Guidebook for Oakland
Food Scene
Celebrity chef, Hip, Italian Food & Bar. http://www.sfgate.com/restaurants/article/Boot-amp-Shoe-Service-Oakland-still-strong-4276616.php
194 locals recommend
Sister
3308 Grand AveCelebrity chef, Hip, Italian Food & Bar. http://www.sfgate.com/restaurants/article/Boot-amp-Shoe-Service-Oakland-still-strong-4276616.php
Lynn & Lu's Escapade Cafe
3353 Grand AveGreat breakfast!
Super high quality & delicious Chinese - 3 minute walk from the flat. http://www.sfgate.com/restaurants/diningout/article/Lin-Jia-Asian-Kitchen-family-s-compelling-journey-2327034.php
21 locals recommend
Lin Jia Asian Kitchen
3437 Lakeshore AveSuper high quality & delicious Chinese - 3 minute walk from the flat. http://www.sfgate.com/restaurants/diningout/article/Lin-Jia-Asian-Kitchen-family-s-compelling-journey-2327034.php
Fantastic views of the lake and GONDOLA rides onto the lake. 100's gather on the dock for fish & chips, ceviche, burgers and much more - feels like a party. A perfect way to spend a sunny day.
136 locals recommend
Lake Chalet
1520 Lakeside DrFantastic views of the lake and GONDOLA rides onto the lake. 100's gather on the dock for fish & chips, ceviche, burgers and much more - feels like a party. A perfect way to spend a sunny day.
If you've ever lived around here, you know Noah's. There's a lot of them and they're darned good. Huge variety of bagels, with lox, cream cheese and all kinds of other stuff.
197 locals recommend
Grand Lake Farmers Market
746 Grand AveIf you've ever lived around here, you know Noah's. There's a lot of them and they're darned good. Huge variety of bagels, with lox, cream cheese and all kinds of other stuff.
Arizmendi Bakery
3265 Lakeshore AveEpic bakery & pizzeria.
Super foodie scene. Reviews say it's one of the best restaurants in the Bay Area... or anywhere else. No exaggeration.
53 locals recommend
Commis
3859 Piedmont AveSuper foodie scene. Reviews say it's one of the best restaurants in the Bay Area... or anywhere else. No exaggeration.
Lakeshore Cafe
3257 Lakeshore AveGreat breakfast and lunch -- easy walk
Casual but tasty breakfast, lunch, & dinner. Dozens of different crepes... and dozens of nice art on the walls. Comfy, homey, happy scene.
15 locals recommend
Rolling Dunes
3331 Lakeshore AveCasual but tasty breakfast, lunch, & dinner. Dozens of different crepes... and dozens of nice art on the walls. Comfy, homey, happy scene.
Super high-quality taqueria. If you prefer to buy locally, (yes, Chipotle is big biz), the Burrito Shop is right across the street and very tasty.
121 locals recommend
Chipotle Mexican Grill
3271 Lakeshore AveSuper high-quality taqueria. If you prefer to buy locally, (yes, Chipotle is big biz), the Burrito Shop is right across the street and very tasty.
Exactly what you'd expect.... but a very comfortable version of it. Peets is just down the street.
48 locals recommend
Starbucks
3347 Lakeshore AveExactly what you'd expect.... but a very comfortable version of it. Peets is just down the street.
A stronger more local version of Starbucks... which is also a 1 minute walk up the street.
259 locals recommend
Peet's Coffee
2124 Vine StA stronger more local version of Starbucks... which is also a 1 minute walk up the street.
Many say this is the best falafel they've ever had, and rave about the mint lemonade. Plus all the other tasty and healthy mideast food... http://www.yelp.com/biz/holy-land-kosher-food-oakland
12 locals recommend
Holy Land Kosher Food
677 Rand AveMany say this is the best falafel they've ever had, and rave about the mint lemonade. Plus all the other tasty and healthy mideast food... http://www.yelp.com/biz/holy-land-kosher-food-oakland
Lanesplitter Pub & Pizza
536 Lake Park AveExcellent pizza by the slice, pie, and to go.
Lots of other pizza choices around, some closer and less $$, but I like the Whole Wheat Crust.
