It's been years since the last time I stopped into this Italian Deli/Sandwich shop. Ratto's has…read moreapparently been around since 1897. They have a modest but solid selection of Italian deli meats (Serrano ham, prosciutto, pancetta, etc), pasta, olive oil, vinegars, and a couple specialty jams (calabrian chile orange, etc) - basically all you'd need for a gourmet charcuterie board meal or snack. Last time I was here, picked ip a bottle of nicely aged balsamic vinegar from Italy, which has lasted me for a couple years. Today, decided to try one of their specialty Italian sandwiches with a shot of expresso on the side... and Mama Mia was the sandwich absolutely amazing! I highly recommend the Jamon Serrano & Manchego sandwich ($14.50). It comes with shaved ribbons of serrano ham, 1/5 inch thick slice of aged manchego cheese, a creamy spread of chevre goat cheese, chopped/marinated artichokes and arugula greens on a crusty/crunchy baguette (between half to a full foot long). I practically finished this within 10 minutes - it was so good! The expresso shot ($3.25) was also a good pairing for me. Loved the aroma, made from nicely dark roasted beans. Inside the venue there's shelves on the back wall, with Italian dry goods, oils, vinegars, jams, etc for sale. Seating indoors is about 5ish tables for 2 or more. Outside sidewalk has a couple tables too. Located on the corner of 9th & Washington St, mostly metered street parking in this area and a small hourly parking lot across the street.

There's nothing that's not delightful about Ratto's. From the friendly staff to the clean layout…read morefor the people watching of the tasty, tasty food, it's all good. Attached in a picture of today's special: a chorizo and manchego sandwich. Delightfully tasty, it was a total morning pick-me-up. Punchy, unexpected flavor, and a good portion. If you find yourself in or near Old Oakland, step on in and enjoy!

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

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

Tasting Menu are for anniversaries. Arrived here on a Saturday evening. Initially just a few…read morepatrons sat in this cozy interior. But as the night grew later, the room filled each table with diners that the single host, runner, waiter did an excellent job attending to. The vinaigrette with the shaken beef was memorable. The thick slice on the hamachi, while still totally tender like butter was incredible. The bread pudding did not travel well, and separated like an over cooked cobbler, but the chocolate yuzu cake was a hit for breakfast the next morning. Next time I guess I must try the Saucy wings and the short ribs. But it was a generous portion for the Chef's Tasting Menu, and I'd highly recommend exploring the menu that way.

Food / Taste / Portions = B+ Service = A…read moreAmbience = A Solid dinner from start to finish with great value for the money. We'll be back!

I've gone four times and each time it's been soooo hard to pick a responsible number of cocktails…read more They have so much variety and a lot of unconventional combos; the staff is very good about helping guide you to something that matches your preferences, but everything I've tried there was really good. The bites are generally really good too, though I wasn't a huge fan of the chili cucumbers. Try the Tomato Beef cocktail-- it's really yummy! The Li Hing Ramos is a good go-to if you like egg white drinks, and the seasonal milk punch has always been good. The ambiance is very cool, not bright inside, but bright colors, very hip. Great date night spot.

Viridian, you stole the show this month! This was my first time coming back to Viridian after about…read morea decade, and we were not disappointed. Such a beautiful interior space vibrant in celebration for AAPI Heritage month, and a super fun cocktail menu that was the perfect post-meal moment (both photo-worthy and tastebuds approved). We also noticed they have a cool food menu too filled with yummy and innovative dishes like Cheesy Char Siu Tots, Szechuan Salt & Pepper Wings, Korean Fried Mapo Tofu, BBQ Char Siu Ribs, and more. They also have nice swag ~ we took home a hat that resembled a Kirkland hat that spelled out "Oakland Viridian" (IYKYK). Drink-wise we ordered the Soy Sauce Old Fashioned and the Café Sua Daddy, which essentially is an espresso martini with a fun twist with black sesame and an egg cream foam. Both drinks were outstanding and presentation was beyond..I wished we could have stayed for round two, but duty calls! Ride-share and or BART suggested in this area, it's just a bit congested downtown to park. Service was fun, prices fair for the whole experience. Loved it!

