Mama Oakland Restaurant Review: A Cozy Italian Dinner Near Lake Merritt

A Special Night Out in Oakland

For our 40th wedding anniversary, Eric and I finally put to use a gift certificate we had tucked away. We chose Mama Oakland, a small Italian restaurant across from Lake Merritt in Oakland, California — and it turned out to be the perfect celebration spot.

From the moment we walked in, we felt wrapped in warmth. The staff was attentive, genuine, and full of heart — it felt like dining in someone’s home.

Celebrating 40 years of marriage with one unforgettable meal at Mama Oakland.

The Story Behind Mama Oakland

Mama Oakland was created as an homage to Maria Germano Stacionis, the original “Mama.” She emigrated from Abruzzo, Italy, to Rockford, Illinois, and became known as the consummate hostess — always ready with pasta, a smile, and a mischievous wink.

Her legacy of hospitality inspired owners Stevie Stacionis and Josiah Baldivino (also of Bay Grape wine shop) to build Mama Oakland as a place of community, joy, and shared meals.

Mama Oakland’s "Summer of Seasonality" Tomato Menu

Mama features a monthly prix fixe menu ($42.95 for starter, main, and dessert) with seasonal add-ons. In August, the seasonal theme was Tomatoes, and every course highlighted summer’s star ingredient. They were happy to offer me vegan options, even with their limited menu.

What We Ordered

• Starter: Strawberry & Tomato Gazpacho — bright, refreshing, and topped with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and serrano peppers (vegan version without the goat cheese mousse)

• Tomato & Basil Crostata Mascarpone, Pepper Cress, Shallot Vinaigrette

• Add-On: House-Baked Herbed Focaccia with Tomato Jam - so good I wished I could have bought a jar.

  

• Main: Pasta with Mama’s Sugo and Mushrooms - freshly made, hearty, and deeply flavorful.

  

• Add-On: Grilled Artichokes with Tomatoes, Capers & Olives -absolute perfection, honestly enough to be my main dish.

  

• Dessert: Fresh Berry Sorbet for me (light and cleansing) and Ricotta Cheesecake for Eric (rich and creamy, with strawberry-tomato jam).

  

We paired everything with glasses of wine — simple, elegant, and celebratory. 

Mama Oakland’s Cozy Ambiance and Dining Experience

Inside, Mama has a charming, family-style Italian feel. The dining room buzzes with warmth and laughter, while still feeling intimate — perfect for a romantic anniversary dinner in Oakland.

They do have outdoor seating, but I recommend dining indoors for the best atmosphere, away from the neighboring barbecue aromas.

Final Thoughts: Why Mama Oakland Belongs on Your East Bay Dining List

It’s rare that I leave a restaurant already wanting to book my next reservation — but Mama Oakland had that effect on me.

The combination of seasonal, locally sourced dishes, imaginative menus, and genuine hospitality made our anniversary unforgettable. Another example of a fine vegan dining experience at a restaurant not exclusively plant-based.

If you’re searching for the best Italian restaurant near Lake Merritt or a romantic Oakland restaurant for a special occasion, Mama Oakland is a must. Just promise me you won’t spread the word too widely — I’d still like to snag a table next time! Better yet, message me if you want to dine there together!

Visit Mama Oakland

📍 View the Mama Oakland Website →

From slant2plants®

As someone who lives for vibrant, nourishing food experiences, I love highlighting places that bring the same passion for freshness and community to the table. Mama Oakland captures that spirit beautifully — proof that eating with joy, gratitude, and intention is always part of a healthy life.