Duende

Name: Duende
Address: 468 19th Street, Oakland, CA, United States, 94612
Telephone: (510) 893-0174
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1547 Reviews

$31 to $50

Spanish

Top Tags:

Duende is a Spanish Inspired neighborhood restaurant in Oakland's Uptown district.
A modern and casual dining experience, a cutting-edge cocktail program, and an inviting Spanish-based wine program!
Parties of 7 or more will be served a prix fixe chef's menu, please email reservations@duendeoakland.com to make a large group reservation.

For private events please email events@duendeoakland.com

Duende reserves seats for walk-ins! If you don't see your desired reservation time, come on down and we will find you a seat!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 22, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 18 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Spanish, Basque
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun 5:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–10:30 pm
Phone number
(510) 893-0174
Website
http://duendeoakland.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Paul Canales
Private party facilities
Memorable events begin with thoughtful planning. Duende offers several options for large groups. Chef Paul and the Duende team will work with you to design a unique dining experience for your special event.
Private party contact
Matt Bredesen: (510) 893-0174

Location
468 19th Street, Oakland, CA 94612
Neighborhood
Oakland
Cross street
Between Broadway & Telegraph Ave
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Half a block from the 19th Street BART station.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

West Coast Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Experiences

Chef's Tasting Menu (Large Party Reservation)
$64.00 per person
Multiple dates available
For large parties we do our Chef's Tasting Menu, a prix fixe family style meal that consists of a great selection from our seasonal menu of the day! The menu is designed, with any dietary restrictions of the group (vegan/pescatarian/dairy-free/gluten-free/allergies, none are a problem). It's a great experience for large groups, takes the pressure off of ordering & no one goes home hungry. Tapas: multiple tapas dishes picked from our daily menu & all scaled to the size of your group Raciones: larger, more protein forward, similar to entree style plates to be shared amongst your group Paella: selection of our made-to-order paellas Ducles: a sampler of our in-house desserts Pricing is $64/person, which does not include drinks or gratuity.
Spanish Harvest Moon Wine Dinner
$110.00 per person
Prepaid
Sep 28, 2023 only
Join us to celebrate the harvest moon! We will be serving four courses of dishes created by chef Paul Canales along with a wine pairing and discussion facilitated by sommelier Patrick Cress. Dig further into Spanish culture through the lens of food, wine, history, and music. We’ll sample four courses each paired with a wine from northern Spain. You’ll experience food and wine pairings native to each region. In a workshop-like setting we’ll discuss the region, the wine, the food, and why it all works so well together! These wines will also be for sale at half price for one night only. Time to add some of these gems to your wine collection! Tasting Menu available on our website!

Popular dishes

Aceitunas Alinadas$8.00
marinated mixed Spanish olives
Pintxo Duende$5.00
spicy chorizo + manzanilla olives + piparra + cornichon + piquillo
Patatas Bravas$10.00
crispy potatoes + spicy allioli
Ensalada de Col$15.00
savoy cabbage + mahón + anchovy-stuffed green olives + pistachios
Tortilla Española$14.00
potato & caramelized onion tortilla + olive tapenade + allioli
Tostas$17.00
pork rillettes + pickled onions + arugula
Remolachas y Creme de Queso de Cabra$17.00
roasted beets + goat cheese crema + candied pecans + mojo verde
Espárragos con Romesco y Queso Manchego$18.00
first-of-the-season asparagus + romesco + manchego cheese + slow-cooked egg
Pulpo a la Plancha$21.00
plancha-grilled octopus + fingerling potatoes + aceite de los santos
Pescado Crudo$21.00
local yellowtail + Chantrelle mushrooms + leeks + meyer lemon
Buñuelos de Dos Quesos$16.00
queso picante + Tillamook yellow cheddar + wildflower honey + lemon

Raciones

Canalones Verdes de Verduras$26.00
wild nettle pasta filled with celery root + roasted cauliflower + pecorino + lemon crema
Duende Burger$19.00
lamb & beef burger + oveja al romero-stuffed piquillo + tomato jam + house-made kennebec potato chips
La Lubina$38.00
whole sea bass + broccoli di ciccio + salsa vasca
Pollo Frito$36.00
Spanish-style fried half hen + pickled vegetables + blood orange vinaigrette + endive salad + allioli

Platos

por la mesa; all paellas can be made with whole grain farro

Paella de Carne$60.00
bomba rice + txistorra + mussels + butter beans + Blue Lake green beans + endive salad + allioli + aceite de los santos
Arroz Negro$60.00
bomba rice + squid ink + local sturgeon + morcilla + shaved fennel + poblano peppers + salsa del diablo + shrimp glace allioli + aceite de los santos
Fideua$55.00
toasted fideos pasta + shrimp + chicken + roasted peppers + manzanilla olives + harissa allioli + aceite de los santos
Paella de Verduras$55.00
bomba rice + farm eggs + celery root + broccoli di ciccio + roasted carrots + garbanzo beans + mojo verde allioli + aceite de los santos

Cocktails

*Available as a non-alcoholic mocktail!

