How is Barlago restaurant rated?

Name: Barlago
Address: 550 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA, United States, 94610
Telephone: (510) 836-2424
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4

Barlago

4.0

209 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top Tags:

Barlago is a neighborhood restaurant and bar serving fresh pizza and pasta, Italian-inspired, locally-sourced comfort food, and gluten free options to please every palate. Peruse our selections of wine and beer on tap, or try one of our craft cocktails. Join us for our daily happy hours, from 5-6:30pm and from 9pm-close. We regularly show our local Oakland teams’ sporting events on two big HDTVs, as well as national sporting events.

The heated patio across from Lake Merritt offers beautiful views of the “Oakland Riviera” and is dog-friendly for all of your four-legged friends. Bring them by for dinner or for our weekend brunch: our Bloody Mary is an East Bay favorite!

There is ample parking available in the neighborhood, including parking lots and metered street parking.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian, American
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
(510) 836-2424
Website
http://barlago.biz/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
We here at Barlago love large parties! Barlago is available for all types of parties and events, from small private parties to large corporate dinners or events.
Private party contact
our Private Event Coordinator : (510) 836-2424

Location
550 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
Neighborhood
Oakland
Cross street
El Embarcadero
Parking details
There is ample street parking along Grand Ave, as well as, public parking at a lot one block away. There is also public parking underneath the highway off of Lake Shore Dr. near the farmer’s market.
Public transit
The nearest BART stop is 19th Street Oakland. Multiple buses run along Grand Ave.
Entertainment
Join us for happy hour everyday from 5-6:30pm, and 9pm til close. All the local sporting events are shown on our large screen HDTVs in the bar!!
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Gnocchi$10.00
mushroom cream sauce, lemon zest bread crumbs
Fried Ravioli$10.00
hand-made fried ravioli, marinara & pesto dipping sauces
Shrimp & Cannellini$14.00
gulf shrimp, cannellini beans, arugula, white wine sauce
Mussels$14.00
steamed salt spring mussels, white wine, dijon, garlic, tomato, grilled toast
Burrata$13.00
marinated tomatoes, black garlic crostini, toasted pistachios
Meatballs$13.00
beef and pork meatballs, san marzano tomato sauce, parmesan
Deviled Eggs$8.00
warm deviled eggs, pancetta, calabria chili, provolone
Crab Cakes$12.00
california style, lemon pepper slaw, roasted pepper aioli
Bistecca$13.00
marinated flat iron steak, arugula, cherry tomatoes, saba drizzle
Chicken Stack$10.00
lemon zest parmesan crusted Mary's chicken strips, lemon caper dill sauce, spicy marinara

Bruschetta Bar

Roasted Pepper Caponata$3.50
Short Rib, Gorgonzola, Caramelized Onion$5.00
Marinated Tomatoes$3.50
Mushroom Truffle Oil, Goat Cheese$4.00
Shrimp, Basil, Tomato, Citrus$5.00
Prosciutto, Garlic Goat Cheese, Sweet Brussels Sprouts$5.00

Tacos

Short Rib$4.50
salsa verde, italian pico de gallo, parmesan, calabria chilis
Pesto Chicken$4.00
peppers, onion, provolone, basil
Veggie$3.50
mushroom, potatoes, asparagus, tomatoes, zucchini, provolone
Steak$4.50
chili lime steak, fajita peppers & onions, avocado, pico de gallo
Shrimp$4.50
cajun shrimp, roasted pepper aioli, slaw, avocado

Salads

House$5.00
shallot vinaigrette, organic mixed greens, tomato
Caesar$12.00
traditional dressing, petite romaine hearts, spiced croutons
Arugula$14.00
shallot vinaigrette, roasted beets, dried cranberries, pistachios, goat cheese medallion
Chopped$14.00
herb vinaigrette, baby romaine, pancetta, salami, kalamata olives, peperoncini, egg, provolone, mozzarella, red onion
Greek$12.00
house dressing, romaine lettuce, roma tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, cucumber

Sandwiches / Burger

Choice of: mixed greens, caesar, or tuscan potatoes

Barlago Burger$13.00
grilled ground chuck, provolone, caramelized onion, roasted pepper aioli
Salmon$15.50
grilled salmon, caramelized onions, arugula, spicy aioli
Grilled Cheese$13.00
north beach mozzarella, parmesan, tomato, arugula, red onion, pesto

Pizza

Smoked Salmon$17.00
lox, mascarpone, red onion, leeks, herbs, capers, dill
Spicy Salami$16.50
italian salami, calabria chili, san marzano tomato sauce, north beach mozzarella, roasted peppers
Pesto$16.00
pistachio pesto, goat cheese, roma tomatoes, caramelized onions
Classic$14.00
san marzano tomato sauce, north beach mozzarella, fresh herbs

