It's Oakland Restaurant Week - March 20-30, 2025
- Esther Ayorinde-Iyamu
- Mar 22
- 4 min read
Oakland Restaurant Week 2025 runs from March 20–30, 2025 and is a perfect chance for busy parents (and pup-parents!) to take a break from cooking and explore Oakland’s amazing food scene – recently crowned the #1 Best Food City in the U.S. We’ve rounded up the top five things you should know – with restaurant picks to match your preferences. Grab the kiddos, leash up the dog, or call a sitter for date night, and get ready to dine!
Best for Families with Kids: Fentons Creamery
A Fentons Creamery sundae – a sweet reward for kids (and parents alike) during Oakland Restaurant Week
When it comes to family-friendly dining, Fentons Creamery is an Oakland institution that delights all ages. Founded in 1894, Fentons is famous for its handmade ice cream and world-famous sundaes (the signature Black & Tan sundae was invented right here!). During Restaurant Week, they’re offering a $30 prix-fixe menu that lets you pair a classic comfort-food sandwich (yes, their famed crab salad sandwich is on the list) with one of their decadent ice cream treats. Kids will be thrilled with the junior-sized sundaes piled high with whipped cream (complete with a cherry on top), while parents can enjoy a hearty bite and some nostalgia. It’s a win-win for a fun family night out!
Best for Dog-Friendly Dining: Drake’s Dealership
Wood-fired pizza and a house brew on the patio at Drake’s Dealership – plenty of space for pups and kids to hang out
Need a place where the fur-baby is welcome? Drake’s Dealership has you covered with its huge open-air beer garden that’s always dog-friendly
This Uptown spot is a craft brewery + restaurant, so while you sip one of 32 beers on tap and enjoy a wood-fired pizza, your pup can relax by the fire pit at your feet. The atmosphere is lively and spacious – perfect for an after-work outing with the kids and dog in tow. During Restaurant Week, Drake’s isn’t doing a fixed prix-fixe, but they’re serving special limited-time dishes (think shrimp pappardelle or ahi tuna poke tostadas) to pair with their brews
It’s the ideal casual patio vibe for the whole family, four-legged members included, to kick back and chow down.
Best for a Casual Weekday Dinner: Mama (Grand Lake)
For a low-fuss midweek dinner that still feels special, Mama on Grand Ave hits the spot. This neighborhood Italian restaurant is known for its cozy vibes and delicious meatballs, and its Restaurant Week deal is perfect for a Wednesday night treat. Mama is offering a $45 three-course dinner that includes their famed meatballs, a comforting paccheri pasta with “Mama’s Sugo” (a rich, homestyle tomato sauce), and even tiramisu for dessert. The prix-fixe menu is a steal and family-style friendly, so you can bring the kids or enjoy an easy date-night-lite without breaking the bank. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming – exactly what frazzled parents need on a school night. Bonus: the portions and flavors will satisfy both grown-ups and any little pasta lovers at the table. Buon appetito!
Best for a Special Date Night: Bardo Lounge & Supper Club
An array of dishes at Bardo – perfect for sharing on a classy date night
Busy parents deserve a romantic night out, and Bardo is the place to make it happen. This lounge and supper club in uptown offers a swanky, retro mid-century dinner party atmosphere that will transport you and your partner far from the daily grind of homework and dog-walking. Bardo’s Oakland Restaurant Week dinner special is $65 per person – and it’s worth every penny. The menu is indulgent, featuring elegant bites like apple-parsnip soup to start, a creamy seasonal risotto, and a luscious pot de crème for dessert
It’s a steal for a multi-course gourmet experience. Sip a craft cocktail, savor the supper-club vibe, and enjoy actual adult conversation. Consider it a mini date-cation in the middle of your week – you’ve earned it!
Best Overall Deal/Value: Popoca
Trying to maximize value? Popoca in Old Oakland brings you big flavors at a great price. This pop-up-turned-restaurant serves progressive Salvadoran cuisine (their wood-fired pupusas are fantastic) and during Restaurant Week they’re delivering an incredible bang for your buck
Popoca’s special is $65 for a three-course dinner, showcasing a little of everything that makes this spot special. You’ll get dishes like a head-on prawn salad, a traditional pupusa de loroco, and a savory chicharrón plate with plantains, rice, and beans – a whole mini-feast of Salvadoran comfort food
It’s a “three dishes in one” experience that highlights the roots and creativity of the chef
If you want to try something new and get the most flavor for your dollar, Popoca is the ultimate value play (and you definitely won’t leave hungry!).
Remember, Oakland Restaurant Week runs from March 20–30 – that’s 10 days of foodie fun. Mark your calendar now, because whether you’re wrangling kiddos or pups (or both), there’s a Restaurant Week deal waiting for you. Grab the family, support local eateries, and enjoy The Town’s vibrant dining scene. For the full list of 140+ participating restaurants and offers, visit the official ORW page on Visit Oakland
Happy feasting, Geoffrey members!
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