This place is so cute!! My husband and I ordered the picnic charcuterie board and it was the…read moreperfect size for us two. The box was beautifully put together with a lot of care and the flowers were such a cute touch! The cheese is very tasty. We loved it! It would be nice to eat it there at their table or as take out to eat at a park or just at the lake a walk away! We will definitely come back for more. They also have super cute little Knick knacks around the store to purchase and even make a cute gift basket. There's cookbooks, hot sauces, honey, jam, crackers, candles, cute hair clips and cheese related books. They also have cards and candles...perfect for a little birthday gift!! Would definitely come again and recommend others support this business. My impression based on the box I received today is that the owner puts a lot of love and care into the store and the boxes she creates.

The quality of the meat and cheese was exceptional. Beautiful presentation. The added herbs and…read moreflowers made it so pretty and special. When I at first received my medium sized board I thought it looked a bit small for the price. However, one I brought it to my event and it was settling among the other options..... I realized how special it was and was ok with the price, the quality is unmatched and totally worth the splurge. I will be back!!

I can see why the reviews are so high for this little grocery shop. It's full of fresh food and…read moreparticular products that cater to people with different dietary restrictions. The prices are reasonable, and there are some good sales too. I was able to find vegan Mochi in many different flavors including matcha and mango. I purchased the matcha flavored ones and they really brought me back to my mochi childhood memories. Along with other satisfying products, I purchased their freshly made veggie spring rolls that include layered thinly sliced avocado, shredded carrots, lettuce and cucumber. The sauce that comes with it is sweet-chili flavored, and all the ingredients for everything are simple. The presentation is nice, and the rolls are well-held together. I don't need to worry about anything falling out, so it makes this a good snack/meal for on the go. Finally, the customer service is exceptional. I felt welcome, and the place had an overall friendly atmosphere. After a day full of anxiety, it was nice to have it calm down in this grocery shop lol. Thank you Nature's Best Food employees for making this shop as special and good as it is.

racist. the male cashier racially profiled me. I had shopped at Nature's multiple times without a…read moreproblem, but it only takes one racist encounter for me not to support a business. I went in one night to buy a couple things. I even asked the cashier to help me find the items in the store that I was going to buy because I couldn't find them. when we're at the check out counter, he asks me if he can look inside my bag to make I sure I didn't steal anything. I ask him if he is serious. he says yes. I kindly tell him that yes he can check my bag, but that once he does he will lose a customer because I don't support businesses that racially profile customers. he says he's not racist and then proceeds to tell me stories about people stealing. I assure him I'm not a thief and that I don't care about his reasoning. if he has an issue with customers coming into the store with bags (I had 1) he should ask everyone (not only Black customers) to leave their bag at the counter while shopping. I would have left my bag at the counter without a problem if he had asked. but, again, I let him know he has my permission to look inside my bag. but that once he did, he would lose a customer. he did check my bag and got a look at my takeout box from the Korean fried chicken spot. What I was gonna buy at Nature's grocery story that evening I left on the counter and I haven't been back since. during my interaction with the cashier, a white woman walked in and shopped.q I imagine that she had no problems not if every customer is not asked to show their bags or leave their bag at the counter, it's a shame because its a block or so away from my apartment and I love the idea of supporting a mom and pop's business, but I don't support racial profiling. it happened to me, so I know other Black people have gone through it at Nature's and it's unacceptable.

Always go there to buy meat for hot pot. Prices are extremely reasonable and service is always…read moregood. It looks ... interesting from the outside, but go in and get your meat!

We ordered frozen hot pot beef and oxtail. They were really nice and answered all of our…read morequestions. And Wow! What a bargain fot quality meat!

As someone of German descent, who grew up in Lodi, CA (back then, a large German community), this…read moreplace takes me back in time to the excellent sausage shops of my youth. These are meticulously made sausage! I've chatted with the owner, and he was mentored by an experienced, traditional sausage maker back in the day. There's a lot of different types of sausage to choose from. Everything I've tried is top notch. If you're looking for a very properly made sausage, at a great price for the quality, this is the place!

Great meats and excellent service I drive from Monterey…read morecounty to Oakland to get your meats. My family and friends loved your meats and sausages.