Guidebook for Oakland
Food Scene
Bustling on weekends, you can get fresh-baked goods, like bread and pizza, straight out of the oven, sweets and coffee.
198 locals recommend
Arizmendi Bakery
3265 Lakeshore AveBustling on weekends, you can get fresh-baked goods, like bread and pizza, straight out of the oven, sweets and coffee.
Chef/owner Charlie Hallowell's thin-crust wood-fired pizzas topped with everything from rapini and housemade sausage to wild nettles and ricotta, along with antipasti like fritto misto and wood oven-cooked mushrooms. Wine, beer and cocktails.
194 locals recommend
Sister
3308 Grand AveChef/owner Charlie Hallowell's thin-crust wood-fired pizzas topped with everything from rapini and housemade sausage to wild nettles and ricotta, along with antipasti like fritto misto and wood oven-cooked mushrooms. Wine, beer and cocktails.
If you like rolling out of bed and wandering to someplace for a nice hot breakfast, this is the place. Their crepes are heaping portions and super tasty. Great for lunch as well.
28 locals recommend
Lakeshore Cafe
3257 Lakeshore AveIf you like rolling out of bed and wandering to someplace for a nice hot breakfast, this is the place. Their crepes are heaping portions and super tasty. Great for lunch as well.
A popular neighborhood sushi spot. The fish is fresh, cheap and cut on the big side; the rolls are big, filling, messy and fun.
27 locals recommend
Mijori Japanese Restaurant
3260 Grand AveA popular neighborhood sushi spot. The fish is fresh, cheap and cut on the big side; the rolls are big, filling, messy and fun.
Leave the car, grab a reusable shopping bag and walk to the bustling market on a Saturday, where families, couples and friends flock for to stock up on seasonal produce from beets to greens to melons to mushrooms. Or to eat freshly prepared food including pancakes, tamales, samosas and roast chicken. Or to buy flowers or artisan crafts.
197 locals recommend
Grand Lake Farmers Market
746 Grand AveLeave the car, grab a reusable shopping bag and walk to the bustling market on a Saturday, where families, couples and friends flock for to stock up on seasonal produce from beets to greens to melons to mushrooms. Or to eat freshly prepared food including pancakes, tamales, samosas and roast chicken. Or to buy flowers or artisan crafts.
Entertainment & Activities
A short walk down Grand Lake you find the theater, built in 1926 with a similar design and feel to the Castro Theatre in San Francisco. It was one of three movie palaces that Oaklanders visited to escape the depression years. Gorgeous and historic, with massive ceilings and plush red seats to watch new releases.
382 locals recommend
Grand Lake Theater
3200 Grand AveA short walk down Grand Lake you find the theater, built in 1926 with a similar design and feel to the Castro Theatre in San Francisco. It was one of three movie palaces that Oaklanders visited to escape the depression years. Gorgeous and historic, with massive ceilings and plush red seats to watch new releases.
Yoga classes & massage treatments offered in a stylish studio with an apparel & accessories shop.
11 locals recommend
Namaste Yoga + Wellness Grand Lake
3227 Lakeshore AveYoga classes & massage treatments offered in a stylish studio with an apparel & accessories shop.
Parks & Nature
A straight 10-minute walk down either bustling Grand Ave or Lakeshore takes you to Lake Merritt, the U.S.'s first official wildlife refuge, designated in 1870. It's the most popular jogging and walking area in Oakland, with grassy shores, bird refuges, a boating center where sailboats, canoes and rowboats can be rented and a fairy tale themed amusement park called Children's Fairyland. It's 3.4 miles around and a gorgeous place to watch the sunset. Activities including live music and dancing are often held there on weekends, where anyone can join in the fun.
751 locals recommend
Lake Merritt Amphitheater
Lake Merritt BoulevardA straight 10-minute walk down either bustling Grand Ave or Lakeshore takes you to Lake Merritt, the U.S.'s first official wildlife refuge, designated in 1870. It's the most popular jogging and walking area in Oakland, with grassy shores, bird refuges, a boating center where sailboats, canoes and rowboats can be rented and a fairy tale themed amusement park called Children's Fairyland. It's 3.4 miles around and a gorgeous place to watch the sunset. Activities including live music and dancing are often held there on weekends, where anyone can join in the fun.
Drinks & Nightlife
Focus on natural wines from France, Italy, Spain and California. Wine bar, where they pour wines by the glass. The list changes everyday, depending on the whims of the staff. You can do a flight, or just grab a glass and read a book.
You can also buy any bottle off the wall and drink it in the shop for a $10 corkage fee. Offers cheese from outstanding domestic and European producers, and charcuterie made by the legendary Chris Lee. And import some totally amazing sardines from Portugal.
42 locals recommend
Ordinaire Wine Shop & Wine Bar
3354 Grand AveFocus on natural wines from France, Italy, Spain and California. Wine bar, where they pour wines by the glass. The list changes everyday, depending on the whims of the staff. You can do a flight, or just grab a glass and read a book.
You can also buy any bottle off the wall and drink it in the shop for a $10 corkage fee. Offers cheese from outstanding domestic and European producers, and charcuterie made by the legendary Chris Lee. And import some totally amazing sardines from Portugal.
Cash-only, quick service, funky decor piano bar with a live piano player who sings and lets you do karaoke.
60 locals recommend
The Alley | Piano Bar & Restaurant
3325 Grand AveCash-only, quick service, funky decor piano bar with a live piano player who sings and lets you do karaoke.
Simple hangout offering happy hours & an outdoor patio, plus a pool table & classic arcade games.
52 locals recommend
Heart & Dagger Saloon
504 Lake Park AveSimple hangout offering happy hours & an outdoor patio, plus a pool table & classic arcade games.
Live reggae, roots & world music are featured at this intimate venue with an outdoor patio.
59 locals recommend
The New Parish
1743 San Pablo AveLive reggae, roots & world music are featured at this intimate venue with an outdoor patio.
Arts & Culture
Art Deco theater opened in 1931 now hosting ballet & symphony performances & plus classic movies.
120 locals recommend
Paramount Theatre
2025 BroadwayArt Deco theater opened in 1931 now hosting ballet & symphony performances & plus classic movies.
Artifacts & interactive displays in a modern building focusing on state art, history & science.
547 locals recommend
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak StArtifacts & interactive displays in a modern building focusing on state art, history & science.
Shopping
Gift shop offering an eclectic array of goods including jewelry, home decor & books.
14 locals recommend
Urban Indigo
20405 Lakeshore AveGift shop offering an eclectic array of goods including jewelry, home decor & books.
Consignment designer casual clothing and accessories. Flowy blouses, comfy sweaters, bright prints, booties, jeans, light jackets, leather handbags, jewelry and lots of color.
10 locals recommend
maribel
3251 Lakeshore AveConsignment designer casual clothing and accessories. Flowy blouses, comfy sweaters, bright prints, booties, jeans, light jackets, leather handbags, jewelry and lots of color.
Essentials
Trader Joe's
3250 Lakeshore AveWalgreens
2801 Adeline StCVS
3236 Lakeshore Ave