Discover the Best of Oakland & Sonoma: A California Food and Wine Lover’s Travel Guide

Welcome to a delicious recap of my recent adventure through Oakland and Sonoma, two incredible destinations in Northern California. Get ready to explore a curated list of my favorite places to eat, drink, and experience the unique charm of this region. For even more California recommendations, don’t forget to check out my guide from last year’s trip to San Francisco!

If you’ve been following my journey on Instagram, you might have caught glimpses of the wonderful Labor Day weekend that Connor and I spent in Oakland, California. Our main reason for the trip was to visit my oldest sister, Alessandra, and her husband, Cassidy. It was a perfect opportunity to reconnect with family and immerse ourselves in the local culture of this dynamic area.

And yes, we also had the absolute pleasure of meeting their adorable rescue German Shepherd, Kona. She is truly the sweetest and most lovable dog you could ever imagine – a delightful bonus to an already fantastic trip!

Due to an unexpected BART closure impacting central San Francisco that weekend, we ended up spending all our time exploring Oakland and the surrounding Berkeley area. And honestly? I didn’t mind a bit! This unexpected change of plans turned out to be a blessing. Oakland and Berkeley are brimming with exciting places to discover, from scenic trails to, most importantly, an incredible array of dining experiences. It also gives me the perfect excuse to plan another trip back to explore even more!

Our days were wonderfully low-key and relaxed, a much-needed change of pace from our usual routines. We embraced the laid-back Northern California lifestyle with invigorating hikes, a visit to the most picturesque dog park imaginable (right on the bay!), and a delightful outdoor BBQ hosted by my sister. A highlight was our day trip to Sonoma, where we indulged in exquisite wine tastings and, naturally, a lot of fantastic food. It was exactly what we needed for a refreshing getaway, allowing me to tick off a few places from my long-standing bucket list!

Sonoma: Wine, Food, and Breathtaking Scenery

Our Saturday excursion took us to the heart of Sonoma Valley, a region synonymous with world-class wine and stunning natural beauty. It was actually both my and Connor’s first time visiting Sonoma, and we were absolutely captivated. The combination of exceptional wine, delectable food, and picturesque landscapes created an unforgettable experience. What’s not to love about California’s renowned wine country?

We had the pleasure of visiting two remarkable wineries that conveniently sat directly across from each other: Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and Cline Cellars Vineyard & Winery. Both offer complimentary wine tastings, which is a fantastic way to sample their diverse selections. We found their wines to be of excellent quality and truly representative of the region’s rich viticultural heritage.

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards also delighted us with their unique olive oil and vinegar tastings. We explored an array of incredibly interesting combinations, such as the vibrant blood orange olive oil paired with a rich chocolate balsamic vinegar. The complexity and quality of these products were truly incredible, showcasing another facet of Sonoma’s agricultural bounty.

Insider Tip: For those who enjoyed Cline Cellar’s Zabaglione (which we loved so much we bought two bottles!), you’ll be pleased to know it’s often available at Trader Joe’s and is very affordable. Perfect for bringing a taste of Sonoma home!

Dining at The Girl and the Fig: A Sonoma Culinary Highlight

After a delightful tour of the vineyards, we headed to downtown Sonoma for lunch at the renowned Girl and the Fig. My sister’s ability to snag a very late lunch reservation at the last minute, just a few days prior, was nothing short of shocking given its immense popularity. I was incredibly excited, as I had been hearing glowing reviews about this establishment for years. Thankfully, it absolutely lived up to its stellar reputation, providing us with a truly delicious and memorable meal.

Have I mentioned that I am an absolute fig fanatic? It’s true! If I could find fresh figs more regularly (and resist devouring them within seconds of purchase), I swear this blog would be overflowing with countless fig recipes. So, naturally, when dining at a place called Girl and the Fig, ordering a fig-centric dish was a non-negotiable! We started by sharing their exquisite Fig and Arugula Salad, elevated with house-cured pancetta and a delightful port wine vinaigrette. The flavors were perfectly balanced, a true celebration of the seasonal fruit.

For our entrees, we explored a variety of delicious options. I particularly enjoyed the heirloom tomato, fresh corn, and basil cream pasta – a light yet satisfying dish that perfectly captured the essence of late summer. Another standout was the amazing pork belly tartine, artfully presented with pickled red and green tomatoes, adding a fantastic tangy counterpoint to the rich pork.

Despite being delightfully full, we couldn’t resist indulging in their ridiculously rich chocolate and salted fig caramel trifle for dessert. This decadent creation was crowned with freshly torched soft meringue, adding a beautiful textural contrast. In many ways, its creamy consistency leaned more towards an Italian budino or a mousse than a traditional trifle, but regardless of classification, it was incredibly, incredibly tasty. I’m already contemplating recreating this masterpiece next year if I can get my hands on fresh figs. Hold me to that! If your travels take you to Sonoma anytime soon, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Girl and the Fig – it’s an experience not to be missed.

