Calabash

Name: Calabash
Address: 2300 Valdez St Ste A, Oakland, CA, United States, 94612-3127
Telephone: (510) 844-4631
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 3.8

3.8

53 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

Like its namesake, Calabash—restaurant, market and bar in Uptown Oakland—is a place of global innovation; a home for creative local chefs and producers to bring the uniqueness of their culture and flavors to The Town.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 1 time today

Experiences are available.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Persian, Global, International
Hours of operation
Wed, Thu 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm
Phone number
(510) 844-4631
Website
http://www.calabasheats.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Collection of chefs

Location
2300 Valdez St Ste A, Oakland, CA 94612-3127
Neighborhood
Oakland
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Kosher, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Jazz Brunch at Calabash!
Multiple dates available
Join us for brunch, mimosas & live jazz with Doctors of Note Sundays between 10:00am-3:00pm

What 53 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

3.8

3.8 based on recent ratings

3.7Food
3.9Service
3.8Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

East Bay
Great for brunch
East Bay
Good for business meals

53 Reviews

GM
GregM
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dining at Calabash was a remarkable experience. This restaurant not only offers an outstanding culinary journey into Jamaican cuisine but also provides a warm and welcoming ambiance that makes you feel like you've taken a trip to the Caribbean. I left with a satisfied belly and a big smile on my face, eagerly looking forward to my next visit. If you're in search of authentic Jamaican flavors and a memorable dining experience, I highly recommend Calabash - it's a true gem!
1 person found this helpful
SZ
StZe
San Francisco
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall2food1service4ambience3
Staff was responsive, but food was disappointing: We couldn't eat both vegetable dishes -- the brussel sprout balsamic was too sweet and vinegary (we returned it) and the carrot / squash was too sweet (lots of unexpected sugar) -- and the oxtail had lots of tiny sharp bones in it. My wife and I ate slowly but both hurt ourselves at least once.
2 people found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience1
THE MENU HAS BEEN LIMITED TO THE POINT THAT IT IS NOT INVITING AND AS A RESULT I SHALL NOT RETURN!!
2 people found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall4food5service1ambience5
Lot of gendered language from the server but the food was good
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Restaurant was closed when we arrived. There were other guests who also seemed confused
2 people found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service along with the food was excellent. I plan to dine here again in the near future.
1 person found this helpful
QQ
QuantumQuacker
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first visit. It was definitely a positive experience. The food was delicious and the service was excellent.
1 person found this helpful
MB
MomaBetty
San Francisco
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Everything was great. I wanted to order the duck and grits to go but they had ran out of that item. We really enjoyed ourselves. Was worried about the car break ins around Oakland but we survived with having any windows broken. It would be nice to have a monitored parking lot close to the area. Both my friend and I were born and raised in Oakland. It was nice to see something coming up on Valdez Street. Looking forward to returning.
1 person found this helpful
A
Anonymous
San Francisco
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Delicious food, very quiet - I don’t remember hearing any music, which would’ve helped a lot. We went there for a mimosa brunch special on Instagram, but when we got there they said there was no special
1 person found this helpful
GR
GayleR
San Francisco
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Fun place, with tasty creative food in a nice modern atmosphere
1 person found this helpful
O
Oaklander
New York Area
147 reviews
vip
5.0
147 reviews
Dined on June 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Interesting food, good-sized portions, reasonable prices.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great location..supper Stylish and greattt afro-beats. Plus..the food was good! I will be back.
1 person found this helpful
LS
LSKM
Sacramento
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
My husband and I really enjoyed the food and drinks. Service was great as well. If we are ever in town again we will definitely stop.
1 person found this helpful
M
Marge
San Francisco
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience5
The food was good but not particularly outstanding. The presentation of the food was a bit careless. The pairing of cuisines is interesting but not necessarily combined in a way that was cohesive. The service while friendly was slow and no suggestions offered as to how the two parts of the menu might go best together. The space is lovely and a good place to gather. We ordered the fish, the Neshtaa platter, and the curry goat. The fish was a bit dry and the curry was plated a bit messy.
1 person found this helpful
MM
MarisaM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful service with great Jamaican food and unique cocktails!
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was excellent. Staff was attentive and responsive. Thank you
1 person found this helpful
AH
AnnH
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was fantastic and the service was great. So many interesting dishes to chose from. We already want to go back to sample more. The trout was outstanding and the crab with vegetables had us rolling our eyes with delight. I love the decor and that there are different types of seating arrangements to chose from. Don’t miss an opportunity for dine here.
1 person found this helpful
Z
Zzzz
San Francisco
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience1
Loved the food here but the atmosphere really leaves a lot to be desired. I was surprised since Kingston 11 was such a gorgeous restaurant. This place feels like a cafeteria and the price point is pretty high for the lack of vibes. Staff was great and food was tasty. It'd ok for a quick lunch but wouldn't go for dinner again. Might do take out tho, the jerk chicken was fantastic.
1 person found this helpful
JH
JumokeH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was play offs so there was a great buzz! The drinks were outstanding. We ordered food to go. So many choices. The twist on ordinary dishes. Grits and Duck superb. And a good ole hamburger. So happy I finally made it to Calabash! There was great choices for seating and all the staff were attentive! Amazing bringing more friends next time!
