Chef Smelly's

3.8 (766 reviews)

PriceyCajun/Creole, Seafood, Soul Food

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Updated 1 week ago

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Chef Smelly's - Half Dungeness Crab, Garlic Noodles and Blackened Prawns - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - The WAIT.....not staffed, I am 2nd of 7 waiting outside to place order - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Blackened prawns, over garlic noodles. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Chef Smelly's - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's Popular Dishes

$25.00

Blackened Prawns

38 Photos20 Reviews

$65.00

Whole Dungeness Crab, Prawns and Garlic Noodles

28 Photos16 Reviews

$20.00

Special Surf and Turf 1/2 Lb. Angus Beef and Prawn Burger

9 Photos16 Reviews

Chef Smelly's menu photos

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CHEF SMELLY'S ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

59 Photos

Outside

23 Photos

Casual

Trendy

Moderate noise

Good for groups

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Reviews With Photos

Rachel M.

Make a reservation if you're going on a weekend. The place fills up! Prepare to wait a while for food since everything is prepared fresh so make sure you bring good company. Vibe was cool- they had a DJ playing some old school R&B and hip hop. It was pretty warm Inside so wear layers. Loved the fresh flowers on the tables Food was SO flavorful, rich and delicious with huge portions! Everything is made to order. - baked oysters -blackened catfish, shrimp and garlic noodles - braised oxtails So good I ordered an extra garlic noodz to bring home. Prices aren't for penny pinchers so expect to splurge a bit but you'll have leftovers. Will definitely need a mint and a walk after. Thanks Chef Smelly!

Shrimp and crab salad. Huge potions. Would have liked more shrimp.

Lenore N.

Treatment. Lively service. Huge and I mean huge portions. Traditional Cajun cuisine with Bay Area touches. Beautiful crispness on everything fried. But it's one of those friendly places where the music is so loud that we couldn't hear each other across the table. I'd come back and try out a variety of things next time.

Waleska B.

First time eating here. As soon as you walk in, you get the family feel. From how you're greeted from when you first walk in, you know you're about to be in for a treat. We ordered to go, and although the wait is more than were used to, it was definitely worth it! The Ox tail meat fell off the bone, juicy and tender. The lobster fries, I can't stop thinking about them!! Good amount of lobster, garlicky and just delicious. Definitely going back!!

Lynnell C.

I'm a regular and always order through DoorDash from Chef Smelly's, and they never miss. Every time my food arrives, it's hot, fresh, and packaged well, which I really appreciate. This plate was everything! The braised oxtails were super tender, fall-off-the-bone good, and full of rich, deep flavor. They were served over seasoned rice that soaked up all that sauce perfectly. The mashed potatoes were smooth and creamy, topped with green onions and a little seasoning that gave them extra flavor. And the Brussels sprouts were cooked just right. They're slightly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned really well. What I love most is the consistency. No matter how many times I order, the quality is always there and the portions are generous. Chef Smelly's has definitely become one of my go-to spots, and I'll keep coming back for more! P.S. The other photos are from my previous review. I guess Yelp updated my new review but left the old photos up. Either way, fantastic food like always.

Ariana M.

The food was SO GOOD! My bf and I shared the blackened salmon with garlic noodles, and the mac and cheese. The salmon was cooked perfectly and tasted delicious. Everyone who helped us out was really kind and knew the menu well. The wait between ordering and being served was a bit long, but everything was worth the wait. I will be truthful and say that the first time we received the salmon dish, it was undercooked. We quietly and quickly brought this up to our server, and he brought out a new dish in no time. We really appreciated how this issue was handled and resolved, and we'll definitely come back again and recommend this spot to everyone.

Oxtail with Crack and Cheese and Candied Yams

Adrian L.

I found out about Chef Smelly's from a YouTube foodie Latryguy because the food looked great. I tried their special, the Oxtail...it comes over rice and you have the choice of two sides. I went with the "Crack and Cheese " and Candied Yams. The food took a while to arrive but it was worth the wait. You get three big pieces of fall off the bone full flavored oxtail in a delicious sauce. The crack and cheese and yams were also very tasty. The service was attentive and excellent. I could tell the owner paid a lot of attention to the interior design from the chandelier to the table setting with petite vase with flower and condiments like Crystal hot sauce. Parking can be difficult but I got lucky with meter parking on Broadway. I'll definitely be back:)

Tiffany M.

This review is a few weeks old but I will say I wish I had my 2 way right now. I need them perfectly fried shrimp, catfish, garlic green beans and Brussels sprouts. And those sprouts with a sweet and spicy balsamic balanced sauce...YES! REDO AND YES AGAIN Service always friendly comfy at the bar. Lots of characters in the dining room but the bar is just enough room qmd eye contact with tender.

Red snapper and shrimp combo with mac and cheese and garlic noodles.

Aaron T.

The food was decent. I ordered the shrimp and red snapper with mac and cheese and garlic noodles. I also ordered a side of yams, but I had to return them because they were too sweet for me. The waitstaff could have been a little friendlier. Overall, I still believe in supporting Black-owned businesses.

Dani G.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, we were initially seated by a window that was open. Because of the wind, our menus and tablecloth were constantly blowing around, which made it uncomfortable to sit there. After requesting a different spot, we were able to move tables for a more comfortable dining experience. Once we were seated and beginning to order, our waiter informed us that the restaurant does not accept card payments and only takes Zelle or cash. This information was surprising and would have been helpful to know before we sat down and started ordering. We first attempted to order drinks from the bar, but were told the bartender was not there and that the bar was not open at the time. Instead, we ordered Sprite and lemonade. For appetizers, we originally wanted the Oysters Rockefeller, but were told it was no longer on the menu. We then ordered the crab baked oysters and fried chicken as appetizers. The fried chicken arrived hot, well-seasoned, and flavorful. The baked oysters also came out hot, and while they were enjoyable, the portion felt small considering they were $25 for three oysters. For our main course, we ordered the seafood platter, which included three pieces of fish, two shrimp, and two oysters, along with two sides: mac & cheese and green beans. The mac & cheese had a flavor that reminded us more of a seafood-style mac rather than a traditional one. The green beans were more like crisp snap beans rather than the softer, slow-cooked style; however, they had a nice garlic flavor and were still tasty. When it was time to pay, we had to send the payment through Zelle and show the waiter a screenshot as proof of payment. Additionally, the tables were placed very close together, which made the space feel crowded, we could clearly hear our neighboring table humming along to the music. Overall, the food had some enjoyable elements, particularly the seasoning on the fried chicken and the flavor of the green beans. However, the payment limitations, unavailable menu items, bar closure, and seating setup affected the overall dining experience

Dartise J.

