Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Oakland

184 restaurants available nearby

1. MUA

4.4

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Oakland

Booked 14 times today

MUA is known for its open atmosphere, eclectic décor, art events and, of course, its delicious food. Ideal for large parties or intimate gatherings, the spacious dining room creates a relaxed, casual vibe for guests to enjoy their meals. A large selection of wines, cocktails and beers make MUA a great spot for an evening out with friends. Family owned and run Mua was one of the first restaurants to open in what was then Auto Row in Oakland, in 2008. After their first 2 restaurants, Pastoral in Berkeley (first opened in 1982 while still students, 37 in the architecture program at Cal and San-Ju painting at SFAI) then later Soizic (Jack London Square, 1996), they wanted to shift gears from heavily curated menus to more comfort-based fare catering more to the eclectic and artistic community in Oakland. Today you’ll find people of all ages and backgrounds, from Too Short to Jerry Brown.

2. Calabash

4.1

Excellent(76)

Price: Moderate

• Jamaican • Oakland

Like its namesake, Calabash—restaurant, market and bar in Uptown Oakland—is a place of global innovation; a home for creative local chefs and producers to bring the uniqueness of their culture and flavors to The Town.

3. La Marcha

4.6

Exceptional(1199)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Berkeley

Booked 20 times today

La Marcha Tapas Bar, located in Berkeley, California, is a culinary gem led by Chef Sergio Monleon and Chef Emily Sarlatte. Known for its innovative Spanish cuisine, La Marcha offers signature paella dishes and a variety of delightful tapas. The restaurant has earned accolades including listed in the Michelin Guide, Best of the Bay awards, and recognition among the top 5 Spanish restaurants by several publications. Situated near landmarks such as UC Berkeley and BAMPFA, it boasts a cozy, rustic atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Committed to community service, Chef Sergio, Chef Emily, and the team actively participate in local and global charitable initiatives. Join us at La Marcha Tapas Bar for an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors and culture of Spain.

4. Popoca

new

4.7

Exceptional(12)

Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Oakland

Booked 9 times today

Chef Anthony Salguero’s wood-fired papusas are worth traipsing around Oakland for, but we, along with just about everyone, are happy to know they’re in one place now. After years of pop-ups, Popoca has its own digs in the Old Oakland neighborhood, where the papusas, chicken with fermented pineapple sauce, and other Cali-Salvadoran specialties are happily devoured.

5. Yoshi's Oakland

4.8

Exceptional(8248)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Oakland

Booked 71 times today

Yoshi's has served Japan's best traditional dishes to Bay Area patrons since 1972. The menu highlights artfully arranged sushi, fresh grilled seafood, classic Japanese dishes, and vegetarian fare. Patrons can kick off their shoes in the traditional Japanese tatami seating or dine at tables. Expert sushi chefs create sushi and sashimi to order either in the restaurant or in the jazz house. Start the evening in the cocktail lounge before dinner or have a nightcap after taking in a show in the jazz house.

A photo of Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine- Jack London Square restaurant

6. Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine- Jack London Square

4.6

Exceptional(195)

Price: Expensive

• Thai • Oakland

Booked 15 times today

Not your typical Thai! We are a Thai New Generation restaurant focusing on bringing you adventurous, bold flavors of traditional and non-traditional dishes using the freshest ingredients. Look out for our nightly specials from regional home cooked dishes to market fried grasshoppers. We are consistently voted the "Best Thai Restaurant" in San Francisco by Michelin Bib Gourmand 2016 - 2019. The Best Thai Restaurant. San Francisco, Oakland, Menlo Park, Berkeley and Portland.

7. Skates on the Bay

4.6

Exceptional(7408)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Berkeley

Booked 61 times today

Skates on the Bay is a beautiful and historic waterfront gathering place for fresh seafood and unmatched views of the San Francisco Bay, offering lunch, brunch and dinner dining year-round. Originally opened in 1984 in the Berkeley Marina, the reimagined Skates on the Bay now boasts a modern and stunning decor, a new Raw Bar, elegant Private Dining Room and innovative local-driven menus.

