Guidebook for Oakland
Food Scene
Cafe Romanat
462 Santa Clara AveDelicious Ethiopian food
Sister
3308 Grand AveNice bar in back
The Star on Grand
3425 Grand AveGreat pizza
Our favorite restaurant in Chinatown-we love the spicy explosive tofu! (cash only).
17 locals recommend
Spices 3 Restaurants
370-372 12th StOur favorite restaurant in Chinatown-we love the spicy explosive tofu! (cash only).
Great plant-based cafe on Piedmont Ave. Serves brunch on the weekends.
54 locals recommend
Timeless Coffee
4252 Piedmont AveGreat plant-based cafe on Piedmont Ave. Serves brunch on the weekends.
Grand Lake Farmers Market
746 Grand AveSaturday farmer's market
Must try Burmese food in Temescal neighborhood--may have to wait for a table
458 locals recommend
Burma Superstar
309 Clement StMust try Burmese food in Temescal neighborhood--may have to wait for a table
Ice cream shop with interesting non-dairy options, also 2 hip little shopping alleys near here
36 locals recommend
Curbside Creamery
482 49th StIce cream shop with interesting non-dairy options, also 2 hip little shopping alleys near here
Shimizu Cuisine
4290 Piedmont AveGood sushi
Daughter Thai Kitchen
6118 Medau PlLove the decor here! 4.5 stars on Yelp:)
Burma Superstar on Telegraph Avenue is also a favorite and popular (so there is often a wait at busy times), and this place is a great alternative. If you haven't had Burmese food, we suggest you try it while in the Bay Area! I would say it is most closely related to Thai food, but also has some foods that are similar to Indian dishes. The tea leaf salad is a must!
19 locals recommend
Teni East Kitchen
4015 BroadwayBurma Superstar on Telegraph Avenue is also a favorite and popular (so there is often a wait at busy times), and this place is a great alternative. If you haven't had Burmese food, we suggest you try it while in the Bay Area! I would say it is most closely related to Thai food, but also has some foods that are similar to Indian dishes. The tea leaf salad is a must!
Shopping
maribel
3251 Lakeshore AveStylish consignment store on Lakeshore Ave.
Good Neighbor
4200 Piedmont AveDelightful boho home decor and goods shop on Piedmont Ave.
Rockridge
Lovely area of Oakland with shopping and restaurants on College Ave.
Piedmont Avenue
Pleasant commercial street with shopping and restaurants
Bay-Made
3295 Lakeshore AveLocally made goods
Grand Avenue
Grand AvenueClosest commercial street
Lakeshore Avenue
Lakeshore AvenueNearby commercial street
Essentials
There is one parking lot on lower level and one on upper level.
553 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
230 Bay PlThere is one parking lot on lower level and one on upper level.
Busy grocery store with lots of specialty items for reasonable prices.
582 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
3250 Lakeshore AveBusy grocery store with lots of specialty items for reasonable prices.
Safeway is a typical grocery store chain, and there is a closer one to the house on Grand Ave. (see listing below), but this location is bigger and nicer. Whole Foods & Trader Joe's are closer to the house than this location, if you prefer those stores.
105 locals recommend
Safeway
6310 College AveSafeway is a typical grocery store chain, and there is a closer one to the house on Grand Ave. (see listing below), but this location is bigger and nicer. Whole Foods & Trader Joe's are closer to the house than this location, if you prefer those stores.
Parks & Nature
Morcom Rose Garden
700 Jean StSweet spot nearby for a stroll.
Lake Merritt Amphitheater
Lake Merritt BoulevardA pleasant and flat 3 mile walk/run around the lake
Getting Around
19th Street Station
339 19th StBART station
Sightseeing
The Cathedral of Christ the Light
2121 Harrison StTours are available
Arts & Culture
Reputable museum--often has festivities on Friday nights
547 locals recommend
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak StReputable museum--often has festivities on Friday nights
First Fridays
2633 Telegraph AveMonthly event with open galleries
Allegro
12012 San Pablo AveBallroom with a variety of dance events (salsa, tango, ballroom)