This is a must go if you're in Oakland! I've been here several times and I'm never disappointed. You get bang for your buck and it's blacked owned. The food is full of flavor and you will most likely be leaving with leftovers. The service is good and the place is a vibe, they usually have music playing in the back ground.

Eloise R.

Moment of transparency. It took me a long time post this. My husband loves going to Chef Smelly's. We have literally going here since before the pandemic when Chef Smelly was a pop up only open 1 to 2 days a week. So needless to say we are faithful customers. Honestly to see another black owned business grow and flourish in the Bay Area make my heart smile. But I have to give my honest opinion of this last experience on Father's Day 2024. As I said earlier my husband loves Chef Smelly's take on crab and garlic noodles so our go to is the couples platter. This happens to be our first time actually dining in as we normally get our food to go and enjoy eating in the comfort of our home. So I thought it would be something different for us to experience the dine in option. Sadly this dine in experience was extremely underwhelming. It took nearly 2 hours to get our food from the time that we sat down. We got to the restaurant early as we anticipated the crowd. We accepted the first seating option so we could get our order in ASAP. In the effort to keep this post from getting too long I do appreciate that Chef Smelly himself came out to apologize about the delay an

Phillip M.

Stopped by for some food after visiting the Oakland Zoo, we had a party of 8 and got lucky to get in quick. Staff were super friendly at the door. Tried the Loaded crab oysters and 3 piece chicken combo with Garlic noodles and Crack and cheese. The chicken was excellent, hot and crispy!!! Oysters were on point, perfect appetizer, garlic noodles were delicious! The vibes of this establishment are great, good staff and good music playing. I am definitely going to swing by again when visiting the Town

Debra C.

Looking for food on a Saturday night and came across Smelly's. Cute place on the corner but misleading sign on the outside of the building, says AU. Get inside and quickly seated without a reservation at 7:30 pm for 4 people. Waiter very nice and bartender approached us, notifying the bill will be separate checks. Decor is simple and plenty of seating to include sitting at the bar and window. Good smelling food is in the air, getting hungrier! We ordered Honey Hot lemon pepper chicken tenders and Brussel sprouts, amazing! Right amount of Balsamic vinaigrette, nice char and perfect seasoning. Hot lemon pepper chicken was drained as well and that hot sauce is tastefully good on anything I put it on, may want to ask for an extra portion. Meals were, 3 way catfish, oyster, prawns with the garlic green beans and crack and cheese, grits with cheese and salmon and wings with sides. Crack and cheese is ok, seems it wasn't as hot as the other food. Garlic string beans ate cooked to perfection, if you like a slight crunch! Catfish and shrimp most definitely were creole seasoned and the fried crust was just as tasty with another perfect crunch! Grits were disappointing as they weren't creamy, a bit lumpy and dry, however, salmon was very tasty. If time allows me to come back before my trip end, I will be back to give them another shot. Should have ordered crab and garlic noodles because when they came out for the table next to us, it looked and smelled really good. My only suggestions are to fix the signage (aside from the flip chart sign on the corner) and pls make those cheesy grits a lot more creamier!

Whole Dungeness Crab, Prawns and Garlic Noodles 10/10

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Leona F.

2 years ago

I was looking forward to trying this place because of all the amazing reviews but was left disheartened. I really try to support black owned businesses, but there is often this level of customer service that is nonexistent. The staff was incredibly unfriendly and hostile once they found out I was interested in ordering takeout. There was no sense of communication in terms of informing customers when order would be done, and it really just dampened the whole experience because instead of being treated like a paying patron, I was treated like a beggar. I was hoping the food would save my review, but it was incredibly greasy and not flavorful. I ordered the 3 seafood platter and was only given 2 seafood. The garlic bread was drenched in grease and unpleasant to eat. In my opinion, it was not worth the price, $147 read more

Chef Smelly's - Garlic bread - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Brianna T.

102

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1 year ago

We were in the mood for soul food, so we decided to try this spot. Even though it was packed, we got seated right away. The staff was friendly, but our waiter only came to our table once, and the wait for our food was really long. The portions are generous for the price, but the food itself was just okay. If I ever come back, I'd probably order takeout and try something different. read more

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P. C.

2 years ago

Recently came in to check this place out after trying the garlic noodles at outside lands, my brother and I were dreaming about it. I had to order the chili prawns over garlic noodles, best garlic noodles I've ever had. That squeeze of a lemon over it adds just the right amount of balance to the dish, I see and appreciate the vision. We also ordered the oxtail with collard greens and mac and cheese + sweet potatoes. Also pretty good... mac and cheese was not it for me, though, lacking a little flavor, salt? The restaurant vibe was basic, not super cute or anything... just know you're there for the food. Our server was super friendly and quirky, loved his attitude. It's low key expensive for what it is, but you have to at least try it. read more

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Nubian S.

2 years ago

Before it was crowded, I went here with a friend for Sunday brunch at 1 pm. The hostess, Tiffany, is the best hostess ever, with a super pretty smile and is ever so attentive. I loved her energy. I had the fried oysters and prawns as an appetizer; it was delicious. My friend had fried chicken, and he said it was perfect. My entree was the grilled salmon with a glaze sauce. It was good. The sides were garlicky green beans; I prefer my veggies al dente; the flavor was good, but the texture was too soft. The Mac & Cheese was ok; they should use a richer-tasting cheese for a more zesty taste. The yams were good. I like the place and will return to try more things on the variety menu. Go try it out for yourself. read more

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Angel G.

9 months ago

The food was so flavorful and plentiful.. My family and I forgot to take pics because it was so good.. the service was quick and accurate and we felt welcome.. we will definitely go back again and again until we try everything. read more

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Lynne J.

11 months ago

First time, ordered to go, oxtails, collards and Mac n cheese, all was delicious. Nice size portions. Service was good, and I would consider eating in, great music while waiting. read more

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Madison M.

9 months ago

service was amazing!! idk what his name was but he had braids, he was kind, friendly, very attentive always asked if we needed anything and was kind with our request! He made the experience great. there is music and it can get loud to where you cannot hear each other talk. I love oxtails but i don't expect to eat straight fat. there wasn't much meat on the oxtails and it tasted more like roast beef then jamaican oxtails with the proper seasonings. it was actually burnt on one side and i mean like char couldnt even swallow it. for $50 yes it was a huge plate but im jamaican and was pretty disappointed with the outcome. most the reviews i see are not people of color read more

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Will C.