Entrées

Piccata$22.00
pan seared Mary's chicken breast, lemon-caper white wine sauce, crispy potato gnocchi, grilled asparagus
Beer Braised Short Rib$26.00
short rib, tuscan potatoes, mushroom, broccolini
Mediterranean Salmon$26.00
grilled salmon filet, artichokes, cherry tomato, spinach, cannellini beans
Crispy Chicken Succotash$21.00
lemon zest parmesan crusted Mary's chicken breast, roasted corn succotash, potatoes

Pasta

Substitute Gluten Free $2

Bolognese$18.00
penne, beef and pork ragu, fresh herbs, ricotta salata
Seafood$22.50
spaghetti, mussels, shrimp, salmon, garlic white wine sauce
Carbonara$18.00
spaghetti, pancetta, spring red onion, egg, parmesan
Ravioli$16.50
mozzarella, ricotta filled, lemon cream sauce or pomodoro sauce
Spaghetti & Meatballs$17.50
spaghetti, pork and beef meatballs, san marzano tomato sauce
Alfredo$14.50
penne, mushroom trio, creamy parmigiana-reggiano sauce
Pomodoro$13.00
tomato white wine pomodoro sauce, onions, garlic

Additions

Add to Any Dish:

Chicken$4.00
Shrimp or Salmon$6.00

Sides

Brussels Sprouts$8.00
sautéed brussels sprouts, grilled red onions, lemon caper dill sauce
Broccolini$8.00
sautéed broccolini, chili flakes, garlic
Spinach$8.00
sautéed baby spinach, garlic, lemon, white wine

