Stop in for a lazy Sunday brunch or a weekday lunch at Portal, a cozy spot in the heart of Oakland serving up delectable American fare. Known for its breezy patio that offers some breathtaking views of Lake Merritt, Portal also doubles up as an idyllic spot for romantic dinners. The outdoor beer garden is also one of its highlights, luring guzzlers with an exhaustive selection of local and international beers and other chilled libations like the legendary bottomless mimosa, along with fine wines.
Homeroom
If you're in the mood for some ultimate comfort food, look no further than Homeroom. This cute, airy restaurant decorated with all things school paraphernalia specializes in one thing: Mac & Cheese. And this isn't your grandma's blue box of "Mac N Cheese" as the different varieties range from your classic cheddar mac to more adventurous versions like goat cheese mac, trailer mac with hot dog and crushed potato chips, Mexican mac with chorizo, chipotle, jack cheese and cilantro, and even vegan or gluten free mac so noone is left out. Some of the varieties are constant staples while others change from time to time. All dishes can have various different ingredients and crunchy toppings added to them. In addition to the cheesy goodness, Homeroom also features various breakfast and lunch special sandwiches, homemade desserts and a delicious selection of local beers and wines.
Marica
Marica Restaurant is truly a dining option gem. The menu highlights California Cuisine, with most ingredients being organic and sustainable. The specials change frequently. The mussels appetizer is a favorite, as are the dollar oysters, and you can't go wrong with the lobster, rib eye, and chocolate souffle. Marica Restaurant also features an affordable prix fixe three-course dinner; be sure to check their website to see the choices available. Reservations are recommended.
Trueburger's focus is simple: classic burgers done right using quality ingredients and made with real care. Quality beef burgers, cheeseburgers, doubles, bacon cheeseburgers, and even a vegetarian "'Shroom Burger", which uses a Portobello mushroom as a patty are all delicious. But burgers aren't all they do; you can also get hot dogs, chili dogs, fries with various topping options and even several salads. And a visit to Trueburger isn't complete without sampling one of their hand-spun milkshakes with your favorite mix-ins.
Commis
This fine dining restaurant takes pride in structuring their menu around seasonal and locally grown ingredients. A multi-course prix fixe menu features seasonal contemporary dishes that change frequently. Wine pairings are also available along with an impressive selection of wines by the bottle or by the glass. This modern, contemporary space and dining experience should not be missed for lovers of exquisitely prepared food. In addition to the dining room, there is also a chef's counter where guests can watch the kitchen in action and interact with the chefs.
ButtercuP
ButtercuP is a family style restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a beautiful yet relaxed atmosphere. Our large portions, house made soups, and fresh baked goods make us a favorite among our guests. We use only the freshest ingredients to make nearly all of our dishes from scratch. We are well known for our hearty breakfasts and offer an array of delicious three egg omelets, thick Belgian waffles, pancakes, skillets and four different choices of Egg Benedict. Breakfast is served all day. For lunch, we serve large overstuffed sandwiches, huge fresh salads, and our ever popular burgers. We also offer vegetarian selections. All of our soups are house made, including our delectable baked potato soup. Our steaks are USDA choice; our slow roasted Prime Rib is tender and succulent, and our fish is always fresh. Pastas and homestyle dishes round out our menu ensuring that we truly have something for everyone, whether you are dining with your family or on business. Don't forget to save room for our delicious house made pies!
At Homeroom, we make great mac and cheese -- and a whole lot of it! Every mac is fresh and made-to-order using our founder's family recipe. We're open for take out and delivery from Homeroom To Go. Visit our restaurant, just a block away, to dine in with us.
