Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in East Bay
OpenTable
Updated May 05, 2025
Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in East Bay? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!
About the restaurant
Welcome to our beautifully restored Victorian with a contemporary twist. Neumanali opened fifteen years ago and quickly became a neighborhood favorite. We are open for indoor dining. Patio seating is available. We are not requiring masks for those who have been vaccinated, however, we appreciate your adherence to the state masking requirements for those not vaccinated.
The menu features both fresh and seasonal entrees in addition to a selection of fun and unusual small plates. Perennial favorites are the pan-seared day boat scallops, grilled ribeye and pan seared pork chop. The wine list is a bit eclectic and features smaller, more difficult to find winery selections. Lush garden dining is available now.
Top review
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MattJ
Dined on Mar 7, 2025
About the restaurant
Step into Rancho Cantina and experience California's culinary heritage. This vibrant restaurant celebrates the rich flavors of the Golden State, blending Spanish and Mexican traditions for an authentic dining experience.
The warm atmosphere features reclaimed wood, leather-backed bar stools, and Mexican tiling, creating a cozy yet upscale vibe. The open kitchen and wood-fired grill let you witness the culinary artistry as tortillas are flipped and dishes are crafted with care.
Rancho Cantina's menu offers unique dishes, many cooked over the wood-fired grill. From succulent house specials to flavorful Cantiña plates, there's something for everyone. Don't miss their signature Rancho Enchiladas, available with various fillings and sauces.
Complete your visit with a refreshing margarita. Their drink menu includes local beers, imported bottles, a curated selection of wines, and rancho-inspired cocktails. Enjoy a Spicy Bandelero with Xicaru Mezcal or a classic Rancho Sour with Lunazul tequila. Whether for a romantic date or a casual meal, Rancho Cantina is the perfect choice.Top review
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Sophia
Dined 1 day ago
About the restaurant
Ajanta features regional dishes from all over India, offered through a menu that changes every month. We feature organic chicken and vegetables. When possible, we use local and sustainable products. All seafood is sustainable, obtained from Monterey Fish Market. All meats are hormone- and antibiotic-free. Ajanta has been voted best Indian restaurant in the entire San Francisco Bay Area by Zagat Guide from 2009-2014. We were also voted best Indian restaurant in the Bay Area A-List contest from 2009-2011 and 2013. In addition, we have received top reviews in several publications, including the East Bay Express, Diablo Magazine, and the Contra Costa Times. We are also included in Michelin Guide.
Our elegant dining hall features art inspired from the famous Ajanta caves in India.
Top review
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Leah
Dined on Apr 26, 2025
About the restaurant
Bellanico Restaurant & Wine Bar saves some tables for walk-ins, please call Bellanico directly for large party reservations.
Bellanico is a continuation of Chris Shepherd & Elizabeth Frumusa’s successful restaurant in San Francisco, Aperto in Potrero Hill. Bellanico is a neighborhood restaurant located in the Glenview district of Oakland. The name Bellanico is derived from their daughters’ nicknames, Bella & Nico.
The Bellanico staff take great pride in food, service and wine. We serve rustic Italian cuisine that changes seasonally. We are dedicated to serving the best seasonal, local, sustainable and organic products that they can find.
Bellanico features Pitman Farms Chicken, Prather Ranch Meat, Duroc Pork and only wild caught fish and seafood. It also features a wine bar offering Old World wines with an emphasis on Italian wines. There are more than 25 wines by the glass & 6 different flights of wine. Top review
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OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 1 day ago
About the restaurant
Enoteca Molinari is an Italian restaurant & wine bar (with heated outdoor seating) that specializes in house-made pasta and Italian dishes using local and seasonal ingredients. Enjoy our all Italian wine list and don't forget to try some dessert.Please make sure to give us 24 hours of notice if you can't make your reservation.
Thank you for your understanding!
Grazie mille!
Top review
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SusanVIP
Dined 2 days ago
About the restaurant
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. Top review
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Vanessa
Dined on May 1, 2025
About the restaurant
Bruno's Italian Cuisine invites you to experience the warmth of a cozy Italian trattoria in Livermore. The air is filled with the enticing aroma of fresh garlic and herbs, setting the stage for a delightful meal.
Our menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes made with the freshest ingredients. Start with crispy garlic cheese bread or Portuguese-style clams sautéed with garlic, tomatoes, and Cajun sausage in white wine sauce.
For the main course, enjoy our flavorful fettuccine alfredo or hearty spaghetti bolognese. We also offer a selection of pizzas, including classic pepperoni and a unique Mexican pizza with pepperoni, linguica, bell peppers, and jalapenos.
No meal is complete without dessert. Don't miss our homemade tiramisu, known for its light, fluffy texture and rich coffee flavor.
Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a night out, Bruno's Italian Cuisine is the perfect destination for authentic Italian dining.Top review
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SaraVIP
Dined on Apr 27, 2025
About the restaurant
May and David Wasem's second Grand Lake Kitchen location offers the same uplifted American classics and warm hospitality as you've come to expect from the original but in a larger, more accessible and central location of the Dimond District in Oakland. An all-day cafe specializing in brunch and dinner! Maximum party size for regular reservations is 15. GLK Dimond houses a spacious dining room, full bar, two outdoor patios (dog friendly), private dining room, take-out counter, and retail wine and gift store
Top review
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Susan
Dined on May 1, 2025
About the restaurant
Welcome to Crush’d in Danville, California! We're your go-to spot for quality, sustainability, and good vibes all day long. With 24 wines on tap, craft cocktails, a locally inspired all-day menu, and an open kitchen buzzing with action, you'll love every moment here. Enjoy hand-carved charcuterie, premium caviar, and seasonal plates while our talented chefs work their magic. Whether you're here for brunch, lunch, dinner, or just drinks, we're ready to take you on an experience you won’t forget. Plus, we’re a great spot for events, so whether it’s a celebration, gathering, or just a fun night out, we’ve got you covered. Here’s to savoring fantastic flavors, sipping stellar drinks, and vibing with awesome company!Top review
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Nancy BircherVIP
Dined 3 days ago
About the restaurant
Oeste is a 100 seat bar and kitchen with a rooftop deck, located in the heart of Old Oakland. At Oeste, we are committed to providing an inviting and inclusive atmosphere, offering food for the soul, and pouring the highest quality spirits, wines and beers. We offer exemplary dishes by focusing on fresh, organic and sustainably farmed ingredients, fusing California cuisine with Latin, Southern and Asian influences. Enjoy one of our signature tap margaritas while lounging on the deck or watching a Warriors game at the bar. Come solo or with friends and family and enjoy what Oeste has to offer!
Top review
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Travale
Dined on May 2, 2025
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