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    Bocanova

    4.3 (293 reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 8:30 pm

    Bocanova Photos

    Bocanova - Blue crab beignets - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California
    Bocanova - Corner booth overlooking the exhibition kitchen. - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California
    Bocanova - Seafood feijoada - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California
    Bocanova - Manhattan - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California
    Bocanova - Peruvian style chicken - a la Brasa - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California
    Bocanova - This ceviche was bland no spice that was actually needed pieces were huge. But the shrimp that was down played on this plate was delicious - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California
    Bocanova - Bocanova entrance. - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California
    Bocanova - Lomo Saltado , pork chops and beef rib. THE CORN BREAD yummy - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California
    Bocanova - Sangria and Margarita - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California
    Bocanova - Everything plus cornbread. Get the cornbread! - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California
    Bocanova - Grilled cheese - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California

    +541

    Bocanova - Simple green salad - Latin American Near Me - Oakland, California

    Business Info

    BOCANOVA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - Bocanova

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    Reviews With Photos

    Guacamole and chips
    D. Reneé B.

    A great location and extensive happy hour menu, but the execution missed the mark during this visit. Went to Bocanova with a friend before seeing a show at the Paramount and made reservations for 5 PM. We were seated immediately in the bar area. One thing to note is that the restaurant is not easily accessible without stairs, which could be difficult for guests with mobility issues or injuries. The layout was also a little confusing between the patio, bar, and main dining spaces. They offer happy hour daily from 3-6 PM, and the menu is actually pretty extensive with appetizers, salads, drinks, and small bites, so we decided to try several items. We ordered the Blue Crab Deviled Eggs, Beef Empanadas, Shrimp Empanadas, Guacamole & Chips, and Smoked Salmon Beignets. Unfortunately, most of the dishes lacked seasoning and depth of flavor. The deviled eggs mainly tasted like plain egg with a fish-forward crab flavor, and the chipotle aioli listed on the menu didn't really come through. The guacamole was very simple and mostly tasted like avocado with lemon, though the chips themselves were probably the best thing we had once salt was added. The smoked salmon beignets also fell short texture-wise. Instead of light and airy, they were very soft in the center and didn't have much smoked salmon flavor. The empanadas were dough-heavy, the shrimp filling had a rubbery texture, and the beef needed quite a bit more seasoning. After happy hour ended, we also tried the Poblano Cornbread and Mexican Caesar Salad from the main menu. The Caesar dressing unfortunately had an off-putting fishy flavor beyond what you'd normally expect from anchovy, and the cornbread had more of an egg-bite consistency than traditional cornbread. Service overall was okay, and the location is convenient if you're heading to the Paramount or downtown Oakland events. Overall, the concept and menu sounded promising, but the food execution during this visit just didn't come together for me.

    Happy hour!!
    Suechu T.

    This review is long overdue. My husband and I live within walking distance of Bocanova, and we've already dined here several times. I've also attended events here through my ceramic studio Kollektiv Clay, so I can say firsthand that both the staff and the owner are incredibly warm and welcoming. A couple of my all-time favorite dishes--the fried mushrooms and fried polenta--weren't on the menu during our most recent visit. I'm hoping they're just rotating dishes seasonally, because they're absolutely delicious and definitely worth ordering if you ever see them available. On this visit, we came for happy hour and stayed for dinner. My husband had a michelada and a beer, and I ordered a mocktail that was excellent (though I've also had their cocktails before, and they're fantastic). We started with the crab deviled eggs, which are always a must-order for me. Any of their ceviches are amazing. We also tried the fried fish sliders, which were very good, and the scallops, which were cooked perfectly. My husband ordered a dinner special--a hearty oxtail stew--and finished every bite. Other standout dishes we've enjoyed in the past include the fried cauliflower and their tacos. Everything we've had here has been consistently delicious. I was too full for dessert this time, but I've had the bread pudding before and would easily call it their best dessert. I highly recommend Bocanova. The food and drinks are excellent, the service is consistently top-notch, and the staff is genuinely friendly. It's a place we love supporting and returning to again and again.

