This guide covers 8 event venue options in Oakland. Guests rate them 4.5 out of 5 on average. Most of them are spread across Produce and Waterfront, Downtown Oakland, Northgate - Waverly, so those are the areas to start with.
All Event venue in Oakland
Z Cafe & Bar
Z Cafe & Bar is a contemporary American restaurant located in the heart of Oakland, California. It offers unpretentious contemporary American Bistro fare using the freshest, locally grown meats and produce around the Bay Area. The menu changes seasonally to provide flavors at their peak, and the bar features exciting new alternatives with house cocktails infused with fruits and fresh-squeezed juices. The restaurant's kitchen works with fresh, locally sourced meats and produce from around the Bay Area, keeping every dish simple, seasonal, and thoughtfully prepared. Guests enjoy warm service, a cozy setting, and a menu that changes with the seasons. Every visit feels easy, welcoming, and well cared for. Z Cafe & Bar is only a 10-minute walk from the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA, making it a quick and easy stop before or after a show. The menu features scratch-made American café favorites built around fresh ingredients, including house soups, crisp salads, hearty sandwiches, flame-grilled burgers, and comfort-style entrées prepared daily. Vegetarian and plant-based options are available, along with lighter plates and filling classics. Seasonal updates keep the menu fresh while familiar favorites remain easy to enjoy any day of the week. The bar at Z Cafe & Bar is designed for connection and comfort, with fresh juices, house infusions, and carefully prepared specialty drinks made to pair well with the menu.
- 2735 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
- Oakland Ave - Harrison St
- (510) 451-2905
- zcafeandbar.com
- Today: 5–9 PM
Opening hours
- Monday11 AM–2:30 PM
- Tuesday11 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday11 AM–9 PM
- Thursday11 AM–9 PM
- Friday11 AM–10 PM
- Saturday5–9 PM
- SundayClosed
Viridian
Viridian is Oakland's premier bar and restaurant for innovative craft cocktails, comprehensive spirits, and locally sourced food inspired by Asian-American nostalgia. Driven by modern culinary technique and Northern California influence, our food and beverage programs are led by world-class hospitality professionals. Since 2020, Viridian has been recognized across the industry as one of the best cocktail bars in the nation and globally. Viridian is a top 10 U.S. restaurant bar, according to the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. We're proud to announce that the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation has named Viridian a 2026 nominee for Top 10 U.S. Restaurant Bar. Our accolades include The World's 50 Best Discovery, Esquire "Best Bars in America", and Tales of the Cocktail regional nominations for Best New American Cocktail Bar, Best U.S. Bar Team, and Best U.S. Restaurant Bar. Our menu features a small selection of Asian-inspired dishes, including our famous Szechuan Salt and Pepper Wings, which were named the "most stellar" in Oakland by the SF Chronicle. We also offer a variety of craft cocktails, including our signature drinks like the Beef Tomato and Black Sesame Espresso Martini. Our bar team is led by experienced professionals, including Ken Kawachi, Nicole Nathan, Sky Sczesny, and Q Bolan, Jr.
- 2216 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
- Downtown Oakland
- viridianbar.com
- Today: 5 PM–2 AM
Opening hours
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- Wednesday5 PM–12 AM
- Thursday5 PM–12 AM
- Friday5 PM–2 AM
- Saturday5 PM–2 AM
- Sunday5 PM–12 AM
Popoca Oakland
Popoca is a Salvadoran-inspired restaurant in the heart of Oakland, California. It serves progressive Salvadoran food, blending traditional flavors with a modern Californian twist. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as pupusas, tamales, and ceviche, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Popoca's wood-fired cooking techniques and commitment to using high-quality ingredients set it apart from other restaurants in the area. Popoca's menu is a reflection of Chef Anthony Salguero's love of Salvadoran cuisine and his desire to create a new vision of this underrated cuisine. The restaurant's dishes are inspired by traditional Salvadoran wood-fire cooking and recipes, but with a modern twist. The pupusas, for example, are made with fresh-milled masa and feature inventive fillings such as cheese, chicken, or mushroom. The restaurant's menu is designed to be approachable and elevated, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Popoca is available to host private dining events, with a full bar and the ability to do seated and banquet-style dinners, as well as passed app and cocktail-style service. The restaurant has a cozy and stylish atmosphere, with a wood fire grill for ambiance and a beautiful view of the brick oven where pupusas are made by hand. Popoca's friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, and its commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques sets it apart from other restaurants in the area.
