Unless you hate fresh fish, ocean breezes, and dining with a view, there’s a good chance you’ll crave seafood in Oakland at some point. And when you do, you’ll probably want the real deal. If you want to avoid the classic mistake of settling for frozen fish sticks, we’ve got the spots—from waterfront gems to neighborhood joints—where you can grab cioppino or oysters before or after your Bay Area adventure.
Judoku Sushi
$$ | (510) 645-1912 | WEBSITE
Almost every Bay Area neighborhood has a great sushi spot, and in Oakland, that’s Judoku Sushi. Just a short drive from downtown and conveniently located in a bustling district, this is a quintessential dinner-and-a-show date spot. Seatings start at 5pm, so you can grab an early meal of sushi classics like fresh sashimi and nigiri and still make it to an event at 7pm.
They’ve also got a bunch of creative dishes like grilled squid and fried shrimp pop with flavors you’ll wish were available in T-shirt form.
Shimizu Cuisine
$$ | (510) 653-7622 | WEBSITE
Yes, there is a Shimizu Cuisine location in Oakland, and we recommend you go there over other sushi spots for better quality and a more accommodating experience. If you’re not familiar, the cozy neighborhood restaurant makes some of the best traditional Japanese dishes in the area, not to mention impressive flaming dragon rolls and tasty tempura shrimp rolls. This place has the same homey decor with small tables and a friendly atmosphere as you’d expect from a local gem.
D.Monaghans On The Hill
$$ | (510) 482-2500 | WEBSITE
The salmon refers to a plate of perfectly cooked, juicy fish with a crisp skin. It’s a solid seafood option for anyone who thinks too hard about catfish. But the surprise menu item here isn’t fish-based at all: It’s the bacon, which is, yes, served crispy and hot, with that salty, savory flavor everyone craves. Is it anything special? Not particularly. But hello—it’s served perfectly crispy.
Crogan’s Montclair
$$ | (510) 339-2098 | WEBSITE
Pub sandwiches can be bland and forgettable, but the roast pork sandwich from Crogan’s Montclair is the exception. It has enough tender, flavorful pork to fill two sandwiches, and the bread, from a local Oakland bakery, is fresh and substantial. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a pint and some conversation, and since there’s ample free street parking after 6 pm, you’re never too far away from a welcoming atmosphere.
Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar
$$$ | (510) 444-3456 | WEBSITE
Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar looks like dozens of other waterfront hotel restaurants, but they’re serving some of the best seafood in Oakland. Not just for a hotel spot, but for any spot. The focus here is on quality seafood, and for $42, you get a generous grilled halibut entrée along with a seafood salad and a glass of their great house chardonnay. It’s a seafood deal that should draw crowds to Jack London Square, but you should be able to snag a table as a walk-in on weeknights.
Prime-time tables with those beautiful waterway views get booked in advance on weekends, so make reservations for those.
Charlie’s Las Palmas
$ | (510) 639-7220 | WEBSITE
We didn’t expect to find some of the best seafood in Oakland at a place called Charlie’s Las Palmas, but then we tried the Super Burrito. For the uninitiated, Charlie’s Las Palmas is a popular spot that for a while, you could only find on local lists. But now your Friday night meal can involve a huge burrito with ground beef and tacos. They also have efficient service, with pleasant staff ensuring you get in and out quickly.
Sirene
$$$ | (510) 200-8750 | WEBSITE
The Merrit Lake location of Sirene makes some of our favorite seafood in the neighborhood, and their charming courtyard brings their standout crudo to Oakland. There’s no stuffy fine dining pretense, but for $28, you’ll receive a delicate lobster crudo with bright citrus notes melting into buttery slices of shellfish. If you’re looking to switch up your classic date night routine, this is the way to do so.
Đà Nẵng Quán Vietnamese Cuisine
$ | (510) 268-1368 | WEBSITE
Đà Nẵng Quán Vietnamese Cuisine serves authentic Vietnamese food, with standout dishes like Bun Bo Hue and Pho Dac Biet, plus unique options such as Bun Mam noodle soup and Banh Beo. The space near Lake Merritt feels like a bustling neighborhood spot in Vietnam, and eating a steaming bowl of Bun Bo Hue with all the fresh herbs and spicy chili will transport you much farther than just a few blocks from downtown Oakland.
