Duende's inspiration is authentic regional Spanish cuisine, but with equal parts traditional and contemporary influences. Our cuisine is comprised of local, sustainable ingredients from farmers and ranchers with whom we have had long and rich relationships. Our intense desire for creative expression results in a daily-changing menu that is dynamic and ever evolving.
Offerings from our kitchen include small plates of Tapas and Pintxos, intermediate selections of Raciones, as well as gorgeous pans of Paella and Fideua, all designed to be shared among family and friends.
Offerings from our kitchen include small plates of Tapas and Pintxos, intermediate selections of Raciones, as well as gorgeous pans of Paella and Fideua, all designed to be shared among family and friends.
Reviews (25)
Dub Ya
Feb 02, 2022
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Fatima A.
Jan 26, 2022
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Rachel B.
Jan 02, 2022
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We ordered the family meal for takeout on New Year's Eve and it was beyond anything we could imagine. We got the vegetarian options. The salad was very flavorful and the potatoes were crispy and delicious. The paella was amazing. Perfectly cooked eggs and winter vegetables, and the rice had just the right blend of chew and crunch. We can't wait to order from here again!
Sakura L.
Dec 18, 2021
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We had our company lunch here and it was awesome! When I arrived I was standing in front of the restaurant and not even sure it was a restaurant. But when you get inside it's so cool! A great size, not too big or too small with high ceiling and lots of air circulation.
The patas bravas alone are worth coming back for! I usually consider potatoes as a poor use of important stomach space, but not here. My colleagues were lucky I left them any. We had a great crisp rose, which I also typically don't like, but is was not overly sweet and perfect. I had one, but can't wait to try
The patas bravas alone are worth coming back for! I usually consider potatoes as a poor use of important stomach space, but not here. My colleagues were lucky I left them any. We had a great crisp rose, which I also typically don't like, but is was not overly sweet and perfect. I had one, but can't wait to try
Nastaran A.
Dec 02, 2021
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Came here for a girls night dinner and we loved it. I had been meaning to check this place out for so long! We shared a paella, couple apps, and a dessert and it was just the perfect amount of food for the 3 of us. We also did cocktails and it was all fantastic. Good quality food and well made drinks.
Also we just loved the vibe of this place. Big open spaces, dark wood, and plants galore.
Definitely a good spot to hit up in Oakland!
Also we just loved the vibe of this place. Big open spaces, dark wood, and plants galore.
Definitely a good spot to hit up in Oakland!
Lindsay B.
Nov 30, 2021
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Eddy H.
Nov 28, 2021
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Kevin K.
Nov 11, 2021
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I rarely write reviews, but I felt that Duende's current rating (3.5 stars at the time of this review) is a criminal misrepresentation of the clear efforts and execution of this restaurant. I've now gone twice, once for my birthday, and another for a group of 7, all of whom were satisfied with each and every dish. Duende ranks amongst my top 3 dining experiences in Oakland.
Environmentally, the restaurant feels strangely (in a good way) both spacious and intimate at the same time. Lighting, decor, and navigation throughout the restaurant were thoughtfully done. Visually impressive enough
Environmentally, the restaurant feels strangely (in a good way) both spacious and intimate at the same time. Lighting, decor, and navigation throughout the restaurant were thoughtfully done. Visually impressive enough
Jen A.
Oct 19, 2021
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David T.
Sep 28, 2021
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I've been to duende several times over the years but this is one restaurant that is continually upping its game. I went there last week with a party of 7 which meant we received the benefit of a prefix family-style meal that was outstanding in every respect. Delicious patatas bravas, lamb croquetas, shaved cabbage and almond salad, vegetarian paella, ribeye steak with a large chewable bone, more salad and potatoes, and delicious desserts. Nothing could be better
Tina K.
Sep 27, 2021
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If you're looking for a romantic date night, Duende's soft lights set the perfect ambiance. Unfortunately I came here with a friend for a girls' night out, so we couldn't take advantage of the mood. However, that allowed me to focus on evaluating the food and service at Duende.
My friend and I arrived somewhat hungry on a Friday evening. There was no by the door, and we waited a few minutes for someone to come out and take care of us. Fortunately there was a table, so we were seated right away.
After looking at the menu, we decided to share a paella de carne. The paella took
My friend and I arrived somewhat hungry on a Friday evening. There was no by the door, and we waited a few minutes for someone to come out and take care of us. Fortunately there was a table, so we were seated right away.
After looking at the menu, we decided to share a paella de carne. The paella took
Summer M.
Sep 19, 2021
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Most delightful dining experience we've had in a long time!! We were a little intimidated by the menu at first, but our server Kate was so patient and sweet! She had excellent recommendations and made us feel at home. We ordered a few cocktails, tapas, shared a pasta and tried a couple deserts. We are every bite! Delicious and excellent service.
