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Restaurants near The Gardens at Lake Merritt

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954 restaurants available nearby

A photo of MUA restaurant
1. MUA
4.4
Awesome(1382)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Oakland
Booked 27 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.
A photo of Bardo Lounge & Supper Club restaurant
2. Bardo Lounge & Supper Club
4.8
Exceptional(489)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Oakland
Booked 25 times today
Recommended in the MICHELIN Guide for California 2021-2023. Located in Oakland’s historic Grand Lake District, Bardo is a neighborhood lounge and restaurant inspired by the comfort and camaraderie of a mid-century dinner party. Drawing on the celebration and elegance of old school entertaining, we envisioned a space for friends and neighbors to enjoy amazing food, cocktails, conversation and great music. Our lounge is a swank living room, furnished with hand-picked finds from antique and vintage markets from Palm Springs to Portland. Our mezzanine dining room features a rotating menu of fresh, seasonal supper-fare with local and sustainably sourced meats, fish and produce. While we think the food, drinks and atmosphere are all great reasons to visit us, it’s the relationships with our friends, neighbors and guests that is the driving force behind Bardo.
A photo of Popoca restaurant
3. Popoca
4.7
Exceptional(25)
Price: Moderate
• Latin American • Oakland
Booked 29 times today
Popoca is a Salvadoran-inspired restaurant in the heart of Oakland. Popoca means “to emit smoke” in Nawat, the language of native people of El Salvador who stoked wood fires to prepare food over a comal for their families. Revered as more than just a means of cooking, smoke represents a prayer or offering to the spirits.Popoca is a mix of heritage and play. Our food is driven by preserving past, creating something new and uniquely Oakland. After years of pop-ups, Popoca has its own digs in the Old Oakland neighborhood, where the pupusas, chicken with fermented pineapple sauce, and other Cali-Salvadoran specialties are happily devoured.
A photo of Smellys Creole Catering LLC restaurant
4. Smellys Creole Catering LLC
4.5
Awesome(64)
Price: Expensive
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Oakland
Booked 17 times today
Full Service restaurant that specializes in Soulfusion.
A photo of Bocanova restaurant
5. Bocanova
4.7
Exceptional(58)
Price: Moderate
• Latin American • Oakland
Booked 10 times today
Bocanova is a Pan-American Grill & Restaurant celebrating new world ingredients, many of which are often associated with the old world because of their heavy influence on our favorite European cuisines.Where would Italy be without corn (polenta) and tomatoes, or Ireland without potatoes, or France without haricots vert and pole beans all of which originated in the new world. What would Asian cuisine be without peppers and rice and this is just the tip of the iceberg. We aim To celebrate the bounty of New World ingredients through the creative interpretation of indigenous dishes from South, Central and North America.To provide a casual environment that encourages our guests to nourish both body and soul through the sharing of meals with friends and family.
A photo of Calabash restaurant
6. Calabash
4.4
Awesome(77)
Price: Moderate
• Jamaican • Oakland
Booked 1 time today
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.
A photo of alaMar Dominican Kitchen restaurant
7. alaMar Dominican Kitchen
4.7
Exceptional(197)
Price: Expensive
• Caribbean • Oakland
Booked 15 times today
alaMar is a Contemporary Dominican Kitchen located in the hip Uptown Oakland area. Bravo TV's Top Chef Season 18 Contestant, Chef Nelson German, dives deep into his Dominican culture at alaMar by offering a regional menu of foods he grew up on that his mom, grandmother, and Aunt Maritza would cook and NYC-style Dominican street foods he enjoyed as a child. German brings a unique take to family recipes with his contemporary NYC twist on traditional dishes, including his popular braised oxtail dish. There is indoor seating and a dog-friendly patio with heaters for al fresco dining. The not-to-be-missed craft cocktail program reflects Caribbean influences such as the signature Mamajuana cocktail.
A photo of The Peach restaurant
8. The Peach
4.5
Awesome(9)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Oakland
Booked 20 times today
We are a joyful, feel-good restaurant: The Peach, a vibrant all-day brunch spot at the historic Lakeshore Ave brought to you by the award-winning team behind Jo’s Modern Thai. The Peach reimagines your favorite American brunch classics with bold Asian twists, like Curry Shrimp Congee (a fresh take on shrimp and grits) and Smash Fried Chicken and Pancakes.Our team provides warm, welcoming hospitality in a variety of unique settings—whether you’re dining in our cozy indoor dining room, soaking up the sun on our peach-hued patio, or hosting a special gathering in our tiger wallpapered private dining room.Come experience The Peach for yourself—where brunch meets creativity and every visit feels like a celebration.
A photo of Pierre Pierre restaurant
9. Pierre Pierre
4.2
Awesome(134)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Oakland
Booked 19 times today
“Indulge in the Timeless Charms of the South at Our Steakhouse!Welcome to a haven of southern hospitality and exquisite dining. Nestled in the heart of Oakland California’s Tribune Tower, Pierre Pierre invites you to savor the rich flavors and warmth of the South. Immerse yourself in a rustic ambiance, where wooden accents and cozy lighting create an inviting atmosphere.Our menu boasts a symphony of flavors, highlighted by expertly grilled steaks infused with authentic southern spices, ensuring each bite is a savory delight. Complemented by classic southern sides like mashed potatoes, sweet potato soufflé & collard greens every dish celebrates culinary heritage.At Pierre Pierre, we take pride in not only serving exceptional cuisine but also in providing an unforgettable dining experience. Whether it’s a special occasion or a gathering with loved ones, join us at Pierre Pierre to experience southern charm, impeccable flavors, and the finest in steakhouse dining.”
A photo of PINTOH Thai restaurant
10. PINTOH Thai
4.8
Exceptional(30)
Price: Moderate
• Thai • Oakland
Booked 4 times today
Pintoh - With love, from Thailand.While the world is full of rush and people seek for fast and convenience, our aim is to provide a relaxing and fun vibes where our friends, family and guests can enjoy their time and appreciate our unique and flavorful Thai food, drinks and cocktails that have locally sourced ingredients and visual delight. We aspire to give our friends & family a dining experience that is as memorable as a quick trip back to Thailand! #pintohoakland

