Best Soul Food Restaurants in Pittsburg, San Francisco Bay Area

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

East BayNorth San Joaquin ValleySan FranciscoWine Country

Neighborhoods

AlamedaBrentwoodConcordDowntown / Union SquareDublinFinancial District / Embarcadero

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

29 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Smellys

4.8

Exceptional(166)

$$$$

• Soul food • Oakland

Booked 42 times today

Smellys Creole Catering LLC in Oakland is a must-visit for true Soul food enthusiasts. Renowned for its "phenomenal, fantastic, and amazing" offerings, this full-service restaurant specializes in Soulfusion, blending traditional flavors with innovative twists. The rave reviews speak for themselves, with diners praising the "excellent food" and "healthy portions" that leave taste buds dancing. The "crab topped oysters" and "fried catfish" are standout dishes, celebrated for their mouth-watering deliciousness. The warm, welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, highlighted by "friendly staff" and personal touches from Chef Smelly himself, ensure every visit is memorable. It's a soul-soothing culinary experience not to be missed!

A photo of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Brentwood restaurant

2. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Brentwood

4.4

Awesome(79)

$$$$

• Soul food • Brentwood

Booked 48 times today

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse in Brentwood is a hidden gem for barbecue enthusiasts, serving up dishes that truly capture the essence of authentic barbecue cuisine. Guests rave about the "excellent dining experience" and the "super informative server" who enhance each visit. With a focus on quality and attention to detail, BJ's ensures that every barbecue dish is flavorful and satisfying. Their commitment to making "good times better" is evident in the positive feedback from patrons who appreciate both the food and the atmosphere. Whether you're a local or a visitor, BJ's promises a barbecue experience that's both memorable and delicious.

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3. Burdell

4.4

Awesome(601)

$$$$

• Soul food • Oakland

Booked 23 times today

Burdell, nestled in the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland, is redefining Californian cuisine with a soulful twist. This exceptional establishment, helmed by James Beard Finalist Chef Geoff Davis, pays homage to his grandmother's legacy by intertwining family recipes with contemporary flavors. The restaurant's commitment to “thoughtful and sustainable sourcing” elevates each dish and supports local farmers and artisans. Diners rave about the “delicious food, strong flavors, and unique modern soul food,” making Burdell a must-visit for those seeking an authentic taste of Californian. With an inviting ambiance and attentive service, it's no wonder Burdell is celebrated as a “true gem” in Oakland.

4. Surisan

4.7

Exceptional(228)

$$$$

• Soul food • North Beach

Booked 20 times today

Located in the center of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf district, our heart is a savory Asian-inspired American comfort breakfast and brunch, with our soul being innovative Korean dinners. We combine young creative chefs, top-quality, locally-sourced organic ingredients and relaxed indoor and outdoor dining spaces to create a haven for people who love great food, drink and service. Led in the kitchen by Executive Chef Nick Yoon and in the front of the house by James Choi, together, we aim to provide uncompromised experiences for the diner.

5. BIX

4.6

Exceptional(5253)

$$$$

• Soul food • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 29 times today

BIX, located in San Francisco's vibrant Financial District, is a culinary gem offering exceptional Californian cuisine in a chic, nostalgic setting. This stylish supper club exudes the glamour of the 1930s and 1940s, with its elegant mahogany bar and live jazz performances, making it a standout venue. Guests rave about the "delicious" food and "excellent" service, noting how BIX consistently "checks all of the boxes" for a memorable dining experience. With its dedication to quality and detail, BIX not only delights with its classic Californian dishes but also creates an unforgettable atmosphere that transports diners to a bygone era of sophistication.

6. Hilda and Jesse

4.8

Exceptional(129)

$$$$

• Soul food • North Beach

Booked 20 times today

Hilda and Jesse is a queer owned brunch, dinner and event space located in San Francisco’s North Beach, offering modern #funluxury. With twists on the typical, Hilda and Jesse delivers unique options infused with a playful touch. Created by Chef Ollie Liedags and Rachel Sillcocks, Hilda and Jesse offers an innovative and intentional menu that calls on a wide variety of inspirations. Initially born out of their popular Brunch for Dinner pop-ups, the menu has grown and evolved to include dinner as well as their popular brunch. Not bound by tradition, the menu showcases sweet and savory plays on classic dishes reimagined, made with impeccably sourced ingredients and fine dining technique.Hilda and Jesse was awarded 1 Michelin Star and the award for Outstanding Service in California in 2024 and was delighted to retain its star in 2025.