Elite 26

178

247

3 years ago

Ok so let me just say for all the hype it was decent but nothing special ! Portion size was good and that's about it . All the fees add up , forced gratuity, admin fee , food fee WTF !!!! His prices are absolutely insane ,,, 2 crabs , 2lbs garlic noodles , 1lb shrimp was $200 and after all the add on fees and a drink $300 ‍... Now let's talk service ,,, interesting how rude and unfriendly they are ,,, I figured because it's a pop up and independently owned by the Chef good service would be mandatory .... So yea I will definitely not be returning, over priced , bad service and all the add in fees are a joke .. read more

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Jacqueline B.

10 months ago

Great customer service and you get a good portion of food for your buck, it's a great atmosphere

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Jesse I.

101

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3 years ago

The food was really good, their Mac & Cheese (Crack Cheese) lived up to its name, it's a must have in my book!! Had the Fried Prawns with Garlic Noodles, HUGE portion, had noodles to take home for that late night snack. The breading was on point, nice balance of spices. The noodles were garlicky, some of the best I've had. Staff was attentive & friendly, dining area clean. The bar is a separate business, so if you want something basic like soda, expect 2 separate bills and that would be my only complaint. They did have lemonade so for me this wasn't a huge deal this time. Chef Smelly is doing it right, worth the price for big fresh portions of flavor punching food!! read more

Chef Smelly's - Fried Prawns & Garlic Noodles - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Crack Cheese - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Lisa N.

Elite 26

1008

3295

5 years ago

First time trying Chef Smelly's at Outside Lands '21. There were so many people raving about this place so I was so excited to see them at OSL. Gotta check out the hype. Let me tell you... it's WORTH THE HYPE!! Amazing. Love at first bite. The smell of garlic noodles.. YUMM. Everything was buttery and so dang flavorful! Wow wow wow. By far the best garlic noodles I have ever had! (Better than Nguyen's Kitchen in Santa Ana) We got the "Trifecta" - garlic noodles with shrimp and crab meat. The other was with beef, chicken, and shrimp. I already want some more! Wish they can expand closer to me!! Highly recommend! read more

Chef Smelly's - Garlic noodles with beef, shrimp, and chicken - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Everything was so freaking delicious!! (Taken at Outsideland 2021) - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Shane B.

242

2 years ago

We had reservations and were seated immediately. Everyone was friendly. The garlic bread "appetizer" was ok, the bread was soft but all you taste is garlic. The ribeye steak, mash potatoes and crack n cheese.....the rib eye was really tough and didn't have much marbling or flavor. It was definitely giving "select" grading. The crack n cheese was pretty good and the mash potatoes were mash potatoes. The designer fries with the crab, steak meat and lobster was loaded with meat. The steak meat seemed to be chopped flank steak (my daughter and hubby didn't like the sauce on it). I had the blackened lamb chops, collard greens and crack n cheese. We all agreed the lamb chops were the best of all the dishes. Don't know if I would call them blackened but rather charred. They had a sweet sauce, I could taste sugar and soy sauce (?). The collard greens were good. Side of yams were alright. Not sure if I would call it "creole" food but it was flavorful. The music selection was good, just way too loud. They definitely have work to do on table setting and overall aesthetics. read more

Chef Smelly's - Fries with crab, steak meat and lobster. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Ribeye with crack n cheese and mashed potatoes - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Lamb with crack n cheese and collard greens. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Kentara W.

220

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2 years ago

Service was good had to wait 30 mins for my order. Then when I got my order the hostess forgot to had my lemonade. I ordered lobster macaroni it was good. And I also got an order or the sweet chili wings those were my fav. Food was still good the next day ended up it up in the oven. Overall the experience was nice now I know next time order my food and go walk to a neighboring business. read more

Chef Smelly's - Sweet chili wings - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Lobster Mac and Cheese - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Jeremy J.

11 months ago

Took 2 hours to get my food. They ran out of char broiled Oysters despite my order being in for 2 hours. No compensation for my oysters not being made. Food arrived and it was a nice portion but will not make up for the 2 hours it took to arrive read more

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Doris U.

323

403

2 years ago

Cute small place in downtown Oakland. The food flavorful . I had the prawn poyboy, friends had the Mac and cheese and garlic noodles. Had a taste of them and they were good! read more

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Lynn T.

Elite 25

153

202

4 years ago

The menu initially looked overwhelming but there's lots of different combos of meats/carbs to choose from. The crab creole style and sweet chili prawns were my favorite and I would come back for it in a heartbeat! The mac n cheese & garlic noodles were very tasty and buttery. The creole loaded lobster and dungeness crab fries had this gravy that was so addicting. It's really big and is a nice appetizer for a group. They have a bar in here if you want to drink. I liked their pink lemonade it was a nice balance of sweet and tart. For a casual meal it can be a bit pricey. The 1/2 crab, shrimp, garlic noodle combo was $75 before tax and tip. If you tack on appetizers and drinks it's very easy to drop a bill here. I will say you will leave full, satisfied, and probably with a to go box. I saw someone in a mask on the main st by this place looking into cars ready to smash. It's prob a bit safer to park on a side st. read more

Chef Smelly's - 1/2 Half Dungeness Crab, Garlic Noodles - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Creole Crispy Sweet Chili Prawns - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Creole Loaded Lobster Dungeness Crab Fries - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Nikole G.

Elite 26

114

472

1137

5 years ago

Stopped here on my way to SFO for a good lunch and drinks with the siblings. After a rather sad family issue, we needed some good food and cheer. Smelly's it was! My brother said the garlic noodles were delicious- he didn't lie. I wanted some good ol' fried oysters- bomb! We all shared Cajun fries- hmmm ok. I took a red snapper po'boy on the plane. When going thru tsa, the guard told me he was going to confiscate my sandwich because it smelled so good. I almost said "bomb..right??" But I didn't want any trouble. Drinks- potent- just how I like them!! Downside, I got a Bloody Mary and it was in a double old fashioned glass.- too small. But alas, it didn't kill my vibe. Bottom line- food was great, staff was attentive and nice. I'll definitely be back when I come back home!! read more

Chef Smelly's - Menu - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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James Y.

Elite 26

166

104

3 years ago

Guys.... these are hands down the best garlic noodles I've ever had in my LIFE. And it's $8 for a HUGE portion. The garlic noodles are SUPER garlicky (is that even a word?). Like... I wouldn't be surprised if the patron saint of garlic lived underneath this spot. Can't really speak about the other items on the menu because dungeness crab is so cheap at my local seafood market right now ($5/lb!), so I only got the garlic noodles here to supplement my home-steamed crab, and man, the noodles stole the show. read more

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Mk K.