8. A16 Rockridge

4.5

Awesome(2356)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Oakland

Booked 20 times today

A16 is an upscale casual restaurant with a focus on Southern Italian food and wines. The restaurant features wood oven-fired Neapolitan Pizza and other specialties of Campania.Take out and Delivery available at A16pizza.com from 5:00pm-9:00pm.Closed on Mondays. For information about reserving the Private Dining Room please call the restaurant at 510.768.8003

9. Jo's Modern Thai

4.6

Exceptional(23)

Price: Expensive

• Thai • Oakland

Booked 8 times today

Jo's Modern Thai is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in Oakland's Laurel District.Born from the cultural exchange between Oakland native Kao Saelee and his wife Jo, Jo's Modern Thai embodies vibrant Thai flavors with a modern twist. The menu blends bold, balanced Thai dishes with creative, irreverent approaches. Highlights include smoky barbecue brisket drunken noodles and a laab-inspired pork burger, with customizable spice levels to suit all palates.Jo's celebrates the deep connections between food, culture, and community, reimagining traditional recipes with Thai and Californian flair. We prioritize thoughtful sourcing, partnering with local farmers and artisans to showcase the best seasonal ingredients. Our curated selection of wines and inventive craft cocktails further elevates the experience, inviting guests to savor the flavors of Thailand in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

10. Spinning Bones

4.5

Awesome(297)

Price: Moderate

• American • Alameda

Booked 3 times today

Spinning Bones is a California rotisserie Michelin Bib Gourmand rated restaurant that specializes in roasted meats with bold flavors. The focus of the menu is slow roasted meats: poultry, pork and beef, rotating on spits over high heat, and basting in their own natural juices. The rest of the menu is comprised of shareable appetizers, vegetarian side dishes, and healthier salads with vegan dressings. The principle of the menu is straight-forward: quality products that are prepared minimally and cooked thoughtfully. Spinning Bones is a brunch and dinner spot for Alameda people by Alameda people. It is a casual neighborhood restaurant open 5 days-a-week for sit down dining, take-out, and large party catering. Spinning Bones strives to be a common area for the residents of the East Bay to come together and engage in conversation and camaraderie over great food and drink.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Adrienne
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We celebrated my daughter’s 21st birthday with a brunch. Twelve happy and well-fed people! We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed incredible food, a jazz ensemble, and a wonderful ambiance. We loved the ricotta pancakes, shrimp toast, and huevos rancheros. Everything was perfect!!
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BabettePrice: Expensive• Californian• Berkeley
•
4.8
E
Elivip
Washington, D.C. Area •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent food, turned around quickly by the busy kitchen, service very friendly - despite pressure due to seating backup (apparently because earlier seatings upstairs weren’t turning over, or too many reservations accepted). We took seats at the bar counter; others settled for heated outdoor tables despite the less-than-favorable weather.
More info
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine- BerkeleyPrice: Expensive• Thai• Berkeley
•
4.6
A
Alson
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 19, 2024
Upscale Mexican food in the sunset district. Authentic taste and flavors but spice level is scaled down for clientele. Nothing very spicy. Still, food was tasty! Good ambience, excellent service. Clean throughout. This is definitely not the mission district experience, if that’s what you’re looking for. But very good authentic food in a clean, upscale pleasant environment. Not a taqueria!
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Elena'sPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Forest Hill / West Portal
•
4.7
W
William
San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 27, 2024
Excellent food and a wonderful bar with superb cocktails; staff is very welcoming and nice
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The Saap AvenuePrice: Moderate• Laotian• Oakland
•
4.6
D
David
San Francisco Bay Area •24 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 6, 2024
Good Nepali/Indian food. Helpful and friendly service.
More info
Mount Everest RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Indian• Berkeley
•
4.2

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Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Oakland

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184 restaurants available nearby

1. MUA

2. Calabash

3. La Marcha

4. Popoca

5. Yoshi's Oakland

6. Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine- Jack London Square

7. Skates on the Bay

8. A16 Rockridge

9. Jo's Modern Thai

10. Spinning Bones

See what locals rave about

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