7. Torc

4.7

Exceptional(3436)

$$$$

• Soul food • Napa

Booked 18 times today

Walk into TORC and you might notice the music. It's rock & roll, blues, or soul, and it's undeniably on. You might notice the energy — it's high. And you'll definitely notice our bar. It's busy serving well-made cocktails and pouring rare wines we're proud to say you probably won't find anywhere else by the glass. There are no white tablecloths. No dabbing the corners of your mouth. No pomp, but lots of circumstance. And perhaps the only reason you noticed the aforementioned is because you haven't tasted our food. That's when the music fades into the background. Join us.

A photo of Biscuits and Blues restaurant

8. Biscuits and Blues

4.6

Exceptional(1823)

$$$$

• Soul food • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 2 times today

Biscuits and Blues, nestled in San Francisco's vibrant Theater District, offers an authentic taste of Creole, Cajun, and Southern cuisine that perfectly complements its top-tier live music experience. Guests rave about dishes like the jambalaya and fried chicken, with one diner enthusing, "The seafood Jambalaya was so yummy, I wanted to lick the bowl!" This intimate venue is not just about the exceptional flavors; it provides a full sensory experience with attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're drawn by the "fabulous musicians" or the "excellent food," Biscuits and Blues promises a memorable night out in the heart of the city.

A photo of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Concord restaurant

9. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Concord

4.1

Excellent(62)

$$$$

• Soul food • Concord

Booked 28 times today

Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.

10. The Peach

4.6

Exceptional(44)

$$$$

• Soul food • Oakland

Booked 2 times today

The Peach is an all day California restaurant on historic Lakeshore Ave in Oakland created by the award winning team behind Jos Modern Thai. Our daytime menu features the best brunch in Oakland with seasonal produce and refined comfort dishes. Guests love favorites such as our Fried Chicken and Biscuit and our Curry Shrimp Congee which blend familiar flavors with modern technique.In the evening, The Peach transforms into a Southeast Asian inspired bistro known for open flame cooking, bright herbs, layered aromatics, and natural wine. Dinner at The Peach showcases fresh California ingredients with the depth and soul of Asian cuisine, making it one of the most unique restaurants in Oakland for date nights, groups, and casual evenings out.Enjoy our cozy dining room, our sunny peach colored patio, or our intimate tiger wallpapered private dining room for celebrations and events. The Peach offers warm hospitality and beautifully crafted food from morning to night.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Patrick
Coastal Georgia •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great meal. Everything was super tasty and indulgently on point. Grits and chicken mains were both completely on point. Greens were an absolute highlight lively vinegar. The crispy spring onion and chicken liver mousse starters were a great kickoff. Apple crisp was a beast plenty left over. Interior is fun retro and alive and staff was beyond friendly. We brought our 16 month old and the hostess was an absolute gem making our dinner carefree. He had a blast (and enjoyed everything too). Forgot to mention the potato salad was money as well. Honestly thought the place was great. Not cheap but also in line with my value expectations given the preparation and quantity.
More info
Burdell$$$$• Soul food• Oakland
•
4.4
A
AntoinetteGold
San Francisco Bay Area •99 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 26, 2026
I enjoyed the sunday brunch menu with mimosas! The place was not crowed at all which was nice. Great customer service.
More info
Oeste$$$$• American• Oakland
•
4.6
D
Darryl
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined on Apr 25, 2026
I don't live in Oakland, but I try and make it to Shelly's whenever Im in town. Great food!
More info
Smellys$$$$• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Oakland
•
4.8
R
Ray
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •1 review
4.0
Dined on Apr 12, 2026
The jerk, rice and beans and plantains were excellent.
More info
CocoBreeze Caribbean Restaurant and Bakery$$$$• Caribbean• Oakland
•
3.8

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