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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Oakland

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20 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(664)
Price: Moderate
• American • Oakland
Booked 55 times today
May and David Wasem's flagship location Grand Lake Kitchen location offers American classics and warm hospitality. An all-day cafe specializing in brunch and dinner! Maximum party size for regular reservations is 8 at Lake Merritt and 15at the Dimond location.Grand Lake Kitchen at Lake Merritt has a full bar, bustling dining room, outdoor patio, take-out counter, and The Bubble Room (private dining)
A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(61)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 33 times today
Welcome to Little Original Joe's -- an Italian-American neighborhood eatery featuring pizza, pasta, and parmigiana in San Francisco's Marina neighborhood! Limited reservations are available for up to 6 guests -- we look forward to seeing you soon!
A photo of Foreign Cinema restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8831)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Mission District
Booked 164 times today
Foreign Cinema is a one of a kind, nationally acclaimed restaurant combining independent films with California-Mediterranean cooking. Enjoy an airy yet chic setting, complete with indoor dining room with a fireplace, outdoor courtyard with 35mm film screening starting at dusk, mezzanine, gallery curated by Modernism West & full bar in the main dining room. Foreign Cinema has something for everyone including their DJ/live music bar, Laszlo. Enjoy special happy hours, uniquely craft cocktails, zero proof selections, full Foreign Cinema dinner menu, and lively music to end your evening.We are currently booking for Outdoor Patio & Indoor/Standard seating 60 days in advance. A ‘standard seating’ reservation is indoor dining. Reservations for 10+ may be booked through private dining department - contact janine@foreigncinema.com for more information.
A photo of The Progress restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2474)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Western Addition
Booked 57 times today
The Progress is a vehicle for a completely local production. Innovative meals are served with memorable wine & cocktails. The Greatest Dinner Party Ever.
A photo of Boulevard restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(9107)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 42 times today
Chefs Nancy Oakes, Chef Dana Younkin and our entire team, look forward to welcoming you to a refreshed and reimagined Boulevard! The dining room features a 3 course prix fixe menu with a multitude of choices. For the more spontaneous sorts; our bar, lounge and chef's counter is available on a walk-in basis and limited reservations. An a la carte menu is offered in these areas. For private events and larger groups, please check our our website.
A photo of Bon Delire restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(114)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 62 times today
Bon Délire’s chic yet approachable atmosphere draws inspiration from the cafés, lounges, and bistros of Paris. The interior boasts a sculpted horseshoe-shaped wooden bar, plush banquettes, and vibrant, European-imported furnishings that invite intimate dining and lounging. Guests can enjoy indoor seating with views of the Bay Bridge, or relax at the outdoor cafe-style seating, framed by planter boxes and umbrellas, perfect for people-watching along the Embarcadero.At night, the space comes alive with flickering projections of vintage French films and a relaxed, nostalgic soundtrack of throwback French and American tunes, making Bon Délire a sophisticated yet cozy setting for private and semi-private events.
A photo of STK - San Francisco restaurant
4.0
Excellent(1303)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 87 times today
STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.
A photo of COQUETA - San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3376)
Price: Very Expensive
• Spanish • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 34 times today
Brought to you by Award Winning Chef Michael Chiarello and located at Pier 5 on the bustling San Francisco Waterfront, Coqueta is inspired by the cuisines of Spain. Chef Chiarello feels that Spain’s signature ‘small plates’ coupled with the social vibrancy of their dining scene is the perfect combination for San Francisco, which has its own deep-rooted history with the country. Focusing on regional dishes from Madrid, Catalonia, the Basque Country and beyond, the menu will feature Chiarello's interpretation of traditional Spanish cuisine and, as has always been his tradition, will highlight the bounty of fresh, local ingredients from land and sea.Coqueta means “flirt” or “infatuation” in Spanish, and represents Michael Chiarello and his team’s exploration and interpretation of Spanish Cuisine, wine and inspired cocktails, while highlighting the bounty of Northern California.
A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant
4.3
Awesome(69)
Price: Very Expensive
• Asian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 13 times today
Situated in Downtown San Francisco, Chotto Matte is renowned for its signature Nikkei Cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and electric atmosphere. Chotto Matte’s chic, contemporary interior is inspired by its Japanese & Peruvian roots, making it a unique dining experience, every time. Key highlights include Chotto’s recognizable bold design, tropical foliage and theatrical robata grill.
A photo of Taksim restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(383)
Price: Expensive
• Turkish • SOMA
Booked 23 times today
Taksim is inspired by a modern approach to authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Our team has a profound love for Mediterranean gastronomy, a dedication to refinement, and a commitment to using the best ingredients.Taksim focuses on contemporary and often playful versions of classic ideas. Our seasonal menu reflects a fresh gastronomic outlook rooted in memories, where each dish is conceived with a specific culinary philosophy.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SarahVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This was such a wonderful experience, from greeting to farewell! The ambiance is casual yet sophisticated. The cocktails were great and they have an extensive wine list. The food was delectable, unusual yet usual pairings kept us intrigued and excited for each new dish. Overall, would highly recommend!
    More info
    The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
    4.8
  • Corey
    San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We always enjoy Foreign Cinema. They are great about accommodating my wheelchair, the food is fantastic, and the service is always excellent. We love it.
    More info
    Foreign CinemaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Mission District
    4.7
  • Lori
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The booth side seats were not very comfortable. Other than that the service and food was great!
    More info
    Little Original Joe's -- MarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
    4.9
  • KathrynVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The food was delicious and eating outside across from Lake Merritt is a pleasure! The avocado toast (with a generous serving of green salad) was beautifully prepared, as was the pastrami benedict that my partner ate (unlike many we've had, it was not drowned in hollandaise sauce but simply topped with it). My only reservation was about the eggs on the avo toast. I asked the server to make sure the yolks were "not runny." She wrote down and repeated the instruction. But when they arrived, they were totally runny. She offered to get me a scrambled egg instead - which arrived perfectly prepared. But then I was charged for it. I think if the kitchen makes an error they need to make good on it, without additional charge. Other than that, it was a wonderful meal.
    More info
    Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake MerrittPrice: Moderate• American• Oakland
    4.7
  • rebecca
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    This was our 31st year celebrating Christmas at Boulevard. We have had the same table every year . Even as our family grew, the birth of our son, then his girlfriend, who became his wife. Even as the world has changed Boulevard has been the one constant that hasn’t. From beautiful decor, amazing food and wonderful people. Thank you Boulevard for making another Christmas perfection. I hope to see thirty more years of Celebrating at your amazing restaurant.
    More info
    BoulevardPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.7
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