Best Restaurants for People Watching in Oakland

26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt restaurant

1. Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt

4.7

Exceptional(654)

Price: Moderate

• American • Oakland

Booked 50 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 10 at 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 Left Bank - Jack London Square restaurant

2. Left Bank - Jack London Square

4.4

Awesome(534)

Price: Moderate

• French • Oakland

Inspired by the birthplace of the original Parisian brasseries along the Left Bank of the Seine River, Left Bank Brasserie is an authentic Parisian-style brasserie by Chef Roland Passot. Left Bank pays homage to the joiede vivre that is synonymous with the Left Bank neighborhood in Paris. Guests are invited to step intoFrench culture, in a vibrant, social atmosphere that captures all the charm of traditional brasseriesand iconic alfresco dining of France. An all-day menu features authentic French cuisine utilizingseasonal, local and organic ingredients, and consists of iconic lighter fare such as oysters, tartare andprawns provençal, in addition to heartier classics like coq au vin and beef bourguignon. Inspired by theParisian-style Bar Américain, an extensive cocktail menu features classics of a bygone era, along with awide range of rotating taps, seasonal drafts and bottled beer, and an expertly-curated wine selection.

A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant

3. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

4.8

Exceptional(48)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 20 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!

4. Foreign Cinema

4.8

Exceptional(8790)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Mission District

Booked 110 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.

5. Starlite

4.4

Awesome(146)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 65 times today

Starlite is a historic San Francisco cocktail bar with nearly a century of vibrant stories. Renowned for hosting lively parties and attracting iconic figures like Alan Ginsberg, Starlite invites guests to the Beacon Grand’s 21st-floor, featuring refreshed interiors by San Francisco designer Alice Crumeyrolle. The atmosphere is set with rich velvet fabrics and a jewel-tone palette inspired by the Art Deco Era, paying homage to the city’s icons. Crafted by Scott Baird of Trick Dog fame, the cocktails are both playful and meticulously made. Michelin-award-winning chef Johnny Spero curates a menu that celebrates San Francisco’s culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from international fare. Enhancing the experience are nightly, all-vinyl DJ sets by music director Nina Tarr.

6. Bon Delire

new

4.6

Exceptional(68)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 43 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 COQUETA - San Francisco restaurant

7. COQUETA - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(3344)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 40 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.

8. Cultivar

4.8

Exceptional(237)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 8 times today

Mo-Sat: Food until 9pm, Wine until 10pm Sun: Food until 8:45pm Wine until 9pmSat/Sun: Brunch: 11am-3pm Cultivar San Francisco is an wine-centric farm to table restaurant by Cultivar Wine. The menu is inspired by locally-sourced seasonal ingredients including from our culinary garden at Caspar Estate. The menu complements hand-crafted wines from our Cultivar Winery and boutique wines from California and beyond. Cultivar Wine club flights are available. Cultivar Wine Club members get 20% off their Cultivar wine and Cultivar food. Join our Cultivar Wine Club!Our back patio has a fireplace, heaters and festive lighting, perfect setting for a private dinner or a celebration. Sidewalk tables on Chestnut have heaters, great for people watching and guests with dogs. Seasonal dishes and Cultivar Wines available for take out and to go.Our location is near the Lyon St. entrance to the Presidio, near the Palace of Fine Arts and in the Marina District of San Francisco.

A photo of Flores - Union Street restaurant

9. Flores - Union Street

4.6

Exceptional(562)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 44 times today

Flores is San Francisco’s Mexican restaurant serving traditional Mexican food and contemporary cocktails. At Flores, we stay true to our roots, finding inspiration in Mexico’s food, landscape and culture. We’re serious about our food, but we’re even more serious about having fun.5% surcharge will be added to all guest checks for employee benefit, including health insurance, commuter benefit, sick days, and minimum wage ordinance.

A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant

10. Chotto Matte San Francisco

4.5

Awesome(59)

Price: Very Expensive

• Asian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 10 times today

Coming Soon Fall 2023! 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 recognisable bold design, tropical foliage and theatrical robata grill.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Danvip
Hawaii •4 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great drinks great service great view. Thank you very much Dr. DAN LYNCH.
More info
StarlitePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.4
B
Brandon
Toronto / Ontario •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The ambiance was great, however there was a noticeable delay between our starters and entrees coming out. We ordered oysters - which were fresh, baked cheese and warmed olives, and the focaccia was deliciously herby. Swordfish, duck, and two steak frites were ordered as mains, all arrived together however the fries were dry and cold (as compared to the steak on the same plate). Overall the food and drinks were delicious.
More info
Foreign CinemaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Mission District
•
4.8
J
Jessica
San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
One of my favorite spots especially for the Tuna Nicoise Salad. It’s a large enough serving to split in half. I took half home. It was loaded with flavor from the blend of tomatoes, avocado, olives, haricots verts, Yukon gold potatoes, mixed greens, and of course the rare tuna. Delicious! The service was very attentive and personable.
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Left Bank - Jack London SquarePrice: Moderate• French• Oakland
•
4.4
R
Rosa
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Awesome in all aspects we weren’t rushed which I a plus
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Little Original Joe's -- MarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.8
S
Shannon
San Francisco Bay Area •75 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 18, 2024
Love this location. Right across from the lake, so maybe a long walk before or after, right? Great lunch. The Brussels sprouts are delicious!
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Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake MerrittPrice: Moderate• American• Oakland
•
4.7

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Oakland

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Oakland

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26 restaurants available nearby

1. Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt

2. Left Bank - Jack London Square

3. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

4. Foreign Cinema

5. Starlite

6. Bon Delire

7. COQUETA - San Francisco

8. Cultivar

9. Flores - Union Street

10. Chotto Matte San Francisco

See what locals rave about

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