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An easygoing Lake Merritt beer garden with a covered, pet-friendly lake-view patio, a top rotating tap list, and a strong kitchen from daily brunch through dinner.

World-class jazz meets modern Japanese cuisine — plus a dedicated vegan and vegetarian menu — at Yoshi's in Jack London Square, an Oakland institution since 1972.

A short drive across the estuary, Ark Chinese Restaurant in Alameda serves outstanding hand-pulled noodles, xiao long bao, and authentic northern Chinese and Cantonese favorites.

A warm, longtime neighborhood cafe on Park Boulevard serving espresso, smoothies, and made-to-order panini — the spicy Torta Cubana is the local favorite. Free wifi and cozy seating.

An all-day Brazilian cafe, kitchen, and craft beer taproom in the Glenview District serving coxinhas, açaí bowls, empanadas, feijoada, and RedBay coffee.

Oakland's beloved Temescal mac and cheese specialist since 2011, with a dozen-plus made-to-order varieties, from Mexican Mac to truffle — plus vegan and gluten-free options.