Chef Smelly's

3.8 (763 reviews)

PriceyCajun/Creole, Seafood, Soul Food

Open • 1:00 pm - 9:00 PM

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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

38 Photos20 Reviews

5 months ago

This creole restaurant is mostly painted black inside. It has three t.v.'s so my husband was happy that he could watch the game while we waited for our food. Our waitress Niya was friendly and attentive. We all agreed that she was absolutely fantastic! We ordered fried oysters and hush puppies with honey butter as appetizers. Both were very delicious. My family ordered catfish po-boys which came with French fries. The portion was large. The fish and fries were good, although nothing really stood out as exceptional.

I ordered blackened prawns and fried catfish with crack and cheese and yams. I preferred the prawns over the catfish. The prawns were seasoned well and cooked perfectly. I did not enjoy the crack and cheese. It just wasn't my taste. I...

7 months ago

...this week Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5 Recommended dishes Creole Snow Crab Garlic Noodles and Blackened Prawns, Deep Fried Red Snapper Mac and Cheese and Garlicky Green Beans, And Garlic Noodles, Lobster, Mac & Cheese

28 Photos16 Reviews

about 1 year ago

I went to order half a crab w/ prawns and garlic noodles. In January, it was $55, now it's $70?!? For half a crab??? If it was 10% increase, I can understand that, but 30%? I LOVE seafood, but I just can imagine myself going back...

almost 3 years ago

Our party of five thoroughly enjoyed our meals that included an assortment of crab, prawns, snapper, fried chicken, fries and the chef's twist on garlic noodles (slightly sweet). Everything was fried to perfection and well seasoned....

9 Photos16 Reviews

over 2 years ago

I ordered the surf and turf with garlic noodles, garlicky green beans, prawns over garlic noodles, fried chicken over noodles, and crack & cheese (Mac and cheese). So after about 1 hour and 45 minutes of waiting I was able to try the...

cheese if the cheese doesn't pull away as you scoop your fork in? Also, can we get some seasoning in here?; 1/5 Garlicky Green Beans: seems blanched but not fully softened all the way, way too watery so the garlic didn't stick to the bean properly; 0/5 All of this food came with a heaping cup of oil, by the way. So the burping up oil after eating was not it. All in all, I would save your $$ and time. Good luck to Chef Smelly.

over 2 years ago

So long story short, we ordered the SURF AND TURF with garlic noodles, but it came with turf not surf. If I'm gonna pay $75 for a surf and turf platter we better get our worth. Service was terrible, when we showed up to pick up,...

. We got the noodles and went back and there was no blackened shrimp which was the SURF. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the food wish the service was better. Overall seemed very disorganized with their ordering system, they don't take phone calls so best to walk in, but then you'd have to pay with a broken window! So I don't know, if you're going to operate as catering and a restaurant, get your ordering system fixed.

Chef Smelly's menu photos

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CHEF SMELLY'S ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

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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!

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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:)

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

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

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.

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

Whole Dungeness Crab, Prawns and Garlic Noodles 10/10

Stace G.

The food tasted great, fresh, and was seasoned well. My oxtails plate wasn't as hot as others at the table, as if they waited to bring mine out after it was ready. I ended up heating it the next day as leftovers and it tasted great and was hot. 8/10 (Oxtails need to be hot, with more flavor; meat itself was cooked to perfection (not too much fat, good size, and good portion of food)). I would highly recommend their seafood w/ the garlic noodles (which has a sweet garlic flavor), delicious crab, and shrimp.The wait was long: I didn't know you could make reservations ahead of time. The restaurant is small and seating is limited. Staff was okay. Not the friendliest or most welcoming but they were okay to interact with. Would recommend and consider eating here again with reservations.

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Lauren M.

122

1 year ago

Made reservations for Friday night last minute for 7:30 - arrived a little late because of parking but our table was ready for us Someone came and got our drink order (at the end this arrived as a separate bill) Waiter came and gave us water and answered questions about the menu and the music starting playing a little louder by then and RNB and Soul Food vibe. The food is delicious my dad goes there's not a cook back there there's a chef while I was saying well the chef must love me because this food was made out of love I can't wait to eat my leftover and pretty affordable for seafood/soul food. 10/10! read more

Chef Smelly's - Oxtails and two sides - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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

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Trish F.

2 months ago

The garlic crab and garlic noodles were fantastic. Best soft warm garlic bread i have ever tasted. The only bad part was waiting to get our food. We sat at our table over 90 minutes after orderig. Definitely more kitchen staff is needed. Otherwise it would have been perfect. read more

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Gwendolyn S.

2 months ago

We visited Chef Smelly's for the first time today. It did not disappoint. The restaurant was nicely decorated and our server, John, was pleasant, attentive and timely, We tasted why the garlic crab was ranked in the top four restaurants in the Bay Area. We also had blackened and deep fried shrimp, as well as fried catfish and oysters. All were delicious! However, the garlic bread was a small loaf of bread soaked in garlic butter and was mushy, and there were no deserts as the person who made deserts was not in today. read more

Chef Smelly's - Garlic crab and garlic noodles, fried catfish, prawns and oysters, blackened prawns, collard greens and garlic bread, - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Carl M.