The friendly, quick service and generous portions make it a perfect lunch destination, especially during the 1PM rush when the food truly shines.
Lovely’s
$ | WEBSITE
The best bite in Oakland might just be right outside the usual seafood spots. Lovely’s is a welcoming restaurant in the city, but since it’s not technically a seafood specialist, it’s good for a satisfying meal without the inevitable fishy focus. We like the smash burger, with crispy edges and so much juiciness that it drips when it’s picked up—a fact we’re somehow very okay with. It’s also family-friendly with games and activities, in case a fun outing with kids is in order.
1 Seafood & Chicken
$ | (510) 482-1255 | WEBSITE
A plate of 1 Seafood & Chicken’s crispy, savory, and perfectly fried whole wings with hot wing sauce will give you plenty of fuel to tackle whatever Oakland throws your way. The takeout-focused spot, which has been run by the same family for years, specializes in fresh seafood and chicken dishes with standout options like hush puppies and pork chop sandwiches. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible with nearby parking, so you can grab your order and enjoy it wherever you please.
Snail Bar
$$$ | (510) 879-7678 | WEBSITE
Snail Bar is an extremely refined seafood spot where you can go after work to celebrate a good week. It’s welcoming, potentially over-curated, and open until 10pm on weeknights and 11pm on weekends. Their menu is pretty upscale—especially considering the careful preparation of their seafood-inspired food like pan con tomate and prawn tostadas—so invite some friends from the neighborhood who appreciate thoughtful dining.
Quinn’s Lighthouse
$$ | (510) 603-2574 | WEBSITE
Recently under new ownership, Quinn’s Lighthouse is a waterfront spot offering Asian cuisine and beautiful bay views. Their menu includes favorites like the open-faced crab sandwich and Banh Mi Chao, along with fried whole fish, Fish Stew, and steak. The service is friendly and attentive, with professional staff who get orders right and on time.
The indoor atmosphere can be loud due to the acoustics, but the outdoor seating area upstairs provides a more pleasant experience with views of the bay walking path nearby. Parking is available on the street or in a large lot across the street. Overall, it’s a good spot for a meal with a view, suitable for solo visits, girls’ nights, or couples.
Poke Parlor
$ | (510) 922-9895 | WEBSITE
Poke Parlor is a solid choice when you’re craving something fresh and filling after a long day. The laid-back spot is a brightly lit haven where you can build your own poke bowls or grab a sushi burrito until 9pm most nights. You might think that quick service and big portions mean the quality suffers, but everything here—from their spicy tuna with sriracha aioli to the generous burritos—is satisfying.
If you’re dining solo, the classic poke bowl with two proteins and all the toppings runs about $16 and leaves you comfortably full.
Seabreeze On The Dock
$$ | (510) 607-9140 | WEBSITE
Right on the waterfront at Jack London, Seabreeze On The Dock is a little more casual, with a straightforward menu and an outdoor seating area that feels like a comfy neighborhood spot. We like it for a relaxed meal when you still want really high-quality seafood. There’s a solid list of signature dishes, like a Lobster Roll packed with sweet chunks of meat, but we like to keep it relatively simple with some fried cod, shrimp skewers with teriyaki sauce, and a big margarita in a chilled glass.
It’s open with a great view, so it’s also a perfect spot for a laid-back visit.
La Grana Fish
$ | (510) 731-7076 | WEBSITE
La Grana Fish has a beautiful outdoor seating area under the bougainvillea tree, but you’ll have to pay a small cash fee if you don’t use a card. Luckily, there are great seafood options in Oakland where you can dine and get great value. The Tapatio combo is a short walk from ordinary and has a big variety that’s one of the better deals in the area for a filling meal.
There’s also creative food here like Keto-style tacos, and if seafood isn’t your thing, there’s pineapple green agua fresca and other refreshing drinks as well. If the outdoor area is crowded or you prefer indoor seating, there’s also the nearby bar with good music, efficient service, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Louisiana Fish & Chips
$$ | (510) 451-4555 | WEBSITE
Right in the heart of Oakland’s seafood scene is Louisiana Fish & Chips, which serves reliably tasty and freshly prepared food, including their signature tartar sauce. Our favorite is the catfish, with thin-cut fish fried soft, creamy potato salad, and a tart tartar sauce. It’s a casual experience, so grab a table in the Bay Area-style dining area to enjoy it all before the evening crowds arrive.