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A16

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A lively Italian eatery in Oakland known for its authentic brick-oven pizzas, Southern Italian plates, and extensive wine list, perfect for date night...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
lunch set up

A16

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A lively Italian eatery in Oakland known for its authentic brick-oven pizzas, Southern Italian plates, and extensive wine list, perfect for date nights or lively dinners.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This should be our go-to special date spot! Every time we go, it's magical, and the pizza is TO DIE FOR."

TIP

Weekday Visits for Consistency

For a more consistent dining experience, consider visiting on weekdays rather than weekends.

Don't Miss the Gnocchi

The gnocchi dish is highly recommended and consistently praised for its high quality.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 5PM

Cuisine

Italian

Price

$$$

Phone

(510) 768-8003

Address

5356 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Magical Date Nights with Pizza

Magical Date Nights with Pizza

A go-to spot for special date nights, A16 offers a magical ambiance complemented by exceptionally delicious pizza.

Google Review
Unique Southern Italian Flavors

Unique Southern Italian Flavors

Indulge in distinctive dishes like the flavorful sausage-fennel pizza and a delightful pumpkin cheesecake dessert.

Vibrant Atmosphere & Wine Selection

Vibrant Atmosphere & Wine Selection

Experience a fun and lively atmosphere, perfect for catching up, with an impressive and thoughtfully curated wine list.

A Wine Lover's Guide to Oakland, CaliforniaGoogle Review
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There is so much history to Oakland’s 16th St Station and its role in the nationwide civil rights and workers’ rights movement. It was also instrumental in helping create the first Black middle class community in Oakland. So glad it’s finally been designated a national historic place!
@janani4oakland
271 likes • 2.4K views

Weekday Visits for Consistency

For a more consistent dining experience, consider visiting on weekdays rather than weekends.

Don't Miss the Gnocchi

The gnocchi dish is highly recommended and consistently praised for its high quality.

Counter Seating Experience

Request counter seating to watch the chefs prepare your meal in the wood-fired oven.

Strategic Parking Advice

Be aware of potential car break-ins and consider parking in nearby residential areas.

Tips

from all over the internet

Weekday Visits for Consistency

For a more consistent dining experience, consider visiting on weekdays rather than weekends.

Don't Miss the Gnocchi

The gnocchi dish is highly recommended and consistently praised for its high quality.

Counter Seating Experience

Request counter seating to watch the chefs prepare your meal in the wood-fired oven.

Strategic Parking Advice

Be aware of potential car break-ins and consider parking in nearby residential areas.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

A16 garners praise for its delightful pizza and vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular choice for date nights and lively gatherings. While many rave about the unique flavors and excellent wine selection, some diners have noted inconsistencies in food quality and service, with occasional complaints about noise levels and pricing. Despite these issues, the attentiveness of some staff and the overall enjoyable ambiance tend to leave a positive impression.

"Went for a lovely Valentine's date and realized this should be our go-to special date spot! Every time we go, it's magical, and the pizza is TO DIE FOR."

Christina Wilson

"Fried olives were so good I almost choked to death, pizzas are good, just go ahead and order everything. Salmon was my fave! Finished with strong coffee and tiramisu. Drinks are all tasty as well. Staffs all super cool and the art they have up is dope!"

Mike Picot

"Mushroom pizza was eh. I don't like mushrooms. I had other things happening that made my experience a bit worse. The ambiance was good though. The water tasted great 👍"

Asher Williamson

What People Like

Delicious pizza with a great crust
Magical date night ambiance
Excellent wine selection and knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Inconsistent food quality
Overpriced wine and additional fees
Loud and not cozy atmosphere

Frequently Asked Questions

A16 is renowned for its authentic Southern Italian cuisine, particularly its pizzas baked in a visible brick oven, and its extensive wine list.

The 6 Best Italian Restaurants in the East BayThe Best Restaurants in Oakland You Have To Experience

Yes, A16 is frequently recommended as a go-to spot for magical date nights, offering a great ambiance and delicious pizza.

Google Review

Diners highly recommend the gnocchi, unique pizzas like sausage-fennel, and unique desserts like pumpkin cheesecake.

Best of 15 Pasta restaurants in OaklandGoogle Review

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends, to ensure a table and a more consistent experience.

The atmosphere is upbeat and contemporary, balancing an upscale feel with a cozy ambiance, though some find it loud.

The 6 Best Italian Restaurants in the East BayGoogle Review

While parking is available, be aware of potential car break-ins and consider parking in nearby residential areas.

Google Review

Mentioned in

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Eater SF

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A Wine Lover's Guide to Oakland, California

Shelley Lindgren, co-owner/wine director of the acclaimed San Francisco Italian restaurant, has earned a James Beard Award for the wine list with a focus on Southern Italy. She’s spent this summer visiting vineyards along the Naples-to-Bari highway (for which the restaurant is named) in research for a book, The New Italian Wine, scheduled for release in 2021 from Ten Speed Press, to be coauthored with Kate Leahy. Sommelier Noah Kenoyer, a winemaker with Blue Ox Wine Co., helps diners navigate the large list at this Oakland outpost located on Rockridge’s main drag, College Avenue.

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BayArea.com

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This College Avenue favorite has a sleek exterior with a warm and beautifully decorated interior. It’s upscale, but not overly fancy, and there’s a bar where you can watch Warriors games as well as candlelit tables where you can’t see the TV. A16 is known for its pizzas made in a brick oven that you can see if you grab a table in the back of the restaurant.

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Southern Italian spot A16 is rolling out its annual La Vigilia, or Feast of the Seven Fishes, on Dec. 24 from 4-8 p.m. The meal is inspired by southern Italian tradition and is served family style. Check the website for details and pricing as they become available but expect scrumptious Italian seafood with optional wine pairings.

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The JetSetting Fashionista

The Best Restaurants in Oakland You Have To Experience

One of my favorite restaurant’s in San Francisco is A16 with incredible Italian food, a relaxed unpretentious setting and incredible wines curated by Owner & Sommelier Shelley Lindgren. Read more about A16 San Francisco here and if you’re in Rockridge be sure to check out A16 Rockridge. 5356 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618

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monaghansrvc.com

Best of 15 Pasta restaurants in Oakland

Pasta dishes at this establishment are limited in number, but the quality is consistently high. One standout dish is the gnocchi, which is a must-try for any visitor. The gnocchi is used in a variety of dishes, including a popular option featuring funghi.

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Marin Magazine

Oakland Restaurant Week: Eat. Drink. Repeat.

A sampling of restaurants: Agave Uptown, A16, Italian Colors, Duende, Sobre Mesa, Home of Chicken & Waffles, Eating Saigon, Perle Fine Wines & Cocktails, OakCali Cafe, and many more.

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ABC News

What to see and what to skip in Oakland

But the list goes on and new restaurants and star chefs are constantly popping up thanks to skyrocketing costs across the Bay in San Francisco.

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DineRank.com

20 Best Italian Restaurants In Oakland, CA

A16 Rockridge is a restaurant located in Oakland, California at 5356 College Avenue. They are open every day of the week.

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kqed.org

Bay Area Bites Guide to the Best Italian-Style Pizzas in Berkeley and Oakland

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