Best Restaurants Open for Newyears Eve this year in Oakland – 2024

The Atomsphere has to be one of the best things about this place. Two story with music and great decor. The food is good and has a wide range of item including bone marrow. This is a great place to take friends or family.

Southern comfort food in industrial setting with an urban flair. Came here for dinner with 4 other friends on a Friday evening around 8 and there was no wait. Reservations can be made in advance with Yelp. The area is spacious and good for big groups, but the seating upstairs may be too loud if there’s a DJ. Credit cards accepted. Street parking available. There are some vegetarian options. We ordered the vegan mac and cheese and the fried tofu for appetizers to split. As a non-vegan, the max and cheese still had a nice creaminess and good flavor. The tofu came with a sweet chili sauce that can be made spicier if you eat the peppers it comes with. For my entree, I had the fried chicken which came with a generous helping of coleslaw and a toasty cornbread. There were three pieces of chicken and it was juicy with good breading. Overall it was a good spot for eating a filling dinner before going out in Oakland.

Went here for dinner with the hubby. The service was great. We liked the ambience. Some of the art was a bit creepy for ME but I get why it's attractive to some. It has the hip vibe. The music is pretty loud so I'd say It's great for big or small group of friends and for fun date night but definitely not a romantic spot. The best dishes IMO were the pork ribs (fell off the bone), the chicken liver (great contrasting flavors) and the hamburger (we added provolone, avocado which they weren't stringy about, blue cheese). Only thing with the hamburger is we asked for medium pink in the middle but was more medium rare but I didn't send it back because flavor was good and didn't want to make a fuss. Next time I would make sure though. Pork ribs were delicious, must try! The pecan tart was yummy, a little too sweet but what pecan pie/tart isn't. And the bone marrow was ok. It was what my husband most wanted to try but was what we liked the least. Probably because we've had better bone marrow so we had high expectations. All in all good experience. Would recommend and would return for the ribs and chicken liver patê.

Here’s a review in English based on your description: “The Nido is a place full of Mexican folkloric charm. The food is good, but it’s not quite delicious — it leaves you wanting something extra to say, ‘Wow!’ The service is good, though not remarkable. The ambiance is lovely, with a strong Mexican-style atmosphere. The drinks are tasty, especially the cocktails made with mezcal and tequila that aren’t commercial brands, but while they’re good, they’re not extraordinary.”

Logan and Erin served us all day. We had lunch with Logan as our server and moved to the bar area for happy hour with Erin. Very positive staff all around we love the atmosphere. Highly recommend the photo booth! Try the hot chocolate for sure, my favorite is the Michelada Roja.

We had our wedding reception here in the event area on 9/21/24, and our experience was great! Everyone said it was the best wedding they have been to. I love that they have a private bar in the event area and allowed us to bring our own DJ. Everyone was so happy with the service, the food, the cocktails, the vibe, and our favorite bartender Khalid!

The food preparation and presentation was masterful! The brussel sprouts appetizer was delivered in a balsamic vinegar reduction (with a hint of honey?) and the tasty crusty bits were seared to absolute perfection. The service was first rate, ambiance was lively but not loud, and all of our dishes exceeded our hopes. Will definitely be back!

Went in between lunch and dinner because I was craving a burger and it was phenomenal. Great mocktail (Floor is guava is super yummy) and dessert (baked s'more ). It was not busy and my servers (Melanie and Patrick) were very nice! Just what I needed

We had a reservation to celebrate my moms birthday. The hostess was so friendly, and so where the other workers. Food was amazing too. I highly recommend the spanish octopus. It was AMAZING.

Fantastic brunch spot for Sunday afternoons. Greta atmosphere and service. Very down home and earthy. Well designed too with a menu to match. Not pictured were the beignets which my neighbor friend at the bar just gave me a piece of, freaking fantastic.

Great food and atmosphere, I also really appreciated the person in the front who got us a fantastic table, they were super friendly and overall great customer service. I ordered the baked french toast and omg.. it was delightful. My only problem w/ this place is the servers, I totally can feel their frustration and overall dissatisfaction. However, I don't think customers should deal with that. Our server was trying her best to not breakdown tbh, I felt her agitation every time we requested something like "salt&pepper, sugar, catchup.. etc". We had to wave multiple times to different servers to get our coffee refills. I can tell she felt overwhelmed.. I feel for everyone in the services industry, but customers do spend their hard earned money to enjoy themselves and deserve to be treated well. Can't tell you how much this impacted our overall mood.

