Best Live Music Restaurants in Oakland

FABULOUS! We did not know what to expect from Julia’s, but we were excited to be in such an historical setting. We got to dinner early (after the Cal game), so we had drinks in their bar, which is adjacent to the restaurant. What a highlight-drinks were spectacular and old school while still being hip and cool. This is a great place for all ages in a stunning location. You really feel a part of the local history. Dinner—OUTSTANDING. All of our orders were different and really a fulfilling experience. The beauty of the building and its facilities makes this space unique, but really the team there, from the bartenders, to the host to the serving staff in the restaurant, are so professional and focused on hospitality—-something that is harder and harder to experience. We will be making this a regular part of our visits to Berkeley.

You will become addicted to the creative fresh, organically-grown, sustainable delectables, all for ridiculously modest prices given the quality and presentation. While it is labeled a bar, this is some of the best eats in the Bay Area, and I am super picky, having had free access to Alice Water's cuisine for years and several chefs in the family. But the place itself is gorgeous. The architects, David Soffa and Teresa Clarke are Berkeley's counterpart to Julia Morgan. The four wood and glass panels leading to the trumpetvine patio are reminiscent of Morgan's balcony doors in her house on Haste Street, but with an added elegant flourish. The pattern of the varnished wood floors in that room is exquisite. One should note all the hanging lamps, the marvellous tile work over the bar and all the rare marble. There are surprise touches, stained glass, a future art gallery in the hall and the kind of bathroom only high end hotels offer. Roses has a few rooms and every kind of seating you could desire while making it all look complimentary and beautiful: a large red satin-like booth welcomes guests at separate tables, luxurious nooks, high tops as well as a couch area. Such a treasure. I've been taking all my friends there for special occasions and they love it. It's a new bar/food venue with more increasing entertainment that is gaining popularity fast so enjoy before the lines start spilling onto the street!

Excellent all around. Savory chanterelles with pasta dish went well with other starters. Drinks well described and delicious. Appreciate the flow of conversation enabled by the sound panels in the ceiling.

A wonderful dinner for Beaujolais Nouveau day. We started with salad verte and fried calamari followed by lobster bisque and ended with 1lb moule frites that all was in a garlic, wine & spinach sauce. We ended with a very large & delicious tart au citron with fresh raspberries. Thank you all.

A large busy open dining experience before a show is a great way to start the evening. Staff is very friendly & helpful. The menu is sparse but the fish/sushi is fresh but expensive. But you can have a quick bite instead of an entire meal. After dining you line up to find your seat. I like the smaller venue, not a bad seat in the theater, as opposed to thousands of people. I recommend Yoshi’s for a fun night out in Oakland. Take the ferry, drive and park in the huge parking garage next door to Yoshi’s. The Average White Band brought back many memories and continued rocking out the crowd with their soulful band.