11 months ago

I preordered 2 plates $75 on DoorDash Wednesday...20 minutes before it was supposed to be delivered...The order was canceled saying the store was closed! Why have the times and dates to pre-order on DoorDash if you can't deliver? read more

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Alesia Q.

1 year ago

The crab was good, crack cheese (ok)oxtails good, and the not seasoned well. Service was great though, the waiter was very polite and accommodating. read more

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Quanta B.

1 year ago

Me and my husband went there. They told us 30 minutes. We were there for 2 hours waiting for our food. Then when we finally got our food and went home. We realized that we didn't get our sides. We also ordered fish and pawn and only got fish. It was just a really bad experience. read more

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Debra H.

2 years ago

Very good food Would eat there again, Service was good, a very diverse setting Which is good, so if anyone wants good Food I recommend here Leave home early so you can get some good parking read more

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Tadaiza T.

1 year ago

The food was so tasty. The service was great. Food takes a little time to come out. But, it's worth the wait. You can tell he it's made fresh and it's nice and hot. What was really nice to see. Was how nicely they treated a man that was blind. They was very accommodating to him. It was a beautiful thing to witness. The drinks nice and strong. Would highly recommend!!! read more

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Krystalle M.

2 years ago

1st timers and would definitely come back! Delicious food!! Good service and very attractive,friendly, and attentive staff as well. Chill vibes perfect for a Sunday. read more

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Che B.

2 years ago

I'm so upset that I won't be returning. I purchased my food and gave the young man the change for a tip ($25 tip to be exact). I had other bags with me and placed them on the floor of my NEW car. I placed my food (alone) on the passenger seat. I get home after a short drive and the bag is visibly wet. I'm now sitting on my arm rest, with my foot on a dish towel (more compression and weight than my hand is capable of) trying to absorb the liquid from a Surf & Turf meal! The smell and the fact that the passenger seat is drenched and soaked means I'll most surely have to get my upholstery cleaned now. Thank you Chef Smelly's for your service and the steak seasoning smell emanating from my passenger seat in my NEW! Car! I will excuse the young man because in reality, he was taking orders, waiting tables and being the cashier, alone for the most part, which would explain why he was moving too quickly to make sure the container was closed properly. Doesn't make me want to use his "tip" in addition to whatever it costs to get my seat cleaned and deodorized, any less. The fact that I drive a truck means it will cost more but I definitely don't want to smell this in the summer heat or the winter with the heat on, in my car. If you saw how many air fresheners I had in my car? You'd think I'm obsessed with being surrounded by pleasant smells... because I am! PS... apparently there's a place across from them that serves the same style of food with "better ambience" so maybe I'll be eating there in future. PSS... you should probably invest in better "to go" containers. read more

Chef Smelly's - I'm sure that this meal isn't supposed to be liquid free, since the liquid is in my passenger seat, in my NEW car! - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Qiana T.

1 year ago

Pescatarian here,Everything is literally A1!! I love the fried prawns,they're huge and fried to perfection! Also the garlic noodles and the crack(Mac) n cheese is goodt!! All sides are honestly good! Love the bar inside the establishment and smelly provides a great ambiance!A lil pricey but it's worth it! read more

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Veronica M.

1 year ago

We ordered the honey chili prawns over garlic noodles, oxtails, chicken tenders, with a side of Mac & collard greens. Every bite was delicious! The portions were perfect & the price was right. We were greeted with excellent service from the moment we walked through the door. If you haven't already tried Chef Smelly's & appreciate good service & good food? Put this one on your list. It is a small venue, so I also suggest making a reservation to avoid waiting to be seated. read more

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Gloria B.

1 year ago

The food was good. I really don't care for a lot of different seasonings. The service was great. If you like Creole food, I recommend Shelley's read more

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Darryl M.

1 year ago

Service is horrible had to wait 1hr for my order that was for pick up. When I got to the restaurant to pick up my order, I waited an additional 15 minutes just to be acknowledged at the door as well as a patron that was there to actually eat. I had to go inside again to find out how much longer it would be before I got my order. The food is great but it's not worth the weight and inconvenience when there's so many other establishments they serve the same type of food that's just as good read more

Business owner information

Edward W.

This is a complete lie. As we do not take phone orders

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Jerry B.

1 year ago

Yo omg I finally found the time to rate this place yo! You guys are amazing oxtails Mac n cheese string beans rice I love this place best oxtails in CALI. Everything about this place is awesome and OMG just thanks for sharing your skills Chef Smelly's. I Will be coming back to this place. Ambience was beautiful and welcoming service was 1000% the bread everything from this place is good. read more

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Ryan J.

11 months ago

Let me just start by letting everyone know that I'm a foodie but I'm a little picky. This was the BEST!! experience i have had in a while. Service was exceptional, music atmosphere was also great! Now, the food??!! Amazing. My new second favorite type of food. Make reservations and try the awesome drinks. We will be back. read more

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Kayla B.

2 years ago

This makes my 4th visit, every visit I have said I'm never coming back but I always did in hopes the service got better...WRONG. This is my final visit. We were told it was a 20 minute wait and that somehow miraculously increased to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Unfortunately the food is also ALWAYS extremely oily to the point you're considering whether you should really be eating it. I wish my visits got better each time but over the course of 3/4 years my review remains the same. read more

Business owner information

Edward W.

Thank you for your feedback and support. I hate to hear you had a bad…

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Iohla T.

2 years ago

The food was amazing! There was so much food to choose from., so we order a little of everything!! Steak, Garlic noodles, mac & cheese add crack..delicious! The collard greens were sweet....boo, did not like those. Service was amazing and polite. Be prepared to wait...it worth every minute!! I'll be back!!! read more

Chef Smelly's - Steak & garlic noodles - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Crack mac & cheese - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Cajun Shrimp - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Red snapper and collard greens - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Nanz B.

1 year ago

This place has gone down hill... the lady at the front has terrible customer service. Very unwelcoming. I requested medium steak but was told I couldn't have that because it was already pre made?? Yeah, Nevermind. Then, I received the wrong order but they gave me my correct sides after I brought to their attention. Now let's get into the food... the seasoning poured all over my food and the plate. Unbelievable, not to mention they use the same seasoning on everything. Yams taste like they were taken out of a can, boiled then cooked with little pinches of sugar. Looks good to the eye on social media but looks are deceiving. If you want better tips have better service. Not people at work with attitudes. read more

Business owner information

Edward W.

