French toast. Just the words conjure up images of golden-brown slices of bread, soaked in a creamy custard, and perfectly cooked to a crispy, caramelized exterior. If you're a French toast aficionado in Oakland, you're in luck! This city boasts a diverse culinary scene, and finding the perfect French toast is easier than you think. This guide will take you on a delicious journey through the top 31 places to indulge in this breakfast classic in Oakland.
Oakland's French Toast Extravaganza: A Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Guide
Oakland's culinary landscape is incredibly diverse, offering a unique French toast experience in almost every neighborhood. Below, we’ve broken down the best spots by area, making your quest for the perfect bite easier.
Downtown Oakland: The Heart of the French Toast Beat
- The Starlite Diner: Known for its classic diner vibe and generous portions, their French toast is a must-try.
- Drake's Dealership: This brewery and restaurant offers a unique twist on French toast, often featuring seasonal ingredients.
- Commis: Though known for its fine dining, their weekend brunch menu often includes a sophisticated French toast creation.
Uptown Oakland: Upscale French Toast Experiences
- Bixby's: A charming cafe with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, resulting in exceptional French toast.
- Hopscotch American Eatery: While not solely a breakfast spot, their French toast offering is often a highlight of their brunch menu.
- Marlowe Oakland: This upscale restaurant offers a luxurious take on this classic breakfast dish.
Rockridge: Neighborhood Gems and Hidden Treasures
- The Station House Cafe: This cozy spot has a loyal following, thanks to their consistently delicious French toast.
- Gather: With its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, their French toast changes with the season.
- Cafe Rouge: A neighborhood favorite known for its French-inspired dishes, including a noteworthy French toast option.
Temescal Alley: Trendy Treats and Unique Takes
- Ramen Shop: While unexpected, their occasional brunch menu featuring French toast is a delightful surprise.
- Standard Fare: Known for their high-quality ingredients and delicious comfort food, their French toast is a must-try.
- ** Burma Superstar:** Although famous for its Burmese cuisine, their occasional special brunch menu might surprise you with delicious French toast.
Lake Merritt: Lakeside Luxury and Casual Delights
- Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill: Enjoy French toast with a stunning lake view.
- Grand Lake Theater: This historic theater also serves a delicious breakfast menu, including French toast.
- The Brown Sugar Kitchen: While not their main focus, their brunch often features a creative French toast dish.
Jack London Square: Waterfront Wonders
- Scott's Seafood: A popular spot for seafood with a surprisingly good French toast option on their brunch menu.
- The Port Bar: A casual spot perfect for a relaxed French toast breakfast or brunch.
- Waterbar: This upscale waterfront restaurant often features a creative take on French toast on their weekend brunch.
Fruitvale: Community Favorites
- La Perla Restaurant: A local favorite, known for their generous portions and delicious breakfast food.
- Taqueria Cancun: Unexpected, but sometimes they offer French toast as a breakfast special.
Other Notable Oakland French Toast Spots:
(The following are spread throughout Oakland and may require a little more searching, but are well worth the effort!)
- Homestead: Farm-to-table goodness extends to their delightful French toast.
- Saul's Restaurant & Delicatessen: This popular deli often serves creative variations on French toast.
- Calavera: Their weekend brunch might surprise you with some interesting French toast creations.
- Pizzaiolo: Another unexpected spot with occasional French toast specials on their brunch menu.
- Adesso: This Italian restaurant occasionally offers a unique French toast dish as part of their brunch menu.
- Good Good Culture Club: Known for its creative takes on traditional dishes. Look for their French toast specials.
- The Trappist: A Belgian-inspired spot with potentially interesting French toast interpretations.
- Flora: Their brunch is known for its high-quality ingredients and creativity.
- Desco: This bustling neighborhood restaurant sometimes offers a tasty French toast option.
- Commis (again!): Yes, it's that good. Their seasonal offerings warrant a second mention.
- And many more! Explore Oakland's diverse culinary landscape and discover your new favorite French toast spot.
Finding Your Perfect Oakland French Toast Experience
This list provides a starting point for your Oakland French toast adventure. Remember to check menus and hours of operation before heading out. Happy eating! And don’t forget to share your favorite French toast finds in the comments below!
