Black History Month is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the histories and amazing contributions of African Americans in all aspects of life: from music, to education, to culture, to science, and of course, to food! And while this time of year can also serve as a mile-marker to refocus support to our African American brethren, you don’t have to wait until February every year to support black-owned restaurants and businesses.
One of the small ways we live out our values is by patronizing black- and BIPOC-owned businesses all year long (during city Restaurant Weeks, too). And thankfully in the Bay Area, there is a plethora of amazing black-owned eateries from which you can grab yourself some delicious eats.
Which of these restaurants are on your bookmarks list, and which ones did we miss? Let us know in the comments below.
Before you go
- Make reservations, if possible!
Kid-Friendly Restaurants with Outdoor Seating
*When I say “kid-friendly,” I’m expecting that 1) my kid can eat food off their menu, even if they don’t offer a kid’s menu, 2) they offer high chairs and bathroom changing tables, 3) spacious outdoor seating is available (especially during COVID-times–we’ve still got the unvaccinated in our house to worry about!), and 4) there is ample space for toddlers on-the-move to roam about.
Also note that I choose to follow a pescetarian diet, which impacts how I experience eating out; I tend to go for vegetarian dishes, which at certain restaurants means I’m only left to eat the sides. Unlike me, my partner does eat meat, so I’ve relied on him to attest to the meaty meal recs!
Mela Ethiopian Bistro
~$25-$40/person, Oakland
Black-woman owned. Named by the San Francisco Chronicle as one of the Bay Area’s Top 25 Restaurants in fall 2021, Mela Bistro is a feast for the senses, featuring plenty of veggie-friendly Ethiopian options.
OakCali Cafe
~$15-$25/person, Oakland
Black-woman owned. Grab OakCali Cafe‘s lunch or breakfast, like their Ethiopian Breakfast (scrambled eggs, scrambled injera, toast, and rice, $12) and a coffee for you to enjoy either on their sidewalk patio, in either wing of their indoor restaurant, or to-go at nearby Lake Merritt. They are also open for dinner.
The Cook and Her Farmer
~$25-$40/person, Oakland
Oyster Po’Boy. Need I say anything more?! The Cook and Her Farmer is located in Old Oakland’s Swan’s Market is as charming as their food is delicioso. Get your fill of oysters (shucked ($18/$33), fried ($17), or fried in a po’boy ($16.50), which is my preferred preparation. Top off with one of their chocolate pecan cookies or a key lime cupcake from neighbor Cupcakin’ Bakeshop!
Cupcakin' Bakeshop
~$5/person, Oakland & Berkeley
Black-woman owned and our go-to place for cupcakes. Be sure to get Cupcakin’s signature key lime pie cupcake or any of their chocolate options, yum!
alaMar
~$30-$55/person, Oakland
alaMar is owned by Top Chef contestant Nelson German and has some of the most delicious garlic noodles ($19) I’ve ever tasted–saucy, garlicky, and topped with a crispy fried egg. *chef’s kiss* We ate here with our extended family (7 adults and 1 child) and everyone enjoyed their meal. Our kid ate a decent amount of garlic noodles, though I think we may have had to ask for the non-spicy versions of certain dishes. There is a fenced patio area on the wide sidewalk with heat lamps that is perfect for families. They offer high chairs, but I can’t vouch for a changing table…
Other Restaurants We’d Order Takeout From
These black-owned restaurants are exclusively to-go or lack outdoor seating
Home of Chicken and Waffles
~$15-$40/person, Oakland
This is an Oakland staple and offers chicken and waffles in all combinations named after family members, the likenesses of whom you can catch painted on the diner’s walls. But I’d be remiss not to talk about the sides. For me it’s all about Home of Chicken and Waffles‘ Mac and Cheese ($6.50 a la carte) and Cornbread, and honestly, despite the fact that those are some of the only substantive vegetarian options, I am happy just to eat those–with a Waffle, of course! If you’re comfortable sitting inside, there is a lot of space and tables, as well as high chairs for the littles.
Sugarsweet Cookie + Cake Studio
~$2/person, Oakland
Sugarsweet offers cupcakes, cookies, and custom cakes for all your celebratory needs! You can depend on them for classic flavors, but also try their blueberry white chocolate (with actual fruit!) or chocolate oatmeal cookies (both the perfect chewiness with ever-so-slightly crispy edges, $1.75 each), or their soft and fluffy cupcakes (my kid was partial to their strawberry, $3). Owner Pastry Chef David Benton is self-taught and originally began Sugarsweet out of his duplex kitchen in East Oakland.
The Damel
~$20-$30/person, various
Senegal-born Chef Oumar Diouf offers a menu that spans multiple cuisines, from Senegalese, to Argentine, to Brazilian (all inspired by the places he has lived previously). The Damel food truck serves an array of dishes, including sweet and savory empanadas ($4.25). One of my favorite dishes is the crispy and delicious shrimp acaraje ($7.50): “fried mushed black-eyed peas with Vatapa (creamy pureed cassava and coconut milk).”
Red Bay Coffee
~$5/person, Oakland & San Francisco
We love Red Bay‘s style and coffee. Visit any of their many locations, including their beautiful, airy, and plant-filled HQ in Fruitvale where you can sip on a charcoal latte or try their charcoal toast (with bread supplied by fellow-black-owned business Rize Up Bakery) with avocado and chilli crisps.
Rize Up Bakery
$10+, select Bay Area retailers and pick-up locations
Rize Up Bakery began as an in-home sourdough-baking enterprise in the wake of the social uprisings caused by the murder of George Floyd. Founder Azikiwee Anderson channeled his energy into the healing of baking, and seeks to inspire young Black bakers. With flavors like ube, paella, and gochujang, it’s not hard to get inspired!
Malibu's Burgers
~$20-$30/person, Oakland
This exclusively plant-based burger joint offers vegan takes on your favorite classic burgers and milkshakes.
For a Kid-Free Night Out
Cause some restaurants are best left for a night out
International Smoke
~$55-$75/person, San Francisco
Entrepreneur, author, and local legend Ayesha Curry (and mama to Riley Curry!) offers Southern food and cocktails in a sleek setting, perfect for happy hour or date night. I would take my kid here but wouldn’t prefer to 😉
Chop Bar is not not kid-friendly, but it certainly wouldn’t be among my top choices to bring my little one. Their patio seating is located along a busy street and makes me nervous to think about having a rambunctious toddler running loose. I am a big fan of the P.E.I. Mussels ($19), guac (make sure your kiddos watch out for the spice!), and fries ($8), but wish there were more vegetarian options. Make sure to order a fancy cocktail if you are so inclined.
If you want to go above and beyond, you might also want to cross-check our list with Community Kitchens Oakland’s Dining for Justice Initiative. Participating restaurants (a number of whom are on our list!) have added a 1% surcharge which will go towards providing community meals.
Angelica (she/her) is of Cebuano(Pilipinx)-descent and was born and raised in Huchiun Ohlone territory (the East Bay Area--pay your Shuumi Land Tax!), where she also now resides with her partner and their toddler. She loves to spend her time sipping on boba and dirty chai lattes (sometimes together), and eating pescetarian goodies at BIPOC-owned cafes and restaurants.
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