Dona Tomas
Oakland, CA 94609
Phone: (510) 450-0522
Fax: () -
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- 49th Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Mexican Food 2007, Mexican Food 2006
- Hours:
- Tue-Thu 5:30pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Dona Tomas – by Joan Zoloth
The Scene
Energy is high at this hip Mexican-Cali restaurant; the weekend jams with a great-looking crowd cavorting at tables and blowing air kisses across the busy dining room. In the cool night air, the patio is an urban oasis with the look and feel of colonial Cuba.
The Food
Fresh California ingredients and ideas come together flawlessly in this imaginative interpretation of Mexican cuisine. Inventive dishes include quesadillas con hongos, with soft goat cheese oozing with the dense flavor of morel mushrooms and chopped asparagus. Sopa de lima's chicken broth is infused with a cornucopia of vegetables unified by their form and color. Vegetable tostadas, topped with creamy black beans, sweet corn, zucchini and the lingering heat of chilies, explodes with complementary flavors and textures. Even chili rellenos are unique--they are unadorned, roasted and then stuffed with cheese, a handful of raisins and pine nuts.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoNo dinner reservations? Get the full menu by sitting at the bar. Beware: Don't sit at a table in the bar--you'll be limited to appetizers and drinks.
The ExtrasDona Tomas boasts a long list of premium tequilas and mezcals. The tequila or mezcal sampler is a great introduction to the best.
Where to SitOutside, a back greenhouse provides a perfect spot for a private party, girls night out or birthday celebration.
Look GoodThe menu at Dona Tomas changes seasonally to reflect the abundance of fresh, organic produce that is available year round in the Bay area.
User Reviews for Dona Tomas
10/30/2007 Posted by la1974
I love Mexican food and was excited about the carnitas at Dona Tomas. People told me it was their best dish so I was very disapointed to find it was incredibly dry and there were a lot of questionable pieces that I did not eat. I actually like my meat dry so for me to say it was too dry means the average diner would have been appaled. Despite a long standing reservation we, three in our party, were seated at a two person table right next to the bar. We objected to the seating and were told that was all we could have unless we wanted to wiat for at least 30 minutes. There were only two chairs and two place settings at the table and no one brought us a third chair for our third person so we had to find an available chair ourselves. Our server was preoccupied and completely unconcerned with us. Many requests for glasses of water went unanswered. The worst part was being seated next to the bar--people's rear ends were only inches from our faces as we ate. A$$ in your face was symbolic of the entire dining experience. I will never give this place my patronage again.
Cons: dry meat, poor and seemingly inexperienced service
07/31/2007 Posted by izverg
We came beacuse of the good review on here. Possibly the chef has changed but this place was way below average. We go to restaurants almost everyday so we know the value of good food. This was slightly above Taco Bell both in quality of food, presentation, and mainly the service! The menu does not describe items accurately, the lavishly described mashed avocado with lime for $7 was merely a very substandard guacomole with chips. When we asked for a piece of bread we were told they do not have any bread and ALL of their appetizers come with chips. The waiter was extremely rude and this ws the first time in my life that I didn't leave any tip. Absolutely not recommended! Oh, and extremely overprized as well.
Pros: The fish was ok, but nothing special for $20
Cons: Service, price, ambience, food
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