We arrive for breakfast just after 10, so we had choice of shaded curtained outside parklette or inside. Service was just right with staff checking in but not overly so. Food was excellent! The beignets with just a tiny hint of the attending strawberry jam were wonderful. I had the homemade orange-rosemary soda and it was very refreshing, not super sweet. The Gordita was spiced just right and they have perfectly poached eggs! The other order was the shrimp and grits with a side bacon. There was not a crumb left over. We’ll definitely be back.

Stop in weekly to grab a stool at the bar. Closest ambience in town to my days back Chicago. Fried chicken salad and a 1/2 French fry is my go to, but if the dinner menu is in front of me their pork chop may be the best in town. Staff is great, efficient, friendly, and work well as a team. Keep up the good work Wood!

Far and away the best grilled steak in Oakland. Grilled ribeye steak is served perfectly medium rare on a very hot plate which keeps the steak at a good temperature throughout dinner. Atop was a compound butter with flecks of mushroom, doubling down on the umami. Grana padano whipped potatoes. Broccoli rabe in a garlic and Calabrian Chili white wine sauce.

This is one of local boutique bar & restaurants in Oakland. This restaurant offers a tantalizing array of delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy any taste. The food quality is consistently great, with each dish bursting with flavor and made with fresh ingredients. While the food is outstanding, the same cannot be said for the service. Unfortunately, the service lacks warmth and friendliness, which can detract from the overall dining experience. Despite this drawback, the servers are generally efficient in taking orders and delivering food promptly. Consider this place pricy like $20 cocktails ($16+tip&tax!) and you'll be charged $2 per portion if you'd like to share a soup or salad for instance! You'd better just order the item and share within yourselves Overall, this restaurant is a great choice for those seeking delectable cuisine, but don’t expect the staff to go above and beyond in terms of friendliness. If you’re willing to overlook the average service for the sake of enjoying fantastic food, this place is worth a visit. Parking might be difficult with paid street parking though a Safeway parking lot close by. It has accessible entrance with accessible table. Could be kids friendly but not good for groups / meetups as indoor is relatively small.

I recently visited Lake Chalet in Oakland and had a fantastic experience. I ordered a cheeseburger with French fries, and it did not disappoint! The burger was cooked to perfection, juicy and flavorful, and the fries were crispy and delicious. Beyond the great food, the atmosphere was unbeatable. With stunning views of Lake Merritt, it was the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing meal. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite or a place to unwind with friends, Lake Chalet is definitely worth a visit. Highly recommend!

I got food poisoning from the fried chicken meal last night. I knew something was wrong with the chicken because it just didn’t look right and it was my fault for not sending it back. The piece of chicken that looked really suspicious I didn’t eat but I guess the other piece I did eat was bad too. I got REALLY sick this morning. Other than that though the restaurant is beautiful, the staff was nice my family had a nice time. I just hate that my food was bad. The sideshow drink was REALLY good as well. In response to the owners message: Thank you for the concern. However I understand that me getting sick from your food is bad business regardless of if there are no other reviews of patrons who didn’t have this experience. It was absolutely your fried chicken meal because the chicken didn’t look right. There was one piece that was soaked in grease, red and brown on the inside burnt on the outside and just didn’t look right. I hadn’t eaten anything that entire day because my family was coming up to eat there. Everything else was great like I said but the chicken was not I’m sure it was just a one time thing it happens but this was my experience and it won’t be disregarded or treated as if I just randomly lied on a restaurant. The restaurant is beautiful the staff was good and the drinks were great. We sent my daughter off on her Navy deployment in a beautiful restaurant and are grateful. I live in the Central Valley and more than likely won’t be back but appreciate the extended invitation. Thank you.

This is another gem of the Bay Area that I would skip over without thinking of trying. We finally decided to give it a try. We had the chicken with green beans and potatoes. This was 2/3 out of 5. It was truly bland. I had to add to a of salt pepper and hot sauce to get flavor. The flat iron steak was tender, but didn’t have an iota of seasoning. Again, super bland. We also tried The Lake breakfast. It was room temperature, but tasty. The star of this visit was the manager Dee who came around and did phenomenal service check/ recovery. The staff was the best part of this place. Definitely a must try once if you’re around the lake.

