Jaji

San Francisco’s New Restaurant Openings

"Jaji is an Afghan spot in Oakland from the Parche team. The colorful Uptown spot serves fried snow trout with saffron, wagyu top sirloin and ground lamb skewers, and braised lamb shank. To drink, there are cocktails infused with yogurt, turmeric syrup, and black pepper tincture." - julia chen 1

Here Are the Hottest New Restaurants in the East Bay, February 2025

"Contemporary Afghan food is at the heart of Jaji, a new Oakland restaurant from the couple behind Parche. Pulling on co-owner Sophia Akbar’s childhood as an Afghan American, husband (and chef) Paul Iglesias sought to take those flavors and give them a twist. The result is food that has won over Akbar’s family, like the shola-qorooti arancini that turned the Afghan sticky rice dish into more of a croquette. Although alcohol is illegal in Afghanistan itself, this modern restaurant indulges in a cocktail list but has a plentiful nonalcoholic drink selection that will be pleasing to all." - Dianne de Guzman

Jaji - Review - Uptown Oakland - San Francisco - The Infatuation

Afghan Cuisine Gets a Family-Approved Contemporary Makeover at This Gorgeous New Oakland Restaurant - Eater SF

"A contemporary Afghan restaurant in Oakland, California, founded by Paul Iglesias and Sophia Akbar, showcasing innovative Afghan cuisine with California ingredients." - Dianne de Guzman

14 Notable San Francisco Bay Area Restaurant Openings to Know This January - Eater SF

"Contemporary Afghan restaurant offering dishes with Afghan flavors and California ingredients, plus a speakeasy bar." - Dianne de Guzman

Hannah E

Google

Truly delicious food. We ordered several dishes to split and loved each of them. Elevated space that feels comfortable, artistic and open. Great for a date night or a nice dinner out. The service was very professional and everyone was very friendly and accommodating. We highly recommend!

Sergio Licardie

Google

Beautiful space. Delicious food. Great cocktails. Beautiful plating for the food. Highly recommend.

Benjamin Gadbaw

Google

I took my fiancé here as soon as it opened because we absolutely love Parche, Jaji’s sister restaurant. The food and the service were stunning and the highlight of our night. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and we recognized some of our favorite team members from Parche working the floor. As expected, the cocktails and food were delicious and creative. And our server was capable and friendly. The atmosphere is a little sparse, and it could be warmed up. Dimming the lights and softening the noise in the dining room might be nice as the space is so large.

Lawrence Marcus

Google

The restaurant group that successfully brought Parche to Uptown Oakland has opened the Afghani influenced Jaji practically the next block over. Having lived in Oakland for 16 years now, previously in SF for 37 years, both Parche and Jaji represent a vision which I share, of an affordable, vibrant, culturally diverse City with almost perfect weather, no longer in the shadow of its more popular sister across the Bay, but something new and very different making its own statement about dining and community. And they are not alone, one year old Clio's Bookstore & Bar down Grand Avenue is another example. Jaji's space is spectacular, split between lounging and dining. The decor is very cool, helping to create it's own unique vibe. There is a very nice cocktail bar! And from the sample of small plates on a relatively quick initial visit, including a very attractive and delicious Chicken Liver Pate dish, I am looking forward to spending a lot more time trying all the modern twists and twerks of traditional Afghan classics. There are a number of tasty vegetarian options! The waitestaff were very welcoming and helpful in describing the selections of cuisine and beverages. This is definately the case where photos tell the story of a great concept and addition to an already exceptional world food scene in Oakland.

Raul Maldonado

Google

As soon as I saw Parche owners (co owner with his wife here Paul Iglesias and Sophia Akbar) serving and providing a good atmosphere, I knew it was going to be good (same happened during Parche opening) Food was amazing. It’s served family style, so 2 appetizers, 1 wagyu beef kabob with Big plate (Lamb Shank) kept getting better, for 2 people. Saved room for dessert of Saffron ice cream and Cheescake after. Near BART & AC Transit with plenty of bike parking 🅿️ 🚲. Car parking is definitely iffy during main hours, in Uptown. (Sad/fun fact: area is somewhat a break in hotspot, until Scott Wiener closed a car break-in 10+yr loophole in 2024 SB 905)

Rachel Patron

Google

Gorgeous venue, delicious food and drinks! Visited their opening day for a midweek date and it was such a vibe we had to come back the same week. The first time we came, the lamb skewers were the best thing we'd eaten in months. To top it off, I'm still thinking about the flourless pistachio chocolate cake. Second time in a week we came back and had the same experience. The chicken liver mouse was such a delight and then they hit us with the chapti wagyu skewer. Absolute banger after banger.

Carmeisha Huckleby

Google

This was one of the best meals I’ve ever had at a restaurant, and the customer service was fantastic. It was also great to learn more about the cuisine and their upcoming additions to the restaurant from the waitress. The music and atmosphere were also amazing. Wow. Just….wow. PLEASE make your reservation now. I would literally fly back to Oakland from Nashville just to eat here again.

Drew Page

Google

We loved our first experience at Jaji. I really enjoyed the mezcal cocktail (Zira Gold) and my wife loved "Not Grandma's Chai". The croquettes were ridiculously good as an appetizer, we shared the Cornish hen (highly recommend) and another rice dish. Can't wait for the next meal at Jaji!

San Francisco’s New Restaurant Openings

Here Are the Hottest New Restaurants in the East Bay, February 2025

Jaji - Review - Uptown Oakland - San Francisco - The Infatuation

Afghan Cuisine Gets a Family-Approved Contemporary Makeover at This Gorgeous New Oakland Restaurant - Eater SF

"A contemporary Afghan restaurant in Oakland, California, founded by Paul Iglesias and Sophia Akbar, showcasing innovative Afghan cuisine with California ingredients." - Dianne de Guzman

14 Notable San Francisco Bay Area Restaurant Openings to Know This January - Eater SF

"Contemporary Afghan restaurant offering dishes with Afghan flavors and California ingredients, plus a speakeasy bar." - Dianne de Guzman