Elite 26

112

285

2 years ago

After a long day of surgery and the staff talking ALL day of eating dungeoness crab, I ordered myself some on doordash. 10 minutes of searching brought me here. Let's get to it! I am paid a stipend to eat food but I will still consider pricing as part of my review. So I got the dungeoness crab meal and the fried red snapper plate. The crab came with noodles and a fair amount of blackened shrimp. The shrimp with lemon were pretty good! I've never had these garlic noodles before either and they were actually hella good and the flavor paired well with the crab. I even have a gluten allergy and ate most of the noodles haha. The dungeoness crab while not as BIG as I pictured, was still quite filling. I was full once 80% of it was consumed. I have a medium appetite so I don't think you can share a single plate. The red snapper plate was honestly just okay. The Mac and cheese was the highlight, nothing special but still a 4/5. The green beans were green beans. Nothing to say there. Overall a 3/5. Prices!!!! The dungeoness crab was $85. I probably would pay cash for that. Maybe around a $50-60 meal. I get it's the bay but breh, it's crab. Nothing else to say about that haha. The red snapper was okay. Just a filler meal to take to work the next day and make everybody in the break room hate me once I microwaved it hehehehehe. Cost $26. I would pay $20 for it. read more

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

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

Chef Smelly's - Dungeoness crab with shrimp - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Red snapper it's was 3/5 - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - No orange eggs in the shell sad face - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Dungeoness crab boiled alive. Delicious. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Reeka R.

6 months ago

My guy never disappoints. Always smacking that's what's happening Keep whipping them pots Chef Smelly read more

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Tisa P.

149

2 months ago

It was my second time at Smelly's and I will be back! Once again, they did not disappoint!! The oysters were fried to perfection!! Great portion sizes and the staff is very attentive and professional! I wish the could afford to eat here every day! read more

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Wayne R.

5 months ago

That "pay for drinks separately from food" setup is already annoying, but when the service is trash on top of it? It turns the whole place into a time-wasting obstacle course. read more

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

Business owner information

Edward W.

Have a nice day

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Loriell L.

Elite 26

141

399

1 year ago

This has been on my list for some time now and i'm so glad we got to try it as a family. We dined here for my cousins birthday dinner and it was such a nice and intimate time, if you have a part make sure to schedule a reservation because even on a Wednesday afternoon it was packed!! We ordered a few platters and tried the blackened and deep fried shrimp everything was delicious but the only thing I would say is that the garlic noodles are a bit sweet. I don't like my savory food to be too sweet so that was the only thing but everything else was a 10/10. My fav was the shake your pom pom I will definitely be going back for some more of those. I also really appreciated our server I forgot his name but he made everything special for the birthday girl and played the org happy birthday song and the whole place sang along too so that was so sweet Ty Chef smelly and the rest of your staff we had a lovely family outing that we will cherish forever read more

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

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

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

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Joelle G.

3 months ago

I just left Chef Smelly's enjoying my Sunday. My husband and I had just finished our food along with two friends. We had been sitting there for about 15 minutes just talking and laughing about our day. The hostess came over with a nasty attitude and said you guys have to leave because we have a reservation here. Please keep in mind I just order another to go order that we were waiting for. But because they received our money the hostess thought it was ok to rush us out. I think that was very rude and I told her so. I ask her where is the reservation. She said they should be arriving soon. I paid my money like all of the other people in the restaurant. I will never be back. The food was ok and the waitress service was very good. But the hostess ruin my entire experience. read more

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Denise D.

4 months ago

Chef Smelly's never disappoints. I've been eating his food for sometime now and it gets better and better! Love the food, service and ambiance. Would recommend to anyone who loves good food! read more

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Sonja S.

541

347

770

7 months ago

Had a fantastic time at the establishment. Jordan was the best server you can ask for. Adrienne was bomb at making them tasty cocktails. You Must check it out. read more

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

Chef Smelly's - Crab ribeye green beans and garlic noodles. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Myles Y.

6 months ago

I came to Chef Smelly's after seeing it on Instagram from a friend in the Bay, and food-wise, it absolutely delivered. I ordered the fried chicken wings, mac and cheese, yams, fried snapper, and fried prawns. Hands down, the fried chicken wings were the star of the show. Some of the best fried chicken I've had, period. The batter was crispy, the meat was juicy, and the wings themselves were big and flavorful. At $15 for five wings, that felt completely worth it. I'd pay that all day for that quality, and honestly, I'd come back just for the chicken alone. The fried prawns were solid, and the fried snapper was okay, nothing bad but not particularly memorable. The sides were the weakest part for me. I got greens and mac and cheese, and both were pretty bland. If I came back, I'd skip the sides and just double down on the chicken. Service is where things slipped a bit. I don't need a server checking on me every two minutes, so I was fine with the low touch approach. But when I asked to close out, the server said "okay" and never came back. I later realized you're supposed to walk up to the counter near the kitchen to pay, which was literally an arm's length away from where I was sitting. All it would've taken was a quick "you can check out right over there," but that was never communicated. I had somewhere to be, so I eventually had to get up and ask again. Food alone puts this at a strong four out of five for me. If the checkout process and communication were clearer, this would've easily been a five. I'll definitely be back, but strictly for the fried chicken. That alone is worth the trip. read more

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Myondra L.

1 year ago

If you have high blood pressure, don't eat here I'm on the fence about Chef Smelly's. Pulled up for the first time on a Friday night and it was packed super small space, and I waited 45 mins to an hour to be seated. The menu is heavy on fried and blackened stuff, which I wasn't feeling, so I went with garlic noodles, fish, and greens. But... whew. The noodles and green beans were drowning in oil and overloaded with garlic way too much for me. My friend actually got sick from how greasy her food was. I wish they'd chill out on the oil and butter because the flavors are decent, but the heaviness ruined it for me. Overall, I'd give it a 6/10. Maybe better on a lighter prep day read more

Chef Smelly's - Us at the side bar at chef smelly. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Emily P.

