The Yummiest Tapas/Small Plates in Oakland

Leichi

★★★★☆ 4.1 (862) • $$$

"Grilled salt salmon is the best lunch option in town!I am surprised there is such an authentic Japanese restaurant nearby the area. Their lunch menu definitely features some of my favorite item including grilled fishes.I have tried grilled Hokke and salmon, however, salmon is my favorite. It comes with three different side dishes. Best of all, the soup that it came with was NOT miso soup! Finally a refreshing change.At night time its a traditional Japanese izakaya."

Limón

★★★★☆ 4.3 (764) • $$

"We came here for my brother's birthday lunch. I was craving paella and my brother wanted Peruvian.We found street parking pretty easily outside and walked right in. They weren't really busy for a Saturday lunch time.We let my brother do the ordering. We asked the staff how manh dishes would be good for a party of 3 and went with the recommended two entrees and an appetizer. We had the polli-papas as an appetizer. Pretty delicious, good fries and nice flavors.For our entrees, we got the saltado de pollo and the seafood paella!We wound up not really eating the rice as we were getting pretty full but the saltado de pollo was delicious!Finally, what I was waiting for was the paella. It didn't have that crispiness that Spanish paella does but it was still pretty good. They even provided a plate for shells. Very flavorful.Would definitely return and try other things on the menu!"

District - Oakland

★★★★☆ 3.8 (913) • $$

"We were extremely disappointed this time around.. we came for happy hour, who isn't a sucker for happy hour right? We started off with 1/2 dozen oysters at $1.5/each, it was good so we ordered another 1/2 dozen. The fact that they had just opened, and they ran out, tells me they don't order on a daily basis.. they did offer to give us an appetizer on the house. The options were limited so we opted for another Brussel sprouts. The Brussels weren't bad but it was just a tad too sweet. Very little bacon, but i guess good enough to order again? We had already ordered a basket of fries and that was mid. It was stale, not hot out the fryer. Wasn't a fan. We also ordered the beef sliders, and immediately when it got to the table, it smelled fishy. And it hit me, it smelled like raw beef that had been sitting for a few days in its own blood for 3-4 days, and once it hits hot oil in a pan, that burnt beef edges immediately start to smell salty/fishy. I went home and it just didn't sit well with me so i did a quick google search and i was right.. it's disappointing overall at this point.. drinks: i ordered an espresso martini, and that signature look of the foam on top with the espresso beans and taste of fresh espresso? None of that. I ordered another drink after but.. that never came.. these were all items we got from the happy hour, bc that's the whole point of a happy hour our bill came, and to our surprise... my drink i never got was on there.. and the white wine my friend ordered from the happy hour... was actually not from the happy hour.. he didn't mention that, we went from a wine that's maybe $7 to paying $18 for a glass.. needless to say... it was not a happy hour lol it's disappointing because we have come here before several times and it's hard to find a place with happy hour on a Monday.. it just wasn't satisfying for what we paid."

Izakaya

★★★★☆ 3.9 (834) • $$

"Really cute and cozy Japanese izakaya. Food was all tasty and authentic. Ordered the negitoro roll, chicken nanban, salmon ochazuke, and the salmon sashimi bento. Fish tasted high quality and chicken was juicy. The California roll was also surprisingly good, I'll definitely be back to try more of the dishes."

Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya

★★★★☆ 4 (415)

"The food was delicious. The service was great. We didn't have reservations but arrived there before the restaurant opened and we were able to be seated right away. The ambiance was so nice. We sat at a booth/bench. My favorite. The deluxe sashimi was amazing as well as the Wagyu. And the black cod collar was amazing too. Everything was delicious."

The Rellik Tavern

★★★★☆ 3.9 (430) • $$

"What a neat little bar located in the heart of downtown Benicia. Cool vibes, drinks, everything!This placed is fully equipped with a variety of seating options, including comfy couches which my friend and I were able to secure. Immediately we were greeted by one of the employees who handed us a menu on the iPad. Once we decided what we wanted, we ordered at the bar.I tried a few mixed drinks and they were all pretty good! Not a fan of the cider though. We didn't get to try the food here but will definitely try it next time. Unfortunately we also missed the band by a smidge, so hopefully we can catch that next time as well!"