What 209 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.0

4 based on all time ratings

4Food
4Service
4Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

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OC
OakCyn
San Francisco
101 reviews
vip
3.0
101 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2018
overall3food4service2ambience3
The food is quite good but the service is a huge issue. The staff seem to range between uninterested and indifferent. Food allergies are ignored and it’s hard to get anyone’s attention, even for things as basic as a plate and fork.
JA
JohnA
San Francisco
8 reviews
vip
2.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2018
overall2food3service2ambience2
First of all our server had a fantastic personality welcomed us, made us feel comfortable. After ordering our selections all of the food arrived at once, salads and entrees. The front of the restaurant did not communicate well with the kitchen. We felt rushed and when all of the food was delivered all at once. The salads were okay nothing special. Spaghetti sauce was very sweet although the meatballs had good flavor they were dry and very firm. Gnocchi was very bland. Salmon was way over done and dry.
SN
ScottN
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2018
overall2food2service1ambience3
Sadly, we had several issues with our experience. The service started out good, but rapidly deteriorated. Our water glasses remained unfilled, for so long I had to get up and get a carafe of water by walking past three waitstaff and returning to the table with it. I asked three times for a soda refill before one was actually delivered. One main entree came out after about 55 minutes ( a cheese pizza ), but our other three main courses were nowhere to be seen. The server returned to our table after conferring with the kitchen to confirm our order for main courses; and then we watched the kitchen start making them. This was 62 minutes after sitting down. When the dishes arrived ten minutes later, the Bolognese was actually Marinara. And the Carbonara didn't have any peas. The pasta beneath the sauce was mushy - way past al dente. Overall an extremely disappointing experience.
m
mle01
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2018
overall4food3service5ambience5
Good brunch selection. Our food wasn't hot though. It tasted fine.
T
Tuesdaydiner
San Francisco
39 reviews
vip
2.0
39 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2018
overall2food2service2ambience2
One of our entrees was not prepared. Two people shared one entree. When the food appeared, they comped it and put it in a to go box. We appreciated their not charging.
AJ
AnneJ
San Francisco
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience4
We were there early so we took advantage of happy hour. Very good quality and reasonable prices. Everyone was very pleased, even our picky Italian guy in the crowd.
ES
EsperanzaS
San Francisco
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a retirement dinner for 22 people in their private room. It was fantastic! They took Such good care of us. The food was plentiful and delicious and they graciously accommodated our vegetarian and gluten free folks. The room was inviting, the price was reasonable, and the staff was really, really sweet!
QB
QingBey
San Francisco
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2018
overall3food4service2ambience4
Had a great meal at Barlago. The service was sub-par. Outdoor seating is a bit awkward. But the food is pretty good!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service!
AF
AaronF
San Francisco
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2018
overall3food4service2ambience3
A solid three-star spot. Food was as expected, service needs some training, wine list needs a refresh, beer & cocktail list good, location good.
SS
SamS
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2018
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great food. Great atmosphere. Definitely a must for brunch or a late night dinner. I enjoyed the Mediterranean salmon for sure.
BM
BrittanyM
San Francisco
20 reviews
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2018
overall4food5service3ambience4
The food was fantastic, but the service was a little slow. My dad had to ask for a diet coke three times. Not sure if it was just miscommunication on the staff's side or what. But that was probably the only issue we ran into. The wine was great, the food came out perfectly.
PL
PamL
San Francisco
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience4
Solid food, good service and good choices. Parking can be a hassle and has outside eating if you have a dog.
AH
AmberH
San Francisco
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great place just across from the top starting point of Lake Merritt. Table spots for a cozier dinner or date night are available on the right side, or bring your friends and watch the game during happy hour on the left side. Good food and service, with an upbeat ambiance.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Friends Birthday.
TG
TreseniaG
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 10, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience4
Late supper with my boyfriend. Really enjoyed the food. Tasty! We had the Burrata, mushroom gnocchi, and some Tacos (it was Tuesday)
JS
JessicaS
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service every time
SJ
SherryJ
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2018
overall3food5service2ambience3
great food but service was slow and very, very noisy! Hard to carry on conversations with anyone
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always meet here before walking the lake. Great food and service!
JW
JacqueW
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 17, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience4
This was our last dinner before we flew out the next morning. My granddaughter and I enjoyed it very much even though we were really tired. Wished we could have seen it in daylight as there was a lake just across from it. We did have a hard time finding it as it was dark and there phones weren’t working well. But we parked close and did not have to pay for parking. All in all it worked out well. Our waiter Kevin was super.
CS
ChristianStuetz
San Francisco
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2018
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great service and beverage choices, interesting cocktails. Fantastic Pasta Carbonara and brushettas
D
Dhsid
San Francisco
14 reviews
2.0
14 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2018
overall2food1service2ambience3
I really wanted to like this place. The food looked fantastic as we passed by the tables. Sometimes looks can be deceiving. Food: Very bland. Caesar salad was crisp and flavorful for the first 5 minutes. The lettuce was not dry enough and caused the salad to wilt and the dressing to be bland. My burger was ordered well-done and arrived rare. The brussels sprouts looked and tasted under-cooked. The flavor was also disappointing. My wife enjoyed the pizza and recommended it to others. Service: While the waitstaff was polite and professional, the service was slow and non-responsive. The server checked back with us 20 minutes after the food-runner dropped the food. My beverages were depleted and we were almost done. Summary: This restaurant will thrive for a short time due to its customer base, but will eventually fail from its poor service and lack luster food. Good effort.
CS
ChrisS
San Francisco
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2018
overall3food4service3ambience3
Just very crowded and appears to not have enough servers to cover a busy Saturday. Server was good- nice but clearly just non stop running from table to table.
d
dequeen
San Francisco
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2018
overall5food5service4ambience4
Service was slow , but other wAit staff picked up the slack .. Slow to get more coffee,cream .. etc or clear table, take money .. it got real busy.. I always make reservation . I hate waiting ! But the food is great, staff is friendly . Definitely will go back again...
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience4
Amazing. The food and service are always so great!
S
Smartini1
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience5
Service and location are excellent. Menu was pretty standard Italian fare. Good value.
L
Lewe
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience5
Service was exceptional and a great atmosphere. Although it was pretty full, it was not loud, very easy to carry on a conversation.
DN
DempseyNewport
San Francisco
82 reviews
vip
4.0
82 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience4
Once again enjoyed our meal at Barlago. Our mussels to start were perfect. Our entrees of Carbonara and Salad were well prepared and enjoyed. Our wait person was a highlight.
M
Mitchapotamus
San Francisco
20 reviews
vip
3.0
20 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2018
overall3food3service4ambience3
The restaurant was 1/2 full and we had to yell at each other to be heard. The tables are packed in too tight so I just think the acoustics are terrible. Friendly, helpful service. Food is fine for what it is, nothing fancy, but the prices aren't crazy.
AM
AMHOakland
San Francisco
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2018
overall1food4service1ambience2
I will not go back to Barlago anytime soon. I've been there a few times and had a good experience; however this time the service was terrible. Two of our three orders came out wrong, the bill was incorrect, the server had a "I'm doing you a favor" approach. Good food and great location, underwhelming service.
MB
MelissaB
London
6 reviews
vip
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2018
overall3food3service3ambience3
Restaurant couldn’t handle the task of getting the last 2 chairs for our large reserved booking for nearly 20 minutes, despite the place not being even half full on a Saturday night. Had people standing around, with staff assuming we didn’t care, until reminded repeatedly we had a reservation. Staff there were nice. Food is ok, but nothing special - particularly for Oakland. Noteworthy: this place is NOT an Italian restaurant. They have pizza and pasta, but also tacos, salads, and succotash... Might be good to sit outside for a beer, but for noms? Head elsewhere.
N
Nicole
San Francisco
8 reviews
vip
1.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2018
overall1food2service2ambience1
Terrible choice for brunch. Everyone's order came out at different times, the restaurant was fairly empty but we kept having to get up to ask for condiments and drinks. The server was nice, but the rest of the staff acted quite put out by having to bring our meals out when they were ready.
OL
OliviaL
San Francisco
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2018
overall3food2service5ambience3
Great location but ambiance was loud, seating was very uncomfortable. (In a booth but there was a big pedestal for the table which blocked your ability to stretch your legs). Food was just so so. Could be so much better with better seating and better food. Only thing that was great was the service. Staff were very attentive and lovely.
JC
JaneC
San Francisco
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Barlago has become the go-to destination for a group of us who try to get together for dinner monthly. Staff is friendly and able - even when it's crowded - drinks are generous, and we each have a favorite menu item: pasta carbonara, short rib tacos, bruschetta, salmon sandwich w/ Caesar salad.
C
Concertgal
San Francisco
46 reviews
vip
5.0
46 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great Brunch. Relaxed and easy dining. Excellent menu options.
RL
RichardL
San Francisco
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience4
I've never been disappointed when dining at Bar Lago. Whether its an informal meal with a friend, or taking someone out on a date.... I've always found the food and atmosphere most inviting and the staff are tremendous at making me feel at home. I would recommend this Bar Lago to anyone who enjoys fine food, friendly people and awesome atmosphere. Its truly one of Oakland's best spots..... And... its right across from Lake Merritt - so you can't go wrong here.
L
Luchie
San Francisco
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience2
We enjoyed eating there for the first time but the noise level was really distracting so that it was difficult to carry on a conversation with those sitting at the same table.
j
joeandgrace
San Francisco
53 reviews
vip
3.0
53 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2018
overall3food4service2ambience3
We had reservations but were seated in the bar area, which is a completely different experience than the dining room. Server was very nice but service was mediocre at best. We had to keep reminding them of what we had ordered. Drinks came 1/2 hood later and with the food, much of order never came. Disappointing as my first time there has been great and I brought people with me I had wanted to turn into fans of the restaurant. I think we may have been charged for the food we ordered that never arrived. Sad this place was not as great as I remembered it.
C
jeannieC
San Diego
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience4
Loved the pizza it was amazing! Also the specialty cocktail was delicious. Wait staff hustle!
ME
MonicaE
San Francisco
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2018
overall5food4service5ambience4
Family friendly vibrant place! We will go back

