Oakland isn’t just the cultural heart of the East Bay — it’s a living, breathing mosaic of flavors. Consistently ranked as one of the country’s most ethnically diverse cities, Oakland’s culinary scene is where local produce meets global inspiration. From spicy Mongolian beef to hearty sandwiches stacked sky-high, every meal is a masterpiece.

With so much flavor packed into every corner of the city, why not bring that culinary flair to your next team lunch? Enter boxed lunches: the unsung hero of workplace catering. They’re quick, they’re customizable, and they take the stress out of feeding a team. 

Whether you’re juggling dietary restrictions or just want to keep everyone happy (and productive), boxed lunches are the go-to solution for satisfying a hungry crowd. Ready to explore the best lunch in Oakland? We’ve got the lowdown on local spots delivering flavor-packed boxed lunches that’ll keep your team fueled and focused. Let’s dig in!

1. Aroma Bakery & Cafe

If you’ve spent any time in Downtown Oakland, you probably know Aroma Bakery & Cafe — a charming coffee shop tucked on the corner of Franklin Street, just a short stroll from Snow Park. Their motto, “easy to order, easy to eat, and easy to enjoy,” is a fitting description of their sandwich boxed lunch.

Each box packs a sandwich and salad of your choice, plus a warm, gooey cookie that’s practically famous. One satisfied reviewer put it best, “This is an office favorite! We order a bunch of sandwich/salad combos, and there’s always something for everyone. And the cookies are amazing!!”

Catering to meat lovers and vegetarians in your workplace? Aroma’s got you covered. Sandwich options include honey-baked ham, roast beef, smoked turkey, pastrami, salami, and more. Prefer something lighter? Go for the broiled chicken, chicken salad, tuna salad, or veggie sandwich. 

All the side options are vegetarian-friendly, too. Pair it with your pick of pasta or potato salad for a creamy side, or opt for a Caesar or green salad for some crunch. With all these mix-and-match possibilities, Aroma Bakery & Cafe delivers some of the best lunch in Oakland, no question.

Notable: Sandwich boxed lunch

2. Spices 3 Restaurant

True to Oakland’s diverse spirit, Spices 3 Restaurant serves up bold, flavorful dishes that offer an authentic taste of China. Treat your team to boxed lunches featuring a delicious blend of Szechuan and Taiwanese specialties.

Choose from nearly a dozen boxed lunch options, all served with white rice. For those who crave some heat, there’s spicy Kung Pao chicken, Mongolian beef, chicken chow mein, and orange chicken, plus a spicy vegetarian fried rice option.

Vegan team members will love the dry braised string beans boxed lunch. You can also level up your order with trays of appetizers like scallion pancakes, vegetarian potstickers, steamed pork dumplings, and crispy fried egg rolls, all paired with a tasty dipping sauce.

And with a name like Spices 3 Restaurant, you can bet the food is seasoned to perfection. One happy customer even raved, “The staff loved the taste, especially how well it was seasoned. The portions were generous as well.” 

Notable: Spicy Kung Pao chicken boxed lunch 

3. Farley’s East

Established in 1989, Farley’s East is a family-owned business with deep roots in the community. One reviewer summed it up perfectly, “From start to finish, the catering experience was seamless, with excellent service and a true commitment to quality. Farley’s East is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to support local businesses.”

For a fresh and satisfying option, try the salad boxed lunch. Each box includes your choice of salad, fresh fruit, and a house-baked chocolate chip cookie. Pick from options like the hearty house salad, chicken kale Caesar salad, or the whole health salad, loaded with quinoa, sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, shredded beets, pepitas, and house-made tahini dressing.

If sandwiches are more your style, Farley’s sandwich boxed lunches come with your choice of sandwich, fresh fruit, and a house-baked chocolate chip cookie. Classic options include turkey avocado and tuna salad, but don’t miss their specialties like the hoagie or veggie sandwich, featuring bold toppings like house-made pepperoncini relish and marinated onions.

With plenty of vegetarian and health-conscious options, Farley’s East makes it easy to cater to a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions. Whether your team craves hearty salads or flavorful sandwiches, this top contender for the best lunch in Oakland has something for everyone to enjoy.

Notable: Salad boxed lunch

4. Eat Play Events & Catering

When the tagline is “We believe food and fun should be served together,” you anticipate the sandwich boxed lunches from Eat Play Events & Catering are bound to be good. And when you find out they’re served on a croissant with house-made Dijonaise and pickle, you can be sure of it.

There’s a roasted turkey breast sandwich layered with rich provolone cheese or a deli-style roast beef and cheddar for meat lovers. For vegans and vegetarians, the portabello mushroom sandwich with seasonal veggies is the perfect option.

Each sandwich boxed lunch includes dessert — either assorted cookies or peach cobbler — and potato salad. The combo of sweet treats and versatile sandwiches helps save time (and energy) when feeding your workplace.

Described as “perfect for big groups,” there are also tons of sides you can add to your order. Opt for a tray of mac and cheese or spicy collard greens for a homestyle feel, or switch it up with rosemary roasted potatoes and French green beans. 

Notable: Sandwich boxed lunch

5. Grand Lake Kitchen

You can’t round out a list of the best lunch in Oakland without mentioning Grand Lake Kitchen. A fusion of flavors that truly embodies Oakland, their menu flexes to meet everyone’s needs. As one satisfied customer put it, “If you’re looking for sandwiches that are quick and easy for everyone, this is the place. They were able to accommodate veggie, vegan, and GF all in one order.”

The top pick is the sandwich boxed lunch, which includes your choice of sandwich on an Acme brand roll, chips, an apple, and a cookie. Both the turkey cheddar and pastrami Swiss sandwiches are stacked with pickles, lettuce, pickled red onions, tomatoes, mayo, and mustard.

For a lighter option, try the BLTA sandwich — bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and mayo — or go for one of Grand Lake Kitchen’s vegan and vegetarian choices. The hummus and avocado sandwich is a fan favorite, or you can explore the smoked tofu banh mi, loaded with smoky tofu, spicy cashew butter, daikon radish slaw, pickled jalapeño, and cilantro for a flavorful lunch.

Grand Lake Kitchen also offers a gluten-free (GF) sandwich boxed lunch, swapping the Acme roll for gluten-free bread and serving it with a side of arugula salad and lemon vinaigrette. With options for every dietary preference, this spot makes it easy to satisfy everyone at your workplace.

Notable: Gluten-free sandwich boxed lunch

Get your hands on the best lunch in Oakland with ezCater

Oakland cuisine honors the city’s rich, diverse roots, with bold flavors from every corner of the world. With ezCater, you can have all these delicious tastes delivered right to your workplace in just one click.

If you’re ready to satisfy your team, place an order for the best boxed lunch catering in Oakland today.