, and perfectly balanced."

"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.

13
Tastee Steam Kitchen image 1
Hot pot restaurant

Hot pot restaurant offers all-you-can-eat menu with a wide variety of fresh seafood and unique broths, including a notable coconut soup. Atmosphere is comfortable and quiet during lunch, with a bit of chill in the air. A robot server adds a modern touch to the dining experience.

Lunch features mini hot pots with a free drink choice of green or black tea. Prices stay reasonable, and the place stays quiet during lunch, fitting meals into a lunch hour if ordered quickly.

Seafood here is very fresh and high quality, with dishes like spicy seafood boil hot pot featuring clams, shrimp, squid balls, and fish filet. Steamed seafood and congee highlight the natural sweetness and savory flavors.

People are saying

"The hot pot here is awesome with lots of different ingredients."

"The seafood here is super great and really high quality."

"The lunch hot pot special here is unbelievably fresh with varieties."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat option is available for $29.99 during lunch hours.

2

Lunch special mini hot pots come with a free drink, either green or black tea.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of Asian dishes, including sushi and hot pot.

14
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.

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."

"This Lunch Spot has amazing, authentic dim sum that's a must-try."

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.

Discover more

Downtown Oakland, Oakland

Area guide
Loading Map...