Best Upscale Korean Restaurants in Oakland | Upscale Korean Food

24 restaurants in Best Upscale Korean Restaurants in Oakland | Upscale Korean Food

• Koja Kitchen — Korean · rated 5/5: Koja Kitchen pulses with the vibrant energy of a modern street-food market, where the bold, savory aromas of Korean barbecue meet the refined artistry of Japanese cuisine. Crispy, toasted rice cakes serve as the foundation for inventive sandwiches piled high with tender bulgogi and spicy pork, creating a playful harmony of textures and umami-rich flavors. Every bite offers a spirited, deeply satisfying journey through a world where East Asian traditions are reimagined with a bold and contemporary twist.
• Pyeong Chang Tofu House — Korean · rated 4/5: Steam rises from bubbling earthenware pots of silken tofu soup, filling the bustling dining room with a comforting warmth that invites guests to dive into deep, spicy broths. The air crackles with the energy of communal dining, where the irresistible crunch of golden-glazed Korean fried chicken meets the smoky, charred aroma of savory BBQ meats sizzling at the center of the table.
• Red Tomato Pizza House — Italian · rated 4/5: This lively neighborhood cornerstone hums with the warmth of a busy kitchen, where the aroma of hand-tossed dough and simmering sauce sets the stage for a quintessential pizza feast. Whether you’re craving the smoky tang of a Summer BBQ pie or the garden-fresh crunch of the Farmer’s Market specialty, every slice arrives laden with premium toppings and bubbling cheese, creating a communal dining experience that feels both indulgent and familiar.
• Jupiter — Italian · rated 4/5: Jupiter pulses with a convivial energy, drawing guests into a space where the comforting scent of wood-fired potatoes and bubbling beer-and-cheese fondue fills the air. It is a sanctuary for communal dining, where friends gather over shared plates of smoky BBQ riblets and crisp, herb-dusted bruschetta to toast the evening in a setting that feels both vibrant and timeless.
• Joodooboo — Korean · rated 4/5: This minimalist Korean deli radiates a serene, modern energy, centered around the daily ritual of crafting fresh, artisanal tofu that arrives at the table warm and silken. Vibrant seasonal banchan provide a kaleidoscope of color and crunch, perfectly balancing the earthy simplicity of the house-made curds with bright, fermented tang. It is a space where the purity of the ingredients shines, offering a soulful and nourishing experience that feels like a contemporary homage to the traditional Korean home kitchen.
• Ohana Hawaiian BBQ — American · rated 4/5: Ohana Hawaiian BBQ brings the spirit of aloha to the table, celebrating the bold, sun-drenched flavors of the islands in a relaxed and welcoming setting. The air is filled with the savory aroma of flame-grilled meats glazed in sweet teriyaki, served in generous portions alongside scoops of creamy macaroni salad and fluffy white rice. It is a casual escape where the heartiness of a traditional plate lunch meets a laid-back atmosphere, capturing the essence of a communal island feast.
• Pagarung Thai Cuisine — Thai · rated 4/5: Pagarung Thai Cuisine invites diners into a world of vibrant aromatics, where the rhythmic sizzle of woks and the fragrant steam of coconut-milk curries fill the air. The kitchen balances heat and harmony, tossing tender meats with handfuls of fresh basil and garlic or simmering velvety pumpkin and green curries that glow with authentic spice. From the smoky char of traditional BBQ chicken to the zesty kick of spicy squid, every plate offers a soulful celebration of Thailand’s rich culinary heritage in a welcoming, lively atmosphere.
• Everett and Jones BBQ — American · rated 4/5: The air is thick with the intoxicating perfume of hickory smoke and the soulful sounds of local blues, drawing diners into a space where community and tradition simmer together. Generous platters of tender, slow-smoked ribs and snappy beef links come drenched in a legendary, mahogany-hued sauce, a sweet and spicy glaze that demands to be wiped clean with a side of buttery cornbread.
• Masta Gua Malatang & BBQ — Chinese · rated 4/5: The air at Masta Gua Malatang & BBQ hums with the vibrant energy of the grill and the intoxicating, numbing aroma of toasted Sichuan peppercorns. Guests dive into bowls of silky Mapo Tofu and fiery boiled beef that shimmer in aromatic oils, balanced by the satisfying crunch and chewy sweetness of golden-fried sesame balls. It is a sensory journey through bold, regional flavors, where every bite offers a spirited dance of heat and texture.
• Bowl'd BBQ — Korean · rated 4/5: Stepping into Bowl'd BBQ, guests are greeted by the intoxicating aroma of caramelized soy and toasted sesame wafting from sizzling grills in a space that pulses with modern energy. Vibrant, artfully composed bowls overflow with a kaleidoscope of crisp vegetables and tender, flame-kissed meats, offering a soulful harmony of smoky depths and bright, fermented tangs.
• Burdell — American · rated 3/5: Burdell invites guests into a space where soulful Southern traditions are reimagined with sophisticated flair, filling the air with the comforting aromas of wood-smoke and simmering spices. The kitchen elevates humble staples into artful plates, from the briny pop of reserve caviar atop golden hushpuppies to the rich, velvety depth of chicken liver paired with crisp waffles. Whether sharing a communal family-style spread of succulent Berkshire pork or savoring the smoky char of BBQ shrimp, every bite feels like a heartfelt, modern tribute to heritage and home.
• Best BBQ Chinese Food — Chinese: Glistening rows of honey-glazed char siu and amber-hued roast ducks hang behind the glass, inviting diners into a space filled with the rhythmic percussion of cleavers and the savory aroma of five-spice. Each plate delivers a masterclass in texture, from the crackling, salty skin of roasted pork belly to the succulent tenderness of meats served over beds of steaming jasmine rice. It is a soulful destination where traditional Cantonese roasting techniques transform simple ingredients into a rich, comforting feast that captures the heart of authentic barbecue.