28 locals recommend
Leaning Tower
498 Wesley AveLots of other pizza choices around, some closer and less $$, but I like the Whole Wheat Crust.
Very fine restaurant (but relaxed atmosphere) run by the former head chef of Chez Panisse.
45 locals recommend
Camino
3917 Grand AveVery fine restaurant (but relaxed atmosphere) run by the former head chef of Chez Panisse.
Bellanico Restaurant and Wine Bar
4238 Park BlvdAnother popular Italian restaurant.
There's good Thai walking distance from the house, but this is the best in the area.
18 locals recommend
Xyclo Restaurant
4218 Piedmont AveThere's good Thai walking distance from the house, but this is the best in the area.
Stylish, delicious restaurant and bar. Read the rave reviews, including http://sf.eater.com/archives/2013/11/22/penrose_a_chic_bar_and_grill_in_grand_lake.php
77 locals recommend
Penrose
3311 Grand AveStylish, delicious restaurant and bar. Read the rave reviews, including http://sf.eater.com/archives/2013/11/22/penrose_a_chic_bar_and_grill_in_grand_lake.php
The best Chinese food I've ever had. Homemade noodles are amazing, like the finest pasta. And this whole neighborhood is full of fantastic ethnic food.
71 locals recommend
Shandong Restaurant
328 10th StThe best Chinese food I've ever had. Homemade noodles are amazing, like the finest pasta. And this whole neighborhood is full of fantastic ethnic food.
Epic Cambodian food has been here for decades, though it's really Pan-Asian... including Thai and Chinese. And this whole neighborhood is full of fantastic ethnic food.
19 locals recommend
Phnom Penh House
1514 Webster StEpic Cambodian food has been here for decades, though it's really Pan-Asian... including Thai and Chinese. And this whole neighborhood is full of fantastic ethnic food.
Gourmet falafel, hummus and everything else mideastern in a nice environment. Montclair is a fun, quaint neighborhood. Lots of good restaurants and shops. http://wp.ambafalafel.com/wp/press/
6 locals recommend
Amba
6464 Moraga AveGourmet falafel, hummus and everything else mideastern in a nice environment. Montclair is a fun, quaint neighborhood. Lots of good restaurants and shops. http://wp.ambafalafel.com/wp/press/
This is a fun place to watch sports. They also often have great deals offered through "Restaurant dotcom." Kids are welcome.
8 locals recommend
Monaghan's Oakland
2820 Mountain BlvdThis is a fun place to watch sports. They also often have great deals offered through "Restaurant dotcom." Kids are welcome.
This is a great place to watch sports. Wall to wall big screen tv's. Big menu (pizza, steak, fish, salads), but just ok food. Kids are welcome, but salty language is common.
Grand Oaks
3701 Grand AvenueThis is a great place to watch sports. Wall to wall big screen tv's. Big menu (pizza, steak, fish, salads), but just ok food. Kids are welcome, but salty language is common.
Excellent restaurant for dinner and weekend brunch. Both owners were "Top Chef" contestants on tv. One specializes in savory, the other in desserts.
73 locals recommend
Shakewell
3407 Lakeshore AveExcellent restaurant for dinner and weekend brunch. Both owners were "Top Chef" contestants on tv. One specializes in savory, the other in desserts.
Excellent, charming French restaurant for dinner and weekend brunch. Lamb burger and tartare are both superb.
19 locals recommend
Michel Bistro
3343 Lakeshore AvenueExcellent, charming French restaurant for dinner and weekend brunch. Lamb burger and tartare are both superb.
Gelato Firenze
478 Lake Park AvePhenomenal gelato (Italian ice cream).
Yogofina
3261 Lakeshore AveFrozen yogurt. Many flavors and toppings. Make your own mix of whatever you like.
Very popular restaurant and bar. Good for lunch and dinner. I prefer Shakewell and Michel, but many disagree.
58 locals recommend
Sidebar
542 Grand AveVery popular restaurant and bar. Good for lunch and dinner. I prefer Shakewell and Michel, but many disagree.
