Woody's Cafe

A family-owned Peruvian rotisserie in the Broadway-Valdez district, known for spit-roasted chicken with ají amarillo, fresh ceviche, lomo saltado, and pisco sours.

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.

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 walk down the Embarcadero from our front desk, Quinn's Lighthouse serves seafood, pub fare, and globally inspired specials inside a historic 1903 lighthouse on the water.

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.

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.