Oakland has a proud and resilient Black history/community that celebrates the influence on cultures past, present and future. This is certainly reflected and embraced in its food. With everything from Caribbean jerk chicken and plantains to Ethiopian injera with wat and comforting Southern fried chicken, Oakland’s culinary scene is inherently vibrant, flavorful and Afrocentric. Next time you’re in The Town, be sure to stop by and support a few of these delicious restaurants by Black chefs and entrepreneurs.

This list does not include every black-owned restaurant in Oakland, so please add any of your favorites we may have missed in the comments.


Black-owned Restaurants in Oakland

 

  1. alaMar Dominican Kitchen
  2. Burdell
  3. The Cook and Her Farmer
  4. Calabash
  5. Enssaro
  6. Everett and Jones BBQ
  7. Home of Chicken and Waffles
  8. Nosso
  9. Oeste Bar & Kitchen
  10. More Black-owned Eateries

alaMar Dominican Kitchen
100 Grand Ave.

For contemporary Dominican fare, there is no better place than alaMar Dominican Kitchen in Uptown Oakland. Top Chef Nelson German brings his Dominican Republic lineage by offering an authentic regional food menu paying tribute to his roots.

Burdell
4640 Telegraph Ave.

MICHELIN-recommended, Burdell, is a Soul Food restaurant in the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland from Chef Geoff Davis. The menu highlights the farmers and artisans harvesting and creating excellent products around us. Paired with the food is a robust list of wine and beverages from producers from around the World; focused on wine farmed and crafted with care and sustainable practices. 

The Cook and Her Farmer
510 9th Street

Discover this oyster and wine bar tucked away in Swan's Market, Old Oakland's historic community market. The Cook and Her Farmer feature local produce, seafood and natural wines, and seek to enhance the quality of food, strengthen the fabric of community, and to celebrate the beauty and vitality that is present in the city of Oakland by cultivating a needful spirit of generosity and gathering around the table for honest foods. This restaurant fosters a creative environment that supports the growth and development of future cooks and farmers.

Calabash
2300 Valdez St, Ste A

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. Nigel Jones and his talented crew of chefs in partnership with Hanif Sadr (Komaaj, San Francisco) are bringing flavors and food ways from regions from Iran to Mexico to the Caribbean, and more!

Enssaro
357, A, Grand Ave

On Grand Avenue by Lake Merritt, you'll find Enssaro, a simple and cozy Ethiopian eatery serving a small menu of spicy specialties, plentiful vegetarian options, plus tej, beer and wine. Many ingredients and spices are brought directly from the town of Enssaro in Ethiopia providing the adventurous diner with unique flavors not experienced anywhere else.

Everett & Jones BBQ
126 Broadway

Everett and Jones is a favorite of Bay Area rapper, entrepreneur & community organizer, Mistah Fab and has been recognized as one of the best barbeque joints in the Bay. They have two locations in the Town, near the entrance to Jack London Square and in the Laurel District of East Oakland. Don’t forget to take home a jar of their famous barbeque sauce!

Home of Chicken and Waffles
247 4th Street

Oakland Soul food hot spot Home of Chicken and Waffles was created with Family, Home Cooking and the city of Oakland in mind and at heart. Located in Jack London District an area known for great dinning and nightlife. Originally a franchise of Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles this family-owned HCW, opened since May of 2004, offers guests down-home southern soul food with a warm and welcoming demeanor.

Nosso
532 8th Street

Nosso is a black-owned cocktail bar that’s all about creating unforgettable experiences. Their specialty lies in crafted cocktails that are as unique as they are delicious, paired with a food menu by Chef Yann that keeps you coming back for more.

Oeste Bar & Kitchen
722 Clay Street

Oeste is one of the newest additions to Old Oakland, serving up daytime eats, multicultural dinner plates & the highest quality spirits, wines and beers. They provide a warm, inviting and inclusive atmosphere and offer exemplary dishes by focusing on fresh, organic and sustainably farmed California ingredients. Grab your friends and get to  brunchin’ and sippin’ on their chic rooftop deck.

More Black-owned Eateries in The Town

 

Black Owned Restaurants
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