- 906 Washington St, Oakland, CA 94607
- Downtown Oakland
- (510) 457-1724
- popocaoakland.com
- Today: 5:15–10 PM
Opening hours
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday5:15–9 PM
- Wednesday5:15–9 PM
- Thursday5:15–9 PM
- Friday5:15–10 PM
- Saturday5:15–10 PM
- SundayClosed
Pizzaiolo
Pizzaiolo is a wood-fired pizza and pasta joint located in Oakland, California. It offers an all-organic, all-local menu that changes frequently. The business is built on the idea of taking life from the world around us and presenting it to customers to sustain their own lives. Pizzaiolo has a beautiful dining room and patio area that are open for dinner, with walk-ins only. They offer take-out and delivery services, and are available for happy hour from 5 pm to 6 pm on Sundays through Thursdays. The business is open from 5 pm to 9 pm on Mondays through Thursdays, 5 pm to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 5 pm to 9 pm on Sundays. Pizzaiolo is located at 5008 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, California, and can be reached by phone at 510-652-4888. They have a strong online presence, with a Facebook page and a website that features their menu, events, and gift cards. Pizzaiolo is a popular destination for foodies and locals alike, with a reputation for serving high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Pizzaiolo's menu changes frequently, but they offer a range of options including salads, pizzas, pasta dishes, and desserts. Their pizzas are wood-fired and feature a variety of toppings, including locally sourced meats and produce. Pizzaiolo's staff is knowledgeable and attentive, and they have a strong commitment to using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The business has received rave reviews from customers, who praise their food, service, and atmosphere. Pizzaiolo is a great destination for anyone looking for a delicious meal in a welcoming and intimate setting.
- 5008 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
- Temescal
- (510) 652-4888
- pizzaiolooakland.com
- Today: 5–10 PM
Opening hours
- Monday5–9 PM
- Tuesday5–9 PM
- Wednesday5–9 PM
- Thursday5–9 PM
- Friday5–10 PM
- Saturday5–10 PM
- Sunday5–9 PM
NIDO’s BackYard
NIDO's BackYard is a restaurant located at the edge of Jack London Square in Oakland, California. It offers a unique outdoor dining experience, focusing on seasonal Mexican cuisine and a curated list of agave spirits and cocktails. The restaurant features a margarita garden, which is the first of its kind in the Bay Area. NIDO's BackYard is a place where people can come to enjoy a variety of Mexican dishes, from traditional favorites to modern twists. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring that the food is always fresh and exciting. The restaurant also has a full bar with friendly bartenders and a beautiful hostess and waitstaff, making it a great spot for both foodies and social gatherings. NIDO's BackYard is a family-friendly establishment that is suitable for a wide range of occasions, including dinner with a vegan option. The restaurant is located near Domain Oakland, a residential complex with apartments for rent, although the two businesses are separate entities. Despite its proximity to the apartments, NIDO's BackYard is a popular destination for people from all over the Bay Area.
