Co Nam

i came here a couple weeks ago for brunch and had a great experience! i wish i took more photos though. you'll also need to find street parking, as co nam is located at a street corner that can be easy to miss. we ordered the mochi dumplings and the roti for the table, and both dishes were a 10/10! for my entree i ordered the wicked benny, which was basically an eggs benedict on bao buns with pork belly. it came with a little side salad with cucumber. overall, i enjoyed this dish and it was pretty filling. service was also a 10/10, our server was super nice and very attentive. as for the restaurant itself, it was smaller than i expected but it was really cute! i had a great experience here and would definitely love to come back and try something on their regular menu! :)

We celebrated my husband's birthday here. It's a cute spot for a date, but it was smaller than I thought. We made a reservation for Saturday at noon and there was no wait at all. Service was good and attentive. I'm rating it 3 stars because the food was just okay. For appetizers we shared the roti and mochi dumplings. The roti was nothing special. I did really enjoy the mochi dumplings! It was probably my favorite bite. For my main I got the shrimp and grits and it was lacking flavor. The shrimp was also overcooked. Hubby got the pork belly fried rice and that was a lot better! However the pork belly can be a bit more tender. It was too chewy for my liking. I probably should've gone for the vermicelli bowl instead.

We did the Chef Table for my wife's birthday and it was a phenomenal 6 course experience. The couple who run the operation take the time to come out and explain every drink and every course. We enjoyed the whole experience from the food to the service and will be back again for sure.

Excellent service. Delicious food. Cozy atmosphere. Co Nam is a hidden gem. Glad to finally try it, I'll definitely be back.

This is a special place. Everything was absolutely delicious. This is a family-owned business and a gem of a spot. We dined in and the vibe was nice and interesting. We ordered the wings, shrimp wonton egg noodle soup, bbq pork Bahn mi, and the steak entree. Everything was top quality and delicious! Everyone shared and absolutely loved all of the dishes. The server was very friendly and knowledgeable about the food and the owners. We will all be back!

Hidden gem! The Claypot Fish, Mochi Dumplings, and Beef Carpaccio were all exceptional, showcasing the restaurant's innovative take on Vietnamese cuisine. For dessert, we had the Fried Banana Roti which was paired with a coconut ice cream; the ice cream definitely elevated the dish to a new level. However, the service was notably slow, and it was challenging to get the staff's attention. Despite this, I look forward to returning to explore more of their menu.

We'd driven by Co Nam on the corner many times but only stepped in a few weeks ago. Since then, we not only quickly returned a second time--it's now our favorite elevated Vietnamese spot in the East Bay.The space feels like modern Saigon. Warm wood, geometric shapes, and tasteful lighting create a cozy, hip vibe. The bar is sleek and inviting, and the organic wall collage of Vietnamese photos is a thoughtful touch. The decor standout? Metal shoulder baskets--a nod to traditional Vietnamese culture--transformed into ceiling light fixtures. Stunning.What to order:- Mochi: The first time, we got one order. The second time... we had to get two. Each mochi is divine--soft yet crunchy, savory yet sweet--a perfect balance of textures and classic Vietnamese flavors.- Fish Curry: Rarely seen on Vietnamese menus, this dish is special. Light, flavorful, and comforting, especially on a cold December evening.- Wicked Fried Buns: A revelation. Crisp, buttery exteriors with soft insides, paired with five-spice chicken and fresh Vietnamese veggies. Fantastic.The cocktails absolutely shined. I would return just for the drinks:- Umami Old Fashioned: An adventure--fish sauce, umami bitters, agave yuzu liqueur, and orange bitters. Bold, complex, and unforgettable.- Tokyo Street Fashioned: Smooth and delicious.- Street Peddler: A mezcal kick with Thai bird chili. Spicy and satisfying.Other favorites:- Shrimp Papaya Salad: My favorite rendition. Waffle-cut papaya keeps it light and textural, balanced with nuoc cham and tender shrimp. Lighter than most papaya salads and perfect both times we visited.- Sugarcane Shrimp Roll: Crunchy, fresh, and packed with shrimp flavor.- Carpaccio: Filet mignon with a Vietnamese twist. Nuoc cham adds just the right touch.Recommendation: Share a mix of apps, a couple of entrées, and don't skip the cocktails.The service? Exceptional. Friendly, knowledgeable staff who clearly care about the food and drinks they serve.Authentic, elevated, and unforgettable. Co Nam is a masterclass in elevated Vietnamese food done right. We can't wait to return.

Finally decided to venture into this place on a random Wednesday night with my wife after passing this at least 1000 times maneuvering around Oakland.Really glad that we did. This cocktail restaurant bar does not disappoint. Not a grandiose space but for what it lacks in size it makes up for in quality service and excellent small plates. The bartender is a wizard the way he commands the variety of spirits here to surprise your taste buds with plays on exotic classics. The touch of Vietnamese decor balances street and fine dining well which absolutely mirrors the menu offerings such as the fried rolls and a classic favorite Pho Special. Wouldn't hesitate to come again.

Love the fun and variety of Co Nam's menu. Really friendly, caring staff. Quality of food exceeded my expectations during a brunch visit. Mochi dumplings were chewy and flavorful. The shrimp and grits was huge. I particularly enjoyed the pickled kumquat :)! Only critique is that the shrimp was a bit over cooked. Looking forward to returning soon for more deliciousness. Open dining room, that is clean and well appointed with modern decor.

Co Nam is one of my go-to restaurants for all meals of the day, but this review is to highlight their brunch. Food: An Asian twist on brunch food which is masterfully executed. I often go with a group as they are one of the few Oakland restaurants that does bottomless mimosas and they mean it! Mimosas come in carafes already made. The mango passion fruit is my favorite but the lychee is also very good. The steak and eggs is a crowd pleaser and the chicken and pandan waffles is dish I have yet to find anywhere else. The restaurant is small and cozy and the food is elevated. Keep in mind the kitchen is small so sometimes the food takes a bit to come out. It's like being at your Auntie's house so be patient . It's a great place to eat alone. The staff is courteous and makes you feel welcome.