Paloma*$13.00
tequila + grapefruit + citrus + grapefruit soda
El Ruco$16.00
rye + ramazzotti + cinnamon-infused honey + bitters
Bourbon Burro*$14.00
bourbon + house ginger beer + lime
Tropidia*$14.00
vodka + guava + rosemary syrup + citrus + soda
Truth or Pear$15.00
gin + house asian pear shrub + citrus + rosemary + dry curaçao
Spanish G & T*$14.00
gin + house tonic + cucumber
M & T*$14.00
mezcal + house serrano pepper tonic + lime
Turmeric Highball*$14.00
vodka + house turmeric tonic + soda
El Presidente$15.00
rum + blanco vermouth + dry curaçao + grenadine
Vermillion Sangria$13.00
red wine + spiced rum + sherry + orange liqueur + citrus

Draft Beer

Estrella Lager [Damm S.A., Barcelona / Spain] ABV 5.2%
- 16oz$7.00
Pilsner [Temescal Brewing, Oakland / CA] ABV 5%
- 16oz$8.00
West Coast IPA [Temescal Brewing, Oakland / CA] ABV 7%
- 16oz$8.00
Blueberry + Passionfruit Gose [Temescal Brewing, Oakland / CA] ABV 5.6%
- 12oz$8.00

Canned Beer

Bo Pils [East Brothers, Richmond / CA] ABV 5%
- 16oz$8.00

N/A Bevs

Mexican Coke$5.00
Diet Coke$3.00
Iced Tea$5.00
Lemonade$5.00

What 1,547 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
Spanish

1,547 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall1food2service1ambience4
Server was terrible. We waited at our table for 15 minutes before we asked for him to come over to take our order. At that point he was rude and informed us that there was not enough time to order paella and make our show time across the street at the Fox. Maybe there would have been time if he was more attentive from the moment we were seated. And according to him the kitchen was out of croquets. I will never go back.
Is this helpful?
NN
NoriNori
San Francisco
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience4
We were going to a concert at Fox and the person in charge of our table was conscious of our timing and made it such a pleasant experience. Good food, good ambiance!
Is this helpful?
D
ramonaD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was outstandingly delicious and our server was wonderful
Is this helpful?
f
foodwise
San Francisco
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
While the flavors were good, the portion sizes were too small for their price. Been to plenty of tapas restaurants where the tapas are designed for sharing, and there is a decent amount to share around the table rather than to eat as a personal appetizer!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
The food was excellent. Our servers weren’t educated about the wine and cocktails, but everyone was so nice and we loved the atmosphere. Would 100% eat here again.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Duende is always a treat. Delicious food and a super kind and fun staff. Knowledgeable and considerate about my allergies.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greensboro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The pállela, la ensalada de pulpo, and the strawberry flan were EVERYTHING
Is this helpful?
OW
OaklandW
San Francisco
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is always delicious! Had fried chicken for the first time and it was amazing. Fideua is our favorite dish. We will be back soon!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
7 reviews
vip
1.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience1
The food is really bad still much salt and that’s not as nice flavors not even nothing close to the Spanish food really expensive and is not good 🤬
Is this helpful?
A
Anonymous
San Francisco
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience3
I just got back from Spain and was so excited to try Duende when my friend suggested to have dinner there. The food was underwhelming at overwhelming prices. Also when I was on Yelp to look at some of the pics that customers had posted of the food, I noticed that there were several images of a note that Duende provides that states not to leave anything in your car. So I made sure to take everything out AND my car unfortunately got broken into. I couldn't believe it!!!
Is this helpful?
S
Sandi
San Francisco
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had a great time and found parking close by. The service was fantastic; he was very attentive! The food was delicious and it was fun to share the plates. I’ll definitely go back. Best flan I’ve ever had. Wow!!
Is this helpful?
MD
MaryD
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience2
Seriously over-rated - We did the chef's selection for 7 - the seafood paella which was supposed to be highlight was left uneaten by everyone who tried it. There was a cabbage salad - that was literally just a pile of shredded cabbage. The only really good dish was the flan. For real $$ this was a great disappointment.
Is this helpful?
m
michelleski
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I especially recommend the sangria, the candles, and the flan.
Is this helpful?
CN
CarolinaN
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Overpriced, food was good but not espectacular. Didn’t allow to switch table to a quieter section although no reservation pending and wide open.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Had a great meal at the bar. Service was attentive. The fried chicken was exceptional!
Is this helpful?
LB
LauraB
New York Area
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a gem. Hearty Spanish food with so much flavour and kind, warm service.
Is this helpful?
S
Sfshanni
San Francisco
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Duende is the perfect spot to grab some great food and drinks before a show. The Fox and the Paramount are within a block. BART stop was handy too. The space is really fun and interesting, especially the library-like bar area. The loft was inviting. I could see having a private event up there. The fried chicken and the patatas bravas were the bomb
Is this helpful?
CG
CaleG
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We attended the flamenco dinner and it was absolutely amazing. Highly recommend :)
Is this helpful?
KR
KennethR
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
great food and timing was really on - also the staff was very friendly and up beat
Is this helpful?
BG