6 months ago

Smelly's in Uptown Oakland is the kind of place where the name might give you pause... but one bite will have you saying, "Mind your business and pass the hot sauce." This is one of Oakland's best-kept secrets -- and I am absolutely telling everybody. Spread the word. Call your cousins. Go to Smelly's. Make a reservation though! Now let's get into this food. Smelly's is serving Creole and Southern classics that don't just taste good. They tell stories. You taste the ancestors in the seasoning and hear them giving praise. It's heritage on a plate, soul in every bite/spoonful. Yes ma'am. Yes sir. The fish? Fried, blackened, or grilled, they are always fresh, always generous. That fried catfish is crisped to perfection. No soggy nonsense. And the jumbo prawns? Listen... they are actually jumbo. Not "menu jumbo." Not "wishful thinking jumbo." These prawns got shoulders. Fish and cheesy grits? Creamy. Savory. Carolina-proud. Comfort food that pats you on the back and tells you everything will be alright. Garlic noodles? Super garlicky. Bold. Confident. Protective against vampires and unwanted conversation. Worth every bite. Oxtails? Falling off the bone with rich gravy that deserves its own standing ovation. I almost stood up! Sides? Greens, yams, garlic green beans -- all doing what they came to do. But let me whisper this part: That mac and cheese is cracking. I don't know what's in it, and I will not be asking questions. I respect mysteries. And the gumbo?! Laissez les bons temps rouler, baby! That roux is proper. You can taste the time and patience. Smoked sausage, tender chicken, crab, big ol' bowl. By the end I was leaned back, belly poked out, whispering, "Chef Smelly... you got me." Now the service -- friendly, welcoming, and truly trying their best. They care. They hustle. They want you happy. It feels like eating at a relative's house where nobody lets you leave hungry. Cocktails? They could use a little umph. Nothing dramatic -- just keep it simple and you'll be satisfied. This is a food-first house. Respect. So yes -- Smelly's is that spot. Delicious food. Big portions. Warm energy. Real soul. Oakland gem. Don't gatekeep it. Spread the word. Smelly's: Come hungry. Leave happy. Possibly undo a button. read more

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Robbie G.

4 months ago

Hello yes the food was good that I had, the service took a little long, and the amenities around I think they could have done a little better I think they can fix up the spot with a little paint just cleaning up a little bit more it looks too much like a club then a restaurant again the food was good. It is a little pricey for the service I would probably try it again. read more

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Catherine B.

1 month ago

Great food, nice server. Tasty cocktails. Fun crowd. I ordered the Oxtails I had never had them before. I plan to try everything on the menu. Hope to be there on Father's Day. I had no negative thing to say. read more

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Terrina S.

7 months ago

Great place to enjoy ! Good food and atmosphere !!! Service is great I really enjoyed my food - I would rate my experience an 8 - due to the Mac and cheese too mushy -over done and fried corn on cob was not good at all - the way the bread was prepared that is how the corn should taste . The parking was a problem and could be a deterrent as well . read more

Chef Smelly's - Fired snapper delicious full of flavor and string beans really good - Mac and cheese not favored . Love this place though - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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

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Beautifulmiss W.

4 months ago

So I found this place on TikTok and by the pictures in the videos, the food looked immaculate very delicious, looking, drool, dripping down your mouth delicious looking. But unfortunately, that wasn't the case when it came down to eating, I ordered the oxtails with a side of crack and cheese also greens. My son ordered the loaded lobster and crab fries, and my nephew he ordered chicken tenders and french fries due to him being a picky eater. I'm gonna first start with the oxtails they weren't bad. They definitely had a smoky taste which I was kind of lost as to why smoky flavor was needed for the oxtails but hey different strokes for different folks. They were definitely seasoned well but still missing some flavaaaa that was needed and I know that sounds weird but if you ever taste oxtails, then you know. The greens was terrible definitely not season well the texture of them was perfect. They were cooked well, but when it just came to the flavoring of them, absolutely not! The crack and cheese was probably the worst because it had this flavoring of a seafood twist and the mac & cheese, and the noodles were definitely overcooked and mushy. The visual of it was beautiful, but the taste of it was zero out of 10. Onto my son's loaded lobster and crab fries. Now this dish was seasoned to the tea! The flavor was definitely popping. Everything was seasoning. Great! The fries were cooked great nice crispiness. Let's just say this was probably the best thing that was ordered at my table and I was side eyeing my son with jealousy because his food just tasted so great. My nephew chose the basic dish, but it was definitely good. The tenders was nice and juicy. The flavoring and seasoning of the chicken tenders was great even the presentation of how it was garnished looked beautiful. The fries again was very tasty. Very seasoned and fried correctly with a nice crisp and taste delicious as well. All in all I gave this place two stars only because I was highly disappointed with my oxtails my greens and my crack and cheese and I just knew by the pictures of it. It was going to be delicious and for 40 something dollars you would think that that would've been a star dish, but it definitely disappointed ! I also ordered an alcoholic beverage, which was called the now and later that drink definitely needed some work on it now not later. Needless to say it taste like something that someone just didn't put any time into making. It was disgusting. The bartender definitely needs to up her skills when it comes to Mixology with liquor! read more

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Joshua G.

7 months ago

The ambiance was on point, but the food took a while. This is completely just my opinion but the snapper didn't taste seasoned enough, it was fishy tasting, and I didn't like it. That being said, i enjoyed the service and the drinks were strong. If I were to go back, I wouldn't order what I got but I'd probably reorder shrimp only. My sisters oxtail was amazing. Overall, i think it's worth trying again. I hate I didn't like my snapper but the drinks and service made up for it. read more

Chef Smelly's - Deep fried red snapper and shrimp dinner 2 sides. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Ms. C.

7 months ago

Food, was delicious. Fish the red snapper was meaty, flakey and well seasoned. oysters were phenomenal, loved the seafood platter. My sides yams and greens were plentiful and welled seasoned. Server was on point. I was available engaged in conversation. Only downfall is this place is small. But I believe that's what gives it that special ambience. read more

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Savierra G.