1 person found this helpful
JF
JapaneseFoodLover
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience5
The menu was creative and mostly plea
1 person found this helpful
O
Oaklander
New York Area
146 reviews
vip
5.0
146 reviews
Dined on April 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ample portions of interesting and tasty food. Service was friendly and efficient. I will definitely be going back.
1 person found this helpful
s
smeep
San Francisco
32 reviews
vip
3.0
32 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
Hi- top Seats were really really hard to sit in - we kept slipping off. Drinks were great but they were out of half the drinks when we arrived at 7.30. Carrots were undercooked. Brussels sprouts were too oily. The Jamaican patty was delicious and the veggie curry was really good.
1 person found this helpful
AZ
ArleneZ
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful selection of foods that enrich and excite your tastebuds. Attentive and friendly service. A great addition to Oakland’s culinary offerings.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 14, 2023
overall1food2service2ambience1
Ambiance felt like an airport. Food was not good- overcooked salmon bowl and tofu I could have made better at home. Mezzo platter was mediocre and served with store bought cold pita.
1 person found this helpful
LC
LauraC
San Francisco
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience4
Wanted to try the new neighborhood restaurant that had both Jamaican and Iranian food. The Oxtail stew was absolutely delicious and worth getting any day. Once we got a server, as there was some issue with staff being on a break, the service was good. Definitely will return.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 1, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Pretty good experience on a sunny day. I recommend the Aloe Dreamin as a drink and getting a short rib sandwich with fries.
1 person found this helpful
BA
BrendaA
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food that comes out fast too! Chill vibe. Have been here like 5 times since they opened and it’s my go to when people come visit us from out of town.
1 person found this helpful
RS
RobertS
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The menu is short and all the items are delicious. The servings are ample. The service is attentive. I have only been there on Sundays but both times with other people so I've experienced several of the dishes.
1 person found this helpful
J
Julia
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
This is a great addition to Oakland's food scene with interesting takes on offerings that you think may be familiar. Highly recommend for business day lunch or weekend brunch (I've had both)!
1 person found this helpful
EJ
ElaineJ
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first time having Sunday brunch at Calabash and it was fabulous in every way. Honestly, order the duck on grits with sun-dried tomatoes and capers. My mouth is watering just writing about it. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the BBQ pulled beef sandwich, and we shared a Persian starter of honey and cream with crackers. Our drinks of Irish coffee and a greyhound were delicious. Service was so warm, friendly, and attentive, and the ambience beautiful and smart. Value was excellent, making it such a find for the outstanding quality of food and service. Would we recommend Calabash to a friend? You bet. And we're looking forward to returning.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A work friend and I enjoyed a Thursday lunch here. The food was delicious (noodles with shrimp, roast leg of lamb salad), the service was friendly, quick, and attentive, and the atmosphere was good - people were talking/etc but it wasn’t loud so you could enjoy your own conversation. Will go again to try more of the food!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent and the company and conversation was still manageable withe music playing.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
Food was amazing! A great neighborhood spot. Can’t wait to try more of the menu! Make sure to order the mezze platter.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall3food1service4ambience4
Sadly the food was subpar. Great service and ambience but bland, unseasoned and forgettable meal.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food! The staff was soooo friendly and the food was BOMB (the whole fish, jerk wings and my favorite is the spicy shredded beef with plantains)! I will be back 😋
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food and service were outstanding! DJ was great. Ambience is very cool and the lounge section is super comfy. The only thing I hope changes is the lighting; it needs to be warmer, less fluorescent. Other than that, I look forward to going back soon!
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p
putney1974
San Francisco
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Goodt food and great service, had the roasted lamb salad, the chimchurri took added to the the lamb, roasted Brussel sprouts and cauliflower were also very good. My daughter enjoyed the chicken, roasted carrots and jasmine rice dish. I will go back to see what else the have to offer in the very near future.
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K
Kiri
San Francisco
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was outstanding— I had the French toast with a side of sausage, would definitely recommend going there for brunch. The ambiance was amazing and the DJ was playing hit after hit. Would go back!
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P
Peter
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Too loud. Hard to have a casual conversation
Is this helpful?
d
didi
San Francisco
24 reviews
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
Lovely for lunch. The food options are creative and tasty. Nice to have plates from both sides of the menu. Looking forward to returning.
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

FAQs

Calabash is rated 3.8 stars by 53 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 1 time today

Experiences are available.

2300 Valdez St Ste A, Oakland, CA 94612-3127

Additional information

Neighborhood
Oakland
Hours of operation
Wed, Thu 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Persian, Global, International
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Collection of chefs
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Kosher, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.calabasheats.com/
Phone number
(510) 844-4631

Calabash

Make a reservation

Additional information

Experiences

Jazz Brunch at Calabash!

Menu

What 53 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

FAQs

How is Calabash restaurant rated?

Is Calabash currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information