This is some of the best seafood I have had in a very long time! When I first walked in, I was a…read morelittle hesitant, but a wonderful young server greeted me right away and encouraged me to try the food, assuring me that I wouldn't be disappointed--and she was absolutely right! The restaurant is beautiful, spacious, and very inviting. The outdoor area is dog-friendly, and the entire location is so charming that I would even recommend it for a date. You can also enjoy a nice walk around the area afterward. Most importantly, the seafood was incredibly fresh and delicious. I truly enjoyed my experience and will definitely be back!

First off, this place is one the water on Jack London Square - which is pretty much in a death…read morespiral. The once thriving and bustling go-to spot is a mere shadow of what it once was. Anyone remember the Jack London Village that they tore down to build this end of the development? Anyways - this is a fast casual type spot, where you order from the counter, place the little number sign on your table and wait for it to be delivered. The menu is your standard seafood joint by the water type, with all the usual suspects represented. Fried fish, shrimp, chowder, seafood pastas--if you've ever been to a seaside seafood joint, chances are good that the menu here is exactly like the one you remember seeing at the countless other places like this one. I noticed right off the bat that their pricing structure was on the high side - with a $17 burger and fries option, with the bulk of the fried seafood options in the $22-25 range. A cheaper choice might be the $16 fish tacos (two of them) but I kind of draw the line at paying $8 for a single taco. Our table ordered a few of the fried options plus a few soda beverages. The food arrived in a reasonable amount of time, and I noticed that the silver metal trays that the food comes on is a bit on the small side, especially considering the prices for each dish. The fried shrimp dish was a big scoop of mega-salty french fries, and 3 average sized deep fried shrimp. Yes - 3 as in 1, 2, 3. That's what - $7+ a shrimp? The two fried fish platters weren't much better portion-wise. My deep fried cod consisted of three modest sized fish-fingers, and not the single luscious chunk of perfectly fried cod I had imagined in my head when ordering. They were fine - but very average and nothing that stood out as life-changing or something to write home about. As mentioned earlier, they must be employing the Little Rascals method where they over salt everything, in hopes that you'll order another beverage to wash down the copious mounts of sodium (I figure about 4+ days worth). The fried catfish platter that rounded out our order was more of the same - thin meager portions of fish on a large bed of mega-salted fries. Small plastic containers of generic pre-made tartar sauce and coleslaw can with each platter. The coleslaw was fine - just very forgettable and perhaps a tad on the flavorless/watery side. All said, was it okay? Yes. Was it anything outstanding that I'd crave and plan my return to have again? No. It is in line with touristy by-the-Sea seafood places that charge an extra couple of bucks because they're "on the water"? Pretty much. You're paying for the view and the 'scene' of sitting on the patio out front to people watch, and not for the food. I kind of hate these places and normally try my best to stay away from them, but every once in awhile, you gotta put on your tourist hat and join the mindless flock. A meager 2 stars outta 5 from me. Instead, I'd stroll around this area on a Sunday when they hold the farmer's market (again - is not what it used to be) and then drive through the tube to Alameda where great dining spots are numerous on Park Street. You can stop at Crab Cove and Crown Beach on the way, for more touristy sightseeing.

Special night for 30th wedding anniversary. Got the price fixe earlybird special and it was…read moredelicious and a good deal! Service was attentive and helpful, the room is pretty from the outside and prettier from the inside. Very good salads, healthy, tasty, and the safron salmon with potatoes and vegetables was delicious. Hit all the notes, and left open the spaces too. Excellent cooking and serving. We both went for Creme Brulee and weren't sorry. Good wine selection, 1 glass each, and good decaf with dessert. There's a lot of competition on this end of College Ave, Marica are top-tier, on par with the now closed, and missed, "Oliveto". A place to take anyone for a very special meal.

At Merica, my partner and I were met with service staff who were warm, courteous, speedy and…read moreresponsive. The restaurant space is well-lit, has plenty of indoor seating and seems suitable for a date or casual get-together with friends. My partner would give the food a five-start rating for its simplicity, generally flavorful, with spicy sauces and THE BEST guacamole! He had the Korean spare ribs and mash potatoes. He found the ribs to be fall-off-the bone tender, with potatoes that were more whipped than mashed alongside a carrot puree. I, on the other hand, had the New York Steak and au gratin potatoes. Though I wanted to enjoy my entree, I found the New York Steak to be unfortunately chewy and with too much fat. The au gratin potatoes could have had more crispy layers but tasted mediocre. Though I'd only rate this first experience with three stars. the service staff DID win us over and could potentially be the reason I'd be open to giving it another try.

Great service and excellent food! We had oysters, Caesar salad, 2 lobster rolls with chips, and…read morehoney ginger lemonades. Everything was 10/10 and quick service! My new fave spot when I'm in the area. Yaay!

