Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore culinary arts like never before! Black Food Tour showcases the vibrancy of Black-owned restaurants, culture, and cuisine - visiting up to 5 local partnering restaurants. Tours are led by Oakland natives who share more about the changing landscape, art, culture, and history of Oakland while guests enjoy food all over the globe.
**NOTE***
1 Week Recommendation:
We recommend booking your tour at least one week prior to your selected tour date as this allows time to coordinate with our restaurant partners. If a selected tour date is chosen and is less than 1 week away, we may not be able to accommodate the tour.
Low Attendance Cancellations/Reschedules:
If within 3-5 days of the selected date, the tour is booked with less than 4 people, it may be cancelled due to low attendance. If cancelled, guest will receive the option to reschedule or receive a refund. If you have a group larger than 6 guests, we recommend booking a private tour.
Available options
Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland
What's included
Brunch/Lunch Menu Items
Water at every foodie stop
Food tastings from four to five popular local restaurants
Knowledgeable and friendly local foodie tour guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Visitors will meet in this location and explore art, cuisine, and the history of the area.
2
Visitors will pass through this location and explore art, cuisine, and the history of the area.
3
Our tours showcase some of our favorite Black-owned restaurants, chef-recommended dishes to try and a bit of history about the restaurant and city where the tour is taking place. We invite you to come along with us as we explore the culinary wonders of Black food in our home town and beyond!
What's not included
Private transportation
Parking Fees
Additional/Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase) at every foodie stop
Gratuity for your tour guide is not included
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
24 reviews
5★
22
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
Please meet your tour guide at the “PEACE” Mural in Jack London Square. Your tour guide will be waiting near the entrance of “Plank” on the cross streets of Embarcadero and Broadway. They will be holding a green “Black Food Tour” sign.
About Oakland
Oakland is a vibrant city in the San Francisco Bay Area known for its diverse culture, thriving arts scene, and proximity to nature. It offers a mix of urban excitement and outdoor adventures, making it a unique destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Lake Merritt
Lake Merritt is a large urban lake in the heart of Oakland, known for its scenic views, birdwatching, and outdoor activities.
Nature
1-3 hours
Free
Oakland Museum of California
The Oakland Museum of California showcases the art, history, and natural history of California.
Museum
2-3 hours
$15.95 (adults), $10.95 (youth)
Chabot Space & Science Center
The Chabot Space & Science Center offers interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and telescopes for stargazing.
Science
2-3 hours
$20 (adults), $15 (youth)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Burrito
Oakland is famous for its large, flavorful burritos, often filled with ingredients like carne asada, beans, rice, cheese, and salsa.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Dim Sum
Oakland has a large Chinese community, and dim sum is a popular dish. It consists of small plates of dumplings, rolls, and other delicacies.
Lunch
Vegetarian options available
Artisan Coffee
Oakland is known for its craft coffee scene, with many local roasters and cafes serving high-quality, locally roasted beans.
Breakfast
Vegan and dairy-free options available
Popular Activities
Hiking in Redwood Regional Park
Kayaking on Lake Merritt
Picnicking in Lakeside Park
Spa treatments at local spas
Visiting the Oakland Museum of California
Attending a performance at the Fox Theater
Boating on Lake Merritt
Swimming at the Oakland Aquatic Center
Best Time to Visit
September to November
This period offers pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
GMT-8 (PST)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Oakland is generally safe for tourists, but some areas can be risky, particularly at night. It's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Stay in well-populated areas
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
Getting there
By air
- Oakland International Airport • 3 km (2 miles) from city center
- San Francisco International Airport • 27 km (17 miles) from city center
By train
Oakland Coliseum Station, Jack London Square Station
By bus
Oakland Greyhound Station, Oakland Amtrak Station
Getting around
Public transport
BART is the primary public transit system in Oakland, offering fast and efficient service to San Francisco and other Bay Area destinations.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Oakland
Jack London Square
Temescal
Day trips
San Francisco
14 km (9 miles) • Full day
San Francisco is a vibrant city known for its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and cultural attractions.
Berkeley
5 km (3 miles) • Half day
Berkeley is a charming college town known for its vibrant arts scene, historic sites, and outdoor activities.
Wine Country
70 km (43 miles) • Full day or overnight
The Napa and Sonoma valleys are renowned for their world-class wineries and beautiful vineyards.
Festivals
Oakland International Film Festival • March
Art & Soul Festival • May
Oakland Pride • September
Pro tips
- Visit Lake Merritt for a scenic and relaxing experience
- Explore the vibrant arts and food scene in Temescal
- Take a day trip to Wine Country for a taste of the region's world-class wines
- Use public transportation to get around the city and avoid traffic and parking issues
- Be cautious when walking alone at night, particularly in less populated areas
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
