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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Temescal's best

Unique food

The standard menu just won't cut it when a meal should feel like an experience.

Based on 481 Opinions
+478
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Updated May 2026
01
Sushi Salon image 1
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Sushi restaurant

Tiny sushi salon with only eight seats creates an intimate atmosphere where diners watch chefs prepare an 18-course omakase. Soft jazz and a clean white space set a low-key, charming vibe. Fish flown from Japan and expert preparation highlight the experience.

Food shows extraordinary quality and careful preparation. Service matches the food with excellent attention.

Real omakase features unique seasonal dishes with delicate, flavorful fish preparations. Ingredients include small batch vinegar, soy sauce, and special cuts of fish flown in from Japan twice a week.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is the best sushi I've ever had."

"The food here is phenomenal, with the freshest fish I've ever had."

"The fish preparations were delicate, flavorful, and unique."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the omakase experience to ensure availability.

2

Expect to pay a premium for high-quality fish sourced from Japan.

3

The restaurant does not serve traditional rolls, focusing instead on authentic sushi.

02
Tallboy image 1

Horseshoe-shaped bar anchors a space that blends fancy and divey styles with vibrant, queer energy. Music ranges from live bands to DJs, fueling a lively dance floor on weekends. Complimentary popcorn and vegan food options add unique touches to the inviting atmosphere.

Food features creative vegan dishes like lemongrass peanuts, shallot cookies, and vegan hotdogs. The menu is curated by Lion Dance Cafe and offers deliciously vegan options alongside cocktails.

Cocktails stand out with incredible, unique flavors. Food and drinks both offer distinctive tastes that differ from the usual.

People are saying

"Their cocktails are incredible, unique, and delicious."

"Their martinis are solid and seasonal."

"I found the drinks here to be unique and really tasty."

Good to know

1

The Thursday night drag show is popular; arrive early for good seats.

2

Tallboy is known for its vegan menu, appealing to plant-based eaters.

3

The bar gets very crowded on weekends; consider visiting on a weekday.

03
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Bagel shop

Small shop with cute decor and speckled stools offers a buzzy atmosphere and spacious outdoor patio where kids and dogs can roam safely. The vibe stays chill despite the crowd, making it a pleasant spot to spend time. Bagels come with fresh ingredients and unique flavors, often praised for their quality and presentation.

Food stands out for its delicious flavors and solid quality. The back patio offers a nice spot to enjoy meals with family.

Variety of flavors and unique combinations stand out. Bagels show craft and distinct taste, paired with a unique selection of sandwiches.

People are saying

"I'll get the green bagel again next time I'm in town."

"These bagels are so delicious, I can't get them out of my head."

"The Whitefish bagel's dill and chives balanced the fish salad's brininess."

Good to know

1

Expect about 20 minutes for your order to be ready.

2

There is limited indoor seating due to construction on the patio.

3

The outdoor patio is a nice spot for enjoying bagels on sunny days.

04
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Thai restaurant

Cozy space with rustic Southeast Asian vibes and an open kitchen concept creates an intimate atmosphere. Tables sit close together, making it lively when full, while music leans toward R&B and Soul. The setting feels like stepping into Chiang Mai, offering a unique Thai dining experience.

Food tastes fresh and fantastic with many unique items on the menu. Portions can be generous, sometimes with extras when certain ingredients run out.

Many dishes feature unique flavors that stand out from typical Thai food. The menu offers several distinctive items that feel both comforting and delicious.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be authentic and skillfully cooked."

"The Roti and stewed beef curry is a must-order."

"I found the food to be unique and very delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small lot shared with a neighboring business.

2

Street parking is also available nearby, but can be limited.

3

The restaurant offers a specialized menu during Oakland Restaurant Week.

05
Forma Bakery image 1

Small bakery blends French techniques with Mexican-inspired flavors in a cozy, neighborhood atmosphere. Limited indoor seating complements charming outdoor tables under a striking blue wall. Early crowds form for creative vegan pastries that sell out quickly.

Baking shows creative vegan options and a blue corn loaf stands out as enjoyable. Food quality is generally just okay, with staff service being stronger than the dishes.

Chic Mexican bakery offers a great variety of unique pastries and breads. Options stand out for being both super unique and delicious.

People are saying

"The vegan pastries here are creative and executed with serious skill."

"The pastries here are super unique and delicious."

"The vegan baked goods here are creative and really good."

Good to know

1

Forma Bakery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8am to 2:30pm.

2

They sell out quickly, especially on weekends, so arrive early.

3

There is no interior seating, but a couple of tables are available outside.

06
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Restaurant

Casual restaurant with tastefully minimalistic decor and dimmed lighting creates an intimate atmosphere. Unique, flavorful dishes and an excellent wine selection attract groups sharing plates. Cozy backyard seating adds a relaxed option for mild weather.

Food here is consistently delicious and inventive, showing creativity in every dish. The combination of superb flavors and thoughtful presentation stands out.

Dishes showcase a unique blend of flavors with zesty and memorable tastes. Presentation stands out with distinctive plating and some recipes use unique concoctions sold at fair prices.

People are saying

"The wine selection here is fantastic and thoughtfully curated."

"The flavors here are totally unique and surprisingly inventive."

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

Good to know

1

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all dining bills.

2

The corkage fee for bringing your own wine is $25.

3

Expect higher prices compared to similar dining options in the area.

07
Snail Bar image 1
Wine bar

Wine bar offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere with a laid back vibe balanced by energetic moments, including DJ nights. It features a unique, creative menu with standout dishes like snails and oysters, paired with an excellent natural wine selection. The space feels beautiful and evokes a Parisian ambiance.

Food features excellent quality ingredients combined in innovative ways that look beautiful and taste delicious. The menu pairs well with an amazing selection of natural wines.

Oysters with passionfruit stand out as a unique dish. The wine selection offers a distinct variety, and the local-inspired menu adds to the special atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is thoughtful, delicious, and made with love."

"The wines here are superb and pair well with the dishes."

"The dishes here are so unique and inspired."

Good to know

1

Homie nights feature guest chefs and fresh ingredients, happening at least once a month.

2

Reservations are recommended on busy weekend nights to secure a table.

3

A 20% service charge is automatically added to every bill, so check your total.

08
Burdell image 1
American restaurant

Rustic dรฉcor with vintage charm and stained glass windows creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Funky music and a nostalgic vibe complement the comfortable, casual yet classy setting. Soul food flavors stand out amid a relaxed, stylish environment.

Soul food stands out with fantastic flavors and outstanding quality. Service matches the food with excellent attentiveness.

The cuisine blends haute NorCal soul food with unique dishes like waffle and chicken liver. A sommelier offers distinctive wine selections, and the atmosphere shows careful attention to detail.

People are saying

"The American Food's duck was intensely flavored, almost unrecognizable."

"The food here is insane, especially the intensely flavored duck."

"The decor's eclectic vibe feels like a cozy grandma's house."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Expect to pay around $30-50 per person for a meal.

3

The restaurant can get crowded during Sunday lunch hours.

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Temescal, Oakland

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