    Rib-Eye Lunch Special
    Latrese P.

    We celebrated my Grandmother's Birthday here. It was my first time visiting. I lucked up on a park on 11th right one the side across from the Marriott; otherwise, I would've had to walk a short distance. I was greeted by a really nice lady who happened to be our waitress as well. We had Beef Empanadas, Shrimp Empanadas, and Salmon Fritters for an appetizer which was good. They have a variety of menu options, but I opted for the lunch rib-eye special medium well and some fries along with a Shirley Temple. The portion was small, but it was cooked to my liking. The Seafood Cioppino and Fish-n-Chips looked really good. I'll try next time.

    Tatiana C.

    Awesome place to grab a bite to eat. I been here a long time ago at the old location & I didn't quite remember the food being this delicious. I fell in love with their beef empanadas right on the spot. My lomo saltado was delicious!! Better than the one I had at La Costanera. I would go back! A nice summer day you can sit outside! Oh yeah..the rum cake was soooooooooo delicious!!

    Ceviche Tostadas Verdes
    Dina A.

    Delectable food & beverages. Excellent service. Feel-good ambiance. Every dish we ordered here was perfectly seasoned -- from the ceviche tostadas verdes to the beef empanadas, the crispy brussels sprouts to the lomo saltado -- chefs were generous with the flavors! The churros were also fluffy and freshly hot out the fryer. But what ultimately elevated the experience was the Bocanova hospitality -- servers were great about checking in, and they never rushed us out of the establishment. We spent hours enjoying our food and drinks, and the Latin music set the upbeat mood perfectly. Must have foods: crispy brussels sprouts and the lomo saltado. If you like ginger -- definitely get the cocktail, El Diablo!

    Sharlene S.

    Stopped by for happy hour. Good times. Drinks- got wine and mocktail. My guest said the Jamaica was super refreshing. Food- we got shrimp sliders, fish sliders, Brussels sprouts, and guac + chips. The Brussels were my favorite, great flavor and cook. Love the cornmeal crust in the shrimp and chips were hearty and well seasoned. Service- we interacted with the bartender, server, and manager. All were friendly, attentive, and professional. helpful to each other as well. Space- love to high ceilings, great natural light and spacious. The place is huge. Two outdoor patios, main dining room, large bar, and casual seating area.

    Scallops
    Kristi C.

    Cute spot in downtown Oakland with a lively bar and large open restaurant inside. It's in the bottom of a highrise building and they utilize the space to create different areas. We entered through the patio space and were seated in the back dining room. It was a Saturday night and we had a reservation, not sure we needed one. There was a large bday party happening near us and that did take up a lot of space. My friend and I shared the empanadas, the Brussels sprouts and the scallops. Everything was well seasoned and well cooked. I loved the Brussels sprouts with a spicy kick. The wait staff was excellent, we went with all her recommendations!

    Fried cauliflower appetizer.
    Rick M.

    Food and drinks were fine. Service was not. We went to Bocanova for afternoon drinks and small bites and asked to sit outside, since they have outdoor seating and heat lamps. The request was met with visible attitude and an eye roll from the hostess. We asked for a heater. After about ten minutes, our server tried to light it--no luck. The hostess tried next--also no luck. There were several other heaters nearby, but no one offered to try another or followed up at all. If you're going to advertise outdoor seating with heat lamps, you should be willing and able to actually use them--without making guests feel like an inconvenience. To be clear, the drinks and food were not the issue--they were perfectly fine. And our food server was friendly and accommodating. But good food doesn't excuse bad service from the hostess or her attitude. Disappointing experience from a place we've liked in the past.

    Lunch menu
    Kendra W.

    Let me start by saying 5 stars all around! Matine who is one of the owners was especially kind to us today! We are so happy that we stopped by for the dinner menu because I have only visited during their lunch hours. We ordered the chicken tacos one word Yum! And the flank steak and let me just tell yall.... It was one of the best steaks we have ever had! We will be coming back for more of that very soon! We also just found out they now have Sunday 3 course meals for only $39.99! Such a great deal for the abundance of flavor you will get from the food!!! The quality is exquisite! You will not be disappointed!

