Hello dear
Welcome To Calabash
Calabash is a culinary gem nestled in Oakland, California, offering a vibrant taste of Cajun and Creole cuisine. Our story is rooted in a passion for bold flavors and communal dining, where every dish is crafted to celebrate Caribbean heritage. From our 10-hour braised pulled beef short rib sandwich to our zesty jerk chicken rice and beans, each bite is an invitation to indulge. We pride ourselves on exceptional service and an inviting ambiance, perfect for groups or intimate meals. Join us at Calabash for a flavorful journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Curry Goat & Jasmine Rice
Oxtail Stew
Carafe of Rum Punch
Roasted Salmon
About
Calabash
Welcome to Calabash, a vibrant gem nestled in Oakland, California, where the rich culinary traditions of Cajun and Creole cuisine come alive. Located at 2300A Valdez St, this upmarket eatery offers a delightful fusion of flavors that celebrates the essence of Caribbean culture. With an ambiance that resonates with good vibes and a moderate noise level, it's the perfect spot for gatherings, be it with friends or family.
At Calabash, they have made the dining experience seamless and enjoyable, providing a host of utilities like reservations, delivery, and takeout options. You can savor their mouth-watering dishes in their outdoor seating area, or simply chill with their free Wi-Fi while enjoying a refreshing drink from the full bar.
- A Unique Menu: Calabash takes pride in offering a menu that tantalizes the taste buds. The 10 hours braised pulled beef short rib sandwich (served with fries or salad) has been raved about by customers, as has the flavor-packed jerk chicken salad.
- Hearty Portions: Dishes such as oxtail stew, jamaican patties, and their signature mixed greens salad will certainly leave you satisfied. Don’t forget to try the fresh cut fries and sweet plantains, which perfectly complement any meal.
- Happy Hour Delights: Their happy hour features mouthwatering bites like jerk wings and plantains that are ideal for sharing or for a light snack.
Despite a few minor hiccups with temperature, such as dishes arriving warm rather than hot, Calabash's overall service has received positive feedback. Diners have appreciated the attentive wait staff, ensuring the meal is as enjoyable as possible. The clean and inclusive restroom facilities further enhance the casual but thoughtful atmosphere of the restaurant.
In conclusion, Calabash stands out not just for its delicious offerings, but for its commitment to providing a welcoming experience rooted in rich flavors and community. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this spot is truly a culinary celebration that deserves a place in your foodie adventures.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Food! Service! Ambience! Enjoyed the dinner with friends and would definitely recommend. ”
“ We really enjoyed the flavor of the food. I got the lamb salad and it was quite tasty. My partner got the oxtail with rice and plantains which he enjoyed. The only downside is that the food was not hot - just warm. If I go again, I will ask them to ensure that my food is hot when it is served. It would have been so much better. The ambiance is nice and bathroom is super clean. ”
“ First time here. Excellent food and service! Recommend the short rib sandwich! Delightful wait staff. Appeared to be one guy that was taking our order and mixing our drinks. Guy was doing it all! Great experience. ”
“ Enjoyed the oxtail stew especially, the jerk chicken in the jerk chicken salad was delicious. The beef patties are fantastic. Good service, chill cool vibes. Great place for a nice dinner of Jamaican food. ”
“ We came here as a party of 8 around 12:30 and ordered two of everything pictured here (not pictured plantains and curry shrimp). I first want to talk about how delicious the food is! I love a good kick with my meals and the food satisfied that for me. The chicken was flavorful and moist, it was a little pink so I had to send it back but they prepared us a whole new plate. The star for me was the pasta though and I definitely recommend getting that. I docked off one star because 1. The slightly undercooked chicken and 2. Service was a little slow but there was only one server that was there was trying her best taking orders, making drinks, running food, and handling online/phone orders so I give her a pass on that. ”
“ Attended a happy hour here tonight so got to try several appetizers and had a house made ginger beer. Every single thing I tried was really delicious. Would love to go back here. ”
“ I came here with a group the other evening and truly enjoyed myself. The restaurant is stunning, beautiful decor and the vibe is incredible. The service was great and the music was fire. I ordered the Jerk Chicken Salad and couldn't stop eating, it was extremely flavorful, and the texture was just right. It was a bit too much balsamic for me, but next time I would just ask for the dressing on the side. One of the people I went with ordered the oxtails and I will 100% order this next time, it looked incredible. I didn't like the Dark n Stormy, it was honestly way too strong for me, but if you're reading this and like dark rum, you may like it. I cannot wait to return. ”
“ -made reservations and called before going -decent location -the sorrel/hibiscus drink is great -greatly flavored patties -authentic fresh cut sweet potato fries, lightly seasoned to perfection -you get your money's worth -the server was intuitive -the food came out at reasonable times -the Jamaican music is pretty chill and at a moderate volume -love the simplicity and style of the interior -i think oakland residents are sleeping on this place -black owned -they sell spices inside -brunch on Sundays only; however, the Saturday menu is pretty good -good portion sizes ”
“ Calabash is sooo so delicious! I came here for a company event and was lucky enough to try out so many dishes and drinks on their menu. It's tough to choose a standout for me but it was the shrimp and the salmon dishes, but across the board even their veggies are seasoned perfectly and had just right bite to it; they clearly know what they're doing! Everything was perfect. The only con was the service, which told us the wrong time of closing and didn't have consistently good service at times. But still I highly recommend! Cute spot for a date or to do family style with friends :) Did I mention the drinks are amazing? ”
