Restaurants near Lake Merritt

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanChinese

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for happy hour

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bardo Lounge & Supper Club restaurant

1. Bardo Lounge & Supper Club

4.8

Exceptional(480)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Oakland

Booked 34 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 Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt restaurant

2. Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt

4.7

Exceptional(653)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Oakland

Booked 34 times today

May and David Wasem's flagship location Grand Lake Kitchen location offers American classics and warm hospitality. An all-day cafe specializing in brunch and dinner! Maximum party size for regular reservations is 8 at Lake Merritt and 10 at the Dimond location.Grand Lake Kitchen at Lake Merritt has a full bar, bustling dining room, outdoor patio, take-out counter, and The Bubble Room (private dining)

3. MUA

4.4

Awesome(1366)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Oakland

Booked 35 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.

4. Bocanova

4.7

Exceptional(43)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Oakland

Booked 7 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.

5. Pierre Pierre

4.4

Awesome(114)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Oakland

Booked 24 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 Smellys Creole Catering LLC restaurant

6. Smellys Creole Catering LLC

4.4

Awesome(56)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Oakland

Booked 8 times today

Full Service restaurant that specializes in Soulfusion.

A photo of alaMar Dominican Kitchen restaurant

7. alaMar Dominican Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(193)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Caribbean • Oakland

Booked 9 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.

8. Z Cafe & Bar

5.0

Exceptional(377)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Oakland

Booked 2 times today

The best happy hour in Oakland featuring over 100 vodkas. Serves Scratch-made American Cuisine for Lunch & Dinner. Party Space. The menu changes seasonally to provide flavors at their peak. Z Cafe & Bar carries over 100 vodka selection and offer a variety of hand shaken specialty martinis.

A photo of Peony Seafood Restaurant restaurant

9. Peony Seafood Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(21)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Oakland

Booked 8 times today

Peony Seafood restaurant is a dim sum and seafood restaurant serving the Bay Area for over 20 years. It's located at the heart of Chinatown Oakland CA. Our professional chefs from Hong Kong provide an authentic experience with every traditional food they prepare - from mouthwatering BBQ pork buns to flavorful Peking duck. Our food isn't just great because it's finger-licking. We insist that everything at Peony Seafood Restaurant is made by hand only using original and fresh ingredients.

10. The Star

4.3

Awesome(646)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Oakland

Booked 6 times today

The Star features the same delicious Chicago-style deep dish pizza that made Little Star Pizza famous, with their consistent Guardian's Best of the Bay Pizza. We have an extended menu including salads, appetizers, and sandwiches. We feature an artisan full bar as well as a diverse beer and wine menus. We are family friendly and accept reservations for large parties as well. We look forward to you joining us!

Dining near Lake Merritt at a glance

Updated on 11/23/2024

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From verified diners like you

P
Pierovip
San Francisco Bay Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
A great experience-- delicious food-- highest quality; creative and successful combination of flavors; attentive and kind staff; noise level is "robust."
More info
BurdellPrice: Very Expensive• Soul food• Oakland
•
4.5
G
gaylevip
San Francisco Bay Area •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Always order their delicious deviled eggs…superb! Had the Sunday Supper. Appetizer, main course and dessert for only $40. A delicious bargain! Bocanova is an Oakland treasure. We have fewer and fewer of such gleaming stars in our beleaguered city. Let’s be sure to support them!
More info
BocanovaPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Oakland
•
4.7
J
Jose
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Second time to come here and it was excellent experience as the first time here. Service was excellent and so was the food. Definitely will be on our list of places to go.
More info
alaMar Dominican KitchenPrice: Expensive• Caribbean• Oakland
•
4.6
I
Ian
Portland / Oregon •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 13, 2024
Food was wonderful. Ambiance as well. Such nice people! Helped accommodate the needs of my autistic partner. Thanks!
More info
MUAPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Oakland
•
4.4
A
Adrian
San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 9, 2024
The server was great and the food was amazing. Looking forward to going back again!
More info
Bardo Lounge & Supper ClubPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Oakland
•
4.8

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