Elite 26

206

474

10 months ago

The food here is amazing! The flavors are incredible. I love the ambiance of this place, kept it candle light style and the best part about the restaurant for me was the big sliding glass doors you can open up while you eat. I run hot especially when I'm eating so being able to have that option was a blessing. The service here was great. Our server was Sean and he was very attentive , nice and made sure we felt comfortable and had everything we needed. Checked on us to make sure we enjoyed everything. I'll definitely be back read more

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Trielle R.

Elite 26

142

341

1118

1 year ago

Such an amazing experience. We were greeted and treated with great hospitality. The food was so flavorful with big portions. My son you barely eats, ate all of his chicken tenders. Parking is a little hard to find. We had to do a little walk to the restaurant. Place filled up pretty quickly, I made reservations right when they opened up. Ambiance would be a great place for a business meeting to a date night. I would highly recommend chef smelly's. I will be back to try more things on the menu read more

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

Chef Smelly's - Surf & Turf fries- sub fries for garlic noodles - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Deep fried chicken tenders with Mac and Cheese and Garlic Green Beans - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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

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

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Richard R.

643

330

8984

1 year ago

This is an amazing restaurant I have to say. The food is always good, service is great. It is always consistent. A little pricey, but I believe the portions are good for what you pay for. The oxtails and the steak are always tasty. The crab is good. read more

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Marion S.

276

292

10 months ago

We came for our 31st anniversary...AND we had a cousin in from Florida. They seated us promptly and we appreciated it. The soft camera & lavender candles burning at the table are a nice touch. The smooth jazz playing in the background is nice and calming. The food was of course BOMB!!! The cousins and my mom definitely enjoyed everything!!! Thank you so much!!! read more

Chef Smelly's - Three way Combo Fried Red Snapper, Fried Oysters and Prawns, Crack and Cheese and Garlic Green Beans - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Blackened Salmon, Garlic Noodles and Garlic Fried Brussels Sprouts. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - The oxtails ( aren't on the menu but they have them) side of collard greens and crack and cheese. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Three way Combo Fried Red Snapper and Prawns, Fried Oysters, Crack and Cheese and Collard Greens - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Blackened Salmon, Garlic Noodles and Candied Yams - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - The way Combo Fried Red Snapper, Fried Oysters and Prawns, Mac and Cheese and Garlic Green Beans - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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C M.

1 year ago

I like chef smelly food , it's good eating !! But come on smelly these prices getting outta hand now , the 3way seafood combo (1 snapper filet. , 2 oysters and two shrimp) with two sides is $42 .. really a $30 plate at best !! I'm always telling my girl I want some food from smelly , but spending damn near $50 on one plate I'll be a damn fool smh read more

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

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

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Nichelle H.

4 months ago

Everything was excellent! The portion sizes were generous and the flavor was delicious! read more

Chef Smelly's - Crab Mac n cheese - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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

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Ivonne M.

5 months ago

The food, the vibes and the service are definitely 10/10 every time! Worth the drive out to the town!

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Charles T.

10 months ago

Great food but as expected it was a heavy meal (I personally could not eat like this a lot). But if you want good creole food, this place is great. Great service. And nice clean restaurant Music was just a bit loud but that could just be our taste read more

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L O.

10 months ago

Delicious food that didn't make us feel heavy and for sure he back to try other plates like the wings that bought our attention. Highly recommend this place! read more

Chef Smelly's - Blackened red snapper and Whole Snow Crab with Garlic Noodles and Prawns - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Ahmed H.

Elite 26

212

680

1 year ago

I'm glad Chef Smelly's finally got a brick and mortar set up. Always great service, knows all the customers. Food is always great from steaks to seafood to garlic noodles. You also got love personable welcome and smiles from the owners and family as if you are one theirs read more

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Molly R.

Elite 26 All-Star

230

591

1 year ago

Run don't walk to eat at this place. Small place with great ambience. Staff was professional, friendly and knowledgeable. Food was exceptional. Prices are a bit high but the portions are large. We had two full meals left over after eating. Fries had a ton of crab, lobster and shrimp, a meal in itself. Both the crab fettuccini and crab and garlic noodles were delicious. Already want to go back! read more

Chef Smelly's - Half crab with shrimp and garlic noodles - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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

Chef Smelly's - Trifecta fries with crab, lobster, and shrimp - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Audrey J.

138

8 months ago

We really enjoyed our meal. The oxtails over rice, greens, yams, mac n cheese, lamb chops, green beans. My husband loved the fact that they play his jazz music. We will definitely go back. They have $20 specials on Wednesday and Thursdays. I forgot to take a photo of the lamb chops. Customer service was very nice and friendly. Just Go and enjoy! read more

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Monique W.

4 months ago

my experience has always been pleasant. The food is absolutely amazing. This is the home of Oakland! Service, wonderful atmosphere wonderful. I'd come back over and over. read more

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John F.

Elite 26

446

842

1 year ago

I been hearing about this chef for a few years now. I decided to order for delivery since I didn't want to drive to the restaurant. So I ordered the three-way combo of fried snapper, fried prawns and garlicky green beans,and mac and cheese. I paid extra for a side order of garlic noodles which was the best part of my meal. The prawns were huge and delicious and the snapper was good. The downside was that I didn't receive my green beans and nothing really wowed me. I will return to try the po-boys in the future. read more

Chef Smelly's - Three-way combo of fried snapper, prawns mac and cheese, and garlicky noodles was an extra charge Missing is the garlic green beans. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Khalil S.

4 months ago

Went to this place with a few members after church in Oakland. Parking is a challenge since you have to park on the street, and you'll have to pay a meter to park. Parking meter cop is very active. Also I suggest downloading the Open Table App to book a table or you may not get a table or get in. Food is very good and atmosphere is pleasant. read more

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Melvin T.