Duende
468 19th StVery popular and well reviewed Spanish restaurant. Superb paella.
Arts & Culture
Epic movie theater with live organ player before weekend features on the main screen.
382 locals recommend
Grand Lake Theater
3200 Grand AveEpic movie theater with live organ player before weekend features on the main screen.
The first choice for many of the best bands: David Byrne, Eddie Vedder, Band of Horses, Modest Mouse... almost every week, at least one, and often 2 or 3 of the hottest musicians are playing here.
264 locals recommend
Fox Theater
1807 Telegraph AveThe first choice for many of the best bands: David Byrne, Eddie Vedder, Band of Horses, Modest Mouse... almost every week, at least one, and often 2 or 3 of the hottest musicians are playing here.
Great museum, with masterpieces from Frida Kahlo to David Hockney.
547 locals recommend
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak StGreat museum, with masterpieces from Frida Kahlo to David Hockney.
Many of the best music acts make this their sole venue in the Bay Area. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another extraordinary Art Deco building, both in & out. See photo.
69 locals recommend
19th St / Oakland station
1900 BroadwayMany of the best music acts make this their sole venue in the Bay Area. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another extraordinary Art Deco building, both in & out. See photo.
Home of The East Bay Ballet and East Bay Symphony. Extraordinary Art Deco building, both inside and out. See photo.
120 locals recommend
Paramount Theatre
2025 BroadwayHome of The East Bay Ballet and East Bay Symphony. Extraordinary Art Deco building, both inside and out. See photo.
"Uptown" is the center of Art Murmur, a nationally recognized monthly art event and community party. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/11/us/oakland-art-murmur-outgrows-its-name.html?_r=0
45 locals recommend
Uptown
"Uptown" is the center of Art Murmur, a nationally recognized monthly art event and community party. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/11/us/oakland-art-murmur-outgrows-its-name.html?_r=0
10+ movies a week in a living room setting, w/ great food & drink. Sit on a couch, enjoy a tasty meal, have tasty local wine & beer, and watch a great film. All for under $25. www.thenewparkway.com
156 locals recommend
The New Parkway Theater
474 24th St10+ movies a week in a living room setting, w/ great food & drink. Sit on a couch, enjoy a tasty meal, have tasty local wine & beer, and watch a great film. All for under $25. www.thenewparkway.com
Another great concert venue and club. From Dixieland to rap, often surprisingly famous acts for such an intimate setting, all expertly curated. http://www.thenewparish.com/
59 locals recommend
The New Parish
1743 San Pablo AveAnother great concert venue and club. From Dixieland to rap, often surprisingly famous acts for such an intimate setting, all expertly curated. http://www.thenewparish.com/
Essentials
Great Groceries: All the food you could ever eat, including tons of fresh organic (and non-organic) fruits and veggies. ...
582 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
3250 Lakeshore AveGreat Groceries: All the food you could ever eat, including tons of fresh organic (and non-organic) fruits and veggies. ...
I prefer Trader Joes, but Safeway has longer hours and is sometimes just more convenient.
62 locals recommend
Safeway
3747 Grand AveI prefer Trader Joes, but Safeway has longer hours and is sometimes just more convenient.
Shopping
Walgreens
2801 Adeline StAnything you need that isn't next door at Trader Joes is here.
Entertainment & Activities
The nation's first theme park. Walt Disney visited in 1950 and it was one of his inspirations for building Disneyland. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/us/06bclocalintel.html?_r=0
140 locals recommend
Children’S Fairyland
699 Bellevue AveThe nation's first theme park. Walt Disney visited in 1950 and it was one of his inspirations for building Disneyland. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/us/06bclocalintel.html?_r=0
A child's paradise: "We provide an environment where children are free to move, play and explore safely...to help develop the cognitive, physical and social skills of children as they play."
Mandana Plaza
Lakeshore AvenueA child's paradise: "We provide an environment where children are free to move, play and explore safely...to help develop the cognitive, physical and social skills of children as they play."
Great playground right on the lake. Tons of swings, monkey bars and a lot of good natured families enjoying the beautiful scene.
