Best Upscale Mediterranean Restaurants in Oakland | Upscale Mediterranean Food

21 restaurants in Best Upscale Mediterranean Restaurants in Oakland | Upscale Mediterranean Food

• Tarocco — Mediterranean · rated 5/5: Tarocco invites diners into a bright, contemporary space where the art of the meal is personal, offering a vibrant tapestry of Mediterranean-inspired plates designed for effortless curation. Guests can linger over a table filled with golden tortilla de patata, earthy beluga lentils, and smoky charred broccolini, or savor the rich sweetness of roasted beets paired with black mission figs. The experience culminates in a sophisticated harmony of flavors, from the delicate airiness of a sweet corn soufflé to the robust, seared perfection of skirt steak a la plancha.
• Uqbar — Middle Eastern · rated 5/5: Sunlight streams into this vibrant morning haunt, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of slow-simmered squash shakshuka and warm, silken hummus topped with spiced lamb. Guests gather over nourishing yogurt bowls and hearty breakfast sandwiches, finding a sanctuary of Mediterranean-inspired comfort that elevates the start of the day into a soulful culinary ritual.
• Lucia's Pizzeria — Italian · rated 5/5: Step into a sun-drenched corner of Italy where the crackle of a wood-fired oven sets the rhythm for an evening of rustic indulgence. The kitchen honors tradition through the bold simplicity of the Cosacca, bright with garlic and sharp pecorino, and the velvety Norma, where fried eggplant and salty ricotta salata melt into a rich, bubbling tomato base. It is a vibrant sanctuary for those seeking the authentic soul of the Mediterranean, one charred and blistered crust at a time.
• À Côté — French · rated 5/5: This vibrant neighborhood gem invites guests to linger over artisanal small plates in a space that hums with the warmth of a Mediterranean escape. The kitchen celebrates bold, rustic flavors, from the golden crunch of tuna empanadas and silky rabbit rillettes to steaming bowls of mussels and crisp pommes frites dipped in rich aioli. Whether sharing a savory Basquaise flatbread or savoring a vibrant beet soup, diners find themselves transported by a menu that honors seasonal ingredients and the simple joy of a shared meal.
• Banh Mi Bite — Vietnamese · rated 4/5: Banh Mi Bite serves as a vibrant neighborhood crossroads where the irresistible scent of garlic-parmesan fries and spicy buffalo cauliflower fills a space buzzing with casual energy. Crisp, colorful Mediterranean salads and refreshing zoodles offer a bright counterpoint to artisanal red and white pies pulled bubbling from the oven with perfectly charred crusts. This eclectic spot invites diners to linger over shared plates and inventive comfort food, creating a dining experience that is as fresh and modern as it is deeply satisfying.
• Marzano — Italian · rated 4/5: Sun-drenched flavors and the comforting hum of a bustling kitchen define this vibrant Italian escape, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of charred wood-fired crusts and slow-simmered pomodoro. Guests gather around rustic tables to share hand-stretched pizzas topped with jewel-toned tomatoes and silky ribbons of pasta tossed in fragrant herbs, all served with a soulful warmth that feels like a homecoming. It is a place where the simplicity of the Mediterranean meets modern elegance, turning every meal into a spirited celebration of tradition and taste.
• Cafe Milano — Italian · rated 4/5: Sunlight dances across a space where the aroma of bubbling red and white pizzas meets the crisp, garden-fresh allure of vibrant Mediterranean and zoodle salads. The kitchen masterfully balances playful indulgence and wholesome fare, serving up everything from golden waffles paired with crackling wings to artfully deconstructed cobbs and ever-evolving burger creations. It is a welcoming neighborhood sanctuary where the comfort of a classic omelette and the spicy zing of buffalo cauliflower create a flavorful tapestry perfect for any time of day.
• Fava — Mediterranean · rated 4/5: Sun-drenched and airy, this vibrant sanctuary captures the soul of the Mediterranean with its white-washed accents and the lingering aroma of lemon zest and toasted spices. Guests gather around rustic wooden tables to share colorful small plates where silky purees, charred seasonal vegetables, and herb-flecked proteins celebrate the bold, sun-ripened flavors of the coast. Every meal feels like a spirited celebration of simple, honest ingredients, inviting diners to linger over glasses of crisp wine in an atmosphere of effortless warmth.
• Anja's — Mediterranean · rated 4/5: Anja’s unfolds as a charming neighborhood jewel where the scent of fresh herbs and simmering reductions drifts from an open kitchen into a space defined by effortless elegance. Here, the art of hospitality is elevated through thoughtfully composed plates that celebrate the seasons, offering a sanctuary for those seeking both culinary discovery and the soulful comfort of a well-loved home.
• Nomad Cafe — Mediterranean · rated 3/5: This sun-drenched sanctuary invites guests to linger amidst a tapestry of global textiles and the comforting hum of a busy espresso machine. The kitchen weaves together bold, wandering flavors from across the map, serving up vibrant plates that celebrate seasonal ingredients and the adventurous spirit of discovery. Whether settling in with a fragrant brew or sharing a soul-warming meal, every visit feels like a brief, beautiful escape to a far-off destination.