Good morning. Thanks for your feedback and support. When did you have…

Helpful 2

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Minh L.

2 years ago

Is it expensive? Yes Arguably overpriced? Yes ...but was it delicious? Absolutely!! Very very worth trying. So much flavor. So good. Fantastic service as well. read more

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Aja N.

166

2 years ago

I've been wanting to try this place for years and always wanted to try the grilled oysters. Sadly, I was disappointed in the food. I ordered on Uber eats. I got 3 oysters for $25 I think, and for that price. The quality was terrible. I ordered grilled oysters topped with lobster, but received crab instead. When I took a bite I literally couldn't taste the oyster so after removing the toppings, I found out the size of the oyster was like the size of a coin. Big shell with barely anything in it. Definitely don't recommend. Also, the fish and chicken lacked seasoning. No flavor. I had to add my own. I recommend the turkey greens and Brussel sprouts. That was the only thing I actually liked. read more

Chef Smelly's - Grilled oysters - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Carolus B.

Elite 25

140

108

2 years ago

Yet again, I'm exposed to a well known secret in Oakland. Smells is an institution I stumbled upon while on a staycation. It's tricky location but worth the trouble. The food was ordered to go since there were no reservations available but well worth the wait. Garlicy noodles were fluffy and flavorful, and although I got the trio, I coulda uses a little more catfish for the price. read more

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Samantha B.

2 years ago

The food looks amazing the only problem is they did not let my service dog in which legally they are not allowed to do!

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Cali M.

2 years ago

What can I say? This place is amazing! The food has been some of the best that I've had in a very long time! The red snapper and mac and cheese is my fav! read more

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Selina S.

Elite 26

210

528

4 years ago

I have been wanting to try Chef Smelly's for months as I've received several recommendations from friends and family. I finally made the time last week to go and invited a few friends along with me. We got a few items to try as a group including the garlic noodles with shrimp, the fried chicken meal, the catfish meal, and a side of corn. The food was AMAZING!! It was super tasty, fresh, hot, and had unique flavors. I really enjoyed the sides of Mac n cheese and green beans as well, can't go wrong with either of those options. We also ordered some drinks, I got a Moscow mule (classic) and my friend got a glass of red wine. The full service bar came straight to us and served on us as we ate. Overall I had an amazing experience and can't wait to come back. read more

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Page 5 of 20

2430 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612
Directions

Full menu

Hours

What time does Chef Smelly's open?

Chef Smelly's is open 24 hours on Monday.

What time does Chef Smelly's close?

Chef Smelly's is open 24 hours on Monday.Chef Smelly's is closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon Open 24 hoursTue-Sun Closed

Payment methods

Does Chef Smelly's take credit cards?

Yes, Chef Smelly's takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Chef Smelly's have catering options?

Yes, Chef Smelly's does have catering options.

Does Chef Smelly's have a happy hour?

No, Chef Smelly's does not have a happy hour.

Does Chef Smelly's serve alcohol?

Yes, Chef Smelly's serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Chef Smelly's allow dogs?

No, Chef Smelly's does not allow dogs.

Does Chef Smelly's have TVs?

Yes, Chef Smelly's has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Chef Smelly's have bike parking?

Yes, Chef Smelly's has bike parking.

Does Chef Smelly's have outdoor seating?

No, Chef Smelly's does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Chef Smelly's have parking?

Yes, Chef Smelly's has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Chef Smelly's wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Chef Smelly's is wheelchair accessible.

Does Chef Smelly's have free WiFi?

No, Chef Smelly's does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Ask the Community - Chef Smelly's

Is there a contact number?

5108122675

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Any way I can call in and pre-order? Them lines are crazy! LOL (but so worth it). Thanks!

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

Are you dine in yet ? If so do you have any gift cards or gift certificates? How can you purchase a gift card ? On line or have to be in person?

We’ve always offered dine in. And yes

View question details

Do you take reservations ? Is it cash only?

they take card, and from my impression, they don't take reservations, as we had to physically line up at the restaurant in-person to order.

View 1 more answer

Hello Do you accept reservations?

They say they do but I had to wait an hour to be seated.

View question details

When will you be doing sit down dining? I love too far for takeout and I would not enjoy eating my food in my car or around the corner.

Thanks for inquiring. We probably will start in Two weeks

View 1 more answer

Have anyone had the Gumbo yet? How was it?

No I haven't had any of the food

View question details

View All 13 Questions

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Ace Seafood

4.3

(77 reviews)

1.6 mi

Fantastic food, great service and wonderful back patio. Their oysters are fresh and sourced well…read more ClearLovely restaurant.

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.

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Amazing food definitely try out the grilled oysters!! The staff were super nice and helpful. The…read morescenery was also amazing by far the best place I've been to in San Francisco

Came here on a weekend around 2-3pm. There was a bit of a line about 10 people. It took about 30…read moreminutes to get seated outside (longer wait for inside seating). We got a bar mix of 12 oysters, 4 grilled oysters, a seafood stew and a clam chowder. The oysters were fantastic. I dont usually like oysters, but I these ones really convinced me to have a more open mind towards oysters in the future. The favorite for everyone were the kumamoto oysters. It was also nice being able to try a variety since there was 3 of us -- we all got to try one of each 4. The grilled oysters were good as well. The flavor was quite nice and the oysters were huge and warm. The seafood stew was great. I would've eaten more if we didn't get the clam chowder, but as a big lover of clam chowder, that was the one that went first. Overall a great experience that is a must try at least once. If you are an oyster fan I don't have a single reason why you would not come here.

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Amber was my server, and she was delightful! Funny, pleasant, and took care of all my needs…read morepromptly. I had the salmon corn chowder and a salmon nicoise salad, and they were both delicious. And you gotta love their oldies playlist!

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4.3

(158 reviews)

1.0 mi

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'm extremely disappointed by how our group was treated, particularly by the manager, Devin. Our…read moreexperience left us feeling that we were being singled out and discriminated against because we are Asian. We were a party of four celebrating a birthday. Between the four of us, we ordered two double shots of vodka. We were not loud, disruptive, disrespectful, or acting intoxicated. Despite that, Devin decided to cut our entire table off from ordering any additional alcohol. What made the situation especially upsetting was watching other tables with approximately the same number of people order multiple bottles of wine without an issue. When we politely asked Devin why we were being cut off, the explanation we were given was essentially that it was because we had ordered double shots. That explanation made no sense to us considering our behavior and the amount of alcohol being served to other tables. We fully understand and respect a restaurant's responsibility to stop serving someone who appears intoxicated or is behaving inappropriately. That was not what was happening at our table. We were simply four Asian customers celebrating a birthday and enjoying dinner. Being treated differently from the other patrons around us was embarrassing, uncomfortable, and completely ruined what was supposed to be a special celebration. Whether discrimination was the intention or not, that is absolutely how the unequal treatment made us feel. Management should seriously examine how decisions like this are being made and whether all customers are being treated by the same standard. Unfortunately, based on our experience, I cannot recommend this establishment

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Sipsmith Gin & Club Soda ($14)

Huangcheng Noodle House

Great food Great service…read more Great ambiance 10/10 recommended This a a great place to enjoy with friends and family!

