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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Downtown Oakland

Salad spots

You want a salad that is treated as a main event, not an afterthought. You expect quality in every bite.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Rose Garden Uptown image 1
Rose Garden Uptown image 2
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Thai restaurant

Small space blends modern Instagram aesthetics with traditional woven trays, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Papaya salad shines with authentic Lao flavors from fermented crab and fish sauce, while casual seating and generous portions make it a chill, intimate spot with many vegan options.

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.

People are saying

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

"The curry here is so rich and flavorful."

"The Lao papaya salad had all the right flavors."

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.

02
Baygreens Gourmet Salads & More image 1
Health food restaurant

Health food spot shines with build-your-own salad and a standout Caesar salad with apple, chicken, and shrimp. Paninis are fantastic and lunch rush gets busy, so online ordering is smart. Freshness and flavor keep customers coming back.

Salads come with many options including a build-your-own salad feature. The Caesar salad with apple, chicken, and shrimp stands out as a fresh and flavorful choice. Salads are consistently good and fresh.

People are saying

"The food here is high quality and delicious."

"I thought it was the best Caesar salad I had in a long time."

Good to know

1

Online ordering is available for convenient pickup.

2

Expect a busy lunch rush; allow extra time for orders.

3

A wide variety of options caters to different dietary needs.

03
Bocanova image 1
Latin American restaurant

Spacious dining area with open kitchen and walls of windows creates a cozy vibe with soft Peruvian music. Fresh salads like Shrimp Louie and mango avocado shine alongside top-notch mezcal and passion fruit margaritas from the full cocktail bar. Patio offers a warm urban outdoor setting.

Shrimp Louie and Mexican Caesar with grilled chicken stand out for their freshness and flavor. Mango and avocado salads add a fruity twist to the mix.

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 mango and avocado salad was 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
The Cook and Her Farmer image 1

Offers fresh oysters and a kale salad with herbs and quinoa for healthy choices. Communal seating and a family-oriented atmosphere create a lively vibe with live music. Enjoy private outdoor dining on the charming patio.

Kale salad stands out with its mix of kale, cabbage, herbs, and quinoa offering a healthy and tasty option. Other salads include a quinoa salad and an arugula salad with farro and smoked trout.

People are saying

"I thought the kale salad was the best I had."

"I found the grilled cheese to be delicious and perfect."

"I found the kale salad to be absolutely awesome."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a dozen oysters for $30 instead of $40.

2

Jazz brunch events occur every Saturday, featuring live music.

3

Expect long lines and limited seating during peak hours.

05
Rio California image 1
Brazilian restaurant

Outdoor patio with flowing water sounds sets a calm, garden-like vibe. Salads come with most dishes, paired well with jerk chicken and fish. Spacious seating under trees adds a boutique cafe feel near downtown.

Salads come with most dishes and feature a tasty dressing. They serve salads alongside options like jerk chicken and fish with rice.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved their juicy jerk chicken salad."

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.

06
Town Fare by Chef Michele McQueen image 1

Open, modern space with natural light and fresh flowers sets a bright mood. Massive salads like the Collard Green salad shine here. Live DJ spins neo-soul music, creating a lively brunch vibe with indoor and outdoor seating.

Massive salads stand out here, especially the Collard Green salad which draws repeat visits. The beet salad also offers a solid, flavorful option.

People are saying

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

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

"The Collard Green salad is worth coming back for."

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.

07
Battambang image 1
Cambodian restaurant

Cozy spot with warm atmosphere and family-run charm offers authentic Cambodian flavors. Shredded cabbage chicken salad delivers a fresh crunch, while papaya salad adds a spicy tang that complements the menu. Dim lighting creates an intimate setting perfect for quiet meals.

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.

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."

"I can't wait to be back for their delicious salad."

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.

08
Oaklandia Cafe x Bakery image 1

Spacious cafe offers a chill vibe with comfortable sofas and outdoor seating. Salads stand out with large portions like the crunchy Oak Caesar and BBQ chicken options. Unique sci-fi vending machine adds fun, while distinctive sandwiches and pastries complete the menu.

Salads come in large portions with options like a delicious kale salad and a perfectly crunchy Oak Caesar Salad. The menu mixes up usual choices with items like a tasty, filling BBQ chicken salad.

People are saying

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

"The lattes here have amazing, deep flavors."

"I found the salads here to be tasty and large."

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.

09
Cafรฉ Gabriela image 1

Sandwiches shine with bold flavors like pulled pork adobo and vegan cranberry almond options. Salads offer a sweet vinaigrette that pairs well as a light side. Casual vibe with a walk-up window suits downtown lunch crowds seeking affordable, filling meals.

Salads come fresh with a sweet vinaigrette that pairs well with sandwiches. The half salad option offers a light, tasty side that complements the caprese salad and other sandwich combos.

People are saying

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

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

"The half sandwich and salad combo is a great deal."

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 cafรฉ has a walk-up window for ordering.

10
Molcajete Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with phenomenal guacamole and excellent tacos. Salads feature mango bits and fresh corn tortillas, adding a sweet crunch. Cozy patio welcomes dogs, creating a comfortable atmosphere with lively music and bright colors.

Salads come with bits of mango and fresh-made corn tortillas. Chicken taco salad and burrito salads taste delicious and sometimes arrive as a complimentary side.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the handmade tortillas and guacamole."

"I found the vegan burrito fillings to be incredibly fresh."

"I enjoyed the taco salad with mango and corn."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends at 5:30 PM, so arrive early to take advantage.

2

Parking is limited to curbside with a $3 per hour charge.

3

Expect to be seated outside in the covered section for parties over four.

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Downtown Oakland, Oakland

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