• Agrodolce — Italian · rated 3/5: Agrodolce captures the vibrant spirit of the Sicilian coast, inviting guests into a space where the golden crunch of frittura mista and the delicate perfume of fried zucchini blossoms evoke a sun-drenched Mediterranean afternoon. The kitchen masterfully balances the bold, "sour-sweet" harmonies of its namesake through traditional staples like rich eggplant caponata and silken beef carpaccio, creating a sensory journey that feels both deeply rooted in island heritage and refreshingly contemporary.
• Bartavelle Coffee and Wine Bar — Mediterranean · rated 3/5: Sun-drenched and spirited, this neighborhood sanctuary hums with the rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine and the clink of wine glasses on the breezy, communal patio. Vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired plates celebrate the season’s bounty, from herb-flecked porridges and artisanal toasts to delicate Persian-inflected bowls that pair effortlessly with a curated selection of natural wines. It is a place where the morning’s quiet caffeine ritual seamlessly transitions into a lively afternoon of shared bites and lingering conversation under the California sun.
• La Méditeranée — Mediterranean · rated 3/5: La Méditeranée invites guests into a warm, sun-drenched space where the vibrant colors of the Levant come alive through communal platters of velvet-smooth hummus and smoky baba ghanoush. The air is filled with the bright scents of fresh parsley and zesty lemon as diners share delicate grape-leaf dolmas and bold, spicy harissa dips, creating a convivial atmosphere that celebrates the timeless art of the Mediterranean table.
• Via del Corso — Italian: This elegant Italian escape transports diners across the peninsula, from the spicy warmth of Calabrian crostone to the bright, citrus-kissed flavors of sun-drenched Sicily. The kitchen celebrates the artistry of handmade pasta, serving silken ribbons of crab-flecked tagliolini and honeyed pumpkin tortelli that pair beautifully with the rich, earthy aroma of truffle-infused risotto. Amidst an atmosphere of refined warmth, guests linger over vibrant seasonal salads and shared boards of artisanal meats, capturing the true spirit of a leisurely Mediterranean feast.
• Zino — Mediterranean: Bathed in warm light and vibrant hues, this Mediterranean escape invites guests into a lively atmosphere where the air is perfumed with the intoxicating aroma of toasted spices and wood-fired specialties. The kitchen artfully bridges the flavors of the Maghreb and the Levant, presenting a tapestry of shared plates that range from silky, tahini-rich spreads to succulent grilled meats kissed by the flame. Every meal feels like a sun-drenched celebration, perfectly paired with craft cocktails and a curated wine list that captures the spirited essence of the coast.
• Zut! — Mediterranean: This vibrant gathering spot pulses with a playful energy, blending sophisticated charm with a relaxed atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a spirited celebration. Guests find solace in the rich, bittersweet depths of their iconic Irish Coffee, a perfectly layered indulgence of bold whiskey and velvety cream that warms the soul long after the sun goes down.
• Bellanico — Italian: This charming neighborhood enoteca wraps guests in the warmth of a rustic Italian kitchen, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of slow-simmered sauces and toasted spices. Hand-crafted pastas take center stage, from the deep, soulful richness of a classic spaghetti bolognese to the vibrant, peppery kick of fresh mussels that transport diners to the Mediterranean coast. Every dish celebrates the art of traditional comfort, offering a refined yet soulful escape that turns a simple meal into a lingering celebration of flavor.
• Greens and Grains — Mediterranean: Sunlight streams through floor-to-ceiling windows into this airy, plant-filled retreat where the air is scented with the earthy aroma of toasted quinoa and garden-fresh herbs. Diners find nourishment in artfully composed bowls that balance the crunch of seasonal greens with the heartiness of wholesome grains, all brought together by vibrant, small-batch dressings that sing with citrus and spice.
• Rio California — Brazilian: Rio California serves as a vibrant culinary crossroads where the smoky heat of Caribbean jerk spices meets the golden, savory crunch of Brazilian street food. The air hums with a global energy as diners transition from hand-folded Mediterranean pastries to elegant plates of creamy lemon seafood risotto and perfectly charred tilapia. It is a sun-drenched escape that celebrates a world of flavor, blending casual coastal vibes with a sophisticated, cross-continental soul.
• Middle East Café — Middle Eastern: Stepping into Middle East Café feels like entering a sun-drenched oasis where the air is thick with the fragrance of toasted spices and freshly baked flatbread. Vibrant platters of velvet-smooth hummus and perfectly charred kebabs take center stage, inviting diners to linger over communal meals in a space alive with genuine warmth and Mediterranean hospitality.
• King of Kebab — Middle Eastern: The enticing scent of flame-charred meats and aromatic spices fills the air at King of Kebab, where skewers of tender chicken shish and savory lamb-and-beef gyros are prepared with time-honored precision. Crisp, golden falafel and vibrant salads bursting with Mediterranean freshness offer a bright contrast to the smoky flavors of the grill, creating a bustling atmosphere of authentic warmth. The journey ends on a sweet, floral note with delicate Turkish delight, rounding out a meal that feels like a sun-drenched escape to the streets of the Levant.