Downtown oakland
Restaurant Peony
2nd floor of pacific renaissance plaza, 388-9th street, between franklin and webster, 510 286-8866. (http://www.restaurantpeon...) serves cantonese-style dishes and dim sum. one of the most popular chinese restaurants on the east bay. big crowds on saturdays and sundays.
Golden Lotus
at franklin and 13th. serves vegetarian vietnamese food, considered by some to be some of the best vegetarian food in the bay area.
Battambang
on the corner of broadway and 9th. serves cambodian cooking. the food is excellent but the portions are slightly smaller than might be expected.
Shanghai Restaurant
on webster between 9th and 10th. serves shanghai-style food that rivals the best you'll find in shanghai. the decor is minimal but the staff is friendly. xiao long bao steamed dumplings and si-chuan style shredded pork are two highlights
Breads of India
on the corner of clay and 10th. serves indian food.
Downtown Oakland contains some excellent Asian foods that are as authentic as anything else you'll find in the Bay Area.
West oakland
Brown Sugar Kitchen
Serving what chef Tanya Holland calls "new style down home" cuisine for breakfast, lunch & brunch. Favorites include cornmeal waffle, BBQ shrimp & grits, baby back ribs and smoked pork hash. A great wine selection, local draft beers, and homemade desserts which change daily. On Sundays they are usually packed.
Pretty Lady
Go for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Korean American diner with a friendly staff. The only seating is bar stools.
West Oakland has some great, homey places for breakfast and lunch.
Champa Garden
Located in a residential neighborhood, you will find this cozy restaurant that has a flair of Southern Asia flavors. The mix of Vietnamese, Lao, Thai and Mien cuisine makes this restaurant a unique one. Make sure to get an order of Pad Thai.
piedmont avenue
The Piedmont Avenue neighborhood is a foodie's delight. From gourmet Bay Wolf and Jojo to Baja Taqueria great food abounds.
grand lake
The Grand Lake neighborhood contains an eclectic mix of restaurants, from high-end to drive-thrus.
san antonio district
The neighborhood centered on International Blvd and 8th Avenue is not officially named "Little Saigon" but may as well be, as this area has predominantly Vietnamese shops and restaurants. As Vietnamese is the language of choice, it will take some creativity when seeking restaurants and ordering food, but it's well worth the effort for those unbeatable $2 French-inspired Vietnamese sandwiches and the infinite varieties of Pho.