8 editor picks in Oakland.
New American in Oakland means seasonal, locally sourced menus that resist a single national label, spread between Rockridge, Uptown and the lake. Wood Tavern on College Avenue in Rockridge is a long-running neighborhood standard, while Almond and Oak near Lake Merritt and Viridian on Broadway in Uptown take a more contemporary tack. Mua Oakland, set in an Uptown warehouse, blends the kitchen with a bar-and-arts atmosphere.
8 new american places in Oakland we have eaten in, sorted by editor score. All cuisines in Oakland · New American across every city.
Wood Tavern in Oakland's Rockridge has anchored College Avenue since 2007 and holds a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand for reliable New American cooking.
Mua on Webster in Uptown Oakland opened in 2008 as one of the first restaurants on then-Auto Row.
Wood Tavern on Rockridge's College Avenue has poured Bay Area wines and cooked New American since 2007.
Almond and Oak in Oakland's Lake Merritt opened in December 2018 from chef-owner Rico Rivera.
Viridian on Broadway at Grand in Uptown Oakland runs contemporary Asian American small plates and cocktails.
Order Greyhound with fresh grapefruit at 1 a.m.
Cafe Van Kleef on Telegraph in Uptown Oakland is the long-running cocktail dive that runs until 2 a.m.
Order Steak frites and a classic Manhattan.
Mua on Webster Street is the family-owned First Friday late-dinner room in Uptown Oakland.
Order Seasonal benedict and the brunch pasta.
Almond and Oak on Grand Avenue near Lake Merritt runs weekend brunch with chef Rico Rivera's market-driven plates.