This place…wow amazing. Food was so incredible, so many balanced flavors…. Prices were so reasonable especially 3-6pm weekdays happy hour for drinks. Menu in my photos ⬇️⬇️⬇️ Service from everyone especially Virginia L was positive, fun and attentive. Good music at a volume you can still talk over Bathrooms clean, patio or indoor both a vibe. Best of all the food was delicious Bloody Mariah was stellar with homemade pickled toppings and a unique mix. The My bloody quarantine slushy was perfect for a hot day. Eco straws, great bartenders will definitely be coming back.

Great brunch today. Love the new menu! Service was on point and everything was delicious... will be back soon!

Service was super quick and polite. We got there without a reservation on a Friday around 6:30 and we're seated right away. This is lake merit so parking can be a bit difficult, expect to have to walk over. FOOD WAS SO GOOD. I got the eggplant parmesan and it was amazing! The sauce is super rich and creamy tomatoe mixed with some pesto. I'd recommend.

This place WOWed me a great deal! One of those true gastronomic experiences that one would appreciate and remember for a long time! 100% highly (and highly) recommended. I was told by their service folks that it is best to come in with no more than 4 person party. Big group NEEDS month+ reservation in advance. Yes... that good!!

Food was fabulous..sea bass was my favorite. Everything was great and we thoroughly enjoyed it all and service was great. I got fresh pasta and sauce to take home the next day at their other place... yummy

Lovely Italian spot in Oakland. The salad is a must, it's so simple and fresh. I also enjoyed the aperol spritz and the pasta stuffed with cheesy polenta. Dessert was ok

What an amazing tasting experience! So many Latin American ingredients and dishes presented in new and exciting ways. Each dish was better than the next. The pairing was perfect. Will be dreaming of the rock cod, the arepa, the rice pudding, the coconut rice ball, the sake, etc etc Lovely and welcoming service too. Everything was perfect. Definitely get the kitchen counter seats to watch the action!

Amazing experience as always. We always sit at the kitchen counter as we love to watch everyone in action and see the excellent teamwork. Mark is a magician with both the food and his team. We had the tasting menu with pairings and the supplement. We love that the menu changes frequently and always has unique combinations and flavors. Each pairing is well thought out and balanced to bring out flavors in both the drink and the food. The team makes you feel very special and explains each item as they come to you. Mark, Rachel, Emily, Stephen, and crew never disappoint with their food, drinks, and atmosphere. Go there now!

Love the experience here. The food and service are amazing. We ordered a wine pairing as well. My fiance is vegetarian and they also have a vegetarian menu available as long as you inform them in advance. We're both amazed by food + experience! We had a great night there!

After a beautiful walk around Lake Merritt, we decided to indulge in a pasta meal, and Mama Oakland turned out to be the perfect choice! We arrived right at 5 PM, and to our surprise, people were already waiting at the door — a clear sign of something special. Despite not having a reservation, the amazing staff accommodated us, setting the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. The service? Fan-freaking-tastic! The servers were kind, patient, and full of good humor, answering my endless questions with grace. It's rare to feel this well taken care of. The ambiance is inviting, with indoor and outdoor seating options that are equally charming. Outside, you'll find cozy heating lamps and thoughtfully arranged lighting that creates a warm, intimate vibe. Even the bathroom was a delight — beautifully decorated and clearly curated with care. If you're craving pasta with great service and a welcoming atmosphere, Mama Oakland is a must. It's a solid 10 out of 10 for me! The food here speaks for itself.

Perfect restaurant for a date night. We had a really fun time here and all the food came out perfectly. The staff are really nice here and reminded me of our time in Italy for our honeymoon. I don't even like radicchio and it was easily my favorite dish. Would absolutely recommend, probably easily the best Italian in Oakland.

I’ve been to Mama Oakland twice now, both times with friends for birthday celebrations, and it never disappoints! This restaurant truly offers one of the best three-course dining experiences in the area. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted and packed with flavors that elevate the entire meal. The cozy atmosphere and warm service make it perfect for special occasions. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to enjoy a memorable meal in Oakland!

Its a 2 Michelin restaurant, fine dining experience. The service was top, the serves had high attention to detail and explained each dish, they kmew the menu and drinks well and could give you good explanation of it. They were well dressed. It's a small space restaurant bit spacious for each couple (this is more a couple dining experience than a group setting). Total of 10dishes ,they were intricate and detailed. Each dish came with its own utensils. As to flavor it was unique and interesting more acquired taste. Too many raw dishes for my liking. This restaurant goes more Japanese themed even their cocktail is mainly Japanese alcohol. The best for us was the rice and duck dish. It would be a good try since its Michelin but maybe not for more times unless they have new menu. The dining experience would be round about $350 plus per person depending if you have add one and how many drinks you have.

