The 23 Best Restaurants In Oakland

"Punchy, bold, bright, and “we have romantic feelings" are what come to mind when we think about Jo’s Modern Thai. The Laurel District restaurant is the party dinner spot, and the middle ground between roll-up-in-sweats casual and fancy. Colorful touches like a tropical back patio oasis, a hanging neon monkey, and bright purple cocktails keep things loose. And the Thai classics with seasonal, Californian twists are also two steps above casual. Thick shrimp toast is buttery and drizzled with a sweet-sour mayo. Drunken noodles are leveled up with fatty-salty slices of locally smoked brisket. And oysters get the special treatment of chili jam and strawberries. Birthdays, flirty dates, and catch-ups with friends who are in town for 36 hours are all happening here. " - lani conway, julia chen 1