Dining near The Gardens at Lake Merritt at a glance

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • hamei
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    As always everything was delicious and flavorful. I’ve been a fan of Anthony’s cooking since the pop up days. All of his dishes are seasoned to perfection and flavors that all work together perfectly. Drinks were great as well! As always all the love !
    More info
    PopocaPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Oakland
    •
    4.7
  • Theresa
    London •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The best food and scene in Oakland. It's noisy...but fun!
    More info
    MUAPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Oakland
    •
    4.4
  • Ogun
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    This was my first experience with Smelly's. It was worth it. The food was great. I'd love to take a date there. I'd go back just for the mac n cheese and garlic green beans. The garlic noodles are awesome too. I love garlic 🧄
    More info
    Smellys Creole Catering LLCPrice: Expensive• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Oakland
    •
    4.5
  • Amitava
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 28, 2024
    I went to Bardo Lounge & Supper Club on 27th December with my family. There were 5 of us. We were not celebrating any occasion. In one simple word, our impression was that the food was outstanding! Starting from the first course, the Pickled Seasonal Veg, Apple & Parsnip soup, the Fall Salad and the main entre, we devoured the food. Four out of five of us had the 6 oz, Bardo Burger, which was delicious. Incidentally, we noticed only one dish based on fish, with hardly any sea food in the menu! The service was good! All in all, this was a restaurant where we will go again and again with friends and family!
    More info
    Bardo Lounge & Supper ClubPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Oakland
    •
    4.8
  • Jonathan
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 9, 2024
    Excellent food and excellent service. I will be coming back for more! I highly recommend.
    More info
    CalabashPrice: Moderate• Jamaican• Oakland
    •
    4.4

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