To dine at a Michelin star rated restaurant, run by a Michelin star chef, is to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The atmosphere, food, ambience, and views are what make these restaurants so sought after. Due to budget constraints, however, not many get to enjoy them.
This is why the Michelin Bib Gourmand rating was created – as a way to showcase exceptional food that won’t cost you a fortune.
How Many Michelin Star Restaurants Are There In Oakland?
The following restaurants are all top-rated Oakland Michelin star restaurants. To date, there are 21 restaurants listed on the official Michelin website, including those which fall under the Michelin guide (their recommended list) and plenty which fall under their Bib Gourmand rating (their simple and skillful cooking award).
Michelin Star Restaurants
Commis
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The only 2-star rated Michelin restaurant in Oakland, Commis is truly something special, and certainly deserves its star rating. From its contemporary interior of greys and blacks to its city-chic and intimate ambience, you’ll do well to dress up in something smarter than just jeans before coming here. They’re on the higher end of the price scale, with a set menu costing around $189, but bear in mind you are enjoying a seven-course meal.
The kitchen preparations are presided over by the owner and head chef, James Syhaubout, who has a unique Chinese / Thai heritage which the food beautifully reflects. The open kitchen ensures you can track the food’s progress every step of the way. Favourites include the poached egg, mussels served on grains, and unique tapioca dumpling with chicken and ginger. Definitely try the chicken broth with ginger and chrysanthemum if you like Asian flavours. Wheelchair access is available. Please note booking is required.
- Address: 3859 Piedmont Ave, Oakland
- Opening hours: Opens daily from 17:30
- Type of cuisine: Contemporary
Michelin Guide Favourites
Brotzeit Lokal
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With a classic German beer hall atmosphere, complete with wooden tables and benches, and a gorgeous view of the water, Brotzeit Lokal is a Michelin Guide favourite. Their food includes most classic German favourites, like pillowy-soft Bavarian pretzels and sauerkraut paired with great beer, schnitzels, and sausages, you’re going to have a great time with friends when you stop in here. Meals average around $50. Try out their potato pancakes, and if you’re not full up on the mains, then test out their pudding range. They do a twist on classic bread pudding, which includes it being made from caramel infused pretzels.
- Address: 1000 Embarcadero, Oakland
- Opening hours: Opens for brunch through to late suppers.
- Type of cuisine: German
Cafe Romanat
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Cafe Romanat is a Michelin Guide recommendation, with Ethiopian flair. They offer bountiful helpings of traditional foods that range from perfectly fried samosas to rich stews that feature a good balance of spice and flavour.
Vegan and meat dishes are well balanced. Beer and wines are available too. The restaurant interior is both humble and welcoming with low stools on a tiled floor, and colourful fabrics, and weavings decorating the walls, and you’ll often find the sitting areas filled with locals dining. The honey wine and sesame juice are unique offerings, and the generous platters are a good way to share with friends and get a taste of all that’s on offer. Foods start out from $25.
- Address: 462 Santa Clara Ave, Oakland
- Opening hours: Closed on Mondays. Open every other weekday from 5pm. Weekends from 11:30am – 10pm.
- Type of cuisine: Ethiopian.
MAMA Oakland
If you have a hankering for Italian cuisine while in the Bay area of Oakland, then MAMA Oakland is your go-to option. This family-run restaurant offers a simple premise: no bookings accepted, and a three-course set meal with two options to choose between for each course. The menu changes often but their signature Spaghetti served with beef and braised pork is always on offer. The atmosphere is homey and alluring, with brass and glass chandeliers, a forest-green ceiling, and plenty of plants scattered throughout.
As the family also own a wine shop a few doors away, their wine list is impressive with plenty of unique labels that pair well with their simple menu options. Pricing starts from $35. It’s a good first-date choice, and also a place you’d want to take your own mama too, to save her a night of cooking.
- Address: 388 Grand Ave, Oakland
- Opening hours: Sunday to Tuesday 5pm – 9pm. Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm – 10pm.
- Type of cuisine: Italian
Bib Gourmand
Horn Barbecue
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Found within the commercial district, and set within a decidedly industrial-styled warehouse, the wooden banquette and non-fussy atmosphere definitely make Horn Barbecue ideal for family get-togethers when no one feels like cooking. They’re also perfect for after work meetups with friends.
Meals are value for money averaging around $40, and they offer a range of barbecue cuisines – from platters to brisket and sausage dishes. The West Coast Barbecue is a must-try option, as it’s reportedly rich, decadent, and delicious.
- Address: 2534 Mandela Pkwy., Oakland
- Opening hours: Open Thursday to Sunday, 11am – 4pm.
- Type of cuisine: Barbecue
Taquería El Paisa
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While Taquería El Paisa may be the very definition of ‘order at the counter’ with zero frills attached, the food itself is considered to be the holy grail of tacos in Oakland.
The savoury meats are given full 5-star love in marinating, and offal is a highly prized addition. They do many different taco styles with all types of meat cuts and choices. Try their Beef-based carnitas-style taco if you can’t decide what to eat on your first visit. They also order plenty of fresh juices, from carrot to guava and granadilla (passion fruit). Pricing starts at $15.
- Address: 4610 International Blvd., Oakland
- Opening hours: Open daily from 9am – 9pm
- Type of cuisine: Mexican
With so many delicious options to choose from above, and many more Michelin star restaurants in Oakland to discover, we’re certain you’ll have a great time tasting your way across the ones found above.