Oakland's vibrant culinary scene boasts a fantastic selection of restaurants offering delicious shrimp dishes. From casual eateries to upscale dining experiences, there's a shrimp haven for every taste and budget. This guide highlights eleven of the best places to indulge in succulent shrimp in Oakland, ensuring your next seafood craving is perfectly satisfied.
Diving Deep into Oakland's Shrimp Scene: Our Top 11 Picks
This list caters to various preferences, from classic preparations to innovative takes on shrimp cuisine. We've considered factors like freshness, taste, price, and overall dining experience to curate this selection for you.
1. The Boiling Crab (Multiple Locations)
The Boiling Crab is a popular choice for its signature Cajun-style boiled seafood. Their shrimp are cooked to perfection, with a flavorful blend of spices that will leave you wanting more. Be prepared for a messy but incredibly rewarding dining experience. They offer various spice levels, catering to different heat tolerances.
- Why it's great: Authentic Cajun flavors, generous portions, lively atmosphere.
- What to order: The classic boiled shrimp with your preferred spice level.
2. Waterbar (Jack London Square)
For a more upscale experience, Waterbar offers stunning waterfront views alongside expertly prepared shrimp dishes. Their menu features seasonal options, ensuring the freshest ingredients. The elegant ambiance makes it perfect for a special occasion.
- Why it's great: Upscale ambiance, stunning views, high-quality ingredients.
- What to order: The pan-seared shrimp with seasonal vegetables.
3. Commis (Temescal Alley)
Commis provides a refined dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Their shrimp dishes are often creatively presented and showcase the chef's culinary expertise. This is a great spot for adventurous eaters looking for unique shrimp preparations.
- Why it's great: Creative dishes, locally sourced ingredients, refined dining experience.
- What to order: Check their seasonal menu for their featured shrimp dish.
4. Alameda Fish Market (Alameda - a short trip from Oakland!)
While technically in Alameda, this market is worth the short trip for incredibly fresh seafood. They offer cooked-to-order shrimp dishes, or you can buy fresh shrimp to cook at home. The prices are very competitive, and the quality is excellent.
- Why it's great: Incredibly fresh seafood, great prices, cooked-to-order options.
- What to order: Grilled or fried shrimp.
5. Hopscotch American Eatery (Rockridge)
Hopscotch provides a more casual setting but still delivers high-quality shrimp dishes. Their menu is diverse and features creative takes on American comfort food with shrimp as a star ingredient. It's a good all-around option for a satisfying meal.
- Why it's great: Casual atmosphere, diverse menu, creative takes on classic dishes.
- What to order: Their shrimp and grits or shrimp tacos.
6. Burma Superstar (Multiple Locations)
While not solely a seafood restaurant, Burma Superstar offers incredible shrimp dishes within their Burmese-inspired menu. Their tea leaf salad with shrimp is a must-try for those seeking unique flavor combinations.
- Why it's great: Unique flavor combinations, vibrant Burmese cuisine, popular spot.
- What to order: The tea leaf salad with shrimp.
7. Souvla (Multiple Locations)
Souvla is known for its delicious Greek-inspired cuisine and offers tasty shrimp options. Their grilled shrimp are often part of their salads or plates, providing a fresh and flavorful addition to the meal.
- Why it's great: Fresh Greek-inspired flavors, quick and easy, reliable quality.
- What to order: Their grilled shrimp salad or platter.
8. Drake's Dealership (West Oakland)
Drake's Dealership is known for its upscale pub fare and offers interesting shrimp preparations. They often have seasonal shrimp dishes that highlight local ingredients. Their ambiance is more casual but sophisticated.
- Why it's great: Upscale pub fare, interesting shrimp dishes, seasonal offerings.
- What to order: Check their menu for their seasonal shrimp dishes.
9. Brown Sugar Kitchen (West Oakland)
Brown Sugar Kitchen blends Southern comfort food with modern techniques, and their shrimp and grits are a standout dish. It's a hearty and flavorful option, perfect for a satisfying meal.
- Why it's great: Comfort food with a modern twist, hearty portions, delicious shrimp and grits.
- What to order: The shrimp and grits.
10. Ozumo (Jack London Square)
Ozumo offers a refined Japanese dining experience with a beautiful waterfront setting. Their shrimp dishes are expertly prepared, showcasing the delicate flavors of the seafood. This option is great for a special occasion.
- Why it's great: Upscale Japanese dining, beautiful waterfront views, elegant ambiance.
- What to order: Their tempura shrimp or grilled shrimp skewers.
11. Wood Tavern (Temescal)
Wood Tavern is a casual gastropub with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Their menu often features inventive shrimp dishes, showcasing their commitment to fresh and flavorful food.
- Why it's great: Casual gastropub, inventive shrimp dishes, focus on seasonal ingredients.
- What to order: Check their daily specials for their shrimp dish.
Finding Your Perfect Shrimp Dish in Oakland
This list offers a starting point for your shrimp adventure in Oakland. Remember to check restaurant websites for menus, hours, and reservations before your visit, especially for popular spots. Enjoy exploring Oakland's delicious shrimp scene!
