The Alley Piano Bar & Restaurant

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.

Chef Abby Dair's family-run, Black-owned Eritrean and Ethiopian spot in North Oakland, with aromatic tibs, injera, and a standout vegetarian menu. The Shewhat Combo is the move.

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.

A Michelin Bib Gourmand Italian spot near Lake Merritt serving a nightly three-course prix-fixe built around house-made pasta and slow-braised sugo.

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.

An Alameda burger favorite on Park Street with Food Network cred, serving East Coast-style burgers on challah, Nashville hot chicken, and a chopped NY hero — with a bar next door.