Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Oakland

188 restaurants available nearby

1. MUA

4.4

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Oakland

Booked 22 times today

MUA is known for its open atmosphere, eclectic décor, art events and, of course, its delicious food. Ideal for large parties or intimate gatherings, the spacious dining room creates a relaxed, casual vibe for guests to enjoy their meals. A large selection of wines, cocktails and beers make MUA a great spot for an evening out with friends. Family owned and run Mua was one of the first restaurants to open in what was then Auto Row in Oakland, in 2008. After their first 2 restaurants, Pastoral in Berkeley (first opened in 1982 while still students, 37 in the architecture program at Cal and San-Ju painting at SFAI) then later Soizic (Jack London Square, 1996), they wanted to shift gears from heavily curated menus to more comfort-based fare catering more to the eclectic and artistic community in Oakland. Today you’ll find people of all ages and backgrounds, from Too Short to Jerry Brown.

2. Calabash

4.4

Awesome(77)

Price: Moderate

• Jamaican • Oakland

Booked 2 times today

Like its namesake, Calabash—restaurant, market and bar in Uptown Oakland—is a place of global innovation; a home for creative local chefs and producers to bring the uniqueness of their culture and flavors to The Town.

3. Popoca

4.7

Exceptional(18)

Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Oakland

Booked 15 times today

Popoca is a Salvadoran-inspired restaurant in the heart of Oakland. Popoca means “to emit smoke” in Nawat, the language of native people of El Salvador who stoked wood fires to prepare food over a comal for their families. Revered as more than just a means of cooking, smoke represents a prayer or offering to the spirits.Popoca is a mix of heritage and play. Our food is driven by preserving past, creating something new and uniquely Oakland. After years of pop-ups, Popoca has its own digs in the Old Oakland neighborhood, where the pupusas, chicken with fermented pineapple sauce, and other Cali-Salvadoran specialties are happily devoured.

4. La Marcha

4.6

Exceptional(1215)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Berkeley

Booked 43 times today

La Marcha Tapas Bar, located in Berkeley, California, is a culinary gem led by Chef Sergio Monleon and Chef Emily Sarlatte. Known for its innovative Spanish cuisine, La Marcha offers signature paella dishes and a variety of delightful tapas. The restaurant has earned accolades including listed in the Michelin Guide, Best of the Bay awards, and recognition among the top 5 Spanish restaurants by several publications. Situated near landmarks such as UC Berkeley and BAMPFA, it boasts a cozy, rustic atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Committed to community service, Chef Sergio, Chef Emily, and the team actively participate in local and global charitable initiatives. Join us at La Marcha Tapas Bar for an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors and culture of Spain.

5. Yoshi's Oakland

4.7

Exceptional(8301)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Oakland

Booked 63 times today

Yoshi's has served Japan's best traditional dishes to Bay Area patrons since 1972. The menu highlights artfully arranged sushi, fresh grilled seafood, classic Japanese dishes, and vegetarian fare. Patrons can kick off their shoes in the traditional Japanese tatami seating or dine at tables. Expert sushi chefs create sushi and sashimi to order either in the restaurant or in the jazz house. Start the evening in the cocktail lounge before dinner or have a nightcap after taking in a show in the jazz house.

6. Bocanova

4.7

Exceptional(55)

Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Oakland

Booked 8 times today

Bocanova is a Pan-American Grill & Restaurant celebrating new world ingredients, many of which are often associated with the old world because of their heavy influence on our favorite European cuisines.Where would Italy be without corn (polenta) and tomatoes, or Ireland without potatoes, or France without haricots vert and pole beans all of which originated in the new world. What would Asian cuisine be without peppers and rice and this is just the tip of the iceberg. We aim To celebrate the bounty of New World ingredients through the creative interpretation of indigenous dishes from South, Central and North America.To provide a casual environment that encourages our guests to nourish both body and soul through the sharing of meals with friends and family.

