Restaurants near Lake Merritt

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AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanChinese

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Delivery only

Takeout only

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BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

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Wheelchair access

22 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Bardo Lounge & Supper Club restaurant

1. Bardo Lounge & Supper Club

4.8

Exceptional(542)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Oakland

Booked 20 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.

2. Jaji

4.7

Exceptional(106)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Afghan • Oakland

Booked 22 times today

Founded by Sophia Akbar and Paul Iglesias. It marks their debut Afghan concept and is a celebration of the rich flavors and traditions of Afghan culture, reimagined for today’s world. The restaurant is a tribute to Akbar’s ancestral Pashtun tribe and her grandfather’s last name, honoring the resilience and stories of Afghan-American heritage.

A photo of Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt restaurant

3. Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt

4.6

Exceptional(710)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Oakland

Booked 39 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 15at 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)

4. MUA

4.5

Awesome(1394)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Oakland

Booked 15 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.

5. Bocanova

4.5

Awesome(84)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Oakland

Booked 9 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 alaMar Dominican Kitchen restaurant

6. alaMar Dominican Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(227)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Caribbean • Oakland

Booked 8 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.

7. Z Cafe & Bar

4.8

Exceptional(389)

$$$$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.

8. Haus Of Chefs

4.5

Awesome(56)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Oakland

Booked 4 times today

Haus of Chefs is an innovative concept that pairs culinary talent with a ready-made professional kitchen, inside an upscale restaurant with a full bar.

9. Pierre Pierre

4.5

Awesome(183)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Oakland

Booked 3 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 Otto's Uptown Kitchen - Kissel, Uptown Oakland restaurant

10. Otto's Uptown Kitchen - Kissel, Uptown Oakland

3.6

Very Good(0)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Oakland

Booked 1 time today

Otto’s Uptown Kitchen is all about simple pleasures. A stylish and convenient outpost with a local-centric menu of classic comfort foods to get you going and keep you going all day long. Designed for those who grind—Otto’s is a great place to work, mingle, and hang out morning, noon, and night.

Dining near Lake Merritt at a glance

Updated on 6/13/2025

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From verified diners like you

A
Andy
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Perfectly prepared meals, friendly service. We had lamb chop and seared cod. Sides of farro/fava, vegetables and cornbread were also great.
More info
BurdellPrice: Very Expensive• Soul food• Oakland
•
4.3
L
LaurenVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Food was great. Service was mixed. Hostess not pleasant. Bartenders nice, but very slow. Delightful servers, but drinks came late or not at all. It's very loud. All in all, worth a visit!
More info
JajiPrice: Expensive• Afghan• Oakland
•
4.7
R
RichardVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Always have great tasting food. Service was good. Loved the Pernil.
More info
alaMar Dominican KitchenPrice: Moderate• Caribbean• Oakland
•
4.6
M
Mickey
Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Delicious! We loved it and would absolutely go back.
More info
PopocaPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Oakland
•
4.7
J
June
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jun 1, 2025
Second time getting pre fixe menu, seasonal and delicious.
More info
Bardo Lounge & Supper ClubPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Oakland
•
4.8

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