Jaji
Restaurant · Waverly ·
Contemporary Afghan cuisine with craft cocktails and a speakeasy
Contemporary Afghan cuisine with craft cocktails and a speakeasy
"A vivacious, family-style approach to modern Afghan cuisine animates this Oakland spot from Paul Iglesias and Sophia Akbar, which debuted in early 2025 and, one year in, seems to be thriving, celebrating tradition in novel, sophisticated ways. I’d start with the generously portioned ducktu, a duck-centric riff on mantu with chewy dough, a duck confit filling that hints at sweetness, and a satisfyingly savory miso-ginger broth. The creamy Bonjon Borani makes a strong case for eggplant, cut into thick slices and stewed to buttery softness, then finished with tangy tomato sauce, salty cashew yogurt, and crispy mint. The kabob section is the main event, with an interesting selection of cubed, sliced, and pattied proteins: get the lychee-yogurt–marinated chicken tikka kabob with crunchy chicken skin and the succulent wagyu beef patties served with bold cilantro chutney, and use the fluffy naan to soak up the juices. For dessert, the saffron-infused ice cream and a Basque cheesecake with a delicate cardamom undertone, heightened by stewed seasonal fruit, are standouts. Drinks follow the same sweet-meets-spice thread—order the Pashtunwali #1 (date-infused bourbon and cumin soda) and the Sparks Like Stars, a playful lychee martini with a lychee-yogurt wash that nods to the chicken kabobs and makes a great pairing. Keep an eye out for the restaurant’s occasional Afghan Fried Chicken pop-up, with crispy, spicy chicken, caviar, and champagne." - Flora Tsapovsky
"Jaji, by the Parche team, is Oakland’s go-to for an upscale-ish, feel-good dinner. It’s a high-ceilinged space with hanging red-orange fabric, arched windows, and a buzz that can only be generated by groups unpacking their week over Afghan dishes designed for sharing. The menu pulls in both familiar and unexpected notes. There’s comforting potato-and-pea-stuffed bolani, a stunning $72 trout paired with saffron rice, perfumed by candied cara cara oranges, and a silky, seed-covered chicken liver mousse spread over butter-soft brioche more than makes up for the occasional brisk pacing. But still, when on the lookout for a relaxed date night or catch-up without any pretentious vibes, Jaji is the spot." - julia chen 1, lani conway
"Four months after moving into a jaw-dropping location on 24th and Broadway, this contemporary Afghan restaurant and bar is just getting its cocktail menu off the ground, and it’s headed in the right direction. From the same mind behind one of Oakland’s favorite Colombian spots, Parche, Jaji takes colorful inspiration from the owner’s homeland in the beautiful mountains of Afghanistan. Yogurt-clarified martinis as well as a date infused whiskey and cumin soda highball are some of the early highlights." - Nico Bianchi
"Jaji, by the Parche team, is Oakland’s go-to for an upscale-ish, feel-good dinner. It’s a high-ceilinged space with hanging red-orange fabric, arched windows, and a buzz that can only be generated by groups unpacking their week over Afghan dishes designed for sharing. The menu pulls in both familiar and unexpected notes. There’s comforting potato-and-pea-stuffed bolani, a stunning $72 trout paired with saffron rice, perfumed by candied cara cara oranges, and a silky, seed-covered chicken liver mousse spread over butter-soft brioche more than makes up for the occasional brisk pacing. But still, when on the lookout for a relaxed date night or catch-up without any pretentious vibes, Jaji is the spot." - Lani Conway
"The Afgan newcomer in Uptown Oakland, from the team behind nearby Parche, benefits from a stunning location — the ground floor of the Kissel hotel — which comes with dramatically arched, large windows. To add to the beautification, the ceiling is smartly outfitted, creating an unexpected focal point. The menu is a worthy attraction, too, with rare and excellent dishes like bolani, duck confit dumplings, and a selection of kabobs." - Flora Tsapovsky
