The San Francisco Bay Area has received a significant chunk of publicity in recent years for its mass influx of out-of-towners and boosted tourism rates. Cities like Oakland, where sky-high murder rates and gang violence tainted its past reputation, have been revamped to cater to hipsters, yuppies, and young families nestling into the area.
New restaurants, shops and attractions have begun dotting the Bay, as seen in the New York Times' article, "An Oakland Neighborhood Branches Out," which highlights up-and-coming enclaves, including the Temescal District and neighborhood of Rockridge.
But what about the hidden gems that have been around long before droves of transplants hit Telegraph Avenue and 51st Street? Below, a born-and-raised Oaklander gives insight into the classic spots to eat. Take it from a local.
Yamo-Burmese, 3406 18th Street, San Francisco
Don't be fooled by the grimy, nondescript exterior of this hole-in-the-wall Burmese restaurant. Despite the tiny inside, there are about five seats at the bar, you can watch the family who runs the joint serve up flavorful fried noodles, covered in their signature sauces. Curries with vegetables, noodles, and the right price, (an average of about $6 per dish), make this place a must-visit. Perfect for vegetarians as well.
Brazil Café-Brazilian, 2161 University Ave., Berkeley
Brazil Café has two locations, but ditch the newer, indoor café located on Shattuck Avenue; stick with the original, colorful shack on University. From behind the kaleidoscope-colored mess of photos from Brazil, menus on surfboards and a bunch of multicolored ribbons, cooks create neighborhood favorites, including the ultra-popular tri-tip sandwich. Bowls with rice, meat, and signature cilantro sauce will leave you wanting more. Don't forget some El Yucateco green hot sauce, provided at the al fresco dining area around back.
Picante-Cali-Mex, 1328 6th St., Berkeley
Picante calls their restaurant "an expression of love for Mexico." And indeed, if ever there were such an expression-this place has a particularly authentic taste to its various dishes. Don't miss out on the mole sauce-spicy, full-bodied and rich-or any of the tacos-fish, especially. You can't go wrong with their enormous salads (made in tostada fashion) or any of the burritos either.
Red Sea-Ethiopian, Eritrean, 5200 Claremont Ave., Oakland
Forget the fork-use injera instead. This Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurant in Oakland is family-run, and the dishes echo the kind of classic, traditional recipes that are passed around a household. Their flatbread, (the aforementioned injera) is a yeast-rised starch with a unique, spongy feel. Their various stews (lamb suggested) and vegetarian platters are perfect for scooping and dipping.
Genova Delicatessen, 5095 Telegraph Ave., Oakland
The deli has been around since the 1920s, and has survived almost four generations of Bay Areans. For a solid sandwich, (the Dutch crunch bread is out of this world), or any of the extensive sides and salads they offer, (pasta, squid, and an exceptional mushroom), hit up Genova's. You'll find yourself going back for more.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