9 months ago

Noodles were sweet with seafood? Gave a boat load of noodles with 4 medium size shrimp...Nasty!! Asked for a drink but the bartender wasn't there yet but was supposed to arrive soon, well that never happened and the server said she could not make drinks but the people at another table were drinking shots? The Oysters were good! Ambiance well music was way too loud, chairs were uncomfortable prices too high to be that uncomfortable. Service lol!!! Needless to say the noodles are still in the refrigerator waiting on garbage day! A waste of money! read more

Chef Smelly's - Oyster and Garlic Bread - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Swizzle D.

11 months ago

Great service and everything is well seasoned with the Creole love. See the proof. I started with the garlic bread and char grilled oysters. Paired with a Hennessey Side Car. The main entree is fried red snapper and fried prawns the sides are garlic green beans and mac and Cheese. Victor my server was amazing. read more

Chef Smelly's - Char grilled oysters and garlic bread - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Fried Snapper and Prawns with sides - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Tiffanie G.

5 months ago

Management & food! The manager's wife was very snappy & because there was such a delay with my food, she walked over to my co-workers and me, saying, "We need to break this up here!" I said I'm sorry? She replied, "We have a customer waiting for these seats." I told her I was waiting for my food! She was very unprofessional!!! After waiting 25 mins, I received my house salad & oysters with no cutlery. I asked the Co-owner for cutlery & it never arrived. Later, another waitress brought me cutlery. Then, payment options were Zelle or cash only!! The waitress was kind, but the owner's wife $ assistant owner- Bad rep!! I will not visit here again! read more

Chef Smelly's - Oysters with crab topping & garden salad - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

Chef Smelly's - Zelle name & number for payment ‍ - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Nim D.

181

1 year ago

I first came here for my birthday and was impressed with everyone and everything about this establishment. I was so comfortable and met with such kindness, care and feel good feeling. Today 1/25/25, I am ordering for delivery as I am unable to walk (disability) any distance. I am getting the 16oz bone-in Ribeye Steak (medium rare, please) and I will let you all know just how well it goes. I truly love this place and everything about it!!!!! Thank you, Chef Smelly's. Same day and Chef Smelly's delivered an awesome Medium Rare Steak and all the rest was so perfect. This was a wonderful surprise. One thing I do know, is that delivery will not become a habit as eating at this establishment is where is totally at!!! I thank you greatly for delivering a fantastic meal. Know we so feel the TLC in this food!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! read more

Chef Smelly's - This is the 16oz bone-in Ribeye (Chef Smelly's), with Garlic Noodles and Brussels Sprouts. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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Gin C.

439

1242

1 year ago

We stopped by for a late lunch and there wasn't that many people in the restaurant. The service was great and food was made to order so do expect some wait. The portion is huge though, every table had a leftover box. We got blackened salmon with garlic noodles and fried catfish plate. The blackened salmon was so moist and juicy, the garlic noodle was too sweet for us. The fried catfish could use some seasoning in the breading to make it even more flavorful but it was fried nicely without being dry. The Mac and cheese was too sweet for me, could use more variety of cheese. The green beans tasted like it was fried and then tossed in sauce and was great! Overall a great place to get a meal. read more

Chef Smelly's - Blackened salmon with pasta - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Oakland, California

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

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Back

Page 2 of 20

2430 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612
Directions

Full menu

Hours

What time does Chef Smelly's open?

Chef Smelly's opens at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Chef Smelly's close?

Chef Smelly's is closed on Monday and Tuesday.Chef Smelly's closes at 9:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Tue ClosedWed-Sun 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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

View 1 more answer

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.

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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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Seabreeze On The Dock

Was gifted a gift card here - we decided to try this spot out on a warm Saturday afternoon. Located…read moreright near the water in Jack London Square. Parking is a bit difficult but we managed to find street parking a block away. Wasn't too crowded and there was plenty of seating inside. You order first and you find a table to sit, and they bring out the food to you. Self serve water is available. The food came out pretty quick! Thoughts: - Lobster roll (classic) was delicious! Generous amount of lobster. Would definitely get this again. Chips weren't too great though. - Fried shrimp basket was nice. Shrimp was crispy and tasty. Fries were also very crispy and flavorful. The sauces go well with the shrimp/fries. Coleslaw isn't the best though. - The crab nachos were surprisingly good. A nice cheese sauce combo with pico/avocado crema and a good amount of crab. - Garlic noodles were fine, nothing standout about them. - Mix and match basket with catfish, cod, and calamari (not pictured): Catfish was solid (would highly recommend, one of the favorites of the meal!), but would pass on the cod and calamari - a bit dry/fishy. Would recommend for a casual spot for seafood and a nice view!

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

Photos

Lobster Roll

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Crusty hot sauce bottle

Marica

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

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

Photos

Another shipment of lobster in for the weekend. Limited quantity for a few lucky people who can get this drop!

