Scott's Seafood

A warm, family-run Nigerian spot in East Oakland serving smoky jollof rice, egusi soup with fufu, suya, and oxtail — with a buffet and many vegetarian options.

A Temescal bagel fixture since 2011, now part of the Wise Sons deli family, serving kettle-boiled bagels, smoked salmon, pastrami, and latkes daily.

A warm, community-rooted coffee bar in Old Oakland with in-house roasted coffee and generously built sandwiches — the pulled pork is the local favorite.

Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen with house-made noodles, plus creative cocktails and vegan options. A must-stop in Jack London Square with one of the most fun atmospheres in town.

Toriano Gordon's bright-yellow food truck near Lake Merritt serving bold, 100% plant-based BBQ and soul food — smoky "brisket," gumbo, dirty rice, and loaded bowls.

Oakland's original Nashville hot chicken, born as a 2017 backyard pop-up. Halal fried chicken from mild to scorching, loaded fries, and late weekend hours near the Fox Theater.