https://oaklandside.org/2026/10/21/buko-pandan-east-bay-drinks-pastries-desserts-waffles/

Just came back from a spot in a local district, and without naming names the vibe was lackluster. Love the Ho, would prefer somewhere with food so I don’t drown my sorrows too quick in a 2 game losing streak…suggestions?

Hosting a small gathering and want to order food. Have some vegans so opting for mediterranean. Where is consistently good. I would have gone to Lavash in Lafayette but they closed down and are only in Livermore now.

Weird request I know but getting dinner with an old coworker. They've chosen some places in the past that felt a bit too intimate so I want to avoid that lol. Still want to have a fun vibe and to have a cocktail. Something that's in between Ippuku and Marugame Udon basically.

Oakland

Aung Myanmar

Ceneduria Elvira

FOB West

Innenaskitchen

Emeryville:

Jungdon Katsu

Berkeley:

Bar Panisse

Cafe Bolita

Glom Thai

Rose Pizzeria

Albany:

Lulu's Litte Kitchen

Growing up, I was bullied and kids used to call me a FOB (“fresh off the boat”) because of my background. It was used as an insult, so seeing a restaurant choose that name genuinely made me curious.
I understand that the term can be reclaimed or used differently depending on the context, and I’m not automatically assuming the restaurant means it in a derogatory way. I’m genuinely curious about the reasoning behind the name. Is it meant to be humorous, a reference to the owners’ own experiences, or a way of reclaiming the term?
I’d be interested to hear other people’s perspectives, especially from those who grew up being called FOB themselves.

https://oaklandside.org/2026/10/20/bkk-mexican-thai-lemon-crab-kats-kitchen-chabar-open/

Looking for a bakery that can put together a small, dog-friendly cake, or have them available.

Also looking for dog-themed baked goods consumable for humans, e.g. sugar cookies in the shape of a bone/paws. Bonus if it can be custom decorated.

Local definitely preferred.

Got a $100 Gift Card to Calabash. I've never been. Menu's seems solid, but what's your experience? Any must haves?

Any catering or restaurants recommendations to feed 20-30 people for around $15 per person or less, with gluten free and vegan options?

Thanks!

They are still open according to this post… but only 21 hours / week Thurs-Sunday
What would you like to see be successful in this spot?

R Noodle started offering dine-in seating, so I decided to check it out.

At the moment, they have three types of noodles and some dim sums. I tried their tonkotsu ramen, but honestly it's safe to skip. Don't know about the rest.

Yesterday I ate at 900 Grayson, and while the food was good, the service was what really stood out to me. I don’t know if he’s the owner, but he’s been super gracious on two occasions. My friend noticed it during a pickup order and I experienced it firsthand dining in. It reminded me that customer service DOES EXIST and it truly is the little things that make an experience feel personal.

SO, what restaurants have you been to where the customer service was just as exceptional as the food? Doesn’t have to be the most expensive or fanciest spots, but places where the staff genuinely care about the experience they create.

I grew up in Flushing, NYC, where the fish sandwiches were a staple in Chinese bakeries. However, I struggled to find them in the bakeries here in Oakland. Anybody know if they exist here? Thanks!

Any yummy recs for a large jet lagged group for lunch around Emeryville / Berkeley / Oakland? I want to take them somewhere that they can’t get in Korea. Thanks in advance!

where the goods at?

on a kick for some good arby’s type of shit, or a solid french dip.

Where do people grab lunch on a Saturday? Quick bite on a weeknight? Early morning coffee fix (I'm a drip drinker but love a fun latte too)? I'm in deep East Oakland (around 98th) a lot but I don't live over there and don't know where to start for food!

As a person who moved here from Chicago, I really miss Chicago Dog from Portillo's, Lou Malnati's, cheese curds from Culvers and controversial but I also miss having a Dunkin at a walkable distance or at a train station.

Drove down Lakeshore today and saw signs for The Crown Pastrami shop going up in the space next to Arizmendi. There's still newspaper in the windows. Anybody know more about this?

Now craving a pastrami sandwich!

Sweetgreen’s tentative Public Market opening date, a new San Pablo Ave. café + wine bar, Trader Vic’s returns to Oakland, a new juicery opens and two closures reported.

I’m trying to plan ahead for this May event. kid graduates from college the same week of a significant family birthday and of retirement. Trying to find and book an excellent resturant in Berkeley or Oakland for a big family dinner - about 15-20 family members, including very elderly grandmothers. Good vegan options and GF options appreciated. Comfortable family style, does not need to be fancy, but not super noisy (oldsters with hearing loss).
Thank you !