Great, but was expecting even better. Everything was subtle, with good products, great balances. I really liked how the vegetarian menu was paired with the default menu. But not sure I'll remember this experience as much as other similar restaurants. Also, rather disappointed with the wine pairing, not impressed with any wine (just by the unusual origins), and surprised to get only one red wine. Service was efficient (maybe a bit too obsequious). The place rather quiet and providing good privacy.

I contemplated going to Commis for a while because of the bad rap that the city of Oakland has been getting. When I decided to go, I must have gone when the stars were not aligned. The restaurant was hot. There was probably something wrong with the AC? Maybe the restaurant tried to be environmentally friendly? There was also no coffee to go with desserts, but the restaurant kindly complimented my cocktail. However, the quality of the food makes up for all those little mishaps. Love the food here. ❤️❤️❤️The food is actually on par or even better than that of some of the 3-star that I have been to (please feel free to check my other reviews for receipts). Some of the cherished flavors are of South East Asian cuisines. The most memorable courses were sea bream, egg yolk, bread, and rice. A5 wagyu is a must add-on for a full experience with the rice dish. I got a glass of French Chardonnay that went well with the food, but wine list can use some more exotic and high-end options for by-the-glass. Servers were extremely nice and attentive. They do not overwhelm or bore you with unnecessary information about food and wines but are ready to spill when asked. Commis is totally worth a trip to Oakland. Even when you do not really want to.

My first gastro pub! Found this place coming back from the A's vs Giants game. The front of the restaurant is a bar and a few tables but the outdoor patio in the back is great! People playing games, pets just chilling...cool vibe. And the view of the lake at sunset was picturesque. Not to mention the food! My boyfriend said it was the best burger he's ever had! Definitely going again when I'm in Oakland!

This spot is located near the tennis courts and lake Merritt. The chicken and waffles did their job. Good place to go in a group. Lots of air in the outside. Dani had great charisma. Joshua handle the order and made sure I got what I needed on point. A come-back-to spot for sure

Good hazy IPA. Decent blonde beer. The manger Ricardo is friendly and attentive to customers. I was a restaurant/bar manager for years and he does everything right. Front of house was a well-oiled machine. Salsa roja was sweet, but good salsa verde. I'd have to come back to try other food.

We went for lunch. We were seated right away. It was a busy lunch hour. There is street parking out front with meters. This is a staple restaurant in Oakland Jack London Square. This was my first time visiting this restaurant. My friend who came with me has been eating there for over 20 years but has not been there in about 15 years. And the decor is a must see. It is very lovely and interesting! As far as the food and service, it was excellent!! I had the Cobb salad and all the ingredients were very fresh. My friend had the crabcakes and she loved them. She also had a side Caesar salad, which was literally excellent. We each had the best iced tea since neither one of us drink alcohol. My friend was so pleasantly surprised at how good the food still was after all these years! You know how sometimes you go to a restaurant that’s been open forever and the food kind of goes downhill. Well this was not the case with the Fat Lady whatsoever! Five stars for lunch! We are local to the East Bay so we are looking forward to going back soon.

First time here, the drinks were nice and strong. The steak was so tender and that balsamic sauce with the mushrooms had me trying to get every last bit of it.

Excellent service and food. The staff was helpful with coordination for pur party of 6 for my daughter and new son in law's celebratory dinner. They made us feel right at home! The food and drinks were delicious, and the staff took great care of us. Highly recommended!

Affordable and decent. From what I remember about 6-8 years ago this place use to be really good but frankly it’s losing its touch. The atmosphere isn’t all that great either but it’s a good spot for a date night if you’re looking to take someone special out. Service is decent, beer on tap, and I would recommend coming in to try their unique Mac n cheese . I had the chorizo mac and when I last ate it a few years ago it was memorable, today it was just so bland and over spiced. Wife was pleased with the Truffle Mac, despite my disappointment. 3.8/5 stars imo

chicken pot pie mac and gilroy garlic mac both are pretty yum!!!!! Recommend it!

Can't go wrong with mac&cheese. I ordered the truffle mac, and it was delish. But they charge extra to make it gluten-free. It's disappointing to see folks with dietary restrictions due to their medical condition being charged extra fees.