Worth The Trip: Oakland

As far as dining goes, Oakland’s crown jewel is the two-Michelin-starred Commis. Here, lauded chef James Syhabout utilizes his technical wizardry to craft eight seasonally-driven courses month after month. Nab a Resy at this elegant, sleek destination, and watch the magic unfold in front of your eyes—in the buzzing open kitchen.

CDP is Commis’ next door sister lounge specializing in brandy and sparkling wine. As such, the bar stocks an extensive collection of single vintage Armagnac and Calvados, premium non-vintage brandy blends, and a global array of sparkling wines, alongside a range of spirits to whip into cocktails or serve straight. New American plates complement the imbibing experience, and guests can reserve tables for the extra-special Côte de Boeuf prix fixe, which features a 30-day dry-aged steak.

Warm your soul with perfectly executed vitello tonnato, followed by a bowl of luscious gnocchi alla Bolognese. This rustic ristorante is an Oakland date night mainstay for good reason.

A pioneering vegan eatery, Millennium has been dishing out delectable veg-forward fare since 1994. Chef Eric Tucker works with local farms to inform his offerings of local, sustainable, organic delights, and presents them in a sophisticated setting that oozes warmth.

Your options for a satiating meal are many at Dopo, where three daily-changing tasting menus are prepared alongside a la carte antipasti, pizze, primi, and secondi.  Paired with a wine list that spotlights winemakers from all over the region, and a spirit program focused on spritz, aperitivi, and amari, the fare brings Sicily to life in Oakland.

For when you’re in the mood for a dinner party, but not wanting to host it, Bardo is your Oakland go-to. The swanky eatery, decorated with mid-century modern furniture, serves reinvented American cuisine (like a burger on garlic bread and “smoked” carrot cake), classically-inspired libations, and a lively communal energy.

California and France are in perfect harmony at The Wolf, where brasserie staples are reimagined daily with the freshest, locally-grown produce the Bay Area has to offer. If you’re lucky, duck leg confit—sourced from Sonoma, of course—will be on the menu.

This upscale diner blends regional American cooking with a Japanese sensibility, never failing to delight. For dinner, that means soba mafaldine “carbonara” and buttermilk fried chicken with cilantro-sesame slaw; for brunch—served every day—it means donuts with butterscotch cream and braised pork belly Benedict.

At Soba Ichi, every last strand of soba is made day-of, in-house, and by hand, by grinding buckwheat flour in a stone mill. Enjoy yours—cold or hot and accompanied by small plates like mixed vegetable tempura and seasonal pickles—in a wood-lined West Oakland oasis, with outdoor seating to boot.

Omakase, or chef’s choice, is the style on deck at Delage. Chef Mikiko Ando presents the freshest cuts of fish alongside complementary plates for the bargain price of $70 per person. The space is serene and inviting; the ideal backdrop for a thoughtful sushi meal.

An ever-reliable spot for margaritas and carnitas, Doña Tomas delivers. Come for authentic Mexican eats, stay for the mezcal list, and linger on the outside patio when the weather is nice. When it comes time for brunch, you can’t go wrong with churros or chilaquiles.

Chefs Andrew Greene and Duncan Kwitkor are behind this ambitious dinner series restaurant that hosts a roster of playful, multi-course meals. The current offering is billed as “Atolls,” named for coral reefs and showcasing the ingredients that thrive around them, like octopus and goats.

Boasting house-made pastas and simple starters, Benchmark is more than just a pizzeria—and a fine one at that. But the stars of the show at this husband-and-wife-run locale are, without a doubt, those pies: naturally-leavened, wood-fired, and topped with blue cheese and green garlic, salami and Calbrian chili, bacon and wild arugula, and so on.

That the mole negro at Agave Uptown is comprised of “many chiles and 20 secret ingredients” proves that this food is Oaxacan done right. From molote to tlayuda, the menu showcases the artisanal tradition and cultural history of chef Octavio Diaz’s hometown.

Bask in the sun at this Old Oakland gem, where barrel-aged Negronis and cheesy shrimp and grits are best enjoyed on the rooftop. Oeste’s globally-inspired comfort cuisine goes well with its easygoing atmosphere; and if you’re looking to watch the game, you can bet it’ll be on.