Oakland, with its vibrant culinary scene and proximity to the Pacific, boasts a fantastic oyster selection. Whether you prefer the briny tang of a Pacific oyster or the sweet creaminess of a Kumamoto, Oakland's restaurants and markets offer a diverse range of these delectable shellfish. This guide dives deep into the top 12 oysters you can find in Oakland, exploring their unique characteristics and where to enjoy them.
Finding the Freshest Oysters in Oakland
The quality of an oyster hinges on freshness. Look for oysters with deep cups, tight shells, and a clean, slightly salty smell. Avoid those with cracked shells or a pungent odor. Many Oakland restaurants pride themselves on sourcing oysters directly from reputable farms, ensuring top-notch quality. Ask your server about the oyster's origin and harvesting date for the best experience.
Top 12 Oysters to Savor in Oakland
This list isn't ranked; instead, it presents a diverse selection catering to different palates. Each entry includes flavor notes and restaurant recommendations (availability varies seasonally, so call ahead).
1. Kumamoto Oysters
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, buttery, and slightly sweet. A delightful balance of brininess and creaminess.
- Best Enjoyed: On the half shell with a squeeze of lemon and a mignonette sauce.
- Where to Find Them: Look for Kumamotos at The Plank, known for their fresh seafood selection, or Commis, a fine-dining establishment that often features them on their menu.
2. Pacific Oysters
- Flavor Profile: Classic briny and salty flavor with a robust, oceanic taste. A staple for oyster lovers.
- Best Enjoyed: With a simple mignonette, showcasing their natural salinity. Also great grilled or fried.
- Where to Find Them: Waterbar often features Pacific oysters on their extensive raw bar menu. Check their daily specials for seasonal varieties.
3. Blue Point Oysters
- Flavor Profile: Known for their strong briny flavor and slightly metallic finish. A true classic from Long Island.
- Best Enjoyed: Perfectly paired with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Where to Find Them: Hog Island Oyster Co., while technically in San Francisco, is easily accessible from Oakland and offers a wide variety of oysters, including Blue Points, often featuring them in their tasting flights.
4. Olympia Oysters
- Flavor Profile: Smaller than other oysters, with a delicate, sweet flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
- Best Enjoyed: They are best enjoyed simply, allowing their subtle flavor to shine. A small amount of mignonette can enhance them.
- Where to Find Them: Sao Bento, a Portuguese restaurant known for its seafood, often features local Olympia oysters on its menu, but availability can vary.
5. Fanny Bay Oysters (British Columbia)
- Flavor Profile: These Canadian oysters offer a clean, sweet taste with a refreshing brininess.
- Best Enjoyed: Their delicate flavor makes them versatile, perfect with a simple lemon wedge or a vibrant cocktail sauce.
- Where to Find Them: Check the menus of upscale seafood restaurants in Oakland, such as Drake's Dealership, for seasonal availability. Call ahead to confirm.
6. Totten Inlet Oysters
- Flavor Profile: These Washington-grown oysters are renowned for their clean, sweet flavor with a hint of cucumber.
- Best Enjoyed: Enjoy these straight up, appreciating their subtle notes.
- Where to Find Them: Their popularity makes them a common find in many oyster bars. Look for them at Rosamunde Sausage Grill, where their impressive selection often includes Totten Inlets.
7. Shigoku Oysters
- Flavor Profile: Known for their intensely sweet and creamy flavor, with almost melon-like notes.
- Best Enjoyed: These almost dessert-like oysters are best enjoyed with a light mignonette, or even a fruit-based topping.
- Where to Find Them: These premium oysters are often featured at high-end restaurants; inquire about their availability at Commis or The Village Pub (Los Altos, but worth the trip).
8. Kusshi Oysters
- Flavor Profile: From Japan, Kusshi oysters offer a sweet, clean flavor with a pleasingly firm texture.
- Best Enjoyed: Their elegant flavor works well with a simple mignonette or a splash of sake.
- Where to Find Them: These are usually available at high-end seafood establishments. Check Coppola's menu for potential availability.
9. Beaumont Oysters
- Flavor Profile: A classic Pacific oyster with a balanced salty and sweet taste. These are grown in Washington state.
- Best Enjoyed: Enjoy with a mignonette or a simple lemon wedge.
- Where to Find Them: Beaumont oysters are commonly found in many restaurants that serve fresh oysters, and it is worth asking your local restaurant whether or not they have them.
10. Pemaquid Oysters
- Flavor Profile: From Maine, these oysters have a distinctly briny flavor with a firm texture and a satisfyingly long finish.
- Best Enjoyed: Their powerful flavor pairs well with a robust Chardonnay or a spicy cocktail sauce.
- Where to Find Them: These East Coast oysters may be harder to find in Oakland but are worth seeking out if you're in the mood for a strong, briny flavor.
11. Malpeque Oysters
- Flavor Profile: These Prince Edward Island oysters have a remarkably sweet, clean flavour with a delicately firm texture, a slightly sweet and salty taste.
- Best Enjoyed: Their delicate flavour is best enjoyed simply on the half shell with a squeeze of lemon and a small sprinkle of mignonette.
- Where to Find Them: These oysters can usually be found in restaurants that focus on having high-quality oysters on their menu. Always check with your server for availability.
12. Moonstone Oysters
- Flavor Profile: These deep-cupped oysters from British Columbia boast a wonderfully salty, brisk, and refreshing flavour.
- Best Enjoyed: Enjoy these oysters on the half shell, allowing their natural salinity to shine. They pair beautifully with a simple mignonette.
- Where to Find Them: These oysters are often available at restaurants and markets that pride themselves on carrying a wide variety of fresh, high-quality oysters.
Beyond the Shell: Exploring Oakland's Oyster Scene
Oakland's oyster offerings extend beyond simply enjoying them on the half shell. Many restaurants creatively incorporate oysters into dishes like oyster po'boys, oyster stew, and even oyster fritters. Explore different preparations to discover your favorite way to enjoy these versatile shellfish. Don't hesitate to ask your server for recommendations based on your taste preferences and the day's freshest catches. Happy oyster hunting!
