Mockingbird - Oakland

I must admit, it pains me to write this review because the restaurant is quite attractive, and it’s possible we just happened to visit on an off night. The Brus... read more I must admit, it pains me to write this review because the restaurant is quite attractive, and it’s possible we just happened to visit on an off night. The Brussels sprout appetizer with blue cheese was enjoyable, but my main course was genuinely disappointing. The chicken parmigiana was tough and the sauce had an overwhelmingly unpleasant flavor. While some of the waitstaff were friendly, others were not as accommodating. Our meal, including drinks, came to about $80 per person, and for that price, I expected well-trained, friendly staff and much better quality food. Overall, I left feeling disappointed.

I reserved a table for two for lunch. I had the meatballs and my friend chose the lasagna. The food was incredible! Everything was so flavorful, and the service... read more I reserved a table for two for lunch. I had the meatballs and my friend chose the lasagna. The food was incredible! Everything was so flavorful, and the service was excellent. The amazing playlist in the background created a fantastic atmosphere. I highly recommend making a reservation!

The main dining area was pleasant, but we were seated in the upstairs loft, which felt like an afterthought for extra seating. Even though we made a reservation... read more The main dining area was pleasant, but we were seated in the upstairs loft, which felt like an afterthought for extra seating. Even though we made a reservation a week in advance and the restaurant was only half full when we arrived, we ended up in the back of the loft, where we missed out on the ambiance. We ordered two appetizers and three cocktails. Although the dishes had enticing descriptions and I was excited to try several menu items, the flavors were quite average. While the presentation was nice, the taste was underwhelming. The high prices of each item felt disappointing after taking my first bite. The food isn't terrible, just not great, which diminishes the overall value. I’m willing to pay a premium for exceptional food that leaves me wanting more and brings a smile to my face. It’s not just the cost; it’s frustrating to pay a lot for food that tastes average across several dishes. However, I must mention that my friend ordered the benzino fish, and he said it was outstanding.

On a positive note, the food was very good. We had the brussels sprouts, risotto, and steak, all of which were delicious. The steak was flavorful, but it did ar... read more On a positive note, the food was very good. We had the brussels sprouts, risotto, and steak, all of which were delicious. The steak was flavorful, but it did arrive cold, which was disappointing. I mentioned this to the server, but since we were in a hurry to get to our evening plans, I didn’t have time for it to be recooked. However, they did offer us a complimentary glass of wine. Overall, if they could address the fly issue, this place could be worth revisiting. It’s unfortunate that this will be the lasting impression of my dining experience in Oakland.

I visited to celebrate my friend's birthday, and we had a fantastic experience. The food was outstanding, and the service was equally impressive. We started wit... read more I visited to celebrate my friend's birthday, and we had a fantastic experience. The food was outstanding, and the service was equally impressive. We started with the brussel sprouts and mushrooms, which were delicious, then moved on to the meatballs served with a side of pasta—a great recommendation from our waiter, since they originally only come with bread. We also had grilled fish topped with a flavor-packed chimichurri, which was the highlight of the evening, along with a steak and another specialty pasta featuring eggplant, basil, and a hint of chili. I must commend the incredible service: our waiter was incredibly attentive and even crafted a cocktail using ancho chili liqueur, which my friends really enjoyed. We will definitely be back!