    Crab Deviled Eggs
    Hannah C.

    I honestly can't say enough good things about Bocanova. I've been here multiple times now, and every single visit has been incredible from start to finish. The food is consistently outstanding. Everything I've tried on the menu has been absolutely delicious, flavorful, and beautifully presented. It's one of those rare spots where you can confidently order anything and know it's going to hit. The drinks are just as impressive; creative, well-balanced, and clearly made with care. Their happy hour is such a gem too, with great options that make it really easy to come in, relax, and stay awhile. Beyond the food and drinks, the ambiance is amazing. It strikes that perfect balance of feeling elevated but still warm and welcoming. Whether you're out for a fun night with friends or something a little more special, it just works. What really makes this place stand out, though, is the service. Montaiesha is truly one of the best. So attentive, kind, and genuinely makes you feel taken care of. You can tell she really cares about the experience she's giving her guests, and it makes such a difference. And Martin, the manager, clearly runs an incredible operation. Everything feels thoughtful, smooth, and intentional, which is a direct reflection of great leadership. I've had nothing but amazing experiences here, and it deserves all the recognition. Highly, highly recommend.

    Chunichi C.

    My friend and I attended Rick's Supper Club at BocaNova, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience! I was especially excited because the menu focused on seafood and Caribbean dishes--two of my absolute favorites--and it did not disappoint. The cost was about $100, but it was well worth every penny. This was my first time at a supper club event, and at first it felt a little awkward sitting so close and sharing a meal with strangers. But after a couple of drinks, the whole table felt like family--lots of laughs and good vibes all around! The chef, restaurant owner, and staff were incredible--so welcoming, attentive, and passionate about what they do. The food was excellent, and the wine pairings elevated everything beautifully. I had an amazing time and will definitely be back for another supper club event! Highly recommend if you're looking for a unique dining experience.

    Duck tostada
    Tamela S.

    Food: 4/5 Ambiance: 5/5 Service: 4/5 Drinks: 5/5 I decided to stop here after the parade with a friend because with all that walking we were hungry. We said let's try something new. Walked in we were greeted, sat down. The service was decent, they were attentive. Did not know they offer Happy Hour everyday, so we decided to order from the Happy Hour Menu. We ordered the following: Shrimp Po-boy: 5/5, it was simple and good. It's one prawn on a bun with lettuce and tomatoes and you get 2. French Fries: 5/5, they were fried and seasoned well. They were good. Blue Crab deviled eggs: 3.5/5. They were good. However, I thought the Crab was going to be mixed in the mixture, however it was a little Crab on top of the mixture. Guacamole and chips: 4/5, it was good, nothing to brag about, they don't come with a lot of chips, however, they brought us more. Duck tostada: 5/5, my friend had this and she said it was good and seasoned well She also ordered two drinks a regular margarita and something else. She said the drinks were really good. She also ordered desset: Rum cake with ice cream. She said you can really taste the rum, however, she said it was good. With all that said. If I am ever in Oakland again, I will come back.

    Scallops

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    9 months ago

    Their veggie option is very good. Fish and chips were very tasty. Atmosphere is very quiet inside the restaurant

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    Came here for happy hour and the bartender Alex was such a cool dude. He made the best passion fruit margaritas!

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    5 months ago

    Got food poisoning from their Ceviche. Was sick 30 minutes after dining, barely made it home, and continued for three days.

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    Page 3 of 8

    Bocanova Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Bocanova

    Anything on the menu gluten free?

    We have many gluten free options, The chicken a la Brasa, the scallops, the steaks, salads and others are all gluten free.

    View All 2 Questions

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    Parche - EMPANADITAS BRAVAS yuca masa, pulled pork & tamarind, housemade hogao

    Parche

    4.4(617 reviews)
    0.7 miUptown

    Such a cute spot. Excellent service. Great vibes. Amazing food. Came here on a Monday and there was…read morea wait. We ordered the Santa Marta Ceviche and Mojarra Frita. The flavors in the Santa Ceviche was layered and complex but blended so well together. The fried branzion in the Morjarra Frita was crispy but moist, but the star of the show was the arroz titoté, a rich, sweet-and-salty, coconut rice. Parking can be difficult, as it's in a busy area.