FAQs

Barlago is rated 4 stars by 209 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Additional information

Cross street
El Embarcadero
Neighborhood
Oakland
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
Cuisines
Italian, American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
There is ample street parking along Grand Ave, as well as, public parking at a lot one block away. There is also public parking underneath the highway off of Lake Shore Dr. near the farmer’s market.
Public transit
The nearest BART stop is 19th Street Oakland. Multiple buses run along Grand Ave.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Entertainment
Join us for happy hour everyday from 5-6:30pm, and 9pm til close. All the local sporting events are shown on our large screen HDTVs in the bar!!
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://barlago.biz/
Phone number
(510) 836-2424
Private party facilities
We here at Barlago love large parties! Barlago is available for all types of parties and events, from small private parties to large corporate dinners or events.
Private party contact
our Private Event Coordinator : (510) 836-2424

Barlago

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Small Plates

Gnocchi$10.00

Fried Ravioli$10.00

Shrimp & Cannellini$14.00

Mussels$14.00

Burrata$13.00

Meatballs$13.00

Deviled Eggs$8.00

Crab Cakes$12.00

Bistecca$13.00

Chicken Stack$10.00

Bruschetta Bar

Roasted Pepper Caponata$3.50

Short Rib, Gorgonzola, Caramelized Onion$5.00

Marinated Tomatoes$3.50

Mushroom Truffle Oil, Goat Cheese$4.00

Shrimp, Basil, Tomato, Citrus$5.00

Prosciutto, Garlic Goat Cheese, Sweet Brussels Sprouts$5.00

Tacos

Short Rib$4.50

Pesto Chicken$4.00

Veggie$3.50

Steak$4.50

Shrimp$4.50

Salads

House$5.00

Caesar$12.00

Arugula$14.00

Chopped$14.00

Greek$12.00

Sandwiches / Burger

Barlago Burger$13.00

Salmon$15.50

Grilled Cheese$13.00

Pizza

Smoked Salmon$17.00

Spicy Salami$16.50

Pesto$16.00

Classic$14.00

Entrées

Piccata$22.00

Beer Braised Short Rib$26.00

Mediterranean Salmon$26.00

Crispy Chicken Succotash$21.00

Pasta

Bolognese$18.00

Seafood$22.50

Carbonara$18.00

Ravioli$16.50

Spaghetti & Meatballs$17.50

Alfredo$14.50

Pomodoro$13.00

Additions

Chicken$4.00

Shrimp or Salmon$6.00

Sides

Brussels Sprouts$8.00

Broccolini$8.00

Spinach$8.00

Overall ratings and reviews

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How is Barlago restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information