The food was amazing and the staff was very kind! It was all very flavorful and delicious! Highly…read morerecommend!

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Tomato noodles with egg. The best.

Lucuma Kitchen and Bar

4.6

(289 reviews)

0.6 mi

Locally owned & operated

Wheelchair accessible

It looks very nice inside, and you expect the food to be great. Well, Lucuma doesn't disappoint!…read more The food is delicious; everything from the appetizers, to the entrees, to the desserts. The drinks are equally as good. Of course, the meal is made more enjoyable because of the excellent service. I highly recommend Lucuma! I've been here more than once with friends, and next time I'm bringing my family!

We ordered: 1. Chirulín- Peruvian cocktail. Main flavors…read moreare grapefruit and cinammon- sounds bad but was oh so good! Features Pisco Quebranta- a single varietal brandy from the Ica Valley in Peru. Pre-dates the more well known Pisco Sour by centuries. Highly recommend. 2. Causa acevichada- imagine a yellowtail sushi roll and cover it in potato salad. Delicious, but strange- feels like a dish heavily inspired by the huge influx of Japanese immigrants to Peru in the early 1900s. Watch out- those pretty red peppers bite! 3. Pulpo al olivo- the delicate cream sauce, avocado and herbs were heavenly! 4. Ensalada César: good but pales in comparison to the other dishes- basic. 5. Tequeñitos: just ordered for the kiddo, ok but would not recommend. The neat part was the passionfruit sauce that came with. We used it on the next dish... 6. Empanadas: we ordered the sampler and I only tasted the mushroom which was delicious- but I probably wouldn't order again because I inly have so much room in my belly and I want to fill it with seafood! 7. Coliflor: the least impressive dish- I wouldn't recommend- just ok- needed more flavor. 8. Conchitas a la parmesana- echoes of oysters Rockefeller- fabulous- very rich and meaty- served on the half shell-4 to a plate. if I could do this meal over, I would skip the cauliflower, Cesar salad, and empanadas and order 2 more of these, another octopus and more Chirulín ! So good! Go early and street parking will he easy.

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Shan Dong

This place can do no wrong in my eyes--or stomach. I've been coming here since 2018, and the…read morequality hasn't skipped a beat. I usually come with my family, and we order damn near everything on the menu. The aunties serving dishes actually laugh when they see how much food they're dropping off at the table. My favorites are the chili oil wontons, hot and dry noodles, bok choy, and General Tso's chicken. The wontons have just the right amount of heat, the noodles are thicccc and chewy, and every dish somehow manages to disappear before we can even think about leftovers. Honestly, you can't go wrong with anything you order. One of my favorite parts is watching them make the noodles by hand. Half the restaurant is dedicated to the noodle-making station, while the other half is for seating. It's not a huge dining room, but they do offer the Yelp Waitlist, so you can check the live wait before heading over. The vibe is very, get your food and head out so they can keep up with table space for incoming guests. Always a hit, never a miss.

Very tasty!! Everything was delicious - definitely recommend the Shan Dong chicken and the Sesame…read morepaste noodles. Highly recommend upgrading to the hand made noodle The staff are all friendly and the food comes out very quickly. Portion sizes are also very generous. Restaurant is on the smaller side so there was a wait for a party of 4.

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Dinning area

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Olivia Coffee & Flower

Really loved this spot and this was my first time visiting. Friendly staff. Good bean options and…read morenice selection of outdoor seating in the sun (and a bit offset from the street) My banana latte was delicious. I appreciated the scorched banana topping for extra caramelization. I sipped the espresso before I mixed it and thought it was great. Not too sweet with the flavor still coming through. My only complaint it that a drink is $10 lol Hoping to come back and try their matcha!

Cute coffee shop. I've been a few times and it's been pretty busy each time. It's been about a 15…read moremin wait to order each time I've been. I've ordered the following... Sesame bagel (5/5) - Boichik bagels are always great Chocolate imperial (4/5) - pretty good Chocolate chip cookie (2/5) - the texture/chew of the cookie was great but I did not like the flavor...at all Pistachio latte (4/5) - pretty good latte although I'd prob get less sweetness to taste more of the espresso Vanilla cream latte (3/5) - the taste may have just been off due to a faulty lid causing my cup to crack and I lost half of the drink....Very unfortunate since they're pricey. I didnt taste much espresso so it was basically sweet milk. Overall it was a cute cafe but for the cost of everything, I felt slightly underwhelmed. If I'm in the area, I'll try something different because it seems like a good spot...maybe I just need to try something different.

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Not really a spot to do work or read a book

Pistachio croissant

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Matcha coconut cloud

Mensho

A ramen experience unlike any other. The creativity of the flavors and toppings. I've never had…read moreramen like this anywhere else. Quality ingredients too. They also have hand rolls! Just go.

My go to order is their signature ramen, chicken karaage, and their special hand rolls…read more Review long overdue but honestly it is the best Ramen spot here in the east bay. I've been to the SF location a long time ago and have been waiting for them to open up on piedmont ave. Signature Ramen 5/5 Broth is very rich and flavorful. The Chashu is super tender. Noodles are made fresh and chewy. Everything about this bowl is perfect. Fried enoki on top gives an extra umami. This is best for first time goers. Chicken Karaage 5/5 Crunchy and crispy Japanese fried chicken. Meat is super tender and juicy. Sauce drizzled on top for a flavor bomb Hand Rolls 4/5 It's simple and delicious. Hokkaido Scallop 5/5 This was an absolute banger. Super tender scallops. Service 5/5 Staff are very friendly and checks in regularly. Ambience 3.8/5 Beware it's a very small space to dine and can feel cramped and loud when it gets very crowded. But despite that, it's so worth getting a bowl of ramen. I highly recommend this spot to all foodies and ramen lovers. I usually go solo so there's always seating available for myself even when it's extremely busy.

