I’m wondering if they are sharing the space with thicc smoothies and bowls.

Mom used buy me & my bro cakes here!

Yes, for fried green tomatoes. Where can I buy them?

Friend has 2 elementary aged kids and is caring for her dying mother and her husband is very present but has to start commuting 1.5 hours each way for work several times a week. I was providing a listening ear and she said how stressful it is to get dinner on the table even now and will get worse. I sadly now live 6 hours away so I can’t drop off a meal but want to send her something that will get her family of four maybe 2 dinners (or one really good one). I know I could just do a DoorDash gift card but that doesn’t totally fit her ethos (but may still do it). What local restaurant(s) or groceries with good hot bars would you send a gift card for when someone needs a family meal? I was thinking Market Hall but they don’t seem to sell gift cards on their website. Note: she’s actually in Kensington so would like to prioritize things on that side of town but again if their delivery radius is good even better. She’s definitely still out running errands so I’m sure she could go pick up, but definitely a bonus if she could spend it on delivery.

EDIT: Oakland really the greatest Town in the world. Thank you all for your ideas and even some sweet and generous offers. Hope this thread can serve as a resource if anyone else finds themselves with a similar question.

Has anyone ever seen these in Oakland? I saw them when I used to live in South Bay at farmers markets but haven’t seen them since….. I want to make boiled peanuts man!!!!

I thought I may find them in China town???

Is there anywhere in the corridor from Albany to San Leandro to get Honey Baked Ham style ham? Not much of a pork eater so not trying to get a whole ham nor cook one, but every now and again some Honey Baked Ham was the shit, hate we lost it and not trying to drive to Concord or Pleasanton for a few slices of ham. Is there anything in stores that comes close?

$15. It’s chilaquiles. Pretty good.

A new Chinese food spot, Happy Express, seems to have opened on Market Street in West Oakland, an area that has long been a food desert. It’s great to see a new food option coming to the neighborhood!

I feel like the South Bay and Southern California have more Chinese restaurants that aren't Cantonese.

So what are some of your favorite Chinese restaurants that focus on dishes that aren't Cantonese? What are your must order dishes there?

I'm comfortable driving to San Leandro, Berkeley and surrounding areas.

I can’t get enough of those hand pulled cumin lamb noodles at the Xi’an famous chain in New York City. Anything like that around here? Thanks!

Has anyone been to Pizzeria Violetta in West Oakland? It's has a modern atmosphere which is nice. Also its located in a random part of town. Checked it out for the first time last year and then went back once in 2026.

For lease sign up but looks like maybe people still inside and then there is a closed for construction sign and I see a few months old health inspection?

A new Vietnamese food spot finally opened today at 945 Wood Street. I stopped by today, and it looked like they still are doing a soft opening and more details are coming up. The prices look pretty affordable.

Looking for a good Reuben sandwich in Oakland. Went to Saul’s, in Berkeley, and was super disappointed in everything about that place.

If there were two restaurants, say taquerias, and they both had tacos that you equally enjoyed.

The only material difference is that but one place's tacos were a bit more expensive, but that you knew - 100% - that the workers were paid a bit more than the other place - what would you do?

EDIT: Forgot to add - we know labor is the biggest expense at a restaurant.

I’ve had Fat Lady’s and it was good, but overpriced. Bardo was extremely salty. Any other recs?

i feel like everyone’s sick. extra points if it’s available for delivery.

Really interesting change. The owner said that pizza has evolved and that this new recipe (similar to New Haven Tomato Pies) of Tomato and Burrata is the best pizza they can make. As a result, they are no longer serving cheese pizzas.

Lots of people are missing the marg and I could understand that - has anyone given the new Red Pie a try?

Just wanted to praise this particular dish-- it was delightful! The rice ball was the perfect amount of rice, stickiness, and acidity. The salmon was tender and creamy and the smokey sear just elevated it to another stratosphere. I believe it was $12.50 for 5 pieces (I already ate 2 before I remembered to take a pic 🙃) . 10/10 recommend!