KoKoLo Donburi - Milpitas

★★★★☆ 4 (373) • $$

"My cousin & I had dinner at Kokolo Donburi on a Sunday night after watching the 49ers in nearby Santa Clara. We were starved so something with rice was definitely what we needed and were looking to have.I went with the gyudon ($15) and my cousin got the katsu don with egg ($15). We also ordered ika karaage ($9) and jidori karaage ($10) for appetizers. I like the gyudon i ordered but would have preferred no ginger on mine. The photo on the menu doesnt show or allude to any ginger in the description otherwise I would have opted to not have it. The meat was good, added soy sauce and mixed it all up with the rice and onions. Just what I needed after a long day at the stadium. My cousin liked his katsu don. He hadnt had one like that with the egg and it hit the spot for him. The chicken karaage was good and so was the squid. I liked both of them but enjoyed the squid more. Squeezed some lemon on them and used their provided dipping sauce. Good stuff. The chicken karaage was good. Moist not dry. Dipping sauce was the same as the one for the squid. We ordered a good amount and still had leftovers.Service was friendly. I think the gentleman that took our order was the owner. A young lady that was there and helping clean up looked to be a family member but I'm not certain. They were both nice & friendly. They both checked in on us and thanked us on our way out. The one thing I noticed that evening was some of the tables needed to be cleared. The man taking the orders was also the one clearing the tables when he had a chance... Nice people, we would for sure go back. I would try a sukiyaki don or katsu don next time. Plenty of parking in their shared lot. @ entrances on either side of the establishment. Located off the 237 near the 880. They provide water. My cousin was ecstatic that they had Coke Zero. Ha!"

Juban Ramen & Tapas

★★★★☆ 4.1 (280) • $$

"Ramen is good any time of year but I especially enjoy eating ramen in colder weather. I consider Juban ramen to be a hole in the wall and undiscoverable unless through word of mouth or Yelp! Juban is consistent and I recommend their tonkotsu ramen with the deep pork bone broth - it's so soothing! Two thin slices of chashu, some bamboo, bean sprouts, half soft boiled egg, green onions and chewy noodles for $16. Max capacity I'd say is about 25 people with 10 tables so service is quick. The chicken karage uses tender and juicy thigh meat but I do prefer the batter to be more crispy. All in all solid ramen place; give it a try in you're in the area."

Chile Jalapeno Taqueria

★★★★☆ 3.7 (338) • $

"One of the best Mexican restaurants nearby. I love their surf & turf burritos, they're always cooked to perfection. The tacos are super delicious, and the agua frescas are so refreshing. They're very nice, and very prompt with their service. There's so many great options on the menu, and I haven't had even half yet! Overall I definitely recommend eating at Chile Jalapeño, you won't be disappointed!"

Evil Eye

★★★★☆ 4 (215) • $$

"Overall good vibes even on a Monday night! We got the hot toddy and liquid sunshine with the shroom Tartine.. followed by kali mojo and padrino which were decent for a second round"

Special Hainan Chicken

★★★★☆ 3.7 (189) • $$

"Great place for Hainanese chicken meals, you cannot go wring with the signature hainan chicken plate -- my go to.Great tasting chicken, chicken rice, peanuts, scallion tapenade, ginger, woodear mushrooms, and cucumbers sum up the plate. I tried the pork knuckles and duck on a previous meal. Both highly recommended.Service is amazing and the place keeps its fast convenient charm. To-go orders also happen all the time--get a whole bird on the go."

Kinda Izakaya

★★★★☆ 4.2 (143)

"It's authentic Japanese Izakaya (skewers) place with variety of foods. Good thing they serve all sort of Japanese cuisines from sashimi, sushi, ramen noodles, Izakaya and desserts. Food is delicious and fresh.Waiters are attentive but could be a bit slow in rush hours.Nice interior with lots of anime!Indoor seating with Japanese touches, not easily accessible, narrow entry and pathways with uncomfortable seating.Great for couples and small gathering only.Parking options are close by public parking and street parking."