Justin Walker
Aug 27, 2021
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The service (thank you Kate), food, and wine selection were first rate. The ensalada del col was particularly delightful as was the host of other small bites we sampled. It's always so wonderful when a restaurant can capably make cabbage taste like a dream. The lamb dish was also particularly good with the usual suspects present such as cumin, caraway, turmeric, and (perhaps) cinnamon showing up to make the meat a true moorish treat.
It would be wise to note that they're not afraid to take risks - as was made evident by their crusted rabbit shoulder. The flavor was about as exciting as a computer
It would be wise to note that they're not afraid to take risks - as was made evident by their crusted rabbit shoulder. The flavor was about as exciting as a computer
Tien N.
Aug 10, 2021
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Love the atmosphere in here and the setup, really represents the downtown Oakland area well and any city's downtown would welcome a spot like this.
Service was great despite how busy it was and each of the dishes were quite delectable from the seafood tapas to the fried chicken. Great spot for a night out.
Service was great despite how busy it was and each of the dishes were quite delectable from the seafood tapas to the fried chicken. Great spot for a night out.
Jul 31, 2021
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Eliza Chu
Jul 26, 2021
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Dana M.
Jul 23, 2021
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I went here on a Thursday night with my boyfriend and his sister. The atmosphere was very cool, a lot of skulls and cool decor. However, that is where the positives end. The service was slow (we got our appetizers before we got our drinks and had to ask for them because they took so long) and the food was not good. We ordered croquettes, the charcuterie plate, the fried chicken and the pasta dish. The charcuterie plate was SO small. It was a tiny tapas plate and only had two crackers. The chicken was dry, the pasta mixed corn and cheese so it kind of tasted like vomit. The croquettes had fish in
Liz Gonzalez
Jul 20, 2021
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I went to this restaurant some time ago, My friends and I ordered the paella... To my surprise it was disgusting. I don't know if they left out a very important ingredient or they accidentally added diet coke while cooking it, but it was really gross to say the least. My friend which is a really good eater not picky at all stared into space while taking the first bite, and just asked how much is this thing? About 50 bucks. Our taste buds were tortured for nothing. The staff was really nice but i was so confused on the taste of the paella, the ambience of the place and the servers smiling like there
Ryan S.
Jul 17, 2021
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Alma Sanchez
Jun 29, 2021
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Keith B.
Jun 20, 2021
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Had a great meal last night at Duende. My partner and I had wine and tapas. All were delicious and service was great. My favorites were the Crudo and the meat and cheese tapas.
The space is really cool and relaxing as the tables were pretty far apart where we sat. We've been a couple times before the pandemic and we're glad to be back. We will go again!
The space is really cool and relaxing as the tables were pretty far apart where we sat. We've been a couple times before the pandemic and we're glad to be back. We will go again!
L. L.
Jun 11, 2021
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PRO Lovely, delicious meal. We shared a pan of paella for 2 and ate every last bit of it - Paelle de Carne - many layers of flavors. Delicious sherry, cocktail and wine. We appreciate the hostess and waitstaff who were friendly and professional and made our evening very pleasant. Looking forward to returning. Highly recommend.
CON Music is loud so there's a bit of shouting to hear/be heard.
CON Music is loud so there's a bit of shouting to hear/be heard.
David T.
Jun 04, 2021
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What a stellar Spanish-inspired restaurant. With cozy seating areas and incredible staff, we went to a soft re-opening last night and was pleasantly surprised at how delicious and the caliber of food (Michelin-level) that came out of the kitchen.
We had the patatas bravas and lamb fritatas to start... the potatoes were delicious but a bit too sauce heavy (perhaps on the side - like Bellota does - would be better as a dipping sauce). The lamb fritatas came out as meatball-shaped heavenly morsels of goodness, I could not get enough of it or the aioli sauce that accompanied it. More salad (arugula
We had the patatas bravas and lamb fritatas to start... the potatoes were delicious but a bit too sauce heavy (perhaps on the side - like Bellota does - would be better as a dipping sauce). The lamb fritatas came out as meatball-shaped heavenly morsels of goodness, I could not get enough of it or the aioli sauce that accompanied it. More salad (arugula
Earl Elzy
Nov 19, 2019
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I had an incredible experience last night on my birthday thanks to my girls Oona and Isabel. All of the dishes they recommended we're outstandingly delicious from paella to the potato chips. From presentation to flavor, texture and taste. I would go there again and recommend it to anyone who asks. We shared the patatas bravas, cabbage salad w/pistachio, baked squash, tostas carnitas, beef tartare, the Duende burger, and lots of drinks. My servers were the best ever(Oona and Isabel). Thank you so much for a marvelous end to my birthday.
Alan W.
Dec 11, 2017
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Came here on a Friday night with a friend for dinner. Initially we were told that it will take 30+ minutes for a table, fortunately we were able to find two seats at the bar, so we took it. Everything looked delicious on the menu, but we were able to pick out 5 things on it. Our initial thought was that it will be more than enough, sadly we were wrong. As the food started arriving, we realized how small all the portions were (don't take my words for it, just look at my pics). By the end of the night our bill was over $140 with a few drinks and we weren't even full! As good as the food is, I would