There's nothing NOT to love about this place!…read more I made a reservation for date night, as we've wanted to try this place for awhile. The atmosphere is cozy and casual and the service staff are really friendly. In terms of food, we started with a dozen oysters, the smoked trout dip, and the boquerones. The smoked trout dip was outstanding!!! Loved the flavor of it! The Boquerones was also delicious... the oysters were all fresh and can be ordered with horseradish and hot sauce (I think it was Crystal). For mains we ordered the steamed mussels and the grilled shrimp. The mussels were good, though on the smaller side, and the shrimp was delicious, buttery and garlicky. Great combo! To finish I had the Key Lime Pie which was done in a bowl. Great lime flavor and not overly sweet. Overall, a fantastic experience and we will definitely return!

This is the best soulfood in Oakland. Options are unlimited turkey chops, oxtails, big pieces of…read morefish like you in the south, greens, cornbread, cabbage, beans & rice, nice ambiance, clean bathrooms, drinks are amazing, French75 is my number one drink and I am a repeat customer.

Very flavorful and portion size is generous. The fried fish is the star though. Food came out…read morecooked to order and drinks are strong! Our waitress was great, very attentive and checked on us several times! One of the other young ladies bussing the table seemed to have a bit of an attitude but that was overshadowed by good food. For sure will return for the fish!

We came as a party of 7. Great ambiance for happy hour!! $1 oysters and fun drinks (but we didn't…read moretry this time). Note that there is a limit to 30 oysters per table. I really like how they let you build your seafood experience exactly how you want it, from the type of seafood to the seasoning and spice level. The only thing was I think the spice level could've been kicked up a notch. Our table ordered a mix of oysters, garlic noodles, Cajun fries, shrimp, crawfish, mussels, which came with corn, potatoes, sausage and hard boiled egg! The seafood was fresh and the sauce coated everything nicely without being overwhelmingly salty, and the corn and potatoes soaked up all the seasoning. All for a very reasonable price if you get the combo, which comes in 3 different tiers! The oysters were a standout--fresh, briny & I loved all the different sauces like horse radish and cocktail on the side. I do wish the fries were a bit more crispy and could've gone heavier with the Cajun seasoning, but that's personal preference. The atmosphere is casual, lively, and perfect for big groups. If you're looking for a customizable seafood boil with fresh oysters, fun drinks, and plenty of options to build your ideal meal, Rockin Crawfish is definitely worth a visit

I was very disappointed with my recent takeout order. Before placing my order, I specifically asked…read morewhether the crawfish were live, and the waitress told me they were available. Based on that conversation, I expected fresh live crawfish, which was available Tuesday when I ordered from DoorDash the previous time. After I got home and opened my order this time. it was clear that the crawfish had been frozen. If the restaurant serves frozen crawfish, that's fine, but customers should be given accurate information when they ask directly about the product right? I feel misled because I relied on what I was told when making my purchase. Transparency is important, and I hope the restaurant does a better job communicating with customers about whether their crawfish are live or previously frozen. VERY DISHONEST BUSINESS SMH.

My first time eating there was Sunday the 19th and the Fish was excellent but I've had better…read morefries elsewhere. Would definitely return.

I was craving fish and chips, but most places had beer-battered fish, so finding one that wasn't…read morewas a HUGE yes for me! The fish was super fresh and clean, and the tartar sauce was 11/10! The fries were lightly seasoned and really good. I immediately went for the tiramisu and definitely underestimated it was delicious! Fast service, super friendly people, and such a warm atmosphere. Easy 10/10!

I really wanted to like this place because we need a good oyster spot in this neighborhood. Here's…read morea quick breakdown: Came here for Mother's Day to try some place new. Walked in. No one greeted us. Wasn't sure where to go. Went to the register. Waited a minute for someone to come out. Ordered the clam chowder, dozen oysters and fish & chips with a glass of mystery orange wine. Decided to sit outside in the back patio. Table was dirty from previous guest which usually doesn't bother me be ut little things started adding up. Service took a while. Oysters came out first. 20 min. They were fresh and delicious. Just enough to get the palette opened up. $46 though? Way overpriced but was willing to overlook since it is Mother's Day. Next up - clam chowder, 10 min after they took the tray for the oysters. Smallest bowl I ever saw. Flavor was good. Temperature was luke warm. Broth was thin. $10. Not worth it. Last was the fish and chips. 10 min after picking up the chowder bowl. Portion looked good enough to make up for the small clam chowder, except it was under seasoned. Fish texture was a bit dry too. Fries were meh. Between the overall vibe...the overpriced items...the time between dishes...and the lack of flavor, I will continue my search for an oyster spot in this neighborhood.

