Oakland’s food scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. Here, you’ll find everything from Michelin-rated fine dining to innovative food trucks and family-run eateries serving authentic international cuisine. This is a place where global flavors meet local flair.

For office gatherings, local restaurants offer the ideal blend of convenience and culinary adventure. Whether you’re planning a company lunch or a large corporate event, there’s never a shortage of delicious meals to satisfy any group. Let’s take a look at some of the top restaurants in Oakland.

1. iLava Hawaiian BBQ

Ordering BBQ for the office is always a hit, but when you’re lucky enough to have access to West Coast Hawaiian cuisine right in your neighborhood, you can’t pass it up. iLava Hawaiian BBQ blends the long indigenous tradition of slow-cooking meats with the Asian flavors that make Hawaiian cooking so unique. The result? Memorable, comforting food. “It’s like having a little piece of the Islands back on the mainland,” raves one satisfied customer.

The beauty of this restaurant is that there truly is something for everyone. The Kalua Pork and Kalibi Short Ribs are perfect for meat lovers, offering the mouth-watering flavors of traditional island barbecue, while seafood lovers will enjoy the Honey Walnut Shrimp. Adventurous eaters can dive into the iconic Spam Musubi, while classics like the Crab Rangoon and Spring Rolls are a great pick for diners craving comforting, familiar flavors.

Drinks are often an overlooked part of corporate food orders, but iLava’s selection of Hawaiian Sun Tropical Juices — like Mango Orange and Passion Orange — add a refreshing touch of island flavor, making company meals feel even more special.

Notable: Chicken Katsu

2. iniBurger

Looking for bold flavors and fresh ingredients? iniBurger checks all the boxes. Known for serving Angus beef, farm-fresh greens, and artisanal buns, this local favorite is great for casual lunches at the office.

iniBurger offers something for every burger lover, from the classic Americano to the Mexicali Burger, which reviewers say has “the perfect amount of sweet and spice.” Vegetarians are included, too. The Falafel Burger, in particular, is a big hit with plant-based diners.

Not sure what to choose? You’re in luck. iniBurger’s M’ini Burgers Packages let eaters sample different items. Since each sandwich is smaller than a standard burger, everyone can try multiple options. Variety is a big deal.

Notable: Hawaiian Spice Burger

3. Burma Superstar

Burma Superstar is one of the top restaurants in Oakland for Burmese cuisine. They deliver a unique mix of fresh, flavorful dishes that will take employees on a culinary journey – no passport needed. 

The Tea Leaf Salad is one of the restaurant’s most popular items. One customer described it as one of the best salads they’ve ever had, explaining “There are so many different textures and tastes, blending perfectly.” It’s an excellent option for anyone looking for a trendy, hyper-healthy meal. 

When it comes to hot entrées, the Mango Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. The Burmese Curries, which comes with your choice of beef or lamb, is also worth checking out.

Notable: Superstar’s Burmese Style Chicken Curry

4. Cafe Uccello

Starting the day with a catered breakfast is a surefire way to boost the mood at work. And when it comes to breakfast goodies, Cafe Uccello has a reputation for offering some of the best eats in Oakland.

Whether you’re looking for hearty bagels, buttery croissant sandwiches, or fresh-baked pastries, this local hotspot has it all — including gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options.

The paninis and salads also make Cafe Uccello a popular choice for brunch or lunch. As one happy customer shared, “My staff commented that the sandwiches were high class. One staffer told me the portobello was the best she ever had.” 

The best part? Every item on the menu comes individually packaged. That’s a big win for busy employees who prefer to quickly grab their boxed lunches and go.

Notable: Asiago Bagel with Lox

5. Simply Bowl

Bowls are a popular food trend right now, and Simply Bowl has mastered the art of combining fresh ingredients into satisfying meals. Poke bowls are their star attraction, with options like the Spicy Ahi Poke Bowl offering a refreshing burst of flavors. As one satisfied customer wrote, “The tuna was fresh and melted in my mouth when I took a bite.”

While all their menu items shine, the Teriyaki bowls are the most popular catering choice, featuring marinated steak or chicken, broccoli, sesame seeds, and green onions over rice. The Curry Bowls are another crowd-pleaser that will keep workers satisfied throughout the day.  

Ordering for vegetarian or health-conscious employees? You can’t go wrong with an Edamame appetizer and the Teriyaki Tofu Hot Bowl. And if you want to bring a complete dining experience into the office, don’t forget to add a selection of Green, Jasmine, and Oolong tea to your order.

Notable: Mango Salmon Poke Bowl

6. Truva Mediterranean Grill

Known for its fresh ingredients and authentic recipes, Truva Mediterranean Grill offers a diverse menu that ranges from hot kebabs to refreshing mezze platters. The selection of vegetarian and Halal meals — and the choice between individually packaged meals or catering packages — makes this one of the top restaurants in Oakland for office fare. 

The Chicken Gyro and Lamb & Beef Gyro are best-selling dishes packed with protein. Vegetarians can try the Falafel Wrap, a hearty option packed with chickpea fritters and fresh vegetables. If you’re feeding a larger group, Truva’s catering packages offer a variety of entrees alongside popular sides like hummus and baba ganoush, served with warm Turkish bread, which one reviewer describes as being “just heavenly.”

Whatever you do, don’t skip the Turkish desserts. End your catered meal with Truva’s Baklava or Pomegranate Turkish Delight. Pair it with Turkish Coffee or Turkish Tea for a special treat that will have the entire office reminiscing about for days.

Notable: Adana Kebab

7. Heroic Italian

With imported Italian meats, cheeses, and organic ingredients, Heroic Italian brings an elevated yet casual dining experience to virtually any workplace occasion. Menu options range from individually packaged meals and catered lunches to pizzas and platters, giving food-ordering professionals the variety and flexibility they crave. 

Customers rave about the OMG Sandwich, packed with prosciutto, spicy salami, capicola, and truffle mayo. One described it as “airy, crispy, and delicious” while also mentioning that the Chicken Tetrazzini Rotini is “light, creamy, and tasty.” With all the raving reviews, it’s no surprise that Heroic Italian is often named as one of the top restaurants in Oakland.

If you’re catering to larger groups, consider options like the Pesto Pasta Platter and the Spaghetti and Meatballs Platter. Or you can keep things simple and order a Pinsa, an individual-sized Roman-style pizza, for everyone at the office.

Notable: Quadronno Sandwich

8. Havana Catering

Havana Catering is the go-to option for Cuban-inspired office catering in Oakland. The menu has options for everyone, including vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diners, so no one is left out.

The catering packages include buffet-style meals, build-your-own bowls, tapas, sandwiches, and more. Whether employees are craving a Taco Buffet, a BBQ Rib Dinner, Paella, or Twice-Fried Plantains, Havana Catering delivers taste and variety that will keep them satisfied. Reviewers often describe them as an “office favorite” with one raving “Their food is always delicious, and they have always arrived right on time.”

Havana Catering is also known for their traditional desserts. Don’t miss out on the Pastelitos, flaky puff pastries filled with guava paste and cream cheese, or the Caramel Rum Flan.

Notable: Cuban Taco Dinner

Order food from the top restaurants in Oakland on ezCater

With so many incredible catering options in Oakland, it’s easy to find meals that fit the tastes and dietary needs of your employees. Whether you’re planning a small office lunch or a larger corporate gathering, you can count on ezCater to give you quick access to the top restaurants in Oakland. Try it for yourself by starting an order today.