04/01/09

Good mexican food

by desktopdan

Nice atmosphere. Good service. A bit of an oasis in central Oakland, which is mostly not very nice. Food was really tasty and the beer was good too

• Pros: Tasty , fresh, good service
• Cons: a bit pricey for what you get

10/30/08

Interesting, Fresh Mexican food

by GDmas

If you're interested in truly tasty Mexican food you have to check out Tamarindo's! The flavor of the meat is without compare. Try the marinated pork with plantains, delicious!! The shrimp tacos are equally good. My only complaint is the size of the portions, there just isn't enough. It leaves you wanting more. If you're going with a large group go early, as it is very small.

• Pros: great tasting, interesting Mexican food
• Cons: small, long wait to be seated

04/09/07

Great Food!!

by hestrad

Really enjoy the food everytime I go there. I work in the area, so it is a great place to eat. Love the flavor of the meats. You have to try the "carnitas". You should ask for that plate, its not on the menu, but if you are nice :), they will bring you a plate. The place is not big, but the ambience is great. It does get busy, but it is worth the wait. Can't wait to go back and try something new everytime.

• Pros: Quick service, great food.
• Cons: might get crowded.

03/03/07

Amazingly Delicious, Creative Food...and sangria!

by ckyelland

Fantastic, fresh, creative Mexican cuisine - places like this are exactly what downtown Oakland needs to keep its upwards momentum. The sangria is delicious, and the plates are wonderful. My only complaint is the small portion sizes - it's never enough! The Botana de Pico de Gallo is the perfect balance of heat, sweet, and salt, while the Sopecitos practically melt in your mouth. You can increase the portion size to four servings for an extra few dollars - it's worth it. On the "Especiales" menu, the Cochinita Pibil (slow cooked marinated pork with fried plantains, corn tortillas, and other tidbits) is incredible. The dessert menu was a nice contrast of classic and creative, with selections like coconut flan, rice pudding, crepes, and a variation of bread pudding. Service was friendly and perfectly timed. I can't wait to go back! Tamarindo is TINY and they do not currently accept reservations, so to avoid the long waits, plan for an early dinner and show up when they open. Also beware of patrons who think this is a child-appropriate restaurant - it's too small for screaming toddlers.

• Pros: Fresh, delicious menu selections; sangria is awesome; friendly service
• Cons: Potential for long waits with no-reservation policy; parking can be problematic during peak hours;

09/23/06

Sophisticated Mexican Food -- you have to try this place!

by kiwikat

Tamarindo serves up sophisticated Mexican food that is so unbelievably good it's worth the 45 minute wait and the high price. It's served small plate style so plan on 4+ dishes for 2 people. We had the sopecito, mulitas, empanaditas, and tostaditas, all of which were amazing. Also, the sangria is a must here. The meticulousness in presentation and the high quality foods used here (Neiman Ranch meat -- Mmmm) make for one amazing meal. Tamarindo was just rated Best Mexican in the East Bay Express -- not bad for a restaurant that has only been around for a year.

• Pros: Ambience, Food, Service
• Cons: Long wait, parking, expensive

07/22/06

Delicious!

by oakelle

The food was fabulous. I'm a vegetarian and didn't expect to eat as well as I did. The sopas with rajas were so good, I can't stop thinking about them. The atmosphere is very cute -- we sat outside and it was lovely. Went on a Thursday night, and there was no wait. Will definitely be back!

07/19/06

Best and Tastiest Mexican food!

by latinqt2

I'm of Mexican descent, and I have to say that this has been the most delicious Mexican food I've ever tasted. I wish they made the plates bigger, but being that they only serve and specialize in 'antojitos' (small plates), I'll have to settle for it. We had to wait a while for a table, because the place is very small, but the staff was very friendly and accomodating when were seated. The sangria is yummy. Atmosphere is great. I will definitely be coming back for more.

• Pros: Great service
• Cons: The wait

02/06/06

Excellent

by cdrennan

Excellent food, great atmosphere and the staff is very friendly. We ordered some of the guacomole and a dish that was not listed on the menu, niman ranch steak with cheese enchilada - excellent. I will be back.

• Pros: Service, Food, Decor
• Cons: none

12/02/05

Superior service and authentic Mexican small plates distinguish this understated eatery in downtown Oakland.

by Gina Goff

The Scene
Minimalist décor with exposed brick walls, a semi-open kitchen and dropped lighting sets the scene at this small restaurant. Dozens of tea light candles -- perched along wall ledges and atop sleek, blonde wooden tables -- cast a soft glow through the flower-filled space. Service is swift, friendly and quick to offer novices spot-on recommendations.

The Food
Casually dressed diners opt to select from either the rotating selection of large combination plates, such as the trademark mole de tamarindo with chicken, or the permanent menu of antojitos, snack-sized portions of traditional Mexican street foods. Three tiny house-made corn tortilla mulitas come filled with exquisitely tender, marinated Niman Ranch steak and melted jack cheese, while crispy cornmeal empanaditas are packed with a delectable mixture of shrimp, chile Serrano, green onion and sweet tomatillo sauce. Coconut flan drizzled in caramel makes for the ultimate sweet ending.