My friends and I stopped by Ace Seafood on a Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. for a late lunch…read more Because it was a beautiful sunny day, our party of eight decided to sit outside in the back patio. If you're sensitive to sun, definitely come with a hat, as there is very little shade. Since I visited with a large group, I was able to try out a decent spread of items on the menu, including the a fried fish sandwich, fish and chips, oysters, a caesar salad, a chicory citrus salad, fries and clam chowder. Of the items we ordered, the fried fish sandwich was by far my favorite. I really enjoyed the soft bread they used. The balance of flavor between the slice of American cheese, tomato, shredded lettuce and tartar sauce was perfect. The fish itself was super crispy, not oily, and the outer crust held up to the sauce without problems. The oysters we ordered were on the sweet side. If I were to guess, I would wager they were Kumamoto oysters. Although the oysters themselves tasted great, the shucking could have been improved: one of the oysters I had had quite a large piece of shell in it, and with another one, the muscle of the oyster hadn't been cut from the shell. I believe the kitchen staff is quite small, so if you're coming on a busy day and you have a large group, I would definitely bring your patience, as food and beverages may take a while to get to you. Although a hazy IPA would've been the perfect complement to my meal, paying $12 felt a bit much for me, and my wallet told me to pass and enjoy a beer at home instead. Overall, I had a pretty solid experience at Ace Seafood -- minus sitting in the scorching sun in the uncovered back patio.

Came here on a Friday around 4-5pm! Had earthquake bay & high water oysters. They were really…read moretasty! Sold out of kumamotos tho :(. We also had their clam chowder, local king salmon (special of the day), and fish n chips! Clam chowder was not too good, it was overly salty and didn't have much taste, the cream overtakes everything else. Fish n chips were delicious! The batter isn't too thick, isn't too oily. The bay fries were amazing :) The local salmon was super super good! Wasn't dry, slightly sweet due to the glaze (?) and some vegetables under, but not much vegetables compared to other reviews I've seen It was pretty busy, food took some time to arrive They have seating indoors and outdoors, this place is behind the building!

Still insanely good !!! I ran not walked to Hog Island…read moreafter checking in ( 2 yrs since my last visit )

Everything was delicious and we love doing celebration here all the time love it great food…read morealways and great service

I'm not sure what happened to my review for here or I just dreamed that I wrote one?!?! ;)…read more We've been here a few times in the years past. Our tax lady lived not far from here so we would stop here. We love the area and the building with a view! It has so much character and charm. We love their grilled salmon cakes and the blue cheese wedge salad. We also enjoy their steaks, sea bass, blackened catfish, and the prime rib. Sometimes, we have come here for desserts! Of course, the happy hour fun! Overall, we have had some fun meals here. Great friends, delicious food, super nice staff, and a view! What's not to love?!?!

Sirene absolutely knocked it out of the park…read more We started with their seafood tower (or Captain's Platter--I can't remember the exact name), and it was the highlight of the meal. The presentation alone turns heads, but the quality backs it up. Sitting proudly at the very top of the tower were two sea urchins filled with uni. Not just a token garnish--they were generously loaded and set the tone for everything that followed. The jumbo prawns were incredibly sweet and juicy. We had three different kinds of oysters, each with its own personality, ranging from bright and briny to rich and creamy. The scallops were excellent, and the ceviche was fresh and flavorful. After the tower we shared a Margherita pizza, which was very good, followed by the fried chicken. The batter was crisp while the meat stayed juicy and moist inside. It's not often you find fried chicken that nails both texture and tenderness so well. The seafood tower wasn't just delicious--it was visually stunning. Honestly, if this exact platter were served at a restaurant in Palo Alto, I wouldn't blink at a $250 price tag. At Sirene, it was just $125, which felt like an incredible value for both the quality and quantity. I'm perfectly happy not paying Palo Alto rents if this is what Oakland delivers. And don't let stereotypical perceptions of Oakland keep you away. Grand Lake is one of the city's most charming neighborhoods, with beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and a vibrant local dining scene. Sirene is absolutely worth the trip.

I have been going to sirene since they first opened and what used to feel like a neighborhood…read morecoffee shop has turned into a wework!! I also love to work remotely from a coffee shop- especially somewhere as vibey as sirene, but now if I dare to go to the coffee shop for some coffee, there is no place to sit!! The whole place is occupied by people sitting at a table for 4 with a person occupying one seat and their bags/stuff on all the remaining seats. I used to enjoy coming here with my kids for a morning coffee and croissant but more often than not, it's completely taken up by people working on their laptops. I no longer come here for morning coffees with friends because you cannot find a spot if you come after 9am. Their coffee shop experience is thus a 2 star rating. Now dinner is different. It is fun and hip. I love the menu and the cocktails. Is it overpriced? Yes. Will I still go back? Also yes. I think it is a great spot to hang out in the evening and I am so happy it is in my rotation for dining out. Dinner experience gets a 4 star rating. If management reads this, I hope they restrict laptop workers to certain tables/hours of the day so the rest of us can still enjoy this coffee shop for conversations and community! I don't think we need a full on ban but it's getting out of control and I'm officially done recommending Sirene for a coffee meet up until this is resolved! Also- bring lunch back please!!