- 104 Oak St, Oakland, CA 94607
- Produce and Waterfront
- (510) 500-9757
- backyardoakland.com
- Today: 11 AM–10 PM
Opening hours
- Monday12–9 PM
- Tuesday12–9 PM
- Wednesday12–9 PM
- Thursday12–9 PM
- Friday11 AM–10 PM
- Saturday11 AM–10 PM
- Sunday11 AM–9 PM
Mua
Mua is a restaurant in Oakland, California, that serves New American cuisine with a focus on comfort food. It is a lively and trendy spot with a hipster vibe, featuring a spacious dining room, a large selection of wines, cocktails, and beers, and a compact menu with unique and delicious selections. The restaurant is known for its eclectic décor, art events, and open atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for large parties or intimate gatherings. Mua's menu features a variety of dishes, including signature items such as wings and cheeseless mac n cheese, which are described as "to die for" and "divine." The restaurant has a compact menu with a focus on comfort food, offering a range of options for both meat-eaters and pescatarians. The menu is known for its creative and unique twists on classic dishes, using fresh and high-quality ingredients to create a truly memorable dining experience. Mua is a great spot for a night out with friends, with a lively atmosphere and a wide selection of drinks to choose from. The restaurant is open for indoor and outdoor dining, as well as takeout, and offers a variety of specials and events throughout the week. With a strong focus on community and local art, Mua is a popular destination for foodies and those looking for a unique dining experience in the heart of Oakland.
- 2442a Webster St, Oakland, CA 94612
- Northgate - Waverly
- (510) 238-1100
- muaoakland.com
- Today: 5–11 PM
Opening hours
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday5–10 PM
- Wednesday5–10 PM
- Thursday5–10 PM
- Friday5–11 PM
- Saturday5–11 PM
- Sunday5–10 PM
La Furia Chalaca
La Furia Chalaca is a family-owned and operated Peruvian restaurant that has been serving Oakland and the Bay Area for over 19 years. Established in 1999, the restaurant is committed to offering the best traditional Peruvian food and flavor, using seasonal and quality products. Their mission is to provide an authentic Peruvian dining experience, and they achieve this by supporting sustainable businesses at farmers' markets to ensure fresh ingredients. At La Furia Chalaca, customers can explore both home-style cooking and smaller "tapa" plates that showcase the diverse and exciting blend of Asian-Peruvian fusion cuisine. Their menu features dishes such as ceviche, chicken with rice, lomo saltado, and arroz con pollo, all made with love and care by their chef, Maria Fiestas. The restaurant also offers live music, dancing, local art work, and a comfortable and beautiful space to dine in. La Furia Chalaca has received rave reviews from customers, who praise the restaurant's delicious food, welcoming hospitality, and exceptional service. Their dishes are made with fresh and authentic flavors, and their portions are generous. The restaurant has been featured in various publications and websites, including OpenTable, Yelp, and Tripadvisor, where customers have left glowing reviews and ratings.
- 310 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607
- Produce and Waterfront
- (510) 451-4206
- lafuriachalacaoakland.com
- Today: 12–11 PM
Opening hours
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- Wednesday5–9 PM
- Thursday5–9 PM
- Friday11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–11 PM
- Saturday12–11 PM
- Sunday12–7 PM
Yoshi’s
Yoshi is a renowned venue in Oakland, California, offering a vibrant blend of dining and live music experiences. It is a restaurant alongside a performance space that hosts a wide array of events, including concerts by celebrated jazz musicians and other genres. Yoshi's attracts music enthusiasts and diners seeking a unique cultural experience. Yoshi's features a restaurant serving great Japanese cuisine and a performance space that hosts various events. The establishment provides options for private events and special packages, enhancing its appeal to diverse clients. It has a focus on both local and international talent, making it a popular destination for music lovers and foodies alike. Yoshi's has a strong reputation for offering high-quality live music experiences, with a wide range of performances featuring both established and emerging artists. The venue also offers a unique dining experience, with a menu that showcases a blend of traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. With its rich history and commitment to showcasing exceptional talent, Yoshi's has become a beloved institution in the Bay Area.
- 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA 94607
- Produce and Waterfront
- (510) 238-9200
- yoshis.com
- Today: 4:30–10:30 PM
Opening hours
- Monday4:30–9 PM
- Tuesday4:30–9 PM
- Wednesday4:30–9 PM
- Thursday4:30–9 PM
- Friday4:30–10:30 PM
- Saturday4:30–10:30 PM
- Sunday4:30–9 PM