Marica Seafood Stew

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Short ribs

The Salty Pearl

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

Update: I waited over two weeks hoping Salty Pearl would honor its promise. Instead, I got silence…read more The only thing "salty" was the customer service. If you read other 1-2 star reviews to will find that the owner has a pattern of blaming and harassing customers for their honest reviews instead of having accountability. Thankfully, my bank refunded the charge. Ironically, the best customer service I received came from the company processing the payment--not the restaurant. If accountability matters to you, dine elsewhere. After spending nearly $300 to celebrate my birthday, I had hoped the owner genuinely wanted to make things right. The follow-up was even more disappointing than the birthday lunch itself. After my original Google review, the owner publicly wrote: "Please email me directly... I'll comp your entire meal, no questions asked." I reached out exactly as requested, thanked him, accepted his offer, and asked what information he needed to process the refund. Instead of receiving a direct response, the conversation shifted to why I had posted a public review before contacting the restaurant privately and how it affected his business. I wasn't looking to debate my experience--I was simply taking him up on the offer he had publicly made. I followed up with one straightforward question: whether the promised comp was still on the table. Despite following up, I never received a direct answer. I understand that restaurants don't have to refund every unhappy customer. What changed my rating from 3 stars to 1 star wasn't just the disappointing birthday lunch--it was the difference between the public promise and the private follow-through. For me, how a business handles a complaint is just as important as the original dining experience. ---- I chose The Salty Pearl to celebrate my birthday and left feeling pretty disappointed overall. When making my reservation through OpenTable, I noted that it was my birthday and requested a stroller-friendly table. Unfortunately, neither request seemed to be acknowledged. Similar to what other reviewers have mentioned, there was no recognition of the birthday celebration at all. As a parent, I specifically requested a table with space for a stroller. Instead, we were initially seated next to a large party with virtually no room for one. When I brought this up, I was told to leave the stroller at the other end of the restaurant, which wasn't practical since I needed easy access to my baby's essentials. To their credit, they eventually moved us to a different table, but the interaction felt reluctant rather than accommodating. The service was also extremely slow throughout the meal. While I don't mind dishes arriving one at a time, the pacing felt excessive. There were long stretches of waiting between items, and we frequently had to flag someone down for assistance. The bartender wasn't particularly friendly, which added to the overall experience. The final straw was dessert--we waited so long that we eventually canceled it and left. As for the food, it was a mixed bag. The clam chowder was good, and I enjoyed the Caesar salad. The dressing was light and well-balanced, though I didn't think the extra $8 for the sardines was worth it. The lobster roll was underwhelming, especially given the price. The tuna crudo was just okay and noticeably smaller than it appeared in the photos, and the ceviche was missing hot sauce. The steamed mussels were decent, but the focaccia served alongside them felt like the wrong choice. A crusty sourdough or another crisp bread would have been much better for soaking up the broth. The focaccia was simply too soft. We also ordered the "$12 oysters with the purchase of a bottle of wine" special. After doing the math, I'm not convinced it's much of a deal. Overall, I came in with high expectations, especially after hearing comparisons to Little Shucker. After trying both, I'd choose Little Shucker every time. The food there is more flavorful, portions feel more generous for the price, and the overall experience exceeds expectations rather than falling short of them. Unfortunately, what should have been a special birthday dinner ended up feeling underwhelming from both a service and value perspective.

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Y’S Choice

The service was great The food was superb. Service was top…read morenotch! We really love the experience. I would highly recommend

Bartender Bella was amazing! She showed us great service, especially to my girlfriend visiting from…read moreout of town, showing the real Oakland hospitality. Y's choice definitely should be your go to spot if you are new to the town.

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Inside

Braised Oxtail w/ Rice and Gravy, Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens

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Oxtail w/ Rice and Gravy Mac & Cheese Greens

The Rockin' Crawfish

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

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

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Crawfish with medium Rockin' Combo sauce

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1.5 lb Shrimp with corn and Sausages

Le Marine Fish & Grill

Le Marine Fish and Grill, inside the Emeryville Public Market, easy spot to walk past and not…read morenotice but glad i didnt. Got the 3 piece fish and chips, wild caught cod in a british style beer batter, comes out actually crispy not that soggy sad batter you get at most places. Mediterranean spices in there too which you dont expect but it works. Subbed the garlic fries, correct decision. Tartar sauce is housemade and you can taste it, asked for extra and they didnt make me feel bad about it. Clean setup, fast counter service, good option when youre in the market and dont want to commit to a full sit down situation. 5 stars, best fish and chips in Emeryville and its not really close

Great service and I like the location because you can get drinks or desserts from other…read morerestaurants. I got the fish and chips. The fish tasted fresh, with a great batter crust. The tartar sauce was horrible though- tasted like straight mayonnaise. The fries were just okay. I'll try it again but with sweet potato fries.

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Popcorn Shrimp

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Menu as of 5/2025

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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Interior

Fish ceviche

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Cute glass and their bartender pour TALL drinks!!

Hog Island Oyster

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

Ferry Building Cornerstone Does Great Seafood by the Bay…read more Who doesn't want excellent seafood in a cazh sit-down resto by the waterfront? Said nobody. Welcome to Hog Island Oyster Co., which hits all the wickets at SF's Ferry Building, and where the eats are so good, even a former local will go to it again and again. What did we get? 1. Oyster Bar Mix. You can mix different raw oysters, and we got the locally sourced Sweetwater with its mild buttery flavor and the saltier Narragansett Bay from the East Coast. Best of both worlds for a happening contrast of flavor. The house made mignonette was on point, being just the right amount of mild sourness. Absolutely recommend but also with some cocktail sauce. 2. New England Style Clam Chowder. My favorite kind of clam chowder, we had several different riffs on this during our most recent road trip through NorCal. And the is one was by far the best. It's a happening dish with a lighter broth but so tasty nonetheless, being not too salty and still creamy enough. The potatoes weren't mushy but still had some good mouthful, not starchy. The clams cooked perfectly and fresh. Overall seasoning was good and well balanced. Definite recommend. 3. Shrimp Po' Boy. One of the best I have had. Shrimp was decent size and batter was crunchy but plump and moist with good and not overpowering seasoning. Bread also had excellent crunchy crust and soft interior. Not a huge amount of slaw for extra flavor, but it's okay before the shrimp got to shine. Comes with snappy fries dusted in Cajun seasoning and organic Heinz ketchup (nice tomato flavor comes though and not overly syrupy sweet for a refreshing dip). Recommended. A great eatery worth visiting when you're in town. Also worth a detour from the usual touristy Fisherman's Wharf. Maybe catch a bite on the way to Sausalito on the next visit. But as always, Yelpers, give this one a try if you haven't already. Even if you're a local.

