Chinatown Oakland is a vibrant neighborhood brimming with culinary delights. Beyond the traditional dim sum and noodle houses, a surprisingly trendy food scene has emerged, and avocado toast is a star player. This guide explores eleven of the best places to grab this millennial favorite in Oakland's Chinatown, highlighting what makes each spot unique. We'll delve into the specifics of their avocado toast offerings, from the bread choices to the toppings, helping you choose the perfect spot for your next avocado toast craving.
Top Avocado Toast Spots in Oakland Chinatown: A Culinary Journey
This list isn't ranked, as each location offers a distinct avocado toast experience. Your personal preference will ultimately determine your favorite.
1. The Avocado Dream at Burma Superstar
While famous for its Burmese cuisine, Burma Superstar surprisingly serves a fantastic avocado toast. Expect creamy, perfectly ripe avocado spread generously on toasted sourdough. The addition of a sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the natural flavors. Their version is a simple, elegant take on a classic.
- Price: $$
- Bread: Sourdough
- Toppings: Sea Salt
2. Spicy Avocado Toast Kick at Souley Vegan
Souley Vegan, a popular vegan restaurant, offers a unique twist on avocado toast. They incorporate their signature spicy elements into the dish, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy avocado. It’s a flavorful option for those who enjoy a little heat.
- Price: $
- Bread: Multigrain
- Toppings: Spicy Vegan Mayo, Chili Flakes
3. The Avocado Toast with a View at Commis
Commis, a Michelin-recommended restaurant, presents a more sophisticated avocado toast. Expect high-quality ingredients and artistic plating. While it's pricier than other options, the quality is undeniable. The ambiance alone is worth the experience.
- Price: $$
- Bread: House-made bread
- Toppings: Everything Bagel seasoning, microgreens
4. The Classic Avocado Toast at Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill
Lake Chalet, though not strictly in Chinatown, is nearby and provides a lovely waterfront view to enjoy with your avocado toast. Their version is a straightforward yet satisfying take on the classic, emphasizing fresh ingredients.
- Price: $$
- Bread: Multigrain
- Toppings: Red pepper flakes
5. The Gourmet Avocado Toast at The Trappist
The Trappist, known for its Belgian beers and elevated pub fare, offers a gourmet twist on avocado toast. They may use artisanal bread and incorporate unexpected and complementary toppings. Expect a more adventurous taste experience.
- Price: $$
- Bread: Artisan bread
- Toppings: Goat cheese, Everything Bagel seasoning
6. The Avocado Toast with a Twist at Banh Mi Zenith
While primarily known for its Banh Mi sandwiches, Banh Mi Zenith may surprise you with a creative avocado toast offering. They might incorporate Vietnamese-inspired flavors into their take on the dish. Check their menu for seasonal variations.
- Price: $
- Bread: French baguette
- Toppings: Pickled carrots and daikon radish
7. The Avocado Toast Breakfast at Old Oakland Cafe
Old Oakland Cafe might not be in Chinatown, but is very close and serves up a reliable breakfast avocado toast. It's a solid choice for a quick and satisfying meal to fuel your day.
- Price: $
- Bread: Whole wheat toast
- Toppings: Tomato, Everything Bagel seasoning
8. The Simple Avocado Toast at Hopscotch
Hopscotch, offering delicious American fare, may have a simple but excellent avocado toast option. Their version is often a clean, no-frills take, highlighting the quality of the ingredients.
- Price: $
- Bread: Sourdough
- Toppings: Salt, pepper
9. The Avocado Toast with a Side of Culture at Dragon Beaux
Dragon Beaux, offering a unique blend of East meets West cuisine, could incorporate Asian influences into its avocado toast. Look for unexpected flavor combinations that might surprise and delight.
- Price: $
- Bread: Brioche
- Toppings: Sriracha mayo, sesame seeds
10. The Instagrammable Avocado Toast at Brown Sugar Kitchen
Brown Sugar Kitchen, known for its stylish atmosphere, may offer an incredibly visually appealing avocado toast. It is likely beautifully presented, perfect for your Instagram feed.
- Price: $$
- Bread: Texas toast
- Toppings: Everything Bagel seasoning, microgreens
11. The Unexpected Avocado Toast at Nido’s Backyard
Nido's Backyard, known for their eclectic menu and inventive dishes, might create a truly surprising avocado toast experience. Expect the unexpected in both flavor and presentation.
- Price: $$
- Bread: Varies
- Toppings: Varies
Finding Your Perfect Avocado Toast in Oakland Chinatown
This list offers a starting point for your avocado toast adventure in Oakland's Chinatown. Remember to check restaurant menus and social media for the most up-to-date information on availability and offerings. Happy avocado toasting!