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Waiting area

Spicy garlic karaage fried chicken

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Hokkaido Uni Mini Rice Bowl

RnR Sushi & Bowls

We grabbed a bite here on a Friday evening before catching a movie across the street at the…read moretheatre. The serve was good and the restaurant seemed busy with all hands on deck. I enjoyed watching the staff hustle to deliver a satisfactory experience meanwhile enjoying the space with my fellow patrons. We had a poke bowl and a roll

R&R Sushi and Bowls is hands down my favorite sushi spot in the Bay Area! The fish is always…read moreincredibly fresh, the portions are super generous, and every meal we've had here has been consistently amazing. Our favorite rolls are the Dragon Roll, Alameda Roll, and Warriors Roll, but honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. If you're not in the mood for sushi, do yourself a favor and order the teriyaki chicken bowl, it's my favorite teriyaki chicken anywhere. I order it regularly, and it's always cooked perfectly. And I have to give a special shoutout to the house salad. It might sound silly to rave about a salad at a sushi restaurant, but the salad and the dressing are absolutely addictive. I don't know what they put in that dressing, but it's seriously that good. The outdoor patio in the back is another reason we love coming here, especially when we want to bring our dogs along. Great food, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere keep us coming back time and time again. If you're looking for incredible sushi in the Bay Area, R&R Sushi and Bowls should absolutely be on your list.

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Interior seating

Poke HAWAIIAN POKI SALAD

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Raider roll

Gum Kuo Restaurant

Used to really enjoy this spot but hadn't been in years so recently gave it another try and I'm so…read moreglad I did! When we first walked in, no other diners were there which made me a little suspicious. We were promptly seated and offered hot tea though so we were locked in. I initially ordered to seafood claypot but was told it takes 45 minutes...so pivoted to chicken wonton soup (no noodles). My partner got kung pao chicken. while we waited for our food, a handful of people came in to pick up their to go orders, which made me feel better. Another party eventually dined in as well. Fyi the interior isn't much to write home about but comfortable. Then the food came. My soup was freaking delicious! Loads of chicken meat (just chopped up with the bones so be careful for shards), plenty of dumplings, and the broth was sooo good! I couldn't finish and took some left overs home; the next day, my soup coagulated (full of collagen)!! Partner enjoyed their kung Pao chicken but said they'd order something else next time. Best part - our meals + tax came out to less than $40! Gawd I love Chinatown!

Gum Kuo Restaurant, Oakland's Chinatown…read more Service was fast and great. The pork & preserved duck eggs porridge (jook), shrimp rice rolls, and fried Chinese donuts are my go-to's. Everything came out fresh and hot, very delicious. I used to come here when I worked in the area, so it's very nostalgic. I highly recommend this place and would come back again!

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Inside full crowd

Beef Chow Fun

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Rice Noodle Wrap with Chinese Doughnut

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31 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Michael M.

107

3 years ago

WE LOVE CHEF SMELL'YS!!! Chef Smelly's is an absolute gem! Their Cajun, Creole, seafood, and soul food offerings are a culinary journey that keeps us coming back for more. Let me tell you, everything on their menu is downright delicious. We owe our discovery of Chef Smelly's to their daughter, Elegance, who found our business on Instagram. It's heartwarming to see the sense of community they foster. We're not just customers; we're like an extended family. They've been loyal patrons of our business, and we've become loyal patrons of theirs, regularly enjoying their delectable dishes. One of the standout features of Chef Smelly's is their reasonable prices. They understand that top-quality seafood and ingredients come at a cost, but they never compromise on that. Every bite is a testament to the finest ingredients and culinary mastery. Chef Smelly's food is in a league of its own. Unique and packed with flavors, it's a taste you won't find anywhere else. Every dish is a mouthwatering delight, making it impossible to single out just one favorite. Beyond the food, it's their incredible people who make Chef Smelly's special. They're not just running a business; they're building a community by supporting local small businesses. It's a testament to their character and the love they pour into every dish. Support this remarkable family business - you won't be disappointed. Chef Smelly's is a taste adventure you won't want to miss! read more

Sandra D.

2 years ago

If you're searching for a culinary experience that truly captures the essence of Creole seafood and soul food, look no further than Smelly's Authentic Creole Seafood! From the moment I stepped in, the vibrant atmosphere and the tantalizing aromas set the stage for an unforgettable meal. I indulged in their garlic noodles, and let me tell you, they were a revelation! Perfectly cooked, the noodles were infused with just the right amount of garlic, creating a delightful base for the meal. The whole Dungeness crab was nothing short of spectacular--succulent meat bursting with flavor. The garlic green beans provided a fresh, crisp contrast, while the fried jumbo prawns were a delightful crunch that left me wanting more. And who could resist the garlic bread? It was the perfect accompaniment, delivering that buttery, garlicky goodness we all crave. As for the mac n' cheese, it was creamy, cheesy perfection that added a comforting touch to the meal. The fried red snapper was the star of the show--crispy on the outside, flaky and moist on the inside, seasoned to perfection. Overall, Smelly's is a gem that combines authentic flavors with warmth and hospitality. Whether you're a seafood lover or simply looking to enjoy some soul food, this place is a must-visit. I can't wait to return and explore more of their incredible menu! read more

Trenice I.

4 years ago

Chef smellys Oakland and his establishment huh. Look at this under cooked chicken. On top of that I ordered shrimp and chicken. I asked what kind of sauce they had because the shrimp was bland as hell. I was told tarter and sweet chili sauce. I asked for sweet chili sauce. I paid the $38 for this meal, got the news about my daddy while there. Tears began to fall, the young lady behind the bar asked me if she could come around and hug me I said "yes" Her compassion during that moment meant the world to me. I blessed her in that moment with a monetary gift upon leaving as I had ordered An alcoholic beverage and cash out with her before leaving. IM outside walking to my car and some Lightskin mother fucka come walking up behind me fast implying that I didn't pay the $5 for sweet chili sauce, he walks me back into the restaurant. I'm still crying and now even embarrassed because folks looking at me like I ran off without paying. No one ever told me to pay $5 for sweet chili sauce because I would have refused. To get home and see this shit undercooked, under seasoned I'm pissed and will never return to that mofo restaurant. I heard it was overrated but wanted to support because he's black owned. Fuck that! Im livid read more

Vanika L.