    Had really high expectations for this place based on the stellar reviews, but the execution fell…read moreshort. It's a 3-star experience at best--mostly decent food, but a frustratingly poor experience that means we won't be recommending. The Good: The Sauces & Service: The sauces here are beautifully executed, and our server was friendly and attentive. The vibe is a bit crowded but lively, don't fully stretch your hands, you might accidentally hit your neighbor... if you are tall enough! Santa Maria Ceviche: Hands down the best dish of the night. Fresh, perfectly marinated fish, and an excellent sauce. The Mid: Empanada: Decent flavor, but the pastry skin was a bit thick, leaving the innermost part undercooked and doughy-stretchy. Arepa: It was "interesting"--felt less like a traditional arepa and more like a deep-fried potato patty. The mushrooms on it were delicious, though. Fried Salmon Skin: A bit fishy, and you could tell the deep-frying oil wasn't as fresh as it should be. Drinks were ok, nothing special, but a bit pricey. The Absolute Worst (and why it's a generous 3 stars): The Grilled Sirloin was a massive disappointment and easily the worst dish of our entire trip. The quality of the cut was subpar--barely scraping the bottom of "Choice" grade, if not completely unrated. One entire end was so riddled with tough tendons it was literally impossible to cut through, and the rest was some what dry undersalted. It tasted "under-beefed," exactly like a steak that had been buried in the back of a freezer for months and lost all its essence. We politely mentioned the tendon issue to our server just so they could let the chef know. Somehow, this triggered a visit from the manager, who brought over three shots of "something sweet" to end the meal. Irony alert: the drink was packed with something like angostura bitters and wasn't sweet at all, lol. Instead of an actual apology, the manager condescendingly lectured us that sirloin is a tougher cut of meat. Duh. No one is comparing this to A5 Wagyu or a prime ribeye; it couldn't even compete with a basic supermarket sirloin! To rub (the missing) salt into the wound, he ichallenged our feedback by implicitly out that we ate most of it. I literally had to tell him that there were plenty of partially cut, inedible gristle pieces left right there on the plate for him to go verify himself if he cared so much. Great sauces can't save bad meat and defensive management. I cannot recommend.

    Photos
    Parche - Bar area

    Bar area

    Parche - Plantains

    Plantains

    Parche - Mocktails - Dark N' Spicy in the long glasses. Short glass were complimentary so I'm not sure but delicious!

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    Mocktails - Dark N' Spicy in the long glasses. Short glass were complimentary so I'm not sure but delicious!

    Popoca Oakland - Ceviche

    Popoca Oakland

    4.4(251 reviews)
    0.1 miOld Oakland
    $$$

    Restaurant that focuses on Salvadorian food and they use a wood fired hearth to do a lot of the…read morecooking. The space is vibrant and can get pretty packed (we came in on a Friday evening). The service is friendly and helpful and they also serve fun cocktails here. I was in the area and decided to grab dinner here with some family, which was great since the dishes are designed to be shared. We started with the guaca- mol and tamal. We then ordered each of the three pupusas they had on the menu, the pollo en chicha, and some broccoli asado. We ended the meal with a tres leches cake. Without going into too much detail with each dish, I would just say that we loved everything we ordered. Just the whole experience was a delight. The hospitality, the cultural aspect, and just the fun vibes.

