Best of Restaurants 2026

Readers' picks for Best of East Bay 2026

Best American Restaurant

GoldChez Panisse

SilverJuanita & Maude


Best BBQ Restaurant

GoldEverett & Jones

SilverFikscue


Best Breakfast

GoldSam’s Log Cabin

SilverLa Note


Best Brunch

GoldSam’s Log Cabin

SilverSaul’s Restaurant & Delicatessen


Best Burger

GoldLovely’s

Silver (tie) — Al’s Big Burger

Silver (tie) — The Backyard


Best Burrito

GoldGordo Taqueria

SilverComal Next Door


Best Business Lunch

Gold (tie) — The Wolf

Gold (tie) — Wood Tavern

SilverLake Chalet


Best Cajun Restaurant

GoldAngeline’s Louisiana Kitchen

SilverBrenda’s Oakland


Best Chef (and restaurant)

Gold — Scott Eastman, Juanita & Maude

Silver — Jeff Davis, Burdell


Best Chinese Restaurant

GoldShan Dong

SilverGreat China


Best Cuban or Caribbean Restaurant

GoldalaMar Dominican Kitchen

SilverHavana


Best Diner

GoldOceanview Diner

SilverRudy’s Can’t Fail Cafe


Best Dining after 10pm

Gold Smokehouse

SilverKansai


Best Dining Experience

GoldChez Panisse

SilverJuanita & Maude


Best Dining Value

GoldCafé Colucci

SilverMama Oakland


Best Family Restaurant

GoldNido’s Backyard

SilverPicante


Best Filipino Restaurant

GoldUnderstory

SilverFOB Kitchen


Best Food Truck

Gold — Chef Henrik

Silver (tie) — Tacos El Autlense

Silver (tie) — Tacos Sinaloa


Best Fried Chicken

GoldAburaya

SilverGrégoire Restaurant


Best German Restaurant

GoldBrotzeit Lokal

SilverSpeisekammer


Best Gluten-Free Menu

GoldKitava Kitchen

SilverUnderstory


Best Greek Restaurant

GoldTroy

SilverNick the Greek


Best Hot Dog

GoldTop Dog

SilverCasper’s


Best Indian or Pakistani Restaurant

GoldVik’s Chaat

SilverAjanta


Best Italian Restaurant

GoldBelotti

SilverMama Oakland


Best Japanese Restaurant

GoldIppuku

Silver (tie) — Kirala

Silver (tie) — Yonsei Handrolls


Best Korean Restaurant

GoldKorean Superette

SilverBowl’d BBQ


Best Latin American Restaurant (not Mexican)

GoldLa Marcha Tapas Bar

SilverLucuma Kitchen & Bar


Best Lunch Value

GoldEmeryville Public Market

SilverGrand Lake Kitchen


Best Mediterranean Restaurant

GoldZaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar

SilverLa Mediterranee


Best Mexican Restaurant

GoldComal

SilverBombera


Best Middle Eastern Restaurant

GoldLulu’s Little Kitchen

SilverOasis Kitchen


Best New Restaurant (opened after Jan. 1, 2025)

GoldLulu’s Little Kitchen

SilverLucuma Kitchen & Bar


Best Patio

GoldNido’s Backyard

SilverCafe Leila


Best Phở

GoldTay Ho Oakland Restaurant and Bar

SilverPhosho Dough


Best Pizza

GoldThe Cheeseboard Collective

SilverZachary’s Chicago Pizza


Best Place to Dine Solo

GoldEmeryville Public Market

SilverCholita Linda


Best Ramen

GoldMarufuku Ramen

SilverRamen Shop


Best Restaurant

GoldJuanita & Maude

SilverChez Panisse


Best Restaurant View

GoldSkates on the Bay

SilverSailing Goat Restaurant


Best Restaurant Wine List

GoldThe Wolf

SilverSnail Bar


Best Salads

GoldMezzo

SilverDaytrip Counter


Best Sandwich Shop

GoldOK’s Deli

SilverPicnic


Best Seafood Restaurant

GoldSkates on the Bay

SilverThe Dead Fish


Best Southern Food

Gold (tie) — Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen

Gold (tie) — Brenda’s Oakland

SilverBurdell


Best Take-Out

GoldGrégoire Restaurant

SilverShan Dong


Best Taqueria

GoldTacos Oscar

Silver5 Tacos & Beers


Best Thai or Laotian Restaurant

Gold (tie) — Champa Garden

Gold (tie) — Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine

SilverLarb


Best Vegan Menu

GoldUnderstory

SilverThe Butcher’s Son Vegan Deli & Bakery


Best Vegetarian Restaurant

GoldCafé Colucci

SilverThe Butcher’s Son Vegan Deli & Bakery


Best Vietnamese or Cambodian Restaurant

GoldKim’s Cafe & Sandwiches

SilverTay Ho

Samantha Campos
Samantha Campos
Samantha Campos is editor of East Bay Magazine, East Bay Express and Tri-City Voice; and a managing editor for Metro Silicon Valley.

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