W XYZ Bar

★★★★☆ 4.1 (33) • $$

"Sorry to say, this place had gone way downhill on my last visit. Since Marriott took over, the W XYZ branding is gone and it's just "Aloft." The soggy fries were more like any other restaurant, and the soda was noticeably watered down. The steak cut has been downgraded to ribeye.I'm glad I was able to enjoy it when Starwood was striving to bring a premium experience to budget-conscious consumers. Now the budget part is more painfully obvious, and where I had gone out of my way to visit before, it now feels like an overpriced Denny's. Bye, Felicia."

Casa Do Petisco

★★★★★ 5 (9)

"Amaaaaazing service and even better food. I did not even know that this place existed just went into the organic store and ran into it. The lady serving us was so kind and patient and that was enough for me to love this place then I get my food and it is even more incredible. Got the slider with prosciutto and my friend got the chicken sandwich and we both finished them in 3 minutes and couldn't believe how amazing it was."

Slurp Shop

★★★★☆ 3.5 (13)

"Slurp Shop is a menu option inside SAGA Kitchen in Alameda, CA. Menu offerings include: Ramen noodle bowls, and appetizers (chicken karaage and gyoza). On a Sunday, I pre-ordered using the SAGA app: -House Tonkotsu, ramen bowl-Chicken Karaage-Pan Fried Pork GyozaHouse Tonkotsu, Grade (5/5), delicious ramen soup with lots of noodles! Served in a pork broth, topped with pork belly chashu (slices), green onions, mushrooms, and soft boiled eggs. The menu says it's a little spicy, but I didn't really taste it. This dish has lots of fresh noodles! And the pork broth blends well with the other ingredients to create a great meal. The takeout container is a little hard to open. The broth is in the bottom section, and the ingredients are in the top section. The ramen travels better when the broth is separate, and you mix it at home. Chicken Karaage, Grade (5/5), Japanese Fried Chicken, 7-8 small pieces of chicken. They were juicy on the inside and the crispy on the outside. Pan Fried Pork Gyoza, Grade (4/5). Japanese Pork Potstickers. Juicy and tasty filling, and lightly crispy skin. My problem is, when you're used to Chinese potstickers, it's not quite the same. Gyoza are smaller dumplings, and have less filling. So in general the Slurp Shop menu items I ordered were good. I used the SAGA app to order, used the 20% Discount, left a tip, and picked up my order myself. Had a nice chat with Gilbert about the new menu, and he answered all my questions. SAGA Kitchen is located at Lincoln Ave x Grand Street in Alameda, CA.Indoor & outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery. ------------------------------------------------Support Local business!"

Tanto Japanese Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.9 • $$$

"Came here for weekday dinner and fell in love with this place! Expansive menu with some items not commonly seen elsewhere. We ordered four dishes for the two of us and loved every single one. Special mentions are the Sashimi Salad, which had larger portion than we thought and the ingredients were all fresh and high quality. The monkfish liver was soft, rich and well-balanced by the ponzu-based sauce so that it's not overly gamy. We arrived ~6pm on a Wednesday and there was no wait. Good flavor, fresh ingredients, nice service, great bang for the buck. This place has made to our go-to weekday dinner list. Love!"

Kiraku

★★★★☆ 4.4 • $$

"dinging a star because they do a $50 minimum per person on reservation which is kind of annoying but it's not that hard to hit that...We got a reservation at 7:30 which I highly recommend you do because it's a bit hard to seat otherwise / the space is kind of small. we were sitting next to two tables that were unfortunately really loud.the menu is extensive, long, and delicious. I will say the vibes are sort of hectic / they're serving a lot (but it does come quickly!!) so it's not like a casual sort of hang out with friends / drink izakaya but like you are coming for a MEAL sort of deal.everything is great, no notes."