    Located across from Swan's Market and in the shadow of the Marriott in downtown Oakland, Popoca…read moresits just around the corner from the beautiful Victorian Row in historic Old Oakland. The restaurant is stylishly designed with high ceilings and three distinct dining spaces. As you enter, the bar and a dining room are on the right--I especially loved the two window tables overlooking Washington Street. Another indoor dining room is on the left, and there is also a pleasant patio. On a Saturday evening, the restaurant was completely full. Service was prompt and friendly, though the kitchen was somewhat slow. We weren't in a hurry, so it wasn't a major issue. We ordered one appetizer, two pupusas, and one main course, which was plenty for two people. YUCA CON ANCHOA This dish features fried yuca topped with marinated anchovy, pepescas, tarragon cream cheese, and macerated onions. I love both anchovies and yuca fries, so this sounded like a delicacy. Unfortunately, all I could taste was salt, which overwhelmed the other flavors. PUPUSA DE LOROCO A traditional Salvadoran masa dough filled with melted cheese and chopped loroco buds--an edible flower bud often described as tasting somewhere between squash and asparagus. PUPUSA DE BACALAO Y AJO VERDE Filled with salt cod, green garlic, potato, and cheese, this pupusa had a mild and delicate flavor. Eating the pupusas plain allowed me to appreciate the mildly sweet, earthy corn flavor of the masa, with its pillowy-soft interior and lightly toasted, crispy exterior. The fillings--whether loroco or salt cod--were intentionally subtle and paired beautifully with the gooey cheese. The balance of flavors and textures was outstanding. I've eaten quite a few pupusas over the years, and these were the best I've had. They were served with curtido, the traditional crunchy, tangy, lightly fermented cabbage slaw. I usually enjoy curtido, but this version was extremely salty, making it difficult to eat. GALLO EN CHICHA A Salvadoran chicken dish glazed in a rich fermented pineapple sauce flavored with spices and dried chiles, somewhat reminiscent of molé. It was beautifully presented. Unfortunately, the chicken was undercooked, just as another reviewer had noted. The sauce was also quite heavy on salt. The cocktails were tasty, although they seemed light on alcohol. Normally, I can only manage a few sips of a cocktail, but these barely registered. Next time, I may try one of the Salvadoran non-alcoholic drinks instead. The ambiance was relaxed, lively, and fun. Service was warm and attentive, though the kitchen could use some improvement. I had been looking forward to dining at Popoca. I love this part of Oakland and hoped this would become one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants. Unfortunately, the kitchen didn't quite deliver on that expectation during this visit. Oakland and Berkeley are not short on Salvadoran eateries, but Popoca distinguishes itself as an upscale and beautifully designed dining destination. Now the food simply needs to rise to the same level. I'll give it another try and hope this experience was just a fluke.

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    Popoca Oakland - Crowd

    Crowd

    Popoca Oakland - Pupusas

    Pupusas

    Popoca Oakland - Cocktail

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    Cocktail

    Pupuseria Y Restaurante Platano - #4. Two Pupusas and Chicken Tamale Lunch Special

    Pupuseria Y Restaurante Platano

    4.0(1.1k reviews)
    4.8 miDowntown Berkeley
    $$

    I have eaten Platanos food several times and each time it has been a delivery order…read more Today's delivery was delicious. There were vegan options, cheese and loroco, bean-cheese and pork, chicken and cheese...I tried 3 different ones and they were all great. The order came with curtido and salsa. I will order from them again, the food was such a hit, per usual!

    22 Feb 2025. 3.7 stars. 12:56 pm…read more Hello! Make sure you check their hours. Some days they are only open from 11am to 3pm. On our first 20 mile drive to visit, they blocked us at the inside of the unlocked front door at 3:12pm. Street parking can be difficult but a short drive\walk distance about a block away is a $3 an hour parking garage. The place looks clean and not too busy. We sit and our waitress Yanira M was perfect. Very nice, patient and attentive. We three shared two carne asada dinners with rice and refried red beans, two coffees, a coke and three pupusas. $101.36 before tip. The menu was confusing to us. First, the use of the menu words "red refried beans" confused us as refried beans have never been red in our lifetimes and these were pretty standard brown pinto bean looking and tasting. Maybe less confusion if they were called refried red beans. Then, we thought dinners came with pupusas. No. They came with two each thick tortillas (same as half pupusas with no filling as I could tell.) I enjoyed these thick homemade tortillas. The steak was not bad but I wish it had been served with its sizzle in tact. Salsa and coleslaw came as condiments though they might have been introduced with different names by Yanira. The coleslaw was a nice touch-served in a small jar with serving tongs. The salsa was tasting a bit like the V8 vegetable juice that you had as a kid or teen if you are a boomer. This meal could have really used some homemade spice sauce to add some kick to it. The main negatives today were the high music level at the back where we sat. That, and a busser man dragging some screeching and protesting chairs across the floor - to set up for a large party I believe. Real ear busters. The best part of the meal was the piping hot pupusas and our coffee. I would go back for those.