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Inside 05-2026

Seafood Stew

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Raw Oyster Bar Mix: a selection of the above oysters | $26 (6pcs)

Scott's Seafood

Amazing service. The atmosphere is the best. Right when you walk in it feels so relaxing. Can't…read morewait for another special dinner with my wife. 10 star's

You'll never go broke overestimating the bad press the City of Oakland gets both locally and…read morenationally. Yes, crime is up, homelessness is out of control, the A's, Warriors and Raiders left. At some point you have to worry about the elephants at the Oakland Zoo moving to Las Vegas. Enough. Let's talk about an independent Oakland institution that hopefully isn't going anywhere. Scott's Seafood in Jack London Square, celebrating their 50th anniversary. . Yes, Oakland is the home of the Black Panthers and the Hells Angels but it's still a city where business is done everyday: Oakland is still the home of major Fortune 500 companies like Clorox, and the University of California makes its headquarters here. Plenty of high-tech companies too like Pandora call Oakland home. And the Port of Oakland ain't going anywhere. So you need a place fora business lunch: That's Scott's. When you walk in, it's all business. Private booths, crisp linen tablecloths, and great views of the Alameda Estuary and the giant container ships. Great spot to watch the sunset too. Just the kind of deal making place you'd find Willie Brown, or Jerry Brown, or Tim Brown for that matter. Servers dress in button down shirts and ties. No nose rings or purple haired servers here. They know their business, and their menus, and their wines. Of course Scott's isn't only for the business crowd. It's a place to go to celebrate milestones. Anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, etc. My wife and I came to Scott's for her birthday on a Tuesday night: Even on a relatively slow night, Scott's still had a piano happy hour (our pianist actually played with The Temptations) I started off with clam chowder, which was excellent, piping hot and served with plenty of warm Boudin sourdough from San Francisco. (Sadly no more Colombo in Oakland anymore, another town favorite gone). My wife ordered the oysters which our server (a longtime vet of 11 years) suggested splitting a dozen both raw and Rockefeller, which came meaty and cheesy with plenty of creamed spinach: it was a great choice. Be warned slurping your oyster with Scott's homemade horseradish is like taking a fastball from Dave Stewart; the Oakland native and Athletics pitching ace, upside the head. I ordered the cioppino which came steaming hot with toasted crostini and cracked Dungeness crab. . Fantastic. I've had cioppino lots of places but as Johnny Cash famously said while playing A Boy Named Sue across the Bay at San Quentin "I've fought tougher men, but I really can't remember when." I might have had better cioppino than Scott's but I can't remember when either. My wife got the petit filet mignon and lobster tail. I'll order the filet next time, Buttery and perfectly cooked. We topped it with white chocolate cheesecake and an on the house raspberry sorbet. Wasn't a cheap birthday dinner but like head coach John Madden of the Oakland Raiders famously said "when you played the Raiders, you knew you'd been in a game." When I get my credit card statement it'll be a hefty charge but it'll remind me of how good a meal I had. Did I mention brunch is back at Scott'? OK. Now I did. Here's to another 50 years for Scott's. Thanks for reppin' The Town.

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Seafood Saute W/ Rice Pilaf & Veggies

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Stuffed Grilled Salmon Alla Bella

Sirene

4.3

(153 reviews)

1.0 mi

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

Been wanting to try this spot after eating at the Morris 2 years ago. It exceeded my expectations…read morehonestly I was humbled by the food quality. I just really was floored by everything we ordered at ate! The ambiance and service was also great, there was a super good flow of bringing out the food. Everyone there was friendly and patient with us. It was simple food but high quality ingredients put together so well. One dish the crudo is not pictured. My favorite was the mussels the most delicious broth ever! Thanks Sirene I will highly recommend.

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Fried Chicken w/ octopus kimchi ($25), Mashed Potatoes ($6), Biscuit ($6) + Fish & Chips: Ling cod, piquillo pepper aioli ($25)

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Sipsmith Gin & Club Soda ($14)

Huangcheng Noodle House

We stumbled upon this Chinese noodle shop in Oakland around dinnertime. The restaurant is fairly…read moresmall and has a clean public restroom for patrons to use. We ordered two noodle soups, string beans, spicy cucumber, and a potato appetizer. The handmade noodles were delicious with great texture, and the string beans were flavorful and came in a good portion. Just a heads-up: payment is required upfront (cash or card). The biggest surprise was the robot that delivered our food! Not something I expected to see here. If you're looking for a casual and welcoming Chinese spot with handmade noodles in Oakland, this place is worth checking out.

Texture of home made noodle was perfect Soup is slow…read moresimmered home made bone broth- one of the best I have tasted The meat - beef shank pork rib was perfect in taste and tenderness Service was impeccable As a foodie, this was a 5/5 experience

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D11.Chongqing Street Noodle-

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Tomato noodles with egg. The best.

Lucuma Kitchen and Bar

4.6

(273 reviews)

0.6 mi

Locally owned & operated

Wheelchair accessible

Wonderful vibe, great food & music selection, and staff is fantastic…read more Great for treating yourself to a solo night out, and date nights. Def recommend.

** 4 - 4.5 stars ** Visited for lunch and had a nice dining…read moreexperience. Traditional Peruvian with a bit of California-fusion is how I would describe Lacuma Kitchen and Bar. When you walk in, vibrant colors, plenty of greenery and a bright space with friendly and welcoming staff. Even the bathroom has a vibe. This visit I ordered: CEVICHE VERDE with Fish of the Day of rockfish. Fresh, raw white fish with great texture from the choclo (large-kernel Andean corn), toasted cancha (corn nuts), and slices of sweet potato. Dish is served raw, lightly marinated and made to order in a cilantro-based sauce with citrus with a bit of heat from aji limo (Peruvian pepper) - good but a tad salty. Served with plantains but unfortunately, not crispy and more soft and chewy. The trio of empanadas: chicken, beef, mushroom was accompanied with an aioli. Tasty! Friends enjoyed their dishes with no complaints. Lacuma Kitchen & Bar also has creative and quality cocktails/mocktails. Ordered the refreshing cucumber drink (recommendation by our server) as I didn't want anything with alcohol. Bright, fresh with some sweet from sugar and slight sour from the lime juice. Leo, our server was friendly, made suggestions and attentive. A great spot for date night, special dining event and lunch. Located on the corner of 17th/Franklin in Downtown Oakland. Would return to try their entrees.