Oakland & Berkeley: A Culinary Journey Through Northern California’s Hidden Gems

My trip to Oakland also provided a fantastic opportunity to revisit some beloved local spots and discover exciting new culinary gems in both Oakland and neighboring Berkeley. These cities boast a thriving food scene that often flies under the radar compared to San Francisco, but offers incredible diversity, innovation, and flavor.

Cholita Linda // OAKLAND (4923 Telegraph Ave.)

We stumbled upon this vibrant, casual taco spot after an afternoon hike, and it was the perfect reward. I was immediately charmed by the cute vinyl-topped outdoor tables, which set a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. My carnitas taco was bursting with flavor, leaving me with instant regret for not ordering more! This spot perfectly embodies Oakland’s laid-back yet delicious dining culture. I absolutely can’t wait to return and explore more of their menu.

Penrose // OAKLAND (3311 Grand Avenue)

Penrose was our dinner destination on our second night in Oakland, and it truly impressed. The restaurant excels in its approach to smaller, shareable plates, allowing us to sample a variety of dishes. Their commitment to super seasonal ingredients means the menu is constantly evolving, ensuring freshness and creativity. The inviting atmosphere, coupled with exceptional food, made for a memorable dining experience.

Xolo Taqueria // OAKLAND (1916 Telegraph Avenue)

Confession time: we ended up at Xolo Taqueria for late-night tacos after a fun evening at a cool craft brewery bar in downtown Oakland. And once again, the regret of not ordering more tacos quickly set in! I can personally vouch for the sheer amazingness of their ‘vampiro’ taco – it’s an absolute must-try. The pollo taco is equally fantastic, making Xolo a perfect spot for authentic, satisfying Mexican flavors, especially after a night out.

Duende // OAKLAND (468 19th Street)

Duende offers a sophisticated take on modern Spanish cuisine right in the heart of downtown Oakland. It’s one of my sister’s absolute favorite restaurants, and it’s easy to see why. The menu changes frequently, reflecting a dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients – so much so that I can barely recall the specific dishes we had, as they are likely no longer on the menu! However, I vividly remember loving every single plate, particularly the flavorful paella de carna. It’s a culinary journey to Spain without leaving California.

Curbside Creamery // OAKLAND (482 49th Street)

Tucked away in a charming little alley just off a bustling main street, Curbside Creamery is a delightful find for anyone with a sweet tooth. They offer gourmet ice cream, inventive ice cream sandwiches, and creamy soft serve. My personal favorites were the rich Bourbon Whiskey Vanilla and the delightful Vanilla Malt Ball, though honestly, I could have happily tried them all! While you’re in the area, make sure to pop around the corner to Doughnut Dolly, where they hand-fill fresh donuts to order – a perfect pairing with your ice cream!

Bette’s Oceanview Diner // BERKELEY (1807 4th Street)

Bette’s is a true institution in the Berkeley area, the kind of place you instantly want to make your regular spot. Famous for its pancakes, especially their renowned soufflé pancakes, it’s a breakfast lover’s dream. I highly recommend their breakfast special, which thoughtfully combines two special pancakes with eggs and your choice of sausage or bacon. Don’t forget to ask for the slow-cooked scrambled eggs – they are incredibly creamy and perfectly prepared, offering the best of both worlds! Be aware that this beloved diner gets packed, so try to visit on an off-day or during less peak hours for the best experience.

Rick & Ann’s // BERKELEY (2922 Domingo Avenue)

Another iconic breakfast spot in Berkeley, Rick & Ann’s stands as a testament to classic comfort food. Their blueberry pancakes are simply heavenly – soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh fruit. Beyond pancakes, they offer a wide array of delicious omelets and unique specialties like the vibrant red flannel hash, a delightful medley of fresh beets, sweet potato, new potato, onion, and bacon. The atmosphere is super cozy and quintessentially classic, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Similar to Bette’s, it’s incredibly popular, so planning your visit outside of peak times is a wise idea.

Lush Gelato // OAKLAND (4184 Piedmont Avenue, plus two other locations)

Prepare your taste buds for an adventure at Lush Gelato, known for its incredibly creative craft gelato. Stepping inside, I literally wanted to try every single flavor on their menu, and thankfully, they offer samples of almost everything because choosing is a delightful challenge! While every flavor is exceptional, I was particularly impressed by the stout beer gelato with chocolate waffle cone pieces – a surprisingly sophisticated and delicious combination. Their creme fraiche and balsamic strawberry gelato was another standout, boasting an unparalleled creaminess that lingers beautifully on the palate. Lush Gelato is a must-visit for any dessert enthusiast exploring Oakland.