London Square is the place to go if you’re in the market for some fine dining. We’ve picked the best eateries around this artsy district, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy kooky places.
Location
Jack London Square is on the waterfront in Oakland and serves as a transportation hub for Amtrak and San Francisco Bay Ferry. It also hosts some cultural events and activities as well as fine restaurants.
A new generation london square restaurants are settling in. Two have opened this summer, bringing an international flavor to the waterfront and creating an influx of dining traffic.
One of the most enduring eateries in town is Scott’s Seafood, an old-school seafood joint serving clam chowder, oyster Rockefeller and other seafood favorites since 1984. Its panoramic views of the marina and San Francisco across the bay make it ideal for lunch or dinner with family or friends.
Despite the recent pandemic, London’s restaurant scene is finally regaining its footing. And while the billboard and Instagrammable thing at each new opening may be the gimmick, the food and service matter most. Whether it’s the perfect steak or a rum baba at The Colony Grill Room, the best London square restaurants are here to stay.
Menu
The gastronomic punchline that was London is now back – and with it comes a new wave of high-quality restaurants. There are some great new additions to the Jack London Square restaurant scene, including Bocanova, a South American-influenced eatery from Chez Panisse alumni Rick Hackett. Likewise, the modern taqueria Mia will serve Mexican favorites like ceviche and chile rellenos in the coming months.
If you’re a seafood lover, head to Scott’s Seafood, serving up oyster Rockefellers, clam chowder, and cioppino on the waterfront since 1984. If you’re looking for a more laid-back place, check out Yoshi’s Oakland, which has hosted jazz greats like Max Roach and Dizzy Gillespie. It’s a great way to end your day in Jack London Square.
Service
With its impressive new additions, Oakland’s Jack London Square is quickly becoming a foodie destination. The city’s first Michelin-star restaurant is opening in the coming weeks. Some other restaurants have popped up throughout the burgh, including the latest from one of New York City’s most celebrated chefs. But where will you find the best?
Whether you’re looking for a memorable dinner or a late-night snack, we’ve got you covered. Our top-notch team of experts has uncovered the area’s most fun, tasty and affordable spots.
Our list of the best London square restaurants will surely please everyone from the schooner-sized snob to the foodie on a budget. With so many options, we’ve compiled a handy guide to help you navigate the maze of menus and enticing drinks. We’ve even thrown in a few hidden gems we found while searching for the perfect place to grab a drink.
Ambiance
Having a pleasant ambiance is what makes a place feel welcoming. It is influenced by the music, lighting, and smells of cooked food. For example, a fancy French restaurant may have a nice ambiance with candlelight and chic black outfits the servers wear.
The ambiance of a London square restaurant can be very important to the experience of dining there. If the ambiance is not right, you will not enjoy your experience. Many factors contribute to the ambiance of a place, including the choice of music, the color of the paint, and even the volume of conversation.