Elite 25

1217

1 year ago

Hidden Gem Turned Destination, Chef Smelly Does Not Disappoint! After hearing the buzz from the legendary pop-ups, we had to check out the official Chef Smelly location in Oakland and let me tell you, it lives up to the hype! From the moment we walked in, the service was top-tier welcoming, fast, and friendly. The vibe is definitely cozy (yes, it's a small space), but the layout is smart and doesn't feel cramped. They've done a great job maximizing the space without sacrificing comfort. Now let's talk food flavor on flavor! Every bite was seasoned to perfection, and the portion sizes were generous without being over the top. You get what you pay for and then some. The pricing is reasonable, especially considering the quality and the portions definitely in line with other Bay Area seafood spots. Parking was the only hiccup it's available but limited, so plan ahead if you're coming during peak hours. But trust me, it's worth the effort. Whether you're a local looking for a consistent hit or a visitor wanting to taste a piece of Oakland food culture, Chef Smelly is a must-try. Don't sleep on it! Pro Tip: Come hungry and bring a friend so you can sample more menu items. You'll want to try everything! read more

Ebony M.

194

3 years ago

Chef Smelly is a culinary sensation that Oakland is lucky to have! From the first bite to the last, every dish is a masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves you craving more. The flavors in each dish are an absolute symphony. The care and attention to detail that Chef Smelly pours into every creation are evident in every mouthful. The fusion of ingredients and the innovative recipes bring a whole new level of excitement to the dining experience. The atmosphere in the restaurant is vibrant and inviting, reflecting the passion that Chef Smelly has for his craft. The staff's friendliness and attentiveness add to the overall wonderful dining experience. As someone who appreciates exceptional food, I can confidently say that Chef Smelly is a culinary genius. If you're in Oakland and looking for a dining experience that will elevate your taste buds to new heights, Chef Smelly is an absolute must-visit. Your palate will thank you! I hope this review captures the amazing culinary experience you had at Chef Smelly's restaurant in Oakland! read more

Crimson ..

Elite 24

3 years ago

I had the pleasure of indulging in the delectable Creole Loaded Lobster Dungeness Crab Fries, and I must say, they were an absolute delight. The succulent crab meat was impeccably fresh, perfectly seasoned, and brought out the best flavors of the dish. As for the fries, they were intentionally prepared to be wonderfully soft and soggy, which personally suits my taste when they're loaded with such rich toppings. The overall experience was truly satisfying, and I would rate this dish an impressive 8 out of 10. However, I believe a slight improvement could be made to elevate the dish to perfection. Perhaps a more distinctive creole seasoning or a creative twist on the presentation could take this already fantastic dish to new heights. Nonetheless, it remains a memorable culinary experience that will have me returning for more. read more

Sophie P.

3 years ago

I had heard of this place before I moved from California several years ago and this was my first time. Very hospitable and welcoming! We had a short wait for a table (less than an hour) and the host immediately let the two ladies behind us sit, but despite the interruptions, it was rectified very quickly. The staff really care about your experience. The food is definitely expensive but the portions are generous. I had lobster tails and prawns over garlic noodles and had enough to take home afterwards. The bar works separately if you want to drink so expect two separate checks, but the bartender was very attentive and friendly and did what needed to be done, respectfully. If you're visiting the Bay Area, do yourself a favor and visit this place! read more

Jabari C.

1 year ago

I had such a great experience at Chef Smelly's thanks to Hakeem! From the moment we walked in, he was polite and welcoming. He took our order quickly, answered all of our questions, and even gave us great recommendations from the menu. He went above and beyond with our drinks, making sure we were completely taken care of. What really stood out was when he personally brought my to-go order outside to my car--talk about next-level service! Hakeem is definitely a great hire and an asset to Chef Smelly's. He deserves a raise for the way he treats customers. If you come here, ask for Hakeem--you won't be disappointed! read more

William R.

1 year ago

I order a whole crab on DoorDash last Friday for pick up and it said 45 minutes. I get there in roughly a hour and the foods not ready. "Our system was down it'll be about 45 more minutes". Ok I understand. Return home and drive back in 45 minutes. We're sorry but we're backed up it's still not ready. Well how much longer?? "It'll be another 45 minutes". At that point I told the hostess this is ridiculous and to cancel my order. I also let them know I would be letting the yelp community know about this experience. read more

A I.

3 years ago

The ambiance and service was great. The food however, not so much. Whatever seasoning they use on the fried chicken, bone in and strips leaves a weird aftertaste. Garlic noodles, crab, mashed potatoes, crack&cheese, green beans (old ones were mixed with new ones) and fish were mediocre. The steak was good though. A no go for future visits. read more

Edward W.

956

11 years ago

If you're looking for authentic Creole and soulfood, then look no further! Smellys caters for all occasions. From a intimate for two, or a corporate event for 500, Smellys will get the job done. The team at Smellys works exclusively with the client and creates custom menus based on clients budgets, wants and needs. read more

Tiffany W.

10 years ago

People need to understand this a Pop up restaurant that open only on Friday. I don't mind waiting in line for good food. Crab so good, noodles so good Vibe great, people awesome. The chef & his crew work they butt off. Last week it was over 100 people in line when we arrived. Thanks Chef for the Great food! read more

Chef Edward W.

1327

9 years ago

If you are looking for fresh seafood and some amazing creole/Cajun cuisine, then look No further. Chef Smellys popup restaurant has friendly staff, a nice atmosphere and great food if I didn't mention that already. So come on out to Oakland,ca to experience what everyone is talking about. read more

Chad J.

3 years ago

Town Bizness, love it! Chef Smelly & his beautiful wife were an absolute delight. Oh & the food....delectable! If you are not getting your fried seafood from there, then u must not want to eat the best fried seafood in Oakland. My family knows food, #realfrisco #hp and this is it! read more

Carlos Z.

8 years ago

Monster portions and top quality food makes this place one of the only places worth the ride from the city. The surf n turf fries with Dungeness crab, lobster and angus beef is out of this world have never tasted food this good read more

Nanette F.

4 years ago

Extremely difficult to order online and the discount code given does not work. Food arrived cold and the fish tasted like burnt grease. Garlic noodles were mushy. Very disappointed in the service and food. read more

La Tanya W.

285

5 years ago

He is definitely a master chef, he has perfected his skill over the years and produces great food.... I especially love his MacandCheese.... He masked some bomb oyster Rockefeller too... read more

Zenna M.

6 months ago

They were closed during the holidays. The answering machine did not indicate holiday hours. We didn't have the opportunity to visit. read more

The D.

8 years ago

Nice atmosphere nice music comfortable environment good food overall nice experience will continue to enjoy the food there....

Ella P.

2 years ago

I need to make Reservations for February 29th and I am in a wheelchair and I'm having a Dinner party it's my Birthday

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31 Chef Smelly's reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

31 reviews that are not currently recommended

Chef Smelly's - cajun - Updated August 2026

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