• U : Dessert Story — Korean: U : Dessert Story invites guests into a vibrant, modern sanctuary where the playful name belies a menu rich with bold, savory Asian street food flavors. The air hums with the sizzle of golden takoyaki and the aromatic heat of basil stir-fry, while plates of zesty papaya salad and crispy tonkatsu-style sandwiches offer a delightful balance of crunch and spice. It is a spirited destination where casual comfort meets culinary creativity, transforming familiar favorites into artful, soul-warming bites.
• Golden Bear Cafe — American: Golden Bear Cafe hums with a vibrant energy, where the sizzle of the griddle and the bold aroma of Cajun spices create an inviting backdrop for a soulful, all-day dining experience. Mornings come alive with zesty scrambles and savory plant-based sausages, while the kitchen seamlessly transitions into a haven of smoky BBQ glazes and perfectly seared salmon. This versatile neighborhood hub balances hearty comfort with fresh, inclusive flavors, ensuring every guest finds a dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
• Oori — Korean: Oori captures the communal heart of Korean dining within a sleek, sophisticated space where the intoxicating aroma of charred oak and sizzling premium meats fills the air. Vibrant small plates of banchan provide a kaleidoscope of fermented flavors that dance alongside perfectly marbled cuts of beef, creating a refined culinary narrative that honors deep-rooted traditions with modern elegance.
• Berkeley Social Club — Korean: This vibrant gathering spot hums with the energy of a modern social hub, where industrial-chic aesthetics meet a menu that reimagines the classic American brunch through a bold, contemporary lens. Sunlight dances across plates of vibrant strawberry-topped avocado toast and glistening strips of sweet-and-spicy Millionaire’s Bacon, while the satisfying crunch of Korean-style fried chicken adds a savory punch to the morning's festivities. It is a space where traditional comfort meets culinary flair, inviting guests to linger over hearty scrambles and shared plates in an atmosphere of effortless cool.
• Wiki Wiki Hawaiian BBQ — American: This vibrant island escape captures the spirit of aloha through the smoky sizzle of the grill and the comforting warmth of traditional plate lunches. Guests are greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of sweet teriyaki glazes and tender, slow-roasted meats paired with scoops of creamy macaroni salad and fluffy white rice. It is a laid-back sanctuary where bold, tropical flavors and a welcoming atmosphere transport diners straight to the sun-soaked shores of Hawaii.
• Seoul Gom Tang — Korean: Steaming bowls of milky-white beef broth take center stage at this unassuming sanctuary of Korean comfort, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of slow-simmered traditions. Diners find solace in the deep, soul-warming flavors of long-boiled stocks and tender slices of brisket, perfectly accented by the sharp crunch of house-made kimchi and bright bursts of fresh scallion. It is a place where time slows down over a hot stone bowl, offering a nourishing escape that feels like a warm embrace from a Seoul kitchen.
• Kimchi Garden — Korean: Stepping into Kimchi Garden feels like entering a vibrant sanctuary where the air is thick with the enticing aroma of charred meats and the pungent, complex spice of house-aged ferments. Guests gather around glowing tabletop grills to watch prime cuts sizzle to perfection, complemented by a colorful parade of banchan that brings the bold, soulful heart of Korean tradition to every communal meal.
• Spoon Korean Bistro — Korean: Sizzling platters of marinated bulgogi and spicy pork fill the air with a savory, caramelized aroma, drawing guests into a vibrant bistro space that celebrates the bold, heart-warming flavors of Korea. The kitchen balances tradition and indulgence, serving everything from crisp, golden mungbean pancakes and hand-rolled kimbap to the molten, fiery decadence of cheese buldak. Whether you’re sharing a plate of glazed wings or finding comfort in a steaming bowl of handmade kalkuksoo noodles, every bite captures a sense of soulful, authentic hospitality.
• Ohgane — Korean: Ohgane invites diners into a high-energy sanctuary of Korean barbecue, where the intoxicating aroma of sweet soy marinade and sizzling wagyu rises from glowing tabletop grills. A vibrant tapestry of banchan fills the table, offering a kaleidoscope of fermented heat and crisp textures that perfectly balance the rich, smoky flavors of the fire-seared meats. The sleek space hums with the rhythmic hiss of the grill and the convivial clink of soju glasses, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the soulful art of communal feasting.
• Heads and Tails BBQ — American: Wisps of hickory smoke drift through this rustic haven, where the low-and-slow tradition of barbecue is elevated to a soulful art form amidst the hum of a crackling pit. Guests gather around weathered wood tables to feast on succulent, bark-crusted meats and savory, smoke-kissed sides, creating a sensory celebration of deep flavors and unpretentious communal spirit.
• Belly — Korean: Belly serves as a vibrant culinary crossroads where bold Asian flavors collide with classic American comfort in an atmosphere brimming with creative energy. Guests are treated to a playful symphony of textures, from the satisfying crunch of kimchi arancini and golden dumplings to the rich, umami-laden depths of miso butter spaghetti and signature craft burgers. It is a spirited destination that celebrates the art of the unexpected, offering a soulful dining experience where every bite bridges the gap between global tradition and modern innovation.
• Sidewalk Street Food — STAURANT INFORMATION:: Sidewalk Street Food captures the vibrant energy of a bustling market, where the irresistible crunch of toasted baguettes meets the aromatic depth of five-spice beef and savory BBQ pork. Each hand-rolled spring roll offers a refreshing contrast, wrapping tender proteins and bright herbs in delicate rice paper for a clean, flavorful bite that celebrates the soul of Vietnamese street culture.