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Papa Rellena

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Affogato

Shan Dong

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.

This was one of the first meals I ever had in Oakland! It is such a Chinatown staple. The Shan Dong…read morechicken, string beans, and sesame paste noodles are an elite combo. They do move the line along so be sure to check in on the Yelp waitlist if it's busy. Once you're seated service can be a little slow, so take time to enjoy your food and company and this institution!

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Dinning area

Shan Dong Chicken

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Wonton with Spicy Sauce

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!

Probably the only cafe that will make me cross the bay bridge just for the taste!…read moreBeautiful, unique fragrants of their wide coffee selections! So far my favourite is the India SLN9! The staff is happy to talk about their bean selection and gave me both a warm mug and an ice cup so I can try them two ways. I like SLN9 chilled, the ice is almost like a prism, reveal and separate floral, light acidic, honey-like notes!! Super refreshing and pleasant! The Columbia washed sweet nectar tastes similarly perfumery but feels stronger when drinking it hot. Love both pastries too. The raspberry one is filled with rich & tart chocolate inside, and the pistachio one has a different chocolate filling is sweeter nuttier and the little crunch is like Dubai chocolate...

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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

Mensho is a very popular restaurant. This was my first time visiting, and I had a great experience…read more The food was delicious! The standout dishes for me were the Calamari, Karaage, and Daikon Salad. The Calamari was perfectly fried, and the seasoning was well-balanced. The Karaage was also perfectly fried, and the sauce was flavorful. The Daikon Salad was light and refreshing. I would like to thank our server, Noah, for his helpfulness in choosing our dishes and for the prompt service. I highly recommend it!

Unfortunately no photos as we devoured the food! However here is my review otherwise:…read more 1. Location- easily accesible in off Piedmont Ave, found parking alongside an adjacent neighborhood street that was free. I went around 430pm on a weekday. 2. Staff/Vibe- very friendly and throughout the service so many stopped by to check-in. Waters were constantly topped off and food was delivered very promptly. The restaurant itself is very intimate and tabletop dividers are largely used to shared tables. It was a really nice approach. I wasn't a major fan of the chairs for the tall tables. I was hoping for some more ergonomically friendly. Food- SIGNATURE RAMEN- 5/5. So good. The broth was so good I think I drank it all before eating any ramen and toppings. It was a wonderfully hearty ramen with a balance of fresh and simple ingredients. This was perfect and allowed the delicious broth to really be the star. LAMB RAMEN. 5/5. If you like south indian curries then this is a must. The dense cumin taste, fresh onions and lamb made this ramen feel very familiar. The flavours were so wonderfully constructed on this. VEGAN KAARAGE MUSHROOM. Made to be reminiscent of fried chicken, these were very pleasant and paired with our broth. I would order this again. I am interested in knowing the preparation method for this as the inside was piping hot while the outside was just warm- almost like it was reheated. I would like these to be crispier with a bit more light seasoning. Overall looking forward to the next visit!

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Waiting area

Spicy garlic karaage fried chicken

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Hokkaido Uni Mini Rice Bowl

RnR Sushi & Bowls

Still one of my favorites. Last time I reviewed RnR was…read moreover 9 years ago so time for an update! I've trekked across the bridge to come here a zillion times now. I have learned which sushi to order and I always get the tempura too. I have recommended this place to a lot of friends who are now regulars. Just saying

RNR chicken teriyaki rice bowl was very good the chicken was moist …read more The sushi's were good too such as the fried Cali roll, lion king roll, etc . Definitely will be back when I'm in the area and craving sushi.

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Interior seating

Poke HAWAIIAN POKI SALAD

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Raider roll

Gum Kuo Restaurant

Gum Kuo has been around for decades and is an inexpensive spot for homey Cantonese comfort food…read more Park in the underground garage below the plaza for convenience. Wife and I went for a quick Tuesday lunch and had Jook and Fun. For the Jook, we had Fish Filet Jook with Chinese Doughnut for dipping. It was nice, hot, and not runny with slice of fresh fish, although I prefer my fish skinless. For the Fun, we had Beef and Mushroom Cheong Fun that had smooth beef and shitake mushrooms that you can taste. Gum Kuo is the place to go for fresh, silky, rice wrapped rolls. Iconic for Oakland Cheong Fun. Overall, glad they're still around for quick comfort food. Service is multilingual so no need to worry about ordering. They get DT Oakland office peeps although the office crowd has dwindled post-COVID and the rose of remote work.

I walked in to order to-go. You walk up to the glass window where you will see a sign telling you…read morewhere to order. There were folks waiting for their order so I just asked them if they were in line and they actually ordered already. The staff were super busy but did their best! I ordered three porridges and the fried dough stick. Used my credit card. Then i waited maybe about 8-10 minutes. I love the hustling nature of the restaurant. It gave me nostalgia to see the uncles chopping poultry, the aunties making rice rolls! The porridge were delicious. Dough sticks were soooooo crispy and I loved dipping it into my porridge.

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Inside full crowd

Beef Chow Fun

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Rice Noodle Wrap with Chinese Doughnut

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

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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.

3 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.

11 months 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

8 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.

5 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

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31 reviews that are not currently recommended

Chef Smelly's - cajun - Updated July 2026

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