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    Pupuseria Y Restaurante Platano
    Pupuseria Y Restaurante Platano - Avocado Salad

    Avocado Salad

    Pupuseria Y Restaurante Platano

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    Mägo - Umami Mart sake dinner: anticucho

    Mägo

    4.3(299 reviews)
    1.7 miPiedmont Ave, North Oakland
    $$$$

    We were blessed to try Mago - a top 100 SF Chronicle and Open Table restaurant - in Piedmont. It's…read morefine dining from a Colombian perspective - seriously, who has tried Colombian food?! - but it's gussied up to extra fancy. It is quintessential fine dining where each of their 8 courses are exquisitely prepared in front of you (there's a LARGE open kitchen which takes up most of the restaurant) and served to you over 2.5 hours. The flavors are AMAZING and so unique...Top 3 Standouts were the Duck with grilled ramps and papaya (seriously best duck I've ever had), the Kanpachi Crudo with habanero (I was scared of this but they totally tamped down the heat with carrots and pineapple and added sunflower seeds for crunch), and the flan which was impossibly THIK and smooth (best flan I've ever had hands down). Also really enjoyed the made-in-house guava sorbet and pavlova (which tasted like crispy honeycomb). Super relaxed atmosphere with friendly, unpretentious service. The only down side was that it WAS fine dining so each dish is extremely small and it does take a long time between courses. I had just worked out and I tend to eat very little before 5 pm, work out arduously and then backload my calories but this was a horrible idea as I ended up STARVING and feeling light-headed...Good thing my wife is always prepared and brings snack packs in her purse HAHA! Her edamame, pretzel sticks, and fruit roll ups came in handy! But I still had to go home and eat a big tuna sandwich and big bowl of tofu stew lol. $90 for their tasting menu Tues - Thurs, $125 for the same meal Fri - Sat. The InKind app had a special as well for $50 off so this was all in all a steal for fine dining.

    I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and overall we had a really nice dinner. The food was…read moredelicious, the staff was attentive, and they did a great job explaining each dish as it came out. The standout for me was the salmon. SO good. I also loved the panna cotta-style dessert at the end. As someone who doesn't drink, I really appreciated that they offer a non-alcoholic beverage pairing too. I feel like that's still pretty rare at tasting menu restaurants, and it made the experience more fun for me. That said, I left with a slight sour taste in my mouth because there were a few things that felt less transparent than they could have been. The first is the service charge. Their website says there's a mandatory 20% service charge, which I actually have no issue with and appreciate them being upfront about. However, when you get to the restaurant, the menu includes an additional sentence saying that the service charge is not a tip or gratuity and that anything additional will be shared by the service team. I couldn't help but wonder why that part isn't also included on the website. The second was the beverage pairing. The tasting menu clearly labels the supplemental course as an additional $18, but nowhere on the beverage pairing menu did it mention that one of the drinks is tied to that supplemental dish. I actually noticed that a drink was skipped and asked about it because it was the one I was most looking forward to trying. The staff member was super kind and ended up bringing it out for me anyway, which I really appreciated, but I do think the menu should make that clearer. Lastly, my NA pairing was listed as $55 on the menu but appeared as $60 on the check. The food and service were both great, but after saving up for a special birthday dinner, I wish the pricing and menu details had felt a little more straightforward. Transparency goes a long way, especially at this price point.

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    Mägo - Bar life

    Bar life

    Mägo - 3rd course, spicy and unexpected, the cocktail was very good! The stew was very unique and tasty

    3rd course, spicy and unexpected, the cocktail was very good! The stew was very unique and tasty

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    Umami Mart sake dinner: sake line up

    Bocanova - latin - Updated June 2026

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