6 locals recommend
Lakeside Park
666 Perkins StGreat playground right on the lake. Tons of swings, monkey bars and a lot of good natured families enjoying the beautiful scene.
Great place to workout and play. Fantastic track and football field, basketball courts, baseball diamond and much more.
Piedmont High School
800 Magnolia AveGreat place to workout and play. Fantastic track and football field, basketball courts, baseball diamond and much more.
Great place to workout and play. Adjacent to high school. Fantastic track and football field, basketball courts, baseball diamond and much more.
Wildwood Elementary School
301 Wildwood AveGreat place to workout and play. Adjacent to high school. Fantastic track and football field, basketball courts, baseball diamond and much more.
Great library surrounded by playgrounds and fields.A family could easily spend the whole day in this little walking area.
Oakland Public Library: Lakeview Branch
550 El EmbarcaderoGreat library surrounded by playgrounds and fields.A family could easily spend the whole day in this little walking area.
Beautiful park with jungle gym, swings, vast lawns, and even has a climbing wall for kids!
11 locals recommend
Dracena Quarry Park
130 Dracena AveBeautiful park with jungle gym, swings, vast lawns, and even has a climbing wall for kids!
Beach Elementary School
100 Lake AveJungle gym, basketball courts, sports fields and tennis courts
Yet another great park with jungle gym, sports fields and tennis courts
Piedmont Sports Field (Hampton Field)
401 Hampton RdYet another great park with jungle gym, sports fields and tennis courts
Sightseeing
Beautiful Park in Piedmont's center, with vast lawns, a creek to explore and children's play area.
16 locals recommend
Piedmont Park
356 Highland AveBeautiful Park in Piedmont's center, with vast lawns, a creek to explore and children's play area.
Regardless of one's religion, the futuristic glass architecture, as well as the massive wood organs, are extraordinary and sights to behold.
23 locals recommend
The Cathedral of Christ the Light
2121 Harrison StRegardless of one's religion, the futuristic glass architecture, as well as the massive wood organs, are extraordinary and sights to behold.
Lake Merritt Boating Center
568 Bellevue AveGo sailing or pedal boating on Lake Merritt!
There are so many great things about the Lake, including that it's The Nation's Oldest Wildlife Refuge, circa 1870. Home to tons of birds, fish and animals.
751 locals recommend
Lake Merritt Amphitheater
Lake Merritt BoulevardThere are so many great things about the Lake, including that it's The Nation's Oldest Wildlife Refuge, circa 1870. Home to tons of birds, fish and animals.
Bike, walk, or hike through some of the most gorgeous nature you will ever see anywhere. Large areas for picnics too. Phenomenal nature is also nearby at Joaquin Miller park.
373 locals recommend
Redwood Regional Park
7867 Redwood RoadBike, walk, or hike through some of the most gorgeous nature you will ever see anywhere. Large areas for picnics too. Phenomenal nature is also nearby at Joaquin Miller park.
Bike, walk, or hike through some of the most gorgeous nature you will ever see anywhere. Large areas for picnics too. Phenomenal nature is also nearby at Redwood Regional park.
214 locals recommend
Joaquin Miller Park
3300 Joaquin Miller RdBike, walk, or hike through some of the most gorgeous nature you will ever see anywhere. Large areas for picnics too. Phenomenal nature is also nearby at Redwood Regional park.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great nightlife. Superb cocktails, inventive food and BOCCE BALL, which is about the most fun you can legally have in a bar.
79 locals recommend
Make Westing
1741 Telegraph AveGreat nightlife. Superb cocktails, inventive food and BOCCE BALL, which is about the most fun you can legally have in a bar.
Fantastic Italian bar & food, with an emphasis on wine, mixology and house made charcuterie. Kids are welcome.
17 locals recommend
Adesso
4395 Piedmont AvenueFantastic Italian bar & food, with an emphasis on wine, mixology and house made charcuterie. Kids are welcome.
Ordinaire Wine Shop & Wine Bar
3354 Grand AveNeed great wine? For here and to go.