BellaG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This continues to be one of my favorites when I'm in town. The service is excellent, entire ambiance and vibe are incredible and the food of course is exceptional every time!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went to Duende for Father’s Day and had an amazing experience! Our server was excellent and food was great!
Is this helpful?
NE
NEatz
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 19, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
Went to Duende for fathers day dinner was really cool ambiance and beautiful serving of food and drinks. Food was delicious and service was fantastic.
Is this helpful?
JV
JessicaV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Simply enchanting experience down to the flavor combination of the food we tasted, to the ambience and servers we were connected with. Thank you so much.
Is this helpful?
IY
IsabelY
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was a great experience. Not only was the Summer Solstice special dinner delicious but having an opportunity to learn more about Spain’s wine history with the sommelier was very educational and he was a great host as well. This was a 4 course dinner with the sommelier giving us his insights before and after and we were also able to ask questions and feedback on the choice of wine he made. All of the wine pairings were good excellent. In addition, all the wines were available for purchase at an excellent price. The staff was very attentive and curious. They gave us time to enjoy our own private conversation, and by the end of the evening we were fully satisfied.
Is this helpful?
CM
CM46
San Francisco
48 reviews
4.0
48 reviews
Dined on June 13, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
I had the beet salad which was truly outstanding and then the Dos Toastos which I throughly enjoyed, followed by a delightful Creme Caramel. After a couple of Sangrias - a completely satisfying experience.
Is this helpful?
l
loveapplefarm
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved it. Great food and the service was excellent. Go to Night Heron around the corner for a cocktail first. Tapas all night at Duende for the win!
Is this helpful?
AJ
AndrewJ
San Francisco
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
Cool spot in downtown Oakland. I travel to Barcelona frequently, and Durnde represents quality spanish tapas well , with a unique take on common dishes.
Is this helpful?
GM
GabrielleMyers
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Duende makes the best Beef Carpaccio and Paella! I’ve had these dishes in multiple restaurants all over the world, and this place is distinctive in the freshness of its ingredients and the care that the chef takes with each dish. Eat here for an outstanding meal!
Is this helpful?
v
valholla
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
food was great. presentation was on point. service was quick and friendly. interior was visually pleasing. would def come back.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Had dinner here for my birthday with my mother and father. Service was attentive but gave us space to have a long meal together. The food was amazing and I had the best flan of my life. Our server let me n ow it was actually the chefs mothers recipe. Will be going back and highly recommend for any occasion or just a great drink at the bar.
Is this helpful?
S
Saas
San Francisco
10 reviews
vip
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on June 3, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
Both service and food were subpar. Waiter served our drinks with one having spilled all over the glass and didn't bother to provide a napkin or take it back. Ordered olives, Papas Fritas, and Pallea De Carne. Olives were disappointing. Aioli on Papas Fritas didn't taste good. Paella contained mostly muscles and sausages and was very greasy. Last time I had been to Duende was before the pandemic and I remembered the quality to be much better.
Is this helpful?
DN
DavidN
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and fun people. My new favorite East Bay spot!
Is this helpful?
JS
JonathanS
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cocktails and wine were flavorful. Paella was very well prepared and a good meal for two. Service was excellent, frequent enough contact without hovering.
Is this helpful?
DM
DonMiguel
San Francisco
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on May 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
From being warmly greeted to assuring a terrific reunion dinner, I enjoyed my first time here. Very gracious waitstaff.
Is this helpful?
MW
MichaelW
Central Coast
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 22, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Food was lovely. The space was a bit noisy with music being a bit loud. I had to lean over to hear my dining companion (just two of us). There was a concert at the Fox so that might have added to the chaos, but we had a lovely dinner.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
18 reviews
vip
3.0
18 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall3food5service3ambience3
So, last year Duende was my favorite restaurant. The food is still great (especially the vegetarian paella!) And cocktails good. But the service fell down a notch, less friendly, and some of the most amazing things (e.g. lamb rilette) are off menu. It's still one of the best places in Oakland but needs to go back...
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing experience. Food was fabulous and the staff were very accomodating and friendly. 10/10
Is this helpful?
W
Wendy
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A delightful evening in every way. Table, cocktails, waiter, food, etc. One of my favorite places to eat!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
An amazing night! The servers and staff did an incredible job for our dinner. They were very accommodating and easy to work with. The Chef’s menu really made it a ‘wow’ experience for our clients. Thank you Duende team!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience2
Huge disappointment. Slow service, average dishes. Value not there. Paul, you need to do much better.
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Duende does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now and Postmates.

Duende is rated 4.6 stars by 1547 OpenTable diners.

Duende does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.