A photo of Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine- Oakland restaurant

7. Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine- Oakland

4.5

Awesome(200)

Price: Expensive

• Thai • Oakland

Booked 15 times today

Not your typical Thai! We are a Thai New Generation restaurant focusing on bringing you adventurous, bold flavors of traditional and non-traditional dishes using the freshest ingredients. Look out for our nightly specials from regional home cooked dishes to market fried grasshoppers. We are consistently voted the "Best Thai Restaurant" in San Francisco by Michelin Bib Gourmand 2016 - 2019. The Best Thai Restaurant. San Francisco, Oakland, Menlo Park, Berkeley and Portland.

8. A16 Rockridge

4.3

Awesome(2364)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Oakland

Booked 28 times today

A16 is an upscale casual restaurant with a focus on Southern Italian food and wines. The restaurant features wood oven-fired Neapolitan Pizza and other specialties of Campania.Take out and Delivery available at A16pizza.com from 5:00pm-9:00pm.Closed on Mondays. For information about reserving the Private Dining Room please call the restaurant at 510.768.8003

9. Skates on the Bay

4.6

Exceptional(7456)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Berkeley

Booked 92 times today

Skates on the Bay is a beautiful and historic waterfront gathering place for fresh seafood and unmatched views of the San Francisco Bay, offering lunch, brunch and dinner dining year-round. Originally opened in 1984 in the Berkeley Marina, the reimagined Skates on the Bay now boasts a modern and stunning decor, a new Raw Bar, elegant Private Dining Room and innovative local-driven menus.

10. Jo's Modern Thai

4.6

Exceptional(27)

Price: Expensive

• Thai • Oakland

Booked 14 times today

Jo's Modern Thai is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in Oakland's Laurel District.Born from the cultural exchange between Oakland native Kao Saelee and his wife Jo, Jo's Modern Thai embodies vibrant Thai flavors with a modern twist. The menu blends bold, balanced Thai dishes with creative, irreverent approaches. Highlights include smoky barbecue brisket drunken noodles and a laab-inspired pork burger, with customizable spice levels to suit all palates.Jo's celebrates the deep connections between food, culture, and community, reimagining traditional recipes with Thai and Californian flair. We prioritize thoughtful sourcing, partnering with local farmers and artisans to showcase the best seasonal ingredients. Our curated selection of wines and inventive craft cocktails further elevates the experience, inviting guests to savor the flavors of Thailand in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jason
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Showed up a little early for our reservation and was seated right away. Service was excellent - very fast. Food was also excellent! Great first time experience at Pippal.
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PippalPrice: Moderate• Indian• Emeryville
•
4.4
L
LaurelVIP
Tahoe / Reno Area •20 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
The atmosphere is fun and bright. The tables are very close together so be prepared to squeeze past other diners.! Our server was very nice and helpful. My one complaint is the cocktails were very weak. For $18, they should be a little more on par with what you’d get in a bar. We love green papaya salad and this version was a nice amount of spice. I would have liked less lettuce and more green papaya however. We got the samosas, yellow curry, the flank steak and pad Thai. Overall a good experience.
More info
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine- BerkeleyPrice: Expensive• Thai• Berkeley
•
4.5
D
Denise
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 21, 2024
We had a choice to sit outside or inside - I think either would have been lovely but we chose outside and sat around the fire table - between the fire table, heat lamp and cozy blankets, the temperature was perfect even on a somewhat chilly night and you could not beat the wonderful atmosphere. It was our first time here but will not be the last.
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BabettePrice: Expensive• Californian• Berkeley
•
4.7
W
William
San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 27, 2024
Excellent food and a wonderful bar with superb cocktails; staff is very welcoming and nice
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The Saap AvenuePrice: Moderate• Laotian• Oakland
•
4.5
D
David
San Francisco Bay Area •24 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 6, 2024
Good Nepali/Indian food. Helpful and friendly service.
More info
Mount Everest RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Indian• Berkeley
•
4.2

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Oakland

Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Oakland

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188 restaurants available nearby

1. MUA

2. Calabash

3. Popoca

4. La Marcha

5. Yoshi's Oakland

6. Bocanova

7. Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine- Oakland

8. A16 Rockridge

9. Skates on the Bay

10. Jo's Modern Thai

See what locals rave about

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